WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1939/97 by Kirsten JENSEN , John IVERSEN to the Commission. Swine fever
Date: 1997-06-04
Institutions: European Parliament, IVERSEN, JENSEN KIRSTEN
Subjects: animal plague, animal welfare, intensive livestock farming, protection of animals, swine, veterinary legislation

22. 1. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 21/123

(98/C 21/236)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1939/97

by Kirsten Jensen (PSE) and John Iversen (PSE) to the Commission

(4 June 1997)

Subject: Swine fever

On  Monday,  12  May  1997,  Dutch  newspapers  carried  reports  on  the  deplorable  conditions  in  which  pigs
suffering from swine fever are kept. Pigs had fallen through a hatchway in their sty into their own excrement, in
which they drowned. A photographer had his camera taken off him by the police.

Does the Commission believe that sick animals should be treated decently?

Will it take the initiative and submit a Green Paper on animal welfare in the EU?

Does it intend to investigate why the public is not allowed to find out about such conditions and why the Dutch
photographer was not allowed to publish his pictures?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(26 June 1997)

The  only  Community  legislation  currently  in  force  concerning  the  welfare  of  pigs  on  farms  is  provided  by
Council  Directive  91/630/EEC,  of  19  November  1991  laying  down  minimum  standards  for  the  protection  of
pigs (1). The Annex to the Directive (Chapter I, point 6) requires that all pigs reared in groups or in stalls must be
inspected by the owner or the person responsible for the animals at least once a day. Any pig which appears to be
ill or injured must be treated appropriately without delay. It should be possible, wherever necessary, to isolate
sick  or  injured  pigs  in  adequate  accommodation  with  dry,  comfortable  bedding.  Veterinary  advice  must  be
obtained as soon as possible for pigs which are not responding to the stock-keeper’s care.

In relation to future developments with regard to the welfare of pigs, the Commission would draw attention to
Article 6 of Directive 91/630/EEC which requires the Commission to submit a report to the Council drawn up on
the basis of an opinion from the scientific veterinary committee on the welfare aspects of intensive pig rearing
systems. It is anticipated that the scientific veterinary committee will complete its report by the end of July this
year.

The question of access by press photographers to private premises is governed by the law of the Member State
concerned.

(1)  OJ L 340, 11.12.1991.

(98/C 21/237)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1946/97

by Sebastiano Musumeci (NI) to the Commission

(4 June 1997)

Subject: Cuts in EU funds for tourism in Italy

At  a  recent  high-level  meeting  held  at  the  Sicily  Region  headquarters  the  representatives  of  the  EU
Directorate-General  for  Regional  Policy  apparently  threatened  to  reduce  the  budget  for  Sicilian  tourism,
established under the 94-99 MGP, and to redirect Community aid to other uses.

The feared cuts would deprive the island of some Lit 90 bn, thereby undermining the efforts of many hotel groups
which have for some time ben making the necessary arrangements to benefit from EU support for upgrading
facilities and complying with safety standards.

The drastic cuts which have been announced are apparently in response to cases of alleged mismanagement by
the Sicily Regional Council and are therefore a disproportionate reaction, given the harm they would cause.

Will the Commission confirm the statements made in Palermo by Community officials? If so, does it not consider
that alternative solutions should be adopted that do not further penalize an (cid:145)Objective 1(cid:146) region which is fighting
for its own socio-economic recovery, focusing primarily on the tourist sector?