THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2759/75 of 29 October 1975 on the common organisation of the market in pigmeat ( 1 ), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 3290/94 ( 2 ), and in particular Articles 4(6) and 5(4) thereof,

Whereas intervention measures may be taken in respect of pigmeat if, on the representative markets of the Community, the average price for pig carcases is less than 103 % of the basic price and is likely to remain below that level;

Whereas the market situation has been characterized by a marked fall in prices below the level mentioned; whereas, in view of seasonal and cyclical trends, this situation could persist;

Whereas intervention measures must be taken; whereas these can be limited to the granting of private storage aid;

Whereas it is appropriate, in view of the possible length of the present crisis in the pigmeat sector, to oblige operators to export the products under storage contracts in order to prevent them from coming back on the Community market after removal from storage; whereas these exports should take place according to certain provisions provided for in Commission Regulation (EEC) No 3444/90 ( 3 ), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 3533/93 ( 4 );

Whereas Article 3 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2763/75 ( 5 ) provides for the possibility of curtailing or extending the storage period; whereas, therefore, provision should be made to fix not only the amounts of aid for a specific period of storage but also the amounts to be added or deducted if this period is curtailed or extended;

Whereas, in order to facilitate administrative and control work resulting from the conclusion of contracts, minimum quantities should be fixed;

Whereas the security should be fixed at a level such as will oblige the storer to fulfil the obligations undertaken by him;

Whereas the measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for Pigmeat,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

(a) 10 tonnes for boned products;

(b) 15 tonnes for all the other products.