WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3719/97 by Stelios ARGYROS to the Commission. Information brochure published by the Common Research Centre
8. 6. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 174/107 3. Community citizens who consider themselves to have been discriminated against through a decision of the authorities of a Member State concerning access to training or to the taking-up or pursuit of a profession may apply to the courts of the country in question. If there is doubt whether a provision of national law is compatible with Community law, the national court may, where necessary, submit a reference to the Court of Justice for a preliminary ruling on one or more questions. The individuals in question may also make a complaint to the Commission. (98/C 174/166) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3719/97 by Stelios Argyros (PPE) to the Commission (19 November 1997) Subject: Information brochure published by the Common Research Centre The European Research Centre (Commission, DG XII) recently issued a multifold information brochure in A4 x 8 format concerning the Joint Research Centres. This publication is printed on both sides and appears on áillustrationí paper with plastic surfacing. Owing to its format, this publication is of questionable practical utility; moreover, owing to its composition, the paper is non-recyclable and is thus non-environmentally friendly. However, it was undoubtedly very expensive to produce, despite attempts to cut the cost of the JRCs as part of the general austerity measures applied to Community research policy. Will the Commission say: › How much did this publication cost to produce? › Which service approved the expenditure? › What is believed to be purpose and expected benefit of this publication? Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (7 January 1998) The Commissionís Joint Research Centre (JRC) plays a vital role in providing scientific assistance for Community policies. Moreover, it has great potential for promoting innovation in European industry through its competitive activities, but this potential is not sufficiently well known as yet. Consequently, an active approach to promoting the transfer of technology, collaborative research and training has been adopted, with a view to increasing the value added by the JRC for the individual and for European industry. This approach also means that the JRCís activities have to be more clearly explained. The poster to which the Honourable Member refers was produced with this aim in mind. It cost ECU 6 114 for 10 000 copies. (98/C 174/167) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3720/97 by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission (21 November 1997) Subject: Benefit levels for carers in EU Member States Can the Commission please provide a breakdown by Member State of the level of benefit paid to individuals acting as a carer for a disabled person, an elderly person or children?