§ Mr. Normantonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the estimated total cost attributable to public funds for each of the meetings of the European Council during the last five years; and what proportion and actual cost was borne by the British taxpayer.
§ Mr. Ian StewartWhen the European Council meets in Brussels the costs borne from United Kingdom public funds are chiefly the subsistence costs of those attending from the United Kingdom. The remaining costs are included in the overall budget of the Council to which the United Kingdom contributes from its gross payments to the Community Budget. However, when the European Council meets outside Brussels the major costs are borne by the Presidency. The estimates and figures requested could not therefore be obtained without disproportionate cost.