HC Deb 22 February 1988 vol 128 c17W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Prime Minister what she expects the United Kingdom contribution to the EEC budget to be in each of the next five years on the basis of the decisions made at the EEC Council in Brussels; and if she will publish in theOfficial Report a table showing the estimated gross contribution under the four heads of (a) the rebate, (b) the amount paid directly for the benefit of farmers, (c) the amount paid indirectly for the benefit to farmers and (d) the amount paid for other purposes.

The Prime Minister

The overall effect of the agreement reached at the European Council will be to increase the United Kingdom's net contribution after abatement by an estimated £200 to £300 million a year compared with the existing own resources ceiling, and by an estimated £100 to £200 million a year compared with the effective level of spending in 1987. The outcome on individual budget lines will depend on a range of factors, including detailed decisions still to be taken.