John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I support the call by Senator Hayes for the House to debate the situation in Iraq and express its concern that the United States might act unilaterally without the backing of a UN resolution. The difficulties elsewhere in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Palestine, should be included in such a debate. With the election of a new government in Israel, it is hoped progress can be made to reach a settlement which will end the slaughter on both sides.

The Fischler proposals on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy are another important matter. They will have a profound effect if they go through in the form they were published. It is important that the House should debate this issue because it has implications beyond the farm gate in terms of employment and the prospects of the meat processing and dairy industries, about which we need to be conscious. It would be appropriate that the House should give serious attention to this issue.