European Union (Approvals) Bill [Lords]

Debate between Chris Heaton-Harris and Philip Davies

Monday 27th January 2014 Commons Chamber

[Chris Heaton-Harris]

Over seven years, as my hon. Friend the Minister will continue to remind us. It is very small beer when it comes to European budgets or even the UK budget, but it is quite a large amount of money in general terms. The UK Government will contribute between £1.5 million and £2.5 million.

[Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con)]

Does my hon. Friend agree that whether it is a big or small part of the European budget is immaterial? If money is being wasted or spent in an inappropriate manner, that should be stopped.

[Chris Heaton-Harris]

I agree. I estimate that the UK would contribute £17.8 million, so in times when we are a bit stretched for cash I think we should at least ask for better value for that money from the European Union.