§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the percentage decrease in (a) nominal and (b) real terms in the level of aid designated in the draft 1985 European Economic Community budget compared to the 1984 European Economic Community budget.
§ Mr. Ian StewartTitle 9 of the draft Community budget for 1985, which cover co-operation with developing and non-member countries, shows a decrese of 0.8 per cent. in cash terms following the decision made at the Budget Council on 29 November. No estimate is available of the change in real terms. All Community expenditure, including non-agricultural expenditure has been constrained in 1985 by the need to remain within the 1 per cent. VAT limit.
§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the extra expenditure in the draft 1985 European Economic Community budget necessitated by the provision of 1.2 million tonnes of grain to African countries, as agreed by the European Council; and under what headings the increased expenditure falls.
§ Mr. Ian StewartThis commitment will be met from the resources of the Commission and the member states. The Community's contribution will be drawn from the European development fund (which is not part of the Community budget) and from the food aid provisions in the budget.