§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will place in the Library, and summarise in the Official Report, the text of the draft agreement referred to in his memorandum dated 3 March relating to the proposed European Foundation, arising from document No. R/774/78 of the European Economic Community on the subject.
§ Mr. William SheltonYes. The text of the intergovernmental agreement setting up the European Foundation will be deposited in the House as soon as it is available. It is expected that the agreement will be signed on 29 March 1982.
§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science under which article of the Treaty of Rome regulation R/774/78 relating to a proposed European Foundation is made; what financial commitment could arise under any international treaty or agreement entered into in respect of such a foundation; and what Class and Vote of the Estimates would sustain any contribution from the United Kingdom.
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§ Mr. William SheltonThe European Foundation will be set up by an intergovernmental agreement of the 10 contracting States which are also member States of the European Community.
A separate agreement will be concluded between the foundation and the Community to cover Community participation and a modest financial contribution. The foundation will also seek funds from other sources. Under article 5 of the Own Resources Decision of 21 April 1970, the United Kingdom contributes to the EC budget as a whole and would not contribute separately to the European Foundation.