EU Budget Surcharge

Lord Stoddart of Swindon Excerpts

Monday 10th November 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Cormack (Con)]

My Lords—

[Lord Stoddart of Swindon (Ind Lab)]

My Lords, is the Minister aware—it was these Benches’ turn.

[Lord Ashton of Hyde (Con)]

Actually, my Lords, we have had one question from each.

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Deighton]

It is hard for me to put it in historical perspective, but as always, the Prime Minister and my right honourable friend the Chancellor have done an excellent job representing the interests of this country.

[Lord Stoddart of Swindon]

There is a minute, so I have just made it. The country was treated to a lot of sound and bluster from the Prime Minister stating that he was not going to pay a penny. Today, by smoke and mirrors, the Chancellor has reduced that amount to £850 million. However, is the Minister aware that people think that that is a lot of money, which is to be added to the £11 billion we shall be making in contributions?

[Lord Deighton]

I agree with the noble Lord that £850 million is a lot of money. We will expect value for money for that kind of investment. I should make clear that the Prime Minister said that we would not be paying £1.7 billion on 1 December. In fact, we will pay nothing on 1 December. We will pay £850 million in two payments next year.