Labour's stand on hunting

Opposition leader Alfred Sant (April 11) persists with the politics of misinformation.

It would have been more suitable had Dr Sant informed esteemed readers about Labour's stand on hunting. All we have heard so far from himself, and his camp, was first that Malta has to abide by EU regulations. This was followed by an outrageous claim by one of his spokesmen, namely Roderick Galdes, who flaunted the idea that Labour will try to re-negotiate the Treaty of Accession. Finally, Labour deputy leader Charles Mangion said in a meeting with hunters (in Dr Sant's absence) that Malta has to base its policies on EU regulations. All this was done in quick succession and with Dr Sant maintaining a brave face.

With regard to the issue of farmers, Dr Sant has conveniently omitted the various steps which precede the use of the safeguard clause which was negotiated and which is clearly included in the Treaty of Accession. The subsidies regime serves as the first level of protection and assistance to farmers. The market prices are also another protective factor and vegetable and fruit prices in Malta have always been stable above the average EU prices.

It is only once these two factors falter that the safeguard clause can be invoked. All this was negotiated by the government without any help from Dr Sant or Labour that never participated in the pre-accession meetings held locally within Meusac.

However, I cannot but point out the fact that Dr Sant is bold to talk about farmers being able to compete on a level playing field when it was he who campaigned strenuously for a partnership agreement with the EU which would have included a free-trade area comprising the agricultural sector without any subsidies and/or financial assistance from the EU.