HC Deb 13 November 1980 vol 992 cc298-9W
Mr. Marlow

asked the Prime Minister in what way the EEC repayments which she negotiated are dependent on the acceptance of the Community budget.

The Prime Minister

Expenditure by the Community on the United Kingdom's refunds, like all other Community expenditure, can only be undertaken if provision is available under the Community's established budgetary procedures.

The Commission's draft budget for 1981 contains provision for the full amount of the refunds estimated to be due to the United Kingdom in respect of our contribution to the 1980 budget. Budgetary authority for the necessary payments will become available from 1 January 1981 or from the date of adoption of the 1981 budget, whichever is later.

Meanwhile, as my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury has explained in his answer today to my hon. Friend the Member for Bridlington (Mr. Townend), the Council has agreed that the United Kingdom should receive before the end of 1980 advance payments of up to 200 meua (approximately £110 million at an eua/£ exchange rate of 1.80.