HC Deb 02 November 1993 vol 231 cc119-20W
Sir Teddy Taylor

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what esimate he has made of the United Kingdom's net contribution to the European Community over the next three financial years.

Sir John Cope

A forecast of the United Kingdom's net contribution to EC institutions, for the years to 1995–96, was given in table 11.1 of the Chancellor's departmental report—Cm 2217—published in February 1993. A revised forecast, covering the years to 1996–97, will be published in the "Financial Statement and Budget Report" on 30 November.

Sir Teddy Taylor

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the United Kingdom's net contribution to the EC in 1992–93; by what amount this is different from the estimates made prior to April 1992; and if he will make a statement.

Sir John Cope

The estimated outturn for the United Kingdom's net contribution to the European Community in 1992–93 is £1,810 million, £653 million lower than the forecast given in table 68 of the Chancellor's departmental report in February 1992—Cm 1918. The main reasons for a lower level of net payments than originally forecast were higher structural fund receipts than had been forecast and lower gross contributions, mainly as a consequence of a lower UK share of gross contributions resulting from adjustments to the VAT and fourth resources paid in December 1992 and lower agricultural and sugar levies and customs duties.