CBI turns its guns on EC policies

LEADERS of the Confederation of British Industry yesterday attempted to paper over an apparent rift between business leaders and ministers. After last week's well-publicised outburst against the Government's seemingly anti-European attitudes by Howard Davies, its director general, the CBI has directed its fire at the European Commission.

A poll on the eve of its annual conference shows widespread opposition to EC social and agricultural policies and frustration over the slow progress towards a single market. However, it also shows eight in ten of those surveyed still favour a single currency in the long term.

Meanwhile, business leaders reiterated their plea to the Chancellor for an investment-led and tax-neutral Budget later this month to speed economic recovery. The call was backed by a report showing investment in manufacturing remains flat, while recession in Europe has taken the steam out of exports.

CBI conference, page 27