HL Deb 17 October 1996 vol 574 cc230-1WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What range of costs they anticipate in the eastward enlargement of the European Union.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Chalker of Wallasey)

Although it is not yet possible to predict the exact costs of EU enlargement to the east, we are determined to ensure that the EU budget after enlargement will remain within or below the ceiling agreed at the Edinburgh European Council, that is, 1.27 per cent. of EU GNP.