ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2039/98

by Klaus Hänsch (PSE) to the Commission

(7 July 1998)

Subject: Allocation of EU resources to the city of Wuppertal, North Rhine-Westphalia

Regarding the allocation of EU resources to the city of Wuppertal in North Rhine-Westphalia, can the Commission indicate:

1. the sum of EU structural resources received and their breakdown by Funds and the various Community programmes and initiatives and of EU resources allocated to Wuppertal from other budget lines since 1994 for pilot projects, measures or - as direct allocations - universities, research establishments, undertakings and other bodies,

2. the number of jobs created or preserved with the aid of these resources?

Supplementary answer

given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

(25 September 1998)

Further to its answer of 6 July 1998(1), the Commission is now able to provide the following additional information.

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to his Written Question E-2036/98(2).

(1) OJ C 354, 19.11.1998, p. 130.

(2) OJ C 386, 11.12.1998.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1398/98

by José Apolinário (PSE) to the Commission

(7 May 1998)

Subject: Agriculture

Can the Commission state its views on the outlook for agriculture in the outermost regions and on how it intends to reduce the imbalances linked to farming in such remote areas?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(10 June 1998)

The Commission has always been anxious to take into account the specific characteristics of certain regions or activities in the definition or implementation of Community policies and also to answer the requests expressed by certain Member States. Thus the Council adopted the three decisions instituting the "Posei" in 1989 and 1991, which recognise the specific characteristics of these regions, and the Commission proposed the Community initiative REGIS (isolated regions) as a response to the specific characteristics of these regions within the framework of the Structural Funds.

Since in these regions the importance of the agricultural sector is obvious, special arrangements for the supply of basic or processed agricultural products were adopted, as well as justified exemptions from the rules of the common agricultural policy (CAP) and aid supplements, in order to consolidate or develop agriculture.

Aware of the fact that, despite this aid, remoteness and insularity always constitute an additional cost, the Commission started a debate relating to all sectors in these regions, including agriculture.

With Agenda 2000(1), the Commission stressed in particular simplification in the granting of aid both in the agricultural field and in other sectors of activity (CAP and Structural Funds) for all the regions of the Community. Moreover, the situation of the most remote regions will be taken specifically into account under the Structural Funds. Indeed, these regions will be classified, independently of the criterion adopted for the other less-developed regions, in Objective 1.

Taking account therefore of the proposals contained in Agenda 2000, and in the light of Article 299 of the Treaty of Amsterdam (new drafting of Article 227 of the EC Treaty), the debate undertaken within the Commission should make it possible, with the experience of almost 10 years of special programmes, to draw up proposals for these regions in compliance with the principle of subsidiarity.

(1) COM(97) 2000.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-1821/98

by Doeke Eisma (ELDR) to the Commission

(3 June 1998)

Subject: Ban on use of silicone breast implants

1. Does the Commission believe that the use of silicone breast implants is dangerous?

2. If so, what measures will it take to control the use of such implants?

3. Which Member States have banned the use of silicone breast implants or are preparing measures to do so?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(1 July 1998)

1. and 2. The Commission is aware that the use of silicone and other breast implants presents certain risks.

With a view to controlling these risks as well as possible, the Commission is finalising guidelines for conformity assessment procedures for breast implants within the framework of Directive 93/42/EEC of 14 June 1993 concerning medical devices(1).

The Commission would also refer the Honourable Member to its answer to question P-1793/97 by Mrs Hautala(2).

3. France authorises the use of breast implants filled with physiological saline and other types of breast implant bearing the EC mark, provided that they have been specifically assessed in France in accordance with French rules.

France has invoked the safeguard clause included in Directive 93/42/EEC for the products in question. The Commission is examining the case.

The Commission has discussed the subject several times with all the Member States and as far as it is aware none of the other countries have taken restrictive measures similar to those taken by France.

(1) OJ L 169, 12.7.1993.

(2) OJ C 76, 11.3.1998, p. 55.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1506/98

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE) to the Commission

(13 May 1998)

Subject: The information society and social and economic cohesion

The Commission Communication on cohesion and the information society (COM(97) 7 final of 22 January 1997) describes (on page 17) the greater difficulty experienced by the more backward regions in securing access to, and exploiting the potential of, the information society. At the same time a sound telecommunications infrastructure can restrict or even do away with the need for people to travel and for goods to be transported, which would have less impact on the environment and be less demanding in terms of financial and energy resources.

Can the Commission say whether this consideration has been incorporated into its final proposals concerning the reform of the Structural Funds for the new 2000-2006 period, proposals which were adopted by the College of Commissioners on 18 March 1998?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1601/98

by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas (PPE) to the Commission

(25 May 1998)

Subject: Protection of laying hens

The Spanish Association of Egg Producers believes that the Commission's proposal for a directive laying down minimum standards for the protection of laying hens kept in various systems of rearing will increase the market price of a dozen eggs by more than 400 pesetas, which could lead people to stop buying this product.

Does the Commission believe that the opinion of the Spanish Association of Egg Producers is correct?

If not, does it believe that there will be no increase in the price of a dozen eggs as a result of the application of this directive?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(25 June 1998)

The Commission proposal for a Council directive laying down minimum standards for the protection of laying hens kept in various systems of rearing(1) is based on a report from the scientific veterinary committee.

The proposed new standard for the space of laying hens kept in battery cages is 800 cm2 for newly built or rebuilt cages. The transition period after which all holdings have to comply with the new standards as foreseen in the proposal is 10 years.

The Commission's communication with the proposal indicates that the requirements may lead to an increase of the cost of eggs of about 10-15 %. Furthermore, the communication indicates that the additional expenditure for the consumer is estimated to amount to only about ECU 1.12-1.56 per head per annum, which the Commission does not believe will stop people buying eggs.

(1) COM(98) 135 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2346/98

by Frédéric Striby (I-EDN) to the Commission

(13 July 1998)

Subject: Night flying and noise abatement measures

At Parliament's request (resolution of 10 June 1997 on the Green Paper on future noise policy(1)), the Commission is to take specific steps in order to limit noise levels around airports in the European Union (limits on aircraft noise, reduction in night flying). People living near airports are especially concerned and indeed exasperated by aircraft flying at night and are becomingly increasingly active throughout Europe.

Has the Commission already taken restrictive measures, and if so what do they entail? What types of airport will be affected?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(27 July 1998)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written question no E-1721/98 by Mrs Beres(2).

(1) A4-183/97 - OJ C 200, 30.6.1997.

(2) See page 75.
91998E2510

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2510/98 by Jean-Yves LE GALLOU to the Commission. Progress of actions initiated against France for violations of Community competition rules



Official Journal C 031 , 05/02/1999 P. 0146
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1226/98

by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission

(29 April 1998)

Subject: Insurance agencies in Italy

In Italy insurance agencies, which are defined as businesses and governed by the Italian civil code, are organized in accordance with commercial criteria. The number of registered brokers amounts to some 25 000 and there are estimated to be several thousand general agencies. Sub-offices depend on these agencies and form a network employing clerks and thereby providing work for tens of thousands of employees. The economic relationship between companies and brokers is regulated under the so-called "advance commission" system whereby commissions are calculated in advance for the duration of multi-annual contracts. This self-financing system enables the agencies to carry out large productive and organizational investments. When the insurance agencies in Italy are required to comply with the EU Directives they will no longer be able to enter into multi-annual contracts and the income from commissions will be drastically reduced.

In the light of the above, will the Commission say:

1. Whether this is likely to damage or cause economic imbalances in the organization of agencies in Italy?

2. Whether studies have been carried out into the possible impact of compliance on the Italian insurance system?

3. Whether a European legal framework is also possible for insurance agencies?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(16 June 1998)

1. The only directive currently applicable to insurance intermediaries is Council Directive 77/92/EEC of 13 December 1976 on measures to facilitate the effective exercise of freedom of establishment and freedom to provide services in respect of the activities of insurance agents and brokers (ex ISIC Group 630) and, in particular, transitional measures in respect of those activities.(1) The other Community directives on insurance, and in particular the directives on life and non-life insurance, are, by contrast, applicable to insurance undertakings. These directives do not seem to have caused any imbalances in the organisation of agencies in Italy.

There is also a Commission recommendation 92/48/EEC of 18 December 1991 on insurance intermediaries, but it is not binding.(2)

The above-mentioned instruments do not stipulate how the payment of commissions to insurance intermediaries is to be organised. This is therefore solely a matter for the companies to decide.

2. The Commission has published a study on the impact of Community single market legislation on the insurance industry.(3)

3. A version of the European legal framework currently applicable to insurance intermediaries is at present being examined.

(1) OJ L 26, 31.1.1977.

(2) OJ L 19, 28.1.1992.

(3) Office for Official Publications of the European Communities (1998): Volume1 (Insurance) of SubseriesII (Impact on services) of the Single Market Review series.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2349/98

by James Moorhouse (ELDR) to the Commission

(27 July 1998)

Subject: Situation in Mauritania

What means are being used by the Commission to encourage the Mauritanian authorities to combat slavery, which is still widely practised in that country?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission

(15 September 1998)

Among the objectives of cooperation between Mauritania and the Community are the consolidation of democracy and the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Over the last few years Mauritania has made very serious efforts to improve on the previous situation in these respects, and there has been substantial progress towards democratisation.

Under the country's laws and constitution, slavery has been abolished, even if it must be acknowledged that through the persistence of certain old customs, in certain areas if not slavery, a form of labour which very closely resembles it, is still practised.

Under the Lomé Convention and the national indicative programme for Mauritania, financing is provided specifically to consolidate the rule of law, and a support programme for reform of civil status and a general census will shortly be submitted to the relevant decision-making bodies of the Community.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0846/98

by Klaus Rehder (PSE) to the Commission

(26 March 1998)

Subject: Support by the Commission for European schools competitions

1. How does the Commission check applications from clubs, associations and private individuals for support from the Commission for European schools competitions?

2. In particular, how does it determine whether the applicant himself deserves support, has an educationally viable concept and is not misusing such competitions e.g. simply to collect addresses?

3. On what grounds did the Commission support the "Verein zur Förderung kreativer Bezieh-ungen europäischer Kinder e.V" (Association for the promotion of creative relations between European children) and allow this association to advertize this support publicly?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

(30 April 1998)

1. The Commission does not finance European schools competitions, with the exception of "Europe at school" activities, which have existed for more than 40 years and are funded by the Commission, Parliament and European Cultural Foundation. Consequently, the Commission is not called upon to check applications for support submitted by associations or private individuals. It sees Socrates, the European education programme, as the main framework for transnational cooperation between pupils and schools, including school partnerships under Action 1 of the Comenius chapter, but Socrates does not make provision for the funding of competitions.

2. As the Commission does not examine applications for financial support for competitions of this type, it cannot reply to this question.

3. Since the Commission does not finance European schools competitions, it was unable to give a positive response to an application for support for a European drawing competition received from the mentioned association in January 1998. Instead, it drew attention to the many possibilities offered by the Socrates programme. In particular, it made the point that school partnerships under Action 1 of Comenius allow pupils to become involved in creative work on the subject of the diversity of the European situation, in a transnational framework.

Nevertheless, the Commission welcomes initiatives such as a European drawing competition designed to foster cross-border friendships among children.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2509/98

by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission

(30 July 1998)

Subject: Actions to be brought against France for violation of the rules on European taxation

In view of the large number of actions currently being brought against France for failure to comply with European legislation on compliance with tax regulations, would the Commission list the actions it intends to bring against France for violation of the Community rules on taxation?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1503/98

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE) to the Commission

(13 May 1998)

Subject: The information society and social and economic cohesion

In its Communication on cohesion and the information society (COM(97) 7 final of 22 January 1997) the Commission states that "the information society also offers a great potential for the development of new forms of employment and high-skilled jobs, especially by providing SMEs, as the main dynamic source of employment creation, growth and competitiveness, with the instruments to innovate and adapt to a rapidly changing economic environment" (page 4). According to the Communication the access of SMEs to such potential should be facilitated, since SMEs represent the backbone of regional economic structures, especially in least-favoured regions (page 4). This should make it possible to prevent the establishment of a technocratic elite which would considerably reduce social and regional equality within the EU and, in general, a two-speed information society. Parliament's Committee on Regional Policy has also expressed similar views in its report A4-0399/97.

Could the Commission say how this consideration has been incorporated into its final proposals on the reform of the Structural Funds for the new 2000-2006 period (proposals which were adopted by the College of Commissioners on 18 March 1998), with particular reference to SMEs and, in general, less-favoured (i.e. rural, island and outlying) regions?
WRITTEN QUESTION P-1871/98

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(8 June 1998)

Subject: Action plan for the introduction of advanced television services in Europe

The Council Decision of 22 July 1993 on an action plan for the introduction of advanced television services in Europe (93/424/EEC)(1) established an action plan to ensure the accelerated development of the market for advanced television services in 16:9 format for a period of four years which expired at the end of June 1997. The total sum necessary to achieve the objectives of the action plan was ECU 405 million; the Community contribution amounted to ECU 228 million.

Will the Commission say which Greek television channels benefited from the Community funding referred to above, exactly how much funding they received, to what extent funding in Greece produced the desired results and whether any irregularities were noted?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(9 July 1998)

Tables sent direct to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat General of the Parliament show which Greek broadcasters received funding under the action plan for the introduction of advanced television services. The tables also indicate how much funding Greek broadcasters were allocated from both the action plan budget lines - broadcasting (B3-2014) and programme production (B3-2013) - over their four year life. These allocations are shown in terms of amount of funding and of hours of transmission and programming.

The Commission will launch an evaluation study on this action plan next year, at the end of its implementation, once all the transmission and broadcasting contracts have come to an end. This will provide detailed information and analysis regarding the action plan's impact on all Member States, including Greece.

The Commission is not aware of any irregularities in connection with Greek broadcasters' contracts relating to transmission or programme production. The Honourable Member should note that the Court of auditors investigated the action plan in 1996. The resultant report(2) did not mention any irregularity in Greece.

(1) OJ L 196, 5.8.1993, p. 48.

(2) OJ C 340, 12.11.1996.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1688/98

by Kirsi Piha (PPE) to the Commission

(29 May 1998)

Subject: Substance of enlargement negotiations

On 27 April the first stage of negotiations between the EU and the candidate countries began, in the form of a screening process covering the various aspects of the candidate countries' legislation, political life and economy.

It would have been most logical to begin the Commission's screening process of the first group of candidates together with the screening of the same sectors in the other six candidate countries.

Why was it decided to begin the screening in respect of different sectors in different countries?

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-1687/98 and E-1688/98 given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(15 July 1998)

The European Council of December 1997 in Luxembourg decided to begin negotiations with six candidates. At the same time it decided that the preparation of negotiations with the five other candidates "will be speeded up in particular through an analytical examination of the Union acquis".

The process with the six candidates also begins with an analytical examination of the acquis, but as the first stage of actual negotiations. The two processes therefore have a different objective and timetable and must therefore be conducted separately.

For this reason the screening with the "Six" was attributed to the Task Force "Accession Negotiations" and the screening with the "Five" to the directorate general responsible for External relations: Europe and the New independent States (NIS), common foreign and security policy (CFSP) and external service. Both services maintain close contact to ensure a coherent approach and an appropriate link between the screening, the progress reports and the Phare assistance programmes. The outcome of the screening exercise will also help the Commission in developing further the pre-accession strategy to speed up the preparation of the candidate countries.

The different order of examination of the acquis in the two groups results from the fact that the same experts cannot be present in the two separate processes at the same time.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2362/98

by Graham Mather (PPE) to the Commission

(15 July 1998)

Subject: Salary of the President of the European Central Bank

Does the Commission consider it acceptable that the salary of the President of the European Central Bank should not be public knowledge?

Does the Commission have any comments to make on this matter?

Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission

(31 July 1998)

Under the EC Treaty, the Commission has no competence regarding the determination of the terms and conditions of employment of the members of the executive board of the European central bank (ECB).

In accordance with Article 11.3 of the European system of central banks/ECB statute, the salary and the other terms and conditions of employment of the president of the ECB and the other members of the executive board have been fixed by the governing council of the ECB on a proposal from a committee comprising three members appointed by the governing council and three members appointed by the Council. They are laid down in contracts between the ECB and the members of the executive board.

The Commission therefore has no comments to make, either on the terms and conditions of employment of the ECB president or other members of the executive board.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1932/98

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(18 June 1998)

Subject: Plutonium storage for KEDO

Given that the spent fuel from the 2 LWRs will have to cool off for at least one year on site in North Korea, what would be the maximum quantity of plutonium (especially PU239) in store at any one time in the spent fuel from the two reactors, running at full load (2000 MW)?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission

(14 July 1998)

Only spent fuel assemblies will be stored in the pond at the reactor site. Reprocessing will not be possible as the existing radio-chemistry laboratory will be dismantled and there will be no facility to reprocess light water reactor (LWR) spent fuel foreseen in the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK). Therefore there will be no separated quantity of plutonium at any time in the DPRK. Consequently there is no plan nor need for a plutonium store at the plant site.

At this stage the Commission does not know whether the spent fuel assemblies could be shipped out of the DPRK. Such decisions will not be taken for several years. As the pertinent information is therefore not yet available it is not possible to give reliable information on the amount of spent fuel in the pond.

The site, including the spent fuel pond, will be under International atomic energy agency (IAEA) safeguards.