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European Communities (Finance) Bill

That is a completely legitimate position to take, but it does not give sufficient recognition to the way in which the European Union operates, which is, almost by definition, through a system of compromise, in which the best available deal for the whole Union is sought. I accept that my hon. Friend may not find the deal acceptable, but, as ever, the position is not ideal; one gets the best possible for one's country, and that is what we have sought to do. Let me go through the detail—