Article 19

The Commission may consult the Consultative Committee in all cases in which it considers  this appropriate. It must do so whenever such consultation is prescribed by this Treaty.

The Commission shall submit to the Consultative Committee the general objectives and the  programmes drawn up under Article 46 and shall keep the Committee informed of the broad  lines of its action under Articles 54, 65 and 66.

Should the Commission consider it necessary, it may set the Consultative Committee a time  limit for the submission of its opinion. The period allowed may not be less than 10 days from  the date on which the chairman receives notification to this effect.

The Consultative Committee shall be convened by its chairman either at the request of the  Commission or at the request of a majority of its members, for the purpose of discussing a  specific question.

The minutes of the proceedings shall be forwarded to the Commission and to the Council at  the same time as the opinions of the Committee.

CHAPTER 2

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Article 20

The European Parliament, which shall consist of representatives of the peoples of the States  brought together in the Community, shall exercise the supervisory powers which are  conferred upon it by this Treaty.

Article 20a ( * )

( * ) As inserted by Article H( 6 ) TEU.

The European Parliament may, acting by a majority of its Members, request the Commission  to submit any appropriate proposal on matters on which it considers that a Community act is  required for the purpose of implementing this Treaty.

Article 20b ( * )

( * ) As inserted by Article H( 6 ) TEU.

In the course of its duties, the European Parliament may, at the request of a quarter of its  Members, set up a temporary Committee of Inquiry to investigate, without prejudice to the  powers conferred by this Treaty on other institutions or bodies, alleged contraventions or Mal  administration in the implementation of Community law, except where the alleged facts are  being examined before a court and while the case is still subject to legal proceedings.

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