WRITTEN QUESTION E-2883/01 by Charles Tannock (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Crop-spraying using the insecticide Lebaycid on Corfu and the legality of its use.
Date: 2001-10-22
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Ionian Islands, insecticide, public health, respiratory disease, scientific committee (EU), testing

16.5.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 115 E/187

(2002/C 115 E/195)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2883/01

by Charles Tannock (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(22 October 2001)

Subject: Crop-spraying using the insecticide Lebaycid on Corfu and the legality of its use

Is the Commission aware that the Greek authorities permit crop-spraying (originally by fixed-wing aircraft
and now, following public pressure, by helicopter) using the insecticide Lebaycid every 10 to 15 days
throughout the summer months in the north-eastern part of Corfu in an effort to control the Dacus fly,
which eats the olive fruit, and that this is associated with a number of respiratory complaints suffered by
people living outside the main villages of Kassopi and Acharavi? One resident, Mr Andrew Langton took
soil samples from an area used for recreational purposes in the winter months which, after analysis,
revealed traces of Fenthion.

Can the Commission say if such spraying in populated areas is legal?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(28 November 2001)

The Commission would like to refer the Honourable Member to the answer given to Written Question
E-3552/00 by Mr Papayannakis (1) in which the legal provisions concerning the use of plant protection
products are set out.

The aerial application of Lebaycid, an insecticide containing the active substance fenthion, is at present a
matter regulated by the national law of the Member States. As explained in greater detail in that reply, the
use of fenthion is at present allowed under Community law pending the completion of the evaluation in
accordance with the provisions of Council Directive 91/414/EEC of 15 July 1991 concerning the placing
of plant protection products on the market (2).

The Community evaluation of
fenthion has almost been finalised and the Commission will, after
consultation of the Scientific Committee on Plants, propose as soon as possible a decision on fenthion,
which will also address the acceptable ways of application.

(1) OJ C 174 E, 19.6.2001, p. 76.
(2) OJ L 230, 19.8.1991.

(2002/C 115 E/196)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2888/01

by María Sornosa Martínez (PSE) to the Commission

(22 October 2001)

Subject: Plan for an airport in Castellón (Spain)

The Provincial Council of Castellón is currently promoting a project to build an airport in Castellón (in the
Region of Valencia). This project was forwarded to the Spanish Ministry for Public Works for its approval,
but there was no response. The AENA (Spanish airports and air traffic authority) has stated that it
considers the planned airport facilities to be unnecessary, since Valencia airport, only 70 km from
Castellón, already caters for all the commercial and passenger transport needs.

It has just been announced that the land on which the airport is supposed to be built is being expropriated
the Valencian Regional
(the Commission can consult
Government @ DOGV 4070, dated 23 August 2001).

the announcement

in the Official

Journal of

In view of the facts set out above and taking into account the European Union’s airport and air transport
requirements, what view does the Commission take of the plan to build a new airport in the Region of
Valencia?