HC Deb 28 October 1980 vol 991 cc243-4W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the total net contribution to the European Economic Community since the beginning of the financial year; and what estimate he has made of the total net contribution in 1980–81.

Mr. Lawson

The net United Kingdom contribution to the Community budget in the period from 1 April to 30 September this year was approximately £527 million. Forecasts of the United Kingdom net contribution, for the financial year 1980–81 as a whole, before taking account of the refunds resulting from the 30 May agreement, were published in the March public expenditure White Paper, Cmnd. 7841. The final net contribution will depend on the size of the unadjusted net contribution and the timing of payment of refunds to us. My right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal set out in his statement yesterday what refunds the Government expect to receive in the months ahead.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is satisfied with the implementation of the arrangements made to reduce the United Kingdom net contri- bution to the European Economic Community; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lawson

Yes. I refer my hon. Friend to the statement made to the House yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal.