§ 59. Mr. Patchettasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he 477W has had with United Kingdom Members of the European Parliament about the payment of the rebate due to the United Kingdom from the European Community.
§ Mr. RifkindMy right hon. and learned Friend and other Ministers, have all been in close and regular contact with British Members of the European Parliament about budgetary matters, including issues affecting United Kingdom refunds.
§ 63. Mr. Berminghamasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to safeguard interests in relation to the non-payment by the European Community of the rebate due to the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. RifkindAs my right hon. and learned Friend told the House on 3 April, we have made clear that the Community's failure to agree to pay our 1983 refunds by the end of March is unjustified and misconceived. We do not doubt that the money will be paid. In the meantime, we have decided not to take any steps which might damage the prospects of decisive progress in the present negotiations.
§ 66. Mr. Haynesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advice from outside Government he has received regarding the legal position relating to a decision of the United Kingdom Parliament to withhold payments to the European Community equivalent to the total rebate agreed by a European summit as due to the United Kingdom but remaining unpaid at the due date.
§ Mr. RifkindIt is not the practice to disclose whether we have sought outside advice on hypothetical questions such as those referred to by the hon. Gentleman, nor the content of any such advice.