HC Deb 20 May 1985 vol 79 c338W
Mr. Moynihan

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the payment of April non-value added tax own resources to the European Communities.

Mr. Ian Stewart

In accordance with article 10(2) of Council Regulation 2891/77, the Commission has invited member states to pay on 20 May instead of 20 June non-VAT own resources collected in April. These own resources consist of agricultural, sugar and isoglucose levies and customs duties. The Government are complying with this request.

£132 million will be paid today; the payment of levies and duties on 20 June 1985 which is made under Section 2(3) of the European Communities Act 1972 will be reduced by this amount. There will therefore be no net addition to public expenditure.