§ Sir Teddy TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the procedures adopted by the EU if spending on agriculture in any year appears to be likely to exceed the budgetary estimates. [79257]
§ Mr. MorleyHeading 1 of the annual EC budget sets out expenditure appropriations for spending on the Common Agricultural Policy by budget line. In cases where expenditure for any line looked likely to exceed the appropriation the European Commission would be able to propose an in year transfer from another line within the heading. In the event of unavoidable, exceptional or unforeseen circumstances, the Commission may propose during the year that the budget be amended and submit a preliminary draft amending budget to the Council and the European Parliament. The Commission, Council and European Parliament would remain bound by the expenditure ceilings set down in the Financial Perspective and inter-institutional agreement on budget discipline.