§ 12. Mr. Gareth R. Thomas (Harrow, West)What recent representations he has received about Agenda 2000 relating to enlargement; and if he will make a statement. [74918]
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Robin Cook)We continue to maintain regular contact on Agenda 2000 with a wide range of domestic interests. We are well aware of the great interest of the applicant countries in early progress.
At the informal meeting of the Foreign Ministers over the weekend, there was general agreement that we are on track for a resolution of Agenda 2000 at Berlin next week.
Although we would have liked further cuts in farm prices, we welcome the fact that we have now reached agreement on agricultural reform, which will cut the food bill of a household of four in Britain by £70 a year.
On structural funds, the current package is likely to produce an increase in Britain's percentage share from the structural funds.
881 We are on course for a deal on Agenda 2000 that will be a good bargain for Britain, and will provide a basis of sound reforms on which to take forward the enlargement of the European Union.
§ Mr. ThomasIs my right hon. Friend aware that the countries that have applied to join the European Union are more than willing to sign up to the social chapter and the euro? Does not my right hon. Friend think that their attitude is in stark contrast to that of the Conservative party, whose attitude to European politics seems to be based partly on an obsessive hatred of all things to do with the European Union?
§ Mr. CookAny hon. Member who has visited central and eastern Europe and the applicant countries will be well aware of the immense enthusiasm in those countries—not just of their Governments, but of their people—for joining the democratic family of nations in the European Union. My hon. Friend is right—it is particularly perverse that at a time when the rest of Europe is queuing up to join the European Union, there are so many Opposition Members who want to get off the bus.
§ Mr. Michael Trend (Windsor)Four weeks ago, in the context of those talks, the Foreign Secretary gave the House an absolute assurance that the British rebate was non-negotiable. Good. Can he now give the House an absolute assurance that there will be no increase in Britain's contributions to the European Union, in either gross or net terms?
§ Mr. CookAs the hon. Gentleman should be aware, because the question was answered by my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary, it is likely that the proposals for reform of agriculture will result in a net increase in contributions, because if we wish to achieve reform, farmers must be compensated. If the hon. Gentleman is suggesting otherwise, he is suggesting that the farmers who will suffer from the price cut should not receive compensation. However, the overall increase in Britain's contribution as taxpayers will be more than matched by what Britain will receive as consumers in reduced prices. That is a good bargain for the people of Britain.