THE GREAT GRAIN ROBBERS

Abstract

Speaking recently to the Royal Overseas League in London Michael Montague, Chairman of the National Consumer Council, compared the results of the EEC's Common Agricultural Policy to the work of the great train robbers. He said, ‘On the 8th August 1963, the Great Train Robbers got away with £2.25 million. In 1985, the Great Grain Robbers, and their allies the great beef, butter, sugar, fruit, vegetable, and wine robbers, are costing the UK's 56 million consumers £1 billion a year in higher food prices — the equivalent of eight and a half train robberies a week! The Common Agricultural Policy is a blot on Europe's economic, social and political landscape. It is bad for consumers. It is bad for taxpayers. It is bad for farmers. It is bad for our industry. It is bad for Europe.’