Article 4

Regulation (EC) No 2771/1999 is amended as follows:

1. 1..

   In Article 16, paragraph 3 is replaced by the following:

   ‘3.

   The time limit for the submission of tenders in response to the individual invitations to tender shall be 11.00 (Brussels time) on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month except for the second Tuesday of August. If Tuesday is a public holiday the time limit shall be 11.00 (Brussels time) on the previous working day.’

2. 2..

   In Article 17b, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:

   ‘1.

   On the closing date referred to in Article 16(3), the Member States shall inform the Commission of the quantities and prices offered by tenderers.

   If no offers have been submitted Member States communicate this to the Commission within the same delay.’

3. 3..

   In Article 22, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following:

   ‘2.

   The time limit for the submission of tenders in response to the individual invitations to tender shall be 11.00 (Brussels time) on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month except for the second Tuesday of August and the fourth Tuesday of December. If Tuesday is a public holiday the time limit shall be 11.00 (Brussels time) on the previous working day.’

4. 4..

   In Article 24a, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:

   ‘1.

   On the closing date referred to in Article 22(2), the Member States shall inform the Commission of the quantities and prices offered by tenderers and the quantity of butter offered for sale.

   If no offers have been submitted Member States communicate this to the Commission within the same delay if butter is available for sale in the Member State concerned.’