ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2804/97 by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Documents of Compliance

How many companies have been refused ISM Documents of Compliance in each Member State?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2804/97 and E-2805/97 given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (7 October 1997)

The Commission assumes that the Honourable Member is referring to the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 3051/95 on the safety management of roll-on roll-off passenger ferries ((OJ L 320, 30.12.1995. )).

Member States had the possibility of derogating from the requirement to impose international standards method (ISM) obligations on ferries and companies operating exclusively in sheltered waters until 1 July 1997. The Commission regrets that it does not at present have sufficient information to be able to provide a full answer to the question but will ask the Member States for up-dated information and communicate with the Honourable Member when it is available.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2963/97 by Leoluca Orlando (V) to the Commission (10 September 1997)

Subject: The take-over of Sicilcassa by the Banco di Sicilia

The plan for the take-over of Sicilcassa by the Banco di Sicilia has reached an advanced stage. This operation means that around 500 bank branches in one region, Sicily, will be in public hands. They represent one third of all the bank branches in Sicily (1 500). The project is being carried out without the involvement of any private capital and the Italian Government has announced that it intends to complete the operation by the end of this week.

Can the Commission say whether the Italian Government informed the Community authorities about the project beforehand and whether it received the approval required?

If no notification and approval were given, does the Commission intend to take urgent steps vis-à-vis the Italian Government in order to assess whether this operation is compatible with safeguarding free competition?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (7 October 1997)

As the plan for the take over of Sicilcassa by the Banco di Sicilia could involve state aid under Articles 92 and 93 of the EC Treaty and might distort competition in the sense of Article 92 (1) of the Treaty, the Commission recently asked the Italian authorities to submit all the necessary information that may be useful to assess the existence of state aid and to evaluate its compatibility with the common market.

As for the possible application of Council Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89 (the 'merger regulation') on the control of concentrations between undertakings ((OJ L 395, 30.12.1989. )) to this take over, it appears that the operation would not fall under its scope as both Sicilcassa and Banco di Sicilia have more than two-thirds of their turnover in the same Member State (Italy). Therefore, this operation does not have to be notified to the Commission on the basis of these rules. Under the system of competence sharing for merger control in the Community, the national Italian authorities have full competence to proceed to the competitive assessment of a national merger which is not of Community dimension.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3271/97 by Marjo Matikainen-Kallström (PPE) to the Commission (20 October 1997)

Subject: Consequences of abolishing tax-free shopping

Why does the Commission oppose the carrying out of an independent study on the effects of the abolition of tax-free shopping on, for example, employment?

Since the Commission does not consider there to be any justification for carrying out this study, does it then base its own view of the consequences of ending tax-free shopping simply on a gut feeling?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (17 November 1997)

The Honourable Member is referred to the answers given by the Commission to Written Question E-2777/97 by Mr Ilaskivi ((See page 65. )) and to Oral Questions H-552/97 by Mr Andersson and H-0409/97 by Mrs Banotti at question time in the June 1997 and July 1997 ((Debates of the European Parliament (June and July 1997). )) session of Parliament.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2694/97 by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Restriction of vitamin and mineral preparations to Recommended Daily Allowance

Is there a European Union ruling restricting the availability of vitamin and mineral preparations to quantities not exceeding the Recommended Daily Allowance?

If so, what is the reasoning behind such a restriction, as this is surely a matter which comes down to consumer choice?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (29 September 1997)

There are no Community rules at present on the manufacture of or trade in the preparations referred to by the Honourable Member.

However, the vast majority of Member States and a large number of representatives from economic and social circles have made it quite clear to the Commission that they perceive an urgent need for such rules to be put in place.

Since broad consultation of those involved is essential in this sector, a discussion paper has been drawn up and widely disseminated. Comments are expected by the end of September 1997 at the latest.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2543/97 by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (24 July 1997)

Subject: Pollution of Lake Koroneia

Lake Koroneia is one of the Greek wetland biotopes protected by Directive 92/43/EEC ((OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7. )). Despite the fact that it is a protected site, the Lake is subjected to permanent pollution, since industrial waste from the entire Langadha region is being illegally discharged into the Lake; ecological disaster is imminent and the relevant Greek authorities are indifferent to the situation.

In its answer of 22.11.1996 to my Question No E-2677/96 ((OJ C 72, 7.3.1997, p. 72. )) on the problem of pollution facing Lake Koroneia, it stated that '(it) has been informed of the environmental problems affecting Lake Koroneia ... (and) has approached the Greek authorities and requested all the relevant information'. It goes on to say 'if the Commission finds that the Community rules in this area have been infringed it will, if necessary, institute infringement proceedings under Article 169 of the Treaty'.

Will the Commission say, following the recent findings that suggest that pollution in Lake Koroneia has become even more serious, what information has been supplied to it by the Greek authorities, precisely which measures it intends to take to implement Community environmental law properly in this specific case and whether it intends to institute infringement proceedings under Article 169 of the Treaty?

Answer given by Ms Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (16 October 1997)

Having previously sent letters to a number of environmental associations, the Commission has written several times to the Greek authorities, asking them precisely what measures they intend to take to stop industries in the Drymos area discharging dangerous liquids into Lake Koroneia and what schemes they intend to introduce to prevent further pollution of this lake, particularly in relation to the pollution reduction programme provided for in Article 7 of Directive 76/464/EEC on pollution caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into the aquatic environment of the Community ((OJ L 129, 18.5.1976. )).

Replying to these letters, the Greek authorities have admitted that pollution of the lake has reached a critical level. They have, moreover, sent the Commission precise information on industrial operating conditions in the area (letters dated 21 February 1997 and 12 August 1997). This correspondence shows that most of these firms are still discharging effluent into Lake Koroneia and are not complying with the environmental rules laid down in Community legislation, in particular Directive 76/464/EEC.

Furthermore, the Minister for the Environment is drafting a ministerial Decision which includes a series of measures to protect Lake Koroneia. To enable the necessary measures to be introduced swiftly, Community financial assistance (from the Structural Funds) has been requested.

It is the Commission's view that, in spite of the Greek government's efforts, the measures which have been notified are still inadequate. Further action needs to be taken, as swiftly as possible, to stop the pollution of Lake Koroneia.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2860/97 by Graham Mather (PPE) to the Commission (11 September 1997)

Subject: Pesticide Lindane

Under the Authorizations Directive, the Commission must initiate the Pesticides Review Procedure, a review of the 600 active ingredients used in pesticides in Europe. I understand that the process that was started in 1993 has been stalled due to funding problems. Can the Commission indicate how it is solving this funding problem and when it expects the review procedure to be completed?

There has been some concern in the UK about the pesticide Lindane. Some interested parties have claimed that Lindane is having a detrimental effect on several different species and is a possible cause of breast cancer. Could the Commission report on the latest developments in the Austrian review of Lindane? Could the Commission also reveal whether they have any evidence that Lindane does pose a health and safety risk to both humans and animals?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (15 October 1997)

Directive 91/414/EEC concerning the placing on the market of plant protection products ((OJ L 230, 19.8.1991. )) provides for the review of active substances which were already on the market when the Directive entered into force. The first phase of this review programme concerning 90 important active substances is in hand and funding is assured within existing budgetary credits until February 1999. Moreover, the launching of further phases of the review programme is in preparation. The first phase has shown, however, that the re-evaluation of existing active substances requires in the longer term additional technical and administrative resources as well as new budgetary resources, both in the Commission and in Member States, to accelerate the momentum of the work and to ensure that it is done in acccordance with the high safety and environmental protection requirements required by Directive 91/414/EEC. The Commission is currently considering different options for further progressing the work.

Concerning the active substance lindane, which is one of the 90 substances covered under the first phase, the Commission can confirm that it is waiting for the report of the rapporteur Member State, Austria, which should be available in the middle of 1998. When the Commission receives this report an intensive scientific and technical examination with all the Member States will take place. The Commission will only be able to take a final position on this active substance when the examination has been completed.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2588/97 by Hilde Hawlicek (PSE) to the Council (29 July 1997)

Subject: New paragraph in the preamble to the EC Treaty

At the Council of Heads of State and of Government in Amsterdam, it was decided to incorporate the following new paragraph in the preamble to the EC Treaty: 'Determined to promote the development of the highest possible level of knowledge for their peoples through a wide access to education and its continuous updating.'

How does the Council intend to attain this objective if at the same time it is effectively cutting funding for existing education programmes?

Answer (17 November 1997)

It would be premature for the Council to comment on the question put by the Honourable Member at a stage when the Amsterdam Treaty has only just been signed and has not yet entered into force.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2070/97 by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARE) to the Commission (19 June 1997)

Subject: Community environmental grant

Under budget heading B4-306, subsidies are granted for environmental protection. A list of organizations which have received such subsidies was published in OJ C 148 of 16 May 1997.

What project was submitted by the 'Stichting Euro Info Centrum'?

Can the Commission supply more information about this organization? Can it supply a copy of the organization's bye-laws and a recent list of the members of its committee?

To what extent has the Commission verified that the funds have been spent correctly?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (22 September 1997)

This project covers training and equipping Euro info centres (EIC) to enable them to raise small and medium sized enterprises (SME) awareness to environmental priorities, provide SMEs with a kit to do critical environmental self analysis, and through this approach, lead the SMEs towards the Community eco-management and audit scheme (EMAS) registration.

The stichting Euro Info centrum is one of the most active info centres in the environmental field. It is well staffed and efficient, and has for some years been the active coordinator of EIC environmental activity. It is also close to Brussels and therefore well placed to provide the necessary interface with the Commission for management of the project. A copy of the articles of association, and a list of present management committee members is sent directly to the Honourable Member and to the Parliament's Secretariat.

The project is still under way, and will not be completed until mid 1998. Upon completion of the project, the project operator is required to submit a final report on the work done, and final accounts showing all appropriate expenditure, and a final financial balance. This information is checked by the Commission, including finance control, to ensure that the work has been done properly, and that the total expenditure involved has been correctly reflected.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2728/97 by Luciano Vecchi (PSE) to the Commission (30 July 1997)

Subject: Social and environmental harm caused by prawn-farming in India

The farming of prawns, mainly for export purposes, has become widespread in recent years in some states of India, in particular Tamil Nadhu. These activities are mostly controlled by foreign companies or multinationals.

As highlighted by widespread non-violent protest movements, and affirmed by the Indian Supreme Court itself, such farming has caused severe environmental and social damage, and the use of sites for fish-farming has had serious social repercussions.

Large-scale prawn-farming in India therefore clearly contravenes the principles of 'sustainable development' upheld by the European Union.

1. Has the Commission ever provided support, directly or indirectly, for setting up or doing business with prawn-farms in India?

2. Does the Commission consider that European Union-based companies operating in this sector in India are behaving correctly or not?

3. Does it intend to take economic, political and environmental measures to encourage the conversion of such fish-farms?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (24 September 1997)

1. The Commission has never provided support for setting up or doing business with prawn farms in India.

2. The Commission is aware of the possible damage that can result from intensive prawn farming in coastal areas. It therefore recommends the responsible development of aquaculture, in accordance with the Code of Conduct for responsible fishing, to which the Community adheres. The Commission is not in a position to judge the behaviour of the companies operating in this sector in India.

3. The Commission does not feel that it should take any economic, political or environmental measures to encourage the conversion of such farms.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2600/97 by Bill Miller (PSE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Enlargement of the Union

Does the Commission think that the Amsterdam Treaty was a success?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (17 October 1997)

The Amsterdam Treaty marks the beginning of a new stage in the Community's history. Important progress has been made in laying the foundations for a more democratic, more humane Europe.

The Treaty meets the Commission's aspirations on a number of very important issues: employment, social affairs, justice and home affairs, the role of Parliament, and the Union and its citizens.

However it is disappointing with regard to the extension of majority voting in the Council and two other issues which are dealt with in an institutional protocol annexed to the Treaty, namely the size of the Commission after enlargement and the distribution of votes in the Council.

Lastly, the Amsterdam Treaty constitutes yet another step towards the unification of Europe and paves the way for the next round of enlargement. However, action needs to be taken in good time to strengthen the institutions and improve the way they work, as the protocol referred to above points out. In 'Agenda 2000' ((Doc. COM(97) 2000 final. )) the Commission stated that certain problems required rapid solution in order to facilitate decisions about enlargement.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2243/97 by Concepció Ferrer (PPE) to the Council (18 July 1997)

Subject: Transport of animals throughout the EU

In May 1997 the Council of Agriculture Ministers reached an agreement on the Community criteria governing the transport of animals throughout the European Union. The agreement laid down various rules which will come into force on 1 January 1999 to guarantee the welfare of such animals.

What is the Council's estimate of the effects which the application of these measures will have on the price of meat products?

Answer (10 November 1997)

At its meeting on 25 June 1997 the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 1255/97 ((See OJ L 174, 2.7.1997, p. 1. )) concerning Community criteria for staging points and amending the route plan referred to in the Annex to Directive 91/628/EEC. This Regulation, which will apply as from 1 January 1999, lays down certain standards designed to guarantee the welfare of animals obliged to stay at staging points after a specific length of journey.

These provisions cover the establishment of health, hygiene and operating measures to apply to the building and operation of those staging points.

In adopting this Regulation, however, the Council decided to leave it to the Member States to choose the financial and technical means for attaining this objective.

As the nature and amount of the investment needed to put these new infrastructures in place is a matter for the individual Member States, the Council is not in a position to estimate the impact of introducing these measures on the cost of meat products.

The Council would point out that this Regulation, like other decisions taken over the last few years, comes within the context of a policy of animal welfare protection more and more demanded by European citizens and enshrined in a Protocol to the Treaty of Amsterdam.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2338/97 by Nuala Ahern (V) to the Council (18 July 1997)

Subject: Operational problems at La Hague nuclear waste and reprocessing plant

Reports in Le Monde of 17 April 1997 indicate serious operational problems at the La Hague nuclear waste and reprocessing complex on the Cotentin peninsula in Normandy. Amongst the detailed allegations are radiation measurements up to 3000 times background close to the liquid discharge pipeline outlet into the sea.

As a number of European Union countries, including Germany, Belgium and Netherlands, and Switzerland and Japan outside the EU, as well as France, use the La Hague plant to treat their nuclear fuel, what steps is the Council taking to ensure that continued operation of this plant does not breach EU radiation protection standards?

Answer (17 November 1997)

The Council considers that the provisions of Chapter 3 of the Euratom Treaty on health and safety the Honourable Member's concerns.

In this context, the Council has recently adopted, on the basis of Article 31 of the Euratom Treaty, Directive 96/29/Euratom laying down basic safety standards for the protection of the health of workers and the general public against the dangers arising from ionizing radiation ((OJ L 159, 29.6.1996. p. 1. )), notably to take account of ICRP recommendations.

It is for the Member States to transpose this Directive into their national legislation. The Commission checks the conformity of such transposition.

The Council would also point out that in accordance with Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty, the Commission receives information on plans for the disposal of radioactive waste and determines whether the implementation of such plans is liable to result in contamination in other Member States.

Lastly, pursuant to Articles 35 and 36 of the Euratom Treaty, the Member States regularly send reports to the Commission to keep it informed of the level of radioactivity to which the public is exposed and the Commission can check the operation of monitoring facilities established by the Member States for this purpose.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2690/97 by Eryl McNALLY to the Council. Rational Planning Techniques in the Electricity and Gas Distribution Sectors



Official Journal C 102 , 03/04/1998 P. 0091



WRITTEN QUESTION E-2690/97 by Eryl McNally (PSE) to the Council (1 September 1997) Subject: Rational Planning Techniques in the Electricity and Gas Distribution Sectors What has happened to the Rational Planning Techniques Directive? Answer (10 November 1997) Following the Opinion of the European Parliament, the Commission has presented an amended proposal for a Council Directive to introduce rational planning techniques in the electricity and gas distribution sectors ((OJ C 180, 14.6.1997, p. 37. )). The relevant Council bodies have begun examining that amended proposal.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2974/97 by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas (PPE) to the Commission (17 September 1997)

Subject: Safety in fun parks

On 5 July 1997 a person was killed at the Port Aventura fun park in Spain when he was flung from the Stampida ride (the steepest wooden big dipper in the world) at the point at which it reaches its maximum speed (72 kmph) after a pronounced slope. Those responsible for running the park pointed out that the Stampida carriages are equipped with individual restraining devices which the park employees check before each ride and that, if any of the bars fails to lock in place, this causes a cut-out which makes it impossible for the ride to start moving. At the end of the particular trip in question the bar was found to be locked in place, for which reason the safety system is considered to have worked. An investigation to determine the causes of the accident is currently under way.

Following this tragic event the media revealed that there were no laws whatsoever to govern the safety systems of the various attractions in such parks. In view of the huge numbers of people who flock to such attractions during their leisure time, could the Commission say whether there are any European rules on safety in fun parks?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (27 October 1997)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the reply it gave to Oral Question H-669/97 by Mr Willockx during question time at Parliament's September 1997 part-session ((Debates of the Parliament (September 1997). )).