WRITTEN QUESTION E-0301/01 by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Demolition of a building in Viana do Castelo.
Date: 2001-02-13
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU financing, EU programme, Portugal, multi-storey dwelling

19.6.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 174 E/257

be chosen that involves processing the least amount of data to achieve the stated purpose. Article 6 of
Directive 95/46/CE explicitly states that data must be (cid:145)adequate, relevant and not excessive in relation to
the purposes for which they are collected(cid:146).

(1) OJ L 281, 23.11.1995.

(2001/C 174 E/278)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0274/01

by Jillian Evans (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(2 February 2001)

Subject: The United Kingdom Census in Wales

In its 2001 census forms, the United Kingdom Government(cid:146)s Office of National Statistics recognises the
existence of a Scottish national identity in its form for Scotland and the existence of an Irish nationality on
the census form throughout the United Kingdom. The same opportunity does not exist for the people of
Wales to register their nationality as (cid:145)Welsh(cid:146) in Wales nor in the other countries of the United Kingdom.

Does the Commission agree that the people of Wales are being denied the freedom to express their
national identity (or ethnicity) and that this is a case of discrimination against almost 3 million people
resident in Wales and against Welsh people resident in other parts of the United Kingdom. If so, what
action does the Commission intend to take?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(20 February 2001)

The Commission has no jurisdiction to deal with the question asked, which is a matter solely for the
national authorities concerned.

(2001/C 174 E/279)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0301/01

by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(13 February 2001)

Subject: Demolition of a building in Viana do Castelo

In Viana do Castelo (Portugal), the local council has announced its plans, as part of the POLIS programme,
involving Community funding, to demolish a building known as (cid:145)Edificio Jardim(cid:146) or (cid:145)PrØdio Coutinho(cid:146) in
the city centre. It was built around 27 years ago, but is still in good condition and houses some 90
families, mostly elderly people.

The residents have taken various forms of action against this position, but have been ignored. They
questioned the priority given to demolishing a building in a good state of preservation, at a time when
there are many other problems to be dealt with.

The Commission:

1. Was it sent any proposal for action to be taken under the POLIS programme in Viana do Castelo,

including the demolition of the above building?

2.

If so, what was or will be the Commission(cid:146)s position on the matter?

C 174 E/258

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

19.6.2001

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(19 March 2001)

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

(2001/C 174 E/280)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0305/01

by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(2 February 2001)

Subject: Inclement weather in Portugal

Portugal has recently been afflicted by severe storms which have had effects including deaths,
displacement of numerous households, and substantial repercussions for economic activity in general.

the

Numerous infrastructures have been affected: homes have been destroyed, localities have been cut off,
transport routes including roads and rail
lines have been interrupted, electricity and communications
networks have suffered cuts, and harbours and ports have had to close.

Industry, commercial activity, agriculture and fisheries have been heavily affected, with estimated losses
already running into billions of escudos.

the above, can the Commission state what emergency measures it

In view of
in
cooperation with the Portuguese government and local authorities, to combat the effects of these dramatic
circumstances in Portugal?

intends to take,

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(6 March 2001)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the reply it gave to Oral Question H-0099/01 by
Mr Casaca during question time at Parliament(cid:146)s February I 2001 part-session (1).

(1) Debates of the European Parliament (February 2001).

(2001/C 174 E/281)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0317/01

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(13 February 2001)

Subject: Treatment of naval war graves

What enquiries has the European Commission made about arrangements in the Member States for
ensuring respect for naval war graves? Will it bring forward proposals for EU-wide standards and for
promoting broader international standards?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(22 March 2001)

The matter to which reference is made does not fall within the jurisdiction of the Community.