Written question asked by Lord Redwood (Conservative) on Wednesday, 2 May 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 11 May 2001. It was answered by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Friday, 11 May 2001 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what his estimate is of the impact on the UK's financial contribution to the EU if the 12 applicant states join, as a result of their membership. - (Holding answer 9 May 2001).

Answer: Mr. Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his estimate is of the impact on the UK's financial contribution to the EU if the 12 applicant states join, as a result of their membership. [160620] Mr. Vaz: [holding answer 9 May 2001]: Following the Berlin European Council in March 1999 the EU agreed indicative limits for expenditure in an enlarged EU until 2006, assuming six new members joining in 2002. The size of any increase in the UK's net contribution would depend upon a number of factors, including the terms of accession, but would be restricted by these limits. Also at Berlin, the governments succeeded in retaining the UK abatement. The abatement will apply to the bulk of spending in the new member states. Any increase in the UK's net budgetary contribution would also need to be viewed against the considerable political and economic benefits of enlargement.

Secondary information