HC Deb 21 November 1985 vol 87 cc248-9W
Mrs. Currie

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

Mr. Brooke

In accordance with article 10(2) of Council Regulation 2891/77, the Commission invited member states to pay on 20 November instead of 20 December non-VAT own resources collected in October. These own resources consist of agricultural, sugar and isoglucose levies and customs duties. Following scrutiny of the need for the early payment, the Government have paid an amount of £134 million to the Commission. The payment of levies and duties on 20 December 1985 made under section 2(3) of the European Communities Act 1972 will be reduced by a corresponding amount. There will therefore be no net addition to public expenditure.