HC Deb 02 July 1974 vol 876 cc147-8W
Mr. Knox

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of the United Kingdom gross national product was contributed to the United Nations' budget for the last complete financial year; and whether figures are available from international sources showing how this percentage compares with the other eight member countries of the European Economic Community.

Mr. Hattersley

I have been asked to reply.

In the calendar year 1973, the United Kingdom contributed approximately 0.0072 per cent. of its gross national product for the same period to the United Nations Regular Budget.

Comparable figures for member States of the European Economic Community are not available for 1973.

Contributions to the United Nations Regular Budget are assessed according to the principle of capacity to pay, and

£45 per week, (b) £50 per week, (c) £55 per week and (d) £60 per week, on the same basic assumptions as are contained in the Written Reply to the hon. Member for Norfolk, North on 15th May 1974.

Mr. O'Malley

I have been asked to reply.

Following is the information:

are based on the averages of each member's national income over a period of three years. As a result of the application of this formula, the correlation between gross national product and United Nations contribution is approximately constant for most developed countries, though there are certain mitigatory factors in favour of developing countries.