HC Deb 23 July 1981 vol 9 cc189-90W
Mr. Shore

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the United Kingdom's gross contribution in £ sterling and in European currency units to the European Economic Community budget for each European Economic Community budget year, 1980 and 1981; what were the United Kingdom's receipts or current estimates of receipts for 1980 and 1981; and what therefore was the United Kingdom's net contribution in each year.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I shall let the right hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

Mr. Richard Shepherd

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, having regard to the fact that the Federal Republic of Germany's gross domestic product is twice that of the United Kingdom and that France's gross domestic product is 50 per cent. higher, he will explain the reasons why Germany's value added tax contribution to the European Economic Community budget is only 23 per cent. larger than that of the United Kingdom and that of France is 9 per cent. greater.

Mr. Lawson

I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.