HL Deb 15 October 1973 vol 345 cc2-3
THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what has been Britain's gross contribution to the E.E.C. budget so far this year.

LORD WINDLESHAM

My Lords, allowing for the refund of collection costs our gross contribution to the European Community's budget to date is £128 million.

THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE

My Lords, in thanking my noble friend for that reply, may I ask whether he is aware that this figure is somewhat, though not greatly, more than that estimated in the 1971 White Paper? Can the noble Lord tell us what is the estimated budget for the Community for the next year?

LORD WINDLESHAM

My Lords, the actual figure for the whole of 1973 will, we assume, be of the order of £160 million, offset by about £70 million in receipts; so we are really talking about a figure of approximately £90 million for the full year. This is in line with what was forecast in 1971. On the second part of the question, the request for information, I do not have that with me, but will refer to it again at a later time.

LORD MAYBRAY-KING

My Lords, may I ask the noble Lord: what amount will be offset against the figure mentioned in aid to the regions this year?

LORD WINDLESHAM

My Lords, the Regional Development Fund is not yet in its final shape and I would therefore be surprised if there were any receipts to the Regional Development Fund in this year.