92002E2467

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2467/02

by Paulo Casaca (PSE) to the Commission

(29 August 2002)

Subject: Aid C35/02 adaptation of the national tax system to the specific characteristics of the Azores

The author of this question calls on the Commission once again to supply an answer to his question E-1703/02(1). Instead of an answer proper, he has to date received only the following note: The Honourable Member's request will be dealt with pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001(2) of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents.

The question was concerned was, obviously, tabled pursuant to that regulation which has been in force since 3 December 2001 and it is on the strength of that same regulation that the author continues to expect an answer.

The existence of the documents concerned has been made public, on the Commission's initiative, in the Official Journal. It should be obvious that there can be no question of invoking Article 4 of the above-mentioned Regulation, and indeed the Commission has on no occasion done so.

In view of the above, the author of this question stresses that he is awaiting an answer to his question E-1703/02, pursuant of course to Regulation No 1049/2001.

(1) OJ C 28 E, 6.2.2003, p. 129.

(2) OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43.

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(4 October 2002)

The Commission has carefully examined the Honourable Member's question regarding a request for access to the correspondence exchanged between its departments and the Portuguese authorities as part of the preliminary investigation of a state aid scheme. However, it can merely confirm that such a request will have to be dealt with pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of 30 May 2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents and in accordance with the appropriate procedures.

The Commission will be contacting the Honourable Member in the very near future.