§ Mr. DavidsonTo ask the Prime Minister what his policy is on the proposal by the President of the European Commission for the Commission to be given powers to issue binding instructions to Governments that deviate from the policy guidelines adopted by euro zone members and to be the sole representative of the EU in international economic and financial meetings. [60583]
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government do not agree with this proposal.
§ Mr. DavidsonTo ask the Prime Minister what his policy is on the proposals of the President of the European Commission to give the Commission powers to recommend action on national budget deficits that could only be overturned by a unanimous vote of all EU Governments; when he was first informed of this proposal; and if he will make a statement. [60580]
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§ The Prime MinisterThe Government do not agree with this proposal. The European Commission's communication "A Project for the European Union" was released on 22 May 2002, and I was informed after its release.
§ Mr. DavidsonTo ask the Prime Minister if he was consulted before the President of the European Commission's proposals for additional economic powers to be given to the Commission were publicised; and if he will make a statement. [60587]
§ The Prime MinisterI was not consulted before the publication of the European Commission's Communication "A Project for the European Union" on 22 May 2002.
§ Mr. DavidsonTo ask the Prime Minister what his policy is on the proposal by the President of the European Commission for the national veto on taxation matters to be abolished; and if he will make a statement. [60584]
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government's position is that unanimity should be retained for decisions on taxation.