HC Deb 23 January 1979 vol 961 cc91-2W
Mr. Kenneth Clarke

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government propose to vote the necessary contribution to the enlarged EEC budget approved by the European Parliament; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Joel Barnett

On the basis of article 10 of regulation 2891/77, the United Kingdom payment to the Communities' budget on 1 January 1979 was based on the amounts provided for in the draft budget for 1979, the level of this payment being unaffected by the difference between the Council and the Assembly on the adoption of the budget. The next contributions of member States are due on 1 February and the basis of the United Kingdom payment then will reflect the view of the Council that the Assembly's declaration of the adoption of the 1979 budget did not comply with the provisions of the Treaty.

Mr. David Mitchell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish an estimate of the cost in 1978–79 of increasing the retirement relief on capital gains tax to (a) £100,000, (b) £200,000, and (c) £250,000.

Mr. Denzil Davies

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 22 January 1979; Vol. 961, c. 32], gave the following information:

For (a) the full year cost would be about £5 million and for (b) and (c) about £10 million.