§ 16. Mr. Soamesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent action the Government have taken to give priority to the control of agricultural spending in the negotiations on finance in the European Community.
§ Mrs. ChalkerWe have made clear to the Commission and to other member states that control of expenditure, including agricultural spending, is central to progress on the negotiations on the future of the Community's finances. During our own presidency major reforms were agreed governing spending in the dairy and beef sectors, saving Community taxpayers £6 billion over six years. Comparable reforms are now needed in other sectors.