HC Deb 06 February 1984 vol 53 cc427-8W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Prime Minister what progress has been made in implementing the mandate given by the European Economic Community Heads of Government under paragraph 7 of the agreement reached in Brussels in 1980 on the United Kingdom contribution to the European Economic Community budget; and what structural changes have been proposed by the Commission as referred to in her answer on this subject on 5 June 1980, Official Report, c. 778.

The Prime Minister

Following the 30 May 1980 mandate, the Commission reported to the Council in June 1981. Despite strenuous efforts in the Council — including at the London European Council in November 1981 which I chaired—it proved impossible to reach an agreement. Negotiations are continuing on the matters covered in the declaration adopted by the Stuttgart European Council in June 1983, which covered the same areas, and which I reported to the House on Thursday 23 June—[Vol. 44, c. 145–54.]