§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have any estimates of the cost of the enlargement of the European Union to 24 members; and whether these developments are likely to provide value for money; and if only one of these enlargements can be afforded, which they consider would be the best value for money.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Social Security (Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish)It is impossible to predict accurately yet what the exact costs of EU enlargement will be. EU enlargement provides an opportunity to secure long-term stability and prosperity throughout Europe if achieved on the right terms. To this end the UK government will continue to press for the reform of key EU policies which is necessary to make enlargement both possible and affordable.