HC Deb 08 March 1984 vol 55 cc978-9
11. Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what net contribution the United Kingdom has made to the Common Market from 1 January 1973 until the most recent date for which figures are available; and if he will express this total as a net sum per day.

Mr. Ian Stewart

Net payments in the period 1 January 1973 to 31 December 1983 amounted to £4,777 million. This is equivalent to approximately £1.2 million a day since accession.

Mr. Taylor

Does this not represent an indefensible and damaging drain on our national resources, which should come to an end in the current discussions? Will my hon. Friend assure us that the £42 million, on which the Common Market defaulted on 31 December, and the £450 million rebate due on 31 March will be paid?

Mr. Stewart

In the days and weeks ahead we shall be pursuing with determination the recovery of our refunds. The figures that I cited demonstrate the need for reform of the European Community budget and the value of the refund that the Government have been able to obtain for the United Kingdom. In the period 1 January 1973 to 31 December 1983, the Government's record of refunds stands at Conservatives, £2,500 million, Labour, nil.

Mr. Marlow

As it has cost Britain, which is supposed to be one of the least wealthy countries in the Community, £1.2 million a day, why is it assumed that if Spain and Portugal join the Community they will be net recipients?

Mr. Stewart

The figure of £1.2 million is significant. It is difficult to make any exact assessment of the impact of Spain and Portugal joining the Community, especially as the transitional arrangements have yet to be worked out.

Several Hon. Members

rose—

Mr. Speaker

As an act of charity, Mr. Dennis Skinner.

Mr. Skinner

Will the Economic Secretary confirm that, during the first 10 years that Britain was in the Common Market, the net contribution, after all refunds, was about £4,000 million and that, since the Government came to power, the net contribution to the Common Market has been £2,500 million? That represents 60 per cent. of the total contribution during fewer years.

Mr. Stewart

I am delighted to be able to confirm that the Labour Government in the 1970s — [Interruption.] I am delighted to be able to confirm that the Labour Government in the 1970s—[Interruption.] I am delighted to be able to confirm that the Labour Government in the 1970s benefited from the transitional arrangements so prudently worked out by the previous Conservative Government under my right hon. Friend the Member for Old Bexley and Sidcup (Mr. Heath).