HC Deb 07 July 1989 vol 156 c306W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement explaining the operation of the proposals made by the European Commission to empower offices of the Commission to impose penalties on member states for the misuse of EEC funds; and if Her Majesty's Government will seek to secure a procedure of independent appeal to consider complaints against such decisions taken and such fines imposed by the Commission.

Mr. Brooke

[holding answer 19 June 1989]: The Commission already has powers under which it can reclaim from member states certain payments which have been incorrectly made. If my hon. Friend has in mind a particular legislative proposal involving the imposition of penalties by the Commission, I should be happy to provide, or arrange for, a more specific answer.