Commission 'too lenient' on staff who break law

The European Commission's record in disciplining employees who committed offences ranging from fraud to rape was at the centre of a dispute last night, after the leak of a document revealing the punishments given to those who broke staff rules.

The document showed that, of 49 cases dealt with between 1998 and July this year, 41 were proved and nine people lost their jobs, although one was later reinstated by the European Court of Justice. The catalogue of offences includes three cases of rape or attempted rape, two of paedophile pornography and another of striking and wounding.

Eric Mamer, spokesman for the European Commission vice-president, Neil Kinnock, said that the most serious offences such as rape had taken place outside the European Commission. Five members of staff were relegated, one person's promotion was delayed and 22 were given some form of warning or reprimand.

The report provoked criticism from Conservative MEPs. A spokesman contrasted the lack of disciplinary effort in pursuing many cases with the vigour with which the Commission is acting against Martha Andreasen, the Commission's whistle-blowing former chief accountant.