HC Deb 23 March 1978 vol 946 cc738-9W
Mr. Shepherd

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what will be the effect upon the United Kingdom's net contribution to the European Economic Community budget for 1978–79 of the changes from the present unit of accounts to the new European unit of accounts; and what percentage of the difference will be accounted for by the agricultural sector.

Mr. Joel Barnett

The latest estimate for the United Kingdom's net contribution to the Community budget for 1978–79 is £695 million. This compares with the estimate in "The Government's Expenditure Plans, 1978–79 to 1981–82" (Cmnd. 7049-II) of £690 million and takes account of all decisions taken at the European Council on 5th and 6th December.