ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3604/97 by Franz Linser (NI) to the Commission (13 November 1997)

Subject: Trans-European networks

Preparations for enlargement to the East appear to have led to a shift in TEN priorities in an East-West direction. Attention was drawn to this fact at the European Transport Conference held in Helsinki from 23 to 25 June 1997.

The Brenner base tunnel project has again been classified as a priority TEN project by the EU.

Can the Commission rule out the possibility of

1. any changes being made to the planned schedule or

2. preparations for enlargement to the East leading to changes in the financial planning?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (16 January 1998)

The München-Verona rail project (Brenner axis) forms part of the High-Speed rail / combined transport project Berlin - Nürnberg / München - Verona which is included in the list of the 14 transport projects to which the 1994 Essen European Council attached particular importance.

No change or shift has been made in these priorities and as far as the Commission is aware, there is no reason to expect that preparations for enlargement should affect either the timing or financing plan for this project.

From the outset, the Member States involved in this project agreed to upgrade the Brenner axis in such a way that sufficient capacity will be available to meet demand at all times.

For the Austrian Inn Valley section, the technical studies for the upgrading of the line to four tracks are progressing well and preliminary work on sub-sections will start in 1998.

For the planned Brenner base tunnel, the States involved have already carried out comprehensive technical and economic feasibility studies which have significantly contributed to the decision making process. In December 1997 the Commission, together with the Transport Ministers involved, approved a series of measures related to the forthcoming launch of the next phase of project preparation.

The financing of all TENs projects is the responsibility of the Member States involved and, in any event, the Community contribution cannot legally exceed 10% of the costs of any project. To date, all feasibility and technical studies on the project referred to by the Honourable Member have been carried out according to plan, both in terms of time and content. This is also expected for the further technical studies and works on the Austrian Inn Valley section.

The European Community has granted financial assistance from the trans-European transport network budget for feasibility and technical studies undertaken to date and the Commission also contributes to co-ordinating the co-operation of the Member States concerned in the gradual preparation and implementation of the Brenner project. In addition, in this context, it supports investigations into the possibility of a public-private financing and development partnership for the implementation of the Brenner base tunnel.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3704/97 by Jyrki Otila (PPE) to the Commission (19 November 1997)

Subject: A pharmacists' monopoly in Finland?

The 'University Pharmacy' opened in Helsinki in 1828. In 1953 an amendment to the Pharmacies Act gave it the right to open branch pharmacies too.

Finnish law also grants the University Pharmacy a number of privileges, whereby it is not required to pay the 'pharmacy levy' to the state and also enjoys other tax benefits.

Originally the University Pharmacy was founded as a pharmacy linked to Helsinki University and working specifically in the city of Helsinki. Its raison d'être was the training it provided to persons studying pharmaceutics at Helsinki University.

Now the University Pharmacy has expanded its activities to other cities which do not even have a university. Moreover only 27% of pharmaceutics students (in 1997) carry out their compulsory practical training as part of their studies at the University Pharmacy, the other 73% going to private pharmacies.

In my view this practice is in conflict with the legislation on competition and the EU's principles of trade policy. From the point of view of competition the University Pharmacy occupies a distinct monopoly position. Is the Commission aware of this situation in Finland, and if not, what it will do to rectify it?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (13 January 1998)

The Commission is aware of the alleged privileged position of the Pharmacy of the University of Helsinki. The Honourable Member claims the existence of state benefits (exemption from pharmacy levies and other tax benefits) and a monopoly situation. However, a monopoly does not seem to exist. As evidenced by the information provided private pharmacies do also exist and thus compete with the University Pharmacy.

The alleged state benefits have to be examined under the state aid rules of the EC Treaty. According to these rules, the Commission can only act when trade between Member States is distorted by state measures which favour certain enterprises.

On the basis of the available information, the Commission concludes that the benefits in question will only have local effects, limited to places with retail outlets of the University Pharmacy. Thus, trade between Member States will not be distorted.

The Commission does not therefore intend to investigate further into this matter.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3267/97 by María Estevan Bolea (PPE) to the Commission (20 October 1997)

Subject: Used tyres

How many used tyres are produced in the EU? Could the Commission give a breakdown by Member State?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard behalf of the Commission (1 December 1997)

Used tyres make up most of the rubber waste stream. Figures on rubber waste produced in some Member States are available from the 1996 Commission (Eurostat) and Organisation for economic cooperation and development (OECD) report on environment statistics. These figures are shown in bold in the table below.

For those Member States which have not provided data to the Commission, the figures have been taken from a 1997 report on waste statistics carried out for the Commission. These figures are for used tyres only and are shown in italics on the table below.

>TABLE>

No figures are provided for the United Kingdom or Portugal under either of these two reports. However, the United Kingdom industry/government scrap tyre working group reported that 378 000 tonnes of used tyres were produced in the United Kingdom in 1996. The priority waste group on used tyres set up by the Commission reported that Portugal produced 30 000 tonnes of used tyres in 1990.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3987/97 by Georges Berthu (I-EDN) to the Council (15 January 1998)

Subject: Euro bank notes - distinctive national symbols

The position adopted by the EMI Council on 3 December 1996 prohibiting distinctive national symbols on the future European bank notes does not appear to have been the subject of a proper democratic debate. The Dublin European Council (13 and 14 December 1996) seems merely to have been 'informed' of it, but there is no sign in its conclusions of explicit approval or even of a mere mention of this specific point.

Although this total lack of democratic supervision is, and though it may seem, provided for by the Treaty itself, unlike the arrangements made for the future coins, does the Council not agree that on such an important point the Member States should be involved in the decision in some way? Is it conceivable that there should be a complete lack of parliamentary supervision at any level?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3986/97, E-3987/97, E-3988/97, E-3989/97 and E-3990/97 (19 March 1998)

It ensues from the allocation of powers provided for under the Treaty that the European Central Bank alone is empowered to authorize the issue of banknotes in euro, also as regards aspects relating to their presentation (Article 105(a) of the Treaty and Article 16 of the Protocol to the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank).

At its meeting in Dublin on 13 and 14 December 1996, the European Council welcomed the designs for the euro banknotes presented to it by the European Monetary Institute.

The final decisions on the matter will be taken by the European Central Bank once it has been set up in accordance with the Treaty.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3381/97 by Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) to the Commission (23 October 1997)

Subject: Sun and climate change

Some researchers, mostly from the United States, have apparently concluded that magnetic solar cycles, the average length of which is 11 years (varying from a maximum of 15 to a minimum of 8 years), are the principal factor involved in climate change and, in particular, the 'greenhouse effect', the implication being that less 'blame' should attach to damage caused by human agency, first and foremost carbon dioxide and other gaseous emissions.

The above finding is certain to be discussed at the forthcoming Kyoto Conference, to be attended by the European institutions. Will the institutions go to the Conference with a standpoint worked out by their experts regarding the research in question?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (4 December 1997)

It is correct that recent research results have shown a strong correlation between the observed 3-4% change in cloud cover during the recent solar cycle and the cosmic flux and solar activity. This observed systematic variation in cloud cover has an effect on the incoming solar radiation, and on the global temperature. Taking these recent results into account in future climate models will improve the baseline from which to assess the anthropogenic influence on climate change, and will enable us to improve regional models of climate change impacts.

However, these cyclic changes do not explain the increase in global mean surface temperature of between 0.3 and 0.6°C since the end of the last century. In fact the background 'noise' of natural climate variability, caused by internal fluctuation and external sources such as solar variability or volcanic eruption have been taken into consideration in the assessment of the Intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC). Considerable progress has been made since the publication of the first IPCC assessment report in 1990 in attempts to distinguish natural variability and anthropogenic influence on the climate. This led the IPCC to conclude in its 1995 assessment that 'the balance of evidence suggests that there is a discernible human influence on global climate'.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4091/97 by Peter Truscott (PSE) to the Commission (16 January 1998)

Subject: Funding for Hertfordshire in 1994-1997 from the Forestry Guidance Fund and from the CAP

Would the Commission please inform me of the amount of funding Hertfordshire has received from the Forestry Guidance Fund and from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (5 February 1998)

The Commission is unable to provide the requested information as a breakdown of expenditure on a county basis is not available to it.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4006/97 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE) to the Commission (14 January 1998)

Subject: Community production of slate and the environment

Can the Commission provide information concerning present levels of EC aid to the production of slate in the Community, in the context of the high environmental costs which the sector has to support and which reduce its competitiveness on the market?

Does the Commission intend to adopt new support measures for Community enterprises in the sector, with a view to absorbing these costs?

Can the Commission provide information on the measures adopted or proposed for adoption for the rehabilitation of slagheaps and the improvement of waste recycling in the context of slate production in the Community?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-4006/97, E-4007/97 and E-4010/97 given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (6 February 1998)

In its report to the Council on the implementation of the Council conclusions of 18 November 1993 on the non-energy extractive industry ((SEC(96) 852. )) the Commission established that, as such, Community law only occupies a subsidiary position in the set of problems concerning environmental costs as compared with national or sub-national regulations. Although it does not rule out any regional appeal of that sector and the availability to it of structural funds, the Commission does not have any financial instruments to hand in order to compensate for those costs.

The Commission does not have any means available for directly promoting slate products and feels that this is primarily a job for the trade associations. It would, however, point out that vocational training activities shared with other parts of the building trade, or indeed research, could help to achieve that aim.

The implementation of Council Directive 89/106/EEC of 21 December 1988 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to construction products ((OJ L 40, 11.2.1089. )) in which this area is involved via standardisation activities, is likely to have a favourable effect on the products' image and on the international competitiveness of Community producers. Indeed, after the Standing Committee on Construction had delivered a positive opinion the Commission, on 20 November 1997, adopted a decision (97/808/EEC) on the conformity certification of such products where these were members of the 'flooring' product family ((OJ L 331, 3.12.1997. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4050/97 by Stephen Hughes (PSE) to the Commission (14 January 1998)

Subject: Psycho-organic syndrome

Considering the family of agents associated with psycho-organic syndrome, what are the exposure limits in the fifteen Member States? Have any been banned? Are any associated with recognised industrial injuries in any of the Member States? To what extent has substitution occurred in Member States in relation to those agents considered most dangerous?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (30 January 1998)

The Commission has asked the European agency for safety and health at work to provide it with technical information on the question raised by the Honourable Member.

The Commission will reply fully to the Honourable Member when this information has been received.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3976/97 by Xaver Mayer (PPE) to the Commission (9 December 1997)

Subject: Sale of propolis (bee glue)

Propolis is described in the medical literature as a natural substance used to boost the body's own immune system. It is used as a raw material in the manufacture of medicines.

In Germany propolis preparations are subject to the law on pharmaceuticals as regards their manufacture, marketing and sale. For this reason they can be sold only by pharmacists.

1. Can the Commission say in which European Union countries propolis can be bought directly from bee-keepers?

2. Are the different approaches consistent with the rules of the single market?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (14 January 1998)

The Commission has no information concerning the regulation of the sale of propolis by bee-keepers in the different Member States.

The supply of medicinal products within the meaning of Article 1 of Directive 65/65/EEC of 26 January 1965 on the approximation of provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action relating to proprietary medicinal products ((OJ 22, 9.2.1965. )) to the public continues to be a matter for the Member States and there exists no Community legislation in this field. This gives Member States the possibility to maintain provisions in accordance with Articles 30-36 of the EC Treaty that restrict the supply of medicinal products to the public to pharmacies and to interdict any other form of supply to the public on their territory.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3942/97 by Raimo Ilaskivi (PPE) to the Commission (12 December 1997)

Subject: Uniform pricing of postal services

Article 12 (Chapter 5) of European Parliament and Council Directive on common rules for the development of the internal market of Community postal services and the improvement of quality of service lays down that 'Member States shall take steps to ensure that the tariffs for each service forming part of the provision of the universal service comply with the following principles:

- prices must be geared to costs; Member States may decide that a uniform tariff should be applied throughout their national territory'.

In Finland the post office imposes a special weekly postal delivery charge on summer residents which is not levied on permanent residents in a given area. Does the Commission approve of the principle of such unequal treatment being given to different recipients of the same services in Finland?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (29 January 1998)

Article 12 of the Directive on common rules for the development of the internal market of Community postal services and the improvement of quality of service stipulates, inter alia, that universal service prices must be geared to costs and that tariffs must be non-discriminatory. It also allows Member States to decide that a uniform tariff should be applied throughout their national territory, but does not make this compulsory.

It appears that the Finnish post office levies a weekly charge for delivering mail to the occupants of secondary residences. Those who fail to pay the charge have to pick up their mail at the post office. The charge is not levied on permanent residents.

In view of the special situation in Finland, where many second homes are dotted around the country, the organisation of postal services is bound to be more difficult and costly. The irregular occupation of second residences can cause extra work for the post office, which wishes to pass on the resulting costs to those who generate them. Permanent residents, whom the post office considers to be in a different situation, are not subject to the charge. Provided the size of the charge is in relation to the additional costs generated, this measure is not contrary to the principles laid down in the Directive.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-4104/97 by Kirsten Jensen (PSE) to the Commission (18 December 1997)

Subject: Hormone-mimicking substances

Will the Commission state the uses of the following substances, and in what quantities they are used in the EU?

- Chlorine-containing pesticides;

- PCBs;

- Dioxins and furans;

- Breakdown products of surfactants in detergents, cosmetics, pesticides, machining/cutting oils, paints and varnishes;

Plasticizers (phtalates) in PVC.

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (26 February 1998)

Pesticides used in agriculture are regulated at Community level by Directive 91/414/EEC ((Council Directive 91/414/EEC of 15 July 1991 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market, OJ L 230, 19.8.1991. )), which does not include any obligation to report quantities used. Eurostat has recently started a project to collect more precise information on the marketing of these products.

The marketing and use of most organochloric active substances is prohibited throughout the Community under Directive 79/117/EEC ((Council Directive 79/117/EEC of 21 December 1978 prohibiting the placing on the market and use of plant protection products containing certain active substances, OJ L 33, 8.2.1979. )).

The marketing and use of PCB is prohibited under Council Directive 85/467/EEC ((Council Directive 85/467/EEC, 6thamendment to Directive 76/769 on restrictions on the marketing and use of dangerous substances and preparations, OJ L 269, 11.10.85. )).

Dioxins, furans and breakdown products have no known uses. They are formed from other products, e.g. during incineration of waste (dioxins, furans) or under the influence of sunlight, heat or biochemical reactions via microorganisms. General data on distribution and circulation of these substances is not available.

Phthalates, of which there are nearly 300, are covered by the reporting obligation in Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 ((Council Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 of 23 March 1993 on the evaluation and control of the risks of existing substances OJ L 84, 5.4.1993. )). The production per year and the use pattern must be reported to the Commission if the substance is produced or imported in volumes exceeding 1000 tonnes per year. From 1998 a similar reporting obligation exists for production and import volumes between 10 and 1000 tonnes. All the data submitted is stored in the Commission Database IUCLID, part of which is non-confidential. A list of marketed volumes is sent directly to the Honorable Member and to the Parliament's secretariat.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3787/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (26 November 1997)

Subject: Installation of Canadian nuclear reactors in Turkey

Canada's Council of Ministers has authorized a $ 1.07 billion loan to fund the sale of two nuclear reactors to Turkey. This loan will come from the state fund for the promotion of exports, the Export Development Co., which is expected to cover the loan from its own resources if Turkey declares itself unable to do so itself.

The Canadian opposition has reacted by condemning the fact that this sale has circumvented the environmental controls with which the relevant government service of Canada has been entrusted; it has also been pointed out that nuclear reactors of the same type which are located in Ontario are being closed down one after the other.

Will the Commission state its official views on this matter and say whether it has been informed by the Turkish authorities of plans to construct these reactors and what action it intends to take to protect the population and the natural environment of a Member State of the European Union, namely Greece, which is clearly in very great danger owing to the planned installation of these reactors in Turkey?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (20 January 1998)

The Honourable Member is referred to the Commission's answer to his Written Question E-1078/97 ((OJ C 367, 4.12.1997. )).

Information obtained by the Commission from other sources shows that the Akkuyu site was selected by the Turkish authorities following extensive studies, focusing on seismic, geological and environmental aspects in particular, by specialised departments of several Turkish universities.

The international bidding procedure held by the Turkish authorities for the Akkuyu nuclear power station closed on 15 October. Turkey is now in the process of examining the tenders from various consortiums, including the one of which Atomic Energy of Canada Limited is a member. The Turkish Energy Ministry has made known that the final decision on selection should be reached in April and that generation is due to begin in 2006.