§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Prime Minister whether she will publish in the Official Report a statement showing which of the objectives set out in economic progress report supplement of October 1983 for setting limits of expenditure under the European Economic Community budget can be achieved if agreement is reached only on the United Kingdom budget contribution.
§ The Prime MinisterAs the economic progress report supplement makes clear, we are pressing for a lasting solution to the problem of budgetary imbalances, including the United Kingdom's net contribution. On its own, this would not directly set limits on EEC expenditure. But we are also pressing for a strict financial guideline for agricultural expenditure and for an overall limit on the budget. I have made it clear that both objectives need to be fulfilled before we will consider any increase in the Community's own resources.