ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0643/97 by Gianfranco Dell'Alba (ARE) to the Commission (6 March 1997)

Subject: A third European school building in Brussels

The European Schools in Brussels have for some time been suffering from overpopulated and dilapidated buildings, with the result that conditions are cramped and unhygienic;

- there have been unacceptable delays in building new premises;

- the Belgian Authorities have drawn up a plan to restructure the School between 1998 and 2001 which provides for some classes to be transferred temporarily, from September 1997, to the Athénee Royal de Berkendael, which has not been used for years and is situated very close to the St Gilles prison, part of which is to be used as a rehabilitation centre for individuals who are regarded as dangerous;

- the decision to open a new European School near a rehabilitation centre for criminals regarded as a danger to society was taken without giving the pupils' parents any information of any sort;

- what position has the Commission's adopted, or what position does it intend to adopt, on this matter? Does it not, in particular, consider it unthinkable to move some of the pupils temporarily to a building near a prison?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (2 April 1997)

At its last meeting on 28 and 29 January 1997, the Board of Governors, the intergovernmental body responsible for the European Schools, learned to its great surprise that the Belgian legal authorities intended to build a high-security centre for offenders in the immediate vicinity of the Athénée de Berkendael, the building offered by the Belgian authorities to house temporarily the pupils of Brussels I (Uccle) European School during the renovation of that school.

Since this information threw the choice of site to house the pupils into question, on 31 January 1997 the Board of Governors, through its representative, requested the Belgian authorities for more precise information on the type of establishment to be built next to the Berkendael school and on the measures envisaged to ensure the absolute safety of the children who would attend the school.

As soon as it is in possession of this information, the Board of Governors will assess the situation and adopt a position.

The Commission, which is extremely concerned that the European Schools are properly run, will ensure, as a member of the Board of Governors, that a decision satisfactory to all parties will be taken when the time comes.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 911/97 by Willi ROTHLEY to the Commission. EU aid to Rhineland Palatinate in 1996



Official Journal C 319 , 18/10/1997 P. 0194



WRITTEN QUESTION E-0911/97 by Willi Rothley (PSE) to the Commission (12 March 1997) Subject: EU aid to Rhineland Palatinate in 1996 What were the amounts of appropriations from the European Union allocated to Rhineland Palatinate in 1996 under the mechanisms listed below? 1. European Regional Development Fund (ERDF); 2. European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) - Guidance Section; 3. European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) - Guarantee Section; 4. European Social Fund (ESF); 5. European Community research programmes; 6. European Community environment programmes; 7. Other European Community programmes. Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (25 April 1997) The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its findings as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1044/97 by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission (19 March 1997)

Subject: Street children in Guatemala

The Commission helps fund Casa Alianza in Guatemala which aids street children. Has it taken any action in the case of a recorded murder of a street youth (Ronald Raul Ramos, aged 16) in Tecun Uman (San Marcos) whose alleged killer was a uniformed member of the Guardia de Hacienda (case number 3292-96 Department of Quetzaltenango) in order to attempt to help bring the accused to justice?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission (23 April 1997)

The Commission thanks the Honourable Member for her interest in the protection of human rights in Guatemala.

It has been supporting projects to assist street children for many years. It will be monitoring these cases very closely and will propose, where necessary, that appropriate action be taken.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0506/97 by Luciano Vecchi (PSE) to the Council (19 February 1997)

Subject: Difficulties in implementing the Council decision on travel by schoolchildren from third countries who are residents of an EU Member State

On 30 November 1995 the Council of the European Union adopted, pursuant to Article K.3 of the Treaty, a decision seeking to facilitate travel by schoolchildren from third countries who are residents of a Member State.

A key feature of the decision was that Member States undertook not to make visas mandatory for schoolchildren from third countries travelling through their territory or staying there for a short period. In practice, however, problems often arise, particularly in connection with the issue of re-entry visas by the Member State in which the schoolchildren are legally resident.

For example, there have been serious problems in many Italian provinces, where the relevant authorities obstruct the issue of re-entry visas for Italy, thus nullifying the effect of the decision of 30 November 1994.

What are the Council's views on this matter and what action does it intend to take vis-à-vis Member States which adopt such attitudes?

Answer (16 May 1997)

The Council is currently reviewing the application of the Decision on the basis of Member States' replies to a questionnaire. It is also considering amending and amplifying the act in order to rend it more effective.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0483/97 by Thomas Megahy (PSE) to the Commission (19 February 1997)

Subject: Orphan diseases

Can the Commission confirm that it is now drawing up regulations to introduce legislation for medicinal products that might help people with rare genetic conditions, the so-called orphan diseases? If this is so, when can we expect the regulations to come forward?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (4 April 1997)

The Commission has undertaken an international analysis of both legislative and fiscal incentives for the development of medicinal products for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of medical conditions which occur rarely (orphan medicinal products). Arising from this, proposals are being developed to establish a favourable environment for the development and availability of orphan medicinal products in Europe. The preparatory work is well advanced, and the Commission should be in a position to present a proposal by mid-1997.

Moreover, the Commission intends to put forward a proposal for a Parliament and Council decision adopting a programme of Community action on rare diseases within the framework for action in the field of public health. Implementation of this programme will involve close coordination with proposals on orphan medicinal products.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0927/97 by Miguel Arias Cañete (PPE) to the Commission (12 March 1997)

Subject: The EDF and the fisheries agreement with Madagascar

Can the Commission say what appropriations were paid to Madagascar under the EDF in 1995 and 1996 to finance the development of the national fisheries sector, and can it list the specific products for which this aid was used?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0923/97, E-0924/97, E-0925/97, E-0926/97, E-0927/97, E-0928/97, E-0929/97, E-0930/97, E-0931/97, E-0932/97, E-0933/97 and E-0934/97 given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission (23 April 1997)

In reply to questions on allocations and specific projects to develop the fisheries sector in 12 African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries, a document listing fisheries projects in developing countries that have received EC aid has been sent to the Honourable Member and lodged with Parliament's General Secretariat.

The document comprises tables giving detailed information including the types of project, their objectives, the recipients and the Community contribution.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0919/97 by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission (12 March 1997)

Subject: Inflation provision in company pension scheme

What guidelines exist for company pension schemes in relation to the requirement for inflation cover? Specifically, the rate of inflation covered (in this instance in a British Aerospace Company pension) legislated for up to 4% or 5%?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (25 April 1997)

There are no guidelines or legislation at a Community level in the area of company pension schemes. The issue of pension provision is very much a matter for Member States. The evolution of pension provision in each Member State has resulted in a wide variety of approaches.

The supplementary pension legislation in some Member States provides for inflation to be taken into account in pension benefit payments for deferred pensions for former employees of the company to which the pension scheme relates. The Commission understands this to be the case for occupational schemes in the United Kingdom. It appears that where a member of a scheme run by an employer leaves that employer and does not arrange the transfer of the present value of accrued benefits to another scheme, that member's deferred benefits must be increased at 5% per year, or at the rate of inflation if lower.

Any member of an occupational scheme with a question relating to the benefits to which he or she is entitled should contact the administrator of the scheme in question in order to obtain such details, or alternatively discuss the matter with his or her legal advisers.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0321/97 by José García-Margallo y Marfil (PPE) to the Commission (13 February 1997)

Subject: CMO for olive oil: EAGGF expenditure in France

The Court of Auditors' annual report for the financial year 1995 shows that the 1996 budget provided for EAGGF Guarantee Section expenditure on olive oil totalling ECU 1781 million. Even though this figure is in line with expenditure between 1991 and 1993, expenditure was far lower in 1995, when it stood at only ECU 812.5 million.

What is the total figure for expenditure in France?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0320/97, E-0321/97, E-0322/97, E-0323/97, E-0324/97, E-0325/97, E-0326/97, E-0327/97, E-0328/97, E-0329/97, E-0330/97, E-0331/97, E-0332/97, E-0333/97, E-0334/97, E-0335/97, E-0336/97, E-0337/97, E-0338/97, E-0339/97, E-0340/97, E-0341/97, E-0342/97, E-0343/97 and E-0344/97 given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (6 March 1997)

The Honourable Member will find the figure he requests in the table below. Total Community expenditure under the 1995 and 1996 budgets was 812.5 and 2007.7 million ecus respectively. The discrepancy with the totals in the table largely relates to payments for olive oil promotion action. The 1995 budget is much lower than for 1996 (and 1994) because the 1994/95 prices package included a decision to move the payment date. This meant that the 1995 budget made no provision for 1994/95 marketing year payments but only for outstanding ones from 1993/94.

(in MECU)

>TABLE>
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1189/97 by David Hallam (PSE) to the Commission (3 April 1997)

Subject: Labelling of aspartame

Does the Commission plan to propose legislation requiring drinks or foods containing the sugar replacement, Aspartame, to be labelled to give consumers the right to choose whether they wish to consume this additive?

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

Existing Community legislation already allows the consumer to be informed correctly of the total or part replacement of sugar by aspartame in food. Article 6 of Directive 79/112/EEC relating to the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs for sale to the ultimate consumer ((OJ L 33, 8.2.1979, as last amended by Directive 97/4/EC (OJ L 43, 14.2.1997). )) provides that additives which have been used should appear on the list of ingredients with the name of category, in this instance 'sweetener', followed by the specific name (aspartame) or EEC No (E 951).

Similarly, the Council adopted Directive 96/21/EC in March 1996 concerning the compulsory indication on the labelling of certain foodstuffs of particulars other than those provided for in Directive 79/112/EEC ((OJ L 88, 5.4.1996. )), which requires the term 'with sweeteners' on the labelling of foodstuffs which contain additives of this kind. This must accompany the trade name. Foodstuffs containing both sugar and sweeteners must, furthermore, be labelled 'with sugar(s) and sweetener(s)'. Food not labelled in accordance with the provisions of this Directive can no longer be sold after 1 July 1997.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0333/97 by José García-Margallo y Marfil (PPE) to the Commission (13 February 1997)

Subject: CMO for olive oil: expenditure on production aid in Italy

The Court of Auditors' annual report for the financial year 1995 shows that the 1996 budget provided for EAGGF Guarantee Section expenditure on olive oil totalling ECU 1781 million. Even though this figure is in line with expenditure between 1991 and 1993, expenditure was far lower in 1995, when it stood at only ECU 812.5 million.

Of this expenditure, production aid accounted for ECU 566.5 million and ECU 1547 million in 1995 and 1996 respectively.

What is the total figure for expenditure on production aid for olive oil in Italy?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0320/97, E-0321/97, E-0322/97, E-0323/97, E-0324/97, E-0325/97, E-0326/97, E-0327/97, E-0328/97, E-0329/97, E-0330/97, E-0331/97, E-0332/97, E-0333/97, E-0334/97, E-0335/97, E-0336/97, E-0337/97, E-0338/97, E-0339/97, E-0340/97, E-0341/97, E-0342/97, E-0343/97 and E-0344/97 given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (6 March 1997)

The Honourable Member will find the figure he requests in the table below. Total Community expenditure under the 1995 and 1996 budgets was 812.5 and 2007.7 million ecus respectively. The discrepancy with the totals in the table largely relates to payments for olive oil promotion action. The 1995 budget is much lower than for 1996 (and 1994) because the 1994/95 prices package included a decision to move the payment date. This meant that the 1995 budget made no provision for 1994/95 marketing year payments but only for outstanding ones from 1993/94.

(in MECU)

>TABLE>
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1302/97 by José Apolinário (PSE) to the Commission (11 April 1997)

Subject: Eligibility for the Cohesion Fund -Municipality of Pinhel

Will the Commission say how long it is likely to take to decide whether a water supply project in the municipality of Pinhel is eligible for Cohesion Fund aid? I would emphasize the particular importance of this project in a disadvantaged region such as the one in question?

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

The Commission has received no request for part-financing by the Cohesion Fund for a water supply project in the municipality of Pinhel.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1324/97 by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission (11 April 1997)

Subject: Involvement of ro-ro ferries in maritime incidents since 1985

Will the Commission please provide the names of all ro-ro ferries sailing in European waters which have been lost or involved in serious maritime incidents since 1985, with dates?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (20 May 1997)

Ro-ro passenger ships sailing in European waters which have been lost or involved in serious maritime incidents since 1985 are the following:

>TABLE>
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0682/97 by Friedhelm Frischenschlager (ELDR) to the Commission (6 March 1997)

Subject: Legal responsibility of Member States in connection with the BSE crisis

Part A of the final report of the Temporary Committee of Inquiry on alleged contraventions or maladministration in the implementation of Community law in relation to BSE, which was adopted by the European Parliament, by a very large majority, on Wednesday, 19 February 1997 during its February part-session in Strasbourg, makes provision in the section entitled 'Recommendations' for the Commission to institute infringement proceedings under Article 169 of the EC Treaty against those Member States which have failed to fulfil their obligations under the Treaty and, further, for the Commission, if it denies responsibility itself, to bring administrative proceedings against the United Kingdom to secure the repayment of all sums disbursed in recent years to the United Kingdom for the eradication of BSE.

As part of the critical scrutiny of the Commission's implementation of the measures recommended by the European Parliament, I have the following questions for Commissioner Fischler (DG VI), who has political responsibility for the common agricultural policy:

Will the Commission follow the above recommendations made by the European Parliament?

If not, why not?

If so, what is the Commission's estimate of the amount to be repaid by the United Kingdom?

What practical steps has the Commission taken so far to institute the relevant proceedings?

What provisional timetable has the Commission drawn up for carrying out these procedures?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (30 April 1997)

The Commission has already begun examining compatability with Community rules of all national legislation adopted on bovine spongiform encephalopathy by the Member States. The findings of past veterinary inspection visits are also being examined to determine whether and to what extent sufficient grounds exist for opening infringement procedures.

It should be remembered that in such cases the burden of proof of an infringement lies with the Commission.

As part of the procedure for clearance of the accounts of the Guarantee Section of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund the Commission is examining the regularity of expenditure claimed by the United Kingdom as incurred under Commission Regulation (EC) No 716/96 of 19 April 1996 adopting exceptional

support measures for the beef market in the United Kingdom ((OJ L 99, 20.4.1996. )) and Commission Regulation (EC) No 1757/96 of 10 September 1996 adopting additional exceptional support measures for the same market ((OJ L 230, 11.9.1996. )). As this examination is still in progress no quantified results can yet be given.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0899/97 by Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE) to the Commission (12 March 1997)

Subject: Number of Ministers and Secretaries of State per Member State

How many Ministers and Secretaries of State does each EU Member State have and what are their responsibilities?

What does the Commission think of the suggestion made by the French Minister Michel Barnier in the Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad that the number of Commissioners should be limited to 10, with appointments rotating among the Member States?

What are the Commission's views on the European Parliament's idea that the Commission should be made up of one Commissioner per Member State?

Does the Commission itself consider that it would cause problems if the number of Commissioners rose to between 25 and 30, and would each Commissioner have a useful role to fulfil?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (16 May 1997)

The Commission does not have the information relating to the Ministers and State Secretaries of the Member States requested by the Honourable Member.

As for the other questions, the Honourable Member is referred to the Commission communication on the composition, organization and operation of the Commission, a copy of which is being sent directly to him and to Parliament's Secretariat.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0651/97 by Manuela Frutos Gama (PSE) to the Commission (6 March 1997)

Subject: COM for tobacco

The new COM for tobacco currently under discussion involves two significant changes to the previous system.

The first is the introduction of a new production premium, 40% of which is to be paid according to product quality. The second is the purchasing of quotas in order to remove them from production.

In large areas of my own region of Extremadura, tobacco is the sole crop cultivated. Around 20 000 families depend on it. The sector employs a large number of seasonal workers, and it has a positive impact on the situation of farm workers, the most numerous section of the workforce. This makes it a fundamental feature of our already precarious economy, given that 90% of the production allocated to Spain comes from this region.

What is the Commission's standpoint on the reform of the COM for tobacco as regards the quotas allocated to Spain and the payment of production premiums, and is the Commission aware that tobacco production in Europe covers only 27% of the quantity consumed, which means that reducing production would bring about a rise in imports?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (21 March 1997)

The Commission can reassure the Honourable Member that it does not intend to propose modification of the present premium and quota amounts in force in producing Member States.

It can also confirm, as is clear from its recent report to Parliament and the Council on common organization in the tobacco sector, that it is aware that reduced Community production of raw tobacco would be offset by higher imports and hence have no impact on tobacco consumption in the Community.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1114/97 by David Bowe (PSE) to the Commission (24 March 1997)

Subject: Green Paper on food policy

Does the Commission propose, as part of the Green Paper on Food Policy, a strategy for the fortification of food with essential vitamins and minerals necessary to maintain good human health?

If not, why not?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (12 May 1997)

The Commission has, on the request of Member States initiated work on the subject of the addition of vitamins and minerals to foodstuffs. A task on this subject, within the framework of cooperation by Member States in the scientific examination of questions relating to food, has been completed and the relevant report will be finalised shortly. The Commission is further preparing a discussion paper on the subject which will raise the issues that need to be discussed and invite comments from all interested parties.

On the basis of these consultations the Commission will consider any necessary proposals on the subject. For these reasons the green paper on food policy ((COM(97) 176. )) does not consider this issue in detail.