WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3341/97 by Bárbara DÜHRKOP DÜHRKOP to the Commission. Erasmus accompanying measures
30. 4. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 134/141 In the United Kingdom, the basic safety net provided for women not qualifying for SMP is £52. 50 per week for 12 weeks. In the light of the ECJ ruling in the Gillespie case that the equal pay directive neither requires full pay nor lays down criteria for determining the amount payable, provided that amount is not so low as to jeopardise the purpose of maternity leave, would the Commission not agree that the UK safety net for women who fall into the 16-week loophole is so low as to jeopardise the purpose of maternity leave, most particularly for women whose income is the main source of revenue for a family? Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (21 November 1997) The Honourable Memberís question concerns complex national legislation, and its alleged failure to comply with a fundamental principle of Community law. In order to allow a definitive reply, the British authorities have been contacted to clarify the precise impact of British legislation in the situation described by the Honourable Member. As soon as the information is available, the Commission will reply in full. (98/C 134/189) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3341/97 by Ba·rbara Du¤hrkop Du¤ hrkop (PSE) to the Commission (22 October 1997) Subject: Erasmus accompanying measures Some of those taking part in the Socrates programme (Action III) have expressed surprise at the fact that the Socrates accompanying measures will from now on be focused on national rather than transnational organizations. Can the Commission confirm this change? If so, what were the reasons for the change? Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (21 November 1997) The Honourable Member is probably referring to the complementary measures under the Socrates programme which are set out in Chapter III, Action 3, point 5, section B of the Annex to Decision 819/95/EC (1) establishing the action programme. The Commission can confirm that there has been no change in policy in this regard. As the 1997 applicants’ guide points out, the complementary measures are open to institutions, organisations or associations working in the education sector. As a general rule, the activities undertaken by European associations and groupings are dealt with as a matter of priority. Furthermore, one of the activities that receives support is the setting-up or consolidation of European associations in the field of education. For all projects receiving support under Action 3 of the programme, particular attention is paid to the multilateral nature of the activities and the quality of the projects with a view to introducing a European dimension into the area of education. (1) OJ L 87, 20. 4. 1995