Written question asked by Lord Dykes (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Thursday, 30 June 2005.

EU: UK Budget Rebate

Question: Which other European Union member states are currently in direct support of the United Kingdom official stance against any reduction in our budget rebate.

Answer: Most other member states have called for changes in the way the UK abatement is calculated. Some have called for the complete abolition of the abatement. As my noble friend the Leader of the House (Baroness Amos) told the House on 20 June (Official Report, cols. 1442–44), the Government's position is not to rule out any discussion of the abatement. Instead we have called for a fundamental review of the EU Budget, dealing both with the abatement and expenditure including the common agricultural policy.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 684; 673 c36WA
Session: 2005-06
Related items: European Council, 16–17 June
Monday, 20 June 2005
Parliamentary proceedings
House of Lords
Subjects: Contributions EU budget