§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the direct consequence of the implementation of EEC legislation on United Kingdom public expenditure in each year ending 31 March since 1987.
§ Sir John CopeThe United Kingdom public expenditure costs of EC legislation with a direct effect on Community budget spending are best measured by reference to the United Kingdom's gross contribution to the Community budget, less abatement, as follows:
United Kingdom gross contribution less abatement Year £ million 1986–87 3,778 1987–88 3,769 1988–89 3,567 1989–90 4,487 1990–91 4,573 1991–92 3,700 United Kingdom public sector receipts, mainly in the form of agricultural support and the structural funds, generally offset increased United Kingdom public expenditure resulting from Community programmes.
No central estimate is available of the aggregate effect on United Kingdom public expenditure of the implementation of Community legislation which does not have a direct effect on Community budget spending.