WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1876/97 by Honório NOVO to the Commission. Situation of GIP (Grundig-Indústria de Portugal) in Braga
10. 2. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 45/117 Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (24 June 1997) The functions and duties of the Community reference laboratory for diseases of bivalve molluscs are described in Annex B to Council Directive 95/70/EC introducing minimum Community measures for the control of certain fish diseases affecting bivalve molluscs (1). These functions and duties are related to the diagnosis of diseases affecting bivalve molluscs. These are based on histopathology and do not involve experiments with animals. (1) OJ L 332, 30. 12. 1995. (98/C 45/148) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1876/97 by Hono·rio Novo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (30 May 1997) Subject: Situation of GIP (Grundig-Indu·stria de Portugal) in Braga A few days ago, in a development related to my earlier questions (P-3533/96 (1) and E-1414/97), to which full answers have yet to be supplied, Grundig initiated the collective sacking of 114 workers, including every single union delegate and member of the companyís representative union structures. 300 other workers had their contracts terminated by mutual agreement with the Grundig management. The management of this transnational company suggested that the workers concerned could transfer their services to another company, Bosch, which was expected to átake overí the plant to be vacated by Grundig. Can the Commission state whether it is aware of any intention on the part of Bosch to set up in Braga, and whether that company has applied for any Community cofinancing to aid it to start operations in the northern Portuguese city concerned? (1) OJ C 83, 14. 3. 1997, p. 131. (98/C 45/149) WRITTEN QUESTION P-2207/97 by Hono·rio Novo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (13 June 1997) Subject: Relocation of the GIP (Grundig Industries Portugal) audio equipment factory in Braga I am grateful for the Commissionís reply (E-1414/97 (1)) of 27 May 1997 but I do not feel that it answers the question I asked on 3 April 1997 concerning the possible relocation of the Grundig factory to Hungary. There is indeed certain information to hand which indicates that Grundig intends to close down its factory in Braga and to transfer part or all of its manufacturing capacity to Hungary or some other non-EU country. If this occurs it will constitute a clear case of business relocation which will harm a disadvantaged region of Portugal and jeopardize the social and economic cohesion of the EU. In view of this I am returning to the topic and would like an answer to the following question. If, under the current legislative and regulatory framework of the Structural Funds, Grundig were to submit an application for investment in Hungary or any other country that is not an EU Member State in respect of manufacturing capacity to replace that currently available in Braga, would the Commission support such an application? (1) OJ C 373, 9. 12. 1997, p. 122