§ 4. Mr. Arnoldasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the net result of Great Britain's financial contribution to the European Community in terms of expenditure and receipts during 1975.
§ Mr. Joel BarnettDuring the first eight months of 1975, payments by the United Kingdom to the Community Budget amounted to £212 million; receipts in the same period totalled £269 million.
§ Mr. ArnoldDoes the Minister accept that this reveals a far more satisfactory outcome than would have been anticipated even a short time ago, and provides continuing evidence that a policy of concerted action with our European partners is by far the best means of protecting vital British interests?
§ Mr. BarnettWe should not be too complacent about the situation in 1975, which, so far, looks good. For the future, in conjunction with our partners, we shall have to ensure that there is, for example, a reduction in expenditure on the common agricultural policy, which will be most helpful to this country.
§ Mr. WellbelovedAs we seem to be making a marginal profit, so soon, out of our membership of the EEC, what do the Government propose to do, particularly in respect of the common agricultural policy, to ensure that this welcome trend continues?
§ Mr. BarnettThe Government and, in particular, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, are pursuing vigorously the question of reducing the cost of the common agricultural policy generally, which will be helpful to this country.