ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0642/96 by Edouard des Places (EDN) to the Commission (15 March 1996)

Subject: Imports of cheap honey which destabilize the European market

For some years, imports of honey at low prices (from China in particular) have been making conditions increasingly difficult for the European Union's 435 000 beekeepers.

Both climatic and social conditions (labour) are preventing our beekeepers from producing honey at world prices and they are no longer able, owing to the absence of Community preference, to withstand the international competition.

Nonetheless, the profession mobilized in 1990. The European Parliament voiced its support in 1992 and in 1994 the Council of Ministers asked the Commission for a global action programme, resulting in nothing more than a discussion document on the situation of beekeeping.

The situation is extremely worrying, both for the economy and for the environment, since bees also play a vital role in nature in pollinating flora and are therefore essential to the life-cycle of the plant world. What will happen the day our 435 000 beekeepers disappear?

In view of the above, could the Commission:

- Finally impose the Community preference?

- Enforce the health and quality standards for imported honey?

- Establish special European rules for honey including a pollination premium to preserve a stock of bees for the pollination of flora?

- Introduce compensation for loss of income resulting from the absence of Community preference?

- Introduce a framework regulation for beekeeping?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (24 April 1996)

There is no market organization for honey, unlike for most agricultural products. Community preference is obtained only through a customs duty of 25.4%.

From the point of view of quality, honey marketed in the Community must meet the conditions laid down by Directive 74/409/EEC. ((OJ No L 221, 12.8.1974. )) Further provisions applicable to honey are contained in Directive 93/43/EEC ((OJ No L 175, 19.7.1993. )) which lays down rules on the hygiene of foodstuffs. The Member States' authorities are responsible for ensuring the proper application of these Directives to honey imported into the Community.

Directive 92/118/EEC ((OJ No L 62, 15.3.1993. )) lays down specific health requirements governing trade in honey and imports thereof into the Community.

The Council recognised in October 1994 that the discussion paper on apiculture ((Doc. COM(94) 256 final, 24.6.1994. )) provided a good basis for assessing the situation of European apiculture. It requested the Commission to submit concrete proposals, taking into account the results of discussions. The Commission will submit its proposals as soon as the budget situation allows.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0439/96 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (29 February 1996)

Subject: SMU

In its resolution on a coherent employment strategy for the European Union (A4-0166/95) ((OJ C 249, 13.7.1995, p. 143. )), the European Parliament called on the Commission to draw up a special programme for SMU management training.

A survey conducted by the Council showed that SMU have an inadequate knowledge of European financial regulations and that there are also considerable differences in the level of knowledge between Member States.

Clearly, SMU need to be familiar with and have access to these rules if they are to be useful to them, bearing in mind that deadlines for requesting European Union financial rules are often too short and need to be extended and the Commission should spend more time making sure that the rules are widely known in all the Member States. Does the Commission not think that it is time to pay special attention to SMU and to publish the special training programme mentioned above, since only an active commitment on the part of SMU will make it possible to stimulate a gradual rise in employment throughout the European Union?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (9 April 1996)

The Commission would ask the Honourable Member to refer to the answer given to written question E-3190/95 by Mr Hernandez Mollar ((OJ C 161, 5.6.1996, p. 8. )).

In addition, the Commission proposal for a multiannual programme (1997-2000) in favour of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) ((Doc. COM(96)98 final. )) aims to improve the financial environment and will, once adopted, enable some limited actions to be launched in the field of management training, particularly for female heads of companies.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1027/96 by Joaquim Miranda (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (3 May 1996)

Subject: Visit to Portugal by the Commissioner responsible for Tourism

Media reports claim that the Commissioner responsible for Tourism, Mr Christos PAPOUTSIS, is to visit Portugal on 18 April 1996.

Can the Commission confirm that this is the case and, if so, provide me with details of the principal objectives of this visit and of the programme to be followed?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (28 May 1996)

The Commission has to inform the Honourable Member that the Commissioner responsible for tourism did not visit Portugal on 18 April 1996, and that no visit to Portugal had been planned for that date.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0578/96 by Josu Imaz San Miguel (PPE) to the Commission (11 March 1996)

Subject: Cost of monitoring campaign

During the summer of 1995 the Commission, working in conjunction with the Member States, implemented a coordinated plan for inspecting and monitoring the use of driftnets in the fisheries sector.

The cost of the campaign was borne by both the Commission and the Member States.

In the conclusions of the report which it submitted to the Fisheries Council in December 1995 and to Parliament in February 1996 (SEC(95)2259) the Commission stated that the cost of the campaign had been disproportionately high, given the number of vessels using driftnets and the size of the catches landed.

What is the detailed breakdown of the cost of the campaign borne by the Commission and by each of the Member States involved?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (25 April 1996)

The Commission has repeatedly emphasized its disproportionate burden of expenditure arising from monitoring and supervision in international waters, notably the Bay of Biscay, and from the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO). The Commission is most anxious that Member States involved in fishery activities in international waters should deploy directly the necessary means to ensure effective control of vessels flying their flag.

In the case of driftnet fishing, the cost to the Commission in 1995 verged on ECU 700 000. The Commission is unable to give figures for the costs incurred by those Member States which took part in the campaign. To achieve an overall reduction of costs, coordination of control efforts by the various Member States is essential in the Commission's view. It considers, however, that the immediate priority is to reinforce and enhance the progress achieved in 1994 and 1995.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0752/96 by Josu Imaz San Miguel (PPE) to the Commission (26 March 1996)

Subject: Mental illness

The Commission has a number of action programmes in the field of public health and in areas designed to provide support for the disabled. Among the measures in the field of public health there is a specific section for 'other illnesses'.

Because of the comparative lack of resources devoted historically to mental illness, special arrangements for this area need to be one of the priority areas for action in our society.

Moreover, mental illness is a serious form of disability which eats into the resources that such patients have for coping with their everyday lives, including their integration into society and the world of work.

Does the Commission include mental illness in its programmes for public health?

Are such illnesses, and those who suffer from them, included among the groups listed as potential beneficiaries of European Union programmes for the disabled?

Is the Commission aware of the need to devise measures for groups which suffer from high-risk mental illnesses, with a view to developing special therapies so that treatment can be carried out in environments which are physically close to the family environment?

If it accepts these objectives, what programmes or budgetary measures is the Commission devoting, or does it plan to devote, to them?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (21 May 1996)

Mental illness is taken into consideration in the HELIOS II programme, which aims to improve the situation of disabled people.

In its communication concerning a Community action programme on health monitoring in the context of the framework for action in the field of public health ((COM(95) 449. )), the Commission identified mental illness, including suicide, as having a high rate of mortality and morbidity. It is currently looking into possible approaches to preventing suicides in the context of a programme on voluntary and involuntary accidents and injuries.

Moreover, well-being, including mental health, is also covered by the programme on health promotion, information, education and training within the framework for action in the field of public health ((OJ L 95, 16.4.1996. )).

It should be noted that the budgetary authorities have decided to boost budget heading B3-4300 by ECU 5 million in 1996 to tackle Alzheimer's disease and other forms of mental illness.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0911/96 by Christof Tannert (PSE) to the Commission (23 April 1996)

Subject: Community programmes for Berlin in 1995 and 1996

1. What sums were granted in Community aid to the German 'Land' of Berlin in 1995 and 1996?

2. What sums have been taken up so far?

3. To which measures and programmes do

(a) the sums allocated

(b) the sums taken up

apply?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (5 June 1996)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its findings as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0394/96 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso (PSE) to the Commission (22 February 1996)

Subject: Milk quotas in certain regions

The current distribution of the European Union milk quota among the Member States does not match potential production rates.

There are some regions, such as Cantabria in Spain, where several thousand cattle farms have disappeared in recent years.

In order to achieve a milk quota comparable with the European average per farm and year, that region would require an additional increase in its current milk quota.

Would the Commission agree to the opening of consultations and negotiations with a view to adjusting the milk quota in certain regions to bring it into line with the European production average per farm and year?

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

The individual reference quantity for milk production was allocated to each producer on the basis of his production during a reference year. This fundamental principle cannot be called into question without jeopardizing the entire system.

However, although Community legislation does not allow the national quota to be shared out by region, there are provisions which enable milk production to be maintained in regions where such production is a vital factor in use of rural areas and employment in the agricultural sector.

Similarly, there are provisions which give certain types of producer (young people, those who have invested or who are starting up production) priority in obtaining additional quotas to meet the conditions for viable production.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1010/96 by Concepció Ferrer (PPE) to the Commission (26 April 1996)

Subject: Developments in the market deregulation process in Japan

The Union suffers from a considerable trade deficit in bilateral trade between the EU and Japan and greater deregulation of the Japanese market needs to be achieved with a view to stimulating and increasing Community exports to Japan.

On the occasion of the meeting held at the beginning of November 1995, the Union submitted a new list containing 184 specific proposals and recommendations (affecting 98 different sectors) to the Japanese authorities.

1. Which sectors are most adversely affected by insufficient deregulation?

2. Has the Commission observed a positive reaction on the part of the Japanese authorities which might satisfy the Union's demands?

3. In relation to which sectors do the Japanese authorities show the greatest willingness to give way?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (24 May 1996)

The Japanese government announced the revision of the 1995 deregulation programme on 29 March 1996. This followed extensive discussions between the Commission and the Japanese authorities on the Commission's list of deregulation proposals. The Commission is reasonably satisfied with the revised programme. Even though the Community had hoped for more rapid progress in this exercise, some positive steps have been decided, notably in the areas of construction, telecommunications and financial services. It should also be remembered that in 1995 Japan made particular efforts to deregulate in the automobile sector. The deregulation programme is undoubtedly a step in the right direction and it is crucially important that it is now translated rapidly into specific action.

Progress in the field of deregulation is reflected in trade figures. Trade between the Community and Japan, which has recently grown more than twice as fast as global trade, is increasingly developing differently from what one has learned to expect. Trade from the Community to Japan is growing faster that trade from Japan to the Community. The import cover ratio vis-à-vis Japan for the Community (Japanese imports from the Community/ Japanese exports to the Community) over the period 1985-95 has increased from 0,44 in 1985 to 0,70 in 1995, reflecting the success of Community trade policy towards Japan. This can be compared with an increase in the import cover ratio vis-à-vis Japan for the United States from 0,40 in 1985 to 0,62 in 1995.

Nevertheless, a significant number of market access problems remain. These include problems in the fields of cosmetics, aircraft, food additives, pork and fresh fruit and vegetables. A year from now, the current 3 year deregulation programme will be reviewed prior to the start of its final year. Only then will it be possible to assess the significance of the current programme. The Commission will of course continue to press the Japanese authorities to increase the scope and the speed of deregulation, and to provide constructive input into the deregulation process.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1485/96 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (12 June 1996)

Subject: Progress with sub-programme 3, Eastern Macedonia-Thrace, Measure 3 of the 2nd CSF: 'Health and Welfare'

Measure 3.3 of the regional operational programme for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace provides for funding of health and welfare facilities in the region comprising: the completion of the hospitals at Xanthi and Drama, improvement and modernization of the existing hospitals at Komotini, Kavalla and Alexandroupolis and, finally, the construction of the university hospital of Alexandroupolis which is a top priority project of vital importance for the entire region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.

The breakdown of funding was ECU 3 793 000 for 1994 and ECU 11 379 000 for 1995.

1. What was the take-up rate for 1994 and 1995?

2. Have there been any delays in taking up the funds and, if so, what were the main reasons for them?

3. Can the Commission provide details of the progress made with this measure?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1479/96, E-1480/96, E-1481/96, E-1482/96, E-1483/96, E-1484/96, E-1485/96 and E-1486/96 given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (26 June 1996)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its findings as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0856/96 by Odile Leperre-Verrier (ARE) to the Commission (2 April 1996)

Subject: Appropriations for the URBAN programme - Objective 1

Can the Commission say what action will be taken on the appropriations placed in reserve for the period 1994-1999 under the URBAN programme?

Can it confirm that, where France is concerned, only cities coming under Objective 1 will be retained, which would exclude Bastia, for example, even though it was designated a priority?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (8 May 1996)

The Commission presented an initial proposal for allocations from the reserve for Community initiatives on 4 October 1995. A consultation procedure is now under way, involving Member States, Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and others. Only when this procedure is complete, which should be some time in May, will the Commission take a final decision on allocations from the reserve.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0972/96 by Christine Oddy (PSE) to the Commission (26 April 1996)

Subject: Grameen Bank

Further to my Question (P-2354/94 ((OJ C 81, 3.4.1995, p. 26. ))) regarding the Grameen Bank, which offers small loans to very poor people to set up their own businesses: the bank has been given $2 million by the World Bank and a similar amount by the USA to extend its work outside Bangladesh. What aid will the EU give?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (20 May 1996)

The Commission is aware of the grants to the Grameen Trust by the United States Agency for international development (USAID) and the World Bank. An independent consultant's report is currently under review by the Commission and its delegation in Dhaka. Subsequently the Commission will approach the Grameen Trust to discuss the findings and the recommendations of the mission reports with a view to possible Community support to Grameen Trust's work outside Bangladesh.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0776/96 by Gerardo Fernández-Albor (PPE) to the Commission (1 April 1996)

Subject: Promoting industrial processing of fishery products

Modernization, restructuring and diversification are the three key issues for the future of the fisheries sector in most areas of Spain.

However, greater profitability in the fisheries sector in most parts of Spain can best be achieved by means of the organization of markets, involving special promotional measures for fishery products, and the establishment of fish processing industries. This would at the same time lead to new jobs in the fisheries sector, which must realize that fishing involves more than simply catching fish.

Measures to promote industrial processing of fishery products therefore have a major role to play in the restructuring of the fisheries sector in many parts of Spain.

Would the Commission say to what extent its programmes providing support for business initiatives aimed at the diversification of fishing activities make provision for concerted action to promote initiatives likely to lead to the establishment of new fish processing industries?

Answer given by Ms Bonino on behalf of the Commission (21 May 1996)

Among the structural intervention schemes for fisheries in Spain, processing and marketing constitute one of the priority subsectors for financing from the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG). Total investment of ECU 408 million in the processing sector is made up of ECU 273 million in public aid (ECU 223 million of this from the Community) and over ECU 134 million in private sector support. The aid goes mainly on improvements in competitiveness, health standard conformity and the embracing of new technologies.

The Commission believes that aid for processing industries should help smooth their way into the new globalizing market for fisheries products.

The Community's Pesca initiative is also designed to support restructuring of the industry in fish-dependent areas. Pesca, which complements IFOP, has a budget of ECU 41 million for the period 1994-99, including ECU 24 million in investment for preservation and processing of fisheries products.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0678/96 by Jan Mulder (ELDR) to the Commission (15 March 1996)

Subject: The use of raw materials of agricultural origin for industrial purposes (French decision on the use of bio-fuels)

Recently the French government announced that on its territory it wishes to make the use of bio-fuels (including bio-diesel) compulsory to a certain extent.

1. Does the Commission share the French government's view that the use of raw materials of agricultural origin for industrial purposes must be fostered and what is its view on this encouraging French policy move?

2. The environmental movement periodically voices criticisms to the effect that the environmental gains from the use of raw materials of agricultural origin are lost because of the intensive cultivation methods for these agricultural products. Has the Commission already analyzed the environmental benefits to be expected from the use of certain products such as bio-fuels, plant-based lubricants, biodegradable plastics and fibres of plant origin? If not, is the Commission prepared to make this analysis in the near future?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (17 April 1996)

The Commission agrees that the use of agricultural raw materials for industrial uses should be promoted. In particular, the Commission feels that energy produced from such raw materials should play a role in reducing energy dependence.

As the Commission has not yet seen the details of the draft French legislation on clean air, which is reported to specify the use of oxygen in fuel as becoming mandatory before the end of the century, no position can be taken on the content of the initiative.

While the Commission supports energy production from agricultural raw materials, it has to be ensured that such production has no detrimental effect on the environment. So far, the precise environmental value is still under investigation. Details of product specification methods of air emission measurement and safeguards concerning the use of nitrates and pesticides have yet to be developed.