WRITTEN QUESTION E-4161/00 by Jeffrey Titford (EDD) to the Commission. European Commission's proposed Chemical Testing Programme.
Date: 2001-01-16
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU research policy, analytical chemistry, animal experimentation, chemical product

3.7.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 187 E/151

After examining in detail Greek ministerial decree No 35 870 of 10 February 2000 laying down (cid:129) for
2000/2001 marketing year sowings (cid:129) administrative measures to support cotton growing, the Commis-
sion instituted infringement proceedings against Greece under Article 226 (ex Article 169) of the EC Treaty.

The Commission wishes to examine in more detail the official legal texts concerning the ministerial decree
of 11 December 2000 before commenting on the new measures to which the Honourable Member refers
in respect of sowings for the forthcoming 2001/2002 marketing year. After examining the decree in detail,
the Commission may decide to institute proceedings similar to those in respect of the 2000/2001
marketing year sowings.

The proposal on adjusting the system of aid for cotton was published on 13 December 1999 (2). The
proposal(cid:146)s content (cid:129) inter alia the scope for Member States to restrict, where appropriate, the areas eligible
for aid on the basis of objective criteria (cid:129) was therefore known several months before the normal date of
the sowings in question, thus ensuring compliance with the principle of safeguarding operators(cid:146) legitimate
expectations.

In any case, measures taken at national level must not infringe the corresponding Community legislation.

(1) OJ C 81 E, 13.3.2001.
(2) COM(1999) 492 final.

(2001/C 187 E/161)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4161/00

by Jeffrey Titford (EDD) to the Commission

(16 January 2001)

Subject: European Commission(cid:146)s proposed Chemical Testing Programme

I am receiving letters every day from constituents who continue to be concerned about the European
Commission(cid:146)s proposals to test 70 000 existing chemicals, which, I am advised, will result in the death of
around 10 million animals.

1. Where can I find a list of the 70 000 chemicals it is proposed to test?

2. Which committee, or group of persons, within the European Commission decided on this recom-
mendation?

3. What are the opportunities for MEPs to debate, amend or reject these proposals?

Does the European Commission agree with the estimate that over 10 million animals will be

4.
slaughtered as a result of this proposal?

5. Which organisations and individuals have, to date, made representations to the European Commis-
sion against this proposal?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(14 March 2001)

On 13 February 2001 the Commission adopted a White Paper on a strategy for a future chemicals policy.
The White Paper will be presented to the Parliament which will have the opportunity of giving its opinion.

It is not possible, on the basis of the White Paper, to estimate the number of animals needed for testing.
What can be said is that for two thirds of the substances, testing should generally be limited to non-animal
testing.

C 187 E/152

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

3.7.2001

The Commission has received some six thousand items of correspondence from individuals and organisa-
tions on this subject, many of which expressed concern in relation to animal testing. Other comments
received emphasised the importance of ensuring that chemicals are adequately tested. The Commission has
not made a precise breakdown of the different points of view expressed and is not in a position therefore
to furnish the details sought on this aspect. However, the Commission can assure the Honourable Member
that it will take account of the need to limit testing of live animals as far as practicable, including using
available alternative tests not requiring the use of live animals, and to encourage the development of new
alternative tests.

(2001/C 187 E/162)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-4163/00

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(9 January 2001)

Subject: Structural aid for Objective 1 regions from 2006

In his reply to my Question E-3283/00 (1), the Commissioner for regional policy, Mr Barnier, states that
the Commission(cid:146)s second report on economic and social cohesion is scheduled for adoption in January
2001. It assesses not only the situation and trends in respect of the Fifteen, and Community policies(cid:146)
contribution to cohesion, but also the situation of cohesion in an enlarged Europe.

Mr Barnier adds that this report will be the starting point for the revision of the current EU structural
policy. Using it as a basis, guidelines and possible alternatives for structural policy will be put forward, to
be supplemented at a later date on the basis of the conclusions of the debates to be held with the players
involved and the other EU Institutions. The Cohesion Forum which the Commission will organise in the
first half of 2001 will be the first step in this direction.

Can the Commission tell me what the guidelines for the alternatives contained in the report are with
regard to future Objective 1 region structural aid from 2006 within an enlarged Union?

Where will the Cohesion 2001 Forum be held?

(1) OJ C 163 E, 6.6.2001, p. 77.

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(27 February 2001)

The second report on economic and social cohesion was adopted by the Commission on 31 January
2001 (1) and immediately submitted to Parliament in plenary session in Brussels.

The Cohesion Forum will be held in Brussels on 21/22 May 2001 in the Parliament buildings. Parliament
will of course be invited to take part in it.

(1) COM(2001) 24 final.