ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0672/96 by Charles Goerens (ELDR) to the Commission (15 March 1996)

Subject: Setting up of a consultative committee on forests

At a public hearing organized by the European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture on 16 October 1995, the Commissioner responsible for agriculture, Mr Fischler, announced in his communication the imminent establishment of a consultative committee on forests within the Commission.

Is the Commission in a position to give details of the timetable for setting up this committee?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (2 April 1996)

The Commission can confirm that, as part of the reform of agricultural consultative committees in this year's work programme, it is planning to set up a consultative committee on forests.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0404/96 by Glenys Kinnock (PSE) to the Commission (22 February 1996)

Subject: Gender monitoring in the PHARE AND TACIS programmes

What methods does the Commission have to ensure that the gender dimension is not overlooked in the PHARE and TACIS programmes? Does the Commission employ staff members specifically engaged to monitor the involvement of women at every stage of these programmes?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (23 April 1996)

There have been a number of projects which give specific consideration to needs of women, both in the mainstream programmes, and on the Lien and Democracy programmes. A particular example in the Russian 1995 programme, is for assistance to Russian women adapting to labour market conditions during the transition period. This project, with the Confederation of business women of Russia, will cost 1 mecu.

Following the Honourable Member's question the Commission will see how the Phare and Tacis programmes may make specific provision to ensure that the gender dimension is given further attention. There is already an extensive monitoring programme for Tacis, and a comparable programme is being introduced for Phare. The monitoring is based on a reporting system which may be adapted to include gender desegregated data. Consideration will be given to reflect on the impact of the introduction of such a requirement.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0530/96 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission (11 March 1996)

Subject: HELIOS programme

How have organizations representing disabled people as consumers of goods and services been involved in the Helios programme rather than organizations who produce or organize such services, and to what degree and absolute number would the Commission enumerate such participation?

Will the Commission consider this issue in any successor programme?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (19 April 1996)

Organisations of the disabled participate actively in the Helios II programme in many ways, including the various exchange activities sponsored under the programme, and also the more formal role in overseeing the programme through the European disability forum.

Most participating organisations have broad mandates, either representing people with a specific disability (e.g. autism) or representing a range of disabilities with respect to the many problems in common (e.g. education, and transport). The application of the principles of equal opportunities and non-discrimination does not only involve viewing the disabled as consumers. As well as looking at the provision of services from the consumer's point of view, it also opens up consideration of areas that do not directly involve the provision of services.

Issues concerning the disabled as consumers are discussed in the European disability forum, including for example questions on VAT, the levy on blank audio tapes, and telematics. Problems which disabled people experience as consumers can also be discussed in general meetings of the consumer committee which has replaced the formal advisory council of consumers, but with a different structure and mandate.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0584/96 by Michl Ebner (PPE) to the Council (13 March 1996)

Subject: EU Office in Brussels

The public prosecutors in Bolzano and Trento (Italy) have opened proceedings against a Brussels office of the chambers of commerce and/or regional governments of Trentino-Alto Adige (Italy) and Tyrol (Austria) and against four employees of this office, in connection with the 'European Region of Tyrol' being debated by the regional assemblies of Trentino-Alto Adige and Tyrol, for 'attacking the integrity of the State' (section 241 of the Italian Criminal Code). What measures does the Council propose taking against these proceedings which are in blatant contravention of the Maastricht Treaty, the Interreg II programme, the Madrid Agreement, the Framework Agreement between Italy and Austria on this subject and generally against the spirit of ever closer Union in Europe?

What does the Council intend to do to put a stop to this kind of action, which is an obstacle to cooperation between regions attempting daily to take one more step towards an integrated Europe?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0244/96, E-0258/96, E-0309/96 and E-0584/96 (3 June 1996)

The Council has not been informed of the subject referred to by the Honourable Members nor indeed of the opening of information offices for other regions. This question does not fall within the jurisdiction of the Council.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0546/96 by Christine Crawley (PSE) to the Commission (11 March 1996)

Subject: Bullfighting

What steps are being taken to ensure that farms which breed animals for bullfighting are not the recipients of EU grants?

What steps does the Commission propose to end this cruel and barbaric sport?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (28 March 1996)

There is no Community aid earmarked for fighting bulls. Since 1987, however, there has been a system of premiums for male bovine animals from which fighting bulls are not expressly excluded. It should be pointed out in this connection that the Commission recently proposed to the Council, as part of the 1996/97 price package, that the two existing premiums be combined into a single premium for animal aged 10 months. As a result, should the Council adopt the proposal, producers of fighting bulls will no longer be able to apply for the second premium for animals selected for the bullring.

In its proposals for legislation on the protection of animals the Commission has always sought to secure the highest possible standards of treatment of animals. However, the use of animals for recreational purposes is not subject to Community rules but is entirely a matter for the Member State concerned.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0350/96 by Luis Campoy Zueco (PPE) to the Commission (22 February 1996)

Subject: Marketing of agricultural products traditionally associated with specific regions

Certain agricultural products are traditionally associated with specific regions or districts. Do any measures exist to assist in the promotion, marketing and export such products?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (7 March 1996)

An information campaign on geographical indications, designations of origin and specific traditional products will be launched during the second half of this year. It will take place in the context of the common agricultural policy and in particular rural development and quality promotion schemes.

It is based on Article 4(2) of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 1848/93 of 9 July 1993 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2082/92 on certificates of specific character for agricultural products and foodstuffs ((OJ L 168, 10.7.1993. )) and Article 5 of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2037/93 of 27 July 1993 laying down detailed rules of application of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs. ((OJ L 185, 28.7.1993. ))

The campaign will involve measures to raise awareness and provide the information needed to make known the existence and meaning of the abbreviations PDO/PGI (protected designation of origin/protected geographical indication) and the blue and gold 'traditional speciality guaranteed' Community logo ((OJ L 275, 26.10.1994. )).

An agency has been selected following a Community invitation to tender. This agency will design, set up, implement and coordinate the information campaign, which will run from 1996 to 1998 and cover the 15 Member States. It will help in developing the two new Community systems for optimizing and protecting specific agricultural products and foodstuffs by providing more information for producers, processors, distributors and consumers.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0758/96 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (26 March 1996)

Subject: Safer air travel

Following the crash of a Birgen Air charter flight off the coast of the Dominican Republic in which a large number of people died, the European Parliament adopted a resolution (B4-0150/96) calling on the Commission to take more rapid action to submit practical proposals for improving and increasing the safety of civil aviation, particularly as regards the operating conditions of airlines operating charter flights, and to establish a 'blacklist' of airlines which do not observe international safety standards. On the basis of the above, and in view of the statements made by the International Federation of Airline Pilots' Association (IFALPA) that pilots, assistants, hostesses and technicians of the above airline had substantially exceeded permitted working hours, will the Commission say what specific measures it intends to take to implement the proposals set out in the resolution on safer air travel?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (13 May 1996)

The Commission is organising a high level working group to review possible actions to ensure safer air transport for European citizens, in particular by third country carriers on the basis of tickets sold in the Community.

The Commission will report on the initial findings of this group in June 1996.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0737/96 by Bernie Malone (PSE) to the Commission (26 March 1996)

Subject: Radiation emissions from GSM mobile phone masts

Does the Commission agree that there are possible health hazards produced by GSM mobile phone mast radiation emissions, and does it consider it necessary that a study be carried out to assess these hazards? Does the Commission have in place regulations controlling the location of such masts and if not does it intend doing so?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (20 May 1996)

Possible health hazards associated with the emission of non-ionizing radiation have been the object of several parliamentary questions. The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Questions E-274/95 ((OJ No C 179, 13.7.1995. )) and E-3142/95 ((OJ No C 179, 13.7.1995. )) by Mr Alavanos and E-1718/95 by Mr Hughes ((OJ No C 257, 2.10.1995. )).

Moreover, the Commission has supported and published a study on sources, exposures and health effects of non-ionizing radiation. Copies have been sent to members of Parliament who have expressed an interest in these matters.

In addition, as indicated in its communication to the Parliament and the Council ((COM(94)492 final. )) the Commission in 1995 decided on an action programme ((IP(95)1057. )) on the possible health effects of the use of mobile phones, especially with regard to possible athermal effects of non-ionizing radiation.This is currently being prepared by a group of eminent experts in the domain and a report will be available in September 1996.

There are, at present, no Community regulations concerning the location of base station equipment for GSM (global system for mobile communications) mobile phones.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0542/96 by Irini Lambraki (PSE) to the Commission (11 March 1996)

Subject: Application of Community law to the statutes of international and national sport federations

Following the Bosman judgment handed down by the European Court of Justice (C-415/95 of 15 December 1995), a new situation has emerged as regards the field of application of the Community's legal system to the world of European sport. European football has traditionally been governed by the statutes of FIFA and the UEFA, supplemented by the statutes of the national football associations.

In the light of this judgment, will the Commission say:

1. whether Community law applies to legal relations in sports which are governed by the statutes of international and national sports federations (recruitment and transfer of players, rights and obligations of club members, method of election of administrative bodies etc)?

2. whether the provisions of the statutes governing the international sports federations (FIFA, UEFA, FIBA, IAAF, etc) take precedence over contrary provisions of Community law?

3. whether the domestic law of Member States of the European Union governing the administration, organization and functioning of national sports federations takes precedence over provisions of the statutes of international sports federations (except the rules of the game and purely technical rules relating to the holding of sports events)?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (15 April 1996)

1. The judgement of the Court of Justice to which the Honourable Member refers confirmed the principle that sports clubs normally carry on an economic activity. They thus rank as undertakings within the meaning of Community law, in the same way as their representative federations, at both national and international level, rank as undertakings or associations of undertakings. As such, they are subject to the provisions of Community law.

2. Consequently, within the European Economic Area, the aforementioned provisions also apply to legal relationships governed by the statutes of sports federations and take precedence over any incompatible rules contained in those statutes, including in the case of federations whose remit extends beyond the European Economic Area.

3. By contrast, the relationship between those statutes and the domestic law of Member States is governed by the different national provisions.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0603/96 by Carole Tongue (PSE) to the Commission (13 March 1996)

Subject: Subsidies for performing arts

Is the Commission aware of the problems brought to light by the Musicians Union that European financial subsidies may be being used to prevent British ballet companies from taking their own orchestras with them whilst travelling abroad? Birmingham Royal Ballet have encountered such difficulties. Are subsidies being used in such a way?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (23 April 1996)

Community support for cultural events in the field of music and dance is given under the Kaleidoscope programme and, previously, under the Kaleidoscope pilot project.

For a Community grant to be awarded, certain conditions, which are specified in the calls for proposals published in the Official Journal, must be met. In particular, the event must have a European dimension (those co-organizing and participating in the event must come from at least three Member States), be of high quality, innovative and exemplary.

In this context, the Commission, which, incidentally, was not aware of this particular problem encountered by the Birmingham Royal Ballet, would point out that the aim of its support is to encourage cooperation between Member States, and that it is not involved in the preparation and realization of the projects it supports; this is entirely a matter for the organizers.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0514/96 by Robin Teverson (ELDR) to the Commission (11 March 1996)

Subject: Light pollution

The issue of 'light pollution' is of increasing importance within the European Union. Wasteful use of energy for lighting obscures the night sky and is, in addition, a major source of wasted energy. One side-effect of this 'light pollution' which has become apparent is that astronomers are finding it increasingly difficult to have a clear view of the stars.

How does the Commission intend to encourage the Member States to actively reduce this growing problem?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (12 April 1996)

The Commission is aware of the problem of light pollution and its effects on astronomers and others, and shares the view that 'spilled' light and glow may cause economic and environmental losses.

Under the Pace ((Council Decision 89/364/EEC, OJ L 157, 9.6.1989. )) and Save ((Council Decision 91/565/EEC, OJ L 307, 8.11.1991. )) programmes a number of actions are undertaken to promote energy efficient lighting. Recently during a conference sponsored by the Save programme a session was dedicated to the 'sky glow'.

The Commission considers that the most appropriate actions would be information and education of those concerned with lighting such as engineers, installers, contractors, local authorities and private companies, about correct outdoor lighting and the need to avoid light spilling.

In the particular case of light pollution the Commission feels that, given the wide range of different national situations and requirements, a Community regulation would be difficult to establish and it is therefore up to Member States to decide how best to deal with this problem. In any case, the Commission will further discuss the issue with interested parties during future conferences or workshops on efficient lighting.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0764/96 by Sylviane Ainardi (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (21 March 1996)

Subject: Resin tapping

There continues to be a major shortage of pine resin products in Europe. Unfortunately, owing to falling prices and a lack of encouragement, production of pine resin has been abandoned in many areas, such as the Landes region of France.

A new resin tapping process (the 'closed vessel' technique) was developed recently. This process is more efficient and enables turpentine to be obtained by decantation, together with crystallized resin. A mobile distillation unit is then used for on-site conversion of the crystallized resin into gum rosin and turpentine. Trials are currently being conducted.

Is the Commission aware of these new techniques, and does it intend to provide encouragement in the form of financial aid with a view to reviving pine resin production in forest regions such as the Landes?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (12 April 1996)

The Commission has been told of the various techniques for gathering pine resin, including the closed vessel method designed to lower production costs.

However, it gives no direct Community aid for the production of rubber or resin.

Nevertheless, development of the sector in the Landes could be helped along with aid from programmes to develop rural areas. These programmes, approved as part of reform of the structural funds, are managed regionally in France by a supervisory committee chaired by the relevant prefect and made up of political, administrative, economic and social bodies. In Aquitaine, the programme runs from 1994-99 and includes measures to capitalize on forestry resources. These could help revive resin production if the regional authorities include the sector in their development priorities. For forestry as a whole, the Aquitaine programme has earmarked public financing of around FF 300 million over six years, almost half of which comes from the guidance section of the Community EAGGF.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0475/96 by Magda Aelvoet (V) and Nel van Dijk (V) to the Commission (1 March 1996)

Subject: Impact on health of kerosene emissions around airports

Did a team of scientists at the University of Ghent headed by Professor Vuylsteke, on behalf of the Commission, study the impact on public health of kerosene emissions around Ostend airport between 1985 and 1990? ((De Volkskrant, 10 February 1996; De Morgen, 12 February 1996 ))

Have the results of this study been kept secret for the past five years? If so, why?

Do the study's findings indicate that people living near airports face an increased risk of contracting leukaemia?

Will the Commission publish the results of Professor Vuylsteke's study?

Is the Commission funding similar studies in the vicinity of other airports?

Have these studies already yielded at least provisional conclusions? If so, what?

Will the framework directive on ambient air quality assessment and management, which is shortly to be put before the European Parliament at second reading, take adequate account of these conclusions and of the precautionary principle, or does the Commission consider it necessary to adopt separate legislation on kerosene emissions and the siting of airports?

Does the Commission agree with Professor Allaert of the University of Ghent that it is irresponsible to continue to build airports near residential areas?

If so, ought this not to mean that appropriations should no longer be provided from the ERDF, the Cohesion Fund and other European funds for the construction or expansion of airports near residential areas?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (22 May 1996)

The Commission did not support an epidemiogical study with the references described in the question. Professor Vuylsteke has on several occasions confirmed that he has not conducted a study of this type.

As to the framework directive on ambient air quality assessment and management ((OJ No C 216, 6.8.1994; amended proposal OJ C 238, 13.9.1995. )) which is shortly to be presented to Parliament for a second reading, this instrument will lay down standards to regulate the concentration of pollutants in the air, but contains no rules governing emissions.