European Parliament
Evans, Robert J.E. (PSE ).
Mr President, I have great respect for Spain, which is one of my favourite places in Europe. However, I am concerned to learn from the Health Protection Agency that out of 6000 salmonella cases in the United Kingdom, the majority can be traced back to eggs from Spain. I am not sure whether experience in the egg industry features on your lengthy CV, but I wonder whether I could urge, through you, that cooperation take place between the Spanish authorities and the Commission to try and resolve the situation, so as to avoid people calling for a ban on the import of Spanish eggs.
I would also like to ask you, President, when the practice for this period of one–minute statements changed from a 'catch–the–eye' system to one where Members have to put down their names in advance. In the past, the President could use his or her discretion: for example, you, Mr President, could have chosen to limit the number of right-wing Catholics that you wished to allow to speak, thus giving a better balance. When did the system change from catch–the–eye to putting down names?

