§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the outcome was of the Budget Council held in Brussels on 23 and 24 November; and if he will make a statement. [140782]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe Budget Council gave its second reading to the Draft EC Budget for 2001 on 23 and 24 November. This was consistent with UK objectives. Council was firmly against any reopening of the financial perspective agreed at Berlin. The Council fully respects the EU's obligations with respect to needs in Serbia, and it is clear that the EU's share of reconstruction activity in Serbia can be met without revising the financial perspective ceiling.