§ Mr. Russell BrownTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the outcome of ECOFIN on 13 March. [115740]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe Paymaster General attended the Economic and Finance Council of Ministers.
The Commission presented its action plan for improving financial management and procedures. The Council recommended granting discharge in respect of the 1998 financial year.
The Stability programmes of Luxembourg, France and Portugal were agreed.
The Presidency announced that the ECOFIN Ministers would he invited to attend the Lisbon European Council on employment, economic reform and social cohesion. ECOFIN agreed a report to the Lisbon Council which emphasised the importance of sustainable growth, macroeconomic stability and economic reform in promoting a dynamic, innovative and socially inclusive European economy.
353WThe Commission presented their report on the taxation of aviation fuel.