HC Deb 22 November 2001 vol 375 c469W
Mr. Spring

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what response the Government have made to the EU Court of Auditors' report of 12 November on fraud and waste. [16814]

Mr. Andrew Smith

The Government are carefully considering the Court of Auditors' Annual Report and Statement of Assurance for the financial year 2000 and will send its detailed comments to the Commission by 20 December as part of the normal follow-up procedure, ensuring that both Houses receive an advance copy. The Government will also contribute fully to Council discussions leading to the recommendation on whether to give discharge to the Commission for the year 2000 budget at the March 2002 ECOFIN meeting.