---

European Communities (Finance) Bill

It is a bit late for the right hon. Gentleman to say that he did not agree with those budget increases. If I recall correctly, he was a member of the Cabinet when the 22 per cent. increase in the EU budget was negotiated. He cannot just wave away any responsibility for that; it is what his Government negotiated in 1994. I would also argue that spending on the common agricultural policy was responsible for a hefty chunk of that increase. Let us remember how things developed over time, and consider the deal in that context.