WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3430/98 by Jaime VALDIVIELSO DE CUÉ to the Commission. Fisheries
C 182/84 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 28. 6. 1999 (1999/C 182/108) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3429/98 by Bill Miller (PSE) to the Commission (24 November 1998) Subject: Subsidies to the wine industry I refer to the answer given by Commissioner Fischler (E-2198/98 (1)) on the above topic. It indicates that a proposal for a Council regulation (EC) on the common organisation of the market in wine does provide for expenditure higher than the average over the last few wine years. Is this in addition to the aid which is envisaged under the Agenda 2000 proposals? (1) See page 3. Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (22 December 1998) The initial forecasts of expenditure in the wine sector under Agenda 2000 (1) as presented on 15 July 1997 did not take into account the draft proposal for reforming the sector. These forecasts were based on estimated expenditure as a result of expected production in the following wine year and the legislation in force. The draft proposal for reforming the common organisation of the wine market presented by the Commission on 16 July 1998 (2) (a year after Agenda 2000) provides for schemes to redirect wine-growing to adjust to market requirements and eventually avoid surpluses. The expenditure on this conversion effort will put up spending slightly in the first years after the reform but will produce a rationalisation of the market over the medium term. The financial framework for Agenda 2000 is being updated as more precise information becomes available. This also applies to the market organisation for wine, which will be included in the new financial perspective covering Agenda 2000. (1) COM(97) 2000 final. (2) OJ C 271, 31. 8. 1998. (1999/C 182/109) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3430/98 by Jaime Valdivielso de Cué (PPE) to the Commission (24 November 1998) Subject: Fisheries The first round of high-level fisheries consultations between the EU (represented by António Cavaco, Director- General for Fisheries at the Commission) and Japan took place on 17 July 1998. One of the specific matters dealt with was the dispute with Japan over fish aggregation devices used to catch tuna in the Bay of Biscay. Furthermore, a large number of Basque families remain dependent on these fishing grounds, in which Basque fishermen have used traditional vessels and equipment for some time past. Will the Commission provide information on the overall outcome of the said consultations, with specific reference to their impact on the Basque fishermen who depend on the aforementioned fishing grounds? Answer given by Ms Bonino on behalf of the Commission (21 December 1998) As far as the Commission is aware, the Japanese fleet does not use fish aggregation devices for tuna fishing in the Bay of Biscay