Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Tony Wright (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 22 June 2005 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question: Does the Prime Minister recall that, last year, we had a celebration to mark the centenary of the entente cordiale? Last week, the President of France said that my right hon. Friend was "pathetic" and "tragic" and demanded a gesture of solidarity from him, Will my right hon. Friend explain to President Chirac that what is pathetic and tragic is the fact that 3 billion people live on less than $2 a day while each European cow gets $2.5 a day in subsidy? Will he tell the President that the only gesture of solidarity worth making is one that does something about that?

Answer: I thank my hon. Friend for the question—although I think he was actually referring to the discussion. However, I believe it is important that we make it clear that reform of the common agricultural policy is in the interests not only of Europe, but, as my hon. Friend rightly says, of the poorest parts of the world, which need to be able to get rid of export subsidies for agriculture in the wealthy parts of the world for their economies to flourish. Change in the CAP is therefore not only important, relevant and right for the European Union, but an essential part of getting a fair deal for the poorest countries in the world.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 435 c790
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Developing countries Poverty Reform Subsidies Common agricultural policy
Link: View this Prime Minister's question on www.publications.parliament.uk