asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions prior to February 1987 the European Economic Community Commission has demanded to overdraw on the account of member states under article 12(2) of Regulation 2891/77; if he will make a statement on the operation of the sub-article; and whether there is any restriction on the amount of such overdraft facilities which can be demanded from the accounts of member states.

I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.