WRITTEN QUESTION E-0633/00 by María Ayuso González (PPE-DE) to the Commission. The social and economic effects which the progressive withdrawal of export refunds would have on the processing and export sector.
C 46 E/22 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 13. 2. 2001 breeders)? What will be the implications for some sectors of agriculture whose principal customers are in the export and processing sector, in view of the problem of continuity which may arise, particularly in undertakings which depend on certain products? Are there any studies or reports on this subject? (2001/C 46 E/026) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0633/00 by María Ayuso GonzÆlez (PPE-DE) to the Commission (3 March 2000) Subject: The social and economic effects which the progressive withdrawal of export refunds would have on the processing and export sector In view of the World Trade Organisationís move towards having export refunds reduced or withdrawn, and in view of the many marketing and export companies which receive export refunds and which are involved in pre-export production or processing operations, has the Commission given any consideration to the social and economic effects which the gradual withdrawal of export refunds (which, in the case of many products, have become essential or crucial to the feasibility of export sales and even to the survival of companies) would have on the processing and export sector? Can it provide any studies or reports on the subject? Joint answer to Written Questions E-0631/00 and E-0633/00 given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (13 April 2000) The negotiation approach for agriculture outlined in the communication from the Commission to the Council and to the Parliament on the EU approach to the Millennium Round (1) is still relevant. In this communication it was stated that the decisions adopted regarding the reform of the common agricultural policy (CAP) within the framework of Agenda 2000 would constitute essential elements in defining the Commissionís negotiating mandate for the future multilateral negotiations at the World Trade Organisa- tion. This communication does not refer to elimination of export subsidies. It should, however, be recalled that the decisions taken regarding reform of the CAP would diminish the need for export subsidies, since market price support is reduced and support to the farmers is granted to a larger degree as direct payments. As a consequence of such reform measures, agricultural basic products will remain available for the processing industry at lower prices than at present, and the need for export subsidies for processed product will also be reduced. In addition, the Commission is considering modernisation of the inward processing regime with a view to improving transparency and predictability in the administration of the regime. The Commission is not aware of studies or reports as mentioned by the Honourable Member. (1) COM(1999) 331 final. (2001/C 46 E/027) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0638/00 by Adriana Poli Bortone (UEN) to the Commission (28 February 2000) Subject: Aid for farmers Does the Commission intend to involve Parliament in the process of granting direct aids to producers and agricultural export subsidies for the period 2000 to 2006? The agricultural sector is continually penalised