HC Deb 21 March 1996 vol 274 cc262-3W
Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs through which directorate of the European Commission funds are allocated for the production of "Social Europe Magazine"; how much is spent annually upon this publication; upon what authority that money is allocated; upon what basis Mr. Padraig Flynn was appointed editor; if he is consulted about the content of that magazine; whether the statement in that publication relating to the AIDS campaign mounted by CSV Media constitutes European Union policy; and if he will make it his policy to ensure that in future the European Commission publishes only magazines which are essential to its core purpose. [20506]

Mr. David Davis

[holding answer 12 March 1996]: The Commission is responsible for the preparation and presentation of Community information and communication policy, for which it has a budget of 78 mecu—£65.6 million—in 1996.

"Social Europe Magazine" is published by Directorate General V of the European Commission. I understand that the hon. Member has asked the European Commission separately about its cost and editorial content, and a reply is in preparation.

I can confirm that it is European Union policy to promote AIDS awareness.

Mrs. Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those magazines, journals, periodicals, and leaflets which are published by each directorate of the European Commission, indicating for each the size of budget, the proportion of that budget which statistically would be represented by United Kingdom contributions and the specific steps which are taken to ensure that his Department is consulted in advance about the content of such publications. [20509]

Mr. Davis

[holding answer 12 March 1996]: A list of such publications and their costs will be placed in the Libraries of the House in due course.

The Commission is responsible for the preparation and presentation of Community information and communication policy, for which it has a budget of 78 mecu—£65.6 million—in 1996.

The UK contribution to the EC Budget is calculated on the basis of the whole of the budget and is not attributed to specific items.

The UK gross contribution after abatement to the 1996 EC budget is expected to be 8.8 becu—£7.4 billion. The total 1996 EC budget is 81 becu.