ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2520/96 by Fernand Herman (PPE) to the Commission (25 September 1996)

Subject: Moonlighting in the Commission

An article entitled 'Moonlighting in the Commission', signed by Mr G. Dewarichet and appearing in 'Le Soir' newspaper of 3 and 4 August 1996, contains allegations concerning totally illegal practices concerning staff recruitment. According to the article, DG IX and the Commissioner responsible had been informed and a letter sent to Mr Santer, who had not replied.

Can the Commission confirm or refute the revelations contained in the above article?

Should the Commission be forced to confirm these allegations, which would be regrettable, can it say what steps it has taken or will take to end these illegal practices?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (3 December 1996)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question P-2814/96 by Mrs Dury ((See page 81. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2589/96 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (11 October 1996)

Subject: Framework programme for research and technological development

With regard to the proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision adapting for the second time Decision No 1110/94/EC concerning the fourth framework programme of activities in the field of research,

technological development and demonstration (1994-98), as adapted by Decision No.../96/EC (COM(96)0012), ((OJ C 115, 19.4.1996, p. 1. )) the framework programme was finally adopted on 26 April 1994. It is disappointing that the latest proposals do not provide for any new measures to increase the involvement of SMUs, even though these firms contribute significantly to job creation in Europe. Will the Commission therefore set up a horizontal 'SMU' task force to coordinate all policies and resources employed to develop and strengthen the technological potential of SMUs and their capacity for innovation?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (15 November 1996)

In the fourth framework programme of research and technological development (RTD), technology stimulation measures for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are implemented as part of ten research programmes. These measures aim to increase and facilitate the participation of SMEs in Community research projects. They consist of:

- an exploratory award of up to ECU 45 000 to cover up to 75% of the cost of the preparatory phase of a research project (feasibility study, better definition of the project, verification of innovative nature, preliminary market research, search for partners);

- cooperative research projects (Craft) to allow SMEs with non-existent or inadequate RDT facilities to 'subcontract' the research to entities with sufficient research facilities, the final results going back to the SMEs.

There are specific rules for implementing these measures; for example, the call for proposals is permanently open, proposal submissions for all ten programmes are made through a one-stop office, and the same information brochures and simplified forms are used for all ten programmes. There are evaluations four times a year and replies are given within three months.

The Commission has set up a horizontal unit to coordinate these measures (SME coordination unit). 'Task forces' are essentially conceived of as having a coordinating function. Given that a unit has been set up to coordinate SMEs, it is not necessary to create an SME task force.

On the other hand, and in the spirit of the Honourable Member's suggestion, the document 'Inventing Tomorrow' envisages setting up a horizontal activity within the fifth framework programme to facilitate access to all research and research results by a larger number of SMEs through the introduction of a single, simplified framework and the development of technology transfer mechanisms.

The Commission intends to develop this idea in the near future as part of a first action plan for innovation in Europe, as called for at the European Council meeting in Florence.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2626/96 by Ulf Holm (V) to the Commission (15 October 1996)

Subject: Initiatives to restrict tobacco smoking

In the USA, Bill Clinton has embarked on a vigorous campaign to restrict tobacco smoking. On 23 August a new tobacco law was introduced with more stringent rules on the advertising and sale of tobacco products. Among other things, the law prohibits outdoor advertising within 300 metres of schools; such advertising may only be in black and white and must not be illustrated. Buyers under the age of 27 must produce identification before they can make a purchase, in order to protect children and teenagers from starting to smoke. Most states had already introduced stringent protection for people who do not wish to be exposed to smoke at their place of work.

1. Is the Commission currently working on any proposals to restrict tobacco smoking in the EU?

2. Is it compatible with the internal market for individual Member States, on health grounds, to impose a total ban on tobacco advertising and introduce age limits, as long as such rules apply to all manufacturers?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (15 November 1996)

The main focus of smoking prevention at Community level is the 'Europe against cancer' programme. The Parliament and Council Decision establishing a third cancer action plan ((OJ L 95, 16.4.1996. )) identifies smoking prevention as a priority area, since about a third of cancers are attributable to smoking. In the Community, tobacco use is estimated to be responsible for 500,000 deaths annually. The Commission, in implementing the cancer action plan, therefore reserves an important place for the question of smoking prevention.

As regards tobacco advertising, the Honourable Member will be aware that the amended Commission proposal on this subject ((OJ L 129, 21.5.1992. )) is in discussion in the Council. The intention of this proposal is to eliminate obstacles to trade within the internal market, including those which could arise from national advertising bans. The Commission is obliged, under Article 100 (a) of the EC Treaty, to take a high level of protection as a basis in its proposals concerning health, safety, environmental and consumer protection. This is why the proposal in question envisages an almost complete restriction of tobacco advertising.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1196/96 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission (15 May 1996)

Subject: Toxic and hazardous waste at Westwick tip, Canvey, Essex

Is the Commission aware of the potential health threat caused by toxic and hazardous waste in the Westwick landfill site at Canvey Island, Essex, which was dumped there prior to the existence of regulations controlling such sites? Will the Commission investigate this problem, including possible leakage into the adjacent coastal waters, and state precisely which aspects of European law apply to the treatment of such a site and which European funding programmes might be available to assist in financing such work?

Supplementary answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (21 November 1996)

Further to its answer of 11 July 1996, the Commission is now able to provide the following additional information.

The Westwick landfill site at Canvey Island, Essex, is known to have accepted industrial and household waste between 1935 and 1972, when it ceased operation. The disposal activities therefore came to an end before Directives 75/442/EEC ((OJ L 194, 25.7.1975. )) and 76/464/EEC ((OJ L 129, 18.5.1976. )) came into force.

The Westwick landfill site is not the subject of specific monitoring by the United Kingdom environment agency. However, under section 84(2) of the Water resources act 1991, the agency has a duty to monitor the extent of pollution in controlled waters (including rivers and the sea up to three miles from the coast). Routine monitoring should reveal whether any incidence of pollution of the Thames or coastal waters was attributable to this site. The environment agency (and the national rivers authority before that) has no evidence of pollution of controlled waters from the Westwick site.

As regards possible treatment of the site, the Honourable Member will know that there are no funds earmarked to assist in financing such work at Community level.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2986/96 by Juan Colino Salamanca (PSE) and Jesús Cabezón Alonso (PSE) to the Commission (8 November 1996)

Subject: Impact on social and economic cohesion of the new COM in olive oil

The Commission is studying a new proposal concerning the COM in olive oil. Has it assessed the possible impact of such a proposal on the regions concerned and on social and economic cohesion?

What impact might it have on employment?

Has the Commission also assessed the environmental impact thereof?

Could the authors of this question be provided with the studies which have been carried out into the social and environmental impact of such a measure?

What would the implications be for the rural development of large parts of the southern European Union, particularly Andalusia?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (2 December 1996)

The Commission will be discussing the different options for the reform of the olive oil common market organisation in the very near future. A document will be transmitted to the Parliament and the Council for discussion before any concrete proposals are finalised.

The Commission cannot pre-empt the outcome of its deliberations by anwering specific questions on the options but will certainly take into account what the Honourable Members say. Of course, the Commission is well aware of the strategic importance of Andalucian production in the Community market and the importance of olive oil to the region. The Commission will be examining how best to cater for specific regional situations.

In a more general way, it must be clear that the new olive oil common market organisation should be simple, more transparent and easier to control than the existing regime. Quality should be at a premium and producers should be targeted as directly as possible. Differences of a regional, social and environmental kind should be taken into account.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2616/96 by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission (14 October 1996)

Subject: Policy on generic pharmaceutical products

What measures is the Commission putting forward to encourage the use of generic pharmaceutical products, as voted important to the EU's industry policy by the Parliament on 16 April 1996, and is the Commission making any moves to implement this Parliament recommendation, in particular to allow the testing and registering of generic pharmaceuticals prior to patent expiry?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (4 November 1996)

The Commission's industrial policy has always encouraged free competition and transparency. Accordingly, the Commissions's communication of 1994 on an industrial policy for the pharmaceutical sector ((Doc. COM(93) 718 )) recognised that efforts to improve transparency of the market would favour multi-source competition, which includes generic medicines.

Recent years have seen a strengthening of intellectual property protection in the Community, while at the same time, as doctors, pharmacists, and patients have become increasingly well-informed, there has been growth in the generics sector.

It is not clear, however, that changes in the rules governing the actions permitted before the expiry of patents would have a significant effect on the take-up of these medicines. The use of generics is more dependent on the pricing structures in place in particular Member States.

The problem is to provide the level of intellectual property protection necessary to encourage the development of new medicines for patients by bolstering our innovative industry, while taking into account the interests of generic manufacturers, particularly vis a vis their competitors in third countries. This must be kept under constant examination in the light of economic and legislative developments throughout the world, not least of which is the forthcoming decision of the Court of justice on the interpretation of the current rules. In the light of the Court's decision and the Commission's forthcoming study on generics, the Commission intends to put forward policies taking all the relevant actors into account.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2932/96 by Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE) to the Commission (8 November 1996)

Subject: Rising crime in South Africa

Is the Commission aware that South Africa is coping with a rapidly rising crime rate?

Is the Commission aware that willingness to invest in South Africa is declining as a result and that tourism, which can provide many jobs, is also stagnating, with a very adverse effect on the already worrying employment situation in that country?

Is the Commission aware that the United Kingdom has given ECU 9.5 m to the government in Pretoria to combat the rise in crime?

Can the Commission indicate what projects exist and how much money it is allocating to preventing and combating crime in South Africa and what each of the Member States is doing in this field?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission (10 December 1996)

The Commission is concerned at the high level of crime in South Africa. It believes, however, that it is important not to over-play the impact of crime on the economy. In fact, there is no evidence to support the suggestion that investments or tourism have been damaged by criminality, or that foreigners are reluctant to work in South Africa.

Nevertheless, the Commission will support the 'Assistance to policing in the Eastern Cape' programme with 9 MECU from the 1996 allocation of Budget Line B 7 - 3200, the European programme for reconstruction and development in South Africa. Additionally the British government has allocated 2.8 MECU to the same programme.

The overall objective of the programme, designed to complement and support the government's ongoing process of reforming the police service, is to help create a safe and secure environment in the Eastern Cape province conducive to economic growth and social development. Specifically, the programme will improve civilian oversight of policing, improve the management of policing, strengthen the role of the community - police liaison, support human resource development in both the police service and the provincial ministry and improve the quality, distribution and management of resources used by the police.

Concerning the areas of activity of the Member States, the Commission is informed, by way of regular meetings between representatives of the embassies and the Commission delegation in Pretoria, which allow exchanges of views on their respective interventions. In addition to the backing of the British government to this exercise, the Belgian, Danish, French, German and Swedish governments are also supporting the restructuring of the South African police.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2838/96 by Marianne Thyssen (PPE) to the Commission (25 October 1996)

Subject: Study of the impact of the proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive relating to cocoa and chocolate products intended for human consumption

On 30 May 1996 the Commission presented its proposal for a Directive on chocolate products (COM(95)722 final) ((OJ C 231, 9.8.1996, p. 1. )). The Commission is not unaware that this proposal is the subject of lively debate. On closer examination, it emerges that the debate is stimulated mainly by information put out by lobby groups. If there is to be a full and accurate assessment of the proposal's impact on the working of the single market and its implications for the developing countries, there is a need for objective facts not coloured by vested interests.

1. Is the Commission aware of the existence of a study which includes such data?

2. What information did the Commission take as its basis in drawing up the proposal for a Directive?

3. If this information is not available at present, does the Commission plan to commission a study of this kind?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (2 December 1996)

1. The Commission has taken note of the study carried out by Professor Kees Burger of the University of Amsterdam in cooperation with the Dutch Ministry for Development on the European chocolate market and the consequences for cocoa and chocolate prices of the proposal for a Directive on cocoa and chocolate products.

2. As part of preliminary work carried out prior to adoption of the proposal, the Commission took into account economic data provided by the secretariat of Icco (International Cocoa Organization) and by Caobisco (Association of the Chocolate, Biscuit and Confectionery Industries of the EEC), in particular to evaluate what effects using vegetable fats would have on the cocoa market and cocoa prices. The Commission concluded that its proposal would not have adverse consequences for the world cocoa market. It considered, however, that any realistic evaluation would have to be based on several different hypotheses, since its proposal, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, leaves Member States free to choose whether or not to authorize the use in chocolate products of vegetable fats other than cocoa butter.

Moreover the Commission points out that when it adopted the proposal it also examined factors linked to the internal market and, in particular, barriers to the free movement of chocolate products in the Community, consumer information and the Community's international obligations.

3. At the joint request of the Commission and the main African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries, and in particular Cameroon, a macroeconomic study is being carried out to examine, amongst other things, the impact on the Cameroon economy of fluctuations in cocoa prices and the revision of the European Directive on the composition of chocolate. The Cameroon study could subsequently be extended to include other countries, in particular other ACP countries. The conclusions of the study are expected to be available at the end of the year.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3281/96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil (PPE) to the Commission (5 December 1996)

Subject: Criteria for debt calculation

The media are increasingly reflecting the current difficulty of obtaining universally accepted statistics.

What criteria does the Commission use to distinguish between public and private debt?

Answer given by Mr De Silguy on behalf of the Commission (21 January 1997)

The excessive deficit procedure refers to the gross consolidated debt of the general government sector, which comprises the central government, local government, and the social security administration, but not the public enterprises which are part of the corporations and quasi-corporations sector. It comprises the debt issued (or assumed) by general government institutional units to non government units.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2863/96 by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission (25 October 1996)

Subject: Genetically modified herbicide-resistant plants

Is it true that Danish researchers have discovered that genetically engineered oilseed rape has spread its herbicide-resistant genes to a weed called brassica capestris? What is the view of the Commission about this kind of problem?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (13 January 1997)

The Commission is aware of the results obtained by Danish researchers showing that genes (in particular herbicide resistance genes) can be transferred from genetically modified oilseed rape Brassica napus to its weedy relative Brassica campestris. The data produced by the Danish research team may also be valid for genetically modified oilseed rape released or marketed under Directive 90/220/EEC ((OJ L 117, 8.5.1990. )) on the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms. There is no evidence that such an event would constitute a risk for the environment, indeed the data produced by the researchers indicated that the plants resulting from such a cross would not be expected to compete successfully with either of the parental plants.

It has long been known that B.napus and B.campestris can cross spontaneously in the field, and as such the Danish findings do not reveal new information that would not have been taken into account in the obligatory environmental risk assessment before a consent can be granted under the Directive.

The Commission believes that Directive 90/220/EEC contains adequate provisions for the event that new information identifies any previously unforeseen risk arising from a deliberate release of a genetically modified organism. Article 6.6 and Article 16 give competent authorities the power to modify or terminate releases or to prohibit or restrict the sale or use of such products in such instances. However as indicated above, the Danish results do not provide new information not considered in the environmental risk assessment.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3107/96 by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas (PPE) to the Commission (18 November 1996)

Subject: Franco-German document on increased cooperation

On 22 October 1996 the French Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Barniet, and his German counterpart, Mr Hoyer, presented to the Dorr Group and the press a Franco-German document on increased cooperation. As the Commission is aware, the Franco-German proposals aim to establish forms of cooperation in the context of the Community, without calling the Community's cohesion or existing legislation into question.

What is the Commission's opinion of this document?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (16 December 1996)

The Franco-German document was presented as a contribution to discussions by the Intergovernmental Conference.

As such, it was well received in so far as it points discussions towards the dual challenge of enlargement and deepening integration, while preserving the acquis communautaire and the institutional framework and at the same time appears to exclude any concept of a Europe à la carte and of overlapping circles. It clearly expresses the will to see the interests of all Member States safeguarded.

However, the lack of adequate information on areas where cooperation could be strengthened, and in particular on the exact terms of the procedure under which such cooperation could be launched and operated, shows that the Franco-German document is only a stage, albeit a useful stage, in the reflections now in progress.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2448/96 by Luigi Moretti (ELDR) to the Council (25 September 1996)

Subject: A European legal status for the regions

In view of the fact that under the present Italian constitutional order some Italian regions already possess, in common with the German Länder, exclusive powers or, at the very least, powers rivalling those of the Italian State;

Given that the implementation of numerous Community provisions is a matter for the regions;

Given that at the present stage in the development of Community law the regions can maintain direct relations with the Commission for the implementation of regional projects of European interest;

Is it legally feasible, on the occasion of the revision of the Treaties, to:

- take due account of the European legal status of the regions, and in particular Padania?

- confer a right to undertake and to be a party to judicial proceedings?

- confer a right to attend the deliberations of the Council on issues that directly concern it?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2448/96 and E-2450/96 (17 January 1997)

The Treaty can be amended only following an inter-governmental conference which, as its name suggests, is a conference between Member States' governments.

The Council as such is not qualified to reply to the questions put by the Honourable Members.