§ Lord Williams of Elvelasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will publish a White Paper setting out their position on fraud in the European Economic Community.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Hesketh)The Commission has adopted an action programme for tackling fraud. In January of last year the Commission published its first annual report, which was debated in the House of Commons on 27th February. The second annual report is due out at the end of next month. In addition, your Lordships' House had the opportunity to discuss progress in tackling fraud against the EC Budget in the recent debate (28th November last). The Government take every opportunity to see that the momentum of the fight against fraud is maintained. In these circumstances I am not convinced that a White Paper needed.