My honourable friend the Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Ian Pearson) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.

On 10 July 2009, I represented the UK at the Budget Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN).

The council conducted its first reading of the EC Budget for 2010, and agreed a draft budget that was supported by all member states.

The council meeting was followed by a conciliation meeting between the council and the European Parliament to discuss the EC Budget for 2010.