WRITTEN QUESTION E-1565/99 by Lucio Manisco (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Audits of Community RTD projects.
C 219 E/10 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 1. 8. 2000 (2000/C 219 E/013) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1565/99 by Lucio Manisco (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (1 September 1999) Subject: Audits of Community RTD projects For years the Court of Auditors has been asking for a substantial increase in the number of audits in the RTD field. Why has the Commission not complied with the Courtís repeated exhortations? Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission (15 October 1999) In the past three years, the Commission has continuously increased the number of checks on the spot as well as the number of audited research and technological development (RTD) contracts, as shown in the table below. Number of audits completed Cumulative % increase 1996 Number of audited contracts Cumulative % increase 1996 1996 42 100 % 55 100 % 1997 59 140 % 117 213 % 1998 69 164 % 132 240 % Audit plans have been based on a selection procedure making use of a new risk analysis method, taking into account audits on request. Furthermore, this increase in the number of audits will be enhanced by the implementation of a new framework agreement signed with an external audit firm. These measures will increase the audit capacity so as to cover 10 % of contractors in the framework of the 5th framework programme. (2000/C 219 E/014) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1585/99 by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission (1 September 1999) Subject: Mackerel Box In view of the fact that 30 000 tonnes of mackerel are caught in or around the South West Mackerel Box, does not the Commission feel it would be best for economic and vessel safety to allow this fish to be caught closer to the shore, with adequate safety being provided for the handliners who can be given their own area? Bearing in mind that 50 000 tonnes of juveniles per annum are caught off the West Coast of Ireland and that substantial tonnages are also caught by Scottish, Norwegian and Danish vessels, would the Commission consider providing a limited fishery closer to the shore in an amended Mackerel Box with no increase in tonnage, i. e. 30 000 tonnes?