do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1175/96 by Gerhard SCHMID to the Commission. The FAIR research programme
Date: 1996-05-15
Institutions: European Parliament, SCHMID
Subjects: EU financing, agro-industry, agronomic research, aquaculture, fishery research, food technology, forestry research, research programme, silviculture













EUR-Lex - 91996E1175 - EN






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91996E1175

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1175/96 by Gerhard SCHMID to the Commission. The FAIR research programme  


Official Journal C 345 , 15/11/1996 P. 0036 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1175/96 by Gerhard Schmid (PSE) to the Commission (15 May 1996)Subject: The FAIR research programme1. Who has received grants, how much and for what projects in the period up to 1994 under the FAIR programme drawn up as part of the agriculture and fisheries research programme?2. What experts did the Commission consult when a decision was taken on providing support under the FAIR programme?Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (28 June 1996)1. The programme FAIR, agriculture and fisheries (including agro-industry, food-technologies, forestry, aquaculture and rural development) is one of the specific Community research programmes implementing the Fourth framework programme. It was adopted by Council Decision of 23 November 1994 ((OJ L 334, 22.12.94. )), and will run from the date of adoption to the end of 1998, with a total budget of 728 MECU.The first call for proposals was launched on 15 December 1994 and closed on 15 March 1995. Therefore, there were no FAIR research projects funded during 1994. As a result of the first call, a total of 114 projects were selected for funding by the Commission during 1995 (see also the answer to the written question E-207/96 by Mr Méndez de Vigo ((OJ C 173, 17.6.1996. ))). A list of all the selected projects with the titles and duration is sent directly to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat General of the Parliament.2. The experts consulted by the Commission, to evaluate the quality of the FAIR proposals submitted in response to the first call, were chosen on the basis of their scientific and technical quality from nominations suggested by the Member States, nominations from related industries, learned societies, and relevant associations, which make up the FAIR data base of experts.The experts for proposal evaluation have to sign an agreement which binds them to work independently and to keep the results of their deliberations confidential. In return, they are assured of anonymity to allow them to give their opinion freely without the possibility of being lobbied beforehand or criticised afterwards.Although, for these reasons, the allocation of proposals or programme areas to individual experts is not made public, the Honourable Member may ask to consult the full database of experts for the FAIR programme, if he so wishes.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1202/96 by Richard HOWITT to the Commission. Bosnian Muslim evacuees, temporarily resident in South Essex
Date: 1996-05-15
Institutions: European Parliament, HOWITT
Subjects: South East (England), aid to refugees, competence of the Member States, political refugee













EUR-Lex - 91996E1202 - EN






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91996E1202

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1202/96 by Richard HOWITT to the Commission. Bosnian Muslim evacuees, temporarily resident in South Essex  


Official Journal C 322 , 28/10/1996 P. 0041 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1202/96 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission (15 May 1996)Subject: Bosnian Muslim evacuees, temporarily resident in South EssexCould the Commission outline the residence status accorded to Bosnian evacuees in the various Member States of which it is aware, given that UNHCR has deemed that temporary protection should now be lifted? What number and proportion of evacuees are being offered permanent residence status in each case? Has the Commission had discussions with the British Government - and will it do so - concerning the offer of permanent residence status to Bosnian Muslim evacuees who are currently resident in my constituency in South Essex and who wish to acquire such status?Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission (24 June 1996)With regard to the conditions for the lifting of temporary protection for displaced persons from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United Nations High commissioner for refugees, Mrs Ogata, has renewed her previous assessment after an extensive field trip in the region. Based on the observations she made during that visit, Mrs Ogata stated at the Humanitarian issues working group of the peace implementation conference on 13 May 1996, that the situation regrettably still does not lend itself to the lifting of temporary protection.The residence status offered to displaced persons from Bosnia Herzegovina varies considerably between Member States, according to decisions to grant temporary protection to the displaced, or other forms of protection for which they may be eligible. Depending on national legislation and individual cases, Bosnians may be offered different residence status, such as 'exceptional leave to remain', various forms of temporary protection, special residence permits on humanitarian grounds, permanent residence permits, or refugee status. Member States have not provided the Commission with specific figures concerning numbers and proportions of Bosnians being offered permanent residence status.The decision to grant permanent residence status to third country nationals is a matter of competence of the Member States.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1196/96 by Richard HOWITT to the Commission. Toxic and hazardous waste at Westwick tip, Canvey, Essex
Date: 1996-05-15
Institutions: European Parliament, HOWITT
Subjects: EU financing, United Kingdom, dangerous substance, fund (EU), health risk, waste management, water pollution













EUR-Lex - 91996E1196 - EN






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91996E1196

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1196/96 by Richard HOWITT to the Commission. Toxic and hazardous waste at Westwick tip, Canvey, Essex  


Official Journal C 356 , 25/11/1996 P. 0016 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1196/96 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission (15 May 1996)Subject: Toxic and hazardous waste at Westwick tip, Canvey, EssexIs the Commission aware of the potential health threat caused by toxic and hazardous waste in the Westwick landfill site at Canvey Island, Essex, which was dumped there prior to the existence of regulations controlling such sites? Will the Commission investigate this problem, including possible leakage into the adjacent coastal waters, and state precisely which aspects of European law apply to the treatment of such a site and which European funding programmes might be available to assist in financing such work?Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (11 July 1996)The Commission is not aware of the existence of the tip referred to by the Honourable Member. It has therefore written to the British authorities to ask for more detailed information on the situation and on the way in which the provisions of Directive 75/442/EEC on waste, ((OJ L 194, 25.7.1975. )) as amended by Directive 91/156/EEC, ((OJ L 78, 26.3.1991. )) and of Directive 76/464/EEC concerning pollution caused in the aquatic environment of the Community, ((OJ L 129, 18.5.1976. )) are being applied in this particular case.The Commission will be able to give a more detailed answer once it has this information.The only Community fund which could be used in this case is the Cohesion Fund; however, the United Kingdom is not eligible for this.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1159/96 by Robin TEVERSON to the Commission. Directive 88/166/EEC on battery cages
Date: 1996-05-15
Institutions: European Parliament, TEVERSON
Subjects: competence of the Member States, intensive livestock farming, laying poultry, protection of animals, transport of animals, veterinary inspection, veterinary legislation













EUR-Lex - 91996E1159 - EN






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91996E1159

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1159/96 by Robin TEVERSON to the Commission. Directive 88/166/EEC on battery cages  


Official Journal C 345 , 15/11/1996 P. 0034 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1159/96 by Robin Teverson (ELDR) to the Commission (15 May 1996)Subject: Directive 88/166/EEC on battery cagesWhat steps has the Commission taken to ensure that Member States are implementing Directive 88/166/EEC ((OJ L 74, 19.3.1988, p. 83. )) on battery cages?Given that there is only one EU inspector on animal welfare, it is apparent that the Commission is not in a position to undertake inspections itself.How many national inspections have been carried out in each Member State and have penalties been imposed for failure to comply with the rules?Does the Commission intend to employ further EU inspectors to cover animal welfare, as one inspector is clearly insufficient?Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (7 June 1996)So far, the Commission has only one veterinary expert working in the field of animal welfare. His efforts and visits focus on the protection of animals during transport.Thus the Commission has not yet been able to start on-the-spot inspections in the field of the protection of laying hens in battery cages. The Commission is, however, ready to employ further veterinary experts to fulfil its obligations in the many other domains of animal welfare, if the necessary budgetary funds are made available.The Commission has no information about the number of inspections carried out concerning the protection of laying hens kept in battery cages nor about the penalties that have been imposed, as such activities fall within the competence of the Member States.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1196/96 by Richard HOWITT to the Commission. Toxic and hazardous waste at Westwick tip, Canvey, Essex (SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER)
Date: 1996-05-15
Institutions: European Parliament, HOWITT
Subjects: South East (England), domestic waste, environmental impact, environmental protection, industrial waste, public health, storage of waste, toxic substance, water pollution













EUR-Lex - 91996E1196(01) - EN






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91996E1196(01)

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1196/96 by Richard HOWITT to the Commission. Toxic and hazardous waste at Westwick tip, Canvey, Essex (SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER)  


Official Journal C 072 , 07/03/1997 P. 0007 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1196/96 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission (15 May 1996)Subject: Toxic and hazardous waste at Westwick tip, Canvey, EssexIs the Commission aware of the potential health threat caused by toxic and hazardous waste in the Westwick landfill site at Canvey Island, Essex, which was dumped there prior to the existence of regulations controlling such sites? Will the Commission investigate this problem, including possible leakage into the adjacent coastal waters, and state precisely which aspects of European law apply to the treatment of such a site and which European funding programmes might be available to assist in financing such work?Supplementary answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (21 November 1996)Further to its answer of 11 July 1996, the Commission is now able to provide the following additional information.The Westwick landfill site at Canvey Island, Essex, is known to have accepted industrial and household waste between 1935 and 1972, when it ceased operation. The disposal activities therefore came to an end before Directives 75/442/EEC ((OJ L 194, 25.7.1975. )) and 76/464/EEC ((OJ L 129, 18.5.1976. )) came into force.The Westwick landfill site is not the subject of specific monitoring by the United Kingdom environment agency. However, under section 84(2) of the Water resources act 1991, the agency has a duty to monitor the extent of pollution in controlled waters (including rivers and the sea up to three miles from the coast). Routine monitoring should reveal whether any incidence of pollution of the Thames or coastal waters was attributable to this site. The environment agency (and the national rivers authority before that) has no evidence of pollution of controlled waters from the Westwick site.As regards possible treatment of the site, the Honourable Member will know that there are no funds earmarked to assist in financing such work at Community level.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1180/96 by James PROVAN to the Commission. Debt in the developing countries
Date: 1996-05-15
Institutions: European Parliament, PROVAN
Subjects: European Development Fund, International Monetary Fund, developing countries, development aid, economic development, economic support, education, external debt, fourth Lomé Convention, public health













EUR-Lex - 91996E1180 - EN






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91996E1180

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1180/96 by James PROVAN to the Commission. Debt in the developing countries  


Official Journal C 297 , 08/10/1996 P. 0104 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1180/96 by James Provan (PPE) to the Commission (15 May 1996)Subject: Debt in the developing countriesIs the Commission considering proposals to reduce the international debt cost faced by many developing countries, so that programmes for healthcare and education can be funded and economic development allowed to begin?Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission (17 June 1996)The Commission is concerned with the debt burden faced by many developing countries and that of the heavily indebted countries in particular. Their debt can be considered an obstacle to development, since debt service takes up a large part of scarce budget resources. The Commission is closely following the debt situation of the ACP countries and is taking a keen interest in the recent proposal by the International monetary fund and the World bank for further debt relief for the heavily indebted poor countries with an unsustainable debt burden.The Community has in various international forums endeavoured to obtain a more systematic consideration of the debt problems of the developing countries and has already taken measures to reduce the debt burden of the ACP states. Since Lomé IV, all European development fund assistance, except risk capital, is given in grant form. Furthermore, during the mid-term revision of the Lomé IV convention, the Community reaffirmed its willingness to contribute constructively and actively to the alleviation of the debt burden of the ACP states and decided to transform into grants all special loans under previous conventions which had not yet been committed. Thus, another 150 MECU became available to these countries in grant form.In more general terms, it is important to mobilize and maintain aid flows to the heavily indebted countries, while not diverting resources from other developing countries. The Community is a large donor of development assistance to many of the heavily indebted developing countries. Through its development assistance and its structural adjustment support in particular, technical assistance and its policy dialogue with the developing countries, the Community is supporting these countries' efforts to undertake economic reforms with a view to achieve sustained growth and development. The Community in its support for structural adjustment gives strong emphasis to support to health and education expenditures and 70% of counterpart funds from the Community support for structural adjustment are channelled to these sectors.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1203/96 by Richard HOWITT to the Commission. Bosnian Muslim evacuees, temporarily resident in South Essex
Date: 1996-05-15
Institutions: European Parliament, HOWITT
Subjects: United Kingdom, aid to refugees, refugee, return migration













EUR-Lex - 91996E1203 - EN






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91996E1203

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1203/96 by Richard HOWITT to the Commission. Bosnian Muslim evacuees, temporarily resident in South Essex  


Official Journal C 305 , 15/10/1996 P. 0061 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1203/96 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission (15 May 1996)Subject: Bosnian Muslim evacuees, temporarily resident in South EssexWhat discussions has the Commission had with UNHCR and other agencies and what aid it is providing to ensure the safe return of Bosnian Muslim evacuees who are currently temporarily resident in my constituency to the Serb-occupied towns of Prijelor and Kozarac? What guarantees, and what mechanisms to enforce them is the Commission seeking regarding the future safety of returnees? Will aid provided ensure individual financial assistance to returnees to rebuild homes which have been bombed and damaged by fire?Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (3 July 1996)In annex 7 of the Dayton peace agreement the United Nations High commissioner for refugees (UNHCR) has been entrusted with the general mandate of planning and coordinating the return of the displaced people and refugees. To this end, the UNHCR presented on 8 March 1996 in Oslo an 'operational plan for durable solutions' outlining the strategy for the return movements. The Commission fully supports and is fully engaged in all aspects relating to the UNHCR plan, following the support expressed by the Council on 25 March 1996.Both within the Community and in its contacts with the UNHCR and all parties concerned, the Commission aims at a concerted position on the conditions for a possible lifting of the temporary protection and ways of encouraging the return of refugees and displaced people.Having already contributed 53 MECU, the Commission is also one of the main funders of the recent November 1995 - December 1996 UNHCR appeal for former Yugoslavia. As the main donor of humanitarian aid to former Yugoslavia, the Commission largely contributes to the creation of conditions encouraging return. In order to assure the coordination and the efficiency of the aid programmes, there are frequent contacts between the Commission and UNHCR, both in the field and between Brussels and Geneva.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1147/96 by Jan MULDER to the Commission. The use of raw materials of agricultural origin for industrial purposes (repeat question)
Date: 1996-05-15
Institutions: European Parliament, MULDER
Subjects: environmental impact, environmental protection, impact study, invitation to tender, research project, substitute fuel













EUR-Lex - 91996E1147 - EN






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91996E1147

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1147/96 by Jan MULDER to the Commission. The use of raw materials of agricultural origin for industrial purposes (repeat question)  


Official Journal C 322 , 28/10/1996 P. 0035 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1147/96 by Jan Mulder (ELDR) to the Commission (15 May 1996)Subject: The use of raw materials of agricultural origin for industrial purposes (repeat question)In response to the Commission's answer to my written question E-0678/96 ((OJ C 280, 25.9.1996, p.62. )), I hereby retable the questions in another form, since the Commission obviously preferred not to reply to the majority of the questions I asked on the first occasion.The Commission takes the view that the use of agricultural raw materials for industrial purposes should be promoted. The environmental movement periodically voices criticisms to the effect that the environmental gains from the use of raw materials of agricultural origin are lost because of the intensive cultivation methods used for these agricultural products. In the case of energy production the Commission states that the precise environmental effect has still to be investigated.1. Is the Commission prepared to finance such investigations or to share their financing with other appropriate bodies?Other products which can be made from raw materials of agricultural origin are plant-based lubricants, biodegradable plastics and fibres of plant origin.2. Does the Commission have figures showing the environmental gains from the use of such products?3. If not, is the Commission prepared to fund or co-fund such investigations so that the advantages and disadvantages of the use of such products can be more clearly understood?Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (14 June 1996)The honourable member is referred to the answer the Commission gave to his written question E-678/96, which stated that research into the precise environmental impact of growing crops as an energy resource was still in progress and that it would therefore be premature to draw conclusions.As part of the Fair agricultural research programme, the Commission is part-financing research into the cultivation and processing of non-food crops. Two calls for tender under the 1995-98 Fair programme resulted in the selection of a number of research projects on topics including the environmental impact of cultivating and processing non-food crops.Two more calls for tender are planned, for December 1996 and December 1997. The report on environmental impact will play a key role in the selection of future research projects.