§ 18. Mrs. McKennaTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the benefits to Scotland of the United Kingdom's membership of the European Union. [130585]
§ Dr. ReidThe United Kingdom's membership of the European Union has delivered to Scotland tangible economic benefits through such measures as the Common Agricultural Policy, delivering direct funding in 1999 of £475.9 million, and structural funds worth £1 billion in 1994–96 and £1.1 billion for 2000–06. Membership of the European Union also delivers to Scotland access to the biggest market in the world with some 375 million consumers—63 per cent. of Scottish manufacturing exports in 1998 went to Europe. These tangible benefits are in addition to the benefits Scotland enjoys from the peace and security brought about through the collaboration of member states in the Union. UK membership of the Union also affords Scotland a role and position of influence on the European and global stages that could not be achieved by Scotland acting on its own.