HC Deb 11 January 1994 vol 235 cc20-1W
Mr. Andrew Smith

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the losses in customs and excise duties arising from the operation of the European single market and cross-channel shopping; and how this has changed from previous estimates.

Sir John Cope

I refer to the answer given to the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, East (Mr. Brown) on 10 December at column403. The latest estimate of the total revenue loss—£175 million—compares with an estimate of £250 million published in March 1992.

Sir Teddy Taylor

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total net payment to the EC since 1 January 1973.

Mr. Nelson

The United Kingdom's total net contribution to the European Communities' budget from 1973 to 1993 is £20 billion.