§ Mr. MarlowTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what procedure is available to establish whether the former head of the European Commission's tobacco sector was involved in any misdemeanour. [22771]
§ Mr. JackThe Commission called in the Belgian police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the suicide of the former head of the tobacco sector. Separately the matter was subject to internal investigation by the Commission. We understand that inquiries are continuing with the competent authorities in Italy and Greece relating to this investigation.
Suspected tobacco irregularities have been of interest to the Govnerment and every opportunity is taken to press the Commission for information on what action it has taken. In this respect, the European Parliament, in its draft report on the discharge of the 1993 European Communities budget, has specifically asked the Commission to inform it about the measures it has taken so far to implement the conclusions in the European Court of Auditors special report on the operation of the tobacco regime. The Government welcome this as it will provide the opportunity to apply further pressure on the Commission on the question of irregularities.