92000E1320

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1320/00

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(27 April 2000)

Subject: European school milk scheme

The Commission is proposing to radically change the school milk scheme. At the moment, the disposal of milk in schools is fully subsidised by the European Union. In future this financing would be halved. The other half of the financing would then have to come from the Member States, but they would be allowed to pass on the costs to milk producers and/or the dairy industry. These sweeping proposals are encountering a great deal of opposition, due in part to the negative consequences for milk consumption.

1. What are the grounds for the Commission's proposals to halve aid for the school milk scheme?

2. Has the Commission carried out a detailed study of the impact of its proposal on milk consumption in schools?

(a) If not, why is that the case, and does the Commission intend to carry out a study in view of the probable negative impact on milk consumption?

(b) If so, what are the anticipated effects, and what conclusions does the Commission draw from the results of this research?

3. Does the Commission not consider it more advisable to continue to fully subsidise the school milk scheme in view of the health benefits of milk?

(a) If not, why is the Commission sticking to its proposal to halve aid in spite of the health benefits of milk?

(b) If so, will the school milk scheme be financed on a long-term basis by the European Union?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(7 June 2000)

1. Under the Commission's proposal of 10 December 1999(1) for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EEC) No 1255/1999 on the common organisation of the market in milk and milk products, the reduction in Community aid would be more than offset by a compulsory national contribution. This would mean that the total aid granted would rise from 95 % to 100 % of the milk target price. For the arguments in support of this proposal, the Honourable Member is referred to the explanatory memorandum accompanying it.

2. The basis for the proposal includes an assessment study made by external consultants that can be accessed on the Commission's Internet site. Its conclusions were that the aid and its amount had only a limited impact on availability of milk products in schools and the level of consumption in general.

3. The Commission freely acknowledges that distribution of milk in schools can help achieve nutritional and social objectives. That is in fact why it considers that the aid should not fall exclusively to the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund but be split between it and the Member States. The Commission's proposal confirms the Community's financial commitment to the school milk scheme.

(1) OJ C 89, 28.3.2000.