ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3357/97 by Ursula Schleicher (PPE) to the Commission (22 October 1997)

Subject: Indirect advertizing for tobacco

It appears that the Council's 'Health' working party is currently working on a compromise proposal to ban tobacco advertizing. This proposal also provides for a ban on 'indirect' tobacco advertisements. This would affect advertisements for cosmetics, for example, which are marketed under the same brand trademark as cigars.

1. Is the Commission aware that a blanket ban on 'indirect advertizing' will have a detrimental effect on other products manufactured by the same firms, even though the advertising for such products - cosmetics, for example - does not in any way recall advertising for tobacco products?

2. Does the Commission realise that the version of the draft directive currently under discussion takes little account of the interests of manufacturers of diversification products?

3. Is the Commission aware that a ban on advertising for diversification products which do not in any way encourage the consumption of tobacco cannot be justified on health grounds and is therefore an infringement of Articles 30 and 59 of the EC Treaty?

4. What action does the Commission intend to take to ensure that only a proposal which is in conformity with the Treaty is adopted by the Council?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (24 November 1997)

The position of the Commission is set out in its amended proposal ((OJ C 129, 21.5.1992. )), the intention of which, in particular, is to ensure that a ban is imposed on indirect forms of advertising, which while not actually mentioning the tobacco product, use trade marks, emblems, symbols or other distinctive elements associated with tobacco products.

The Commission will make known to the Parliament its point of view on the common position when it is adopted by the Council.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3091/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Council (2 October 1997)

Subject: Medical treatment options for persons severely injured by chemicals

1. Are research funds made available in the individual countries of the EU to investigate illnesses caused by chemicals?

If not, why not, particularly in view of the fact that such research is being stepped up in the United States?

If so, what is the amount of research funding being made available?

2. Are these research funds allocated to independent institutes?

3. Does industrial funding reach these research projects?

4. In which European country is sensitivity to chemicals recognized as a severe disability, as in the United States?

Answer (15 January 1998)

1. Funds are available in the individual Member States of the European Union to investigate illnesses caused by chemicals. Apart from national initiatives in this area, the framework programmes of the European Community for RTD activities have contained and continue to contain RTD projects addressing these problems. In the Fourth Framework Programme of the European Community for RTD activities, which is the framework programme in progress at present (1994-1998), research into illnesses caused by chemicals is funded through:

- the Biomedicine and Health programme, where the area 'Research on occupational and environmental health' addresses, inter alia, short and long-term effects of exposure to biological and chemical hazards, and the effects on man and the environment of the interaction between different toxic agents;

- the Standards, Measurements and Testing programme, where the research area 'Measurements related to the needs of society' is concerned with measuring the effects of a range of health hazards, including chemical hazards.

The Community budgets for these research areas are approximately ECU 13.5 million within the Biomed Programme and ECU 43 million within the Measurement and Testing Programme.

2. The participating research institutes are selected on the basis of their ability to carry out the research in question, following a call for proposals. Industry may participate as a research partner on the same basis as research institutes.

3. Community RTD projects are usually financed on a shared-cost basis, i.e. partly financed from the Community research budget, partly by the participating institutes/industry. The Council has no information on national public or private financing of such research.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3392/97 by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission (23 October 1997)

Subject: Commission's paper on rural development

When does the Commission expect to publish its detailed proposals on rural development which were originally promised for the 1996 Cork Summit and how do these tie in with the proposals outlined in Agenda 2000?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (13 November 1997)

The Commission intends to publish its detailed proposals on rural development in the context of the overall Agenda 2000 ((Doc. COM(97) 2000 final. )) package in the first three months of 1998.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3162/97 by Robert Evans (PSE) to the Commission (13 October 1997)

Subject: European Commission proposals for harmonized controls on sales of vitamins and minerals

Would the Commission inform me of the current state of its proposals for the harmonization of controls on the sale of vitamins and minerals?

Some of my constituents have written to me on this subject and are most concerned at the possible implications of these proposals, resulting in greatly reduced RDAs (Recommended Daily Allowances) for example. Scare stories along these lines have appeared in British newspapers causing deep concern for those who regularly use vitamin and mineral supplements.

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (13 November 1997)

At this stage the Commission has not put forward any proposals for the harmonisation of legislation concerning food supplements containing vitamins and minerals.

In June 1997 the Commission released a discussion paper on the subject which aimed to identify the points that need to be considered and debated prior to any possible proposals for harmonisation. The Commission invited comments on the issues raised by 30 September 1997. Many comments have been received. These will be studied and evaluated prior to any decision whether proposals for harmonisation should be presented on the subject.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2889/97 by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Council (16 September 1997)

Subject: Human rights abuses in the former Yugoslavia

Is the Council aware that Croatian authorities within areas of the former Yugoslavia such as Lika are turning a blind eye to human rights abuses?

What plans does the Council have to put pressure on Croatia if these abuses continue?

Answer (22 December 1997)

The Council is aware of the failure to respect human rights and the rights of minorities in Croatia and other countries of the former Yugoslavia.

For this reason, the Council at its meeting on 29 April 1997 adopted conclusions on the application of conditionality to relations with the countries in the area. The Euroepan Union intends to develop these relations in a framework designed to promote democracy, the rule of law, higher standards of respect for human rights and the rights of minorities, market economy reform and greater cooperation between these countries.

The Council has therefore defined the political and economic conditions which constitute the basis for a coherent and transparent policy on relations with the European Union in the fields of trade, financial assistance and economic cooperation as well as contractual relations. This strategy of conditionality should encourage the countries concerned, including Croatia, to comply with these conditions and constitutes an important means of exercising pressure.

The European Union is continuing to urge the Croatian authorities to fulfil their obligations under the peace arrangements and to respect human rights and the rights of minorities. Accordingly, the European Council meeting in Amsterdam on 16 and 17 June 1997 emphasized that strict respect for human and minority rights throughout the country, including the return of displaced persons and refugees, remains an essential requirement for the reintegration process and for an improvement of relations between the European Union and Croatia. The European Union is insisting on these points in its contacts with the Croatian authorities and has taken a number of steps to that end.

In this context, the European Union is also supporting projects in Eastern Slavonia to encourage the return of refugees and displaced persons as well as reconciliation and peaceful reintegration in this region of Croatia.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2903/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission (17 September 1997)

Subject: Supplies for the FRM II research reactor of highly-enriched uranium from Russia

1. Can the Commission confirm that the Euratom Supply Agency is negotiating with Russian organizations for the supply of highly-enriched uranium for European research reactors? Do those negotiations involve supplies for the controversial FRM II reactor in Munich?

2. What stage have the negotiations reached? What has been agreed, and which issues are still outstanding? By what date are the negotiations likely to be completed?

3. Can the Commission confirm that the Euratom Supply Agency has drawn up the draft of an agreement for supplies for the FRM II reactor of highly-enriched uranium from Russia?

4. Does the Commission not have any misgivings that the involvement of the FRM II reactor will constitute a severe blow to the campaign to prevent the non-proliferation of highly-enriched uranium? If not, why not?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (3 December 1997)

1. and 2. As at November 1997 there are no formal negotiations taking place between the Russian authorities and the Euratom Supply Agency on supplying highly enriched uranium (HEU) for research reactors in the Community.

3. The Commission and the Euratom Supply Agency, in consultation with the Member States of the Community currently interested in using, producing or reprocessing HEU fuel, have developed a draft approach to be used in potential negotiations. This would provide the government of the Russian Federation with the assurances required under the multilateral non-proliferation regime of the Treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons (NPT) and the London guidelines for nuclear transfers. This draft approach was developed for general application and is not plant-specific. The answer to the Honourable Member's question is therefore no.

4. The transfer of highly enriched uranium to a Member State which does not have nuclear weapons and which is subject to the strictest safeguards, imposed both by Euratom and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), should not give rise to any fears in terms of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, particularly in view of the Member States' excellent reputation in this field.

Under the non-proliferation treaty (NPT) (Article IV.2), all the parties to the treaty (which include the Russian Federation and all Member States of Euratom) undertake to facilitate and have the right to participate in the fullest possible exchange of equipment, materials and scientific and technical information for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The NPT does not contain any provision restricting those rights in the case of HEU.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3053/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (2 October 1997)

Subject: Green paper on public procurement

The Commission has published a Green Paper on public procurement in the European Union: Exploring the way forward (COM(96) 583 final).

Given the importance of increasing participation in public contracts by SMU in Europe, will the Commission introduce appropriate accompanying measures, in addition to the lowering of thresholds? Will it also encourage contracting authorities in the European Union to take steps to encourage the participation of SMU?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (19 November 1997)

The Honourable Member considers that the Commission should promote with contracting authorities the adoption of measures to encourage the participation of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in public procurement.

Following the adoption of the green paper of the Commission on public procurement on 27 November 1996, a debate has started with all interested parties on all aspects of European public procurement policy. Many contributions insist on the need to adopt measures to facilitate the participation of SMEs in public procurement. The Parliament's formal position on the green paper has not yet been adopted. Following its adoption, the consultation phase will end and the Commission will adopt an action oriented communication as to public procurement policy. In this communication, the Commission will take a position on the main issues raised in the debate.

The majority of the contributions consider that the measures in favour of the participation of SMEs should be taken within the ambit of training and information. The Commission agrees that the preparation of focused training programmes or the circulation of simple and clear guides could reduce the disadvantages borne by SMEs in public procurement. The Commission's project on electronic tendering, SIMAP, is also a major exercise in favour of SMEs since the access to information on contract opportunities poses a bigger problem to SMEs due to their limited resources. Of course such support activities involving the Commission would require appropriate financial resources.

As to thresholds most contributions accepted the Commission's point of departure and considered that the thresholds should remain as such.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3128/97 by Gerardo Fernández-Albor (PPE) to the Commission (13 October 1997)

Subject: Community funding for those affected by the sinking of the Aegean

On 3 December 1992 the Greek oil tanker Aegean, which was carrying 80 000 tonnes of crude oil, ran aground near Torre de Hércules at Corunna (Spain), thus causing an environmental disaster which is still affecting 3 000 families and also fishermen, shellfish gatherers and aquaculture businesses.

The Spanish Government has recently authorized the appropriate state finance body to provide funding of up to 12.5 billion pesetas at a 3% interest rate in order to help those affected to overcome the effects of the disaster.

Can the Commission say how much aid has been provided by the Community and how much it intends to make available to supplement the aid provided by the Spanish Government?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (10 November 1997)

Early in 1993 the Commission introduced arrangements to provide partial compensation for losses suffered by shipowners and crews whose activities were temporarily disrupted due to contamination of their traditional fishing zone by an oil slick from a spill of approximately 80 000 tonnes following the running aground of the tanker 'Aegean Sea'.

These compensation arrangements were confirmed in a Commission decision on concerted action to grant a tide-over allowance for fishermen and shipowners on the coast of La Coruña (Spain) who were forced to suspend their fishing activities in Galician waters as a result of the damage caused by the shipwreck. The Commission has paid out approximately ECU 1.5 million.

The Commission has no plans to grant any further compensation for fishermen and shipowners affected by the disruption of fishing caused by the accident in December 1992.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3134/97 by Giuseppe Rauti (NI) to the Commission (13 October 1997)

Subject: Funding of 'Brianza per il Cuore'

Is the Commission aware of the 'Brianza per il Cuore' project, promoted by a non-profit making organization, based in Monza, whose aim is to coordinate all cardiology activities in Brianza. This initiative has attracted considerable interest over a very large area and has obtained the written support of over 5000 people and the active backing of the major local newspaper ('Il Cittadino'), the Rotary Club, banks and businesses. Support is aimed at the 'San Gerardo' Hospital in Monza, more specifically the hard work of Dr Palmiro Boni and Mr Della Torre.

In view of the above and the fact that on 3 October a Conference will be held in Monza, with the participation of representatives of the relevant bodies (local and regional) and the hospital, to prepare the actual 'executive project', is the Commission prepared to provide financial aid or some other form of encouragement to show, in practical terms and convincingly, that the Community is willing to give real support to local communities which engage in major projects having a considerable social impact?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (1 December 1997)

Despite investigations among European and Italian organisations active in the field of cardiovascular disease, it has been impossible to obtain any information on the 'Brianza per il cuore' project.

Each year, a work programme indicating the priorities of the health promotion programme for the year ahead is published in the Official Journal. The project applications received are evaluated in the light of these priorities and the broad lines of the action programme. The evaluation process includes obtaining the opinion of the programme committee and terminates with a Commission decision as to the projects to be supported. Priority is given to large-scale projects offering a real added-value at European level.

In the most recent exercise to evaluate projects for funding under this programme (15 September 1997), no project had been submitted relating to a seminar planned for 3 October 1997, so it was not possible to give consideration to any such project.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3107/97 by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission (13 October 1997)

Subject: Assessment of the environmental impact of the Rome-Naples high-speed railway line

Some time ago, the public prosecutor's office in Rome opened an inquiry into the construction work for the Rome-Naples high speed rail link. It appears that some Lire 5000 billion have been spent so far on an insignificant amount of work in connection with this project, mostly preliminary studies and consultants' reports. This expenditure, which appears to be out of all proportion to the amount of work actually carried out, is the subject of the above-mentioned investigation. One particularly dubious aspect is the procedure whereby the environmental impact assessment study was commissioned from Nomisma, a consultancy set up by the current Prime Minister, Romano Prodi, who was the public watchdog for high-speed transport matters at the time the contract was awarded.

In view of the foregoing,

1. Is the Commission aware of the investigation being conducted by the Rome public prosecutor's office into the Rome-Naples high-speed railway line?

2. Have breaches of the Community legislation on the award of public contracts occurred in connection with the Rome-Naples high-speed railway construction project?

3. Were the assessment studies of the project's environmental impact carried out by Nomisma conducted in accordance with Community directive 85/337/EEC ((OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p. 40. ))?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (19 November 1997)

1. The Commission is not aware of the investigation being conducted by the Rome public prosecutor's office into the Rome-Naples high-speed railway line. It is not its usual practice to investigate criminal proceedings brought by national judicial authorities.

2. The Honourable Member is requested to provide the Commission with any evidence at her disposal which might suggest that a breach of Community public procurement legislation has taken place.

3. As regards the issue of whether the environmental impact assessment procedure complied with Council Directive 85/337/EEC of 27 June 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment ((OJ L 175, 5.7.1985. )), the Honourable Member is asked to refer to the answer given to her written question E-2351/97 ((OJ C 82, 17.3.1998, p. 62. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3187/97 by Jacques Donnay (UPE) to the Commission (16 October 1997)

Subject: Amendment of the Sixth Directive on the application of the reduced rate of VAT in the housing sector

The Sixth Directive of 17 May 1977 (77/388/EEC ((OJ L 145, 13.6.1977, p. 1. ))) limits application of the reduced rate of VAT in the housing sector to the supply, construction, renovation and alteration of housing provided as part of a social policy.

This restrictive European framework has prompted successive national governments to refuse to extend the reduced rate to building work other than that connected with social housing.

In the housing sector, however, maintenance and rehabilitation work now represents one third of the turnover of construction firms, in other words some FF 145 billion net of tax.

Amending the Sixth Directive to extend the scope of the reduced rate of VAT for the housing sector would undoubtedly have an effect on limiting recourse to clandestine labour and help to satisfy housing quality requirements.

What does the Commission intend to do to abolish this constraint on undertakings in this economic sector?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3176/97 and E-3187/97 given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (25 November 1997)

The Commission's recent report to the Parliament and to the Council ((COM(97) 559. )) explains in detail its views on the use of reduced VAT rates as an instrument for boosting the building and construction sector and as an incentive for recuperating some of the activities in this sector from the black economy (report from the Commission to the Council and to the Parliament in accordance with Article 12(4) of the Sixth Council Directive of 17 May 1977 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to turn-over taxes - common system of value added tax: uniform basis of assessment).

Generally speaking, the Commission is sceptical about using VAT rates as a policy tool for attaining specific economic objectives, in particular when compared to other more direct and targeted policy measures. However, the basic problem behind the Honourable Member's question is currently re-examined by the Commission against the background of its plan for a new common system of VAT. In this context, the Commission is seriously considering the idea of applying a reduced VAT rate, on an experimental basis and for a limited period of time, to some locally operating labour-intensive services.