A4-0327/98

Recommendation of the European Central Bank for a Council Regulation concerning the collection of statistical information by the European Central Bank (C4-0450/98 - 98/0807(CNS))

The recommendation was approved with the following amendments:

(Amendment 1)

Recital 3

>Original text>

(3) Whereas it is therefore desirable to define a reference reporting population in terms of categories of economic units and statistical applications involved, to which the statistical powers of the ECB shall be confined and from which the ECB shall determine the actual reporting population through its regulatory power;

>Text following EP vote>

(3)

Whereas it is therefore desirable to define a reference reporting population in terms of categories of economic units and statistical applications involved, to which the statistical powers of the ECB shall be confined and from which the ECB shall determine the actual reporting population through its regulatory power; whereas in so doing attention must be paid not only to the performance of the ECB's tasks and its independence but also to keeping the burden placed on the reporting agents to a minimum;

(Amendment 2)

Recital 21

>Original text>

(21) Whereas the possible use of statistical information for the execution of the tasks of the ECB, while reducing the overall reporting burden, implies that the confidentiality regime defined in this Regulation must differ to some extent from the general Community and international principles on statistical confidentiality, and in particular from the provisions on statistical confidentiality in Council Regulation (EC) No 322/97 of 17 January 1997 on Community Statistics;

>Text following EP vote>

(21)

Whereas the possible use of statistical information for the tasks to be carried out through the ESCB in accordance with Article 105(2) of the Treaty, while reducing the overall reporting burden, implies that the confidentiality regime defined in this Regulation must differ to some extent from the general Community and international principles on statistical confidentiality, and in particular from the provisions on statistical confidentiality in Council Regulation (EC) No 322/97 of 17 January 1997 on Community Statistics;

(Amendment 3)

Article 2a (new)

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

Article 2a

Community statistical principles

1. In meeting its statistical reporting requirements the ECB shall observe the principles which apply to the collection of all Community data and all other statistical activities.

2. These principles include in particular those set out in Council Regulation (EC) No 322/97 of 17 February 1997 on Community Statistics, such as the observance of scientific principles, impartiality, the verifiability of results, the requirement of publication and the right of reporting agents to be consulted.

3. Derogations from the Community statistical principles shall be permitted where the ECB would otherwise be severely hampered in the performance of its duties.

(Amendment 4)

Article 7(4a) (new)

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

4a. The sanctions set out in paragraph 4 shall not be applied where reporting agents are able to demonstrate that for reasons beyond their control they were unable to transmit the data.

(Amendment 5)

Article 8(2)

>Original text>

2. Transmission from the national central banks to the ECB of confidential statistical information shall take place to the extent and at the level of detail necessary for the exercise of the tasks of the ESCB, including the appropriate monitoring of compliance with any reserve requirements in the event that the latter are established on the basis of individual statistical information collected through the ECB¨s regulatory power.

>Text following EP vote>

2.

Transmission from the national central banks to the ECB of confidential statistical information shall take place to the extent and at the level of detail necessary for the exercise of the tasks to be carried out through the ESCB as described in Article 105(2) of the Treaty.

(Amendment 6)

Article 8(3)

>Original text>

3. Reporting agents shall be informed of the uses to which statistical information provided by them may be put.

>Text following EP vote>

3.

Reporting agents shall be informed of the uses to which statistical information provided by them may be put. Reporting agents shall have the right to obtain information on the legal basis for the transmission and use of the statistical information and the protective measures adopted.

Legislative resolution embodying Parliament's opinion on the recommendation of the European Central Bank for a Council Regulation concerning the collection of statistical information by the European Central Bank (C4-0450/98 - 98/0807(CNS))(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the recommendation by the European Central Bank to the Council, 98/0807(CNS) ((OJ C 246, 6.8.1998, p.12.)),

- having been consulted by the Council pursuant to Article 106(6) of the EC Treaty (C4-0450/98),

- having regard to Rule 58 of its Rules of Procedure,

- having regard to the report of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and Industrial Policy (A4-0327/98),

1. Approves the recommendation by the European Central Bank, subject to Parliament's amendments;

2. Asks to be consulted again should the Council intend to make substantial modifications to the recommendation by the European Central Bank;

3. Instructs its President to forward this opinion to the Council, the Commission and the European Central Bank.