European Community (Own-resources Base)

HC Deb 21 February 1983 vol 37 cc339-40W

Mr. Deakins

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the rate of increase in the European Community's own-resources base in each of the past three years; and what estimate he has made of future trends.

Mr. Ridley

Own resources available comprise levies collected on trade in agricultural products between the Community and the rest of the world customs duties collected on imports from non-member countries and lastly VAT own resources, which is up to 1 per cent. of a notional rate of VAT levied on a Community harmonised base of goods and services.

The rate of increase of the total of these for the years 1980 to 1983 is as follows:

	Increase over previous year (percentage)
*1980	9.6
1981	12.3
†1982	11.9
†1983	8.5
* Excluding Greece, who joined the EC on 1 January 1981. This explains the large increase in 1981.
† Commission estimates.

The Government expect future growth to remain similar to that between 1982 and 1983, with perhaps some slowing down if inflation in the European Community decelerates further.