ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0979/97 by Miguel Arias Cañete (PPE) to the Commission (17 March 1997)

Subject: EAGGF-Guarantee Fund in Finland

Can the Commission specify how much funding Finland received in total from the EAGGF-Guarantee Fund in 1996, giving a breakdown

per chapter (arable crops, sugar, fibre plants and silkworms, fruit and vegetables, other plant sectors or products, the vine-growing sector, tobacco, milk and milk products, beef and veal, sheepmeat and goatmeat, pigmeat, eggs and poultrymeat, other animal product aid measures, refunds on processed agricultural products, refunds in connection with EU food aid, the distribution of agricultural products to deprived persons in the Community, accompanying measures, rural development measures related to the operation of markets, other measures, income aid and the European Fisheries Guarantee Fund), and

per procedure (export refunds, compensatory pricing aid, 'area' aid, aid per head of stock, guidance premiums, private storage aid, withdrawal and similar operations, compensatory amounts, accompanying measures for reform of the CAP and public storage expenditure)?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0974/97, E-0975/97, E-0976/97, E-0977/97, E-0978/97, E-0979/97, E-0980/97, E-0981/97, E-0982/97, E-0983/97, E-0984/97, E-0985/97, E-0986/97, E-0987/97 and E-0988/97 given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (6 May 1997)

Because of the length of the answer, which includes a number of tables, the Commission is sending it direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1274/97 by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission (11 April 1997)

Subject: The brutal killing of a small deer for dubious, purely bureaucratic reasons

The Italian press has reported a case of unbelievable and unjustified cruelty. A small deer was killed (at least eight rifle shots were needed to kill it), solely because it lived in a village on Lake Garda, where it had been adopted by the whole community. Because it was not of a native species, it was not supposed to live near the lake and it allegedly constituted a danger to traffic. This was the heartless bureaucratic justification and explanation given by the local hunting authorities.

There are precise rules governing both hunting and the killing of animals, which, if necessary, should be carried out after using anaesthetic.

Does current Community legislation authorize, even indirectly, actions of this kind?

If it does not, does it make provision for fining people who commit such acts of cruelty?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (29 April 1997)

The events referred to by the Honourable Member are not covered by specific Community directives. The Commission has no power to intervene in this matter.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1239/97 by Sebastiano Musumeci (NI) to the Commission (8 April 1997)

Subject: Racist attacks on Italians in Germany

It is horrifying to note that acts of violence, manifestly inspired by xenophobia, are once more being perpetrated against Italian nationals in Germany. Indeed, in the latest case, Antonio Melis, a 37-year-old Sardinian immigrant, was brutally murdered in Caputh, Brandenburg.

The judiciary and the local police are attempting to minimize the seriousness of the incidents by playing down or denying their racist character.

The renewed upsurge of this kind of crime is blatantly at odds with the unvarying declarations of principle and the related values of solidarity and tolerance, repeatedly invoked in specific Community programmes, from which the Union itself draws inspiration and by which the Member States have promised to abide without reservation.

Will the Commission make immediate vigorous representations to the German Government in order to persuade it to safeguard the dignity and the right to life and work of Italian nationals in the Union who are seeking to translate much-vaunted European citizenship into a living reality?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (15 May 1997)

Racism goes against everything the Community stands for, because it undermines democracy and the respect for human dignity. The continuing presence of racism in the Community is one of the greatest dangers facing society and the Commission shares the Honourable Member's concern about racist acts or incitement to such acts. Such unwanted behaviour should be firmly countered.

1997 is the European year against racism and in the framework of this year partnerships will be formed to intensify the struggle against racism, xenophobia and anti-semitism. All Member States are actively involved in this exercise and a number of awareness raising projects will take place in the Community, including Germany.

It is also worth noting that, in the area of justice and home affairs, the Council adopted a joint action concerning action to combat racism and xenophobia on 15 July 1996. The purpose of this joint action is to ensure effective judicial cooperation in respect of offences based on racist behaviour. To that end, the Member States are invited either to take steps to see that such behaviour is punishable as a criminal offence or, failing that, to derogate from the principle of double criminality. The types of behaviour concerned are, for instance, public incitement to discrimination, violence or racial hatred, the public condoning of crimes against humanity and human rights violation, or the participation in the activities of groups which involve discrimination, violence or racial hatred.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0870/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (12 March 1997)

Subject: European Environment Agency

With regard to budget heading B4-3101 for financial year 1995: Subsidies for the European Environment Agency, can the Commission say whether the European Environment Agency has granted subsidies to outside bodies and, if so, can it list them and state the amount of such subsidies granted in Italy for each activity and for each organization?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0858/97, E-0859/97, E-0860/97, E-0861/97, E-0862/97, E-0863/97, E-0864/97, E-0865/97, E-0866/97, E-0867/97, E-0868/97, E-0869/97, E-0870/97 and E-0871/97 given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (25 April 1997)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its findings as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0858/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (12 March 1997)

Subject: The environment

With regard to budget heading B4-304: Legislation and other general action based on the Fifth Action Programme on the Environment, can the Commission say whether subsidies have been granted for Italy and, if so, for which organizations and for which activities?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0858/97, E-0859/97, E-0860/97, E-0861/97, E-0862/97, E-0863/97, E-0864/97, E-0865/97, E-0866/97, E-0867/97, E-0868/97, E-0869/97, E-0870/97 and E-0871/97 given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (25 April 1997)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its findings as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0413/97 by Kirsi Piha (PPE) to the Commission (13 February 1997)

Subject: VAT in the services sector

The creation of genuine new jobs in the services sector is an extremely important means of tackling the scourge of unemployment which exists nearly everywhere in Europe. A bigger and more general reduction in the VAT levied on service enterprises would create extra demand and hence new jobs. The system currently provided for in the EU's sixth VAT Directive does not allow Member States sufficient scope for setting VAT in the services sector at a level more conducive to employment. How will the Commission, in its future proposals, take account of the wider need for a reduction in VAT in the services sector?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (8 April 1997)

In order to assess the effet of a reduced value added tax (VAT) rate in comparison to other fiscal measures, the Commission contracted out a study into the 'potential impact on employment creation of fiscal instruments (namely of a reduced VAT rate for selected sectors)'. This was also done in order to fulfil a commitment taken in the Parliament in the context of the debate on the Commission's proposal for a directive on the VAT rate applicable to floricultural and horticultural products, which in the meantime has been adopted.

The study examined three possibilities for creating employment by means of fiscal measures: a reduced VAT rate for selected (presumably labour-intensive) sectors, a reduction in the direct tax rate and reduced employer's social security contributions. All possibilities had to be revenue neutral and to this effect two compensatory measures were investigated: a general rise in the standard VAT rate and a rise in fuel duties.

The study concluded that the policy of a compensated reduction of VAT on selected services can generally be said to have only marginal employment effects, while no perceptible effects are obtained by the policy of a compensated reduction in direct taxation. In contrast, the compensated reduction in social security contributions does, on the whole, produce the most positive effects on employment.

It is also worth noting that, under current Community VAT legislation a wide range of services is exempt from VAT or taxed at a reduced rate, notably in the financial sector, in the health sector and in the field of transport.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0279/97 by Yvan Blot (NI) to the Commission (13 February 1997)

Subject: Protection of tobacco retailers in the Bas-Rhin department (France)

There are currently 490 tobacco retailers in the Bas-Rhin department, accounting for some 1 500 jobs. They serve as local shops providing a wide range of services, including the sale of, not only tobacco, but also road tax stickers and other tax stamps, phone cards, postage stamps and public transport tickets.

Tobacco retailers are faced with a whole series of problems: falling profits, rural depopulation, closure owing to the dangers they face in problem areas and illegal imports.

As a result of the increase in tobacco prices in France (+80% in 4 years owing to taxes), many customers buy their supplies over the border.

In view of these problems which are likely to become more serious and lead to bankruptcy for many tobacco retailers, what action does the Commission intend to take, in terms of indirect tax on tobaccoes and harmonization of excise duties, to prevent distortions of competition, especially in frontier regions?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (14 March 1997)

Current Community legislation on excise duties lays down minimum rates of duty for tobacco products. Member States are free to apply rates of their choosing provided that they respect these minima. In adopting this system, the Council considered that the combination of minimum rates and market forces would produce convergence of duty levels. It follows that Member States have considerable flexibility in relation to the taxation of tobacco products.

Under the relevant legislation, the minimum rates of excise duty must be reviewed every two years, taking account of the functioning of the internal market, the real value of the rates of duty and the wider Treaty objectives, on the basis of a report and, where appropriate, a proposal of the Commission. The first such report was presented to Parliament and the Council in 1995 ((COM(95) 285. )). However, proposals were deferred pending a wide-ranging consultation process. Parliament has since adopted an opinion on the report. The Commission's next report to Parliament and Council is due this year, and will, once again, take account of the operation of the internal market. It is important to note, however, that under the internal market a balance has to be struck between the desire to prevent distortions of competition and the right of the consumer to purchase goods in another Member State.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0630/97 by Lucio Manisco (GUE/NGL) to the Council (10 March 1997)

Subject: Human rights abuses in the United Kingdom's prisons

The conditions under which Irish political prisoners are held in the United Kingdom's prisons are extremely serious: family visits have been banned for months and the prisoners' lawyers have to talk to their clients in a locked room behind a glass screen. The authorities are continuing to refuse visits or medical attention even when the prisoners have serious medical conditions.

For example, after Patrick Kelly had finally received permission for a difficult operation to remove a tumour, he was transferred to the maximum-security prison at Whitemoor with no consideration given to the after-effects of the operation despite the fact that his doctors had informed the Home Secretary of their serious concern about the possibility of a recurrence of the tumour.

1. Does the Council not agree that the human rights abuses in the United Kingdom's prisons should be roundly condemned given that Irish prisoners, in particular, are being discriminated against and the most basic rights to care and to visits from relatives and lawyers are being denied?

2. What action does the Council intend to take to put an end to these human rights abuses?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0515/97, E-0630/97, E-1147/97 and E-1148/97 (27 May 1997)

The conditions in which prisoners are held in Member States' prisons are within the responsibility of the appropriate authorities of the Member States. The authorities of the Member State referred to in these questions have rejected entirely the allegations made. The Council recalls that all Member States are parties to the European Convention for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, signed in Rome on 4 November 1950 and all Member States are parties to the European Convention for the prevention of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment of 26 November 1987.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0864/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (12 March 1997)

Subject: The elderly and families

With regard to budget heading B3-4104: Measures for the elderly and families, can the Commission say whether subsidies have been granted for Italy and, if so, for which organizations and for which activities?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0858/97, E-0859/97, E-0860/97, E-0861/97, E-0862/97, E-0863/97, E-0864/97, E-0865/97, E-0866/97, E-0867/97, E-0868/97, E-0869/97, E-0870/97 and E-0871/97 given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (25 April 1997)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its findings as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0807/97 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (10 March 1997)

Subject: Community subsidies to associations, NGOs and various other bodies

With regard to heading B7-212 (Aid towards self-sufficiency and displaced persons in Asian and Latin American countries), can the Commission provide a complete list of associations, NGOs and other bodies benefiting from Community subsidies and the exact amount of these subsidies for the last completed budgetary year, i.e. 1996?

Reply given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (1 April 1997)

The measures financed by the Commission in 1996 from the allocations set aside in budget Article B7-212 (ex B7-3020) for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and various associations and bodies may be summarised as follows:

- of a total 44 projects jointly financed with NGOs, 17 were in Latin America and received ECU 5.93 million whilst 27 were in Asia and received ECU 19.35 million;

- of a total 13 projects jointly financed with the UNHCR, 2 were in Latin America and received ECU 1.19 million whilst 11 were in Asia and received ECU 18 million;

- of a total 9 projects jointly financed with other bodies, 8 were in Latin America and received ECU 13.96 million whilst one was in Asia and received ECU 0.5 million.

A full list of beneficiaries is being sent direct to the Honourable Member and Parliament's Secretariat-General.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0548/97 by Ulf Holm (V) to the Commission (21 February 1997)

Subject: Design of euro coins

In connection with the forthcoming design of the new euro currency, it has been reported in the Swedish media that euro coins will contain nickel. From the point of view of consumers' interests it would be very unfortunate if the coins were to contain nickel. Allergy to nickel is now the commonest form of contact allergy, more than one woman in ten being affected.

Is the Commission aware of this problem?

Does the Commission intend to take any action to ensure that euro coins are completely nickel-free?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0474/97 and E-0548/97 given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission (15 April 1997)

All the coin systems in the Member States include nickel in the composition of alloys used for the production of coins with the exception of Sweden. In certain cases an increase of allergic problems have been identified as resulting from permanent contact with coins containing nickel and these have given rise to concern.

The Commission examined very carefully the allergic reactions caused by nickel. The result of this examination led to a Directive (94/27/EC) ((OJ L 188, 22.7.1994. )) limiting the use of nickel in certain products. This Directive applies to objects which are in direct and permanent contact with the skin. Coins are not considered to fall under this category.

The current proposal of the mint directors already includes 4 coins (out of 8) which would be nickel free (1, 2, 5 and 50 cents). Following a demand by the Council, the mint directors are also examining the possibility of producing the 10 and 20 cents coins in a nickel free material (or alloy).

The Commission is furthermore preparing a proposal pursuant to Article 129 of the EC Treaty for a Parliament and Council decision for the adoption of a Community action programme on the prevention of pollution-related diseases. This proposal will seek to support activities aimed at preventing and reducing allergies.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0981/97 by Miguel Arias Cañete (PPE) to the Commission (17 March 1997)

Subject: EAGGF-Guarantee Fund in Greece

Can the Commission specify how much funding Greece received in total from the EAGGF-Guarantee Fund in 1996, giving a breakdown

per chapter (arable crops, sugar, fibre plants and silkworms, fruit and vegetables, other plant sectors or products, the vine-growing sector, tobacco, milk and milk products, beef and veal, sheepmeat and goatmeat, pigmeat, eggs and poultrymeat, other animal product aid measures, refunds on processed agricultural products, refunds in connection with EU food aid, the distribution of agricultural products to deprived persons in the Community, accompanying measures, rural development measures related to the operation of markets, other measures, income aid and the European Fisheries Guarantee Fund), and

per procedure (export refunds, compensatory pricing aid, 'area' aid, aid per head of stock, guidance premiums, private storage aid, withdrawal and similar operations, compensatory amounts, accompanying measures for reform of the CAP and public storage expenditure)?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0974/97, E-0975/97, E-0976/97, E-0977/97, E-0978/97, E-0979/97, E-0980/97, E-0981/97, E-0982/97, E-0983/97, E-0984/97, E-0985/97, E-0986/97, E-0987/97 and E-0988/97 given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (6 May 1997)

Because of the length of the answer, which includes a number of tables, the Commission is sending it direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0803/97 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (10 March 1997)

Subject: Community subsidies to associations, NGOs and various other bodies

With regard to heading B3-4113 (Measures to assist refugees), can the Commission provide a complete list of associations and other bodies benefiting from Community subsidies and the exact amount of these subsidies for the last completed budgetary year, i.e. 1996?

Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission (4 April 1997)

In 1996, budget line B3-4113 was designated for financing studies that deal with reception facilities as well as the repatriation of individuals who have fled civil wars. Furthermore, the budget line, amounting to a total of ECU 720 000, was intended to finance pilot projects that administer assistance in the hosting of asylum seekers and refugees as well as those that seek to facilitate voluntary repatriation. Finally, the budget line provided for the granting of a Community subsidy of ECU 220 000 to the European council on refugees and exiles (ECRE).

Besides the ECU 220 000 granted to ECRE as foreseen in the budget line, ECU 135 556 were granted to the university of Sussex for a study on the conditions for the return of displaced people from the Community. ECU 362 000 were granted to the International centre for migration policy development (ICMPD) to carry out a pilot project for the training, voluntary return and reintegration of small entrepreneurs and their families from Bosnia and Herzgovina who are displaced and residing in the Member States.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0810/97 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (10 March 1997)

Subject: Community subsidies to associations, NGOs and various other bodies

With regard to heading B7-600 (Community contribution towards schemes concerning developing countries carried out by non-governmental organizations), can the Commission provide a complete list of associations, NGOs and other bodies benefiting from Community subsidies and the exact amount of these subsidies for the last completed budgetary year, i.e. 1996?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission (7 April 1997)

Given the bulky nature of the documents in question, the information requested by the Honourable Member is being sent to him direct.

This information is published in full in annexes to the annual reports on cooperation with European non-governmental organizations which the Commission transmits to Parliament and the Council.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1047/97 by Iñigo Méndez de Vigo (PPE) to the Commission (19 March 1997)

Subject: Dispute between the EU and the USA over the Helms-Burton Act

1. In the Commission's view, what likelihood is there of reaching an agreement in the dispute between the EU and the USA over the Helms-Burton Act following the statements by Mr Eizenstat, the US Under-Secretary for international trade, to the effect that no WTO panel is competent to express views on matters affecting US national security and that the USA may possibly call for an exemption from the WTO on these grounds?

2. Does the Commission approve of the request for a one-week extension of the deadline for the appointment of the WTO panel which was issued by Sir Leon Brittan on the grounds that the USA 'also desires a solution'?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (17 April 1997)

The Commission's ultimate objective is the protection of European interests through the repeal or amendment of the Act. But in the short term those interests would be best served by a satisfactory comprehensive agreement with the United States protecting European companies from the extraterritorial effects of both the Helms Burton and d'Amato acts. Efforts are currently under way with a view to achieving this. Should such an agreement not be reached, the dispute settlement procedure will follow its course within the World trade organization (WTO).

The WTO panel has now been appointed. The Commission is aware of, but does not accept, recent American statements concerning the competence of the panel.