ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3263/96 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 Denmark?

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 E-2394/96 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission (6 September 1996)

Subject: Decision 94/730/EC establishing simplified procedures concerning the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified plants

With reference to the answer to my Written Question E-1651/96 ((OJ C 345, 15.11.1996, p. 92. )) can the Commission answer the following questions:

1. What is the origin of the Member States' obligation to provide 'appropriate public information' in the context of simplified procedures too?

2. Where is the definition of 'appropriate information' in the context of the simplified procedure to be found?

3. What is the appropriate timescale for and scope of the information given to the population concerned by virtue of the first sentence of Article 1(1) of Directive 90/220/EEC ((OJ L 117, 8.5.1990, P. 15. )) in the case of simplified procedures and from which provision are they derived?

4. When and to what extent is the population informed under the procedure in accordance with points 6.1. and 7. of the Annex to Decision 94/730/EEC ((OJ L 292, 12.11.1994, p. 31. ))in respect of points 7.1. and 7.2.

5. a) Where and how often has cauliflower been released?

5. b) How is sufficient experience proven?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2394/96, E-2395/96, E-2396/96, E-2397/96, E-2398/96, E-2399/96, E-2400/96, E-2401/96, E-2402/96, E-2403/96 and E-2405/96 given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (14 October 1996)

The answers to the Written Questions indicated above raise a number of technical and legal problems concerning the implementing of Directive 90/220/EEC, ((OJ L 117, 8.5.1990. )) and in particular the arrangements for introducing simplified procedures.

The Commission is currently examining the way the Directive has been implemented since entering into force. It will be publishing a report, which will be sent to Parliament and the Council.

It is within this framework that the Honourable Member's questions will be examined, whereupon the Commission may take account of the points raised.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3039/96 by Bernd Lange (PSE) to the Commission (31 October 1996)

Subject: Protective clothing for motorcyclists - test procedure for protectors

As a means of improving protective clothing for motorcyclists, what are known as protectors are increasingly being incorporated into such clothing. In accordance with the EC 1995 standard, these protectors undergo testing.

1. Is such a static test, entailing the impact of metal on metal, a suitable way of simulating possible accident scenarios?

2. Does the sole criterion for protectors (hardness) not also give rise to injury risks for the wearer?

3. Should a test and a standard not cover a body-related impact absorption area and be based on a more comprehensive simulation of possible accident scenarios?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (28 November 1996)

When protectors are incorporated into clothing to protect certain parts of the body (elbows, shoulders, knees, etc.), they must be regarded as personal protective equipment and must therefore conform to the amended Directive 89/686/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to such equipment. ((Directive 89/686/EEC (OJ L 399, 30.12.1989), as amended by Directives 93/68/EEC (OJ L 220, 30.8.1993), 93/95/EEC (OJ L 276, 9.11.1993) and 96/58/EC (OJ L 236, 18.9.1996). ))

1. Protectors are generally made of plastic and are intended to disperse impact over the body. To the Commission's knowledge they are not made of metal. They are subject to EC-type examination, conducted by a notified body. Appropriate tests are carried out taking account of possible accident scenarios to verify that they conform to the relevant provisions of Directive 89/686/EEC. If it is shown that they meet the essential requirements of this Directive, then they bear the CE marking.

2. Protectors have rounded edges and are designed to minimise risks of injury. Furthermore, they are made of materials which disperse impact or absorb energy so as to mitigate the consequences of accidents.

3. It is extremely difficult to predict which areas of the body will absorb kinetic energy resulting from accident impact. Together with the parties concerned, in particular the manufacturers and the notified bodies, the Commission will consider the possibility of simulating accidents with a view to improving protectors.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2462/96 by Caroline Jackson (PPE) to the Commission (23 September 1996)

Subject: Free circulation of chocolate products

In correspondence with Germany in 1989 and Spain in 1990 the Commission specifically confirmed that chocolate products containing vegetable fat other than cocoa butter, manufactured and marketed in a Member State permitting its use, must be marketable in the entire Community under their original name, so long as the consumer is informed about the presence of these fats. This principle has been confirmed by the Commission in its proposal to amend Directive 73/241 (COM(95)722 ((OJ C 231, 9.8.1996, p. 1. )).

In contravention of this principle, Italy has however recently prohibited the import of chocolate products containing vegetable fat originating in countries permitting its use, unless the products are sold under the name 'surrogate chocolate'.

1. Can the Commission confirm that chocolate products containing vegetable fat other than cocoa butter lawfully manufactured in a Member State are permitted to circulate freely within the EU under their original sales name, provided the products are labelled as containing vegetable fat?

2. What steps have been undertaken by the Commission to ensure that Italy respects the principles of the free movement of goods and does not erect barriers to trade within the single market?

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

The Commission is currently carrying out a comprehensive investigation of this matter in all Member States. It will inform the Honourable Member of the outcome as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3164/96 by Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE), Arie Oostlander (PPE) and Leen van der Waal (I-EDN) to the Commission (22 November 1996)

Subject: Death of the Christian leader Pastor Mohammed Bagher Yusefi on 28 September in Sari (Iran)

Is the Commission aware that on 28 September the 34-year old Christian Pastor Mohammed Bagher Yusefi was found hanged in a wood in the vicinity of his home in Sari, Mazandaran province, in Iran?

Is the Commission aware that Pastor Yusefi had been under threat for a number of years because he had converted from Islam to Christianity?

Is the Commission aware that Pastor Yusefi is the seventh Christian leader since 1979 to be persecuted and murdered for his religion in Iran?

Can the Commission say what EU Member States are currently giving asylum to Iranian refugees persecuted because of their Christian religion?

What is the attitude of the Commission itself towards Iran and these very serious violations of human rights, and what conclusions does it draw from this latest murder?

Answer given by M. Marin on behalf of the Commission (6 December 1996)

The Commission is aware that Pastor Mohammed Bagher Yusefi was found hanged near his home in Sari in Iran. It is also aware that threats had been made to him prior to his death, because of his change of religion from Islam to Christianity, which is considered as an offence under Koranic law.

The Commission appreciates the difficult situation of minority religions, as demonstrated by the recent report of Mr Copithorne, special rapporteur on Iran for the United Nations commission on human rights.

The question of the admission of Iranian refugees is a matter within the competence of the Member States. In many cases, Member States do not indicate the origin or status of refugees for fear for their security; therefore the Commission is not able to provide the information requested by the Honourable Members.

The Commission supports the Presidency and the Member States in the United Nations commission on human rights. In any contact with the Iranian authorities, it stresses its concern for human rights in Iran. It contributes to the resolutions of the United Nations on human rights in Iran. Also, the Commission can encourage discussion of particular cases in critical dialogue between the Union and Iran.

The death of Mr Yusefi appears to be under investigation by the Iranian authorities and suspects have apparently been arrested. When a result is known, the Commission will review the situation.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3276/96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil (PPE) to the Commission (5 December 1996)

Subject: Privatization and calculation of the public deficit

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

In the case of privatizations, at what point is the revenue obtained taken into account when calculating the public deficit?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3276/96, E-3277/96, E-3278/96 and E-3279/96 given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission (21 January 1997)

In the case of privatization or other forms of sale of shares and equities, receipts by the general government are recorded as financial transactions. They have therefore no direct effect on the level of the deficit of the general government, which is defined in the Treaty as the balance of non-financial operations. This rule applies to both direct sales by the government and indirect sales (organized through a holding company for example).

On the contrary, the sale of rights or licences by the general government is regarded, in principle, as non-financial transactions. It is recorded in the capital account and thus taken into account when determining general government deficit.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3047/96 by Sebastiano Musumeci (NI) to the Commission (18 November 1996)

Subject: Noto Cathedral

The collapse of the dome of Noto Cathedral signalled the alarming state of abandonment into which the monuments of this city, a jewel of Sicilian baroque architecture, are sliding, and the ultimate degradation to which all the monuments in the historic centre, which are supported by scaffolding, have been reduced.

Many months later, the rebuilding work is still marking time and the arrival of winter can only increase the damage.

Given this situation, which is exacerbated by the dearth of projects and funding by the national authorities responsible for preservation as well as the absence of any private-sector initiatives, which are, in contrast, so sought after for the reconstruction of the 'La Fenice' opera house, will the European Union:

1. launch emergency measures to protect and restore Noto Cathedral?

2. issue a directive designed to overcome all the difficulties caused by any absence of initiatives by national authorities with a series of measures providing for priority EU action to protect our shared architectural heritage?

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

The Commission is aware of the great historical and artistic importance of the monuments in the city of Noto and of their perilous situation at present.

Having received a request for assistance from the Italian authorities after the partial collapse of the baroque cathedral and having sent experts to Noto under the cooperation plan between the Commission and the Council of Europe, the Commission could consider contributing to the cost of the initial urgent consolidation work as 1996 expenditure.

The aims of the Community's future Raphael programme currently being adopted, are to safeguard and enhance the European cultural heritage, both fixed and movable, and to raise public awareness and provide easier public access. This programme, which is based on the objectives set out in Article 128 of the EC Treaty, is the most comprehensive measure today and it is designed to encourage and supplement action by the Member States to safeguard and enhance the European cultural heritage.

Moreover, the programme which is operational in Sicily during the period 1994-99 provides for the cofinancing of measures to safeguard the cultural heritage by the Community structural funds.

While the Italian authorities propose to cofinance subsequent measures to restore the cathedral in Noto, the Commission will study the request most carefully in the programme monitoring committee.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2989/96 by Iñigo Méndez de Vigo (PPE) to the Commission (8 November 1996)

Subject: Proposed regulation in response to the Helms-Burton Act

On 8 October 1996 the proposal for a Council regulation on protection against the effects of the application by the USA of the Helms-Burton Act was published in the Official Journal ((OJ C 296, 8.10.1996, p. 10. )).

Article 9 thereof states that: 'Each Member State shall determine the penalties to be imposed in the event of a breach of the provisions of this Regulation. Such penalties must be effective, proportional and dissuasive'.

Can the Commission say whether or not each Member State is allowed to adopt unilaterally any measures it may consider appropriate? Must it obtain prior authorization from the Commission or from the Committee of Member States' representatives?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (9 December 1996)

On 28 October 1996 the Council reached agreement on the Commission proposal for a Community regulation providing protection against the effects of extraterritorial application of certain laws of certain third countries. Article 9 reads: 'Each Member State shall determine the sanctions to be imposed in the event of breach of any relevant provisions of this Regulation. Such sanctions must be effective, proportional and dissuasive.'

Prior authorisation by the Commission or the committee established under Article 8 of the Regulation is not required. Each Member State will determine the sanctions under Article 9 within its national system governing the enforcement of legal obligations. However, the margin of discretion left to the individual Member States is defined by the second sentence of Article 9, as quoted above.

The Commission, as the guardian of the Treaty, will monitor the implementation of Article 9 of the Regulation by the Member States and will ensure that all requirements of Article 9 are met, in particular those mentioned in the second sentence.

In this context, the Commission will also ensure that sanctions will be determined with regard to Articles 2 and 5 of the Regulation, which the Commission considers to be relevant provisions of the Regulation.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3648/96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (3 January 1997)

Subject: Community financing for the Picardy region

Can the Commission indicate the total Community financing for the Picardy region and the specific financing for each objective under the Structural Funds and the EAGGF guidance section?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3645/96, E-3646/96, E-3647/96, E-3648/96, E-3649/96, E-3650/96, E-3651/96, E-3652/96, E-3653/96, E-3654/96, E-3655/96, E-3656/96, E-3657/96, E-3658/96, E-3659/96, E-3660/96, E-3661/96, E-3662/96, E-3663/96, E-3664/96, E-3665/96, E-3666/96, E-3667/96, E-3668/96 and E-3669/96 given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (7 February 1997)

In view of the length of its answer, the Commission is sending it direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2759/96 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (21 October 1996)

Subject: An inappropriate appointment

The Commission is obviously not aware of events in Italy and does not read the Italian newspapers. Otherwise it would have heard about the recent sentence on appeal (second degree) passed against Carlo De Benedetti and the fact that he has numerous interests in the telecommunications sector. On 22 July he had another problem - he was called for trial on charges of corruption. The reason for this was the payment of bribes amounting to tens of billions of lire for the awarding of contracts which would otherwise never have been obtained by his companies. Furthermore, another case being brought in Pordenone concerns 'divided stripping', a sum of billions of lire diverted away from the Italian tax authorities. There is also the inquiry into supplies to the Italian State Railways, the one concerning the OMINITEL funding and, finally, the Consob inquiry about insider trading in Olivetti shares.

If the Commission had known all this it would probably not have assisted in the surprising appointment of the Chairman of Olivetti, the same Carlo De Benedetti, as chairman of the working group on setting up a European telecommunications authority.

Since Mr De Benedetti did not refuse the appointment, as would have been correct, can the Commission say whether it knows the facts outlined above and whether it does not consider, in the light of such facts, that it should review Mr De Benedetti's appointment, since to confirm it or, worse still, to behave as if nothing had happened as regards both the conflict of interests and lack of transparency, would entail a great loss of credibility for the European institutions?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (20 December 1996)

The high level industry advisory group on the information society supports the Commission in identifying future priorities for its actions to facilitate the application of the information society in Europe. Three working groups were created to address a number of key topics related to the information society. In this context working group 3, chaired by Mr De Benedetti, has been asked to discuss certain questions on the telecommunications regulatory framework.

The Commission is perfectly aware of the circumstances mentioned by the Honourable Member, as it follows attentively current events in all Member States. The appointment of Mr De Benedetti as chairman of working group 3 was agreed, taking into account his long-established commitment on European matters, when no legal proceedings were pending involving him, and no judicial decision had been taken concerning him.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3057/96 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (18 November 1996)

Subject: Prevention of bronchial asthma

As part of the Community public health programme, the European Union has decided to draw up an action plan in the field of pollution-related diseases. Drafting work has already started, and the plan could be adopted as early as in 1997.

Furthermore, according to reports, the Commission has provided financial support for a wide-ranging study on asthma conducted by the EFA (European Federation of Asthma and Allergy Associations).

Are these reports true, and would the Commission not agree that it should propose the establishment of an Asthma Epidemiological Monitoring Centre, the principal task of which would be to improve our understanding of the disease and the risk factors involved, with a view to the formulation of a Community health policy genuinely based on prevention and the principle of 'social medicine'?

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

The Commission is currently examining the possibilities for a Community action programme on pollution related diseases. Whether this programme will be adopted in 1997 will depend on the completion of the co-decision procedure foreseen under Article 129 of the EC Treaty, under which the relevant proposals will be made.

It is correct that the European federation of asthma and allergy associations conducted a survey on national asthma prevention policies within the Community. The final report on this survey will be supplied to the Commission by the end of 1996.

As regards the creation of an asthma-specific epidemiological observatory, the Honourable Member is referred to the Commission's answer to Written Question E-3018/96 by Mrs Muscardini, Mr Bellere and Mr Amadeo ((OJ C 72, 7.3.1997. )).