do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2831/00 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission. Warner Jenkinson Europa, Oldmeadow Road, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE30 4LA.
Date: 2000-09-06
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU research policy, chemical product, environmental impact, health risk, scientific report

22.5.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 151 E/19

(2001/C 151 E/022)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2831/00

by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission

(6 September 2000)

Subject: Warner Jenkinson Europa, Oldmeadow Road, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE30 4LA

This company has a plant within my constituency and used dimethyl sulphate (DMS) in the manufacture
of its hair dye products, I understand that a risk assessment is currently being carried out on this particular
chemical, and I should like to know what progress has been made to date and what is the possible
outcome of the assessment on this particular chemical.

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(18 October 2000)

Dimethyl sulphate (DMS) is the subject of a risk assessment under Council Regulation (EEC) no 793/93 of
23 March 1993, on the evaluation and control of the risks of existing substances (1). The discussions on
the risk assessment report (RAR) have been finalised by the group of Member State technical experts and
the scientific committee on toxicity, ecotoxicity and the environment (CSTEE) has delivered an opinion on
the quality of the RAR.

For the environment the opinion of the CSTEE concurs with the conclusions of the RAR in spite of some
limitations with its information database.

For human health the CSTEE also generally agrees with the conclusions in the RAR in spite of some
limited disagreement on certain aspects (e.g. proposed classification of DMS only as a skin sensitiser,
quantitative cancer risk assessment, risk characterisation of reproductive toxicity and the proposal in the
RAR for occupational exposure limit values).

The RAR is scheduled to be published by the Commission Joint research centre (JRC) in the beginning of
2001.

The RAR has determined that DMS is mainly used as an intermediate and methylating agent in the
production of many organic chemicals (dyes, perfumes and pharmaceuticals). Other uses reported are as a
sulphating agent in the manufacturing of various products (e.g. dyes, fabric softeners).

The outcome of the RAR for workers is that there is a concern for respiratory tract irritation, mutagenicity
and carcinogenicity as a consequence of inhalation exposure arising from production, processing and the
use of DMS. Furthermore, a concern for adverse health effects as a consequence of repeated inhalation
exposure to the pregnant worker arising from the use of DMS as an intermediate has been identified. There
is no need for immediate action in relation to consumers or man exposed to DMS via the environment. In
addition, the RAR shows that environmental risks are not expected.

Where unacceptable risks are identified the Commission will consider risk reduction measures, as
appropriate, in those areas where concerns have been indicated.

(1) OJ L 84, 5.4.1993.
Proposal for a Council decision concerning the conclusion of an agreement between the Community and Malta adopting the terms and conditions for the participation of Malta in Community programmes in the fields of training, education and youth (COM(2000) 416 - C5-0372/2000 - 2000/0176(CNS))
Date: 2000-09-06
Institutions: European Parliament
Subjects: EU financing, EU programme, Malta, education, vocational training, youth policy

7.5.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 135/153

TEXTS ADOPTED

Wednesday 6 September 2000

1. EC/Malta agreement * (procedure without report)

C5-0372/2000

Proposal for a Council decision concerning the conclusion of an agreement between the Commu-
nity and Malta adopting the terms and conditions for the participation of Malta in Community
programmes in the fields of training, education and youth (COM(2000) 416 . C5-0372/2000 .
2000/0176(CNS))

(Consultation procedure)

The proposal was approved.

2. Port reception facilities for ship-generated waste and cargo residues ***III

A5-0213/2000

European Parliament legislative resolution on the joint text approved by the Conciliation Commit-
tee for a European Parliament and Council directive on port reception facilities for ship-generated
waste and cargo residues (C5-0348/2000 . 1998/0249(COD))

(Codecision procedure: third reading)

The European Parliament,

(cid:24) having regard to the joint text approved by the Conciliation Committee (and the relevant Commission

statement) (C5-0348/2000),

(cid:24) having regard to its position at first reading (1) on the Commission proposal to Parliament and the

Council (COM(1998) 452) (2),

(cid:24) having regard to the amended Commission proposal (COM(1999) 149) (3),

(cid:24) having regard to its position at second reading on the Council common position (4),

(cid:24) having regard to the Commission’s opinion on Parliament’s amendments to the common position

(COM(2000) 236 (cid:24) C5-0212/2000),

(cid:24) having regard to Article 251(5) of the EC Treaty,

(cid:24) having regard to Rule 83 of its Rules of Procedure,

(cid:24) having regard to the report of its delegation to the Conciliation Committee (A5-0213/2000),

1.

Approves the joint text and draws attention to the Commission statement thereon;

Instructs its President to sign the act with the President of the Council pursuant to Article 254(1) of

2.
the EC Treaty;

(1) OJ C 150, 28.5.1999, p. 432 and OJ C 54, 25.2.2000, p. 79.
(2) OJ C 271, 31.8.1998, p. 79.
(3) OJ C 148, 28.5.1999, p. 7.
(4) Texts adopted of 14.3.2000, Item 2.
Commission Regulation (EC) No 1883/2000 of 6 September 2000 fixing the maximum export refund for white sugar for the sixth partial invitation to tender issued within the framework of the standing invitation to tender provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1531/2000
Date: 2000-09-06
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: award of contract, export refund, white sugar

7.9.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 227/7

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 1883/2000

of 6 September 2000

fixing the maximum export refund for white sugar for the sixth partial invitation to tender issued
within the framework of the standing invitation to tender provided for in Regulation (EC) No
1531/2000

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2038/1999 of 13
September 1999 on the common organisation of the markets
in the sugar sector (1), as amended by Commission Regulation
(EC) No 1527/2000 (2), and in particular the second subpara-
graph of Article 18(5) thereof,

and world markets in sugar, for the partial invitation to
tender in question.

(3)

(4)

Following an examination of the tenders submitted in
response to the sixth partial
invitation to tender, the
provisions set out in Article 1 should be adopted.

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in
accordance with the opinion of
the Management
Committee for Sugar,

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1531/2000 of 13 July
2000 on a standing invitation to tender to determine
levies and/or refunds on exports of white sugar (3),
requires partial invitations to tender to be issued for the
export of this sugar.

Pursuant to Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1531/
2000 a maximum export refund shall be fixed, as the
case may be, account being taken in particular of the
state and foreseeable development of the Community

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

For the sixth partial invitation to tender for white sugar issued
pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1531/2000 the maximum
amount of the export refund is fixed at 39,850 EUR/100 kg.

This Regulation shall enter into force on 7 September 2000.

Article 2

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

Done at Brussels, 6 September 2000.

For the Commission

Franz FISCHLER

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 252, 25.9.1999, p. 1.
(2) OJ L 175, 14.7.2000, p. 59.
(3) OJ L 175, 14.7.2000, p. 69.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2830/00 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission. Play equipment provided by local authorities.
Date: 2000-09-06
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European standard, access to EU information, child protection, leisure park, local government

C 103 E/228

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

3.4.2001

(2001/C 103 E/266)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2830/00

by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission

(6 September 2000)

Subject: Play equipment provided by local authorities

Could the Commission supply me with information regarding regulations governing play equipment
installed by local authorities on community sites?

If regulations do exist, how do small parish councils,
guidelines?

in particular, obtain a copy of such important

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(12 October 2000)

I would ask the Honourable Member to refer to the answers given by the Commission to written questions
E-3376/98 (1) from Mrs HultØn and E-1260/98 from Mr FernÆndez-Albor (2).

The work of the European standardisation body (CEN) concerning equipment for playgrounds has now
been completed. The standards in question are therefore available from the national standards bodies (the
British Standards Institution in the case of the United Kingdom).

They comprise a general standard concerning safety regulations and testing methods, the standards
concerning additional safety regulations and testing methods for certain specific types of equipment
(swings, slides, etc.), the standards concerning the installation, maintenance and use of playgrounds, and
the standards concerning surfacing materials.

in its new proposal for a Directive on general product
Lastly, the Commission would confirm that,
safety (3) (currently being examined by the Parliament and the Council), it proposed the adoption of stricter
Community rules on market surveillance by the national authorities. Greater market surveillance would do
much to improve the safety of consumers, notably concerning playground equipment.

(1) OJ C 320, 6.11.1999.
(2) OJ C 13, 20.1.1999.
(3) COM(2000) 139 final.

(2001/C 103 E/267)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2844/00

by Minerva Malliori (PSE) to the Commission

(4 September 2000)

Subject: Toxic chemicals in aeroplanes

International research has established that, in many types of aircraft, the air in the passenger cabin is laden
with chemicals, channelled through the ventilation system, posing a risk to the health of both passengers
and crew.

Does the Commission intend to carry out its own checks on the above issue and to take the measures
necessary to eliminate this public health risk?
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2827/00 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Council. Granting of political asylum to Turkish citizen Fehriye Erdal.
Date: 2000-09-06
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Belgium, Türkiye, economic sanctions, foreign national, infringement of EU law, judicial inquiry, political asylum

18.4.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 113 E/185

While the Commission is aware of the possible impact on the ground of delays in signing contracts, it is
not authorised by the financial regulations to grant aid retrospectively (Article 2(2) of the specific terms of
the contract states that the project begins from the date of the last signature of one or other of the parties).
In this particular case the delay is mainly due to a question linked to the expiry of the basic Regulation.

Measures on the reform of external aid management are proposed in the Communication of 16 May in
order to streamline internal procedures, thus making it easier to approve project proposals more quickly.

(1) OJ L 68, 8.3.1997.
(2) SEC(1999) 2121.

(2001/C 113 E/196)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2827/00

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Council

(6 September 2000)

Subject: Granting of political asylum to Turkish citizen Fehriye Erdal

According to press reports, the Belgian Government is refusing to grant political asylum to Fehriye Erdal,
a Turkish citizen of Kurdish origin, despite the ruling by the Belgium supreme court clearing her of all
charges, and has agreed that she should be handed over to a (cid:145)third country(cid:146). According to the same
sources, Turkey is threatening to impose economic sanctions if Fehriye Erdal is not extradited.

Given that the conduct of the Belgian authorities amounts to a fresh violation of European Union
legislation and international treaties on the protection of refugees and the granting of asylum and that
this affair could once again blatantly undermine the Union(cid:146)s credibility as an area where human rights are
respected, as happened in the O(cid:231)alan case, will the Council say:

1. whether the (cid:145)special principle(cid:146) referred to in Article 4 of the Council resolution of 20 June 1995 has

been respected in the case of Fehriye Erdal(cid:146)s asylum request?

2. whether it can provide assurances that it will

intervene to oppose any attempt by the Belgian

authorities to expel Fehriye Erdal to a (cid:145)third country(cid:146)?

3. what specific measures it intends to take in the face of the blackmail attempts by Ankara, which, as it
did with Italy in the O(cid:231)alan affair, is threatening a Member State with economic sanctions should it
grant political asylum as it is required to do in this instance?

Reply

(16 November 2000)

The case of Ms Erdal
circumstances, the Council considers it inappropriate to make statements about this case.

is still under investigation by judicial authorities in Belgium. Under these

The Council is not aware of any economic sanctions or threats thereof by the Turkish government against
the Community or any of its Member States.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2893/00 by Francesco Speroni (TDI) to the Commission. Sex discrimination in relation to dress codes.
Date: 2000-09-06
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: application of EU law, clothing, sexual discrimination

C 103 E/232

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

3.4.2001

Answer by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(23 October 2000)

The Commission would like to inform the honourable Member that, as a result of complaints about the
legality of the tendering procedure in connection with the construction of the equestrian events centre at
Markopoulo, it wrote to the Greek authorities on two occasions to request information and clarification.
The matter is still being considered by the Commission.

As for the Olympic Village, following reports in the Greek press and in a spirit of cooperation with the
Member States, the Commission informally asked the Greek authorities for clarification regarding the
award of six contracts for urban studies in connection with the project. The Greek authorities told the
Commission that in the end these contracts were not going to be signed by the relevant minister and
would be abandoned. The Commission has not received any other information on the matter.

(2001/C 103 E/271)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2893/00

by Francesco Speroni (TDI) to the Commission

(6 September 2000)

Subject: Sex discrimination in relation to dress codes

Does the fact that in some places, without any justification on operational or practical grounds, men are
required to dress in a certain way while women are not
(or vice versa) constitute gender-based
discrimination and thus infringe Article 13 of the Treaty establishing the European Community?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(6 October 2000)

Article 13 of the EC Treaty authorises the Council, after consulting Parliament, to take appropriate action
to combat discrimination based, inter alia, on sex. This article has no direct effect.

At present, Article 13 does not constitute the legal basis for any Community sex discrimination legislation.

On the other hand, Council Directive 97/80/EC of 15 December 1997 on the burden of proof in cases of
discrimination based on sex (1) gives the Community definition of indirect discrimination. Article 2.2 of
this directive states that indirect discrimination shall exist where an apparently neutral provision, criterion
or practice disadvantages (FR: affecte; IT: colpiscono) a substantially higher proportion of the members of
one sex, unless that provision, criterion or practice is appropriate and necessary and can be justified by
objective factors unrelated to sex.

For the difference in treatment referred to by the Honourable Member to be regarded as sex discrimina-
it must be shown, on the one hand, to create a disadvantage and, on the other, to be neither
tion,
appropriate and necessary nor justified by such objective factors as social custom.

(1) OJ L 14, 20.1.1998.
Commission Regulation (EC) No 1892/2000 of 6 September 2000 providing for the rejection of applications for export licences in relation to cereal products
Date: 2000-09-06
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: cereal flour, common wheat, export licence

7.9.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 227/23

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 1892/2000

of 6 September 2000

providing for the rejection of applications for export licences in relation to cereal products

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 1766/92 of 30
June 1992 on the common organisation of the market in
cereals (1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1666/
2000 (2),

Having regard to Commission Regulation (EC) No 1162/95 of
23 May 1995 laying down special detailed rules for the
application of the system of import and export licences for
cereals and rice (3), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No
1432/1999 (4), and in particular Article 7(3) thereof,

Whereas:

The quantity covered by applications for advance fixing of
refunds for flour of common wheat and spelt could give rise to
speculation. It has therefore been decided to reject all applica-

tions for export licences for this product made on 6 September
2000,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

In accordance with Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1162/
95, applications for export licences with advance fixing of
refunds for products falling within CN code 1101 00 15 made
on 6 September 2000 shall be rejected.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 7 September 2000.

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

Done at Brussels, 6 September 2000.

For the Commission

Franz FISCHLER

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 181, 1.7.1992, p. 21.
(2) OJ L 193, 29.7.2000, p. 1.
(3) OJ L 117, 24.5.1995, p. 2.
(4) OJ L 166, 1.7.1999, p. 56.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2842/00 by Ulla Sandbæk (EDD) to the Council. Recruitment.
Date: 2000-09-06
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European Investment Fund, Ireland, appointment of staff, professional qualifications, vice-president of an institution

C 113 E/192

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

18.4.2001

longer appropriate because it no longer reflects current economic spatial structures, it can always request
that Eurostat adapt the boundaries of its NUTS level II or III regions. In fact, the NUTS classification for
both the United Kingdom and Ireland has been modified in 1999 at the reasoned request of the relevant
national authorities.

(1) OJ C 74, 10.3.1998.

(2001/C 113 E/203)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2842/00

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

(6 September 2000)

Subject: Recruitment

Will the Council explain what the relevant qualifications are for the post of Vice-President of the European
Investment Fund, and can it say whether the candidate proposed by the Irish government possesses such
qualifications?

Reply

(30 November 2000)

According to art. 11 of the Protocol on the Statute of the European Investment Bank, only persons whose
independence and competence are beyond doubt can be members of the Board of Directors of the EIB.

Those persons are,
nomination by the Member State concerned and not by the Council of the European Union.

furthermore, appointed by the Board of Governors of

the EIB following their

(2001/C 113 E/204)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2845/00

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(8 September 2000)

Subject: Number of MEPs in the European Parliament

In view of the recent statement by the leader of Her Majesty(cid:146)s Opposition in the UK that (cid:145)we could easily
knock 100 seats off the European Parliament(cid:146) (quoted in GC magazine, September 2000, page 142), could
the Commission outline the process that would have to be gone through to reduce the current European
Parliament from 626 to 526?

Would the Commission take the view that this is an easy task?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(20 October 2000)

The number of seats in the European Parliament is laid down by the EC Treaty. Article 189 EC states that
the number of members may not exceed 700, while Article 190(2) EC (formerly Article 138(2)) lays down
the number of members elected in each Member State (totalling 626 members at present). These
provisions can be changed only by revising the Articles in question, which can be done either by
amending the Treaty (according to the procedure laid down in Article 48 (formerly Article N) of the
Treaty on European Union) or by adjusting the Treaty upon accession of a new Member State (according
to the procedure laid down in Article 49 EU (formerly Article O)).