HC Deb 17 July 1974 vol 877 cc137-8W
38. Mr. Biffen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement outlining the Government's attitude towards the budgetary powers sought by the Strasbourg Assembly.

Mr. Hattersley

At the Council of Ministers' meeting on 4th June Her Majesty's Government lifted their reserve on a package of proposals relating to the budgetary powers of the European Assembly and the establishment of an Audit Court. My right hon. Friend explained to the Council that ratification by the United Kingdom of the consequential treaty amendments would not be possible until progress had been achieved on our renegotiation of the entry terms.