HC Deb 23 January 1985 vol 71 c445W
45. Mr. Terry Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the abatement of British contributions agreed at the Fontainebleau summit is dependent on the accession of Spain and Portugal to the European Economic Community.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

The conclusions of the Fontainebleau European Council state that the correction formula for the United Kingdom will be a part of the decision to increase the VAT ceiling and that the increase will enter into force as soon as the ratification procedures are completed, and by 1 January 1986 at the latest.