do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1464/00 by Jillian Evans (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Financial aid to Nantygwyddon landfill site.
Date: 2000-05-10
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Wales, structural expenditure, waste management

6.3.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 72 E/61

(2001/C 72 E/070)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1454/00

by BØatrice Patrie (PSE) to the Commission

(10 May 2000)

Subject: Publication of a feasibility study on the establishment of a European structure for health

monitoring and evaluation

In the context of the programme of Community action on health monitoring (1997-2001) adopted within
the framework for action in the field of health, the fourth recital of European Parliament and Council
Decision No 1400/97 (1) provides that (cid:145)it would be desirable to study the feasibility of establishing a
permanent structure for the monitoring and evaluation of European Community health data and
indicators(cid:146).

this feasibility study, and delivered its report
A group of experts was commissioned to carry out
in September 1997. Does the Commission intend to make the report public at the earliest opportunity,
without delaying unnecessarily the establishment of a European health monitoring centre essential to a
European policy of health planning and disease prevention in the long term, and in accordance with the
provisions of the Amsterdam Treaty which are aimed at ensuring a high level of health protection in the
EU?

(1) OJ L 193, 22.7.1997, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(13 June 2000)

The Commission would inform the Honourable Member that the experts(cid:146) report on the feasibility of a
European health monitoring centre will be made public very shortly. The experts met recently in order to
take account of certain developments since the publication of the first report.

(2001/C 72 E/071)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1464/00

by Jillian Evans (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

Subject: Financial aid to Nantygwyddon landfill site

(10 May 2000)

In the mid 1980(cid:146)s Rhondda Borough Council, Wales, received a substantial amount of funding from the
European Structural Funds to help with the construction of the Nantygwyddon landfill site. This was the
first time that a grant had been given to a landfill site in the UK.

Will the Commission provide details of:

1.

the amount of European funding which was allocated to the construction of the Nantygwyddon
landfill site?

2.

any conditions attached to the grant?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(26 June 2000)

According to information received from the British authorities,
allocated some £ 748 000 structural fund support.

the Nantygwyddon landfill site was

The conditions attached to this grant concerned compliance with the details contained in the original
application for funding; publicity actions; compliance with public procurement rules; retention of
accounting and similar records; and consistency of ownership of the aided asset.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1467/00 by Adriana Poli Bortone (UEN) to the Commission. Town twinning.
Date: 2000-05-10
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European social policy, twinning

13.2.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 46 E/179

(2001/C 46 E/209)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1467/00

by Adriana Poli Bortone (UEN) to the Commission

(10 May 2000)

Subject: Town twinning

What is the Commission(cid:146)s attitude to town twinning?

In particular, is the Commission convinced that town twinning is an important means of enabling citizens
genuinely to participate in and work together for Europe?

What political and financial support does it intend to provide for town twinning?

(2001/C 46 E/210)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1519/00

by Roberto Bigliardo (TDI) to the Commission

(12 May 2000)

Subject: Town twinning in the European Communities

Can the Commission say whether the statement made by Commissioner Kinnock to Franco Papitto,
journalist on the newspaper (cid:145)La Repubblica(cid:146), that (cid:145)we need to ask ourselves whether town twinning is an
essential task of the Commission(cid:146) indicates that this important institution might be abolished?

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-1366/00, P-1446/00, E-1467/00 and E-1519/00
given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(28 June 2000)

In the interview in La Repubblica mentioned by the Honourable Members, Vice President Kinnock was
asked about the review of all tasks and resources which was then being proposed in the Commission and
has since begun, as publicly announced. The Vice President referred inter alia to the fact that there are
some activities undertaken by the Commission which could not formally be regarded as (cid:145)core(cid:146) activities in
terms of the Treaty, but which are nevertheless considered to have value for the development of the
Union. In response to a request for examples of such activities he referred to town twinning.

The reference was factual and implied no decision or intended decision to withdraw commitment from
town twinning.

Support for town twinning activities across the Union has been provided from the Community budget for
several years. In the current year, € 10 million is provided for that purpose. The finances are administered
by two grade A officials in the Directorate general for Education and culture.

The comprehensive review of all tasks and resources is being undertaken as a requirement of responsible
management by the Commission and with the intention of improving and increasing the transparency of
the relationship between Commission activities and the staff available to provide them efficiently. A report
based on the review will be compiled and presented to the Commission and, subsequently, to Parliament
and Council, later this year.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1466/00 by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission. The use of Stevia rebaudiana bertoni.
Date: 2000-05-10
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: crop production, food safety, foodstuff, human nutrition, scientific committee (EU), toxicology

18.4.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 113 E/15

(2001/C 113 E/013)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1466/00

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(10 May 2000)

Subject: The use of Stevia rebaudiana bertoni

The herb Stevia rebaudiana bertoni has been used for centuries as a natural sweetener and is reputed also
to have positive medicinal benefits.

Further to a request to market the plant as a novel food, the Scientific Committee on Food in its
investigation decided that there was (cid:145)no satisfactory data to support the safe use of these products as
ingredients of food or as a sucrose substitute for diabetics and obese individuals(cid:146).

Given that there is insufficient data to support the safe use of Stevia rebaudiana surely there is also
insufficient data to limit its use and further investigation must be undertaken to prove that the plant is
unsafe for human consumption?

Can the Commission confirm the current position with regard to the marketing and use of this plant?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(3 July 2000)

Plants and dried leaves of Stevia rebaudiana were the subject of an application under Regulation (EC)
No 258/97 of the Parliament and of the Council of 27 January 1997 concerning novel foods and novel
food ingredients (1). This implies that this product had not been used hitherto for human consumption to a
significant degree in the Community.

In its opinion the scientific committee for food (SCF) stressed that there was not satisfactory information,
in particular with respect to the specifications of the product, and that there was not sufficient data
concerning the toxicology of the product to arrive at the conclusion that the product would be safe for
human consumption.

In such case the application can only be rejected. The standing committee approved this decision of the
Commission with unanimity.

This decision will not prevent other applicants from submitting an application.

(1) OJ L 43, 14.2.1997.

(2001/C 113 E/014)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1468/00

by Ulla Sandb(cid:230)k (EDD) to the Commission

(10 May 2000)

Subject: Denmark(cid:146)s early retirement scheme

It is reported that the Commission has reached an understanding with the Danish Government on
entitlements under Denmark(cid:146)s early retirement scheme. However, has the Commission accepted that
Denmark(cid:146)s early retirement scheme is an arrangement based on the labour market and not a social welfare
scheme (cid:129) which would in that eventuality be covered by Regulation No 1408/71 (1)?

(1) OJ L 149, 5.7.1971, p. 2.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1465/00 by Peter Skinner (PSE) to the Commission. International trade in dog and cat fur.
Date: 2000-05-10
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: animal welfare, domestic animal, extra-EU trade, hides and furskins industry

C 53 E/148

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

20.2.2001

Calcium sulphate is authorised for use as a food additive (EC number E 516). Based on the opinion of the
scientific committee for food, it has not been assigned a specified acceptable daily intake (ADI). This means
that it is not necessary to set a maximum level to ensure safety of the use of this substance in food.
Therefore in this area of use, no further measure is needed.

It is also used as an implant, such as in bone substitutes, and is in that case covered by Council Directive
93/42/CEE of 14 June 1993, on medical devices (2). Impurities may cause problems in the use of calcium
sulphate, but
there are well known procedures for cleaning the materials and well-accepted USP
(US Pharmacopoeia) and NF (National Formulary) guidelines in place (Pharmacology standards). Long
term adverse effects of use in bone substitutes are not known.

(1) OJ L 131, 5.5.1998.
(2) OJ L 169, 12.7.1993.

(2001/C 53 E/189)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1465/00

by Peter Skinner (PSE) to the Commission

(10 May 2000)

Subject: International trade in dog and cat fur

Given the increasing body of evidence indicating that an international trade in domestic cat and dog fur
now exists in the EU and that this trade supposedly emanates from outside the EU (cid:129) reportedly Asia (cid:129)
can the Commission inform Parliament which steps it can take to prohibit and eliminate this trade inside
the EU? Furthermore, what pressure can be brought to bear to end the slaughter of domestic animals in
the countries of origin where they are turned into coats or (cid:145)life-like statuettes(cid:146)?

(2001/C 53 E/190)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1558/00

by Robert Evans (PSE) to the Commission

(11 May 2000)

Subject: Global trade in cat and dog fur

Would the Commission inform me what steps it is prepared to take to introduce a ban on imports into the
European Union of items which are made from cat and dog fur?

Investigations by the Humane Society International have revealed that millions of dogs and cats are
slaughtered annually for their pelts, often being killed in the most inhumane ways. This fur is frequently
imported into the EU in the form of trimming on boots and coats.

European Union consumers may not be aware of the fact that the items they are purchasing are made
from these animals or of the appalling way in which the animals are killed, as the labelling is, at best,
misleading and, at worst, dishonest.

Surely EU consumers deserve to be told the real origin of the materials used in their purchases? As a first
step, is the Commission prepared to ensure that tighter controls are imposed on the labelling of such
products?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1444/00 by Carmen Cerdeira Morterero (PSE) to the Commission. Specific directive to combat discrimination against disabled people.
Date: 2000-05-10
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European social policy, discrimination based on disability

13.2.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 46 E/193

of the EC Treaty. This is certainly the case as regards disabled women. Although equal treatment of the
sexes as such is not covered by the package of measures adopted by the Commission in November
1999 (1), the need for an approach integrating this principle in implementing all the measures contained in
this package explicitly follows from Articles 2 and 3 of the EC Treaty.

Hence the Commission will see to it that the situation of disabled women is duly addressed in the context
of measures implementing the various instruments which will be adopted by the Council on the basis of
Article 13 of the EC Treaty.

(1) COM(1999) 564 final.

(2001/C 46 E/229)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1444/00

by Carmen Cerdeira Morterero (PSE) to the Commission

(10 May 2000)

Subject: Specific directive to combat discrimination against disabled people

The Commission has recently submitted a package of measures, including three directives, pursuant to the
anti-discrimination provisions of Article 13 of the Treaty of Amsterdam. However, despite the fact that
Article 13 cites disability as one of the areas in which discrimination is not to be tolerated, the said
package of measures does not contain a specific directive against discrimination based on disability.

How does the Commission view the possibility of introducing a specific directive to combat discrimination
on grounds of disability?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(27 June 2000)

In implementing Article 13 of the EC Treaty the Commission has opted for a gradualist approach, based
mainly on the convincing precedent of Community legislation on equal treatment for men and women.
Employment and occupation are also the key to social integration and full participation in economic,
cultural and social
life. This is why protection against discrimination in the field of employment and
occupation has been given priority and deemed sufficient, notably in the light of the principles of
subsidiarity and proportionality. However, the Commission will examine the advisability of widening the
scope of protection against discrimination linked to disability to other areas.

(2001/C 46 E/230)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1450/00

by Wolfgang Ilgenfritz (NI) to the Commission

(10 May 2000)

Subject: Leasing of commercial vehicles in the European internal market

The Austrian haulage firm Unitrans has taken over an Italian haulage firm, thereby saving it from
bankruptcy.

Unitrans has leased its own (cid:145)Austrian(cid:146) vehicles to its Italian subsidiary, in view of the latter(cid:146)s financial
situation, characterised by a shortage of capital.

This cooperation has now been prohibited on the grounds that Unitrans does not have the certificate of
vehicle ownership which is issued following incorporation into the Italian automobile register.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1454/00 by Béatrice Patrie (PSE) to the Commission. Publication of a feasibility study on the establishment of a European structure for health monitoring and evaluation.
Date: 2000-05-10
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU office or agency, health control

6.3.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 72 E/61

(2001/C 72 E/070)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1454/00

by BØatrice Patrie (PSE) to the Commission

(10 May 2000)

Subject: Publication of a feasibility study on the establishment of a European structure for health

monitoring and evaluation

In the context of the programme of Community action on health monitoring (1997-2001) adopted within
the framework for action in the field of health, the fourth recital of European Parliament and Council
Decision No 1400/97 (1) provides that (cid:145)it would be desirable to study the feasibility of establishing a
permanent structure for the monitoring and evaluation of European Community health data and
indicators(cid:146).

this feasibility study, and delivered its report
A group of experts was commissioned to carry out
in September 1997. Does the Commission intend to make the report public at the earliest opportunity,
without delaying unnecessarily the establishment of a European health monitoring centre essential to a
European policy of health planning and disease prevention in the long term, and in accordance with the
provisions of the Amsterdam Treaty which are aimed at ensuring a high level of health protection in the
EU?

(1) OJ L 193, 22.7.1997, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(13 June 2000)

The Commission would inform the Honourable Member that the experts(cid:146) report on the feasibility of a
European health monitoring centre will be made public very shortly. The experts met recently in order to
take account of certain developments since the publication of the first report.

(2001/C 72 E/071)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1464/00

by Jillian Evans (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

Subject: Financial aid to Nantygwyddon landfill site

(10 May 2000)

In the mid 1980(cid:146)s Rhondda Borough Council, Wales, received a substantial amount of funding from the
European Structural Funds to help with the construction of the Nantygwyddon landfill site. This was the
first time that a grant had been given to a landfill site in the UK.

Will the Commission provide details of:

1.

the amount of European funding which was allocated to the construction of the Nantygwyddon
landfill site?

2.

any conditions attached to the grant?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(26 June 2000)

According to information received from the British authorities,
allocated some £ 748 000 structural fund support.

the Nantygwyddon landfill site was

The conditions attached to this grant concerned compliance with the details contained in the original
application for funding; publicity actions; compliance with public procurement rules; retention of
accounting and similar records; and consistency of ownership of the aided asset.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1460/00 by Hanja Maij-Weggen (PPE-DE) to the Commission. The treatment of stray animals in Spain.
Date: 2000-05-10
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Catalonia, European convention, animal welfare, domestic animal, protection of animals

13.3.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 81 E/43

The Commission attaches great importance to investigating allegations that (illegal) state aids are being
paid. However, in order to do so it would need to have more information about the nature of the aids
which are being granted and about the L(cid:228)nder concerned.

(1) Point 10 of the Community guidelines for State aid in the agriculture sector (OJ C 28, 1.2.2000).

(2001/C 81 E/051)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1460/00

by Hanja Maij-Weggen (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: The treatment of stray animals in Spain

(10 May 2000)

Is the Commission aware of the way in which stray animals in Catalonia (Spain) are caught and killed?

Does the Commission know that the capture of stray dogs, for example, has been contracted out to a
commercial organisation, which drugs the animals and burns them alive if they are not claimed within
eight to ten days?

Does the Commission not feel that stray domestic animals should be kept in animal shelters in Catalonia
as they are in most EU Member States?

Does the Commission know that Spain has not signed the Council of European convention for the
protection of domestic animals (1987)?

Is the Commission able to remind the Catalan regional government of its responsibility with regard to the
protection of domestic animals?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(15 June 2000)

The Commission is not aware of the way in which stray dogs are caught and killed in Spain. This is not an
area of Community competence.

The Commission shares the view that unnecessary suffering of animals should be avoided.

It is correct that Spain has not ratified the Council of Europe convention for the protection of domestic
animals.

Although the recent protocol on the protection and welfare of animals (1) called on the Community and
Member States to pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals, no legal instrument is at present
available to the Commission to act in line with the Honourable Member(cid:146)s suggestion.

(1) OJ C 340, 10.11.1997.

(2001/C 81 E/052)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1470/00

by Alejandro Agag Longo (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Internal reform of the Commission

(10 May 2000)

In connection with the internal reform of the Commission a number of senior appointments are being
made in apparent disregard for the principle of geographical balance. Has the Commission forgotten about
Commission Regulation (EC) No 971/2000 of 10 May 2000 establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables
Date: 2000-05-10
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: agri-monetary policy, citrus fruit, fruit vegetable, import price, pip fruit

L 112/48

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

11.5.2000

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 971/2000

of 10 May 2000

establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and
vegetables

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

(2)

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,

In compliance with the above criteria,
the standard
import values must be fixed at the levels set out in the
Annex to this Regulation,

Having regard to Commission Regulation (EC) No 3223/94 of
21 December 1994 on detailed rules for the application of the
last
import arrangements
amended by Regulation (EC) No 1498/98 (2), and in particular
Article 4(1) thereof,

fruit and vegetables (1), as

for

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Whereas:

(1)

Regulation (EC) No 3223/94 lays down, pursuant to the
outcome of the Uruguay Round multilateral trade nego-
tiations, the criteria whereby the Commission fixes the
standard values for imports from third countries,
in
respect of the products and periods stipulated in the
Annex thereto.

The standard import values referred to in Article 4 of Regula-
tion (EC) No 3223/94 shall be fixed as indicated in the Annex
hereto.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 11 May 2000.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 10 May 2000.

For the Commission

Franz FISCHLER

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 337, 24.12.1994, p. 66.
(2) OJ L 198, 15.7.1998, p. 4.

11.5.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 112/49

to the Commission Regulation of 10 May 2000 establishing the standard import values for determining the entry
price of certain fruit and vegetables

ANNEX

CN code

0702 00 00

0707 00 05

0709 90 70

0805 10 10, 0805 10 30, 0805 10 50

0805 30 10

0808 10 20, 0808 10 50, 0808 10 90

Third country
code (1)

Standard import
value

(EUR/100 kg)

052
068
204
999
052
628
999
052
999
052
204
212
220
388
448
600
624
999
388
999
388
400
404
508
512
528
804
999

103,2
64,6
85,8
84,5
104,6
128,8
116,7
70,7
70,7
65,4
32,0
46,0
19,1
46,3
24,0
74,3
51,8
44,9
65,2
65,2
85,7
87,1
86,2
83,2
88,2
84,3
76,8
84,5

(1) Country nomenclature as fixed by Commission Regulation (EC) No 2543/1999 (OJ L 307, 2.12.1999, p. 46). Code ‘999’ stands for ‘of

other origin’.