HC Deb 24 November 1993 vol 233 cc79-80W
Ms Quin

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give estimates for the number of jobs which will be created directly by each of the European institutes whose location was agreed at the European summit on 29 October.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

Reliable estimates do not exist for staffing levels of all the institutions in question, although staff numbers will be constrained by budgetary limits. Jobs will not in all cases be fitted by new staff. We understand the position to be as follows:

European Environment Agency

The agency's first work programme will be agreed in mid-1994 and organisations will then be chosen as topic centres to carry out specific projects. Until then, it is not possible to estimate the number of jobs which could be created by the agency.

European Training Foundation

There is no information currently available about the likely staffing level of the European Training Foundation.

Office for Veterinary and Plant-health Inspection and Control

There is no information currently available about the likely staffing level of the Office for Veterinary and Plant-Health Inspection and Control.

European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction

The Commission anticipates that the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction will create approximately 30 posts.

European Medicines Evaluation Agency

A report prepared for the Commission by independent consultants estimated that staffing levels would be up to 150 full-time staff in 1995 when the EMEA begins business, rising to some 250 by 1999.

Agency for Health and Safety at Work

There is no information currently available about the likely staffing level of the Agency for Health and Safety at Work.

European Monetary Institute/European Central Bank

It will be for the Council of the European Monetary Institute to decide on the number of staff employed in the Institute. The EMI's Council has not yet met to consider its staffing level.

Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market

In 1990 the Commission, based on a study by consultants, estimated staff numbers at about 300.

Europol (and Europol Drugs Unit)

The Europol Drugs Unit is the pre-convention phase of Europol. Staffing numbers are still only estimates and cannot be clarified until 1 April 1994 when the Europol Drugs Unit moves out of its start-up phase. Estimates are that the Unit will start with about 30 members of staff, including support staff. This will be augmented by additional analysts, liaison officers and support staff as the work demands but is not expected to go beyond 60 to 70 in the pre-convention phase.

European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP)

Seventy six people are currently employed in CEDEFOP's Berlin seat. At the European Council on 29 October 1993 it was decided that CEDEFOP's seat should move to Thessaloniki. No change in staffing level is envisaged as a result of the move.