European Union (Finance) Bill

Graham P Jones Excerpts

Tuesday 23rd June 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

The most important thing we can do is reduce the EU budget because that then focuses the mind of the European institutions to ensure that the money they are able to spend is prioritised in the right way. I come back to how the money is spent and the importance of focusing more on items that will help ensure a more dynamic European economy—more on research and development, for example—and proportionately less on the common agricultural policy. That is something that all hon. Members should support. That has been achieved.

[Graham Jones (Hyndburn) (Lab)]

I think the Minister has answered my question. It was about the common agricultural policy, and he has just walked into the answer.

[Mr Gauke]

Walked into it? I ran with enthusiasm into the answer, and I am glad that I anticipated the hon. Gentleman’s point.