European Summit Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

European Summit

Baroness Stuart of Edgbaston Excerpts
Thursday 24th March 2011

(13 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Mark Hoban Portrait Mr Hoban
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My hon. Friend wishes me to respond to a hypothetical question, but I do not intend to do so today.

Baroness Stuart of Edgbaston Portrait Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab)
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For clarity—and in the hope of getting at least one sensible answer out of this debate—will the Minister confirm that because we do not have a veto over the bail-out mechanism, if Portugal applied for a bail-out, we could be exposed to liabilities of up to €4 billion? We have no veto, which means that we would be forced to do it, irrespective of which Government negotiated the position. I would like a yes or no.

Mark Hoban Portrait Mr Hoban
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The hon. Lady, who is very knowledgeable and well-versed in these matters, knows exactly the terms on which the EFSM was established. However, I do not believe that it is helpful to speculate on hypothetical situations.