HC Deb 24 March 1980 vol 981 cc449-51W
Mr. Dykes

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the United Kingdom net budget transfer income over receipts to the European Economic Community budget of £845 million for 1979 and £1.310 million estimated for 1980 would have been if adjusted to include the movement in the pound sterling since 3 May 1979.

Mr. Lawson

The figures referred to in the question are based on Commission sources, and it is not possible to adjust them for the complex effects of exchange rate movements. Figures for the United Kingdom net contribution to the EEC budget in 1979 and 1980 will be shown in the forthcoming public expenditure White Paper and these figures will take account of movements in the pound sterling. The figure for the actual United Kingdom contribution in 1979 was given in my reply to the hon. Member for Newham, South (Mr. Spearing) on 10 March.—[Vol. 980, cc.451–52].

Mr. Dykes

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much in figures and in percentage terms in the United Kingdom's gross contributions to the budget of the European Community, from the latest figures for which information is available, is represented by the United Kingdom levy payments and duties on imports from non-European Economic Community countries divided between (a) foodstuffs and agricultural products, (b) finished industrial goods and (c) raw materials; and what is the pro rata extrapolation of the above figures in respect of the United Kingdom estimated net contribution of £1.310 million in 1980.

Mr. Lawson

I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.

Mr. Dykes

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what ways and means he is examining whereby the United Kingdom could reduce its import bill from non-European Economic Community countries including Japan and the United States of America as a way of reducing its levy payments to the European Economic Community budget.

Mr. Lawson

I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.

Mr. Dykes

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to receive larger payments to the United Kingdom from the European Economic Community social fund and regional fund in 1980 and later years, as a means of reducing the United Kingdom excess net contributions to the total European Economic Community budget.

Mr. Lawson

The Government will continue to apply for aid from these funds for eligible projects in the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom derives a modest net benefit from both Funds now. Other things being equal, we would support increases in both funds provided that they increased this benefit. But there is no comparison between the scale of any such benefit and the substantial reduction required in the net United Kingdom contribution to the Community budget.