WRITTEN QUESTION P-4056/98

by Manuel Escolá Hernando (ARE) to the Commission

(4 January 1999)

Subject: Spanish Association Against Cancer

The Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) has hitherto been the body responsible for managing the ECU 15 million granted by the Commission in 1996 to implement the programme to fight cancer in Latin America known as LICC.

The Commission recently detected a financial gap and irregularities in the management of the above Community funds during 1996 and 1997.

In view of those irregularities, the Commission decided temporarily to suspend payment of the amount awarded to the Spanish Association Against Cancer and still pending, approximately ECU 10 million.

Bearing in mind the importance of the various forms of aid granted by the European Union for developing countries, and in this case specifically for the implementation of programmes to fight cancer in Latin America, and in view of the fact that these funds are currently frozen, does the Commission plan, in the event that the problem persists, to use the amount earmarked for the Spanish Association Against Cancer but temporarily suspended for the purpose for which it was intended, that is to help cancer victims in Latin America, if necessary through a different body?

If so, when will the sums concerned be released, and through what body?

Can the Commission provide detailed information on the reasons which led to the funds being frozen, and can it give a progress report on the assessments and hearings in which it is currently engaged?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission

(19 February 1999)

In 1996, the Commission set aside 13,3 million euros to finance the "Latin America Against Cancer" programme. The Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) contributes 1,5 million euros to the total budget of 15 million euros.

The financing convention signed between the Commission and the Association of Latin American Leagues Against Cancer (ALICC) gives the latter responsibility for implementing the cooperation project. ALICC represents a group of 21 leagues or associations against cancer, most of which are Latin American. The presidency is currently held by the AECC, which also directs the project. The AECC is not, however, responsible for managing the European contribution.

During the first of the periodic external assessments provided for by the financing convention, the Commission detected weaknesses in the management of Community funds for the "Latin America Against Cancer" programme during 1996 and 1997. In the light of these findings the Commission requested an audit. The initial stage of the audit revealed that ALICC needed to make several adjustments to the administration of the project's finances. The second stage, presently under way, will complete the auditing process. It will check that ALICC has followed the previous recommendations and decide whether further Community funds can be released.

It should be noted that the programme is designed to prevent cancer in Latin America. Its action programme aims to coordinate public health policies by raising awareness amongst public authorities, and to promote the early diagnosis of certain types of cancer which greatly affect society. It also plans to inform and educate the general public, and to train medical workers and all those involved in the education process.

It does not concern the financing of patient treatment or research and it is for this reason that Latin American national leagues have been chosen as partners.