91998E3753

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3753/98

by Mair Morgan (PSE) to the Commission

(27 November 1998)

Subject: Expenditure on information and communication activities in the UK

Following the reply to Written Question P-3013/98(1) given to me by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission on 18 November 1998, would the Commission provide a further detailed breakdown of the 1998 budget allocation of ECU 3,3 million for information and communication activities for the UK, including administrative costs, publications, hospitality, etc.?

Would the Commission also supply a further breakdown of how exactly the indicative expenditure for information and communication activities in Wales of ECU 116 500 in 1997 and ECU 39 450 in 1998 was spent?

Would the Commission explain why there was such a large reduction in expenditure on information and communication activities in the UK between 1997 and 1998?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

(5 February 1999)

The ECU 3,3 million budget of the Commission Representation in London for 1998 to which the Honourable Member refers breaks down as follows: public opinion analysis (ECU 135 464), dissemination of information (ECU 639 382), direct communication activities (ECU 292 586), communication activities via civil society (ECU 61 381), public relations (ECU 328 000), support (ECU 509 768) and communication activities via relays (ECU 1 341 009). This last item breaks down into the Europe service contract (ECU 777 329, education (ECU 553 353) and the public information relay factfile (ECU 11 327).

The above figures cover the Commission's representation activities throughout the United Kingdom, including Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. This also covers publications, the national relay network, storage, distribution and the mobile information unit. In addition, since Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland also have their own Offices, resources are earmarked for them for targeted policy and information activities. Expenditure for Wales in 1998 (in ecus; figures for 1997 shown in brackets) breaks down as follows: direct communication activities 13 691 (86 486), communication activities via civil society 5 000 (-), communication activities via relays (education) 43 265 (39 044), public relations 8 700 (1 608), support 1 700 (2 000) and dissemination of information (1997 budget subheading) 0 (1 710). This gives a total for 1998 of 72 356 (1997-130 848).

The difference between expenditure in 1997 and 1998 referred to by the Honourable Member is accounted for by the preparations for the UK Council Presidency, at which time more prominence is naturally given to the image of the Community. This entails a significant increase in the number and type of tasks undertaken by the Commission Representation during the Presidency. In terms of the budget, some appropriations were granted in 1997 but disbursed in 1998.

(1) See page 22.