HC Deb 14 January 1986 vol 89 cc539-40W
Mr. Greg Knight

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to receive payment of the 1,000 million European currency units abatement agreed at Fontainebleau in June 1984 in respect of the United Kingdom's excessive net contribution to the 1984 Community budget.

Mr. Brooke

Payment of the 1,000 mecu (£604 million) was made over the period 31 December to 6 January. It could not be paid to the United Kingdom until the Community's new own resources decision had been approved by all member states in accordance with their respective national procedures. Notification of the last of the national approvals was received by the Community on 28 December. The 1,000 mecu were then paid as soon as possible thereafter. Further details are contained in a press notice issued by Her Majesty's Treasury on 7 January, copies of which have been placed in the Library.