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WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1176/96 by Werner LANGEN to the Council. Subsidies to the French textiles and clothing industry
Date: 1996-05-17
Institutions: European Parliament, LANGEN
Subjects: European Commission, France, State aid, aid system, restriction on competition, tax exemption, textile industry













EUR-Lex - 91996E1176 - EN






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91996E1176

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1176/96 by Werner LANGEN to the Council. Subsidies to the French textiles and clothing industry  


Official Journal C 385 , 19/12/1996 P. 0010 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1176/96 by Werner Langen (PPE) to the Council (17 May 1996)Subject: Subsidies to the French textiles and clothing industryThe French government has plans to relieve the French textiles and clothing industry of the obligation to pay social insurance contributions amounting to an annual sum equivalent to DM 600 million. This represents a considerable cost and competitive advantage to the industry compared with manufacturers from other Member States.1. Is the Council aware of the French government's plans?2. If so, does it feel this massive subsidy is compatible with the principle of harmonizing competitive conditions in the EU?3. What action does the Council intend taking against the plans to relieve the French industry of its obligations?Reply (29 October 1996)1. The Council wishes to point out that, as responsibilities divided up between the Community institutions, it is the Commission's task, under Artricle 93 of the EC Treaty, to keep Member States' systems of aid under constant review, to assess whether any plans to grant or alter aid are compatible with Article 93 and initiate the appropriate procedures where necessary.2. This being the case, the Honourable Member would be better advised to refer part 3 of his question to the Commission.