THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,

Having regard to Council Directive 66/401/EEC of 14 June 1966 on the marketing of fodder plant seed 1, as last amended by Directive 79/692/EEC 2, and in particular Article 2 (1c) thereof,

Having regard to the requests submitted by the Kingdom of Denmark, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom,

Whereas Directive 66/401/EEC provides that certain conditions concerning seed testing may be relaxed for seed produced in regions of the Community in which very favourable ecological conditions ensure compliance with the relevant Community standards;

Whereas, in the case of the Kingdom of Denmark, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, it can be assumed from ecological conditions and previous experience that the standards laid down in Annex II, section I, point 2, column 13, of the table are being complied with;

Whereas the Kingdom of Denmark, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom should therefore be authorized not to apply, in respect of seed harvested in the Member State concerned, and where appropriate of seed harvested in another Member State which has been authorized, the conditions laid down in Directive 66/401/EEC, Annex II, section I, point 2, paragraph B (1), for basic seed and certified seed of certain species;

Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Seeds and Propagating Material for Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: