§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the net contribution made by Great Britain to the EEC during 1978; what proportion of United Kingdom gross domestic product this represented; and if it remains his policy to take steps to reduce it.
§ Mr. Lawson,pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 24 May 1979; Vol. 967, c. 196], gave the following answer:
The net recorded budgetary contribution by the United Kingdom for 1978 as published by the Commission was £625.8 million including all refunds, under article 131 of the Treaty of Accession, for 1978, the final one of which was not received until the first quarter of 1979. This figure represented 0.44 per cent of United Kingdom gross domestic product.
As to the last part of the hon. Member's question, my rt. hon. and learned Friend has stressed to our Community colleagues that the United Kindom's present and prospective net contribution to the EEC budget is inequitable and unsustainable. Her Majesty's Government will continue to urge that the next European Council should take the decisions needed to bring about lasting and effective corrective action.