§ Sir Teddy TaylorTo ask the Prime Minister whether the proposals discussed at the European Council on 19 and 20 June 2003 in Thessaloniki would permit a reduction in the UK rebate from EU budget contributions. [121899]
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government will not accept any watering down of decision making for EU budget contributions. We have made clear that Convention proposals to introduce Qualified Majority Voting or reduce the say of national parliaments in this area are unacceptable, and will continue to do so in the Intergovernmental Conference.