HC Deb 01 March 1993 vol 220 c6W
Mr. George Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, further to the statement of the Attorney-General,Official Report, 22 February 1993, column 241, in the absence of incorporation of the social protocol into United Kingdom law what further legislation would be necessary to enable payment of the EC administrative costs of the protocol.

Mr. Garel-Jones

If the administration expenses were included in the Community budget, the United Kingdom would charge its contribution direct on the Consolidated Fund under section 2(3) of the European Communities Act 1972. If the Community budget were not used, the United Kingdom contribution to any expenses would be met from voted moneys on the authority of the Appropriation Act alone.