Farmers and Europe
From: David Summers, Canon Howard Dobson, The Yen C. Witton-Davies, Elizabeth Hare, A. W. B. Simpson, Keith Macklin, Martin Sey- mour-Smith. Meg Dougal, Richard Rose, Evelyn King, MP, A. I. Parkinson, W. Bronzwaer, Harold Harris, A. A. Evans. Alistair Gibb, Dave Cunliffe.
SIR,—Many farmers are viewing with alarm the attitude being taken once again by the National Farmers' Union towards our possible entry into the Common Market. The NFU is helping those in Europe, who believe that we are not yet ready for entry, by indicating that at any rate one im- portant section of the British nation is not European-minded.
In addition to the general attitude of niggling opposition, the latest report of the NFU takes a more sinister line. It states: 'Should the Govern- ment's exploratory talks result in a formal appli- cation to join the EEC, the union will have to impress its views firmly on our own Government and on other countries throughout the negotiating period. If the negotiations result in this country joining the Common Market, it will be essential for the union to press its case in Brussels: Surely this is the task of the British government and not for a section of the nation? This approach certainly seems to be overstepping the rights of any union to interfere in government matters.
While this negative approach is NFU policy I have withheld my subscription.
Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire
Previous page
