Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Bilimoria (Crossbench). It was answered on Monday, 21 April 2008.

Common Agricultural Policy: Reform

Question: My Lords, we all know that the World Trade Organisation Doha development round has stalled primarily because of agricultural subsidies, in particular with regard to the United States and the European Union. Do the Government think that it is justified that we in the European Union, for example, subsidise our pals by $2 a day when nearly 1 billion people around the world live on less than $1 a day? Does the Minister sympathise with those who accuse the West and the European Union in particular of preaching fair and free trade but of practising protectionism?

Answer: My Lords, I agree with much of the sentiment of the noble Lord’s question, but the fact is that the CAP needs reform. Not only are the figures he quoted correct, but I resent the fact that British taxpayers are subsidising the production of tobacco in Europe.

Secondary information