Strasbourg, 18/04/2000 (Agence Europe) - At its session last week, the European Parliament was unable to state its view on the proposal for modification of the system of milk distribution in schools. In the absence of a quorum, the vote on the report by Dutch Christian Democrat Albert Jan Maat was postponed to the next plenary session in Brussels. EUROPE would recall that this report recommends that the plenary reject the introduction of 50% funding by producer organisations and/or Member States of the school milk distribution scheme. Mr Maat recommended that the European Commission continue to finance the system -out of the Community budget- at the level of 95% of the target price of milk. An amendment by German Social Democrat Willi Görlach proposes setting the level of the Community contribution at 75%, while ensuring that the global amount of aid does not change.
During debate, Commissioner Fischler expressed opposition to the amendments made by the EP, which is simply consulted on this issue. "I am still convinced today that greater involvement of producer organisations and Member States is necessary to improve the efficacy of milk distribution in schools", he said, asserting that the change in financing sources would not have any consequences for school children. Mr Fischler also rejected the amendments meant to expand the range of products made available in schools so as to take account of changing tastes. He does not entirely rule out changes, but considers that they must be made under the current decision-making system. The Commissioner welcomed the idea of introducing products such as liquid yoghurt and will submit it to the relevant management committee.