TORY Euro MP David Sumberg has given a cautious welcome to the 10 new countries joining the European Union -- while vowing to fight to ensure North-west taxpayers still get value for money from membership of the EU.

Mr Sumberg, the North-west Conservative Euro MP, welcomed his fellow MEPs' acceptance of Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia, who are set to join the EU in 2004.

But Mr Sumberg said the new, bigger EU must not confuse its priorities.

He said: "We all agree that it is tremendous -- after 50 years of struggle against Communism -- to see Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and the others taking their seat at the European top table. But the EU exists for the benefit of all members. The new countries will be expecting huge investment almost immediately, so it is imperitive the EU exercises control and caution.

"The EU must not get carried away signing blank cheque after blank cheque for the new countries. The new members must be given a clear message that membership is not the cure to all ills, or a licence to print money.

"The new members must receive investment, but equally the UK must not be neglected. The North-west contributes massively to the EU's budget and must see the fruits of that investment.

"Many deprived parts of our region still need European investment to revamp rundown areas and create jobs and commerce."