WRITTEN QUESTION E-4008/97 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE) to the Commission (14 January 1998)

Subject: R & TD in the production of slate in the EU

In its proposal for an European Parliament and Council decision on the fifth framework programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (1998-2002) (COM(97) 0142 ((OJ C 173, 7.6.1997, p. 10. ))), the Commission states that SMUs, as important transmitters and agents of innovation accounting for two-thirds of jobs in the EU, should be enabled to have easy access to the advanced technologies they need and to the opportunities offered by the Union's research programmes. The Commission also refers to the need for the Union's human potential - i.e. the quality of its researchers, engineers and technicians - to be maintained, quantitatively improved and exploited as effectively as possible.

Given that 98% of all undertakings in the Union in the slate production sector are SMUs, can the Commission state what projects have been cofinanced by the EU under the fourth framework programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (1995-1998) involving the participation of undertakings from that sector, specifying the Member State of execution, the total sum concerned for each project and the level of Community cofinancing?

Can the Commission state whether specific provision will be made for slate production in the fifth framework programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (1998-2002)?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (4 February 1998)

The slates sector, as well as other industrial sectors in mining, quarrying and stone processing are potential participants in the 4th Research and technological development (RTD) framework programme ((OJ L 126, 18.5.1994. )), most notably in the programme related to industrial and materials technologies (IMT), but also in other programmes such as information technology, energy, environment.

Research activities within the 4th RTD framework programme are not oriented towards specific industrial sectors, therefore it is more appropriate to provide specific examples rather than detailed sectorial data.

As examples, three projects can be cited, funded under the technology stimulation measures (CRAFT) scheme of the IMT programme. These projects involve 16 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Spain, Ireland, Portugal, Finland and United Kingdom.

1. Innovative complete production line for the manufacture of slate flooring tiles Project No BES2-5168 Community funding ECU 187 000.

2. Recovery of slate waste Project No BES2-2134 Community funding ECU 387 500.

3. Development of expanded slate for horticultural and aggregate use Project No BES2-5271 Community funding ECU 309 800.

As suggested in the question, the 5th RTD framework programme proposal ((COM(97) 142 final. )) is designed to enhance the support to the participation of SMEs namely through the programme 'Innovation and SMEs'. Undertakings from the slate sector will have opportunities to participate as in the past, in particular in the activities under the themes 'Creating a user friendly information and society' and 'Promoting a competitive and sustainable growth'.