ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2297/97 by John Iversen (PSE) to the Commission (2 July 1997)

Subject: Pesticides

With reference to the debate on the authorization of pesticides pursuant to Directive 91/414/EEC ((OJ L 230, 19.8.1991, p. 1. )) of 15 July 1991, will the Commission provide, as soon as possible, the list of pesticides which the committee of experts has thought to assess?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (9 September 1997)

Annex I to Regulation (EEC) No 3600/92 laying down the detailed rules for the implementation of the first stage of the programme of work referred to in Article 8(2) of Council Directive 91/414/EEC concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market ((OJ L 366, 15.12.1992. )), which lists the 90 active substances already on the market at 25 July 1993, is currently under review by the Commission under that Regulation.

The Commission is sending the list of new active substances (not yet on the market at 25 July 1993) also being examined under Articles 5 and 6 of Directive 91/414/EEC directly to the Honourable Member and the Parliament Secretariat.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2301/97 by Patricia McKenna (V) to the Commission (3 July 1997)

Subject: EU subsidies for nuclear energy and fossil fuels

A recent Greenpeace report showed that the EU and Western European governments have spent over US$60 billion since 1992 in support subsidies for the fossil fuel and nuclear industries. In the same year EU countries signed the Rio Declaration, pledging themselves to work to protect the world's climate.

By contrast, the EU has spent US$1.5 billion on subsidies for renewable energy sources, such as wind power and solar energy.

According to the World Energy Council around US$15 billion could make the entire solar renewable energy industry cost-competitive with the nuclear and fossil fuel industries.

Can the Commission outline what measures it will take to ensure that EU subsidies encourage the development of renewable energies and are used to phase out more polluting industries, so that the EU's international obligations, such as those made at Rio, can be honoured?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (16 September 1997)

The Commission would draw the Honourable Member's attention to the fact that the aid shown in the Greenpeace report is of very different types. The aid given to the coal industry is national production aid. The aid given to the nuclear industry is aid for research, principally on safeguards. The aid given in the field of renewable energy sources is for research and the development and marketing of these forms of energy. It is therefore difficult to compare the different types of aid.

The measures envisaged by the Commission to stimulate the market penetration of renewable sources of energy are described in the Green Paper entitled 'Energy for the future: renewable sources of energy' ((COM (96) 576. )). Following the public discussion of the Green Paper, the Commission is now drafting a White Paper on the same subject which will cover possible political and financial measures to promote the use of renewable energy sources, whose contribution to energy supply could increase from its present level of 6% to 12% by the year 2010.

In April 1997, the Commission furthermore put forward a proposal to continue and develop the activities being funded under the Altener programme ((COM (97) 87 final. )), which is specifically aimed at promoting the market penetration of renewable energy sources. The Community also grants aid for research and technological development in the field of renewable energy sources.

The promotion of renewable energy sources and other measures to achieve a substantial reduction in CO2 are also very important as part of the Community's international obligations, such as those made in Rio.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1821/97 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso (PSE) to the Council (29 May 1997)

Subject: Activities of publicly-owned Spanish shipyards

The Commission has informed the Spanish Government of its decision to extend the procedure concerning the aid granted to publicly-owned shipyards ((OJ C 53, 22.2.1997, p. 3. )).

Pending further information from the Spanish authorities, the Commission appears to accept that Astander (Astilleros de Santander) should cease building new vessels and should maintain its activities of 'repair and conversions'.

What arguments has the Spanish Government put forward which would make it possible to prevent Astander from continuing to carry out 'conversions'?

Has the Council taken any firm decision in this connection?

Answer (28 October 1997)

At its meeting on 24 April 1997, as part of a compromise package, the Industry Council reached political agreement on

- conclusions on the future of shipbuilding and

- a proposal for a Regulation concerning aid to certain shipyards under restructuring, the purpose of which is grant aid to certain shipyards in Germany, Spain and Greece. The Council formally adopted that Regulation at its meeting on 2 june 1997 ((OJ L 148, 6.6.1997, p. 1.)). In the case of Spain in particular, the shipyard at Astander will carry out conversions as long as it remains in public ownership.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2303/97 by José Valverde López (PPE) to the Commission (3 July 1997)

Subject: Funding of radio programmes to promote Community agricultural policies

Could the Commission say what agricultural information campaigns are being conducted in Spain (radio programmes being funded, objectives and budget allocated)?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (12 September 1997)

There are five sectors in the field of agriculture in which the Commission funds promotion programmes, notably radio advertising. The products in question are milk, grape juice and linen, for which the Community grants 100% funding, and apples, citrus fruit and beef, which receive 60% Community funding. Details of the two most recent 'radio' campaigns in Spain are being sent direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.

There is no radio advertising in Spain for the olive oil sector, only television and press advertising.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2154/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Council (24 June 1997)

Subject: Novel food regulation No 258/97 - Form and content of labelling

1. What form will the labelling take for goods sold loose (e.g. fruit and vegetables)?

2. What form will the labelling take for processed goods, which consist largely of products for which labelling is obligatory (e.g. preserved products and tomato concentrate)?

3. What form will the labelling take for processed goods which consist only to a limited extent of products for which labelling is obligatory (e.g. ready meals with many additives)?

4. Have any proposals already been made for the form of labelling for the products under 1, 2 and 3, and what information is to be provided in each case?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2154/97 and E-2156/97 (20 October 1997)

Article 8 (3) of Regulation No 258/97, adopted by the European Parliament and the Council in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189 b of the Treaty, stipulates how the detailed rules for labelling are to be drawn up, to be supplemented in accordance with Article 7 (2).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2562/97 by Patricia McKenna (V) to the Commission (24 July 1997)

Subject: Discrimination against non-British residents by Eurostar

A constituent of mine, who travels regularly on the Eurostar train from London to Brussels, recently wrote to Eurostar concerning the benefits offered by its 'frequent traveller' programme. He was told that the benefits can only be claimed by residents in Britain, who are on the British electoral role. Because he is an Irish resident, the benefits were therefore not open to him.

Is the Commission aware of this discrimination against non-British residents? Because the principle of non-discrimination is central EU policy, will it contact Eurostar and the British authorities urging that this negative discrimination ceases?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (3 October 1997)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the reply it gave to Oral Question H-566/97 by Mrs Banotti during question time at Parliament's July 1997 part-session ((Debates of the Parliament (July 1997). )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2342/97 by Stephen Hughes (PSE) to the Commission (10 July 1997)

Subject: Variations in rules for car drivers

Could the Commission list which Member States:

1. Require a warning triangle to be carried in a car;

2. Require a fire extinguisher to be carried in a car;

3. Allow a sealed gallon of petrol to be carried in the boot of a car?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (18 September 1997)

1. A warning triangle for cars is required in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Finland and Sweden. In Denmark and the Netherlands there is no obligation to carry this device in the car but use is compulsory in case of breakdown of the vehicle.

2. A fire extinguisher in cars is required in Belgium, Greece and Portugal.

3. As far as the Commission is informed, there are no Member States forbidding a sealed gallon of petrol to be carried in the boot of a car.

The laws on these and many other matters governing the safety of vehicles are currently of course entirely within the legal competence of Member States and not of the Community.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2768/97 by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Establishment of a legal and ethical framework for cloning

The recently reported cloning of a sheep at a research centre in Scotland has led to concern regarding the ethical, legal and social implications of this scientific achievement. In view of future prospects in the field of biotechnology, can the Commission provide the following information:

1. Have suitable measures been taken to protect genetic identity?

2. Have minimum ethical standards been imposed based on respect for human dignity in the fields of biology, biotechnology and pharmaceutics?

3. Has a moratorium been imposed on the cloning of animals?

4. What were the findings of the GAEIB (Group of Advisors on the Ethical Implications of Biotechnology) whose annual report is due by 31 July 1997?

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

The Commission has been anxious to adopt all possible safeguards to ensure that the sheep cloning experiment using somatic cells in Scotland does not pave the way to ethically unacceptable practices.

In the light of opinion No 9 of the Group of Advisers on the Ethical Implications of Biotechnology, which has been forwarded direct to the Honourable Member and Parliament's Secretariat, the Commission has taken ethical measures based on respect for human dignity within its sphere of competence.

First, in its amended proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and the Council on the legal protection of biotechnological inventions ((COM(97) 446 final. )), the Commission proposes that human reproductive cloning procedures and the procedures modifying the germ cell identity of human beings should not be patentable.

Second, in its proposal for a Council Decision concerning the fifth framework programme for research, technological development and demonstration activities ((COM(97) 142 final. )), the Commission reaffirms its wish to debar from Community financing any research activities aimed at modifying the human genetic heritage or entailing the cloning of human germ cells or embryo cells.

With respect to processes modifying the genetic identity of animals, the two Commission documents emphasise the need to protect animal welfare and genetic diversity.

The Commission has extended the deadline for presentation of the report by the Group of Advisers on the Ethical Implications of Biotechnology to 31 December 1997.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2172/97 by Hiltrud BREYER to the Council. Novel food regulation No 258/97 - Financial requirements for monitoring



Official Journal C 082 , 17/03/1998 P. 0040



WRITTEN QUESTION E-2172/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Council (25 June 1997) Subject: Novel food regulation No 258/97 - Financial requirements for monitoring Have additional appropriations been included in the budgets in the light of the likely duties? Joint answer to Written Questions E-2168/97, E-2170/97, E-2172/97 and E-2174/97 (28 October 1997) The Council has not received any information on Member States' arrangements regarding these points.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2638/97 by Pavlos Sarlis (PPE), Efthymios Christodoulou (PPE) and Stelios Argyros (PPE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Fine imposed on Antenna, a private TV channel

The National Radio and Television Council of Greece (ERS), a state body, recently singled out the Athens private television channel, Antenna, fining it DR 100 million and ordering it to suspend operations, as a punishment for a journalistic offence, even though no code of conduct has yet been adopted and the same offence has been committed on an almost daily basis for years by dozens of other Greek television channels which have been broadcasting similar television programmes with impunity.

This arbitrary and biased action by the ERS is not only an act of political pressure and a gagging order, but also a clear violation of the provisions on competition laid down in the EU Treaty, because the administrative sanctions referred to above will benefit the state channels and the other private TV channels and put Antenna at a terrible competitive disadvantage.

Will the Commission say what measure it intends to take within its remit to remedy this situation?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (16 September 1997)

The Commission has received no complaint concerning the recent fine and order to suspend operations of the private Athens television chanel, Antenna, by the national radio and television council of Greece (ERS). Nor has it been suggested to the Commission that this decision constitutes any violation of Community law.

Even if the penalty that has been imposed for a violation of national law might appear to be very heavy it does not, at first sight, constitute any violation of Community competition law, and there is no information indicating that trade between Member States has been affected.

Therefore the Commission has no intention at present to take any action.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2341/97 by Stephen HUGHES to the Council. Variations in rules for car drivers



Official Journal C 102 , 03/04/1998 P. 0030



WRITTEN QUESTION E-2341/97 by Stephen Hughes (PSE) to the Council (18 July 1997) Subject: Variations in rules for car drivers Could the Council list which Member States: 1. Require a warning triangle to be carried in a car; 2. Require a fire extinguisher to be carried in a car; 3. Allow a sealed gallon of petrol to be carried in the boot of the car? Answer (10 November 1997) The Council does not have the information requested by the Honourable Member at its disposal.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3083/97 by Doeke Eisma (ELDR) to the Commission (2 October 1997)

Subject: Drugs

1. Does the Commission agree that the use of drugs in frontier regions is an ever greater problem?

2. Is it currently supporting projects to care for drug addicts in the frontier regions and if so, which projects are involved?

3. Does the Interreg programme offer possibilities for financing projects to care for drug addicts? If not, which other funds could be considered in this context?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (6 November 1997)

The Commission is aware of the growing problem of drug consumption in cross-border areas, a phenomenon also called 'narco-tourism'. Member States have placed the fight against this phenomenon amongst their priorities and have undertaken to tackle it through co-operation between their law enforcement agencies, as provided in the Council Resolution of 29 November 1996 on measures to fight this problem within the European Union and in the joint action of 17 December 1996 concerning approximation of the laws and practices of the Member States of the European Union ((OJ C 375, 12.12.1996. )) to combat drug addiction and to prevent and combat illegal drug trafficking ((OJ L 342, 31.12.1996. )). Europol will soon provide information on the size of this problem in its forthcoming general situation report.

In parallel with this, the preventive and health aspects relating to drug tourism are among the priorities laid down for the programme of Community action on prevention of drug dependence in 1998. The aim is to encourage coherence and effectiveness in the health and social measures to be applied to users, particularly by developing cooperation in the border areas concerned. A call for proposals for projects to be implemented under the action programme was published recently ((OJ C 226, 25.7.1997. )). An example of the projects supported by the action programme that deal directly with the problem mentioned by the Honourable Member is the exploratory study by a partnership of Belgian, German, French and Dutch bodies on cross-border flows, aimed at diagnosing and analysing professional practices and identifying new work avenues.

The guidelines for the Interreg II operational programmes ((OJ C 180, 1.7.1994. )) mention, among the actions eligible for financing under strand A ('Cross-border cooperation'), measures to promote cooperation in health. Such measures have been incorporated in 12 of the 59 operational programmes for the period 1994-1999. These programmes are currently being implemented by the Member States.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2587/97 by Hilde Hawlicek (PSE) to the Commission (29 July 1997)

Subject: Uniform access and entitlement to continuing training in Europe

On 30 April 1997, the Commission (DG XXII) published a report on access to continuing training in the Union (COM(97) 0180 final). Chapter III - Conclusions and Guidelines - of the report states that it is a Community objective to press ahead in developing access to continuing training while narrowing inequalities in worker access. The Commission envisages a legal instrument to achieve this.

To what extent is the Commission planning to draw up a directive regulating access to continuing training throughout Europe, to ensure that all employees (in Europe) enjoy equal access to continuing training?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (7 October 1997)

The Commission's report on access to continuing training is in implementation of the Council Recommendation of 30 June 1993. Its main aim is to provide all the Community players with food for thought and to fuel the debate on continuing vocational training in Europe.

In its conclusions, the Commission identifies a limited number of guidelines which it considers relevant for pursuing and advancing Community action in the field of continuing training.

The first objective is to 'press ahead in developing access to continuing training while narrowing inequalities in worker access so as to promote a Union-wide skill access strategy'.

These guidelines will be discussed with the Community bodies concerned. On the basis of the discussions, the Commission will then propose a series of measures for implementing the guidelines. The legal nature of this instrument will depend on the objectives set.

In view of the importance of the social partners in the field of continuing training, the Commission wishes to hold extensive consultations with them on the follow-up to the report, before presenting a proposal, and has therefore invited them to take part in discussions.

As these discussions have not yet begun, it is not yet possible to state what form the instrument will take, but we can say now that the opinion of the Advisory Committee on Vocational Training (ACVT) on the report on access to continuing training has shown that the employers' and trade union representatives would not welcome the adoption, in the near future, of a binding Community instrument on access to continuing training.

Nonetheless, whatever the legal nature of the act adopted, the question of equal opportunities will be taken into account.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3090/97 by Lissy Gröner (PSE) to the Commission (3 October 1997)

Subject: Outflows of EU resources to the Middle and Upper Franconian administrative districts

1. What EU financial assistance has gone to Bavaria as a whole and to the Middle and Upper Franconian administrative districts in particular since 1995?

2. In the context of what projects and funds have resources gone to these areas?

3. What specific projects have been implemented for the following target groups:

- women

- young people

- the long-term unemployed

and how much assistance has each received?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (23 October 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-2577/97 by Juan Colino Salamanca (PSE) and Jesús Cabezón Alonso (PSE) to the Commission (24 July 1997)

Subject: Breaking the EU embargo on British beef

On 2 July 1997, Commissioner Bonino reported a possible illegal sale of British beef, under embargo because of the mad cow crisis, stating on Italian television that Spain was one of the countries of destination for this beef.

It appears that the Commission later denied that Spain was concerned.

On what investigations did the Commissioner base these claims?

What body or officials informed her that Spain was affected?

Is it normal to make statements of this kind before contacting the Member State concerned?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2576/97, E-2577/97, E-2578/97, E-2603/97, E-2604/97 and E-2605/97 given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (14 October 1997)

On 2 July 1997, the Commission notified the discovery of a fraud involving British meat illegally shipped to other Member States and to third countries.

True to its policy of transparency, and in compliance with the undertakings given to Parliament, the Commission has kept Parliament and the Member States abreast of all developments in this affair.

Initially, a Spanish firm, with the same name as a firm established in Guinea Bissau, was wrongly accused.

Subsequently, however, another Spanish firm was identified as having received 200 tonnes of meat from one of the offending Belgian firms. The Spanish authorities were informed by the Commission and are currently investigating the matter.

The Commission is aware that certain information may have repercussions on the meat market, but it gives priority to informing consumers as required by the principle of transparency.

However, the event referred to by the Honourable Members of Parliament has not influenced the market, since, according to the information provided [on a weekly basis] to the Commission by the Member States, wholesale meat prices have not been affected by the disclosures concerning the illegal exports of meat from the United Kingdom in July.

The Commission continues to believe that it is its duty to keep Parliament and the Member States - and, if necessary, consumers - fully abreast of affairs of this kind. This approach has also been widely approved by the Temporary Committee to follow up the recommendations on bovine spongiform encephalopathy.