91998E0625

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0625/98 by Juan Colino Salamanca (PSE) and Jesús Cabezón Alonso (PSE) to the Commission (9 March 1998)

Subject: COM in raw tobacco: use of the research fund

The current proposal to reform the COM in raw tobacco establishes a Community Tobacco Fund, funded by holding back the equivalent of 2% of the subsidy; the current level is 1%.

1. What is the total amount of funding raised from the subsidy over the first three years?

2. What research programmes or other activities have been carried out in previous years with monies from this research fund?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (27 March 1998)

During the first three years (1995, 1996 and 1997), the Commission made payments totalling ECU 3.26 million from the Community tobacco research and information fund. These payments were for the implementation of the first phases of what are in most cases multiannual projects (extending, in the case of research, over five years). The Commission has approved total funding of ECU 25.88 million for research and information projects, the last of which will be completed in 2003.

The programmes selected for funding from the Community tobacco research and information fund from those submitted in response to the two invitations to tender are given in the table sent directly to the Honourable Members and to the Secretariat of Parliament.