§ 27. Mr. Arnoldasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he next plans to discuss EEC budgetary contributions with the Finance Ministers of the EEC.
§ Mr. Joel BarnettThis question was considered by the European Council on 5th and 6th December. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made a statement yesterday on the conclusions of the Council. I am not certain whether there will be any need for further discussions by Finance Ministers.
§ Mr. Biffenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the consequences for European Community economic and monetary union as a result of the enlargement of the Community to include Spain, Portugal and Greece.
§ Mr. Joel BarnettA full assessment must await the Commission's opinion on the application for membership of each country, but the prospective enlargement of the Community will clearly have to be taken into account in any future consideration of progress towards closer economic and monetary union.