do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2706/97 by Ian WHITE to the Commission. Commission response to Written Question E-1954/97
Date: 1997-09-01
Institutions: European Parliament, WHITE
Subjects: EU Member State, EU publication, European Commission, access to information, allergy, exchange of information, toxic substance

C 102/98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

3. 4. 98

(98/C 102/141)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2706/97

by Ian White (PSE) to the Commission

(1 September 1997)

Subject: Commission response to Written Question E-1954/97

The third part Question E-1954/97 (1) asked whether the information requested of the Member States was yet
available. Given that (cid:145)to date, nine Member States have replied(cid:146), would the Commission advise whether these
nine responses are available to the Honourable Member?

(1)  OJ C 391, 23.12.1997, p. 145.

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

(21 October 1997)

The  Commission’s  letter  of  18  September  1996  calling  on  the  national  authorities  to  supply  the  information
available on toxic shock syndrome (TSS) had the avowed aim of enabling the Commission to establish basic
documentation.

Given that any other use of the material collected in this way requires the agreement of the national authorities,
and  that  the  rules  of  application  of  the  Decision  of  8  February  1994  on  improving  access  to  Commission
documents (1) provide that when a document does not come from the Commission but, for example, from public
authorities,  private  individuals,  etc.,  the  requester  of  the  document  must  be  asked  to  contact  the  source,  the
Commission  is  therefore  unable  (cid:150)  under  the  current  circumstances  (cid:150)  to  pass  on  the  replies  received  to  the
Honourable Member.

However,  in  a  spirit  of  cooperation,  the  Commission  is  sending  directly  to  the  Honourable  Member  and  the
Secretariat-General  of  the  Parliament  a  summary  of  the  ten  replies  received  (one  additional  reply  has  been
received since the Commission answered written question E-1954/97 from the Honourable Member).

(1)  OJ L 46 of 18.2.1994.

(98/C 102/142)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2707/97

by Glenys Kinnock (PSE) to the Commission

(1 September 1997)

Subject: European fire-fighting practices

Does the Commission have any jurisdiction over the methods used in Member States to prepare fire-fighters for
rescue operations?

Does the Commission have any data on the practices adopted in Member States when an individual fire-fighter is
endeavouring to rescue an unconscious victim and remove him/her to a place of safety?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(24 September 1997)

The Commission does not have any legal competence in the field of training within the national rescue services.

However,  the  Commission  has  in  the  past  supported  training  activities  organised  by  Member  States  at
Community level using budget line B4-3300. In this framework, an exchange of experience and information
among the participants took place.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2779/97 by Luigi FLORIO to the Commission. The justice system in Italy
Date: 1997-09-01
Institutions: European Parliament, FLORIO
Subjects: EU Member State, European judicial area, Italy, competence of the Member States, judicial cooperation, judicial reform, legal system, single market













EUR-Lex - 91997E2779 - EN






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91997E2779

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2779/97 by Luigi FLORIO to the Commission. The justice system in Italy  


Official Journal C 102 , 03/04/1998 P. 0117 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-2779/97 by Luigi Florio (UPE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)Subject: The justice system in Italy1. Is the Commission aware of the serious deterioration in the system of justice - civil, penal and administrative - in Italy?2. Is it aware of the unacceptable length of proceedings, the increasingly obvious politicization of a substantial section of the magistrature and the feuds between certain legal offices?3. Does it not consider that this situation, which has led to almost universal distrust in the State's ability to ensure that justice is done, is creating serious problems for Italy, even in the economic sphere, entailing undoubted disadvantages and greater risks for anybody operating in Italy, and thereby also jeopardizing the proper functioning of the single market?4. Does it consider it should put forward proposals aimed at reestablishing a more 'neutral' and rapid justice system, more in line with that in other EU countries, since the Union's objectives under the Maastricht Treaty include the development of close cooperation in the sphere of justice?Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission (30 September 1997)The Commission has noted the concerns expressed by the Honourable Member.As the Honourable Member mentions, judicial cooperation between the Member States is a matter of common interest under Article K.1 of the Treaty on European Union. Once the Amsterdam Treaty comes into force, judicial cooperation in civil matters will be covered by Article E of a new Chapter in the EC Treaty entitled 'Progressive establishment of an area of freedom, security and justice'.However, the Commission would point out that the aim of judicial cooperation is to enable the national legislative systems in the Union to operate in a coordinated and harmonious way. It is not intended to remedy shortcomings in the administration of justice or politicisation of the judiciary. These matters fall within the competence of the Member States and the Commission does not intend to put forward the proposals suggested by the Honourable Member.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2833/97 by Nuala AHERN to the Commission. Khmelnitski Unit 2 and Rovno Unit 4 in Ukraine (k2/r4) and the Nuclear Safety Account at EBRD
Date: 1997-09-01
Institutions: AHERN, European Parliament
Subjects: EBRD, EU financing, Euratom loan, Ukraine, industrial credit, nuclear power station, nuclear reactor, nuclear safety

C 102/132

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

3. 4. 98

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(23 September 1997)

The Commission is not aware of any steps against Dr Viel. Any such steps would be a matter to be dealt with
under French law. The Commission would have no competence in such a matter.

As  regards  an  investigation  of  the  Cap  de  la  Hague  reprocessing  plant  by  the  Commission,  the  Honourable
Member is asked to refer to the reply it gave to written question P-2494/97 by M. Smith (1).

(1)  OJ C 60, 25.2.1998, p. 135.

(98/C 102/198)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2833/97

by Nuala Ahern (V) to the Commission

(1 September 1997)

Subject: Khmelnitski Unit 2 and Rovno Unit 4 in Ukraine (k2/r4) and the Nuclear Safety Account at EBRD

What position has the Commission taken within the Nuclear Safety Account of the EBRD, where the purpose is
to increase reactor safety in the East, on its decision concerning the proposed completion of the nuclear reactors
in the Ukraine, since the Union is a contributor to the Nuclear Safety Account?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(3 October 1997)

The proposed completion of the two nuclear reactors in Ukraine (project R4/K2) is not a project of the nuclear
safety account of the European bank for reconstruction and development (EBRD).

Ukraine  has  introduced  a  request  for  loan  financing  of  this  project  under  the  EBRD(cid:146)s  normal  operations.
Financing is also envisaged under the Euratom loan facility in accordance with the established procedures.

(98/C 102/199)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2835/97

by Wolfgang Kreissl-Do¤rfler (V) to the Commission

(1 September 1997)

Subject: The EEC-CIH agreement on harbours in relation to the Hidrovia project

In a previous written question (E-1689/97) (1) I asked the Commission for information on the agreement signed
by the Commission and the Intergovernmental  Committee  on  the  Hidrovia  (CIH),  the  contract  signed  by  the
Commission with the European company Roggemarine and the terms of reference of the study commissioned
from this company.

The Commission informs me that the contract signed with the European company was signed on 20 December
1996, i.e. ten days after the Commission had signed the agreement with the Intergovernmental Committee on the
Hidrovia (CIH).

I should like to know how the Commission was able to complete the call for tenders procedure (Article 113 of the
Financial Regulation) in such a short time.

The  Commission  has  also  supplied  me  with  some  information  regarding  the  environmental  section  of  the
contract signed with Roggemarine. We thank the Commission for this information, but would nevertheless like
precise information about the terms of reference of the study or, preferably, the text itself.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2735/97 by José HAPPART to the Commission. Flax production in the United Kingdom
Date: 1997-09-01
Institutions: European Parliament, HAPPART
Subjects: EAGGF Guarantee Section, United Kingdom, aid per hectare, aid system, aid to agriculture, flax, processing industry, production aid, seed flax, textile industry













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91997E2735

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2735/97 by José HAPPART to the Commission. Flax production in the United Kingdom  


Official Journal C 082 , 17/03/1998 P. 0134 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-2735/97 by José Happart (PSE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)Subject: Flax production in the United KingdomCouncil Regulation (EEC) No 1308/70 ((OJ L 146, 4.7.1970, p. 1. )) concerns the common organization of the market in flax. A promotional programme defines the strategy of granting aid per hectare to the Member States of the European Union.With regard to the United Kingdom, how many hectares under flax have received the European Union premium as regards:- the textiles sector- the oils sector?How many hectares are actually harvested?Which industries process the product?Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (16 September 1997)The areas planted to flax (fibre and oilseed) in the United Kingdom which received Community aid in the last five years are as follows:>TABLE>It should be noted that only fibre flax (i.e. flax intended principally for the production of fibres) is covered by Council Regulation (EEC) No 1308/70. From 1993 oilseed flax has received compensatory aid for arable crops.As to the number of hectares actually harvested, it should be noted that the rules on fibre flax include an obligation to harvest but those on compensatory aid for arable crops (including oilseed flax) do not. The Commission therefore has no statistics on the number of hectares of oilseed flax harvested in the United Kingdom.The Commission carried out on-the-spot checks on aid to fibre flax in the United Kingdom in September 1995 and January 1996. On one of the three holdings visited, it was found that the harvest had not yet taken place at the end of September. The findings of these checks will be considered in the context of the procedure for the clearance of the accounts of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund - Guarantee Section.These checks also found that flax straw is not usually processed into fibre. As a result the Commission proposed to the Council the introduction of a system of compulsory contracts between growers and approved processors which would include an undertaking to process. The Council adopted this proposal (Regulation (EC) No 154/97 laying down general rules for granting aid for flax and hemp ((OJ L 27, 30.1.1997. ))). This means that from this year the actual processing of straw into fibre is a condition for the granting of aid.In the United Kingdom there are two factories which process flax straw into short fibres. These are used mainly to produce paper, geotextiles and some items used in motor vehicle manufacture.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2723/97 by Jesús CABEZÓN ALONSO to the Commission. Restoration of the bay of Santander
Date: 1997-09-01
Institutions: CABEZON ALONSO, European Parliament
Subjects: Cohesion Fund, EU financing, European Regional Development Fund, Spain, decontamination, gulf













EUR-Lex - 91997E2723 - EN






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91997E2723

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2723/97 by Jesús CABEZÓN ALONSO to the Commission. Restoration of the bay of Santander  


Official Journal C 158 , 25/05/1998 P. 0012 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-2723/97 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso (PSE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)Subject: Restoration of the bay of SantanderWork on the complete restoration of the bay of Santander is to commence shortly.The work is scheduled to be carried out in three phases and the total cost of the project will be more than PTA 14 billion. Contracts for the first of these three phases have already been awarded.What share of the total sum is to be cofinanced by the European Union?Under which funds (ERDF or Cohesion) or budget heading will such cofinancing take place?Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (15 October 1997)On 3 May 1996 the Spanish authorities sent the Commission an application for part-finance for work on the first stage of the project 'Complete rehabilitation of Santander Bay '. The budget for this stage was estimated at PTA 4 030 million. The Commission took a decision approving thes application on 14 July 1997. The European Regional Development Fund will contribute part-finance of ECU 17.72 million (PTA 2 821 million) towards the total volume of the first stage, which is ECU 25.32 million.An application for part-finance from the Cohesion Fund for the second stage of the project, which will cost PTA 4 750 million, was submitted on 29 April 1997. This is now being considered.Spain has provided the Commission with no information on finance for the third stage of the project.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2669/97 by Kirsi PIHA to the Commission. Problems with the announcement of the Commission's Agenda 2000 programme
Date: 1997-09-01
Institutions: European Parliament, PIHA
Subjects: EC opinion, EU policy, EU programme, European Commission, accession to the European Union, communications policy

C 102/86

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

3. 4. 98

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-2666/97 and E-2752/97

(7 November 1997)

The  Council  would  ask  the  Honourable  Members  to  kindly  refer  to  the  reply  given  to  Written  Question
No E-1515/97 (1).

(1)  See page 3.

(98/C 102/124)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2667/97

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(1 September 1997)

Subject: Survival and protection of the Cretan tracker dog

The  (cid:145)Cretan  tracker(cid:146)  is  a  Cretan  dog  to  which  there  are  countless  references  in  ancient  literature  as  well  as
pictorial representations testifying to its presence on the island since Minoan times. These descriptions together
with  later  accounts  written  by  travellers  to  the  region  are  highly  admiring  of  the  dog(cid:146)s  tracking  ability,  its
relationship to people and its unique appearance.

As this species of dog › which is part of the historic fauna of Crete › is falling in numbers day by day and is
liable to die out, will the Commission say:

1.  what measures could be taken to classify the Cretan tracker dog as an animal in danger of extinction, and

2.  what other measures could be taken to provide funding to protect the dog and help it survive?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(3 October 1997)

Council Directive 92/43/EEC (1) on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora lists habitat
types  and  species,  including  animal  species  in  danger  of  extinction,  requiring  special  management  and
conservation actions. The Cretan tracker dog is not included in these annexes which only refer to wild species.

Work  on  protection  and  preservation  of  the  Cretan  tracker  dog  would  not  be  eligible  for  support  under
Regulation (EC) No 1467/94 on the conservation, characterisation, collection and utilisation of genetic resources
in agriculture (2).

(1)  OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.
(2)  OJ L 159, 28.6.1994.

(98/C 102/125)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2669/97

by Kirsi Piha (PPE) to the Commission

(1 September 1997)

Subject: Problems with the announcement of the Commission(cid:146)s Agenda 2000 programme

On 16 July 1997, the Commission announced to the European Parliament the Agenda 2000 programme, which
contains  opinions  about  the  state  of  readiness  of  the  individual  applicant  countries  to  enter  into  accession
negotiations with the European Union. However, anyone who had been following the media would have known
the substance of the opinions well in advance, as European news agencies, referring to Commission sources, had
carried details of the assessment.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2826/97 by Anita POLLACK to the Commission. PVC
Date: 1997-09-01
Institutions: European Parliament, POLLACK
Subjects: building materials, building safety, environmental protection, plastics, product safety, public health, safety standard, technical standard, waste management

3. 4. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 102/131

Accordingly,  the  notion  of  discarding  is  decisive  for  the  status  of  used  textiles.  The  notion  of  discarding
comprises  both  disposal  and  recovery  operations  as  well  as  operations  leading  to  disposal  or  recovery.
Consequently,  used  textiles  destined  for  textile  recycling  have  to  be  described  as  discarded.  Therefore  these
textiles are waste under Article 1a) of Directive 75/442/EEC. Storage of these materials constitutes storage of
waste. However, a recycling industry deposit for the storage of waste can not be described as a waste dump.

(1)  OJ C 76, 11.3.1997.
(2)  OJ L 194, 25.7.1975.

(98/C 102/196)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2826/97

by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission

(1 September 1997)

Subject: PVC

What is the view of the Commission as to the safety of the use of PVC as a building material?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann au nom de la Commission

(25 September 1997)

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is widely used as a building material, for applications such as window frames, pipes,
floor and wall coverings and cables. Building applications account for over half of the Community PVC market
(55 % in 1995).

PVC products used in construction, as for those products manufactured with any other material, must meet the
applicable technical regulations on safety. The fact that the material used is PVC and not any other material does
not make a difference in this respect.

The Honourable Member may be interested to know that the Commission is committed to consider the evidence
regarding the environmental aspects relating to the presence of PVC in waste streams and, on the basis of this
evidence, will review its policy regarding PVC in waste streams and will come forward with proposals to address
problems which may arise in this regard, where this is justified on environmental or health grounds.

(98/C 102/197)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2830/97

by Nuala Ahern (V) to the Commission

(1 September 1997)

Subject: Steps being taken in France against Dr Jean-Fran(cid:231)ois Viel

Is the Commission aware of steps being taken in France against Dr Jean-Fran(cid:231)ois Viel, alleging that his scientific
studies on leukemia clusters at Cap La Hague are affecting property prices in the area? If this evidence on such a
critical matter for cross-border public health and the environment is so strong as to be published in the British
Medical Journal, surely the reprocessing plant itself should be immediately investigated by the Commission,
rather than having the scientific reporting of facts undermined in this way?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2694/97 by Mark WATTS to the Commission. Restriction of vitamin and mineral preparations to Recommended Daily Allowance
Date: 1997-09-01
Institutions: European Parliament, WATTS
Subjects: EU law, consumer protection, marketing, pharmaceutical product, vitamin

C 102/92

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

3. 4. 98

Answer

(10 November 1997)

Following the Opinion of the European Parliament, the Commission has presented an amended proposal for a
Council Directive to introduce rational planning techniques in the electricity and gas distribution sectors (1).  The
relevant Council bodies have begun examining that amended proposal.

(1)  OJ C 180, 14.6.1997, p. 37.

(98/C 102/133)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2694/97

by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission

(1 September 1997)

Subject: Restriction of vitamin and mineral preparations to Recommended Daily Allowance

Is there a European Union ruling restricting the availability of vitamin and mineral preparations to quantities not
exceeding the Recommended Daily Allowance?

If so, what is the reasoning behind such a restriction, as this is surely a matter which comes down to consumer
choice?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(29 September 1997)

There are no Community rules at present on the manufacture of or trade in the preparations referred to by the
Honourable Member.

However, the vast majority of Member States and a large number of representatives from economic and social
circles have made it quite clear to the Commission that they perceive an urgent need for such rules to be put in
place.

Since broad consultation of those involved is essential in this sector, a discussion paper has been drawn up and
widely disseminated. Comments are expected by the end of September 1997 at the latest.

(98/C 102/134)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2695/97

by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission

(1 September 1997)

Subject: Floods and environmental protection

As well as being caused by meteorological factors in the narrow sense, the latest floods in various parts of Europe
and those which have occurred over the last few years in Italy and elsewhere have in many cases resulted from
disturbances brought about by criminal policies that ruin the environment. According to a recent survey of the
banks of the river Adda in Valtellina conducted by the Lombardy branch of the WWF, 690 buildings and smaller
works,  including  376  homes  and  91  factories,  are  exposed  to  the  risk  of  flooding.  These  findings  patently
demonstrate that there is no policy of prevention on the ground, thus offering an inducement to build on the
banks in areas bordering the river.

In view of the grave dangers posed by this situation, will the Commission:

1.  monitor hydrogeological risks, having regard to the conditions required for a safe environment?

2.  propose that prior checks be carried out to ensure that forward urban development planning is compatible

with the geological state of the terrain, especially in regions most at risk when rivers burst their banks?