SIR - The European Union continues to ignore its consumers and to maintain its position as the biggest enemy to the development of the underdeveloped economies round the world.
After the bra wars a couple of months ago, when a handful of southern European manufacturers caused the price of clothes to rise, we now see a handful of shoe manufacturers which employs about 10,000 people demanding that the EU impose a 30 per cent duty and/or quotas on shoe imports from outside the EU. This will mean the price of a £40 pair of ladies shoes will rise to £52. Who will suffer? It's us.
The Doha trade round is about to collapse in acrimony because the EU, egged on by the French, are refusing to reduce CAP subsidies although every other nation, including the USA, has promised to reduce subsidies.
Countries as varied as Brazil, Australia, South Africa are pointing the finger at the intransigent EU negotiators. If there's no agreement, who will suffer because food prices will remain high? You've guessed it - us.
It is about time we were allowed to decide whether we wanted to stay part of this inward- looking negative bloc that is a barrier to world prosperity.
MARK STARR,
Leigh Sinton.
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