§ 25. Mr. MolyneauxTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the standards of financial accountability in regard to funds allocated to Northern Ireland through the European Union. [3057]
§ Sir John WheelerAll structural expenditure which is borne on the votes of Northern Ireland Departments is subject to the normal requirements of government accounting and to audit by the Northern Ireland Audit Office and by the European Court of Auditors. I am satisfied that the standard of financial accountability in regard to EU funds is satisfactory and we will continue to operate procedures which seek to safeguard the taxpayers' interest.