do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3171/98 by Marlies MOSIEK-URBAHN EU aid for Hesse from the Social Fund and Regional Fund (SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER)
Date: 1998-10-27
Institutions: European Parliament, MOSIEK-URBAHN
Subjects: European Regional Development Fund, European Social Fund, Hesse, aid recipient, economic development, exchange of information, financial aid, regional development, use of aid

C 325/2

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

12.11.1999

(1999/C 325/002)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3171/98

by Marlies Mosiek-Urbahn (PPE) to the Commission

Subject: EU aid for Hesse from the Social Fund and Regional Fund

(27 October 1998)

Can the Commission provide information on economic and regional aid from the EU to the Federal German
Land of Hesse:

1. What was the level of EU structural aid funding received by this region in 1997, broken down by fund and

Community initiatives?

2. How much of this went to the agricultural sector?

3. How many jobs were created in Hesse in 1997 with the aid of economic and regional aid from the EU?

4. What EU structural aid funding was received by comparable regions in other Member States of the

Community in 1997?

5. How many jobs were created in comparable regions in other Member States of the Community in 1997

with the aid of economic and regional aid from the EU?

Supplementary answer
given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

(1 March 1999)

In view of the length of its answer, the Commission is sending it direct to the Honourable Member and to
Parliament’s Secretariat.

(1999/C 325/003)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3175/98

by John Iversen (PSE) to the Commission

(12 October 1998)

Subject: Directive on zoonoses

By 1 September 1997 the Member States were supposed to have adopted the necessary laws and
administrative provisions to comply with the directive on zoonoses. Which Member States met this
requirement or have in the meantime done so?

What action has the Commission taken to discharge its duty to ensure implementation of EU rules in those
Member States that have not satisfied this requirement?

By 1 November 1997 the Commission was supposed to have submitted to the Council a report accompanied
by appropriate proposals for combating zoonoses. Why has it not complied with this provision?

When does it intend to submit the report and proposals?

By 1 January 1998 the Member States were supposed to have implemented the minimum measures laid down
in the directive on zoonoses. Which Member States met this requirement or have in the meantime done so?
What action has the Commission taken to discharge its duty to ensure implementation of EU rules in those
Member States that have not satisfied this requirement?

By 1 March 1998 the Member States were supposed to have submitted to the Commission a plan setting out
the national measures which they have implemented or intend to implement in order to achieve the objectives
laid down in the directive on zoonoses. Which Member States met this requirement or have in the meantime
done so? What action has the Commission taken to discharge its duty to ensure implementation of EU rules in
those Member States that have not satisfied this requirement?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3171/98 by Marlies MOSIEK-URBAHN to the Commission. EU aid for Hesse from the Social Fund and Regional Fund
Date: 1998-10-27
Institutions: European Parliament, MOSIEK-URBAHN
Subjects: European Regional Development Fund, European Social Fund, Germany, aid to agriculture, economic development, regional development

8.4.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 96/163

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 1998)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question P-2587/98 by Mr von
Habsburg (1).

(1) See page 118.

(1999/C 96/237)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3161/98

by Antonio Tajani (PPE) to the Commission

(12 October 1998)

Subject: Video games and protection of the rights of citizen and political leader Silvio Berlusconi

Is the Commission aware that in many amusement arcades for young people there is an Austrian-made video
game (Photo Play 2000 Trivial Pursuit › Fun World › Brunnenweg, A › 4810 Gmunden, Austria ) in which
players have to answer questions, one of which is: (cid:145)Who was the first Italian crook to be arrested in the notorious
bribes scandal known as Tangentopoli?(cid:146), there being a choice of three replies: Silvio Berlusconi, Bettino Craxi, or
Mario Chiesa (the correct reply)?

What measures does the Commission intend to take to withdraw from the market a game which suggests to young
people that the leader of the opposition in Italy might be a crook arrested for political corruption?

Does the Commission not believe that there has been an infringement of the rights of European citizen and
politician, Silvio Berlusconi, whose political strength is represented in the European Parliament by the largest
Italian delegation?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

(23 October 1998)

The Commission takes the view that it has no jurisdiction in this matter.

(1999/C 96/238)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3171/98

by Marlies Mosiek-Urbahn (PPE) to the Commission

(27 October 1998)

Subject: EU aid for Hesse from the Social Fund and Regional Fund

Can the Commission provide information on economic and regional aid from the EU to the Federal German Land
of Hesse:

1. What was the level of EU structural aid funding received by this region in 1997, broken down by fund and

Community initiatives?

2. How much of this went to the agricultural sector?

3. How many jobs were created in Hesse in 1997 with the aid of economic and regional aid from the EU?

4. What EU structural aid funding was received by comparable regions in other Member States of the

Community in 1997?

5. How many jobs were created in comparable regions in other Member States of the Community in 1997 with

the aid of economic and regional aid from the EU?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3180/98 by Ian WHITE to the Commission. Financial contributions to the European Union
Date: 1998-10-27
Institutions: European Parliament, WHITE
Subjects: Community budget, EU expenditure, Member States' contribution, administrative expenditure (EU), budgetary procedure, costing, financial year, financing of the EU budget, operating cost, own resources

21.5.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 142/101

Under these circumstances, it cannot be ruled out that a person who receives a German pension but, for
example, resides in and receives a pension from his or her Member State of origin may not be entitled to
export German care benefits.

(1) OJ L 149, 5.7.1971.

(1999/C 142/123)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3166/98

by Raimo Ilaskivi (PPE) and Jyrki Otila (PPE) to the Council

(22 October 1998)

Subject: Council official’s attitude towards the European Parliament

On 3 October 1998, a report by Mikko Numminen appeared on pages 22-23 of the weekend supplement to
the Ilta-Sanomat, a Finnish newspaper, under the headline ‘Lost in the house of Europe’. Among other
things, the article quotes the views of Council officials concerning the position of the European
Parliament. According to the article, Director-General Sixten Korkman is scathing about the European
Parliament, which he describes as being primarily a nuisance.

This statement displays lack of judgment, as well as deep contempt for the EU’s only democratically
elected institution. What is worse, it does nothing to dispel the prejudices against the EU in the minds of
many citizens in various Member States.

Are Mr Korkman’s views widely shared within the Council? Should he have failed to reflect the Council’s
position accurately, what action will the Council take in response to this statement and with regard to
Mr Korkman?

Reply

(18/19 January 1999)

It is not the practice of the Council to comment on newspaper reports such as that referred to by the
Honourable Members. The Council wishes however to emphasise that the remarks of officials of the
General Secretariat of the Council, whatever their nature, are in no way attributable to the Council.

The Council, as well as its General Secretariat, attaches the utmost importance to the role of the European
Parliament and to good relations between the European Parliament and the Council.

(1999/C 142/124)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3180/98

by Ian White (PSE) to the Commission

(27 October 1998)

Subject: Financial contributions to the European Union

How much (in ecus) did each EU Member State contribute to the European Union in the year to 31 March
1997 and how much (in ecus) did each Member State receive from the European Union?

The answer should clearly specify the method of attributing the cost of collaborative or joint activities, the
benefits of which are enjoyed by all Member States, such as the cost of running the European Parliament.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3178/98 by Christian ROVSING to the Commission. Medicine residues in horse meat
Date: 1998-10-27
Institutions: European Parliament, ROVSING
Subjects: health control, horsemeat, human nutrition, veterinary drug

8.4.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 96/165

(1999/C 96/240)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3177/98

by Paul R(cid:252)big (PPE) to the Commission

(12 October 1998)

Subject: Apprentice bakers and night work

Bread production is a very dynamic sector. Customer demand means that bread and pastries must be available as
early as 6 a.m. However, Directive 94/33 on the protection of young people at work prohibits young people from
working nights between the hours of midnight and 4 a.m. This rule deprives apprentice bakers of an essential part
of their training, i.e. the opportunity to learn how to make dough. This situation could be remedied simply by
cutting down the night-working ban by one hour. This would put small bakeries, which have traditionally
provided most training, in a stronger position to train new apprentices in the future.

The level of employment in Europe must be improved, and youth employment in particular. With this
consideration in mind, can the Commission envisage reducing the ban on night work by one hour, at least for
those sectors which are particularly affected?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 1998)

Council Directive 94/33/EC of 22 June 1994 on the protection of young people at work (1) requires Member
States to ensure that employers guarantee young people working conditions which suit their age.

As regards night work, Article 9 of the Directive contains a general ban on night work by children and
adolescents. However, to take account of the specific nature of certain areas of activity, the Directive allows
Member States to authorise, under certain conditions, night-time work by adolescents, although work between
midnight and 4.00 is still prohibited in such cases.

The Commission feels that this provision allows Member States to find a balance between the vocational training
requirements of adolescents in the bakery industry and the need to protect young people against work liable to be
detrimental to their safety, health or physical development.

The legislation in force in the Member States would seem to confirm the soundness of this approach.

(1) OJ L 216, 22.6.1994.

(1999/C 96/241)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3178/98

by Christian Rovsing (PPE) to the Commission

(27 October 1998)

Subject: Medicine residues in horse meat

In view of the public concern over medicine residues in foodstuffs and the fact that animals, including racehorses,
need to be treated for diseases:

1. What will the Commission do to ensure that MRL (Maximum Residue Limits) are laid down for all essential

medicines and that the latter can be afforded by all horse owners?

2. Since professional racehorses receive considerable amounts of medicine during their career, how will the

Commission ensure that they do not end up as food?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3169/98 by Antonio TAJANI to the Commission. Libyan military attack on Italian fishing-boat
Date: 1998-10-27
Institutions: European Parliament, TAJANI
Subjects: Italy, Libya, armed forces, fishing area, fishing vessel, international law, international waters, military intervention

C 118/184

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

29.4.1999

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(11 November 1998)

The Commission is conducting a detailed investigation of the problem raised by the Honourable Member
and will inform him of the outcome as soon as possible.

(1999/C 118/237)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3144/98

by Roberto Mezzaroma (PPE) to the Commission

(16 October 1998)

Subject: Relations with South Africa

With reference to political and economic relations with South Africa, what is the nature and scale of the
programmes planned or already being implemented: implementation times, total resources committed or
to be committed within a specific time frame; the terms of their political, economic and technical
management according to the specificities of individual programmes; the type of undertakings or
consortia it is intended to involve in implementing the programmes or that have already been consulted;
lastly, what contacts does the Commission have on the spot, what are the names of those directly
responsible and where are they located?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission

(9 November 1998)

The Commission is sending direct to the Honourable Member and the Secretariat general of the Parliament
a copy of the annual report on the European programme for reconstruction in South Africa (EPRD) (1996
and 1997). This report and its annexes (legal basis, multiannual indicative programme, lists of awarded
contracts) contains the information required by the Honourable Member. A list of programmes to be
launched in 1998 is also sent direct to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat general of the
Parliament.

The list of officials directly involved in the implementation of the EPRD in Pretoria and in Brussels is
forwarded direct to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat general of the Parliament.

(1999/C 118/238)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3169/98

by Antonio Tajani (PPE) to the Commission

(27 October 1998)

Subject: Libyan military attack on Italian fishing-boat

On Thursday 24 September, in the international waters of the Gulf of Sirte, a Libyan navy motor launch
fired on and rammed the Italian fishing-boat (cid:145)Orchidea(cid:146) causing the death of chief engineer Rosario
Magiotta.

What action does the Commission intend to take to protect Italian and Community fishermen in the
Mediterranean, given the growing number of attacks they are facing and the widespread violations of
international law by North African coastal States?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3185/98 by Hadar CARS , Karl OLSSON , Astrid THORS to the Commission. Spraying of fruit and vegetables with antibiotics
Date: 1998-10-27
Institutions: CARS, European Parliament, OLSSON, THORS
Subjects: antibiotic, fruit, impact study, medicine, pesticide, public health, scientific committee (EU), vegetable, veterinary medicine

21.7.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 207/35

lived in Belgium she would receive a direct payment from the employment office in Belgium for this career
interruption. Since the person in question lives in Germany, however, she does not receive this benefit.

Is this not a violation of the freedom of movement of workers within the Community or of the application of
social security schemes to workers moving within the Community?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(15 December 1998)

The Commission is aware of the problem of frontier working in Belgium but resident in another Member State
and of their entitlement to Belgian family benefits in the event of a career break.

The Commission has contacted the Belgian Government in order to find out the reason why the Belgian
authorities refuse to pay such benefits.

Once it receive the Belgian Government’s reply, the Commission will decide what further action to take.

(1999/C 207/045)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3185/98

by Hadar Cars (ELDR), Karl Olsson (ELDR)
and Astrid Thors (ELDR) to the Commission

(27 October 1998)

Subject: Spraying of fruit and vegetables with antibiotics

Attention has recently focused in Sweden on the fact that antibiotics are used as pesticides in fruit and
vegetable growing in some Member States (Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain). It has been established that
excessive use of antibiotics can produce resistant bacteria in both humans and animals. The use of antibiotics
as pesticides is, therefore, a health hazard.

What measures does the Commission intend to take to put an end to the use of antibiotics as pesticides?

(1999/C 207/046)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3356/98

by Anneli Hulthén (PSE) to the Commission

(30 October 1998)

Subject: Spraying of fruit with antibiotics

The Swedish media, among other sources, reports that fruit farms are being sprayed with antibiotics to combat
pests and crop disease. At the same time, it is known that excessive use of antibiotics can have very dangerous
effects, such as producing resistant bacteria.

Does the Commission consider that spraying with antibiotics is to be recommended and how is public health
safeguarded with this type of spraying?

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-3185/98 and P-3356/98
given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(9 December 1998)

Antibiotics registered for uses in plant protection in certain Member States include kasugamycin (registered in
Greece, Spain and Netherlands), streptomycin (Belgium, Greece, Netherlands, Austria), validamycin (Nether-
lands) and oxytetracyclin (Greece). These substances will be evaluated at Community level under Directive
91/414/EEC of 15 July 1991 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market (1) in the
framework of the review programme for existing active substances.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3194/98 by Joaquín SISÓ CRUELLAS to the Commission. European Heritage Days
Date: 1998-10-27
Institutions: European Parliament, SISO CRUELLAS
Subjects: EU financing, European symbol, cultural heritage, public awareness campaign

C 207/36

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

21.7.1999

The problem of the development of anti-microbial resistance in pathogenic micro-organisms is becoming
particularly serious. A number of converging reports have been published by the scientific community and by
international or national organisations. This is the reason why the Commission has asked the scientific steering
committee to examine this question and its relationship with the use of anti-microbials in human and
veterinary medicine, animal husbandry and plant protection. If necessary, the Commission will propose
measures in the light of this scientific opinion, which should be available around April 1999.

(1) OJ L 230, 19.8.1991.

(1999/C 207/047)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3194/98

by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas (PPE) to the Commission

(27 October 1998)

Subject: European Heritage Days

The European Heritage Days were held in 44 countries of Europe on 25 and 26 September 1998. On these
days, cathedrals which normally charge for entry offered free admission. The aim of the days is to familiarise
people with the monuments which make up their heritage and make them aware of the need to conserve
them.

Did the European Union take part in the European Heritage Days?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

(14 December 1998)

The European Heritage Days initiated by the Council of Europe in 1991 familiarise many members of the
public with their European cultural heritage, by giving them free access to buildings normally closed to the
public.

In the context of its cultural action the Commission endeavours to promote public awareness of and access to
the European cultural heritage. The Commission fully appreciates the impact on the public and the European
dimension of the European heritage days, with which it has been financially associated for several years.

The Commission made the following contributions:

7 1994: ECU 70 000

7 1995: ECU 70 000

7 1996: ECU 70 000

7 1997: ECU 70 000

7 1998: ECU 80 000 (subject to completion of the budgetary and administrative procedures)

(1999/C 207/048)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3199/98

by Honório Novo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(27 October 1998)

Subject: Fisheries sector inquiry

It is public knowledge that some months ago, the Commission decided to carry out an inquiry involving
various trade union and employers’ organisations within the European Union’s fisheries sector.

1. What organisations were contacted in each Member State, and how many of them replied?

2. What organisations were contacted in Portugal, and which of them replied?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3199/98 by Honório NOVO to the Commission. Fisheries sector inquiry
Date: 1998-10-27
Institutions: European Parliament, NOVO
Subjects: EU Member State, European Commission, European Union, Portugal, economic survey, fishing industry, professional association, trade union

C 207/36

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

21.7.1999

The problem of the development of anti-microbial resistance in pathogenic micro-organisms is becoming
particularly serious. A number of converging reports have been published by the scientific community and by
international or national organisations. This is the reason why the Commission has asked the scientific steering
committee to examine this question and its relationship with the use of anti-microbials in human and
veterinary medicine, animal husbandry and plant protection. If necessary, the Commission will propose
measures in the light of this scientific opinion, which should be available around April 1999.

(1) OJ L 230, 19.8.1991.

(1999/C 207/047)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3194/98

by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas (PPE) to the Commission

(27 October 1998)

Subject: European Heritage Days

The European Heritage Days were held in 44 countries of Europe on 25 and 26 September 1998. On these
days, cathedrals which normally charge for entry offered free admission. The aim of the days is to familiarise
people with the monuments which make up their heritage and make them aware of the need to conserve
them.

Did the European Union take part in the European Heritage Days?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

(14 December 1998)

The European Heritage Days initiated by the Council of Europe in 1991 familiarise many members of the
public with their European cultural heritage, by giving them free access to buildings normally closed to the
public.

In the context of its cultural action the Commission endeavours to promote public awareness of and access to
the European cultural heritage. The Commission fully appreciates the impact on the public and the European
dimension of the European heritage days, with which it has been financially associated for several years.

The Commission made the following contributions:

7 1994: ECU 70 000

7 1995: ECU 70 000

7 1996: ECU 70 000

7 1997: ECU 70 000

7 1998: ECU 80 000 (subject to completion of the budgetary and administrative procedures)

(1999/C 207/048)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3199/98

by Honório Novo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(27 October 1998)

Subject: Fisheries sector inquiry

It is public knowledge that some months ago, the Commission decided to carry out an inquiry involving
various trade union and employers’ organisations within the European Union’s fisheries sector.

1. What organisations were contacted in each Member State, and how many of them replied?

2. What organisations were contacted in Portugal, and which of them replied?