HC Deb 31 July 1980 vol 989 cc808-9W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Lord Privy Seal what is the nature and estimated cost of the publicity programme on payments made by the European Economic Community to the United Kingdom in lieu of refunds, intended to be arranged in the United Kingdom under report No. ISEC/B37/80 issued by the office of the European Communities Commission and draft regulations implementing the budget formula approved by the Council of Ministers on 29 and 30 May; and why it was considered necessary to include such a provision in the arrangements.

Sir Ian Gilmour

Any publicity given to the assistance granted under the draft regulation establishing supplementary measures will be similar to that given for other Community projects, for example, those aided by the European regional development fund. Its cost cannot be estimated at this stage, but will be minimal. It will serve to make the benefits of Community membership more widely known.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Lord Privy Seal if it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to include a statement of the net contributions which the United Kingdom is required to make to the EEC following the budget formula approved on 29 and 30 May in any publicity materials issued in terms of the EEC report No. ISEC/B37/80.

Sir Ian Gilmour

The Government have not yet made plans for publicity following the budget agreement of 30 May. They will consider this question in the light of the regulation on supplementary measures agreed by the Council.