ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0689/96 by José Barros Moura (PSE) to the Commission (26 March 1996)

Subject: Anti-personnel mines

Bearing in mind the objectives of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and in view of the fact that a number of the countries taking part in the Euro-Asian Summit in Bangkok have already spoken out clearly in favour of a total ban (Belgium, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines and Malaysia), it would have been of great importance for the subject to be dealt with at the Summit. What decisions or guidelines were drawn up within the Commission with a view to the Summit, and what stand did the Summit take on this issue?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (17 April 1996)

The landmine question was not a specific item for discussion at the Euro-Asian summit although it was raised during the Foreign Ministers' meeting. Nevertheless the European Union continues to be at the forefront of both political and practical action to overcome the scourge of anti-personnel mines in particular, which afflicts so many parts of the developing world. At the moment the political emphasis is directed towards achieving a positive outcome to the CCW (Certain Conventional Weapons) review conference, which will reopen in Geneva on 22 April 1996, and where the Union has been very active in pressing for a much strengthened landmines protocol in response to basic humanitarian concerns. The Commmission is not of course a 'State Party' to the CCW Convention, but it has been active in the preparatory discussions, and in the Troika demarches to third countries.

At the same time, both the Commission and Member States are continuing with active mine clearance operations in many areas. During the past four years the Commission, for example, has spent some 50 MECU on mine-clearance projects - in Afghanistan, Cambodia, Mozambique, Somalia, and Northern Iraq - usually as part of its wider and large-scale development, rehabilitation and humanitarian aid programmes. Attention is now being focused on the mines threat in the Former Yugoslavia.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0466/96 by Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) to the Commission (29 February 1996)

Subject: Community support for developing the energy amplifier

A recent report by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN/AT/95-58(ET)), signed by Dr Carlo Rubbia, made a comparative analysis of the safety and environmental advantages of the energy amplifier (EA) and fusion by magnetic confinement (FMC).

The report stated that both systems entail similar radiological activation and residual radioactivity, and similar levels of intrinsic security and energy potential (reserves). However, as the EA mainly uses more tried and tested technology, there are fewer uncertainties, it is simpler to maintain and its costs are easier to assess than those of the FMC and are significantly lower than those of current energy sources.

What is the Commission's view of these findings? If the prospects offered by the EA are much more favourable in the short- and medium-term than those of fusion, or at least similar, what degree of support is the Commission giving (or does it intend to give) to the development of the EA compared with that given to fusion? If the Commission does not yet have a clear opinion on the EA, what steps does it intend to take to make a proper assessment of its potential?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (15 April 1996)

The Commission has asked the Scientific and Technical Committee of Euratom (STC) to investigate an energy amplifier that operates on the principle of nuclear fission. Over the course of the year, the Commission will thoroughly examine the STC's opinion.

During the year, the Commission will also order an independent assessment of the research into fusion and its prospects. This assessment will bear on all aspects of fusion (not only scientific and technical aspects, but also socio-economic and financial aspects, as well as safety and the environmental impact) and will also include a comparison with other energy sources. The conclusions of this assessment will be passed on to Parliament.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0684/96 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso (PSE) and Juan Colino Salamanca (PSE) to the Commission (26 March 1996)

Subject: Impasse concerning designations of origin

There is currently an impasse affecting 34 food products in the process of recognition of their designations of origin. This appears to have originated in conflicts between Denmark and Greece concerning the designation of the cheese known as 'feta'.

What conflicts have given rise to this impasse?

When does the Commission expect to find a solution to this problem, which represents a considerable blow to the promotion and marketing of the products affected?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (11 April 1996)

An initial proposal containing 318 designations, 37 of which are Spanish, for registration as geographical indications or designations of origin pursuant to Article 17 of Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 ((OJ No L 208, 24.7.1992. )) was approved by the Commission on 6 March 1996 and submitted to the Council on 8 March.

The approval of this proposal met with a number of obstacles, particularly in the case of Feta which the Greek Government had applied to have registered as a protected designation of origin but which was considered by the Danish Government as a generic designation. Designations which have become generic cannot be registered and can therefore be marketed freely.

It is in the interests of certain producers using the designation Feta that it be considered generic because if it is protected, they will no longer be able to use it after a transitional period.

The economic consequences of a decision on the protection of the designation Feta are considerable given the quantities produced outside the geographical area of origin (part of Greece). The Commission has therefore done everything it can to ensure that the name Feta complies with Articles 2 and 4 of Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 and that it has not become generic.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0543/96 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (11 March 1996)

Subject: Development of the island of Schiza

The island of Schiza lies some 3 kms off the south-east coast of the Peloponnese and the nearest towns are Finikoundasa, Methoni and Finiki.

On the western side of the island there are some caves of geological interest which the services of the Ministry of Culture consider have a development potential, while a plethora of finds on land and on the sea bed testify to the existence of archaeological treasures in the region.

There are two natural harbours with moorage facilities for ships.

In view of the above, will the Commission say whether it has received proposals from the Greek government for the touristic development of the island of Schiza as part of the second Community support framework, and whether it will take a positive view of such proposals?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (1 April 1996)

The Commission has received no request from the Greek authorities regarding tourist development on the island of Schiza.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0762/96 by Angela Billingham (PSE) to the Commission (26 March 1996)

Subject: Market testing

Is the Commission aware of the practice of market testing which is prevalent in the United Kingdom National Health Service and indeed in Local Government?

Would it agree that by 'market testing' one aspect of a service, those workers market tested have been discriminated against?

Is the Commission prepared to investigate this unhealthy practice of forcing workers (usually low paid) to compete regularly for their own jobs - usually by means only of accepting lower paid jobs.

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (7 May 1996)

The questions raised seem to concern exclusively national law. In principle matters relating to pay should be settled according to each Member State's law.

Another point is that where part of a business is transferred, which is not made clear in this question, the rights and obligations arising for the transferor from a contract of employment or from an employment relationship existing on the date of transfer are, by reason of such transfer, transferred to the transferee (Article 3(1) of Council Directive 77/187/EEC of 14 February 1977) ((OJ L 61 of 5.3.1977. )).

The transferee is bound by all the obligations of the transferor, including those which came into being before the date of transfer. The aim of the directive is to ensure that workers' rights are maintained in the case of a change in employer, by allowing them to continue to work for the transferee under the same conditions as those agreed by the transferor. Since the United Kingdom has transposed these aspects of Directive 77/187/EEC into national law, it follows that the national courts have jurisdiction in any disputes which might arise in this area.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0403/96 by Thomas Megahy (PSE) to the Commission (22 February 1996)

Subject: Noise pollution from roads

In view of the serious and growing problem of noise pollution from motorways and other busy roads, has the Commission considered taking steps to encourage the use of noise-reducing surfaces, in particular porous asphalt or exposed aggregate concrete, as well as other noise-reducing measures, in road building projects enjoying financial support from the European Union?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (15 April 1996)

The Commission, in close cooperation with the Federation of European road research laboratories, is undertaking research in its Fourth Framework programme on road design and construction techniques which may form the basis of future standards. Noise generation is part of that programme.

In addition, the European committee for standardisation (CEN) has a working group that is aiming to produce a standard for porous asphalt. This standard would include a noise criterion and the work is sponsored by the Commission.

When Member States plan to build a road and announce their intentions through the Official journal, relevant CEN standards will be included in their specification.

Member States decide how to build their roads and they therefore determine the extent they need to take account of surfaces that have a low noise texture. The materials that are used will depend on local availability and the overall costs involved. It is not the Commission's intention to require the use of either porous asphalt or exposed aggregate concrete.

However, the Commission agrees that such surfaces have a considerable potential for effective reduction of road noise. That will be considered in the forthcoming communication on future noise policy announced in the Commission's work programme for 1996. The communication will also address the possibility of encouraging the use of low noise surfaces in road projects financed by the Community, where that is feasible and cost-effective.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0223/96 by Lissy Gröner (PSE) to the Commission (9 February 1996)

Subject: Child migration from Europe

According to the Child Migrant Trust, a British self-help organization, the UK sent almost 10 000 British children to work in Australia after the war, often without the consent of their parents. Many of these children were physically and sexually abused when they arrived there. The last group of children was sent in 1967.

1. Is the Commission aware of child migration of this type?

2. What does it plan to do to help those affected?

3. Has the Family Policy Observatory taken this matter up?

4. Can the Family Policy Observatory do anything to help those affected?

Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission (3 April 1996)

1. - 2. The Commission has no information on the disturbing events described by the Honourable Member. All Member States are parties of the European Convention on Human Rights, and Article F.2 of the Treaty requires the Union to respect the fundamental rights which the Convention guarantees. Title VI of the Treaty on European Union addresses immigration by third country nationals into Member States. The Commission has no competence to intervene in matters relating to the emigration of Member State nationals to third countries.

3. - 4. The European observatory on family policies was set up in 1989 by the Commission to collect and analyse data in the field of Member State family policies. It is a network of national experts, most of whom are academics. The observatory's tasks are:

a) to discribe the measures adopted by Member States in favour of families;

b) to describe family policies and their implementation;

c) to evaluate family policies and their future development.

An annual report is issued. Given the observatory's remit, it is free to initiate a debate on the isue raised.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0199/96 by Christine Crawley (PSE) to the Commission (26 January 1996)

Subject: Veal crates

What steps does the Commission propose taking in order to put a stop to the cruel practices of several Member States whereby calves are kept in appalling conditions in the notorious veal crates?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (9 February 1996)

The Commission has recently adopted a report on the welfare of calves ((COM(95)711. )) and a draft proposal to amend Directive 91/629/EEC ((COM(96) 21. )) laying down minimum standards for the protection of calves. The report and the proposal are based on the opinion of the scientific veterinary committee. The proposal includes provisions on housing and space allowance. Under this proposal the use of individual pens for calves after the age of 8 weeks would be banned unless a veterinarian has certified that their health or behaviour requires them to be isolated in order to receive treatment. The proposal provides for the measures to be applied from 1 January 1998 on all newly built or rebuilt holdings and holdings brought into use for the first time, and from 1 January 2008 to all holdings.

In addition a draft Commission decision, which proposes amendments to the Annex of the Directive, will be presented shortly to the standing veterinary committee.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0512/96 by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission (11 March 1996)

Subject: Football Trust grants

Does the Commission not agree that the grants to football clubs from the Football Trust in the UK do not pose a problem to current EU competition law, particularly when it is the UK Government which has arbitrarily imposed on UK football clubs the immense cost of all-seater stadiums which are not considered necessary for competing sports such as Rugby Union and Rugby League?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (12 April 1996)

The Commission does not have any information at its disposal regarding the grants in question. Enquiries are being made with the authorities of the Member State and the Honourable Member may rest assured that he will be informed of the outcome of these enquiries.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0334/96 by Sebastiano Musumeci (NI) to the Commission (22 February 1996)

Subject: Casinos in Italy

Unlike other countries, Italy has only four licensed casinos, all of which are situated in northern Italy.

The Italian Government has repeatedly refused to authorize more casinos to open, on the grounds that they might serve as a centre of attraction for illegal activities and the laundering of 'dirty' money.

Millions of Italians continue to frequent illegal gambling dens, whose addresses and activities are known to everyone, including the regulatory authorities.

A casino serves as a tourist attraction and is a factor, sometimes a decisive one, in the choice of a tourist resort.

Does the Commission not consider that the Italian authorities might be in breach of the rules on free competition in this particular sector by allowing the casinos in the north of Italy to operate a de facto monopoly? Does the Commission not consider that the Italian Government should be brought before the Court of Justice for a flagrant breach of Community legislation on free competition?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (3 April 1996)

In its judgment of 24 March 1994 in Schindler, ((Case C-275/92 [1994] ECR 1039. )) the Court of Justice acknowledged that the organization of lotteries constitutes an economic activity relating to a service that falls within the scope of the EC Treaty. It also ruled that, on account of the particular features of lotteries, it was for the Member States to determine what is required to protect the players and, more generally, in the light of the specific social and cultural features of each Member State, to maintain order in society. They should also take any measures that were needed and those measures must be proportionate and non-discrimatory.

According to a Commission study, ((Gambling in the single market - a study of the current legal and market situation, Volume III, Commission of the European Communities, 1992. )) 'there are no barriers [in Italy] to entering this market other than the difficult and laborious licensing procedures in obtaining the licence through parliamentary decree. The Italian Government would have to be assured of the tourism value of the casino along with the stability of a candidate. The stability criterion is undefined and therefore subject to arbitrary decision making.'

At this stage, the Commission does not possess any factual information that would allow it to ascertain whether and to what extent this legal framework has resulted in a decision-making practice which is in breach of the EC Treaty, and in particular Articles 6 and 90, and is such as to justify action on its part along the lines indicated by the Honourable Member.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0641/96 by Pavlos Sarlis (PPE) to the Commission (15 March 1996)

Subject: Delay in introducing a new Greek air-traffic control system and potential problems for tourists

In December 1995, the Greek Civil Aviation Authority (YPA) officially took delivery from the manufacturers of a complete state-of-the-art air-traffic control system for Greek airspace which also includes equipment for total modernization of the control centre for the approach to Athens (KEPATH).

Unfortunately, the system has not yet been brought into operation despite the fact the the YPA has trained the Greek air-traffic controllers to use the new system.

Unless the new system, which has been jointly funded through a considerable input of Community resources, is not up and running in the immediate months to come, the millions of European tourists intending to visit Greece in the summer of 1996 will suffer the agonies of delays and cancellation of flights caused by the old technology.

Recently, both the Commission and the Council have looked several times into the problems suffered by European tourists as a result of delays and cancellations of flights during the summer months and have occasionally taken certain measures.

Is the Commission aware of this problem, which some sources attribute to disputes between the YPA management and the air-traffic controllers, and what does it intend to do to bring the new air-traffic control system into immediate operation in Greece for the good of European tourists?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (30 April 1996)

It is evident that the transition towards an automated system is not an easy exercise anywhere. It is technically complex, requires careful planning and takes time. The Commission has, of course, been following developments in Greece.

According to the Commission's information, the provisional acceptance of the new system will be completed in the next few months and will be followed by some months of pre-operational validation. Certain elements of the system are already in operation and the Commission understands that the entire system will be ready for operational use by the beginning of next year, when the transition from the old to the new system can begin.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0995/96 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission (26 April 1996)

Subject: Economic consequences of a non-discrimination clause for disabled people in the Treaty on European Union

Since the conclusion of the IGC Reflection Group that the legal and economic consequences of a non-discrimination clause in favour of disabled people should be assessed, what action will the Commission take to fulfil this, bearing in mind its unequivocal support for the introduction of such a clause?

Will the Commission ensure such a study draws on international comparisons such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as the full economic benefits of disabled people fully participating as employees and consumers in the Single Market?

Does the Commission still agree, as it did in its White Paper on Social Policy, that we cannot afford not to give rights of full participation to disabled people?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (22 May 1996)

On many occasions, and particularly in the White Paper on European Social Policy ((COM (94) 333 final. )), the Commission has expressed its commitment to the fight against discrimination experienced by disabled people. In accordance with its social action programme, in 1996 the Commission will submit a communication to the Council and Parliament on this question.

Moreover, through various comparative studies or pilot projects that it develops or supports, the Commission aims to demonstrate the economic gain that is represented by eliminating the obstacles preventing disabled people from full participation and from leading an independent life.