ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1606/97 by Bárbara Dührkop Dührkop (PSE) to the Council (12 May 1997)

Subject: Increased funding for new fisheries agreements

The EU must find ways of compensating for the sacrifices which Community fleets have to make in order to adapt to the requirements of the Fourth Programme for Fisheries Guidance.

Did the Commission ask the Fisheries Council on 14 April to increase by ECU 30 million the budgetary funding available for negotiating new fisheries agreements with non-member countries?

What did the Council decide?

Answer (6 August 1997)

At its meeting on 14-15 April 1997, the Commission did not ask the Council to increase by 30 MECUs the budgetary funding for negotiating new fisheries agreements with third countries.

However, in the meantime, the Commission has made a proposal for a transfer of appropriations with a view to making available an additional amount of 52.6 MECUs in budget line B 78000 (International Fisheries Agreements). The Council will examine this proposal in accordance with established procedures.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1750/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (27 May 1997)

Subject: Initiative to save Ayia Sofia in Istanbul

The church of Ayia Sofia is one of the most important monuments in the world. However, it is beset by severe problems and is even in danger of collapsing. All the restoration work carried out since the 6th century has deformed and weighed down the delicate original shell of the church with unnecessary heavy masonry and it is commonly remarked that every bus that passes Ayia Sofia brings it one step nearer collapse.

Its main columns are leaning, which is even visible to the naked eye, and its generally destabilized state is apparent from the fact that the small pillars do not stand perpendicular. There are cracks everywhere and the marble columns have already been reinforced to withstand the pressure but, unfortunately, the situation is made worse because the area is prone to earthquakes.

What is the possibility of taking an initiative to save this monument, in collaboration with the Greek and Turkish Governments and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, to prevent this unique monument from collapsing and to build bridges for communication, understanding and dialogue between the Greek and Turkish nations, which would obviously be helpful, particularly at the present time?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (3 July 1997)

The Honourable Member should refer to the answer given by the Commission to Question E-3520/96 by Mr Kellett-Bowman ((OJ C 138, 5.5.1997. )).

In view of its particular importance, Ayia Sofia is continuously monitored by a scientific committee set up in 1992 comprising architects and specialists in seismic engineering.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1966/97 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission (9 June 1997)

Subject: Prescribing Cascade Directive for veterinary medicines

Does the Commission agree that the Prescribing Cascade Directive unfairly allows veterinary practices to charge higher prices for their medicines due to the monopoly they have over the supply of animal medication? Why can a prescription not be issued to be used at an animal pharmacy, thus saving the customer money and inconvenience?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (9 July 1997)

Article 4 of Council Directive 81/851/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to veterinary medicinal products ((OJ L 317, 6.11.1981, as amended by Council Directives 90/676/EEC OJ 373, 31.12.1990, and 93/40/EEC OJ 214, 24.8.1993. )) provides that where no authorised product for a condition exists the Member States may exceptionally, in particular to avoid causing unacceptable suffering to the animal concerned, permit the administration of another product by a veterinarian. The medicinal product has to be administered under his direct personal responsibility to one animal or to a small number of animals or a particular holding. The product used has to be either authorised in the Member State for another species or another condition, or, if the first two possibilities do not apply, for use in human beings. If there is no authorised product available, a veterinary medicinal product may be prepared extemporaneously by a person authorised to do so under national legislation in accordance with the terms of a veterinary prescription. For food-producing animals an extended withdrawal time has to be observed to ensure that food obtained from treated animals does not contain residues harmful to the consumer.

These provisions have been established to place the animals under the direct control and responsibility of a veterinarian, when they are treated with a veterinary medicinal product not authorised for the particular circumstances in order to protect the animal and the consumer. The purpose of this provision, therefore is not to grant a particular profession a monopoly, but to protect public and animal health. There is no evidence that veterinarians actually abuse their position by systematically prescribing more expensive products.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1881/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (2 June 1997)

Subject: Development of the social dialogue

The Commission has issued a 'Communication concerning the Development of the Social Dialogue at Community Level' (COM(96) 0448 final).

As regards the sectoral social dialogue, various aspects must be taken into consideration for the social dialogue to be developed further at sectoral level. Effectiveness is an important factor but consideration must also be given to the contribution which can be made to improving labour relations in Europe. The efficient management of costs must also be considered although this cannot be the sole criterion.

Will the Commission therefore allocate sufficient funds, for which there is currently no provision, to the sectoral social dialogue?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (15 July 1997)

The Commission recognises the importance of the sectoral dimension of the social dialogue, which makes it possible to take the specific features of each economic activity into account, and of its contribution to the improvement of industrial relations in Europe.

In his closing address at the conference on the future of the social dialogue held on 28-29 April 1997, the Member of the Commission responsible for social affairs reiterated the importance of the sectoral social dialogue and confirmed the Commission's desire to support it.

Some 20 sectors have developed Community-level dialogue, through joint committees or informal working parties. They receive substantial financial and logistical support from the Commission, which organises around 150 sectoral social dialogue meetings each year. Furthermore, budget heading B3-4000 includes an amount of ECU 5 million for 1997 for funding measures to promote the development of the social dialogue at both sectoral and cross-industrial level.

In its Communication concerning the development of the social dialogue at Community level, the Commission refers to the need to seek ways of improving the operation and results of the sectoral social dialogue whilst promoting the more efficient use of resources.

Consequently, the Commission suggests that the sectoral social dialogue should focus on strategic sectors and issues, with the strengthening of cooperation and coordination within the Commission in respect of consultation procedures. These various aspects will be the subject of the second Communication on the development of the social dialogue at Community level.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0740/97 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (10 March 1997)

Subject: Operating appropriations of the European Institutions

With regard to heading B4-2000 would the Commission give figures for the total amount of appropriations allocated in 1996 to expenditure on:

- studies

- meetings of experts

- conferences and congresses

- information and publications.

Can the Commission also give figures for these four types of expenditure expressed as a proportion of the total appropriations allocated to the heading in question and state whether it considers this to be a reasonable proportion.

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0698/97, E-0699/97, E-0700/97, E-0701/97, E-0702/97, E-0703/97, E-0704/97, E-0705/97, E-0706/97, E-0707/97, E-0708/97, E-0709/97, E-0710/97, E-0711/97, E-0712/97, E-0713/97, E-0714/97, E-0715/97, E-0716/97, E-0717/97, E-0718/97, E-0719/97, E-0720/97, E-0721/97, E-0722/97, E-0723/97, E-0724/97, E-0725/97, E-0726/97, E-0727/97, E-0728/97, E-0729/97, E-0730/97, E-0731/97, E-0732/97, E-0733/97, E-0734/97, E-0735/97, E-0736/97, E-0737/97, E-0738/97, E-0739/97, E-0740/97, E-0741/97, E-0742/97, E-0743/97, E-0744/97, E-0745/97, E-0746/97, E-0747/97, E-0748/97, E-0749/97, E-0750/97, E-0751/97, E-0752/97, E-0753/97, E-0754/97, E-0755/97, E-0756/97, E-0757/97, E-0758/97, E-0759/97, E-0760/97, E-0761/97, E-0762/97, E-0763/97, E-0764/97, E-0765/97, E-0766/97, E-0767/97, E-0768/97, E-0769/97, E-0770/97, E-0771/97, E-0772/97, E-0773/97, E-0774/97, E-0775/97, E-0776/97, E-0777/97, E-0778/97, E-0779/97, E-0780/97, E-0781/97, E-0782/97, E-0783/97, E-0784/97, E-0785/97, E-0786/97, E-0787/97, E-0788/97, E-0789/97 and E-0790/97 given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (5 May 1997)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will continue its findings as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1946/97 by Sebastiano Musumeci (NI) to the Commission (4 June 1997)

Subject: Cuts in EU funds for tourism in Italy

At a recent high-level meeting held at the Sicily Region headquarters the representatives of the EU Directorate-General for Regional Policy apparently threatened to reduce the budget for Sicilian tourism, established under the 94-99 MGP, and to redirect Community aid to other uses.

The feared cuts would deprive the island of some Lit 90 bn, thereby undermining the efforts of many hotel groups which have for some time ben making the necessary arrangements to benefit from EU support for upgrading facilities and complying with safety standards.

The drastic cuts which have been announced are apparently in response to cases of alleged mismanagement by the Sicily Regional Council and are therefore a disproportionate reaction, given the harm they would cause.

Will the Commission confirm the statements made in Palermo by Community officials? If so, does it not consider that alternative solutions should be adopted that do not further penalize an 'Objective 1' region which is fighting for its own socio-economic recovery, focusing primarily on the tourist sector?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (30 June 1997)

The operational programme for Sicily is suffering from serious delays in implementation with a gap of around 10% (latest figures) between projected and incurred expenditure for measures part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, and when the Monitoring Committee for the Community Support Framework met in Rome on 22 May 1997 it was held to be be among the programmes at risk. In particular the tourism investment measures to which the Honourable Member refers (2.1 Aid for tourism and 2.3 Rural tourism) have so far shown no expenditure and the national authorities do not expect the first payments before the end of 1998 or beginning of 1999.

Tto avoid the risk of losing resources the Commission is in process of assessing with the national authorities, as part of a wider reprogramming of assistance affected by implementation problems, the possibilities of adjusting the programme in line with the state of and outlook for realisation of its various measures. Adjustment would not at this stage involve any reduction in total Community aid to Sicily and the resources would be retained in the same field of action (Subprogramme 2 Tourism and cultural assets).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0699/97 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (10 March 1997)

Subject: Operating appropriations of the European Institutions

With regard to heading B2-602 would the Commission give figures for the total amount of appropriations allocated in 1996 to expenditure on:

- studies

- meetings of experts

- conferences and congresses

- information and publications.

Can the Commission also give figures for these four types of expenditure expressed as a proportion of the total appropriations allocated to the heading in question and state whether it considers this to be a reasonable proportion.

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0698/97, E-0699/97, E-0700/97, E-0701/97, E-0702/97, E-0703/97, E-0704/97, E-0705/97, E-0706/97, E-0707/97, E-0708/97, E-0709/97, E-0710/97, E-0711/97, E-0712/97, E-0713/97, E-0714/97, E-0715/97, E-0716/97, E-0717/97, E-0718/97, E-0719/97, E-0720/97, E-0721/97, E-0722/97, E-0723/97, E-0724/97, E-0725/97, E-0726/97, E-0727/97, E-0728/97, E-0729/97, E-0730/97, E-0731/97, E-0732/97, E-0733/97, E-0734/97, E-0735/97, E-0736/97, E-0737/97, E-0738/97, E-0739/97, E-0740/97, E-0741/97, E-0742/97, E-0743/97, E-0744/97, E-0745/97, E-0746/97, E-0747/97, E-0748/97, E-0749/97, E-0750/97, E-0751/97, E-0752/97, E-0753/97, E-0754/97, E-0755/97, E-0756/97, E-0757/97, E-0758/97, E-0759/97, E-0760/97, E-0761/97, E-0762/97, E-0763/97, E-0764/97, E-0765/97, E-0766/97, E-0767/97, E-0768/97, E-0769/97, E-0770/97, E-0771/97, E-0772/97, E-0773/97, E-0774/97, E-0775/97, E-0776/97, E-0777/97, E-0778/97, E-0779/97, E-0780/97, E-0781/97, E-0782/97, E-0783/97, E-0784/97, E-0785/97, E-0786/97, E-0787/97, E-0788/97, E-0789/97 and E-0790/97 given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (5 May 1997)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will continue its findings as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0789/97 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (10 March 1997)

Subject: Operating appropriations of the European Institutions

With regard to heading B7-851 would the Commission give figures for the total amount of appropriations allocated in 1996 to expenditure on:

- studies

- meetings of experts

- conferences and congresses

- information and publications.

Can the Commission also give figures for these four types of expenditure expressed as a proportion of the total appropriations allocated to the heading in question and state whether it considers this to be a reasonable proportion.

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0698/97, E-0699/97, E-0700/97, E-0701/97, E-0702/97, E-0703/97, E-0704/97, E-0705/97, E-0706/97, E-0707/97, E-0708/97, E-0709/97, E-0710/97, E-0711/97, E-0712/97, E-0713/97, E-0714/97, E-0715/97, E-0716/97, E-0717/97, E-0718/97, E-0719/97, E-0720/97, E-0721/97, E-0722/97, E-0723/97, E-0724/97, E-0725/97, E-0726/97, E-0727/97, E-0728/97, E-0729/97, E-0730/97, E-0731/97, E-0732/97, E-0733/97, E-0734/97, E-0735/97, E-0736/97, E-0737/97, E-0738/97, E-0739/97, E-0740/97, E-0741/97, E-0742/97, E-0743/97, E-0744/97, E-0745/97, E-0746/97, E-0747/97, E-0748/97, E-0749/97, E-0750/97, E-0751/97, E-0752/97, E-0753/97, E-0754/97, E-0755/97, E-0756/97, E-0757/97, E-0758/97, E-0759/97, E-0760/97, E-0761/97, E-0762/97, E-0763/97, E-0764/97, E-0765/97, E-0766/97, E-0767/97, E-0768/97, E-0769/97, E-0770/97, E-0771/97, E-0772/97, E-0773/97, E-0774/97, E-0775/97, E-0776/97, E-0777/97, E-0778/97, E-0779/97, E-0780/97, E-0781/97, E-0782/97, E-0783/97, E-0784/97, E-0785/97, E-0786/97, E-0787/97, E-0788/97, E-0789/97 and E-0790/97 given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (5 May 1997)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will continue its findings as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1898/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (4 June 1997)

Subject: Residues of veterinary medicinal products in foodstuffs

With reference to the 'Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) amending Regulation (EEC) No 2377/90 laying down a Community procedure for the establishment of maximum residue limits of veterinary medicinal products in foodstuffs of animal origin' (COM(96) 0584 final - 96/0279 CNS) ((OJ C 381, 17.12.1996, p. 9. ))

and in connection with the setting of maximum limits on the live experiment phase,

given that consumer protection is already guaranteed at national level by the standards laid down in Directive 93/40/EEC ((OJ L 214, 24.8.1993, p. 31. )) and by the clinical requirements defined in Directive 92/18/EEC ((OJ L 97, 10.4.1992, p. 1. )), does the Commission not consider that the definition of a provisional maximum residue limit could give consumers an additional guarantee?

Will it avoid inserting a new article 4(a) and a third paragraph in Article 14 and will it draw up a new proposal on the subject, taking into account the advice of the Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products, in order to reconcile consumer safety with the need to avoid as far as possible the destruction of animals used in experiments?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (14 July 1997)

The Commission's proposal for a Council regulation amending Council Regulation (EEC) No 2377/90 laying down a Community procedure for the establishment of maximum residue limits of veterinary medicinal products in foodstuffs of animal origin has been split into two parts. The first part has been adopted by the Council on 3 March 1997 as Council Regulation (EC) No 434/97 ((OJ L 67, 7.3.1997. )).

Work is continuing in the Council on the remaining part of the Commission's proposal which is left unchanged and contains Article 4a and the third paragraph of Article 14. At this time the opinion of the Parliament is the essential requirement to continue the legislative procedure. The Commission will not draw up a new proposal at this stage of the procedure, but wait for the outcome of the discussions in Council and Parliament.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0751/97 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (10 March 1997)

Subject: Operating appropriations of the European Institutions

With regard to heading B5-102 would the Commission give figures for the total amount of appropriations allocated in 1996 to expenditure on:

- studies

- meetings of experts

- conferences and congresses

- information and publications.

Can the Commission also give figures for these four types of expenditure expressed as a proportion of the total appropriations allocated to the heading in question and state whether it considers this to be a reasonable proportion.

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0698/97, E-0699/97, E-0700/97, E-0701/97, E-0702/97, E-0703/97, E-0704/97, E-0705/97, E-0706/97, E-0707/97, E-0708/97, E-0709/97, E-0710/97, E-0711/97, E-0712/97, E-0713/97, E-0714/97, E-0715/97, E-0716/97, E-0717/97, E-0718/97, E-0719/97, E-0720/97, E-0721/97, E-0722/97, E-0723/97, E-0724/97, E-0725/97, E-0726/97, E-0727/97, E-0728/97, E-0729/97, E-0730/97, E-0731/97, E-0732/97, E-0733/97, E-0734/97, E-0735/97, E-0736/97, E-0737/97, E-0738/97, E-0739/97, E-0740/97, E-0741/97, E-0742/97, E-0743/97, E-0744/97, E-0745/97, E-0746/97, E-0747/97, E-0748/97, E-0749/97, E-0750/97, E-0751/97, E-0752/97, E-0753/97, E-0754/97, E-0755/97, E-0756/97, E-0757/97, E-0758/97, E-0759/97, E-0760/97, E-0761/97, E-0762/97, E-0763/97, E-0764/97, E-0765/97, E-0766/97, E-0767/97, E-0768/97, E-0769/97, E-0770/97, E-0771/97, E-0772/97, E-0773/97, E-0774/97, E-0775/97, E-0776/97, E-0777/97, E-0778/97, E-0779/97, E-0780/97, E-0781/97, E-0782/97, E-0783/97, E-0784/97, E-0785/97, E-0786/97, E-0787/97, E-0788/97, E-0789/97 and E-0790/97 given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (5 May 1997)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will continue its findings as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1706/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission (23 May 1997)

Subject: Nuclear waste transport accident in Apach, Lorraine

At around 6.30 a.m. on Monday, 4 February 1997, a train carrying nuclear waste from North Germany was derailed between Perl (D) and Apach (F) in France, near the Luxembourg border. As the Commission has not answered most of the questions in my Question P-0528/97 ((OJ C 319, 18.10.1997, p. 101.)), I find myself compelled to repeat them:

1. What emergency plans had been drawn up? What measures do these prescribe in the event of an emergency? What evacuation plans exist for emergencies of this kind?

2. At the time of the accident the train was travelling at 28 kph; up to what speed would the safety of the Excellox 6 containers have been assured?

3. As there would have been a catastrophe if the train had collided with a passenger train, why was the train's route not closed to passenger trains?

4. What were the reasons for the train's circuitous route via this region where three countries meet? Why was the most direct route - via Belgium and the Netherlands - not selected?

5. Was the load-bearing capacity of the line checked and the maximum speed prescribed?

6. What were the levels of neutron irradiation and radiation exposure received by the rescue teams?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (14 July 1997)

1. The emergency plans fall within the powers of the national authorities. In this instance the necessary action was taken under the authority of the prefect.

2. The engineering performance criteria to be met by the containers have been set out by the International Atomic Energy Agency in the regulation on the carriage of radioactive materials, 1985 version, as amended in 1990 (safety collection No 6). The Excellox 6 containers must meet those criteria.

3. At the time of the accident the train was not travelling on a major line but was in an area set aside for shunting.

4. Matters concerning physical protection prompt the Member States, who alone are competent in this area, to lay down the route to be followed by trains.

5. and 6. The Commission would invite the Honourable Member to refer to the answer given to written question E-1561/97 ((See page 71. )) by Mr Ben Fayot.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0733/97 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (10 March 1997)

Subject: Operating appropriations of the European Institutions

With regard to heading B3-440 would the Commission give figures for the total amount of appropriations allocated in 1996 to expenditure on:

- studies

- meetings of experts

- conferences and congresses

- information and publications.

Can the Commission also give figures for these four types of expenditure expressed as a proportion of the total appropriations allocated to the heading in question and state whether it considers this to be a reasonable proportion.

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0698/97, E-0699/97, E-0700/97, E-0701/97, E-0702/97, E-0703/97, E-0704/97, E-0705/97, E-0706/97, E-0707/97, E-0708/97, E-0709/97, E-0710/97, E-0711/97, E-0712/97, E-0713/97, E-0714/97, E-0715/97, E-0716/97, E-0717/97, E-0718/97, E-0719/97, E-0720/97, E-0721/97, E-0722/97, E-0723/97, E-0724/97, E-0725/97, E-0726/97, E-0727/97, E-0728/97, E-0729/97, E-0730/97, E-0731/97, E-0732/97, E-0733/97, E-0734/97, E-0735/97, E-0736/97, E-0737/97, E-0738/97, E-0739/97, E-0740/97, E-0741/97, E-0742/97, E-0743/97, E-0744/97, E-0745/97, E-0746/97, E-0747/97, E-0748/97, E-0749/97, E-0750/97, E-0751/97, E-0752/97, E-0753/97, E-0754/97, E-0755/97, E-0756/97, E-0757/97, E-0758/97, E-0759/97, E-0760/97, E-0761/97, E-0762/97, E-0763/97, E-0764/97, E-0765/97, E-0766/97, E-0767/97, E-0768/97, E-0769/97, E-0770/97, E-0771/97, E-0772/97, E-0773/97, E-0774/97, E-0775/97, E-0776/97, E-0777/97, E-0778/97, E-0779/97, E-0780/97, E-0781/97, E-0782/97, E-0783/97, E-0784/97, E-0785/97, E-0786/97, E-0787/97, E-0788/97, E-0789/97 and E-0790/97 given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (5 May 1997)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will continue its findings as soon as possible.