ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2025/96 by Antonio Tajani (UPE) to the Commission (19 July 1996)

Subject: Impact of the privatization of the French international group Thomson on the activities of the Videocolor company based in Anagni, Italy

In view of the fact that the French Government has announced that the Thomson group is to be privatized;

- In view of the fact that the Videocolor company based in Anagni - the only factory in Italy producing (since 1971) picture tubes for colour televisions - belongs to Thomson;

- In view of the fact that Videocolor has a workforce of approximately 2400 and provides indirect employment for a further 3000 people; its annual turnover is approximately 1200 billion lira and it makes a positive contribution to Thomson's balance sheet which compensates for the losses made by other companies in the group; it is the world's leading manufacturer of large-format tubes and it has the capacity to produce approximately four million items per year; in the past it has received funding of various kinds from both the Italian Government and the EEC/EIB in order to allow appropriate investment to be made to safeguard jobs;

- In view of the fact that, following the privatization of Thomson, there is a risk that Videocolor's technologies and production could be transferred to some other of the French group's companies in Europe or outside the Community altogether, which would automatically lead to reduced investment and lower production levels which would in turn seriously jeopardize the continued existence of the factory in Italy,

does the Commission not think that it should monitor the situation and intervene in order to protect the Italian workers and enable them to continue working?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (13 September 1996)

At present the Commission has no information regarding the future of the company Videocolor di Anagni in the framework of the proposed privatisation of the French group Thomson.

The information submitted by the Honourable Member does not disclose any action which goes against European legislation and which might justify intervention in the matter. While the Commission is sensitive to the Honourable Member's concern regarding the consequences that any change in the present situation might have on the company's workforce, it feels that at present there is no basis which would justify its intervention in the matter.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2694/96 by Bill Miller (PSE) to the Commission (9 October 1996)

Subject: Milk subsidies

Aware of the health benefits of the calcium in milk for school children and the subsidies that are available for full fat milk distributed in schools and aware that recent studies suggest that the fat content of this milk may be detrimental to health, will the Commission agree to subsidise the provision of semi-skimmed milk in schools at least to the same extent as that of full fat milk?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (24 October 1996)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-2246/96 by Mr Bonde ((See page 71. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1876/96 by Florus Wijsenbeek (ELDR) to the Commission (11 July 1996)

Subject: Construction of an expressway in Portugal

Is the Commission aware that the regional authorities in the Algarve have complained about the Via do Infante Enriquez constructed with EU aid from Vila Real de Santo António to Lagos in the Algarve in Portugal?

Does this road link appear in the continued aid granted in connection with the trans-European networks, and what planning policy has been adopted on it?

Does not the Commission consider that, in view of the environmental impact considerations added by the European Parliament by way of amendments, a detailed consultation with the local authorities is first required?

Will the Commission see to it that this is done? If so, how, and if not, why not?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (26 September 1996)

The Honourable Member makes a reference to the Parliament's amendments in the framework for a decision on guidelines for the trans-European development of the trans-European transport network (TEN). He will be aware that the text approved by the conciliation committee refers now to the Directives 85/337/EEC ((OJ L 175, 5.7.1985. )) and 92/43/EEC ((OJ L 206, 22.7.1992. )) and to the proceedings to be followed by the relevant national authorities.

The high quality road 'Via do Infante' is from Vila Real de St Antonio in Portugal (Spanish border) to Lagos. The TEN road section of 'Via do Infante' is from Vila Real de St Antonio to Alcantarilha. This section was partially cofinanced by European regional development fund under the Interreg I (1989-1993) operational programme. Since 1993 no further Community money has been invested in this TEN road corridor (IP1-A1) to Alcantarilha. An extensive consultation of local people and authorities concerned was launched five years before the conclusion of the construction works to Alcantarilha.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2440/96 by Umberto Bossi (ELDR) to the Commission (11 September 1996)

Subject: Procedures for the accession of Padania to the European Union

Within Italy two systems exist with fundamentally different performance levels in terms of productivity, Padania being somewhere between the tenth and fifteenth most competitive in the world, while southern Italy is situated between 150 and 200 places from the top, the two being linked together by a system of economic aid which the Government in Rome has failed to utilize properly to promote the development of southern Italy and which nevertheless constitutes enormous additional burden for Padania in the form of contributions to the State.

Furthermore, Italy is not in a position to participate in the single currency which has serious implications for the economy of Padania and is causing the country to divide.

In view of this, the introduction of two separate currencies for the two systems referred to above with their different levels of productivity and consequently independence for Padania have become inevitable.

Matters are now coming to a head and the Declaration of Independence and the convergence of the Federal Republic of Padania with its own provisional government is scheduled for 15 September 1996 in Venice.

What procedures exist at Community level with regard to Padania, which is already part of a Member State, particularly with regard to its accession in its own right to the European Union, given its determination to be in the vanguard of European integration, as dictated by its history, economy and culture?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (30 September 1996)

The Commission would inform the Honourable Member that no provision is made in the Community framework for the procedures to which he refers.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1964/96 by Shaun Spiers (PSE) to the Commission (16 July 1996)

Subject: Broiler birds

What steps does the Commission plan to take to discourage the present practice of keeping broiler breeders (of a type genetically selected for a good appetite) in a state of chronic hunger?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1963/96 and E-1964/96 given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (17 September 1996)

There is currently no Community legislation on the subject of the keeping and breeding of poultry kept for meat production. The Commission's approach in this domain has been to support and participate actively in the initiatives under the European convention on the protection of animals kept for farming purposes to which the Community is a contracting party. All Member States have ratified this convention.

A recommendation on domestic fowl was adopted by the standing committee of this European convention. This text covers, among other things, the issues which are of particular concern to the Honourable Member, notably the development of breeds or strains of poultry which would limit or reduce animal welfare problems.

With regard to the practice, mentioned by the Honourable Member, of keeping broiler breeders in a total state of chronic hunger, the recommendation under the European convention mentioned above provides specifically that feed levels for breeding birds shall not be so low that they are caused distress.

The Commission is presently examining the most appropriate way of implementing this recommendation within the Community.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2159/96 by Miguel Arias Cañete (PPE) to the Commission (2 August 1996)

Subject: Checks on peaches and nectarines withdrawn from the market in Greece

In its 1994 Annual Report the Court of Auditors observed that inspections of operations to withdraw fruit and vegetables from the market in Greece had revealed consistent excess payments of compensation for peaches and nectarines, amounting to ECU 30 m in both 1993 and 1994. This was due to erroneous application of a coefficient of 0.90 by the Greek authorities, corresponding to market presentation after classification and packaging, while the correct coefficient, according to the Court of Auditors, would have been 0.65, as the crates used for withdrawals are the same as those in which the fruit was harvested, not those for final presentation on the market.

In view of the Commission's reply to the Court of Auditors, that its inspectors would carry out a detailed investigation into this matter, what have been the results of these inspections, what measures have been taken by the Commission to rectify the situation, and what were the financial implications with regard to winding up the accounts?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (11 September 1996)

The Commission has carried out a number of inspections at producers organisations in the fruit and vegetables sector in Greece. These controls have included the procedures for the withdrawal of produce from the market.

This audit work has revealed various weaknesses, particularly in respect of the procedures for recognising and supervising producers organisations operating in this sector. As regards peaches and nectarines, financial consequences will be drawn in the clearance of the accounts of the 1994 financial exercice.

As regards the specific problem referred to by the Honourable Member, the Commission has requested the Greek authorities to provide detailed information concerning the follow-up measures taken by them in response to the remarks of the Court of auditors. Furthermore, by means of Regulation (EC) No 872/95 ((OJ L 89, 21.4.1995. )) the Commission has since deleted the packaging coefficient of 0.90 so as to rectify the situation.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1867/96 by Nel van Dijk (V) and Magda Aelvoet (V) to the Commission (5 July 1996)

Subject: Dredging of the Western Scheldt and restoration of the natural environment

The Western Scheldt deepening project has been delayed because the Netherlands Council of State has declared the dredging permit invalid on the grounds that no environmental permit had been granted. However, there is a danger that the restoration of the natural environment following the damage caused to it by the dredging will be delayed for far longer or may even never happen. Because of the lack of 'public and regional political and administrative support', the Netherlands Government has postponed the decision on the restoration work indefinitely. ((Memorandum of reply by the Minister of Transport, Public Works and Water Management to the Upper House of Parliament, 17 May 1996; Upper House, 1995-1996, 24451, no 234a. )) The Government is awaiting the report of the 'Committee of Wise Persons', which could take a year and which will still not afford any guarantee of sufficient public support in Zeeland for allowing polder-land to revert to wetland, which is the only effective way of restoring the natural environment.

Can the Commission confirm that it will not permit dredging of the Western Scheldt without compensation for the damage to natural assets protected under the Bird Conservation Directive ((Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds, OJ L 103, 25.4.1979, p. 1. )) and the Habitats Directive ((Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7. ))?

In the light of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitats Directive, is it permissible for the dredging work to begin while it remains completely uncertain whether, how and when compensation will be provided for the loss of natural amenity?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (6 September 1996)

The Commission has questioned the Dutch authorities on the authorization procedures for the dredging of the Western Scheldt and the measures planned to avoid environmental damage to the site, including possible restoration work.

According to these authorities, studies on this subject were concluded at the beginning of 1996. The Commission has requested the results of these studies, but has not yet received them. The Commission is keeping close watch on developments in this matter taking into account the aspects raised by the Honourable Members.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2226/96 by Susan Waddington (PSE) to the Commission (9 August 1996)

Subject: Implementation of the Community programme against poverty in Câmara de Lobos, Madeira, Portugal

The target groups of the Community programme to combat poverty included fishermen and their families in Câmara de Lobos, Madeira, Portugal.

These people, who had been moved to a housing estate in a remote area but with significantly better conditions than those in which they had previously been living, were faced with a lack of commercial infrastructure and any effective measures to integrate them in their new surroundings.

We recently visited this housing estate. Without wishing to embark on a financial evaluation, despite the volume of appropriations disbursed and remaining to be paid out, but highlighting the almost distressing impression received in view of the poor condition of these buildings and the surrounding area and the continued lack of social infrastructure almost six years into the programme to combat poverty, and bearing in mind the programme's explicit objectives, can the Commission say:

1. In what way was the population involved in the definition of objectives and what local social networks were established?

2. How many development workers were trained and how many were assigned to work on the project?

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

The fishing population of Câmara de Lobos did not participate in the Poverty 3 programme (1989-1994). The Commission therefore has not evaluated in the context of the programme any activities in favour of this population.

The address of the Portuguese department, which the Honourable Members may wish to contact, is forwarded direct to them and to the Secretariat General of the Parliament.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2204/96 by Susan Waddington (PSE) to the Commission (2 August 1996)

Subject: Circulation of the euro in Le Havre, France

In a recent experiment, the European Union's single currency, the euro, was placed in circulation in Le Havre, France, for a period of two weeks, according to sources in the French Ministry for Economic and Budgetary Affairs.

The aim of the experiment, which was essentially pedagogical in nature, was to increase public awareness of monetary union.

Given the interesting and original nature of the experiment, can the Commission say whether it has received detailed information on the results and whether, in the light of what was done, it considers that this experiment should be extended to other Community towns and areas as a way of raising public awareness about the monetary union which is soon to be introduced in the EU?

Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission (26 September 1996)

The Commission was indeed aware of the experiment of placing euro coins in circulation in Le Havre between 25 June and 9 July 1996.

This experiment was carried out on the initiative of Le Havre town hall and the Le Havre Coin Collectors Club with a view to increasing public awareness of the future European currency.

The Commission welcomes spontaneous initiatives of this nature, which are becoming increasingly common in Member States ahead of the introduction of the euro.

It is closely following these interesting and encouraging experiments, which provide information for the European public and raise its awareness of developments.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1484/96 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (12 June 1996)

Subject: Progress with sub-programme 4, the PeIoponnese, Measure 2 of the 2nd CSF: 'Health and Welfare'

Measure 4.2 of the regional operational programme for the Peloponnese provides for funding of health care facilities for the local population and visitors to the region comprising the construction of a new hospital in Kalamata and expansion of the hospitals at Tripoli, Sparta and Corinth.

The allocation of funding was ECU 3 547 000 for 1995.

1. What was the take-up rate for 1995?

2. Have there been any delays in taking up the funds and, if so, what were the main reasons for them?

3. Can the Commission provide details of the progress made with this measure?

Supplementary answer to Written Questions E-1479/96, E-1480/96, E-1481/96, E-1482/96, E-1484/96 and E-1485/96 given by Mme Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (8 November 1996)

Further to its answer of 26 June 1996 ((OJ C 280, 25.9.1996, p. 126. )), the Commission can now provide the following details.

Funding in 1994 and 1995 for the 'Health and Welfare' measure of the operational programmes (OP) referred to totalled ECU 72.1 million. The take-up over the same period was ECU 10.13 million. As the programmes started at the end of 1994, the funds were actually taken up in 1995.

Most of the financing under this measure goes on projects to build large hospitals. These require major planning, study and preparatory work before construction or equipment purchases can go ahead, hence the take-up delay in 1995.

Much of the preparatory work has been completed this year and work has started on building some hospitals. Consequently, an increase in the take-up of funding can now be expected. The Commission is closely monitoring this measure in both the regional and 'Health and Welfare' operational programmes.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2461/96 by Jannis Sakellariou (PSE) to the Commission (23 September 1996)

Subject: Transposition of Directive 94/80/EC in the Federal Republic

According to Commission press release IP/96/615, the Commission has sent reminders to a number of Member States of the EU which have not transposed Directive 94/80/EC ((OJ L 368, 31.12.1994, p. 38. )) on local elections rights for citizens of the EU residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals.

What were the specific reasons for sending the reminder to the Federal Republic?

Has the Commission already received the Federal Republic's reply?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (13 November 1996)

It is true that, in the press release of 9 July 1996 referred to by the Honourable Member, the Commission had indicated that Germany was one of the Member States which had not yet transposed Directive 94/80/EC. The right to vote and to stand as a candidate in municipal elections is a matter which falls within the competence of the Länder, and at the time not all of them had adopted the measures necessary to comply with the Directive.

The German authorities have since informed the Commission that all the Länder have transposed the Directive.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2826/96 by Gianni Tamino (V) to the Commission (25 October 1996)

Subject: Fatal accident at SIA srl, Viadana (Mantua)

Guido Golino, an engineer and senior manager at SIA srl in Viadana (Mantua), was killed in an industrial accident on 14 September 1996. The company concerned, like Sadepan Chimica and Sadepan Legno, which are part of the Mauro Saviola group, has for years been the subject of very fierce controversy regarding the noxious nature of its products, the insanitary conditions at the plant, its harmful impact on the environment, and the inadequate safety standards for workers. There have been four other fatal accidents at the above companies in the last eight years, as well as numerous incidents of various kinds. Furthermore, the factories now lie within urban areas, Viadana and Cogozzo, even though Sadepan Chimica srl was classed as a high-risk plant by the Ministry for Industry in 1988 and in a report issued by the Lombardy regional authorities in 1991.

Can the Commission ascertain whether the companies in question have complied with the provisions of Community Directives on health and safety at work, in particular the framework Directive (Directive 89/391/EEC) ((OJ L 183, 29.6.1989. p. 1. )) and the successive amendments thereto? What is the situation as regards implementation of these Directives in Italy?

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

Under Article 4(2) of Directive 89/391/EEC ((OJ L 183, 29.6.1989. )), it is up to the Member States to ensure adequate supervision and monitoring of the implementation of these provisions. It is therefore the responsibility of the national authorities * in this case the Italian labour inspectorate * to check that national measures implementing the above-mentioned Directive are being complied with by employers.

The Commission would remind the Honourable Member that, for its part, it is responsible for ensuring that secondary legislation is transposed correctly and with full legal effect by the Member States. In cases where problems arise concerning the application of national implementing measures, the Commission can if necessary decide to institute an infringement procedure pursuant to Article 169 of the EC Treaty.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2489/96 by José Valverde López (PPE) to the Commission (25 September 1996)

Subject: Monitoring of expenditure

In connection with the monitoring of expenditure, the European Parliament has, in a number of resolutions, declared its support for strengthening the Court of Auditors in the fight against fraud and for cooperation in this area with national auditing bodies.

What measures can the Commission propose for attaining these objectives?

Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission (8 November 1996)

It does not fall within the competence of the Commission to make proposals relating to the role and functioning of the Court of auditors. In the context of the Intergovernmental Conference, the Court of Auditors has proposed certain amendments to the EC Treaty. These aim at improving respect of the Court's present rights and competencies.

Article 188.C.3 of the EC Treaty deals with the relationships between the Court of auditors and national audit bodies.

The role of the Court in the fight against fraud is indicated in the last report of that institution ((OJ C 303, 14.11.1995. )). This report underlines that the primary responsibility for prevention, detection and investigation of fraud lies with the Member States and the Commission.

With regard to fraud, the Commission and the Court of auditors are cooperating closely and have agreed to reinforce the exchange of information between them. This cooperation covers not only the expenditure side but also the income side of the Community budget.

In the broader context of sound and efficient management (SEM 2000) discussions involving representatives of the Member States, the Parliament and the Court of auditors are taking place. Two members of the Court of auditors were invited on a personal basis to participate in the discussion. The subjects so far covered include the question of how to provide for a greater involvement of the Member States in responding to particular criticisms in the Court's annual report and statement of assurance without disturbing the interinstitutional balance.

In a long-term perspective, the Commission is improving the coordination between the Commission and the Member States, notably by bilateral agreements (financial protocols), which the Financial Controller has signed with her counterparts in, until now, eight Member States.