WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2373/98 by Alexandros ALAVANOS to the Commission. Inadmissible actions by the Head of Representation of the Commission in Ankara
C 31/142 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 5. 2. 1999 (1999/C 31/198) WRITTEN QUESTION P-2373/98 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (15 July 1998) Subject: Inadmissible actions by the Head of Representation of the Commission in Ankara The Greek press has published lengthy extracts from a report by Mr Michael Lake who has, for eight years, been the Head of Representation of the European Union in Ankara. While all European Union representatives are undoubtedly entitled to draw up reports on their work containing their opinions, the substance of the document in question shows that he has, on the one hand exceeded his terms of reference and, on the other, directly challenged decisions taken by European Union institutions concerning their position regarding Turkey. The fact that Michael Lake exceeded his terms of reference was revealed when he admitted to having ádraftedí a speech by Mr Demirel, who was then Prime Minister and is now President of Turkey, and that he influenced newspapers such as the Financial Times in favour of Turkey. In addition, he challenged the European Union institutions by adopting positions diametrically opposed to the decisions of the European Council and Parliament. In accordance with what criteria was Michael Lake appointed to his post as Head of Representation of the 1. Commission in Ankara and kept there for eight years? 2. Was the Commission aware of the activities of its Head of Representation? 3. What action will the Commission take following his admissions? Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (3 September 1998) Mr Lake was nominated and executed his function in Ankara according to standing criteria and procedures. His stay in Ankara was prolonged in the interest of the service. It is not unusual for departing Heads of Delegation to express their personal views in an informal report upon departure from a posting. Mr Lakeís report falls into this category and its contents do, therefore, not necessarily have to confirm in all aspects with the positions of the Community. After the publications in the Greek press the responsible Commissioner called the Greek Foreign Minister Pangalos in order to ensure that there was no misunderstanding about the nature of the report. (1999/C 31/199) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2389/98 by Allan Macartney (ARE) to the Commission (27 July 1998) Subject: Car prices: disparities in car prices among Member States A new survey drawn up by accountants KPMG and highlighted in two BBC television programmes Top Gearí and Panoramaí confirm that car prices in the UK are on average 6. 6 % higher than in other parts of the European Union. Given that the Commission was previously convinced that disparities in car prices among Member States were largely caused by the relative strength of individual currencies and fiscal policies in Member States, what steps is the Commission now considering with a view to investigating the claims made in these broadcasts and subsequent press reports that some manufacturers are operating áprice-fixing strategiesí?