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European Communities (Finance) Bill

The Chief Secretary has forgotten the historical function of this House, which is to consent to the expenditure of money. That is the supply side of the question. It is not for the Government to assert that they can do something unless they have the consent of the House. That is the constitutional position. This is a debate. If the House has the courage and determination to say that the decision reflects an inadequate negotiation by the present Administration and by the previous Prime Minister, it has the right to reject it.