Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by David Marshall (Labour). It was answered on Tuesday, 5 July 2005 on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Make Poverty History Demonstration

Question: Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Make Poverty History demonstration was a tremendous success and a wonderful advert for peaceful persuasion? However, does he also agree that now it is over it must not be forgotten and that justice for the poor, trade justice and fair trade must remain our priorities? If he does agree, will he convey to our right hon. Friend the Prime Minister our wholehearted support in his efforts to get rid of the common agricultural policy that is the cause of so much poverty in the poor countries of the world?

Answer: My hon. Friend makes an important point. First, it is important that our Government, and other Governments, continue to do everything that they can to increase aid, reduce debt and join together to establish the international finance facility. All those measure will help to reduce, alleviate and eventually end poverty. That is very important. It is also important that we establish fair trade. That is why the Government attach considerable importance to making substantial progress at the discussions that will take place in Hong Kong at the end of this year. My hon. Friend is also right that in relation not just to the developing world but also for the good of Europe as a whole, it cannot be right in this day and age that about 40 per cent. of the EU budget is going on the common agricultural policy. It needs to be reformed, and if Europe is to be relevant to the people who live there it is important that its leaders have the courage to make the necessary economic and other reforms to make Europe more competitive, and also to improve the lives of people living in the EU member states.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 436 c156
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Demonstrations Debts Developing countries International assistance Edinburgh G8 Poverty Scotland
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk