asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the total sum which has been charged on levies on food imports since Great Britain joined the EEC; and for what purpose the levies have been used by Her Majesty's Government.

I have been asked to reply.The total amount of agricultural levies charged on food imports between 1st February 1973, when these imports became subject to the EEC system of import charges, and 31st January 1975 was £51,766,000. The United Kingdom contribution to the European Communities' budget is financed out of the proceeds of these levies and of Customs duties, but the size of the contribution is determined as a percentage of the budget expenditure.