§ 57. Mr. Dixonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contingency plans he has in mind if the Community is unable to pay the United Kingdom budget rebate by the end of March.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweWe believe the bulk of our 1983 refunds should be paid by the end of March, as in previous years. If the Community is unwilling to meet its obligations on our 1983 refund, we shall have to take steps to safeguard our position.
§ 58. Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, at the January meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers, he raised the issue of the United Kingdom witholding all or part of the United Kingdom's contribution to the European Community if the budget rebate is not paid by the end of March.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweThis issue was not discussed at the Council.
§ 61. Mr. Ioan Evansasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a progress report on discussions regarding financial contributions to the European Economic Community since his speech of 1 December Official Report, c. 1012–16.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave earlier to my hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr. Hamilton).