Western European Union

HC Deb 28 January 1980 vol 977 cc503-4W

Mr. Harold Walker

asked the Lord Privy Seal what is the current annual cost of Great Britain's participation in the Western European Union.

Sir Ian Gilmour

In the financial year ending 31 March 1979 the United Kingdom contribution towards the Western European Union budget was £667,169.27. To arrive at the complete cost of United Kingdom participation it would also be necessary to include the cost of ministerial and official attendance at meetings plus the man-hours spent by officials in preparing briefing. I regret that these costs cannot be provided without disproportionate expenditure of time and resources.