Lobby group “bias” claim under fire

Date: 09/01/03

By Martin Banks

A DANISH MEP has complained to European Parliament President Pat Cox over the "inappropriate" activities of a lobby group.

The move follows the proposed appointment of socialist member Torben Lund as the environment committee's rapporteur for a directive on food additives.

The British Essence Manufacturers' Association (BEMA), which represents makers of food flavourings, wrote to Lund's fellow committee member, UK socialist Phillip Whitehead, asking him to oppose the Dane's appointment.

In a letter to Whitehead, the organisation's executive secretary, Julie Young, expressed fears that Lund would show "undue bias" against the additives industry.

An incensed Lund has complained to Cox about BEMA, saying their approach is "completely inadmissible".

He said: "It goes beyond everything that we, as elected parliamentarians, and the European Parliament have to put up with.

"I see it as a great violation of the democratic integrity of the Parliament.

"A procedure of this character towards a member of the Danish parliament would be prosecuted in Denmark."

No one from BEMA was available for comment.

A Danish MEP has complained to European Parliament President Pat Cox over the 'inappropriate' activities of a lobby group.