§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the outcome was of the Special ECOFIN Council held on 11 December 2002; and what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement. [87768]
§ Mr. Gordon BrownI attended the special ECOFIN meeting on 11 December 2002.
There was a discussion of draft conclusions on the tax package, based on the proposals outlined by the Presidency at the 3 December 2002 ECOFIN meeting.
The Presidency confirmed that further discussion on this and energy taxation would be scheduled for the ECOFIN meeting on 21 January 2003. The Commission undertook to put in place appropriate measures to ensure that the French and Italian derogations, allowing reduced duty rates for hauliers, would be extended until then. No votes were taken at this meeting.