92001E2902

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2902/01

by Camilo Nogueira Román (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(22 October 2001)

Subject: Complaint over use of EU funds for concentration of rural holdings

Donato Rodríguez Loredo, a citizen from Galicia (Spain), has, beginning in 1996, submitted a series of requests for information and complaints to the Commission's Directorate-General for Agriculture concerning the concentration of rural holdings in Lourenzá-Norte (Vilanova de Lorenzá, in the province of Lugo). In its replies

to these initiatives, the DG initially claimed that the matter fell under Spanish rather than Community law. Despite this, Mr Rodríguez Loredo sent a further letter complaining at the irregularities perpetrated by the Galician regional government with regard to road building in the countryside, having received information to the effect that problems relating to defective construction had led the Commission to review the use of a large sum paid in aid for construction work in the area concerned. Can the DG for Agriculture provide information on these anomalous circumstances? Were the Community funds intended for this scheme withdrawn following checks made by the DG?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(6 December 2001)

In 1995 the Commission conducted an inspection of the programmes for improving the conditions of agricultural production and for environmental protection and the conservation of natural resources in the Spanish Region of Galicia.

In the absence of certain persons in charge of the project referred to by the Honourable Member, the Commission decided not to proceed with the inspection. The task was therefore passed on to the national inspectors. The Commission sent a letter to the Spanish authorities requesting them to look into the matter and accordingly to inspect the project.

In June 1997 the Galicia financial control department conducted an inspection of the project and drew up a report. The Spanish authorities have been asked to provide a copy of that report.

The Commission suggests that the Honourable Member contact the State financial control department, the national body responsible for coordinating inspections in Spain, for further information on this matter.