ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0750/97 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (10 March 1997)

Subject: Operating appropriations of the European Institutions

With regard to heading B5-100 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-1807/97 by Robert Evans (PSE) to the Commission (28 May 1997)

Subject: EU safety regulations and the disabled

Is the Commission aware of the problems of access for the disabled sometimes created by buildings conforming to fire and other safety regulations (heavy doors and so on)?

Is the Commission looking into ways around these problems of access when those with disabilities already face so many barriers in accessing buildings and utilizing public transport?

Answer given by M. Flynn behalf of the Commission (16 July 1997)

The Commission is aware of the problems which disabled people can experience in access to buildings. In its communication of 30 July 1996 on equality of opportunity for people with disabilities ((COM(96) 406 final. )), the Commission noted the fact that many public buildings continue to be inacessible or accessible only with difficulty and further noted the benefits that 'designed for all' and universal access can bring for many groups, including people with disabilities.

Council Directive 89/654/EEC concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for the workplace ((OJ L 393, 30.12.1989. )) specifies that 'workplaces must be organised to take account of handicapped workers, if necessary. This provision applies in particular to the doors, passegeways, staircases, showers, washbasins, lavatories and work stations used or occupied directly by handicapped persons'.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0732/97 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (10 March 1997)

Subject: Operating appropriations of the European Institutions

With regard to heading B3-4313 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-1393/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (22 April 1997)

Subject: Consumer taxes in the European Union

In the present EU there are clear differences between the consumer taxes in fifteen Member States of the European Union, despite the fact that the Single Market has been established for some years.

Certain EU Member States, which are already at a disadvantage owing to their remoteness from the principal markets of Central Europe and the higher transport costs this entails, also have to contend with higher taxation: both these factors increase prices.

Will the Commission say whether it intends to take immediate action - and if so how - to ensure the full harmonization of consumer taxes within the European Union in order to prevent some Member States suffering a competitive disadvantage compared with the rest, thereby avoiding distortions in intra-Community trade?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (10 June 1997)

The Commission proposed harmonised rates of excise duty on mineral oils, alcohols and tobacco products in 1987. However, these proposals were not accepted by the Council, which ultimately adopted in 1992 a system based on minimum rates. Under this system, the Member States are free to set their rates of excise duty at any level, as long as it is not below the agreed minimum.

Those minimum rates fall to be reviewed every two years and, where appropriate, the Commission may make proposals to amend them. Factors relevant to the reviews include the proper functioning of the internal market, the real value of the duty rates and the wider objectives of the Treaty. Consequently, the concerns raised by the Honourable Member would fall to be considered in the course of the reviews.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1485/97 by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (30 April 1997)

Subject: Innovative pharmaceutical products

In reply to Question E-2093/95 ((OJ C 311, 22.11.1995, p. 33. )), Commissioner Bangemann stated that the committee set up under Directive 89/105/EEC ((OJ L 40, 11.2.1989, p. 8. )) had instructed a working party to investigate the question of unusually high prices for innovative products and to clarify certain concepts such as 'innovative pharmaceutical products' and 'excessive prices'.

Has the working party given its opinion on the above matters? If so, what is the definition of 'innovative pharmaceutical products' and of 'excessive prices'?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (11 June 1997)

The committee set up under Directive 89/105/EEC ((OJ L 40, 11.2.1989. )) (the transparency committee) instructed a working party to examine the question of excessive prices of innovative medicines. That working party has met three times and has considered a paper produced by the Danish competition authorities about the pricing and reimbursement of a particular product within the Community. It has been possible to use data collected over a period of time to note the impact of different public health policies, and the effect of currency movements on the use of innovative medicines. During the working party discussions, it has been clear that the subject cannot easily be separated from the broader question of developing pricing and reimbursement strategies for all pharmaceutical products which reconcile objectives in health and industrial policy with progress towards a single european market in the pharmaceutical sector. It has also been clear that the definition of terms such as 'innovative' and 'excessive prices' is closely linked to approaches taken to these broader issues.

Accordingly discussion has been subsumed for the time being within the process launched at the round table in Frankfurt in December 1996. Informal working parties involving representatives of industry as well as the governments of Member States are studying possible solutions to the full range of issues, including the pricing of innovative products. The transparency committee is involved in taking forward the matter at all stages, and will decide on the future of the working party following the second round table, to be held in December 1997.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1489/97 by Salvador Garriga Polledo (PPE) to the Council (30 April 1997)

Subject: Structural funds

Is it possible under the Treaty on European Union that structural funds might be used to finance specific operations in non-Union countries?

If so, what restrictions apply to such financing?

Answer (6 August 1997)

As the Honourable Member will probably know, the Treaty establishing the European Community provides that the Structural Funds shall support the Community's action to strengthen its economic and social cohesion.

The tasks of the funds relating to the Community internally are specified in various Articles of the Treaty.

The Structural Funds do, however, participate in the financing of cross-border and inter-regional cooperation programmes with third countries in conjunction with other financial instruments such as PHARE, MEDA and TACIS.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1884/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (2 June 1997)

Subject: Waste management

With reference to the Commission's 'Communication on the review of the Community Strategy for Waste Management' and the 'draft Council Resolution on waste policy' (COM(96) 0399 final),

will the Commission make a greater commitment to developing more incisive and effective measures for monitoring and verifying the Member States' progress in implementing Community legislation by launching specific programmes for investigations and studies where necessary?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (4 July 1997)

The Commission shares the Honourable Member's view on the importance of monitoring and verifying the Member States' progress in implementing Community waste legislation.

On 22 October 1996 the Commission adopted a communication on implementing Community environmental law ((COM (96) 500. )), the aim of which was to reinforce the obligations which different actors in the regulatory chain (the Commission, Member States, regional and local authorities, industry, citizens and non-governmental organisations) bear in the 'shared responsibility' for the application of Community environmental law, in order to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of environmental policy and law and improve the quality of the environment in Europe.

Proper application of Community waste legislation depends largely on the national, regional and local authorities taking a range of measures to deal with the many applications for authorisation, to grant authorisation in accordance with statutory conditions, to encourage economic operators to comply with the conditions of authorisation and to adopt the necessary corrections or penalties.

Most problems in the waste sector relate to Member States' failure to apply measures. Accordingly, the Commission has instituted, or is about to institute, many infringement proceedings to ensure the legislation is complied with.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1766/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (27 May 1997)

Subject: Fitting of gas 'traps' to HGV exhausts and Community funding

According to a report in the Greek newspaper Athinaïki, the Commission's LIFE programme encourages the fitting of 'traps' to HGV exhaust-pipes, which greatly reduces pollutant emissions. The report also states that the Commission pays 50% of the cost involved, the other 50% being covered by the Member State.

Will the Commission state the terms on which hauliers may apply to have a 'trap' fitted to their vehicles' exhaust? How many applications have been received from Greece and what is the total amount given to that country?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (4 July 1997)

The Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that it is unaware of the information set out in the Greek 'Athinaïki' newspaper on the subject referred to. Moreover, although a draft proposal concerning 'traps for particulates emitted by diesel engines' was indeed put forward in the LIFE programme in 1996 and 1997 no such proposal has so far been adopted for co-financing.

The LIFE programme could possibly finance a project proposal on the subject in question provided that it meets the criteria laid down by Council LIFE (EC) Regulation No 1404/96 of 15 July 1996 ((OJ L 181, 20.7.1996. )) amending Council Regulation 1973/92 on the creation of a financial instrument for the environment, and more particularly, that of being demonstrative and innovative in nature and of being selected for co-financing on completion of the Commission's selection procedure.

The LIFE financial support is 30% of the spending that is eligible for projects generating revenue, and 50% of the spending for other activities.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1538/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission (5 May 1997)

Subject: Phosphate ester poisoning due to the use of Tiguvon (Fenthion) manufactured by Bayer Leverkusen

The flea-repellant Tiguvon (Fenthion) manufactured by Bayer Leverkusen can be administered in different forms. Tiguvon 10 is intended for cats over 2 kg in weight. The use of Tiguvon 20 is recommended for dogs weighing between 3 and 10 kg, while dogs with a body weight of more than 10 kg should be treated with Tiguvon 20 G. People who have repeatedly treated their pets with Tiguvon (Fenthion) have suffered serious phosphate ester poisoning. As it was unable to answer my Question E-1470/96 ((OJ C 345, 15.11.1996, p. 76. )) on the same subject, I would ask the Commission to answer the following questions as a matter of urgency:

Is the Commission aware of any research findings that reveal the extent of the danger to pet-owners, especially children, whose health may be damaged even by small quantities of toxins and who, at their young age, cannot be assumed to act responsibly?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (23 June 1997)

Following the Honourable Member's earlier written question E-1470/96 the Commission has asked the pharmacoviligance working party of the scientific committee for the evaluation of veterinary medicinal products to report on adverse effects of the product. No adverse effects have been reported since then.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2311/97 by Juan Fabra Vallés (PPE) to the Commission (26 June 1997)

Subject: Publication of 'Extrémismes en Europe'

Can the Commission tell me whether the book 'Extrémismes en Europe', edited by Camus and published by the 'Centre Européen de Recherche et d'Action sur le Racisme et l'Antisémitisme - Editions de l'Aube' received any Community funding, and if so how much and for what reason? Was the Commission aware of what was being published? Does it endorse the contents of this publication?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (31 July 1997)

The 'European Centre for research and action on racism and anti-semitism' is sponsored by a committee made up of former European Parliament and Commission Presidents and the Secretary-General of the European Parliament. Since 1993, further to the European Parliament Resolution of 21 April 1993 on the resurgence of racism and xenophobia in Europe and the danger of extreme right-wing violence, it has received an annual subsidy for carrying out projects, under budget line B3-4114.

In 1996 the amount was ECU 350 000 ((OJ L 22, 29.1.1996. )), of which 30 826 were allocated for the publication of 2000 copies of the book mentioned by the Honourable Member. He should also refer to the reply given by the Commission to Written Question P-1940/97 by Mr Moniz ((OJ C 373, 9.12.1997, p. 160. )).

For the current year the amount allocated to the budget heading is ECU 400 000 ((OJ L 44, 14.2.1997. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2058/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (16 June 1997)

Subject: Demographic composition of present-day Turkey

The prestigious German University of Tübingen has published a report stating that Anatolia is populated by over a hundred indigenous peoples, and that citizens of Turkish extraction very likely constitute only a marginal minority. It is also generally recognised that there are innumerable 'crypto-Christians' on Turkish territory, who are reluctant openly to declare their ethnic origin and faith for fear of the treatment they may receive at the hands of the Turkish authorities. Moreover, information about the precise number of Kurds living in Turkey is confused, with estimates varying between eight and twenty million.

Will the Commission say whether it has raised - or intends to raise in future - with the Turkish authorities the question of establishing a precise and objective register of the demographic composition of present-day Turkey, given the intention of both sides (the EU and Turkey) to incorporate this country in the European project, an objective that can be attained only if the cultural identity of all ethnic groups living in this country is fully and devoutly respected?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (11 July 1997)

The last census in Turkey was held in 1990. A date has yet to be fixed for the next one.

The Turkish authorities consider that ethnic origin must not be among the questions asked in a census.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1977/97 by Katerina Daskalaki (UPE) to the Commission (9 June 1997)

Subject: Risk to the archaeological site at Keratea from creation of a landfill site

The location chosen for a waste processing plant in Attica is situated in a broader area designated a completely protected archaeological site, the Ovriokastro of Keratea, where an ancient fortified settlement survives together with other finds and ancient mining shafts.

Bearing in mind that the Archaeological Department of the Ministry of Culture has delivered a negative opinion on the project, will the Commission say what measures it can and will take to prevent the creation of a landfill site in a location of archaeological and historical interest which forms part of the European cultural heritage?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (29 July 1997)

Under Council Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment ((OJ L 175, 5.7.1985. )), an installation for the disposal of industrial and domestic waste belongs to one of the categories in Annex II. Pursuant to Article 4, projects belonging to the categories listed in Annex II should be subject to an environmental impact assessment, where Member States consider that their characteristics so require. One of the elements to be taken into account in an environmental impact assessment is the material asset and the cultural heritage.

Directive 75/442/EEC ((OJ L 194, 25.7.1975. )) on waste provides that waste installations must obtain a waste permit. Waste permits are inter alia for the purpose of implementing Article 4 of the Directive which provides that Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that waste is disposed of without adversely affecting 'places of special interest'.

In order to know whether or not an environmental impact assessment was undertaken in this case, and whether or not a waste permit has been issued, a letter will be sent to the Greek authorities requesting information concerning the procedures followed for the installation of this landfill site.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2238/97 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission (2 July 1997)

Subject: Promoting links between the tractor plants in Minsk Belarus and Basildon UK

Precisely what support may be made available from European Union funds, under the TACIS and other programmes, to promote the links being built up between trade unionists and management at tractor plants in Basildon in my constituency and in Minsk in Belarus?

Could the Commission give details of amounts available and deadlines for applications expected during the next 18 months?

Could the Commission give details of similar links which could be used as a model by the participants?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (16 July 1997)

The Tacis democracy programme does finance trade union links, but rarely on the level of a single plant. In the recent past non governmental organisations building up trade union policies have been supported. However, the suggested link could be eligible under the Tacis partnership and coordination programme (PCP), in so far as the United Kingdom proposes the project for PCP support. The next PCP round is expected to be launched before the end of the year.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1594/97 by Ludivina García Arias (PSE) to the Commission (6 May 1997)

Subject: Support for activities of associations of maritime, coal and textile industry regions

Every year, as part of the budgetary debate, the European Parliament repeats an amendment to Item B5-411 'Industrial competitiveness policy for the European Union' (Section III - Commission - Part B: Operating appropriations) to provide support for the activities of associations of maritime, coal and textile industry regions, such as Euroacom and ACTE.

Can the Commission give detailed figures of the expenditure it has authorized in the past three years (1995, 1996 and 1997), the activities authorized, the criteria used by the Commission for granting authorization and the procedure for applying for such funding?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (30 June 1997)

The Commission, in its capacity as disburser of funds under budget heading B5-411, has since 1995 carefully noted Parliament's amendments to the remarks in the budget, and has taken them into consideration in allocating funds. As a result, it has each year responded favourably to the request from the Association of Maritime Regions in Europe (AMRIE), granting a subsidy of ECU 100 000 in 1995 and ECU 100 000 in 1996. For 1997, the amount to be granted is currently under discussion between AMRIE and the Commission, but could possibly be higher than in previous years.

As regards the textile and clothing sector, the Commission has over the past three years spent approximately ECU 140 000 in cofinancing four projects initiated by ACTE and its local authority members.

As to the other area covered by the amendment, i.e. coal-mining regions, the Commission has yet to receive any applications from such bodies. Each year, however, it awards a number of grants relating to 'coal-mining issues'.