HC Deb 23 February 1988 vol 128 c140W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in theOfficial Report the annual ceiling on EEC expenditure in terms of pounds sterling at current prices and so on, estimated division between the four own resources, and the estimated United Kingdom contribution after deduction of the rebates.

Mr. Brooke

I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's reply to him on 22 February, at column17, and to her second reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Southend East (Mr. Taylor) on 17 February, at column 613. The Commission's latest estimates for 1988 envisage yields of agricultural and sugar levies (less 10 per cent. to cover collection costs) of 2.8 becu and of customs duties (less collection costs) of 8.6 becu, and contributions in respect of VAT of 23.6 becu. The residual financing requirement will depend on decisions still to be taken on the overall level of expenditure.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the statement on the meeting of the EEC Council,Official Report, 15 February, columns 705–17, whether he will include in the Official Report his estimate of the amount now made available to EEC under own resources, including the United Kingdom rebate, expressed in terms of the original value added tax contribution.

Mr. Brooke

I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's reply to him on 22 February, at column15.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has revised his estimates in the Autumn Statement of the United Kingdom's net contribution to the European Economic Community for the current and future financial years, in the light of the agreement reached at the European Council on 11 and 12 February; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Brooke

[holding reply 22 February 1988]: I refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's reply to the hon. Member for Great Grimsby (Mr. Mitchell) on 22 February, at column 17.