WRITTEN QUESTION E-3020/01

by María Sornosa Martínez (PSE) to the Commission

(29 October 2001)

Subject: Need to ban the use of silver iodide against hailstorms

The practice of fumigating with silver iodide to prevent hailstorms (by spraying from aeroplanes or firing rockets) has been shown to be extremely damaging to the Spanish environment; specifically, it is causing major damage in León, Soria, Valencia and other Spanish regions and provinces. However, it is subsidised by the Ministry of Agriculture.

In its reply to questions E-3764/00 and E-4006/00(1) on the use of silver iodide against hail, the Commission stated that:

- silver iodide is not a priority substance in the relevant European Union reference lists;

- the substance does not fall within the scope of Directive 91/414/EEC(2) (on pesticides), since it is not deemed a phytosanitary substance;

- the Spanish authorities had not informed the Commission of the subsidies granted for iodide.

Given the consequences in Spain of the use of silver iodide against hail (damage to human health, pollution of aquifers, rain shortages, impact on harvests, etc.), and given that the current revision of the White Paper on Chemical Substances will lay the foundations of future Community policy in this area:

- Does the Commission intend to include silver iodide amongst the priority substances, with a view to future legislation on chemical substances?

- Has the Commission assessed the risks posed by silver iodide within the framework of Regulation (EEC) 793/93(3), as Mrs Wallström suggested in her reply to questions E-3764/00 and E-4006/00?

- Have the Spanish authorities now informed the Commission of the Ministry of Agriculture subsidies for the use of silver iodide against hail?

- Can the Commission guarantee that none of the money being used to subsidise this practice stems from Community funds?

(1) OJ C 187 E, 3.7.2001, p. 43.

(2) OJ L 230, 19.8.1991, p. 1.

(3) OJ L 84, 5.4.1993, p. 1.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(21 December 2001)

In its reply to written questions E-3764/00 by the Honourable Member and E-4006/00 by Mr Gasoliba I Böhm on the use of silver iodide against hail, the Commission has already stated that:

- silver iodide is not a priority substance in the relevant Community's reference lists;

- the substance does not fall within the scope of Council Directive 91/414/EEC of 15 July 1991 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market, (on pesticides), since it is not deemed a phytosanitary substance.

As concerns the White Paper on the Strategy for a Future Chemicals Policy(1), the Commission is at present carrying out consultations with technical experts, industry, consumers and environmental organisations with a view to drafting legislative proposals for 2002. At the present stage of development, it is not possible to foresee how future legislation concerning Chemicals Policy will effect the use of silver halide in the prevention of hailstorms.

The Spanish authorities have replied to the Commission's request of information as regards the subsidies granted for the use of silver iodide in the prevention of hailstorms. The Commission is now examining the information provided by the Spanish authorities.

(1) COM(2001) 88 final.