ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3900/98

by Patricia McKenna (V) to the Commission

(4 January 1999)

Subject: Participation of Commissioner Hans van den Broek in the 1995 Bilderberg meeting

Concerning the Bilderberg meeting attended by Commissioner van den Broek in Bürgenstock from 8-11 June 1995, could the Commission state:

1. What the items were which made up the total travel and whether the costs were reimbursed at the time, or if not who paid them?

2. Since Bilderberg normally pays the lavish accommodation, should this be declared by the Commissioner?

3. Did the Commissioner receive the specified subsistence allowance for the days of the trip?

4. Did the Commissioner take leave of absence for this trip?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3746/98

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(11 December 1998)

Subject: EC mark for electric shock batons

Is the Commission aware that The Huang Plastic Co. Limited, of 5/f no 210 Ming Fung Street, His-Chih-Cheng, Taipei, Taiwan, produces an electric shock device for which they claim EC certification?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(2 February 1999)

The Commission was not aware of the matter described by the Honourable Member.

The safety of electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits (between 50 and 1 000 volts for alternating current and between 75 and 1 500 volts for direct current) is regulated by Council Directive 73/23/EEC of 19 February 1973 on the harmonization of the laws of Member States relating to electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits(1). The Commission does not possess enough information to determine whether or not the device in question is covered by this Directive.

Further, the control of the acquisition and possession of weapons is regulated by Council Directive 91/477/EEC of 18 June 1991(2), which lays down the categories of weapons the acquisition or possession of which by private persons are either prohibited or subject to authorisation or declaration. In this context, national legislation may also be of relevance.

With a view to a possible initiative in respect of combatting torture or other cruel, degrading or inhuman treatment, the Commission is presently gathering more precise information regarding the classification of electric shock devices under the national arms/weapons legislation of Member States.

(1) OJ L 77, 26.3.1973.

(2) OJ L 256, 13.9.1991.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3034/98

by Gianni Tamino (V) to the Commission

(8 October 1998)

Subject: Illegal traffic in live lambs intended for butchers in Greece

Following reports by the EFAP (Hellenic Anti-hunting Initiative), I would like to draw the Commission's attention to the problem of the illegal traffic in live lambs intended for butchers in Greece.

We have information showing that around 1 000 lambs enter Greece daily through the ports of Igoumenitsa and Patras. The legal requirement that stops be made at 14-hour intervals during transportation to water and feed the lambs is ignored. The animals travel for 60 or more hours without water, food or rest. 25 % of the animals are already dead when they arrive in Greece (and there are reasons to believe that these animals are also sold for their meat). Some lorries carry more than 200 lambs, and others, with trailers, carry 400 lambs. They all operate a fourth deck, in addition to the standard three decks, installed under the lorry. The lambs crammed in between the wheels often die, and in any case become demented. Half of the lambs observed in the course of the checks carried out by EFAP did not have an eartag, the label attached to the ear that certifies that the animal has been checked by a vet in the country of origin, and were therefore of unknown origin. Some of them were diseased. Furthermore, half of the animals had horns, which the law does not allow because animals with horns injure each other during transportation, and by the end of the journey some had been torn to shreds. According to the observations made by EFAP, the haulage companies transporting the lambs are Dutch (Maes and Van Veen) but many of the lorries appear to be Greek and have Greek drivers.

In view of these reports and since the Greek police, which has been told about the situation on many occasions, is turning a blind eye to the problem, will the Commission check whether or not Directive 91/628/EC(1), amended by Directive 95/29/EC(2), on the protection of animals during transport, is being complied with in Greece, and, if it is shown that the directive is being contravened, would it not consider it appropriate to initiate an infringement procedure against Greece?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 1998)

The Commission agrees with the Honourable Member that if the information he gives about the transport is correct, it constitutes a breach of Community legislation, including Council Directive 91/628/EEC of 19 November 1991 on the protection of animals during transport and amending Directives 90/425/EEC and 91/496/EEC(3).

The Commission will contact the Greek authorities about this matter. Furthermore the Commission would be grateful to receive a copy of the reports to which the Honourable Member refers.

(1) OJ L 340, 11.12.1991, p. 17.

(2) OJ L 148, 30.6.1995, p. 52.

(3) OJ L 340, 11.12.1991.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3426/98

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(24 November 1998)

Subject: Ban on use of the Kurdish language by a prisoner in Dutch prisons

Husein Baybasin, a Kurd being held in Dutch prisons, has begun a hunger strike because the Dutch authorities have forbidden him to use the Kurdish language to communicate with his family on the grounds that under the prison regulations the Kurdish language is not one of the "standard" languages of Europe.

Since this ban prevents him from communicating with his relatives, constitutes a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights and disregards the rules for the protection of "minority" languages.

Will the Commission say:

1. What action does it intend to take to enable this Kurdish prisoner to communicate with his family in his mother tongue?

2. Are there any other penal establishments in Europe which apply similarly unacceptable rules and, if so, can it name them?

Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission

(22 January 1999)

The Commission has no competence regarding rules and conditions in prisons under Title VI of the Treaty on European Union. Decisions in this field are within the responsibility of the appropriate authorities of the Member States. In case of any possible violation of the European Convention of human rights, this would be a matter to pursue with the European court of human rights.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3758/98

by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission

(11 December 1998)

Subject: Further thoughts concerning private armed guards in Italy

Further to Written Question E-1713/98(1) on the regulation of private armed guards in Italy can the Commission say:

1. whether there are Commission documents on recognition of the new professions which may, inter alia, assist the recognition of the profession of private civilian security guards, who are currently included in the general category of unskilled workers in Italy;

2. whether the special and sensitive nature of the sector, rightly pointed out by Commissioner Monti, should not lead to private security guards being given the status of public servants;

3. whether it does not consider that failure to recognize this profession may have an adverse effect on both the qualifications of private security guards and the social protection of workers?

Answer by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(12 February 1999)

1. The Commission has not undertaken any special studies of private security services. With regard to the recognition of the professional qualifications required in a Member State, the honourable Member is referred to Council Directive 89/48/EEC of 21 December 1988 on a general system for the recognition of higher-education diplomas awarded on completion of professional education and training of at least three years' duration(2), as well as Council Directive 92/51/EEC of 18 June 1992 on a second general system for the recognition of professional education and training to supplement Directive 89/48/EEC(3).

2. Inasmuch as private security services constitute an economic activity under the meaning of the EC Treaty, the Member States cannot exclude economic sectors from the application of the principle of non-discrimination. It is an economic activity because the protection and surveillance activities are based on private relations, and their exercise does not mean that the companies and staff have any powers of constraint. Simply helping to maintain public safety, which any individual may be required to do, cannot be likened to powers of constraint and cannot therefore be considered direct and specific involvement in the exercise of official authority in accordance with Articles 55 and 48 (4) of the EC Treaty. The Commission's position was confirmed recently by the Court of Justice in the case of the Commission v Spain (ruling of 29 October 1998, C-114/97).

3. As far as Community law is concerned at the moment, the Member States are responsible for measures relating to the training and social protection of those employed by private security companies. Inasmuch as there is compliance with the principle of non-discrimination and recognition of professional qualifications in accordance with the directives mentioned earlier, the Member State in question can adopt measures seeking a general interest objective in compliance with the proportionality rule.

(1) OJ C 13, 18.1.1999, p. 67.

(2) OJ L 19, 24.1.1989.

(3) OJ L 209, 24.7.1992.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3661/98

by José García-Margallo y Marfil (PPE) to the Commission

(7 December 1998)

Subject: The millennium bug

It has been established that the "millennium bug", a problem also known as the "year 2000 effect", may affect all types of programmable electronic systems (PESs), ranging from mainframe computers to microchips.

These systems are employed for all nature of industrial purposes at the various stages of the production process, in the transport sector, in the public services and so forth. Furthermore, the said systems are date-dependent and their reaction on the first day of the new millennium will be critical. For those reasons, it would advisable to pinpoint the risks involved.

Has the Commission carried out a general analysis of the nature of the problems which may arise and of the potential errors or breakdowns in date-dependent systems?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(15 January 1999)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its communications(1)(2) on the Year 2000 computing problem and on how the Community is tacking the Year 2000 computing problem respectively.

(1) COM(98) 102.

(2) SEC(98) 2100.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3009/98

by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission

(8 October 1998)

Subject: Health and safety inspections at kennels

In view of Italian press reports of the macabre events which took place in a kennels, where 11 of the dogs were found dead and all the others in an advanced state of malnutrition, one is forced to conclude that, if even animals which are lucky enough not to be abandoned but are placed in the "care" of a kennels die as a result of neglect and ill-treatment, there is clearly a need for urgent action to be taken by a higher body, such as the European Commission.

Would the Commission therefore ensure:

1. that an authority for animals is at last set up under a directive to apply in all Member States;

2. that, again under an EU directive, standards are laid down for kennels, and Member States are obliged to make provision for periodic inspections.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(16 November 1998)

The Commission deplores all cruelty towards animals. Community legislation has been adopted to protect the welfare of farm and laboratory animals. However, the welfare of domestic pets is still a matter within the competence of the Member States.

The Commission does not have the intention at the present time to propose legislation in the area of housing pet animals.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3628/98

by Hartmut Nassauer (PPE) to the Commission

(3 December 1998)

Subject: Benes Decrees

The Constitutional Court of the Czech Republic ruled on 8 March 1995 in the Dreithaler Case that depriving the German population of their rights and deporting them on the basis of the "Bene[scaron] Decrees" was compatible with the legal principles of civilised European societies. As a result of that decision, the Law of 8 May 1946 on the legality of acts committed in connection with the struggle by the Czechs and Slovaks to regain their freedom is still in force, so that the perpetrators of these arbitrary measures, whose effects continue to be felt, are still covered today by the immunity from criminal proceedings conferred by that law.

Having regard to the forthcoming accession negotiations, how does the Commission view the fact that in the Czech Republic discriminatory legalisation is in force against another Member State or some of its citizens?

Does the Commission share the view that the continuing validity of this legislation is incompatible with the European legal order?

Does the Commission believe that the Czech Republic can accede to the European Union whilst this legislation continues to be unrestrictedly valid?

Has the Commission already taken formal note of the above-mentioned legislation in its preparations for the forthcoming accession negotiations with the Czech Republic, or will it do so in the future?

What specific steps does the Commission intend to take regarding the accession negotiations with the Czech Republic to prompt the Czech Government to bring its legislation and legal provisions into line with the Declaration of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms?

Does the Commission believe it to be appropriate, in view of the accession negotiations, to persuade the Czech Government that it is essential for it to distance itself from the "Bene[scaron] Decrees" expropriating property and depriving people of their rights, in order to guarantee that the principles of the rule of law and human rights apply unrestrictedly in the enlarged European Union?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3626/98

by Hartmut Nassauer (PPE) to the Commission

(3 December 1998)

Subject: Unresolved problems relating to property between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Czech Republic

It is a well-known fact that the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany has always condemned as contrary to international law the expulsion of Germans from Czechoslovakia and the confiscation of German property without any compensation. The German Government has always vigorously maintained this viewpoint. The German Government has made it clear to the Czechs right up to the present that the property issues have still not been resolved. The Federal German Chancellor pointed this out most recently following the signing on 21 January 1997 by the Czech Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany of the declaration on bilateral relations and the future development of such relations.

How does the Commission view these still unresolved property issues, having regard to the accession negotiations between the European Union and the Czech Republic?

Does the Commission take the view that these still unresolved issues might have repercussions on the forthcoming accession negotiations?

Has the Commission taken formal note of these issues in its preparations for the forthcoming accession negotiations, or does it intend to do so in the future?

Does the Commission believe that the continued existence of unresolved problems relating to property between Member States of the European Union might jeopardise the Community legal order?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3934/98

by Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) to the Commission

(4 January 1999)

Subject: Use of nuclear energy for the desalination of sea water in arid countries

At its last conference the International Atomic Energy Agency, a United Nations body, proposed the urgent development of programmes for the desalination of sea water using small nuclear reactors.

At its last assembly in September it asked its Director to give priority to this option and to promote international cooperation in this field.

Can the Commission say what the European Union's position is on this subject, in particular the possibilities of cheap nuclear desalination in North Africa (Maghreb and Mashreq countries) in accordance with the study on the subject carried out by the IAEA?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission

(3 February 1999)

For very many years the Commission has been monitoring the work carried out by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the possible use of nuclear reactors for the desalination of sea water.

The Commission considers, moreover, that the use of the nuclear option requires high levels of expertise, experience and safety. It also demands high-level non-proliferation assurances and the existence of strong and independent safety authorities. Currently, these conditions do not all appear to have been met in the region referred to by the Honourable Member.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3421/98 by Amedeo AMADEO to the Commission. European textile industry



Official Journal C 207 , 21/07/1999 P. 0066



WRITTEN QUESTION E-3421/98 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (24 November 1998) Subject: European textile industry With reference to the Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: Plan of action to increase the competitiveness of the European textile and clothing industry (COM(97) 454 final), would the Commission take steps to facilitate the use of existing Union financial resources (European Structural Funds, Leonardo programme) for actions to improve employees' qualifications and accelerate the introduction of new technologies by SMUs, the craft sector and the subcontracting industry in general?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3178/98

by Christian Rovsing (PPE) to the Commission

(27 October 1998)

Subject: Medicine residues in horse meat

In view of the public concern over medicine residues in foodstuffs and the fact that animals, including racehorses, need to be treated for diseases:

1. What will the Commission do to ensure that MRL (Maximum Residue Limits) are laid down for all essential medicines and that the latter can be afforded by all horse owners?

2. Since professional racehorses receive considerable amounts of medicine during their career, how will the Commission ensure that they do not end up as food?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(11 November 1998)

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 No. 2572/98 by John McCARTIN Fishing agreement with the Comores 1994-1997



Official Journal C 320 , 06/11/1999 P. 0008



WRITTEN QUESTION E-2572/98 by John McCartin (PPE) to the Commission (1 September 1998) Subject: Fishing agreement with the Comores 1994-1997 Can the Commission state how many fishing vessels were involved in the 1994-1997 EU fishing agreement with the Comores, what was the tonnage of these vessels and how many days they fished under the agreement?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4024/98

by Ben Fayot (PSE) to the Commission

(8 January 1999)

Subject: Adverse effect of distortion of competition on Luxembourgish SMEs

In 1997 new administrative and financial obstacles were erected in Germany, the result of which is that Luxembourgish craft enterprises seeking to trade in Germany are exposed to distortion of competition.

For example, the German law on the posting of workers (1997) obliges Luxembourgish construction firms operating in Germany to transfer 14,25 % of gross wages paid in Germany during the period of posting as holiday pay to a German fund, although there are comparable obligations in Luxembourg, the posting country (statutory holiday and obligatory holiday pay amounting to 11,77 % of gross pay). This double burden on Luxembourgish firms is a violation of the rules of competition applying in the Infernal Market and it represents a sealing off of the German market.

Does the Commission intend to defend vigorously the rules of the Internal Market in this instance, and to work towards a situation where Luxembourgish and other European firms engaged in the construction trade in Germany are freed from this additional burden?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(25 February 1999)

The honourable Member is referred to the Commission's answer to Written Question E-3110/98 put by Ms Reding(1). The Commission also wishes to point out that it served formal notice on the German Government in November 1998.

(1) OJ C 135, 14.5.1999, p. 168.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3683/98

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(7 December 1998)

Subject: Air travel within Europe

Is the Commission aware that airfares on some European routes are deliberately increased during peak periods such as school holidays? Would the Commission please explain why such pricing by airlines is permitted, when such measures would not be tolerated if other forms of public transport were involved?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(16 February 1999)

The application of different prices at different times and days of travel is a normal trade practice of responding to consumer demand. Airlines are not the only travel service providers which adjust their fares in response to demand patterns. For example, passenger tickets for ferries, railways and even motorway charges can vary depending on the timing of the journey. Such practices serve as an inducement to alleviate travel congestion in the most popular periods.

The liberalisation process in recent years has opened up air transport to greater competition. This has also facilitated the entry of new low cost airlines. Allowing the consumer greater choice places the onus on each airline to offer a product that meets the requirements of each passenger at a competitive price and serves as a deterrent to abusive pricing.

In order to enable airlines to react quickly in this more dynamic environment, the liberalisation measures have also introduced the principle of pricing freedom. Nevertheless airlines are not allowed to apply excessively high basic fares. Parties with a legitimate interest may ask the Member State(s) concerned or the Commission to investigate very high fares in the light of the applicable regulation.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3788/98

by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission

(11 December 1998)

Subject: HIV/AIDS

Given that a recent UNAID report suggests that, every minute, 11 people are being newly infected with HIV/AIDS, has the Commission any plans to reassess its development policies in an attempt to deal with the problems this raises?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission

(2 February 1999)

The Community has been supporting acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) policies and programmes in developing countries since 1987 and was aware of the deteriorating situation regarding the spread of AIDS in these countries prior to the United Nations (UN)AIDS report. The Community approach to the problems posed by AIDS in developing countries was debated in the Parliament and the Council in 1997. The outcome of these discussions was a re-evaluated policy which focuses on the socio-economic causes and consequences of AIDS and targets prevention policies.

In addition, the Community has developed systems to ensure that human immuno deficiency syndrome (HIV)/AIDS assessment is included in all relevant development programmes and projects. In July 1998 the Commission approved a communication to the Parliament and the Council(1) about increased solidarity to confront AIDS in developing countries. Moreover, several activity reports concerning the Community efforts to tackle the problem of HIV/AIDS in developing countries have been forwarded to the Parliament over the past few years.

(1) COM(98) 407 final.