ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1514/97 by Christoph Konrad (PPE) to the Commission (5 May 1997)

Subject: Classification of fibreglass as a 'dangerous' substance in the European Union

1. Why has the Commission been having discussions with experts for several years on the question of the test procedure to be used to enable fibrous materials, especially fibreglass, to be classified in various danger classes?

2. When is the Commission likely to complete its deliberations, and when will it submit a final arrangement (proposal)?

3. Will the Commission bear in mind in this context that innovation has already resulted in the manufacture in the Federal Republic of Germany of high-quality fibres which ensure that there is absolutely no risk to the health either of workers during the manufacturing process or of consumers?

4. How does the Commission intend to ensure that under any such arrangement these high-quality products are promoted in the markets of the European Union?

The differences in classification or quality are already causing distortions of competition.

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (1 July 1997)

1. For several years the Commission has been contemplating the formal classification of man-made mineral fibres by introducing these into Annex I to Directive 67/548/EEC ((OJ 196, 16.8.1967. )) on the classification and labelling of dangerous chemical substances.

The term 'man-made mineral fibres' covers a complete family of fibres, including glass fibres and rockwool.

The scientific difficulties linked with assessing the carcinogenic properties of these fibres have slowed down the preparation of a draft directive. In particular the drafting of adequate test methods and the establishment of a reliable correlation between the results have been essential.

2. The progress made in familiarity with the biosolubility of fibres and in correlating with any carcinogenic properties that these might have should enable the Commission to put forward a draft directive in the months ahead.

3. The draft directive will enable account to be taken of the progress made by the producers, more particularly on the German market. Indeed, the 'new' insulating fibres produced and marketed from 1995 onwards do not seem to display any cancer hazards.

4. The provisions of the directives on chemical products (substances and preparations) will enable the regulatory provisions to be harmonised throughout the Community. Thus any classifications (and departures from these) introduced via the intended draft directive shall apply throughout the European market.

However, these legal instruments do not include provision for any particular promotional activities.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2096/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission (19 June 1997)

Subject: Electronic scrap

1. (a) Does the Commission know whether the industry is planning voluntary agreements?

(b) What is the Commission's assessment of them?

2. How would the Commission view an arrangement combining voluntary commitments and legally binding framework conditions?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (1 August 1997)

1. Waste from electrical and electronic equipment is covered by the Community legislation on waste.

The Commission does not have of information on voluntary agreements in the field of electronic waste.

2. The Commission opinion on voluntary commitments is reflected in its communication of 27 November 1996 ((COM(96) 561. )). This communication contains guidelines for the preparation of voluntary agreements. On 17 July 1997 the Parliament adopted a Resolution on this communication.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1973/97 by Reimer Böge (PPE) to the Commission (9 June 1997)

Subject: Imports of huntsmen's trophies from third countries

What Community rules exist on the importation of huntsmen's trophies from third countries?

Are such rules applied uniformly in all Member States?

Can the Commission confirm that some Member States permit derogations from the Single Market regulation on protection against epizootic diseases in respect of imports of huntsmen's trophies? If so, what form do they take and for how long may they continue to be applied?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (2 July 1997)

The introduction into the Community of hunting trophies is subject to Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 of 9 December 1996 on the protection of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein ((OJ L 61, 3.3.1997. )) and Commission Regulations (EC) No 938/97 and 939/97 of 26 May 1997 ((OJ L 140, 30.5.1997. )) on the implementation of that Council Regulation. These regulations entered into force on 1 June 1997 and replace Regulations (EEC) No 3626/82 ((OJ L 384, 31.12.1982. )) and 3418/83 ((OJ L 344, 7.12.1983. )) that have been in force since 1 January 1984.

The Commission is not aware of differences in application of the regulations in the Member States.

As far as animal health is concerned, Annex I Chapter 13 of Council Directive 92/118/EEC as amended by Commission Decision 94/466/EC ((OJ L 190, 26.7.1994. )), establishes the conditions for the import of game trophies. On the basis of this Directive, Commission Decision 96/500/EC laying down the animal health requirements and the certification or official declaration for the import of game trophies of bird and ungulates not having undergone a complete taxidermy treatment from third countries ((OJ L 203, 13.8.1996. )) has been adopted.

Therefore, from 1 January 1997 Member States shall authorise the import of game trophies from third countries only if they are accompanied by the appropriate harmonised certificate or official declarations as laid down in the Community legislation. No bilateral derogation to this animal health condition is permitted from that date.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1523/97 by Riccardo Nencini (PSE) to the Commission (5 May 1997)

Subject: LPG systems for motor vehicles in Italy

Can the Commission explain why on earth motor vehicles converted to LPG in Italy before 1993 are subject to a separate tax, known as the 'superbollo', while those converted after 1993 are not subject to any such tax?

Given that the conversion systems are exactly the same, can the Commission take steps to remedy this discrepancy?

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

The Commission assumes that the Honourable Member is referring to Italian Decree-Law No 331 of 30 August 1993, subsequently enacted as Law No 427 of 29 October 1993, Article 65(5) of which stipulates that vehicles converted with a recognized methane installation between 2 May 1993 and 31 December 1994 are exempt from the special tax introduced by Law No 362 of 21 July 1994. The exemption applies for the first three years of road tax. Decree-Law No 48 of 25 February 1995 subsequently extended the period of exemption for cars with a methane installation to the end of 1995.

In the Commission's opinion, the purpose of these provisions is to encourage the conversion of vehicles to run on methane fuel. Consequently, it sees no reason why the Italian authorities should not limit the tax incentive to vehicles purchased during a specific period, without necessarily extending it to vehicles purchased earlier. For one thing, this is a tax matter and as such falls under the jurisdiction of the Member State concerned; for another, it does not infringe Article 95 of the EC Treaty or any other Community legislation, since the tax incentive is available in respect of any vehicle - new or used - registered for the first time in Italy by its owner.

The Commission takes the view, therefore, that it has no jurisdiction in this matter.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1230/97 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (7 April 1997)

Subject: Transport projects funded by the Cohesion Fund

Project No 94/09/65/020 - a, entitled 'Egnatia Highway: Section: Kavalla by-pass from Agh. Andreas Junction to CH.TH. 4 + 937' was included in the Cohesion Fund in 1995 and was scheduled to be completed by 31.12.1996.

Will the Commission say:

1. whether the above project has been completed;

2. if not, what stage it has reached (funding, construction work); and

3. if there are delays, what they are due to?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (21 May 1997)

Under decision No 94.09.65.020-a, the original deadline for completing the project was 15 October 1996. At the request of the national authorities, this deadline was postponed to 30 June 1997 because of modification of the project and adverse weather conditions.

90% of the works have been completed. The remaining work involves asphalting and other tasks concerning environment, signing and safety.

The Community contribution to the project amounts to 9.1 MECU, of which 70% have been absorbed.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1643/97 by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz (V) to the Commission (14 May 1997)

Subject: Environmental samples, Euratom-IAEA

The IAEA is trying to ensure that taking environmental samples at EU nuclear plants becomes routine. Environmental samples were already taken in Rossendorf in 1996. There are reports that Euratom is refusing to allow the IAEA to take such samples in other European nuclear plants until detailed analysis results become available.

1. Is it true that Euratom is allowing no further environmental samples until analysis results become available?

If so, how does Euratom justify refusing to allow such samples?

2. Have the analysis results now become available to Euratom?

If so, what are those results and can Euratom make them available to the EP?

3. How does the Commission assess routine samples taken by the IAEA?

4. How does the Commission assess the need for such samples to be taken at nuclear plant sites outside the European Union (South America, Asia)?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (2 July 1997)

The Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that the statements made in the question are not correct.

1. Euratom Member State authorities and operators in the Community prefer the scientific and technical approach whereby the experience and results from each sampling influences the next sampling exercise. Therefore the results of samplings are needed before new samplings can be taken. Several such exercises have taken place so far following this approach.

2. Results are available and they are being discussed with the IAEA (International atomic energy agency), Member States and operators. The measurement results are extremely precise and thus of high scientific and technical relevance without however showing any anomalies. These detailed results are confidential due to their commercial and non-proliferation sensitivity. Protection of confidential information is provided for under the Euratom Treaty.

3. Euratom and the IAEA cooperate closely by drawing samples together, sharing the results and developing the methods further. The IAEA has recently notified the Transuranium institute (TUI) in Karlsruhe that the TUI has been formally included in the network of analytical laboratories, on which the IAEA relies for the analyses of samples.

4. As for applications in the Community, the Commission considers these new safeguards tools as very promising and powerful for the strengthening of non-proliferation safeguards world-wide. Even more so, a careful scientific and technical implementation process is called for so as not to compromise the new tools through uninterpretable results or false alarms.

However, the implementation of safeguards outside the Community falls out of the scope of Euratom's jurisdiction.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1610/97 by José Valverde López (PPE) to the Commission (7 May 1997)

Subject: New olive groves in EU Member States

In the current debate on the reform of the COM in olive oil, various points on which the Commission has yet to state its position require clarification. Among these points is the immediate future of new olive groves.

How many hectares of olive trees have been planted in the last five years?

Since there is no ban on planting new olive trees, does the Commission have any plans for increases in production quotas and hence in total funding?

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

The latest information on new olive-tree plantings given by the Member States is as follows:

- Greece: no new olive trees plantations have been established lately; however, Greece is currently rebuilding its damaged olive groves under the appropriate Community programmes;

- Spain: around 166 000 hectares of new trees have been planted, which could produce around 50 000 tonnes in 2002;

- France: old olive-trees are to be restructured, which could bring production up to an average of around 5 000 to 6 000 tonnes;

- Italy: no significant increase in production levels is envisaged;

- Portugal: the Portuguese authorities predict that average production will increase by around 10 000 tonnes by the year 2002 and by almost 50 000 tonnes in ten years' time.

Despite the average increase in production, the Commission does not plan to increase the support budget for this product.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1443/97 by Karl Olsson (ELDR) to the Commission (28 April 1997)

Subject: Animal Welfare

A directive for improving the protection of animals has been adopted after lengthy debate in the European Parliament. The directive came partly into force at the beginning of this year. Public and political opinion is strongly against cruelty in the trade in live animals.

A report broadcast on Swedish television showed examples of mal-treatment of animals more appalling than anything seen before. It is of course completely unacceptable and must be stopped.

What steps does Mr Fischler intend to take to ensure that the new animal protection directive is strictly complied with, to make animal handling and transport more humane and ensure that those breaking the law get the punishment they deserve?

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

The Commission would refer to the answer given to written question No E-1106/97 by Mr R. Paasilinna ((OJ C 373, 9.12.1997, p. 68. )).

It should also be noted that the power of the Community to impose restrictions on trade from third countries, in order to protect animal welfare, could possibly be limited by the Community's obligations under the World trade organisation agreements.

In relation to compliance by Member States with their obligations under Council Directive 91/628/EEC on the protection of animals during transport ((OJ L 340, 11.12.1991. )), the Commission intends to continue monitoring the enforcement of the relevant provisions by the Member States, and will not fail to take the necessary measures, including the opening of infringement proceedings under Article 169 of the EC Treaty, if Member States fail to comply with these obligations.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0962/97 by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission (13 March 1997)

Subject: Opacimeters issued to the City of Rome Municipal Police Force

The City of Rome Municipal Police Force is unable at present to test emissions of harmful gases from motor vehicle exhaust pipes. The equipment designed for these tests, 'Tecnomotor' opacimeters, cannot be used because, as indicated in a note from the Rome Municipal Police traffic unit, it must first be altered and re-approved under the new legislation which has been passed.

This makes it impossible to test the level of atmospheric pollution caused by individual motor vehicles, including the buses operated by the public transport company, ATAC, whose exhaust emissions have not been checked despite repeated requests for inspections.

Does the Commission not agree that this is a blatant infringement of Directive 92/55/EEC ((OJ L 225, 10.8.1992, p. 68. )) of 22 June 1992 amending Directive 77/143/EEC ((OJ L 47, 18.2.1977, p. 47. )) on exhaust emission tests?

Can the Commission state its position on the urgent need for the City of Rome Council to acquire testing equipment which complies with the legislation and can be used immediately?

If the Community legislation on environmental pollution is being infringed, can the Commission give details of any action taken against the Rome City Council?

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

Council Directive 96/96/EC ((OJ L 46, 17.2.1997. )), of 20 December 1996, covers roadworthiness test for motor vehicles and their trailers. This directive repeals Directive 77/143/EEC ((OJ L 47, 18.2.1977. )) and its subsequent amendments as from 9 March 1998.

As regards exhaust emissions to be checked at the time of roadworthiness testing, this Directive lays down harmonized standards in order to promote environmentally-friendly forms of transport and to ensure uniformity and homogeneity of the vehicle fleet.

Infringement proceedings against Italy were terminated when national measures ((Ministerial Decree of 28.2.1994, published in the 'Gazetta Ufficiale della Repubblica Italiana, Serie generale No 53 of 5.3.1994'. )) implementing Council Directive 92/55/EEC ((OJ L 225, 10.8.1992. )) were adopted and notified to the Commission. However, Italy enjoys a derogation from the Community requirements in the roadworthiness test for passenger cars until no later than 1 January 1998.

Finally, Council Directive 92/55/EEC does not define the inspection's methodology and does not standardize the specifications for the equipment to be used in control stations. Member States have thus a degree of flexibility to establish their test methods and to use checking equipment applying national specifications.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2066/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission (11 June 1997)

Subject: WTO-EU dispute over hormone-treated meat

1. Will the Commission accept sanctions if this proves necessary in order to uphold the ban on hormones and protect consumers from hormone-treated meat?

2. If imports of such meat cannot be prevented, will the Commission ensure that it is clearly and comprehensively labelled?

3. Why was the questioner not sent the Commission's arguments in favour of continuing the hormone ban after the United States had filed its complaint?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (17 July 1997)

1 - 2. The Commission intends to use all the legal means at its disposal to defend present Community legislation in the context of the World trade organization (WTO) procedures. A decision has been taken to appeal from the Panel's report. Until there is a definitive ruling on this matter under the WTO dispute settlement process, it is not possible to indicate what course of action might be open to the Community. The position that the Commission has defended in the WTO proceedings is that the Community's right to decide what level of sanitary protection it deems appropriate for its citizens should be fully recognized by the Sanitary and phytosanitary agreement.

3. The Commission has recently received the request of the Honourable Member and will speedily reply to it.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1499/97 by Pervenche Berès (PSE) to the Commission (30 April 1997)

Subject: Criteria for invitations to tender in connection with Community programmes

Further to the reports produced by the Court of Auditors and STOA, will the Commission state what criteria are used in tender procedures, in particular for the Phare, Tacis and Meda programmes, as the basis for drawing up short lists of tenders?

Which authority is responsible for drawing up such short lists?

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

Under the Phare, Tacis and Meda programmes, contracts for supplies and public works are in general awarded through open tendering. Short-lists for restricted service tenders are drawn up for the procurement of services according to the modalities stipulated in Article 118 of the Financial regulation.

For Phare and Tacis, the contract opportunities resulting from the various actions or operational programmes are published on Internet and in brochures, inviting interested companies to express their interest to be selected for the corresponding short-lists. These calls constitute the primary source for selection. Companies must be generally eligible for Phare or Tacis contracts according to the terms of Regulations No 3906/89 ((OJ L 375, 23.12.1989. )) and 1279/96 ((OJ L 165, 4. 7.1996. )). Their financial situation, other contractual commitments or conflicts of interest may further render them individually ineligible for a specific contract. All eligible companies are then screened for compliance with the specific selection criteria in each particular case and those best qualified are retained. If more companies are eligible and qualified for the tasks to be achieved, than can reasonably be accommodated on the short-list, further equitable criteria may be applied, but for Phare the final decision will be by reached by using the method of a draw.

Short-lists are established by the competent contracting authorities. Under the decentralised implementation system of Phare, short-lists are primarily drawn up by the respective local authorities of the recipient countries, but must be approved by the Commission.

For Meda programmes a contract opportunities forecast is quarterly published in the Official journal as well as tender notices. Upon receipt of expressions of interest, the short-list is drawn up by the Commission in association with the local authorities of beneficiary countries in compliance with specific selection criteria.

Contract awarding is done in compliance with the specific awarding criteria in the tender conditions. The contract award, on a case by case basis by the Commission or the beneficiary, is always done after agreement of both parties.