Own Resources 91. Mr. Sedgemore asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next expects to discuss the increase in own resources at the Foreign Affairs Council. Mr. Rifkind At the Foreign Affairs Council on 18 and 19 March. 93. Mr. Fatchett asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he now expects the increase in EEC own resources to take place. Mr. Rifkind The conclusions of the Fontainebleau European Council stipulate that the new maximum VAT rate of 1ยท4 per cent. will enter into force as soon as the ratification procedures are completed and by 1 January 1986 at the latest. Discussion in the Council centres on how best to fulfil that requirement.