WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3224/98 by Umberto BOSSI to the Commission. Milk production
Date: 1998-10-26
Institutions: BOSSI, European Parliament
Subjects: EU control, Italy, agricultural levy, agricultural quota, closing of accounts, dairy production, free competition, production quota













EUR-Lex - 91998E3224 - EN






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91998E3224

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3224/98 by Umberto BOSSI to the Commission. Milk production  


Official Journal C 207 , 21/07/1999 P. 0040 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-3224/98by Umberto Bossi (NI) to the Commission(26 October 1998)Subject: Milk productionThe Italian government has made very heavy penalty payments to the European Union as a result of declaring a higher level of milk production than the special reference quantity. The government has not yet made the compensatory payments due since 1995, which has resulted in a considerable reduction in producers' liquidity (the equivalent of LIT 4 000 billion), as those purchasing the milk deduct the relevant levy pending payment of compensation. For 1997-1998, the quantity of milk marketed declared by purchasers is substantially below the SRQ.These interconnected facts give the impression that the domestic market is distorted and that the system of competition between countries has been flouted to the detriment of milk producers in the Po Valley.In view of the foregoing:1. Does the Commission consider that it has scrupulously implemented all the initiatives designed to ensure the Italian government operates in accordance with the correct procedures?2. Does the Commission consider that private and/or public national and Community bodies could have exploited the chaotic situation created by the Italian government for their own benefit in defiance of the principle of free competition?3. Does the Commission agree that it is now essential to place the Italian system of administering and controlling milk production under Community supervision?4. Does the Commision agree that the huge sums retained for various reasons by the purchasers, which amount to about 50 % of the value of the Italian milk market, give them an unfair advantage in terms of competition?Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission(30 November 1998)1. Yes. Since 1984, the Commission has taken action using all the means available to it. It is sufficient in this regard to point out the infringement procedures brought against Italy in 1985, 1988, 1995 and most recently on 12 January 1998. Furthermore, the Commission reduced its advances on agricultural expenditure each time Italy failed to comply with the time limit for paying the levy due to the Commission.2. The Commission is not in a position to reply. However, the one certainty where free competition in a market regulated by quotas is concerned is that Community legislation must be complied with where the special reference quantity is exceeded.3. Member States are responsible for managing and monitoring the milk quota system at national level. The Commission has the powers to check that the system is working, especially during the clearance of accounts exercise and as part of its responsibilities to check that Community law is being correctly applied. The Commission has neither the powers nor the right to take the place of a Member State in managing or monitoring national milk production.4. The Commission does not agree with the Honourable Member and would suggest that he look at its recent reply to his Written Question P-3146/98(1).(1) See page 32.