HC Deb 09 January 1985 vol 70 c482W
Mr. Patrick Thompson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the implementation of the inter-governmental agreement for additional finance for the European Communities' 1984 supplementary budget.

Mr. Ian Stewart

The Community's need for the United Kingdom's contribution is now urgent and the Government have therefore decided to seek Parliament's approval for payment of £119.218 million as quickly as possible. As has since been confirmed by the High Court and the Court of Appeal, the laying of a draft section 1(3) order in November was an appropriate and lawful procedure for seeking Parliament's authority for the payment. Although the Government believe that the use of section 1(3) to provide for a payment made in 1985 remains lawful, in order to enable payment to be made as soon as possible and for the avoidance of doubt since the IGA refers to payment in 1984, they propose to seek parliamentary authority for the payment of £119.218 million by means of a Supplementary Estimate which is being presented today.

A special Consolidated Fund Bill will be introduced shortly.