HC Deb 29 November 1982 vol 33 cc75-6W
Mr. Proctor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what reductions have been made in all areas of expenditure of the European Economic Community in the last financial year; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ridley

In 1981, there was an overall reduction of 894 million ecu (£498 million approximately) to the initial estimates of expenditure when the Budget was adopted. The changes were as follows:

Reductions *£ million million ecu
Area
European agricultural guidance and guarantee fund guarantee section 714 1,290
United Kingdom supplementary measures 17 30
Interest rate subsidies to Italy 11 20
Transitional refunds to Greece 7 13
Reductions *£ million million ecu
Reimbursement to member States for own resources collection cost 34 61
TOTAL 783 1,414

* Converted at the rate of £1 - 1.80796 ecu; the average exchange rate for 1981.

The reduction to the United Kingdom supplementary measures results from technical adjustments to take account of the grossing up of the negotiated net refund in respect of 1980.

Increases *£ million million ecu
Area
EAGGF guidance and fisheries 30 55
Aid to non-associates 24 44
Steel social measures 34 62
Food aid 77 140
Financial Protocol to Portugal 2 4
EMS interest rate subsidies 0.6 1
Research 0.6 1
Administration 7 13
European regional development fund 110 200
TOTAL 285.2 520

* Converted at the rate of £1 - 1.80796 ecu; the average exchange rate for 981.