OVER the years we have heard from our representatives in the European Union about the "great benefits" coming to us in financial aid to build this and promote that.
What they do not mention is what the "pink book" reveals. It reveals exactly how much of Britain's money the EU is granting us.
In 1999 the "pink book" reveals that UK payments to the EU rose by £442 million to reach £11.44 billion, which, it concludes, is £220 million per week. Also our rebate in the same period fell by £440 million.
The easier figure for me to understand is, again according to the "pink book," is that for every £1 Britain puts in the EU kitty, we get back 31 pence in subsidies. In fact, for every £1 our farmers get in subsidies, British taxpayers hand over £3.15p.
The "pink book" also reveals that the often quoted increase in trade with our so-called European comrades is not an increase, but is actually a decrease during the years of the union.
Indeed, the "pink book" is quite a revealing document.
My economics training, elementary though it may be, suggests bad economic management. And I am sure my fellow Radcliffians would agree.
Perhaps our MEPs would explain, not just to me, but to everyone. I would be glad to hear that my informant has got it wrong?
RONALD MORRIS,
Bury Road,
Radcliffe.
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