§ Q167. Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Prime Minister if she is satisfied with the progress in achieving budgetary control of European Economic spending, which commenced on 1 January in accordance with the agreement of the European Council on 4 December 1984; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterThe control of European Community spending is a constant battle. The Government regretted that exceptional circumstances made it necessary to exceed the strict budget discipline limits in the 1986 budget. The Council's draft budget for 1987 is fully consistent with the budget discipline conclusions agreed by the Council in December 1984, though the Commission has warned that on present policies a substantial overrun of agricultural guarantee expenditure is likely.