1998 budget: EP estimates

Adoption of the report by Mr John TOMLINSON (PSE, UK). The report proposes setting the estimates for the European Parliament at ECU 912.25 million for the 1998 financial year. This represents an allocation to the European Parliament of 20.09 % of total appropriations under heading 5 - administrative expenditure of the institutions. The report also makes provision to freeze members' travel allowances and reiterates that the working party on members' subsistence allowances and expenses is due to submit its conclusions. Provision is made to maintain the establishment plan of the secretariat at its current staffing level, for appropriations for 11 plenary sessions in Strasbourg and 7 part sessions in Brussels and for better control of mission expenses. In addition, it proposes that the budget include the rental payments for the Belliard buildings and the surrender of the Van Maerlant building to the ESC/Committee of the Regions. Appropriations provided for building-related requirements (especially D3 in Brussels and IP4 in Strasbourg) total ECU 153.2 million. The report also calls for a clear information technology strategy to be drawn up and for the Epicentre project to be redrafted, for vocational training programmes to be revised with priority for staff management and financial skills, for a rigorous examination of direct and indirect subsidies granted to restaurants and canteens etc.�