WRITTEN QUESTION E-1463/02

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(27 May 2002)

Subject: Funding of alternative range of textbooks under the 1st operational programme Education and initial vocational training

Subprogramme 1, measure 1, action (a) entitled Books-Programmes, forming part of the 1st operational programme Education and initial vocational training in Greece, provided for the publication of an alternative range of teaching material, such as a selection of textbooks for second-year physics. One year after their publication, these books were withdrawn because of the problems they created in the educational process.

1. What amount of funding was made available for this project?

2. What measures will the Commission take?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(5 July 2002)

Under the operational programme mentioned by the Honourable Member, funding for the production and publication of an alternative range of books/textbooks was actually provided.

The action referred to was implemented and financed under this programme to the tune of Ecus 200 000.

According to information provided to the Commission by the Ministry of Education, some of these textbooks have been withdrawn.

The Commission does not currently have any other information on this matter. A letter will therefore be sent to the Ministry of Education in order to look at what action to take concerning this question when the operational programme is wound up.