Maintains that users’ access to European standards developed in support of EU policies and legislation is an important issue that needs to be further examined; takes the view that different systems of price setting should be considered for private/industrial standards and for harmonised/mandated standards; calls, in particular, on NSBs to reduce costs through special rates and by offering bundles of standards at a reduced price, ...[+++]and to investigate additional ways of improving access, especially for SMEs;

The multiple of 1.4 was set as a default for all employers until an experience rating system was implemented, and although the enabling provision for experience rating was removed, the 1.4 employer multiple has been retained.

In a situation presenting ‘a particular risk’ the Commission notice on the method for setting the reference and discount rates (28) indicates that the adequate reference point to determine the existence and the amount of State aid is the reference rate for Greece (i.e. ATHIBOR plus 300 basis points until 31 December 2000 and 5 year EUR swap rate plus 75 basis points from 1 January 2001) increased by a risk premium of at least 400 basis points (i.e. this means ATHIBOR plus at least 700 bps until 31 December 2000 and 5 year EUR swap rate plus at least 475 bps from 1 January 2001).

In its notice on the method for setting the reference and discount rates (6), the Commission states that the reference rate is a floor rate which may be increased in situations involving a particular risk (for example, an undertaking in difficulty or where the security normally required by banks is not provided) and states that, in such cases, the premium may amount to 400 basis points or more.

Nevertheless, it argues that the conditions of the silent participation are such that the provisions of the Commission notice on the method for setting the reference and discount rates (5) were complied with. According to the notice, the reference rate is a floor rate which may be increased in situations involving a particular risk.

Ms. Maralynne Monteith: I guess in an ideal world you would do them both at the same time, but given the fact that everyone who has put the money in is across the entire system, it seems to be more equitable for you to return it to the entire system and then go to experience rating and have your actuary get the surplus where it's supposed to be with the new rating system.