§ Mr. Spearingasked the the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what changes are envisaged in the respective powers of the European Council and the European Assembly in respect of the budget and audit procedures of the Community; and by what methods will any such changes be placed before Parliament.
§ Mr. HattersleyApart from the treaty signed in Brussels on 22nd July, there are currently no proposals for change in the budgetary powers of the Assembly. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is 387W discussing with the other Heads of Community Governments in Rome a number of ideas for improving financial control in the Community. They include the establishment of a Public Accounts Committee of the Assembly but do not entail any change in the respective budgetary powers of the Assembly and the Council. My right hon. Friend's speech of 26th September, outlining these ideas, is available in the Library of the House. Any legislative proposals would come before the Scrutiny Committee in the usual way.