CITY AND SUBURBAN
Lions led by donkeys their CBI's generals send the troops over the top
CHRISTOPHER FILDES
The Confederation of British Industry has gone over the top on the Stray, Harro- gate's genteel greensward and this year's chosen parade-ground. Like the British troops in Flanders, the CBI's troops are lions led by donkeys. Their generals were and are all for a forward policy in Europe. The troops suffered fearful casualties in the disastrous monetary offensives of 1990-92, until the 'hard-pounding' strategy col- lapsed. Then they took their chance to regroup and recoup. Now the high com- mand wants another push towards union. Like the generals so far behind the lines in Flanders, the CBI brasshats grumble at the frock-coats' timidity. One of them briefed a war correspondent at the weekend: 'Indus- try worries' (so ITN's faithful newshound reported) 'that ministers' policies could condemn them to the European slow lane.' Condemn? The slow lane? To what desti- nation? Germany, where the economy is now forecast to shrink this year by 2 per cent and, next year, to stay shrunk? Our economy is, at least, moving forwards. So we should slow down, and retreat in step with everybody else? It is hurtful to hear the generals pretend that they are doing this to keep the troops happy. How difficult (they say) it is for the ordinary chap in his company foxhole to shoot at overseas mar- kets, if he has to keep adjusting his sights, because the exchange rate is going up and down! He should not have to worry about it. Why not? Other variants go up and down, like interest rates and War Loan and the price of eggs, and what is so special about the exchange rate? In any case, when the chap is on a six-figure salary with share options and performance bonuses and pen- sion contributions and Wimbledon tickets, is it too much to ask him to worry? If he knows of a better hole, he can go to it. As for the general staff, they should remember that they command the CBI, not the PBI hard-earned acronym for the Poor Bloody Infantry.
Previous page
