ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2798/96 by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission (25 October 1996)

Subject: Needless deaths caused by occult practices

In Italy, as in other countries of the European Union, there has been a dangerous rise in occultism, Satanism and sects of various kinds.

Such sects have already caused too many deaths, either as a result of satanist rituals or under the influence of self-appointed spiritual leaders.

It is the youngest and weakest members of society, and sometimes innocent children, who fall prey to these influences.

Would the Commission ascertain whether the Member States' legislation to protect the public from associations of this kind is sufficiently stringent and inflexible?

Could the Commission take appropriate measures to oblige European Union countries to set up a special investigatory body exclusively concerned with this dangerous area, to attempt to prevent this pointless waste of human life?

Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission (13 November 1996)

Where certain sects adopt methods and engage in activities of a criminal nature, they can be prosecuted in the Member States and the provisions in Title IV of the Treaty on European Union governing judicial and police cooperation will be applicable. Under Article K.2 these matters are dealt with in compliance with the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights. Although the Commission is fully associated with the work of the Council in these areas, it does not have the right of initiative here.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2526/96 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (8 October 1996)

Subject: The Urban programme

A number of specialized publications have claimed - admittedly without adequate supporting evidence - that the Commission is behind schedule with the Urban initiative.

Would the Commission state whether the Italian programmes under the Urban initiative have been adopted and signed and, if not, why not?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (23 October 1996)

The Community initiative concerning urban areas in Italy was adopted by the Commission on 30 April 1996; in this context, the Commission has already made the first commitments and payments.

As laid down in the Commission Communication to the Member States extending the Urban initiative, ((OJ C 200, 10.7.96. )) Member States have until January 1997 to submit programmes. Italy, like a number of other Member States, has not yet submitted a proposal.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2486/96 by José Valverde López (PPE) to the Commission (25 September 1996)

Subject: Measures to popularize the use of the European Union flag

In the media-dominated world in which we live, the visual impact of symbols is crucial. Promoting wider use of the Union flag could help make Europe more familiar to the public in its everyday life.

What steps does the Commission think could be taken to ensure that the Union flag is used more widely and more prominently?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (21 November 1996)

The Commission shares the Honourable Member's conviction that more widespread use of the European flag would help to familiarize the public with European dimension in their everyday lives.

When the Community institutions adopted the European emblem in 1986, they introduced measures concerning its use. The use of the Community flag in the Member States is not regulated by Community law.

It should be noted that under Regulation (EEC) No 2082/93 on the Structural Funds, ((OJ L 193, 31.7.1993. )) publicizing Community assistance is compulsory. Commission Decision 94/342/EC of 31 May 1994 concerning information and publicity measures to be carried out by the Member States concerning assistance from the Structural Funds and the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance, ((OJ L 152, 18.6.1994. )) sets out the following practical rules: recipients of Community aid shall acknowledge this aid publicity by using the European emblem on billboards at sites, on publications, advertisements, etc. with an appropriate phrase (e.g. 'This project is part-financed by the European Union'). Similarly in joint ventures the Commission insists that the European emblem is displayed prominently, in association with the logo or emblem of the other participants in the ventures.

Applications from outsiders to use the European emblem for bona fide European projects are given sympathetic consideration. The Commission welcomes the use of the European emblem by third parties. Requests are however carefully considered to prevent misuse.

Information outlets or relays are also encouraged to use the European emblem where possible. In its information and communication activities, the Commission itself always seeks to display prominently the European emblem. The Commission has requested all its services to use the European emblem on their publications, in advertisements, at exhibitions, in promotions and for actions and campaigns.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2273/96 by Ursula Schleicher (PPE) to the Commission (27 August 1996)

Subject: Petrol station equipment/Catch on petrol nozzles

It has been known for some time that toxic vapours (eg benzene) given off when filling vehicles are a hazard to human health. Attempts are being made to reduce such hazards by various technical measures and a reduction in limit values. The proposal to do away with the catch on petrol nozzles, as adopted by the international association of manufacturers of petrol station equipment, evidently at the instigation of one Member State, and to be put into effect by way of a European standard, would run counter to these efforts.

1. Can the Commission confirm this proposal?

2. Who would bring about a change to the European standards in this case?

3. Can the Commission influence the procedure?

4. What will the Commission do to prevent such a measure, which would impair the user-friendliness of self-service petrol stations and the health of car drivers?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (7 November 1996)

The initiative of proposing a European safety standard for petrol nozzles, but which did not automatically imply that the catches on petrol nozzles in petrol stations would be eliminated, was made at the end of 1994 by the German Standardization Institute (DIN).

This standardization proposal was forwarded to the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), which is made up of national delegations from the Community Member States and the European Free Trade Area, and 280 professional associations with the rank of observers. The proposal is currently being treated by Technical Committee 221, subgroup 6. The Commission is not directly involved, therefore, in the CEN's work.

It has not been possible to verify the existence of an "international association of manufacturers of petrol station equipment¨, from enquiries to the CEN and to the European oil industry association. A committee of European manufacturers concerned with oil-related installations and distribution does, however, participate in the work of the CEN.

The standardization proposal has followed the usual work procedures at the CEN and should be the subject in the first half of 1997 of a survey, in and outside Europe, which will of course include environmental aspects.

The Commission has asked the CEN to forward the draft standard to it.

With regard to draft legislation in progress, the purpose of which is to reduce toxic emissions in the exhaust gases of vehicles, the Commission has just forwarded to the Council and Parliament proposals for a directive ((COM(96) 248. )) based in particular on the reduction of the benzene content of petrol from 5 to 2% and the vapour pressure measuring volatility from 60 to 50 kPa.

What is more, with a view to reducing toxic vapours as cars fill up in petrol stations, the Commission has prepared a draft directive (volatile organic compounds - Stage 2), the value added of which it is reexamining in the light of efficient initiatives being deployed in a number of Member States.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3157/96 by David Thomas (PSE) to the Commission (14 November 1996)

Subject: Welfare of calves

Do the current rules on the transportation of live animals lay down a minimum age under which animals may not be transported, or have the Scientific Veterinary Committee recommended an age limit below which a calf should not be separated from its mother?

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

Directive 91/628/EC on the protection of animals during transport ((OJ L 340, 11.12.1991. )) chapter 1, A, item 1 deals with the categories of domestic solipeds and domestic animals of the bovine, ovine, caprine and porcine species which

may not be transported. This provides that pregnant animals of these species likely to give birth during carriage or animals having given birth during the preceding 48 hours, and new-born animals (including calves) in which the navel has not completely healed, shall not be considered fit for transport. There are no more specific rules concerning separation of calves from their mothers.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2082/96 by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE) to the Commission (26 July 1996)

Subject: Measures to boost the falling birth rate

The falling birth rate is a significant problem in the Member States of the Union. Statistics show that the worst affected countries are the poorest i.e. Spain, Ireland, Greece and Portugal, which is a direct consequence of their low standard of living and development and, particularly, unemployment, the rise in the cost of living and the resulting decline in purchasing power of workers' wages and the steep rise in housing costs.

In 1989, the Union set up an 'Observatory for National Family Policies' at York University in the UK, one aim of which was to collect and develop data and carry out studies into the falling birth rate.

In the light of this, can the Commission say what practical measures it has taken or is taking to boost the birth rate in the context of Community cohesion and employment policies, particularly in the less developed Member States of the Union, what activities the Observatory is conducting and what use is being made of the findings of its research?

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

The main aim of the Observatory for National Family Policies is to carry out comparative analysis of national policies relating to the family. It publishes a report each year highlighting recent developments in this field as regards legislation in the various Member States. In this way, it provides an overall analysis of the measures that have been taken at national level to encourage people to have children, provide related maternity and tax benefits and help reconcile working and family life.

The results of the Observatory's work are available to the various national authorities to enable them to take account of the experiments under way in other Member Sates with a view to their own intended measures in this field. The subject referred to in the Honourable Member's question is the sole responsibility of the Member States.

In the field of equal opportunities, the Commission has, for its part, undertaken a series of initiatives which are aimed at creating conditions more conducive to reconciling working and family life and which could thus provide more effective help to citizens wishing to start a family. An example is Directive 96/34/EC on the framework agreement on parental leave ((OJ L 145, 19.6.1996. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3557/96 by Laura González Álvarez (GUE/NGL), María Sornosa Martínez (GUE/NGL) and Abdelkader Mohamed Ali (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (12 December 1996)

Subject: Urban planning projects in the region of Doñana (Spain)

There have been alarming reports in the Spanish media of urban planning projects in the region of the Doñana National Park.

The Regional Executive of the Regional Government of Andalusia has approved the revision of the territorial coordination steering plan for the Doñana region (TCSP) so as to exclude the Cadiz municipalities of Sanlúcar de Barrameda and Trebujena. This revision spells the start of a process of declassifying the protected areas of Doñana and allowing urban planning projects in the region of the National Park.

Given that the exclusion of the above-mentioned municipalities from the TCSP may lead to the loss of EU funds earmarked for investment and economic activities in the Doñana National Park region:

Is the Commission aware that such projects may jeopardize the ecological balance of Europe's most important nature reserve?

What is the Commission's assessment of the results of the investments made by the EU to date under the Sustainable Development Plan for the Doñana region?

Can the Commission draw up a report on the projects which have benefited from these investments?

With a view to ensuring that the projects can have no adverse effect on the Doñana National Park, what representations does the Commission intend to make to the Regional Government of Andalusia, pursuant to Community environmental legislation, to guarantee the conservation of this area of considerable environmental and ecological value?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (15 January 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-1949/96 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Council (17 July 1996)

Subject: BSE

1. After prohibiting exports for some three months, the Commission decided to relax the ban on gelatin, tallow and semen from British stocks.

(a) On what recent studies was this decision based?

(b) If there are no studies showing these products to be harmless, what was the basis for the revision within three months of a decision that was taken on scientific grounds?

2. Why was the decision to relax the export ban taken against the will of the Scientific Committee for Food?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1928/96, E-1947/96 and E-1949/96 (17 January 1997)

The Honourable Member's questions relate to Commission Decision 96/362/EC of 11 June 1996 ((OJ L 139, 12.6.1996, p. 17. )).

The Decision was finally adopted by the Commission after a III(b) committee procedure as provided for in Article 18 of Directive 89/662/EEC ((OJ L 395, 30.12.1996, p. 13. )).

Under this procedure the Commission submitted draft measures to the Standing Veterinary Committee. As a qualified majority did not exist within the Committee, the Commission submitted the draft to the Council on 23 May 1996. The Council had fifteen days in which to take a decision. Unless the Council decided against the measures by a simple majority, the Commission was free to adopt them after that period.

The draft Decision submitted by the Commission was voted on by the Council at its meeting on 3 and 4 June 1996. The Council was unable to establish a qualified majority in favour of the draft and noted that a simple majority against the proposed measures did not exist.

In these circumstances, the draft was adopted by the Commission on 11 June 1996 in accordance with the procedure.

Any questions concerning the substance of the Decision, including its scientific basis and the various language versions, should therefore be addressed to the Commission. Questions relating to the financial aspects are the responsibility of the budgetary authority.

Moreover, the attribution of implementing powers to the Commission on public health matters is subject to prior receipt of scientific advice from the competent scientific committee. It is the Commission's responsibility to ensure that the scientific advice provided for by Community legislation is properly given and is taken into account.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2643/96 by Ursula Schleicher (PPE) to the Commission (15 October 1996)

Subject: Situation regarding legislative work in the Council

Can the Commission provide a list of proposals for legislation in the fields of the internal market, environmental protection, consumer protection and public health which have been pending with the Council for more than two years?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (26 November 1996)

The Commission is sending a computer statement containing the information requested direct to the the Honourable Member and Parliament's General Secretariat.

The Commission would draw attention to the fact that all its legislative proposals are listed in the APC (Preparatory Acts of the Commission) database, to which the Honourable Member has direct access.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2931/96 by Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE) and Arie Oostlander (PPE) to the Commission (8 November 1996)

Subject: Alleged delays in economic assistance to Bosnia

Is the Commission aware that on 30 September at a press conference during the annual meeting of the World Bank and the IMF in Washington the Bosnian Prime Minister Muratovic criticized the European Union in relation to the tardy implementation of EU projects for economic aid to Bosnia?

What did the Bosnian Prime Minister mean when, according to the media, he referred at the press conference to the complex administrative procedures and stated that as soon as a project is identified there is disagreement over which EU country is to implement the project?

Can the Commission outline the progress in the EU programmes for economic aid and the problems which occur?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (10 December 1996)

The Commission shares the Honourable Member's opinion as to the need to speed up the aid programme to Bosnia-Herzegovina. To that end, the Commission has taken action to amend rules on awarding contracts and adjust the budget headings where appropriate.

The new state of Bosnia-Herzegovina has arisen only very slowly, and this has meant considerable delays in the reconstruction programme. Where legitimate partners are available, they refuse all responsibility for reconstruction pending clarification of the position of the new authorities.

Prior to the elections, cooperation between the parties was almost non-existent: if anything, there was systematic hostility not only between the Republika Srpska and the Bosnian Federation but even within the Federation itself.

The primary criteria for allocating funds are the scale of the war damage and its effects, fair procurement policies, and public access to information. Those are the ground rules governing Commission procedures; project implementation has been repeatedly delayed because they have been broken.

A second problem is that Bosnia's capacity to absorb aid is restricted by local shortages of resources, particularly of experienced local staff.

Furthermore, although donors are not in competition, there is nonetheless a problem of coordination, which is why the Commission supported the creation of task forces in Sarajevo and the use of a database to improve coordination between donor countries.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3268/96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil (PPE) to the Commission (5 December 1996)

Subject: Interim RPI

It is increasingly clear from the media that there are real difficulties in finding universally accepted statistical measurements.

The Commission evaluates the convergence of prices on the basis of the interim retail price index. Does this index coincide with or diverge from the retail price index used by Ireland?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3259/96, E-3260/96, E-3261/96, E-3262/96, E-3263/96, E-3264/96, E-3265/96, E-3266/96, E-3267/96, E-3268/96, E-3269/96, E-3270/96, E-3271/96, E-3272/96, E-3273/96 and E-3274/96 given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission (21 January 1997)

Under Protocol No 6 on the convergence criteria referred to in Article 109j of the EC Treaty 'Inflation shall be measured by means of the consumer price index on a comparable basis, taking into account national differences.' This requirement is currently met through a process of harmonization based on the national consumer price indices (CPIs).

According to Council Regulation No 2494/95 on harmonized indices of consumer prices (HICPs) ((OJ L 257, 27.10.1995. )), harmonization should be considered as a stepwise approach in two stages. Stage I established in February 1996 a set of interim indices of consumer prices (IICPs). The IICPs are in fact the national CPIs with the coverage of goods and services adjusted to reduce non-comparability, particularly by excluding certain non-market services, such as health, education and owner occupied housing.

National CPIs can thus be seen as coincident with the corresponding IICPs regarding methods, concepts and definitions, apart from the coverage of goods and services. Numerically, the indices differ as a result of these differences in the coverage ((COM(96) 560. )). For most of the Member States, the differences in the inflation rates measured as a twelve month change, whether on an annual or monthly basis, are small, ranging from 0,0 to ±0,2 percentage points. For some Member States (Ireland, the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden and the United Kingdom) the differences are bigger, mainly because of housing costs, particularly where interest payments are used in the national CPIs.

Though not strictly comparable, IICPs provide for the time being the most comparable basis for the assessment of inflation convergence among Member States. The Commission will, however, assess inflation convergence during the period before the start of stage three of economic and monetary union, as required by the Treaty, on the basis of comparable HICPs. These will be launched with Stage II of the harmonization of CPIs in February 1997 and will be based on appropriately designed definitions, concepts and methods.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3515/96 by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission (4 December 1996)

Subject: Industrial action taken by French road hauliers

As the Commission will be aware, the industrial action taken by the French road haulage industry has had severe effects on the transportation of goods throughout this part of Europe.

In view of the commitment to abolish restrictions on the free movement of goods, persons and services in Article 3(c) of the Treaty, does the Commission intend to pursue the French Government for its inability to secure safe and quick passage for non-French lorries caught up in this domestic dispute, and what action will it take to ensure that adequate compensation is made available to non-French road haulage companies which have suffered financially because of this dispute?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (14 January 1997)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its statement during the debate on the French road haulage dispute at Parliament's November part-session ((Debates of Parliament (November 1996). )).

During and since the dispute the Commission has maintained close contact with the French Government, particularly on the issue of compensation. The Commission is informed that a full system of administration of compensation claims is now in operation with the primary role being fulfilled by the prefectures.