WRITTEN QUESTION No. 147/98 by Graham MATHER to the Commission. Slot allocation at Schipol Airport, Amsterdam
17. 7. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 223/125 The new common organisation of the market, which came into force last year, aims specifically to enable producersí organisations to improve their structural situation (by encouraging them to market their own products and to set up operational funds and operational programmes). 2. Withdrawals cannot be considered as a subtitute market outlet. The 35% limit, degressive over time, was fixed by the Council to prevent misuse of the measure, which should be applied only occasionally. 3. During recent marketing years, more than three quarters of Greek production benefitted from Community financial support (export refunds, processing aid, market withdrawals). In addition, at the request of the Greek authorities, on 5 February 1998 the Commission approved the free distribution of 11 600 tonnes of oranges to Greeceís non-Community neighbours. Lastly, when the export refunds were last fixed, the share of quantities earmarked for B licences was increased, in accordance with exportersí wishes, while remaining within the limits laid down in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) agreements. (98/C 223/160) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0146/98 by Brian Simpson (PSE) to the Commission (2 February 1998) Subject: Dresser-Rand Is the Commission aware that the Dresser-Rand Company based in Wythenshawe, United Kingdom, is to transfer its production to Le Havre in France with the loss of 300 jobs from an ERDF Objective 2 area? Can the Commission investigate whether this move resulted from illegal subsidies or sweeteners paid to the company by the French authorities? Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (6 March 1998) The Commission has taken note of the question put by the Honourable Member. It has already responded in a positive manner, by contacting the French authorities to ensure that Community rules on state aid are being complied with. It will inform the Honourable Member as soon as possible of the findings of its investigations. (98/C 223/161) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0147/98 by Graham Mather (PPE) to the Commission (2 February 1998) Subject: Slot allocation at Schipol Airport, Amsterdam As a result of complaints about noise pollution, the Netherlands Government last year took a decision, under Regulation (EEC) No 95/93 (1) to declare Schipol over capacity and to reduce by 10 000 the number of slots available. Many regional airports, such as Southampton Airport in the UK, were badly affected by this decision. Southampton has lost all five of its daily slots at Schipol. Regional airports which are able to offer regular flights to major international airports make an enormous contribution to the regional economy