HC Deb 25 January 1980 vol 977 cc410-1W
Mr. Knox

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the size of Great Britain's net contribution to the EEC in 1980, less the refund offered at the European Council meeting on 29 and 30 November 1979, at July 1971 prices.

Mr. Lawson

The United Kingdom's contribution to the Community budget in 1980, net of public sector receipts, is estimated to be somewhat over £350 million if expressed at July 1971 prices. The refund discussed at the European Council meeting on 29–30 November 1979 cannot be directly related to this. Receipts from the financial mechanism in respect of our budgetary contribution in 1980 fall in the year 1981 and therefore have no effect on the net contribution in 1980.