91999E1391

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1391/99

by Jannis Sakellariou (PSE) to the Commission

(1 September 1999)

Subject: Use of ERDF/EAGGF funds

ERDF/EAGGF funds have been provided by the European Commission for the purpose of extending and improving irrigated areas in the Guaro region. However, in sectors 6, 7, 8 and 9 of the right section the water pipes have not been laid.

1. Could the Commission state why the funds for this section have not been used appropriately and where the money has gone?

2. Is the Commission aware of complaints concerning the failure to lay water pipes in this section and, if so, what measures have been taken by the Commission?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(12 October 1999)

According to the information received from Spain, apart from the part-financing of the construction of the body of the Viñuela dam, the projects part-financed under measure 6.1.1 of the operational programme for the region of Andalusia for 1994-1999 are all located on the left bank of the river Vélez. The work in question has now been practically completed.

The national authorities have officially notified the Commission that the projects to which the Honourable Member refers will probably be implemented during a later phase. At present, no request for part-financing in respect of these projects has been made. Moreover, the Commission would point out that any subsequent application for assistance could be taken into consideration only if it followed the procedure laid down and was submitted officially by the Member State.

No official complaint has been made. The information received from the Spanish Government does not allow the Commission to conclude that Community funds have been fraudulently diverted.