§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much the Italian Government have failed to collect by way of super-levy from over-quota milk producers in each of the last five years; when the Commission initiated infraction proceedings; 345W how much they are for and over what period; and how many Commission officials are currently employed in enforcing milk quotas. [43166]
§ Mr. Rooker[holding answer 3 June 1998]: In 1995–96 of a total superlevy bill of 316 billion lire, 42 billion lire was paid by the Italian Authorities and the remainder was withheld by the Commission from FEOGA payments to Italy; in 1996–97 the total superlevy bill of 155 billion lire was withheld from FEOGA payments. No superlevy was payable by Italy with respect to the previous three years. The Commission initiated infraction proceedings against Italy on 12 January 1998 for their failure to definitively close the periods 1995–96 and 1996–97 by obliging purchasers to pay over superlevy due to the competent authority. The number of Commission officials dealing with enforcement fluctuates according to the requirements at a given time.