House of Commons – Feb. 21, 2012 – 473

Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 119(11)), That this House takes note of European Union Document No. 17229/11 and Addenda 1 to 4, relating to a Commission Communication: Annual Growth Survey 2012;

supports the Government’s view that this document sends important messages about the urgency of pursuing both fiscal consolidation and structural reform;

further supports the tough decisions being taken in the UK to bring the deficit under control and stimulate economic growth;

welcomes the focus on EU-level reforms such as the liberalisation of services and the development of the digital single market as a complement to Member States’ reform efforts but considers that an even greater effort is required at EU level to stimulate growth;

and agrees that the survey should not focus on taxation, as it is important for Member States to retain the flexibility to shape their own tax policies to suit their economic circumstances.—(Mr Dunne.)