08 April 2005
Public Accounts Committee chair Edward Leigh has accused the European Union of 'institutionalised inertia' over failing to make its financial dealings more accountable.
Leigh, speaking as the PAC produced its report on the EU's financial management, said the UK presidency - which begins in July - would provide a chance to press for greater transparency.
'Ten years in a row the community's accounts have failed to secure a clean bill of health,' Leigh said. 'Achieving this by watering down audit standards would be unacceptable and the European Court of Auditors should resist any pressure to do so.'
PFapr2005
