WRITTEN QUESTION E-1549/01 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. 20 % penalty in respect of tobacco subsidies for 1997 in southern Serrai (Greece).
Date: 2001-05-28
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Greece, common organisation of markets, sanction (EU), tobacco

C 364 E/144

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

20.12.2001

(2001/C 364 E/158)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1549/01

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(28 May 2001)

Subject: 20 % penalty in respect of tobacco subsidies for 1997 in southern Serrai (Greece)

In July 1998, the Commission imposed a penalty in respect of subsidies for Basma tobacco producers in
southern Serrai (Greece) because of delays in the signing and registration of contracts in respect of the
1997 harvest.

This failure to sign and register the contracts which did not apply to all producers was due to the
unreliability of certain manufacturing companies and negligence and failure to act on the part of other
bodies involved in the process.

Given that this penalty caused major financial losses to tobacco producers in the area concerned, most of
whom are small producers who derive their sole source of income is tobacco production and are unable to
cultivate other crops, will the Commission re-examine the penalty imposed on the Basma tobacco
producers of southern Serrai in 1997, not only to compensate them for loss of income but also to satisfy
their sense of justice, since they were in no way responsible for the failure to sign and register contracts
with manufacturers?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(16 July 2001)

Articles 2 to 5 of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 3478/92 laying down detailed rules for the application
of the premium system for raw tobacco (1), which applied to the 1997 harvest, lay down the conditions
and periods for the signature of contracts between producers and processing firms and for submission of
those contracts for registration.

The cultivation contract is an essential element of the premium system under the market organisation for
raw tobacco. The deadlines for conclusion and registration of these contracts early enough must be fixed
early enough because of the need to ensure from the beginning of the harvest year both a stable outlet for
producers for their future harvest and regular supplies to the processing undertakings.

Accordingly, Article 3(3) of
reduction in the premium if they are exceeded.

the above Regulation lays down these deadlines and prescribes a 20 %

The Commission regrets the financial loss suffered by the producers of Basmas tobacco in Serres in 1997.
However, it considers that, if the factors resulting in the reduction of the premium exist, application of the
provision in question is fully justified.

(1) OJ L 351, 2.12.1992.

(2001/C 364 E/159)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1552/01

by Terence Wynn (PSE) to the Commission

(28 May 2001)

Subject: French tax provisions for foreign life insurance

French tax provisions for foreign life insurance policies are different from those stemming from French
contracts. Hence, one constituent living in France with an English life insurance policy will be expected to
pay 17,5 % tax, whereas a French life insurance policy would only incur a rate of 7,5 %. What measures
has the Commission taken since the original complaint (No 1999(4835) to rectify the situation?