§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Prime Minister what is his(a) policy towards and (b) definition of full accountability and absolute transparency in the European Commission, as set out as future Commission policy by President-nominate Prodi; and what representations he has made on the subject. [82478]
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government agree with Mr. Prodi that the European Commission should be made more accountable, more transparent and more efficient. Achieving this will require a fundamental overhaul of the commission's financial control systems, as well as reform of its personnel policies and its management structures.
We have already shared specific reform ideas with partners. Heads of State and Government discussed plans for reform with Mr. Prodi on 14 April. They will continue their discussions on the basis of proposals put forward by Mr. Prodi at the Cologne European Council in June.