HC Deb 24 March 1983 vol 39 cc487-8W
20. Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any progress was made at the European Community meeting on 21 and 22 March towards securing a rebate from the 1983 European Community net budget contribution.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

Yes. I refer my hon. Friend to yesterday's statement by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the net contribution of each country to the European Community budget in 1981 and 1982; and how the United Kingdom refunds affect these figures.

Mr. Ridley

On the basis of the latest Commission estimates, member states' net contributions to (—) and receipts from (+) the Community's allocated budgets for 1981 and 1982, before and after allowing for the effect of United Kingdom refunds, were as follows:

Million European Currency Units*
Before refunds After refunds
1981 1982 1981 1982
Belgium +276 +262 +205 +202
Denmark +279 +294 +242 +262
Germany -1,684 -2,085 -2,185 -2,442
Greece +173 +698 +161 +682
France +576 +14 +139 -366
Ireland +582 +721 +568 +708
Italy +788 +1,586 +549 +1,373
Luxembourg +239 +248 +236 +245
Netherlands +190 +302 +94 +218
United Kingdom -1,419 -2,040 -9 -883
* The average £/ecu exchange rates in 1981 and 1982 were as follows:

1981 1 ecu=£0.553

1982 1 ecu=£0.560