ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3103/96 by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas (PPE) to the Commission (18 November 1996)

Subject: Regulation of advertising aimed at children

A study on children aged 6-12 and advertising, carried out in the 15 Member States by the European Bureau of Consumers' Unions (BEUC) and Consumentenbond (CB), a Dutch consumers' organization, with financial support from the Commission, found an unprecedented diversification in techniques of advertising aimed at children, which made such advertisements increasingly difficult to identify. According to the study, children are subject to enormous commercial pressure, exacerbated by their own vulnerability; they are a prime advertising target in three ways: as a 'primary market', spending money on their own account; as a 'determining market', influencing their parents' purchasing decisions; and as a 'future market' as future consumers.

In view of this situation, BEUC and CB consider there is a need to establish safeguards to protect minors, and urges the Commission to put in place a stricter legislative framework which would be better suited to new marketing techniques.

Will the Commission therefore take action to regulate advertising aimed at children, in line with the concerns expressed by the BEUC and CB?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (8 January 1997)

The Commission can confirm that it has helped to finance a study aimed at analysing the characteristics and impact of the increasing advertising pressure to which children and adolescents are subjected, with a view to finding possible solutions. The study was carried out jointly by the European Bureau of Consumers' Unions (BEUC) and Consumentenbond. More recently, Consumers' International published a report entitled 'A spoonful of sugar', concerning the advertising on television of food products both in Europe and in other continents.

The Commission takes a keen interest in the methods whereby advertising seeks to influence people, including the three ways in which children and adolescents are targeted. Appropriate action may be taken on a number of fronts, not just through the introduction of legislation. The reports draw attention to other approaches, such as the establishment of codes of professional conduct for the advertising industry, in-depth study of what exactly is meant by a child, more effective monitoring of media activities and, of course, the fundamental role of education. The Commission will, however, continue to examine the need for, and extent of, any legislative measures in this field.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3576/96 by Gerardo Fernández-Albor (PPE) to the Commission (17 December 1996)

Subject: Complaint by Miss Teresa Rey Rey (and four other signatories) a pupil involved in the Socrates-Erasmus programme in Brussels, Belgium 1995-1996

I have recently received a complaint signed by two pupils (and their parents) who took part in the Socrates-Erasmus programme funded by the Commission in Brussels during the school year 1995-1996. Their complaint indicates a certain dissatisfaction with the work of the coordinator of this programme in Brussels.

As a Member of the European Parliament I should like to bring this complaint to the Commission's attention, so that, if you have any information in this connection, you can advise me as to what I can say to these individuals who have written to me seeking a solution to this problem.

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (21 January 1997)

The Commission is conducting a detailed investigation of the problem raised by the Honourable Member and will inform him of the outcome as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3158/96 by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz (V) to the Commission (22 November 1996)

Subject: Horse transport across Europe

Despite political discussions over many years, horses are still being carted across Europe in barbaric conditions. A case was recently discovered at Lauterbourg, on the Alsace border, involving horses from Poland being transported to the south of France via Alsace. The Strasbourg police admitted when questioned that, in the past, journeys of this kind had not always observed the existing provisions on animal protection.

1. What information does the Commission have on the annual scale of horse transport from Poland to France or other EU countries?

2. What action will the Commission take to ensure that animal protection provisions are observed in future?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (19 December 1996)

In 1995 about 38.000 horses were imported from Poland into the Community. The Commission is aware that in relation to the import of livestock, notably horses, from Eastern European countries, animal welfare problems have arisen. The Commission has not however received information that in recent years particular animal welfare problems have arisen in respect of the import of Polish horses into France.

Council Directive 91/628/EEC ((OJ L 340, 11.12.1991. )) on the protection of animals during transport has now been implemented by the majority of Member States, although it obviously cannot apply directly to the part of livestock journeys which occurs outside the territory of the Community, and contains certain provisions to ensure the respect by transport operators of adequate animal welfare conditions throughout the whole journey.

Under the amendments to the Directive introduced by Council Directive 95/29/EC ((OJ L 148, 30. 6.1995. )) improved welfare conditions and control mechanisms are provided. The Commission intends to do everything within its power to ensure that the amended Directive is properly implemented in the law of the Member States and correctly enforced by them.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3011/96 by Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) to the Commission (11 November 1996)

Subject: Technical assistance for the democratization of Mongolia

The results of the Mongolian elections of 30 June 1996 surprised all observers, not least the Mongolians themselves. The former single Party (communist) is now in opposition with the 'Democratic Union' coalition winning 50 out of the 76 seats in the Great Hural (Parliament).

The new government, young and inexperienced, has to keep 200 electoral promises and create a market economy. The Prime Minister, Mr Enkhsaikhan, is 41 and is, for example, trying to save the Central Bank from bankruptcy.

What is the Commission doing or intending to do to enable the new Government to benefit from European experience in democratization processes?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (20 December 1996)

The Commission recently noted two major political and economic events in Mongolia; on the one hand, the Democratic victory in the parliamentary elections of June 1996; on the other, Mongolia's accession to the World Trade Organization. The Commission is well aware of the challenges the fledgling Mongolian Government and Parliament face in their new responsibilities.

The Community seeks to bolster Mongolia's progress towards democracy and a market economy; to this end, the Tacis technical assistance programme, administered by the Commission, will be stepped up over the next four years. The national technical assistance package for Mongolia will be increased to ECU 20.5 million for the period 1996-1999- representing an annual accrual of more than 20%, compared to 1994-1995. Mongolia should also be entitled to benefit from Tacis 'democracy programmes', aimed at reinforcing democracy in the beneficiary countries.

Furthermore, Mongolia will form an integral part of the regional programme, Traceca ((Transport Corridor Europe Central Asia. ))
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2463/96 by Mary Banotti (PPE) to the Commission (23 September 1996)

Subject: Radiation risk experiments

Is it correct to interpret the answer given to written question E-0560/96 ((OJ C185, 25.6.1996, p. 71. )) as suggesting that persons who were involved in formulating the EU policy of research objectives in this area also participated either directly or through their associated laboratories in receiving funding under the radiation protection programme?

Is it also correct to interpret the answer given as suggesting that the same tumour suppressor genes (for example p53) are as important in inbred mice as in long-lived humans?

Is it also correct to interpret the answer given as suggesting that similar specific genetic alterations in mice and humans produce tumours of comparable location and pathology?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (20 November 1996)

Those who advise the Commission on the choices of research priorities are not necessarily excluded from submitting research project proposals to Community research programmes provided there is no conflict of interest. For the selection of projects, the Commission is assisted by independent expert evaluators, whose task is to examine all competing proposals on strict quality criteria.

It was not the intention to suggest that the same tumour suppressor genes are as important in imbred mice as in longer lived humans nor to suggest that similar specific genetic alterations in mice and humans produce tumours of comparable location and pathology. The research is based on the widely held assumption that the carcinogenic process, and the influence of radiation on it, is comparable in different mammalian species.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2809/96 by Johannes Blokland (I-EDN) to the Commission (25 October 1996)

Subject: Transaction between France Télécom and the French State

1. The Financieel Dagblad of 20 September 1996 reported that the pension funds of the privatized France Télécom amounting to FF 37.5 billion were being transferred to the State and that a number of claims on funds were being collected prematurely. According to the report, this accounting jiggery-pokery is taking place to make France ready for EMU next year. Is this report true?

2. Are the provisions of the Maastricht Treaty so flexible that a country can help itself to meet the convergence criterion concerning budget deficits by resorting to a transaction of this nature?

3. To what extent does this accounting exercise contribute to real convergence, given that it entails an increase in government commitments?

Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission (27 November 1996)

The French civil servants retirement scheme for civil servants employed by France Télécom works on a pay-as-you-go basis, therefore the exceptional payment by France Télécom to the French government involves no financial asset or liability and should be treated as a capital transfer. This exceptional payment of 37 500 million FF will reduce the net borrowing of the general government sector by approximately 0.5% in 1997.

The accounting treatment of this exceptional payment as a capital transfer is in conformity with the EC Treaty, the protocol on the Excessive deficit procedure and Regulation 3605/93 which refers to the European system of integrated economic accounts (2nd edition) and which has to be applied for the statistics of the budgetary convergence.

The decision on the accounting treatment underlined the exceptional character of this payment. The Commission, when adopting its annual forecast for 1997, stressed this exceptional character in the corresponding footnote.

The Commission recalls that the EC Treaty insists on the durability of the convergence required for entry into the third stage of Economic and monetary union.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2954/96 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso (PSE) and Juan Colino Salamanca (PSE) to the Commission (8 November 1996)

Subject: COM for olive oil

Why did the Commission not submit a discussion paper prior to the proposal for reforming the COM for olive oil as has previously been done in the case of wine and fruit and vegetables?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2953/96, E-2954/96, E-2955/96, E-2956/96, E-2957/96, E-2958/96, E-2959/96, E-2960/96, E-2961/96, E-2962/96 and E-2964/96 given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (26 November 1996)

The Commission will be discussing the different options for the reform of the olive oil common market organization (CMO) in the very near future. A document will then be transmitted speedily to the Parliament and the Council for discussion before any concrete proposals are finalised.

The Commission will certainly take into account the Honourable Members' remarks and questions concerning employment, intervention aid to real production, aid per tree, consumption aid, quality, impact on the environment and the specific problems of Spain and some of its producer regions.

It would not be correct to comment in detail at this stage on the various options for reforms except to repeat that the new common market organisation should be transparent, simple, easy to control and should target producers efficiently.

The Commission attaches great importance to quality and believes that, whatever option is chosen, there will be an important role for Member States and regions.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2999/96 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (8 November 1996)

Subject: Public health problems in Lavrion

As a result of years of blatant indifference by the Greek authorities, the health situation of the 10 000 inhabitants of Lavrion and the Lavrion peninsular is now very alarming.

The reason for this is the high concentration of toxic substances such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury, zinc etc. Investigations (for example by the Institute of Geological and Mineralogical Research as part of the EU LIFE programme) have revealed twice to six times the normal levels of lead in the blood of children living there and up to ten times the normal levels of cadmium in their teeth.

In addition, there are cases of carcinogenesis, cancer, hyperactivity in children, lower pre-school performances, a drop in IQ levels etc.

In addition, slag heaps are being used to provide landfill for the harbour mole. Mrs Wulf-Mathies, Member of the Commission, has called for this practice to be ended immediately.

Given the extreme gravity of this situation:

1. What immediate steps will the Commission take to prevent further pollution in this area, in view of the failure of the Greek authorities to take suitable measures?

2. Is it possible for the Lavrion area to be included in a Community environmental protection programme and how could this be done?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (17 December 1996)

For several years the Commission has been aware of the pollution problems, dating back to antiquity and linked mainly to mining activities, which face the town of Lavrion.

In a bid to help solve these problems, the Commission has selected, under the Life Programme, project 93/GR/A14/GR/4756 which seeks to rehabilitate an area of Lavrion seriously polluted by lead and other heavy metals and to promote the sustainable development of the region with the support of the local authorities. This project is bound to contribute to improving the quality of life of the inhabitants of the region. The Community will be co-financing the project, which is to be conducted by the Lavrion municipal authorities (ECU 631 588 to be funded by the Community and ECU 731 322 by the municipal authorities).

As regards the use of steel scrap as a filling material, the Commission has received official assurances from the Greek authorities that, according to studies carried out on the subject, this practice has no adverse effects.

The Commission does not expect to adopt specific measures for the region. It is up to the Greek authorities to present the Commission with proposals for actions to be undertaken in the framework of existing operational programmes. In such cases, the Commission will take appropriate action after examining the file in question.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2442/96 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission (11 September 1996)

Subject: EU measures for imports of genetically engineered maize and maize products from the United States and Canada

1. Is the Commission aware that Ciba Geigy is growing and marketing genetically engineered maize in the United States and Canada?

2. Does the Commission see a risk that such maize and maize products may be imported into the EU without a marketing application?

3. Will the Commission demand a marketing application from Ciba Geigy, as in the case of the genetically engineered soya beans produced by Monsanto?

4. What measures will the Commission take if Ciba Geigy imports genetically engineered maize into the EU without authorization?

Supplementary answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (29 November 1996)

Further to its reply given on 4 October 1996, the Commission is now in the position to provide the following information.

1. The Commission is aware that Ciba Geigy Ltd has consent to market genetically modified maize in the United States and Canada.

2. - 3. Ciba Geigy Ltd has already notified for placing on the market of genetically modified maize in Europe according to Council Directive 90/220/EEC ((OJ L 117, 8.5.1990. )) on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms. This notification is still under consideration and no final decision has yet been taken. Before the authorization for the genetically modified maize of Ciba Geigy Ltd covered by Directive 90/220/EEC is given, any placing on the market within the Community of genetically modified maize and maize products capable of replicating or transferring genetic material is forbidden.

4. According to Directive 90/220/EEC Member States shall designate competent authorities responsible for carrying out the requirements of this Directive and shall ensure that the competent authorities organize inspections and other control measures as appropriate, to ensure compliance with this Directive.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2855/96 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission (25 October 1996)

Subject: Nuclear industry in the Slovak Republic

1. What independent organization is monitoring the extension to, and retrofitting of, the Mochovce nuclear power station on the edge of the Danube plain where there have been a series of defects in the fabric of the building and the Soviet technology dating from the 1970s which have certainly not improved in the fourteen years since the building work began (the plant components have not been serviced)?

2. What is the Commission's view of the environmental programmes caused by the fact that the cooling water required for the plant has to be pumped up at considerable cost from a distance of 10 km in order to guarantee the proper functioning of the power station?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (13 December 1996)

The Slovak Republic has its own regulatory authorities, which are responsible for granting all construction and operations permits regarding nuclear installations in Slovakia. This procedure is similar to the regulatory process in the Member States.

The Slovak government decided not to take up the offer of Community financial assistance (Euratom loan) for the completion of the construction of the Mochovce project and hence the role of the Commission in providing technical assistance related to the construction of the project has been reduced. Phare assistance to the Mochovce project is limited to support of licensing related assessments of design and operational safety as well as technical assistance to the Slovak nuclear safety authority.

In the Slovak Republic, Act 50/1976 on land planning and construction and the environmental impact assessment Act 127/1994 provide for environmental assessment of effects on water. The Construction bureau is responsible for granting a construction licence.

The Commission continues to monitor closely the situation regarding the completion of the construction of Mochovce and the closure of Bohunice.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3094/96 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (8 November 1996)

Subject: Restoration of monuments damaged in Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus

Greek Christian monuments in Turkish-occupied Cyprus have been devastated as part of the enforced 'Turkification' of the region. Cyprus is also a participant in the Raphael cultural heritage programme.

Is the Commission prepared to consider as eligible for aid a programme taking an inventory of the cultural heritage, making particular note of those monuments that can be restored, which fulfills the conditions of the Raphael programme; i.e. is it prepared to support measures which will also benefit the northern part of Cyprus given that the wealth of the cultural heritage could, in the medium term, become a factor in promoting and improving the quality of tourism?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (12 December 1996)

The Honourable Member is aware that the Raphael programme will become operational next year and that the pilot actions launched and implemented this year were in preparation of this programme.

The participation of Cyprus in this programme, as with other third countries associated with the Community, could be established as from 1998 and will be determined on the basis of an association council decision which could be concluded in the course of 1997.

In 1997, which in fact will be considered as a transitional period, the Commission is prepared to receive for consideration, as in 1996, initiatives submitted by the Cypriot authorities provided they meet the eligibility conditions, which will be published in the Official Journal in the beginning of the year.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3389/96 by Ludivina García Arias (PSE) to the Commission (20 November 1996)

Subject: Privatization and sale of the Corporación Siderúrgica Integral de España

Does the Commission have sufficient information on the process of privatization and sale of the Corporación Siderúrgica Integral de España (Spanish iron and steel corporation)? Does the Commission consider that this process is being conducted with due transparency, the necessary consultations with the Spanish trade unions and an assurance that jobs and the local industrial structure will be maintained?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (19 December 1996)

The Commission is aware of the reports that the Spanish government intends to privatize Corporación siderurgica integral.

As with all such privatisations the Commission will ensure that all relevant Commmunity measures are respected.