WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1867/97 by Carlos ROBLES PIQUER to the Commission. Vested interests in cocoa campaign
C 21/106 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 22. 1. 98 › Clearly conflict with the multi-fund management of Community resources since they deny the legitimate use of the funds intended in particular for Objective 1 regions? › Call into question the entire diversification measure since they concern the economic part of the plan and actually hinder diversification into other fishing activities which can be financed from Community funds? Does the Council not also consider that it should reconsult Parliament on the additions or, if necessary, agree to apply the conciliation procedure? (1) OJ C 59, 26. 2. 1997, p. 21. Answer (6 August 1997) On the basis of a proposal from the Commission, and having received and studied the Opinion delivered by the European Parliament, on 29 April 1997 the Council effectively adopted a specific measure to encourage Italian fishermen to diversify out of certain fishing activities. The Council considers that the changes made, further to its proceedings, to the text of the Commission proposal do not depart significantly and substantially from that proposal. The Council therefore considered that reconsultation of Parliament was not necessary. Furthermore, the Commission did not go along with the amendments suggested by Parliament. (98/C 21/214) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1867/97 by Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) to the Commission (30 May 1997) Subject: Vested interests in cocoa campaign The Kangaroo Group Newsletter published in Brussels (March 1997 ed. , No 12, pp. 18 and 19) contains an article signed by Ju¤rgen Boltz, of European Public Policy Advisers, London, on the single market in chocolate products. Mr Boltz argues that this market should be standardized and endorses the Commissionís proposal for a directive, which he claims is accepted by European chocolate manufacturers who are members of CAOBISCO on the ground that it represents clear progress towards improving the single market in this product. Mr Boltz also claims that the proposal does not enjoy the support it needs among consumer organizations and politicians because of a campaign conducted against it áwhich is largely financed by powerful cocoa interestsí. Given the importance of this matter for many ACP countries, can the Commission say whether this grave accusation is true or whether what is occurring is simply a legitimate conflict of interests and opinions? Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (11 July 1997) The Commission would prefer not to comment on the statements made in the article referred to by the Honourable Member. It would stress that the proposal for a directive on cocoa products and chocolate (1) currently being examined by the Council and Parliament was subjected to a long process of consultation of the circles concerned during its preparation. It feels that its proposal is based on an equitable balance of those interests. (1) OJ C 231, 9. 8. 1996