WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1122/98 by Peter CRAMPTON to the Commission. Coordination between DG1B and DGVIII
C 386/84 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 11. 12. 98 consumption within the Community, using procedures that should be as clear and simple as possible to avoid hindering the growth of this new trading medium. The Commission is therefore reviewing customs and VAT legislation and procedures in the light of electronic commerce development and closely following and studying the evolution of network protocols and business practices so that suitable tax solutions can be developed in detail and implemented as the need arises. The Commission is actively participating in work in other international fora, in particular within the Organisation for economic cooperation and development (OECD) to ensure provision of the necessary international framework for taxation. Indeed work is on-going to prepare áframework conditionsí for taxation which could be presented to the OECD ministerial conference in Ottawa. (1) COM(98) 50 final. (2) COM(97) 157 final. (98/C 386/111) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1119/98 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (8 April 1998) Subject: Closure of the department of archaeology at the University of Mannheim The University of Mannheim in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is to close down departments dealing with classical studies for áfinancial reasonsí. In view of the important contribution to the development of classical studies and research made by the departments under threat at the University and the importance that the European Union attaches to the ácommon cultural heritageí, will the Commission say whether programmes of aid are available for the departments concerned to continue their activities, should the University submit a request? Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (25 May 1998) The Community funds intended to strengthen cooperation between Member Statesí education systems and give a European dimension to teaching at all levels are those provided for under the Communityís Socrates programme. The activities eligible under the Socrates programme do not include the funding of university departments. (98/C 386/112) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1122/98 by Peter Crampton (PSE) to the Commission (8 April 1998) Subject: Coordination between DG1B and DGVIII Following the creation of a new Common Services Unit in the Commission aimed at improving coordination between DG1B and DGVIII, further clarifications are required concerning the effect on the management and effectiveness of reproductive health assistance. 1. When will the new unit begin operating? 2. How will it be staffed (who will be responsible and how many people will be involved)?