1993 discharge: follow-up

Adopting the report by Mr SAMLAND (PSE, D), the European Parliament called for the reports on the implementation of the budget for a specific financial year to contain all the necessary information on how Parliament's budgetary priorities have been taken into account, especially in connection with the implementation of new headings and amendments made by Parliament. Acknowledging the Commission's replies in connection with own resources, Parliament reserved its opinion on transit procedures (in order not to prejudice the results of the European Parliament's temporary committee of inquiry on Community transit procedures scheme). It took note, in the agricultural sector, of the fact that the Commission's proposed policy for the tobacco sector would take account of the option recommended by the Court of Auditors, i.e. to introduce direct income support for tobacco producers. In the wine sector, it deplored the fact that no effective measures had yet been taken to increase the number of officials responsible for carrying out specific controls in this sector. Finally, it welcomed the fact that the Danish authorities had announced their intention of improving control procedures for agricultural expenditure. As far as the Structural Funds are concerned, Parliament called on the Commission to agree on a precise definition of eligibility and non-eligibility for expenditure. It also called for a list of the outside consultants retained to implement each of the Structural Fund programmes, together with the amounts paid to each of these companies in 1993. Finally, it urged the Commission to complete its investigation into assets privatized following the receipt of aid from the Structural Funds. As far as the PHARE and TACIS programmes are concerned, Parliament took note of a number of positive management measures taken and called for all the Commission delegations in beneficiary countries to be allocated the staff needed for these programmes. It also called for better dissemination of results and optimization of the long-term benefits of the contracts.�