ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1838/97 by Klaus-Heiner Lehne (PPE) to the Commission (28 May 1997)

Subject: Directive 90/314/EEC on package travel

To date, which Member States have transposed Directive 90/314/EEC ((OJ L 158, 23.6.1990, p. 59. )) on package travel, on what dates and to what extent?

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

The time limit for transposition of Directive 90/314/EEC was 31 December 1992.

All the Member States have communicated the national implementing measures:

Belgium: Loi régissant le contrat d'organisation de voyages et le contrat d'intermédiaire de voyages du 16.2.1994 et arrêté ministériel du 19.9.1994.

Denmark: Bekendtgorelse om pakkerejser du 21.9.1993.

Germany: Gesetz zur Durchführung der Richtlinie des Rates vom 13. Juni 1990 über Pauschalreisen vom 24. Juni 1994 (BGB 26.6.1994).

Greece: Décret présidentiel No 339, JO grec du 11.9.1996.

Spain: Ley 21/1995 du 6 juin reguladora de los viajes combinados. BOE du 7.7.1995 et Resolución du 4.7.1996 - BOE du 24.7.1996.

France: Loi No 92-645 du 13 juillet 1992 (JO du 14.7.1992).

Ireland: Package Holidays and Travel Trade Act, 1995, du 17.7.1995.

Italy: Decreto legislativo 13.3.1995 n. 111, Gazetta Ufficiale della Republica Italiana 14.4.1995.

Luxembourg: Loi du 14 juin 1994 - Mémorial du 6.7.1994.

Netherlands: Loi du 24.12.1992 (Staatsblad 1992/689) et l'arrêté du 15.1.1993 (Staatsblad 1993/43).

Austria: Bundesgesetzblatt du 10.1.1997.

Portugal: Decreto-Lei No 198/93 du 27.5.1993 (Diario da Republica - I, Serie A, No 123 - 27.5.1993).

Finland: Lag nr. 1079/1080/1080/1085 du 28.11.1994 - Finlans Författningssamling du 5.12.1994.

Sweden: 1. Lagen om paketresor SFS 1992: 1672 du 30.12.1992. 2. Lag om ändring i resegarantilagen 1972: 204. 3. Lag om ändring i sjölagen 1981: 35 s.1. 4. Konsumentverkets föreskrifter och allmänna råd om paketresor (KOVFS 1993: 3 du 30.7.1993).

United Kingdom: Statutory Instrument 1992 No 3288 Consumer Protection.

The national implementing measures adopted by Greece, France and Sweden do not present problems with regard to the Directive, but this is not the case for Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and the United Kingdom. The national implementing measures adopted by Belgium, Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria and Finland are being examined.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1280/97 by Daniela Raschhofer (NI) to the Commission (11 April 1997)

Subject: 'Letter to Farmers' in the 1996 annual report of the Commission's representation in Austria

The 'EU Letter to Farmers' issued every month by the Commission's representation in Austria is a four-page supplement to the Austrian Farmers' Association's magazine 'idk', and contains background information relating to agriculture and up-to-date information on the CAP with particular reference to Austria. This supplement which appeared eleven times in the year in question was sent to 3 700 Austrian farmers or farmers' representatives.

Will the Commission say:

1. whether it is acceptable that the Commission's representation in Austria should distribute its information in the form of a supplement to publications of political parties, as is the case with the 'Letter to Farmers'?

2. How much this Commission supplement ('Letter to Farmers') costs?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (5 June 1997)

The 'letter to farmers' is a supplement to the monthly periodical IDK, the title of which stands for 'to inform, to discuss, to co-ordinate'. The publisher is the Österreicher Bauernbund, an association close to the Österreichische Volkspartei/Christian Democrats although this was not a factor in the decision taken by the Commission representation in Austria. This publication has been chosen because the IDK is one of the most widely read specialised newsletters on agricultural issues in Austria and reaches between 4 000 and 5 000 decision makers in Austrian agriculture, above all officials of the Austrian chamber of agriculture, officials of other institutions related to agriculture and journalists specialising in agricultural matters.

The representation of the Commission in Austria has contributed to the 'letter to farmers' since 1995. The costs incurred in 1995 were ATS 68 532 and in 1996 ATS 51 169. This form of distribution is much cheaper than for example the dispatch by post, for which the costs would range between ATS 200 000 and ATS 250 000 a year.

The Commission representation is prepared to consider proposals for partnerships with other publications which can offer it a similar level of readership.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2571/97 by Pervenche Berès (PSE) to the Commission (24 July 1997)

Subject: Freedom of movement and access to public service

In the light of the European Court of Justice case law (Scholz ruling in Case C-419/92) and of the application of the principle of freedom of movement for workers to public service, how does the Commission consider that the Member States should take account of the previous activities of Community nationals who have worked in the public service of another Member State?

Is a Member State obliged to open the competitions for its own public service to Community nationals of other Member States where they fulfil the necessary conditions of seniority on the basis of their employment in their own public service?

How is a Member State required to take into account the years of service completed in the public service of another Member State in calculating pension entitlements?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (17 September 1997)

As regards the question of taking account of a migrant worker's previous employment in the public service of another Member State, the Commission would like to make the point that the Court of Justice has been called upon to rule on this very question in Case C-15/96 (Schöning), which is still pending before the Court. Case C-15/96 concerns the advantages granted by the collective agreement covering public employees in Germany, an agreement which provides for professional and financial advantages for public employees who have already completed a certain length of service in the public sector covered by the agreement. The Advocate-General delivered his conclusions on 17 July 1997, expressing the view that 'the advantages conferred by the agreement should be extended to a migrant worker, so that comparable employment in the public service of another Member State is given equivalent recognition'.

Concerning access to internal competitions, it should be noted that the public authorities of the Member States have different types of internal competition, and the seniority conditions vary from case to case. These internal competitions constitute not only a recruitment procedure, but also a basis for granting promotion. It is therefore not possible to reply to this question in general terms, in the absence of more specific information on the type of internal competition to which the question is intended to refer.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2305/97 by José Valverde López (PPE) to the Commission (3 July 1997)

Subject: Special drought measures

Various regions of Europe are suffering from persistent drought which, in addition to irreversibly reducing the yield of certain crops, has placed many livestock farmers who do not have sufficient grazing land in an extremely difficult situation.

The common agricultural policy should be flexible and should respond to day-to-day problems. Could the Commission adopt derogatory measures to enable land which is due to remain fallow to be used for grazing or for growing fodder?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (30 July 1997)

The Commission does not have any information leading it to conclude that there is any shortage of fodder owing to irreversible damage due to drought in certain parts of the Community. It has no intention of adopting any derogatory measures for this year, i.e. 15 January to 31 August 1997, allowing grazing or fodder production on land fallowed to meet set-aside obligations under the support scheme for growers of certain arable crops.

The Commission agrees with the Honourable Member that the common agricultural policy should be flexible enough to respond to problems requiring speedy resolution. In fact the Community arable crop aid scheme includes provisions allowing special treatment for climatic reasons.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1535/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Council (5 May 1997)

Subject: Phosphate ester poisoning due to the use of Tiguvon (Fenthion) manufactured by Bayer Leverkusen

The flea-repellant Tiguvon (Fenthion) manufactured by Bayer Leverkusen can be administered in different forms. Tiguvon 10 is intended for cats over 2 kg in weight. The use of Tiguvon 20 is recommended for dogs

weighing between 3 and 10 kg, while dogs with a body weight of more than 10 kg should be treated with Tiguvon 20 G. People who have repeatedly treated their pets with Tiguvon (Fenthion) have suffered serious phosphate ester poisoning. As the Commission was unable to answer my Question E-1470/96 ((OJ C 345, 15.11.1996, p. 76. )) on the same subject, I would ask the Council to answer the following questions as a matter of urgency:

Is the use of neurotoxins on animals or living organisms permissible? Is the Council aware that repeated application may lead to organic lesions? Can the possibility of mental changes in animals due to chronic damage be ruled out?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1533/97, E-1535/97, E-1537/97, E-1539/97, E-1541/97, E-1543/97, E-1545/97 and E-1547/97 (25 September 1997)

The Council has to date not received any proposal from the Commission directly concerning the multiple problems raised by the Honourable Member. However, the Council would draw the Member's attention to the fact that at this stage there is not yet any Community harmonization of the status of these products which are treated, depending on the evaluation of Member States, in particular as medicinal or biocidal products. Bearing this in mind, as regards certain aspects of the questions put by the Honourable Member, the Council would point out that:

- following the 19th adaptation to technical and scientific progress ((OJ L 258, 11.10.1993, p. 29.)) of Annex 1 to Directive 67/548/EEC on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances, the Annex lists FENTHION under No 015-048-00-8 in the index ((OJ L 258A, 16.10.1993, p. 212.));

- under the common position adopted by the Council with a view to adopting a future Directive concerning the placing of biocidal products on the market ((Common position of the Council of 20.12.1996, OJ C 69, 5.3.1997, p. 13.)), Annex V to which covers antiparasitics, these products may be marketed only after their active substances have been entered on a positive Community list and after a detailed assessment of the risks they might entail notably for human health.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2554/97 by Simon Murphy (PSE) to the Commission (15 July 1997)

Subject: Laying hens

We understand that Directorate-General VI will soon publish the long awaited proposal to amend Directive 88/166/EEC ((OJ L 74, 19.3.1988, p. 83. )) on standards for hens in battery cages and also that the proposal will include standards for hens in alternative egg production systems. In these circumstances would the Commissioner explain why Member States are discussing in the Poultry Committee a separate proposal to amend the criteria for egg production systems laid down in Regulation 1274/91 ((OJ L 121, 16.5.1991, p. 11. )) (amended by Regulation 2401/95) ((OJ L 246, 13.10.1995, p. 6. )) so that a decision could be taken which will supersede any amendment to Directive 88/166/EEC, ignore welfare requirements, bypass the opinion of Parliament and simply reflect the demands of the industry?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (1 August 1997)

It is true that the Commission has announced its intention to present to the Council after the summer holidays a report on scientific developments regarding the welfare of hens under various systems, possibly accompanied by a proposal for legislation on the welfare of hens.

The present discussions with Member States in the framework of the management committee for poultrymeat and eggs concern the labelling rules for eggs produced under different systems and basic criteria which must be respected in each system (free range - barn - perchery - battery cages). These discussions in no way prejudge the position of the Commission regarding the report envisaged for the autumn. It is clear that the detailed labelling rules for eggs which are laid down in Regulation (EEC) No 1274/91 will have to take account of any future amendment of Directive 88/166/EEC regarding the various types of production.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2564/97 by Gary Titley (PSE) to the Commission (15 July 1997)

Subject: EU research and support for the jojoba and euphorbia tree species

What research has the Commission undertaken into the feasibility of encouraging the growing of the jojoba and euphorbia species of tree, both as alternative crops and as natural resources capable of industrial and commercial exploitation?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (5 September 1997)

Two research projects into jojoba have been funded in the first and second research and technological development framework programmes under the specific programmes Agrides and CAMAR which investigated

the possibility of cultivating the plant as an alternative agricultural crop in Mediterranean regions. As far as euphorbia is concerned, one promising species, euphorbia lagascae, which has interesting industrial fatty acids, was investigated in two separate research projects funded in the second and third research and technological development framework programmes under the specific programmes Eclair and AIR.

The results of the above projects have demonstrated the possibility to grow these crops here in Europe, and oil from the euphorbia projects was tested by a German chemical company for potential new products. Possible research for the future in these two crops could concentrate on improving varieties for higher yields, and different fatty acid profiles.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2048/97 by Gianni Tamino (V) to the Commission (13 June 1997)

Subject: Conditions for the transport of live animals

On 16 May 1997 a local veterinary official in Latisana (Udine) blocked for 48 hours a lorry-load of 50 Rottweiler puppies and 20 pedigree kittens crowded into four containers designed to hold two. The lorry (registration EJR832), which had arrived from Hungary by means of the Gorizia crossing and was bound for SARL Francis Duprat in Montespan, France, had no proper ventilation and had been closed for over 24 hours owing to engine problems. Having established that the animals, which were in a disastrous state of health, had been taken temporarily to the kennels in Porpetto (Udine) for appropriate treatment, the local anti-vivisection league, on the basis of the data in its possession, asked for a check to be made on whether the carriers and those responsible for the delivery had infringed national law (Law No 473 of 22 November 1993 on new rules against the maltreatment of animals, amending Article 727 of the Criminal Code and Decree-Law No 532 of 30 December 1992 implementing Directive 91/628/EEC ((OJ L 340, 11.12.1991, p. 17. )) on the protection of animals during transport).

Twenty-four hours after the animals had been unloaded, given the availability of alternative means of transport, another local veterinary official would appear to have granted authorization for the journey to be continued, without taking any action against those responsible.

What clarifications does the Commission intend to seek in connection with this matter, with particular regard to the controls carried out on the lorry's arrival on EU territory at the Gorizia crossing?

What action does it intend to take in response to the mounting evidence of young domestic animals being imported for commercial purposes from eastern European countries, which raises serious ethical and health issues?

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

Directive 91/628/EEC on the protection of animals during transport, amended by Directive 95/29/EEC ((OJ L 148, 30.6.1995. )), includes rules for the transport of dogs and cats.

Article 11 states that the transporter must give a written undertaking to comply with the requirements of this Directive (including the annex concerned) and must make arrangements to comply with these requirements. The official veterinarian at the frontier post must check on compliance with these requirements as well as compliance with feeding and watering requirements of the Directive.

The Commission will take contact with the Italian authorities on the matters raised by the Honourable Member, especially to obtain precise information as to what happened at the frontier post concerned and also to have particulars of the actions taken to block the transport temporarily and subsequently to grant authorization for continuing the journey.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0787/97 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (10 March 1997)

Subject: Operating appropriations of the European Institutions

With regard to heading B7-811 would the Commission give figures for the total amount of appropriations allocated in 1996 to expenditure on:

- studies

- meetings of experts

- conferences and congresses

- information and publications.

Can the Commission also give figures for these four types of expenditure expressed as a proportion of the total appropriations allocated to the heading in question and state whether it considers this to be a reasonable proportion.

Supplementary joint answer to Written Questions E-0698/97, E-0699/97, E-0700/97, E-0701/97, E-0702/97, E-0703/97, E-0704/97, E-0705/97, E-0706/97, E-0707/97, E-0708/97, E-0709/97, E-0710/97, E-0711/97, E-0712/97, E-0713/97, E-0714/97, E-0715/97, E-0716/97, E-0717/97, E-0718/97, E-0719/97, E-0720/97, E-0721/97, E-0722/97, E-0723/97, E-0724/97, E-0725/97, E-0726/97, E-0727/97, E-0728/97, E-0729/97, E-0730/97, E-0731/97, E-0732/97, E-0733/97, E-0734/97, E-0735/97, E-0736/97, E-0737/97, E-0738/97, E-0739/97, E-0740/97, E-0741/97, E-0742/97, E-0743/97, E-0744/97, E-0745/97, E-0746/97, E-0747/97, E-0748/97, E-0749/97, E-0750/97, E-0751/97, E-0752/97, E-0753/97, E-0754/97, E-0755/97, E-0756/97, E-0757/97, E-0758/97, E-0759/97, E-0760/97, E-0761/97, E-0762/97, E-0763/97, E-0764/97, E-0765/97, E-0766/97, E-0767/97, E-0768/97, E-0769/97, E-0770/97, E-0771/97, E-0772/97, E-0773/97, E-0774/97, E-0775/97, E-0776/97, E-0777/97, E-0778/97, E-0779/97, E-0780/97, E-0781/97, E-0782/97, E-0783/97, E-0784/97, E-0785/97, E-0786/97, E-0787/97, E-0788/97, E-0789/97 and E-0790/97 given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (19 September 1997)

Further to its answer of 5 May 1997 ((OJ C 21, 22.1.1998, p. 28. )), the Commission is now able to provide the following additional information.

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-2467/97 by Patricia McKenna (V) to the Commission (16 July 1997)

Subject: Planned involvement of British Nuclear Fuels Ltd (BNFL) in China

British Nuclear Fuels Ltd (BNFL) recently signed a 'letter of intent' with the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). The letter commits both parties to undertaking a feasibility study on using BNFL-developed technology to convert enriched uranium into a uranium oxide powder for sale to the Chinese domestic and export markets.

If the project develops, the result could be a greater amount of transport of nuclear materials around the globe, with potentially grave consequences for public safety and the environment.

What measures would the Commission be prepared to take about this development?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (4 September 1997)

The potential consequences of a possible agreement between British nuclear fuels Ltd and the China national nuclear corporation cannot be evaluated at present.

It is the responsibility of the Commission to ensure that all its international obligations related to nuclear safety and safeguards are properly implemented, including those relative to transport of radioactive material.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0707/97 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (10 March 1997)

Subject: Operating appropriations of the European Institutions

With regard to heading B3-1021 would the Commission give figures for the total amount of appropriations allocated in 1996 to expenditure on:

- studies

- meetings of experts

- conferences and congresses

- information and publications.

Can the Commission also give figures for these four types of expenditure expressed as a proportion of the total appropriations allocated to the heading in question and state whether it considers this to be a reasonable proportion.

Supplementary joint answer to Written Questions E-0698/97, E-0699/97, E-0700/97, E-0701/97, E-0702/97, E-0703/97, E-0704/97, E-0705/97, E-0706/97, E-0707/97, E-0708/97, E-0709/97, E-0710/97, E-0711/97, E-0712/97, E-0713/97, E-0714/97, E-0715/97, E-0716/97, E-0717/97, E-0718/97, E-0719/97, E-0720/97, E-0721/97, E-0722/97, E-0723/97, E-0724/97, E-0725/97, E-0726/97, E-0727/97, E-0728/97, E-0729/97, E-0730/97, E-0731/97, E-0732/97, E-0733/97, E-0734/97, E-0735/97, E-0736/97, E-0737/97, E-0738/97, E-0739/97, E-0740/97, E-0741/97, E-0742/97, E-0743/97, E-0744/97, E-0745/97, E-0746/97, E-0747/97, E-0748/97, E-0749/97, E-0750/97, E-0751/97, E-0752/97, E-0753/97, E-0754/97, E-0755/97, E-0756/97, E-0757/97, E-0758/97, E-0759/97, E-0760/97, E-0761/97, E-0762/97, E-0763/97, E-0764/97, E-0765/97, E-0766/97, E-0767/97, E-0768/97, E-0769/97, E-0770/97, E-0771/97, E-0772/97, E-0773/97, E-0774/97, E-0775/97, E-0776/97, E-0777/97, E-0778/97, E-0779/97, E-0780/97, E-0781/97, E-0782/97, E-0783/97, E-0784/97, E-0785/97, E-0786/97, E-0787/97, E-0788/97, E-0789/97 and E-0790/97 given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (19 September 1997)

Further to its answer of 5 May 1997 ((OJ C 21, 22.1.1998, p. 28. )), the Commission is now able to provide the following additional information.

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-2259/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (2 July 1997)

Subject: Dangerous preparations

The Commission has submitted a proposal for a European Parliament and Council directive concerning the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous preparations (COM(96) 347 final - 96/0200 COD) ((OJ C 283, 26.9.1996, p. 1. )).

Will the Commission ensure that the date of application coincides with the date of publication in the Official Journal, with a five-year transitional period?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (5 September 1997)

Article 24 of the proposal for a Parliament and Council directive on classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous preparations provides that the directive will enter into force on the third day following its publication in the Official journal.

The Commission agrees with the Honourable Member that a five year period between the date of adoption and the date of entry into force is needed for practical reasons to allow enough time both to the authorities of the Member States as well as to economic operators and, in particular to small and medium size enterprises, to implement the new requirements such as safety data sheets for non-classified preparations and new labels for preparations classified as dangerous for the environment, introduced in the above-mentioned proposal. The Commission's view on this point is clearly reflected in the explanatory memorandum and taken into consideration in article 23 of the present proposal according to which the implementation must take place by the year 2003 at the latest.