do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1601/00 by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Inaugural meeting of the Interparliamentary Association for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
Date: 2000-05-29
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European Commission, European Parliament, Interparliamentary Union, agricultural policy, fisheries policy, forestry policy, the EU's international role

C 46 E/206

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

13.2.2001

(2001/C 46 E/246)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1601/00

by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(29 May 2000)

Subject: Inaugural meeting of the Interparliamentary Association for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

The Interparliamentary Association for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries held a meeting in South Korea,
from 22 to 24 February 2000, at which it examined those areas in relation to the WTO. It appears that
the EU was represented only by a Commission expert, and that no MEPs were present, although the nature
of the reunion would have made their presence desirable.

Can the Commission state whether:

it was invited to take part in this meeting;

if so and in view of the meeting(cid:146)s importance,
participation in it at the highest level, with the presence of a Commissioner?

it does not believe it should have ensured its

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(11 July 2000)

1.

2.

No.

(2001/C 46 E/247)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1604/00

by Christopher Huhne (ELDR) to the Commission

(16 May 2000)

Subject: Anti-competitive conduct of Motorola

Following the complaints by my constituents Wordsworth Technology Ltd. concerning the anti-
competitive conduct of Motorola, would the Commission please confirm that it is actively investigating
this case and indicate any conclusions that it has so far reached? Can it give some indication of whether it
expects to take action or not and, if so, when?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(5 June 2000)

The Commission can confirm that, on 8 January 1999, Wordsworth Technology Ltd lodged a complaint
against Motorola Computer Group under Article 3 of Council Regulation No 17/62: First Regulation
implementing Articles 85 and 86 (ex-Articles 89 and 90) of the EC Treaty (1). The Commission is actively
investigating the case.

The Honourable Member will understand that the Commission cannot discuss the application of general
rules of competition law in individual cases with anyone apart from the parties involved as long as
investigations are under way. The Commission expects to reach its provisional conclusions in the coming
weeks.

(1) OJ 13, 21.2.1962.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1704/00 by Jonas Sjöstedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Ban on the docking of dogs' tails.
Date: 2000-05-29
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Sweden, animal welfare, single market

C 53 E/178

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

20.2.2001

The Commission is currently reviewing and consolidating all hygiene rules that are at present available in
Community legislation. The need to provide for flexibility in particular for small businesses is being
considered and any proposals will be submitted to the Parliament and the Council as soon as possible.

(1) OJ L 268, 24.9.1991.
(2) OJ L 332, 30.12.1995.

(2001/C 53 E/232)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1704/00

by Jonas Sj(cid:246)stedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(29 May 2000)

Subject: Ban on the docking of dogs(cid:146) tails

Is the Swedish ban on the docking of dogs(cid:146) tails consistent with the EU(cid:146)s internal market, given that there
is no such ban throughout the EU?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(14 July 2000)

The Commission understands that the Swedish prohibition on the docking of dogs(cid:146) tails is imposed for
animal welfare reasons.

In the absence of Community legislation on this aspect of animal welfare Member States may in principle
maintain their national rules subject to the respect of the general rules of the EC Treaty.

The Commission is currently not aware of any internal market problems resulting from the Swedish
prohibition.

(2001/C 53 E/233)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1722/00

by Piia-Noora Kauppi (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Measures to guarantee the safety of road tunnels

(20 May 2000)

European road users(cid:146) organisations have commissioned a study designed to establish, by means of spot
checks, safety levels in 25 road tunnels in eight European countries. The study focused on those tunnels
most used by tourists.

The study laid down ten different criteria which were used to assess the degree of safety of the tunnels. The
most important were fire safety, the width of the lanes, the availability of sufficient space to enable
ambulances and fire engines to reach the scene of accidents, the presence of video surveillance equipment
in the tunnels and the degree to which the ventilation of the tunnels is geared to the possibility of
accidents.

In addition, tests were carried out to determine how quickly the fire, ambulance and other emergency
services can reach the scene of accidents. Along with ease of access for emergency service vehicles, the
study examined whether emergency service personnel are trained to deal with accidents in tunnels. In the
case of some tunnels, the operators seemed entirely indifferent to the issue of safety or had given little
proper thought to it, owing to a lack of practical knowledge.

The study revealed that a number of tunnels appear to be very dangerous and offer an inadequate level of
safety.

The Commission has also received the study in question, prompting the following question: What
measures is it taking in order to ensure that road tunnels in Europe are safe?
2000/380/EC: Commission Decision of 29 May 2000 authorising the Republic of Austria to carry out only two pig surveys a year (notified under document number C(2000) 1396) (Text with EEA relevance) (Only the German text is authentic)
Date: 2000-05-29
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: Austria, agricultural statistics, production, production policy, swine

10.6.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 139/39

COMMISSION DECISION

of 29 May 2000

authorising the Republic of Austria to carry out only two pig surveys a year

(notified under document number C(2000) 1396)

(Only the German text is authentic)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2000/380/EC)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council 93/23/EEC of 1 June 1993 on the statistical surveys to be carried out on pig
production (1), as last amended by Directive 97/77/EC (2), and in particular Article 1(4) thereof,

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

The Republic of Austria has submitted methodological documentation which, in line with Directive
93/23/EEC, guarantees the quality of production forecasts.

This Member State should be authorised to carry out only two surveys a year, at six-month intervals
in the months of May/June and November/December,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Under Article 1(4) of Directive 93/23/EEC, the Republic of Austria is authorised to carry out only two
surveys a year, at six-month intervals in the months of May/June and November/December.

This Decision is addressed to the Republic of Austria.

Article 2

Done at Brussels, 29 May 2000.

For the Commission

Pedro SOLBES MIRA

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 149, 21.6.1993, p. 1.
(2) OJ L 10, 16.1.1998, p. 28.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1613/00 by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission. Unstable situation of AT3 staff at the JRC in Ispra.
Date: 2000-05-29
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Joint Research Centre, occupational status, servant (EU)

13.2.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 46 E/207

(2001/C 46 E/248)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1613/00

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission

Subject: Unstable situation of AT3 staff at the JRC in Ispra

(29 May 2000)

Temporary staff on three-year contracts with the JRC in Ispra have organised a trade union campaign
designed to persuade the Centre(cid:146)s management to renew their contracts. The JRC(cid:146)s new policy for research
staff provides for flexibility in the management of short-term projects and staff on three-year contracts
account for 25 % of total staff and may not be re-employed on expiry of their contracts, but are replaced
by new staff instead.

1.

Is this constant three-year turnover of staff a rational policy?

2.
Surely the failure to renew the contracts of staff who have proved to be excellent during their term
of employment, replacing them with new staff who do not have the work experience acquired by AT3
staff, represents a senseless waste of resources?

Is it one of the objectives of the new research staff policy to introduce permanent instability for

3.
employees?

4. Would it not be more appropriate, in the interests of research and of the Centre carrying it out, to
devise new selection procedures instead of the automatic turnover system, so as on the one hand to ensure
continuity in research activities, especially in the case of single projects, and, on the other, end the system
where staff are automatically replaced at the end of their contracts?

5. What are the Commission(cid:146)s views on this matter?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(10 July 2000)

The Honourable Member is referred to the Commission(cid:146)s answers to Written Questions P-0692/00 from
Mr Speroni (1) and P-1734/00 from Mr Di Pietro (2).

(1) OJ C 330 E, 21.11.2000, p. 206.
(2) See page 212.

(2001/C 46 E/249)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1622/00

by Karin Riis-Jłrgensen (ELDR) to the Commission

(16 May 2000)

Subject: Error in authorising medical device

There are two manufacturers on the world market of products which enable cancer patients undergoing
chemotherapy to retain their hair, these being the Danish-Swedish firm Dignitana and the UK(cid:146)s Paxman.

Permission to sell medical equipment within the EU is subject to a special authorisation procedure. The
higher the health risk, the more stringent the criteria for tests, documentation and safety measures.

Paxman(cid:146)s product is registered in the lowest class 1, whereas Dignitana(cid:146)s product is registered in class 2a.
This means that there are significantly fewer criteria for the authorisation of Paxman(cid:146)s product. The UK(cid:146)s
Medical Devices Agency has acknowledged that Paxman(cid:146)s product has been wrongly classified but Paxman
has, nevertheless, been able to continue producing and selling its product in the EU.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1675/00 by Jillian Evans (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Disabled air travellers.
Date: 2000-05-29
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: airport, civil aviation, discrimination based on disability, legal basis

6.3.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 72 E/97

as well as other religious groups in India. On various occasions, the Commission delegation and Union
ambassadors have expressed their concern to the Indian government.

Moreover, the forthcoming Union-India Summit in Lisbon on 28 June 2000 will be an occasion to
reaffirm joint commitment to universal values of democracy and respect of human rights, the rule of law
and fundamental freedoms, traditions of diversity, plurality and tolerance.

(2001/C 72 E/117)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1675/00

by Jillian Evans (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(29 May 2000)

Subject: Disabled air travellers

What steps has the Commission taken to ensure that disabled travellers do not suffer any discrimination
when travelling with flight operators within the European Union? Specifically, what action has it taken to
ensure the provision of disabled access and disabled facilities in airports and on commercial flights?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(11 July 2000)

The Commission gives priority to protecting the rights of air passengers, including disabled people, to
enable them to benefit fully from Community policy on air transport. It therefore adopted on 21 June
2000, a communication on the protection of air passengers (1). The Commission proposes legislation that,
among other things, will guarantee special assistance for disabled people free of charge, such as assistance
to and from the aircraft, and ensure that they are not denied boarding, if they have notified their disability
when boarding the ticket and received confirmation. It strongly recommends the adoption of voluntary
codes or service quality by airlines and airports to cover services for disabled people. After taking account
of responses to the communication, the Commission will propose concrete measures.

(1) COM(2000) 365.

(2001/C 72 E/118)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1676/00

by Jillian Evans (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(29 May 2000)

Subject: Methylphenidate

The 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances classified Methylphenidate as having (cid:145)high abuse
potential(cid:146). What information does the Commission have on the prescription by psychiatrists in Europe of
Methylphenidate for the treatment of what is known as (cid:145)attention deficit disorder(cid:146) and on the abuse of this
substance within the EU?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(29 June 2000)

Methylphenidate is the active substance in a psychostimulant used to treat hyperactive attention disorders
in children.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1672/00 by Christopher Huhne (ELDR) to the Commission. Payment of contractors and suppliers.
Date: 2000-05-29
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European Commission, deadline for payment, subcontracting

C 46 E/210

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

13.2.2001

(2001/C 46 E/252)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1672/00

by Christopher Huhne (ELDR) to the Commission

(29 May 2000)

Subject: Payment of contractors and suppliers

Further to Ms Schreyer(cid:146)s answer to my Written Question No E-0505/00 (1), will the Commission indicate
the total amount of money paid out in 1999 to which the proportion paid within the 60-day period
refers?

(1) See page 10.

Answer given by Mrs Schreyer on behalf of the Commission

(13 July 2000)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its
findings as soon as possible.

(2001/C 46 E/253)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1712/00

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(29 May 2000)

Subject: ESF Projects and time-scales

A Gloucester-based project in the UK called (cid:145)Childcare for all(cid:146) has been funded by the ESF. During the
course of the project, the Childcare Networker raised concerns about the limited time scale imposed by the
European Social Fund, stating that, in her opinion, this limit made it almost impossible to carry out the
appropriate networking and team building with related projects and organisations that is necessary to
ensure the success of the project.

Will the Commission indicate if it is likely to consider allowing the European Social Fund to continue to
provide aid over a longer period of time than is the case at present?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(23 June 2000)

The Commission and the national authorities in the United Kingdom are aware that the limited duration of
European Social Fund (ESF) co-funded projects may have caused some constraints during the programming
period 1994-1999.

The responsibility for fixing the detailed rules for the implementation of the ESF within a Member State
lies with the managing authority of the programme. The programming documents adopted by the
Commission do not contain information on, for example, the duration of projects. In these circumstances,
the Commission cannot intervene in this matter. However, the Commission has encouraged the Depart-
ment for education and employment (DfEE) to pursue the objective of adapting current practices.

The DfEE and regional government offices are currently preparing specific implementing provisions as well
as guidance and application forms for project promoters. In the course of this process, it has been agreed
that for the ESF in England the project duration will be up to two years as a general rule and three years in
exceptional cases. These provisions should help to ensure that future ESF co-funded projects are better
planned and carried out more effectively.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1654/00 by Concepció Ferrer (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Vegetable oil imports from Turkey.
Date: 2000-05-29
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU control, Spain, Türkiye, customs document, import, originating product, public health, vegetable oil

13.3.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 81 E/67

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(16 June 2000)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the replies it gave to Oral Question H-50/2000
by Mr Krarup during question time at Parliament(cid:146)s February 2000 part-session (1) and to Written Question
E-34/2000 by Mrs Kinnock (2).

(1) Debates of the Parliament (February 2000).
(2) OJ C 330 E, 21.11.2000, p. 71.

(2001/C 81 E/080)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1654/00

by Concepci(cid:243) Ferrer (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(29 May 2000)

Subject: Vegetable oil imports from Turkey

Pursuant to Commission Regulation No. 2828/93 (1), the Member States must adopt all necessary measures
to verify the destination and use of oils and to ensure that fats to be placed in free circulation are not
stored with other products.

A case of alleged infringements of public health reegulations has come to light involving a consignment of
vegetable oil from Turkey which was not subjected to all the controls called for by the Regulation.

According to press reports, the State Tax Agency in Spain admitted in June last year that such controls
were not duly carried out.

Is the Commission aware of the above?

If so, what measures has the Commission adopted to remedy the situation?

(1) OJ L 258, 16.10.1993, p. 15.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(19 July 2000)

The Commission was not aware of the case referred to by the Honourable Member. In order to be able to
give a more detailed answer, the Commission would be grateful if the Honourable Member would provide
more information. The Commission would also like to stress that Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2828/
93 of 15 October 1993 laying down common rules on verification of the use and/or destination of
imported products falling within CN codes 1515 90 59 and 1515 90 99, cited by the Honourable
Member, does not deal with public health issues.

(2001/C 81 E/081)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1656/00

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) and Gianfranco Fini (UEN) to the Commission

Subject: Nuclear contamination in Severodvinsk (Russia)

(29 May 2000)

Approximately 1300 km north of Moscow and 100 km from the Arctic Circle lies a city which is closed
to foreigners and almost inaccessible even for Russians, who until recently needed a special passport to
enter the city, Severodvinsk. Built by order of Stalin by some 60 000 prisoners in 1936, 35 km west of
Archangel and on the shores of the White Sea, Severodvinsk is buffeted by year-long polar winds, with
winter temperatures reaching minus 30-40(cid:176)C. It was made into a labour camp, where victims of Stalin(cid:146)s
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1712/00 by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission. ESF Projects and time-scales.
Date: 2000-05-29
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU financing arrangements, European Social Fund, South West (England), United Kingdom, child protection

C 46 E/210

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

13.2.2001

(2001/C 46 E/252)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1672/00

by Christopher Huhne (ELDR) to the Commission

(29 May 2000)

Subject: Payment of contractors and suppliers

Further to Ms Schreyer(cid:146)s answer to my Written Question No E-0505/00 (1), will the Commission indicate
the total amount of money paid out in 1999 to which the proportion paid within the 60-day period
refers?

(1) See page 10.

Answer given by Mrs Schreyer on behalf of the Commission

(13 July 2000)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its
findings as soon as possible.

(2001/C 46 E/253)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1712/00

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(29 May 2000)

Subject: ESF Projects and time-scales

A Gloucester-based project in the UK called (cid:145)Childcare for all(cid:146) has been funded by the ESF. During the
course of the project, the Childcare Networker raised concerns about the limited time scale imposed by the
European Social Fund, stating that, in her opinion, this limit made it almost impossible to carry out the
appropriate networking and team building with related projects and organisations that is necessary to
ensure the success of the project.

Will the Commission indicate if it is likely to consider allowing the European Social Fund to continue to
provide aid over a longer period of time than is the case at present?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(23 June 2000)

The Commission and the national authorities in the United Kingdom are aware that the limited duration of
European Social Fund (ESF) co-funded projects may have caused some constraints during the programming
period 1994-1999.

The responsibility for fixing the detailed rules for the implementation of the ESF within a Member State
lies with the managing authority of the programme. The programming documents adopted by the
Commission do not contain information on, for example, the duration of projects. In these circumstances,
the Commission cannot intervene in this matter. However, the Commission has encouraged the Depart-
ment for education and employment (DfEE) to pursue the objective of adapting current practices.

The DfEE and regional government offices are currently preparing specific implementing provisions as well
as guidance and application forms for project promoters. In the course of this process, it has been agreed
that for the ESF in England the project duration will be up to two years as a general rule and three years in
exceptional cases. These provisions should help to ensure that future ESF co-funded projects are better
planned and carried out more effectively.