WRITTEN QUESTION E-3434/01 by Eurig Wyn (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Stun weapon manufacturers using CE markings.
Date: 2001-12-21
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EC conformity marking, arms industry, electrical equipment, non-lethal weapon, penal institution, police

16.5.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 115 E/257

The Commission is in the process of considering the reply from the Greek authorities. At the moment,
therefore, it is not in a position to inform the honourable Member, of the action that will be taken in this
matter.

(1) OJ L 199, 9.8.1993.

(2002/C 115 E/278)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3355/01

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Appalling hygiene in the Rendi central meat market in Greece

(6 December 2001)

In reply to question E-2566/01 (1) the Commission states that it is looking into hygiene at the Rendi
central meat market in Greece.

What conclusions has the Commission drawn from its inquiry, and what steps does it intend to take to
ensure that hygiene is improved in this meat market?

(1) See page 122.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(24 January 2002)

The Commission’s Food and Veterinary Office has scheduled a specific inspection mission to the central
market in Rendi in January 2002.

A mission report will be drafted and transmitted to the Greek authorities in accordance with the
procedures set out in Commission Decision 98/139/EC of 4 February 1998 laying down certain detailed
rules concerning on-the-spot checks carried out in the veterinary field by Commission experts in the
Member States (1). The consolidated report will also be transmitted to Parliament and finally published on
the Internet at the following address: http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/fs/inspections/index_en.html.

The final report will be examined by the relevant departments of the Health and Consumer Protection
Directorate-General, which will decide on the most appropriate measures needed in the light of the
situation encountered.

(1) OJ L 38, 12.2.1998.

(2002/C 115 E/279)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3434/01

by Eurig Wyn (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(21 December 2001)

Subject: Stun weapon manufacturers using CE markings

In February 2001, a report by Amnesty International entitled ‘Stamp out Torture’ revealed that electro-
shock devices were still being used to torture or ill-treat people in prisons, detention centres and police
stations in at least 76 countries around the world. Even more alarming was the discovery that stun weapon
manufacturers are advertising that their products have been awarded the European CE standard mark.

I would therefore ask the Commission to:

@ clarify the process by which European CE standard marks are awarded and the Commissioner

responsible;

@ explain to the European Parliament how many stun weapon manufacturers are using CE markings on

their products.

C 115 E/258

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

16.5.2002

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(31 January 2002)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written P-2783/01 by Mr Ford (1)

(1) OJ C 81 E, 4.4.2002, p. 209.

(2002/C 115 E/280)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3491/01

by Jean Lambert (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(8 January 2002)

Subject: CE standard marks and stun weapons

Stun weapons are frequently used around the world as part of inhuman and degrading torture practices
which amount to serious human rights violations. According to an Amnesty International report, since
1990 electro-shock devices have been used to torture or ill-treat people in prisons, detention centres and
police stations in at least 76 countries in every region of the world.

There have been reports that certain stun weapons manufacturers are advertising that their products have
been ‘awarded’ the European CE standard mark. When questioned regarding these markings, the European
Commission replied that ‘the Commission has no information about the validity of Teh Huang’s [the
company concerned in this case] CE marking, or about the possible sale of Teh Huangs products on the
territory of the European Union’ (e-mail to Amnesty International, Ireland, dated 26 February 2001).

In relation to this,
I am concerned that EU Member States are effectively allowing stun weapon
manufacturers to use the European Commission CE ‘safety’ markings on their stun batons as a quality
‘selling point’.

Therefore:

@ Please could the Commission clarify the process by which European CE standard marks are awarded?

@ How many stun weapon manufacturers are using the CE markings on their products?

@ Is there a possibility that certain stun weapons manufacturers are using CE markings without

authorisation and, if so, what could the Commission do about it?

@ What action could the Commission take to prevent stun weapon manufacturers using CE markings to

promote the sales of their products?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(31 January 2002)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written P-2783/01 by Mr Ford (1).

(1) OJ C 81 E, 4.4.2002, p. 209.