§ Mr. Cohenasked the Prime Minister what is the latest estimated figure for the level of suspected fraud in the trade of farm produce within the auspices of the European Economic Community; what proposals she has to tighten procedures against such fraud (i) in Britain and (ii) in the European Economic Community; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterThe European Commission makes no estimate of the cost to Community funds of suspected fraud in trade in farm produce. The European Court of Auditors has recommended improved controls on refunds on agricultural products. We are making every effort to ensure that their recommendations and other improvements are implemented in the Community. We shall ourselves continue to take all possible steps to prevent frauds, to prosecute those responsible when we48W have evidence that an offence has been committed and to seek to recover through the civil courts sums fraudulently acquired.