Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions he has had with his European counterparts on measures to reduce error in the accounts of the EU to a point at which they will not be qualified by the European Court of Auditors.

Financial management of the EU budget remains a serious concern for this Government. Council discussions are currently taking place on this important issue ahead of the vote on discharge of the 2013 EU budget.

The Government continues to work with like-minded Member States to send a clear signal that financial management must improve and to call on the Commission and the European Court of Auditors to set out a strategy that will allow EU budget expenditure to be granted an unqualified Statement of Assurance.