17. To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of prospects for reform of the EU budget. (319399)

The December European Council called upon the European Commission to publish a report in order to provide orientations on priorities during 2010. The Government remain committed to reform of the EU budget to make it fit for the 21st century, and will continue to explore ways of achieving this with like-minded member states.

24. To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had on reform of the EU budget. (319406)

Reform of the EU budget was last discussed at the December European Council. Heads of Government agreed conclusions language calling on the Commission to produce a report in order for the Council to provide orientations on priorities during 2010. The Government remain committed to reform of the EU budget to make it fit for the 21st century and will continue to work with like-minded member states to achieve it.