19 APRIL 1975, Page 14

Victor Selwyn is the editor of the Brussels publication Guide to National Practices in Western Europe

Capful

Bulging with beef • Should give relief; Flooded with wine Sounds good and fine; Engulfed by eggs Some bounty begs A land replete With lots to eat; Or so I thought This plenty ought To mean, and so Makes prices low.

But farmers cross Don't want a loss; And CAP Won't let there be Too much on sale Lest prices fail.

So land replete Means less to eat With prices high Up in the sky.

But touch your CAP, And take the rap, For this unlocks A paradox. Basil Charles •