Mr Richard Shepherd (Aldridge-Brownhills)

It was not my intention to intervene in this debate. The arguments about the nature of the budget and the United Kingdom's contribution to Europe have been well rehearsed already. However, when one hears the extent of our contribution to the budget in net terms, one becomes aware of welling concern and great anger. This is of some importance to us, because, since the beginning of May, on the Commission's arguments alone, it may be that we have transferred in net terms as much as £300 million to Brussels. In fact, we may have transferred as much as £1·5 million since this debate began.

I want to express in the strongest possible terms my support for those right hon. and hon. Members on both sides of the House who have expressed their concern about this matter. I represent a constituency in the West Midlands which has suffered from the results of a tremendous imbalance in the rise in the price of food, for example, and the effect that going into the European Community has had on our industrial production.

Had the effect been as projected originally, our objections would not be felt so strongly. But we are watching a massive transfer of our wealth to nations wealthier than ourselves. That must inhibit our ability to respond to our need for industrial regeneration. That gives concern to many people throughout the country and throughout this Chamber.

Without making a long or a laboured speech and without any peroration about the future of the EEC, I wish to stress the fundamental objection felt in this Chamber and in the country to the EEC. We find ourselves in a position in which no matter how we vote today—whether we reject the budget, stand on our heads or jump out of the window—it makes not the slightest difference. The issue of sovereignty gives us fundamental concern. It is a mockery that we discuss these matters in this House when whatever action we take—to reject or support—is of no consequence in Brussels or the Community at large.

I repeat that when I entered the Chamber it was not my intention to speak on the subject. I accept that I am ill-prepared, but I wished to voice the concern felt by many about the EEC, the shape of its budget, and our impotence in effecting any changes.

Although discussions are to take place in September or November, and perhaps alterations can be made if the President of France realises that there is an injustice, as each month goes by we are transferring to the EEC another £100 million of our scarce resources. I make that point because I cannot for the life of me see why the President of France and the Chancellor of Germany should think of changing the structure of the common agricultural policy. That policy is a cornerstone of the Community. It is fundamentally in their interest to see the transference of that wealth, and there is nothing that I can think of that will encourage them to change it.

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