§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what have been the total payments to and receipts from the EEC since the United Kingdom became a member of the EEC; and if he will express the differences as a ratio.
§ Mr. LawsonI will let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the net contribution made by the United Kingdom to the EEC in the most recent 12-month period for which figures are available; and when he expects to be able to indicate the United Kingdom's net contribution during the year 1980.
§ Mr. LawsonNet payments by the United Kingdom to the Community budget in the period from 1 December 1979 to 30 November 1980 amounted to £982 million.
Figures for net payments in 1980 will be available early next month. Payments made during 1980 do not provide a realistic figure for the United Kingdom net contribution 323W to the 1980 Community budget since the refunds payable under the 30 May 1980 agreement to reduce the United Kingdom net contribution to the agreed level are, under the terms of the agreement, to be made in arrears with provision however for advances. An advance payment of £97.6 million was made in December. Larger sums in respect of 1980 are expected in the next few days and again in March, for example within the current United Kingdom financial year as previously agreed.