91997E3552

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3552/97 by Gianni Tamino (V) to the Commission (12 November 1997)

Subject: Funding under Regulation 1318/93/EEC in Italy and sales of Colorado meat

Further to my previous questions E-4101/96 ((OJ C 217, 17.7.1997, p. 62. )) and E-0970/97 ((OJ C 45, 10.2.1998, p. 11. )) on the subject of EU funding for advertisements to promote the consumption of beef and veal in Italy, which have been condemned by the Italian self-regulatory authority for advertising standards, a member of the AEEP/EASA (European advertising standards association), I wish to point out that the Rome edition of the 'Corriere della Sera' newspaper of 21 October 1997 contained a page of advertising from the 'GF Commercio Carni' company, a signatory to the aforementioned notices together with the 'Consorzio Italiano Macellatori', which refers to the EEC mark obtained and their compliance with the 'Pregiata Qualità Bovina' certified quality standard. It also states that 'in a constant bid to improve quality, we have included among our most prestigious products Colorado 'American beef''.

Does the Commission consider it acceptable to extend funding to companies which, in the same advertisement, pride themselves in having obtained the EEC mark and in selling non-European - indeed American - meat?

What is the total amount granted by the Commission to 'GF Commercio Carni' and 'Consorzio Italiano Macellatori'?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (10 December 1997)

The page of advertising to which the Honourable Member refers does not form part of any promotion campaign funded by the Community.

It is purely commercial advertising by a company which sells both high-quality meat which meets the Community criteria and meat of other origins.

The Commission is sending the decision on the Community's financial contribution to 1997 programmes to promote high-quality beef to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat direct.