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Application of the Convention on Vine Products, Spirits, Beers and Ciders

Recommendation 378 (1963)

Author(s):
Parliamentary Assembly
Origin
Text adopted by the Standing Committee on 12th December 1963.

The Assembly,

Having noted the report (Doc. 1681) of its Committee on Agriculture concerning the application of the Convention on Vine Products, Spirits, Beers and Ciders ;

Having noted the Resolution adopted unanimously on 29th October 1963 by the Committees on Wines and on Spirits of the European Conference of National Associations, appended to the said report ;

Having regard to the importance in Europe and throughout the world of the production and trade in fermented beverages ;

Considering that the draft Convention prepared by the Committee of Governmental Experts is intended, by harmonising the legislation of the various participating countries, to result in high-quality production and so to facilitate international trade, while safeguarding the interests of both producers and consumers ;

Whereas it is psychologically and economically desirable to associate all interested parties with the implementation of this Convention ;

Noting that the sole means of making the principles and rules set forth in a convention effective is to create a self-governing body with instructions to supervise its application ;

Convinced that such a body, if it is to function properly, must, by reason of the considerable interests involved, enjoy a high degree of operational and financial autonomy ;

Whereas, moreover, having regard to the objectives sought and to the large number of countries participating, such a body cannot be completely incorporated in some other existing body, since this would result in limiting its aim or restricting its action,

Recommends that the Committee of Ministers should invite the Committee of Governmental Experts :

a to set up, using the most appropriate methods, a body - which might be called "Beverages Convention Organisation" -with instructions to carry out permanent supervision of the application and proper execution of the Convention ;
b to grant the said body the necessary autonomy to guarantee its complete freedom of decision and total independence from other administrations - and to that end to endow it with the budgetary resources needed for its operation ;
c to associate therewith the national trade associations which are most representative in the different sectors affected ;
d to establish the closest possible links between the new body and the Council of Europe.