European Communities (Finance) Bill

I am not giving way. Perhaps the Conservatives will use the money that would have gone to reconstruct the former Soviet bloc to pay for removing inheritance tax from millionaires—they have no other way of paying for it. The crux of the debate is that if the rebate was not disapplied for eastern Europe, the UK would have a windfall from the accession of eastern European countries. That is akin to a transfer from the poor to the rich. It may appeal to Opposition Members but it certainly does not appeal to me. The Conservatives say we could spend the money on doctors, nurses and teachers. I say that under the Labour Government we can invest in public services and do the right thing by Europe. It is in our national interest to do both. When eastern Europe prospers, so do we. It is good for Britain to be in a market of 500 million consumers. British exports to eastern Europe are rising dramatically. Our firms are investing there, and as they grow we shall grow, too. The shadow Chief Secretary got a bit carried away over the weekend and put out a press release saying that we were disapplying the rebate with nothing in return. Does he call enlargement nothing? I call it peace, prosperity and in our national interest. Question put, That the Bill be now read a Second time:— The House divided: Ayes 312, Noes 215.