WRITTEN QUESTION E-0048/02 by Jens Okking (EDD) to the Commission. Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC).
Date: 2002-01-24
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Netherlands, animal experimentation, animal welfare, monkey, protection of animals, research body, research project

18.7.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 172 E/133

incidents have occurred at the Franco-Spanish border in Perthus. Drivers of vehicles
A number of
registered in France but displaying the CAT sticker on their number plates have been ordered to remove it
by the Spanish police. Those refusing to do so have either been obliged to spend long hours in detention
or have been advised to turn back or be detained. This is equivalent to being refused entry.

Does the Commission consider such measures taken by the police to be compatible with the free
movement of goods and persons between the Member States " a freedom which is enshrined in the
Treaties?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 2002)

A Member State is authorised to require that every motor vehicle registered in another Member State and
circulating in its territory display a distinguishing sign of the State of registration, pursuant to two
equivalent provisions: the 1968 Convention on Road Traffic (1) (sign in an ellipse which is separate from
the registration plate) and the Community legislation (2) (sign on the extreme left of the registration plate
together with a representation of the European flag). In the latter case, the distinguishing sign is an integral
part of the vehicle’s registration plate.

The police authorities of a Member State may legitimately ask for the entire registration plate to be visible
and, in particular, for the distinguishing sign of the State of registration not to be obscured.

(1) Convention drawn up in Vienna on 8 November 1968 under the auspices of the United Nations Economic

Commission for Europe (Article 37 and Annex 3).

(2) Council Regulation (EC) No 2411/98 of 3 November 1998 on the recognition in intra-Community traffic of the
distinguishing sign of the Member State in which motor vehicles and their trailers are registered (OJ L 299,
10.11.1998).

(2002/C 172 E/137)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0048/02

by Jens Okking (EDD) to the Commission

(24 January 2002)

Subject: Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC)

I have received several
Primate Research Centre (BPRC), which receives EU support.

letters from citizens in Denmark voicing concern over the Dutch Biomedical

The Centre houses 1 500 primates in shocking and disgraceful conditions. Many of the monkeys are totally
isolated in steel cages with no opportunity of displaying natural behaviour and in conditions that would
not even be offered a monkey in a zoo.

Is the Commission aware of conditions at the Centre and can it explain how the EU gives money to
ECVAM (European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (to animal experiments)) with one
hand and, with the other, provides support for a major centre for experiments on animals?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(4 March 2002)

The Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC) in Rijswijk, the Netherlands, is participating in several
three-year research projects under the Fifth Framework Programme for Research and Technological
Development (1998-2002). These projects cover research areas such as vaccine and drug development for
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), tuberculosis, malaria and hepatitis C. This research requires the use
of animals with an immune system similar to humans. Unfortunately, at the moment, no realistic
alternatives with similar predictive values exist other than non-human primates.

C 172 E/134

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

18.7.2002

The Commission is fully aware that the use of non-human primates in research, and in particular great
apes, is a sensitive matter, which raises concerns for all citizens. All efforts are therefore made by the
Commission to reduce, replace and refine the use of animals in research.

in the annex of

the Decision No 182/1999/EC of

the Council of
Firstly,
22 December 1998 concerning the fifth framework programme of
research,
technological development and demonstration activities (1998 to 2002) (1), concerning the Quality of Life
Programme, it is specified that research involving animals is restricted under this programme with regard
to animal experiments and tests on animals, which should, when ever possible, be replaced with in vitro or
other alternative methods. An obligation is placed on all applicants, including the BPRC to describe the
procedures adopted to respect the principles of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) and to
protect the welfare of animals.

the Parliament and of

the Community for

Secondly, an ethical review has been implemented systematically under the Quality of Life programme for
proposals dealing with sensitive issues such as the use of non-human primates. The ethical review ensures
among others that all research involving animals are conducted in accordance with Council Directive
86/609/EEC of 24 November 1986 on the approximation of
laws, regulations and administrative
provisions of the Member States regarding the protection of animals used for experimental and other
scientific purposes (2). Furthermore, participants in research projects must seek the approval of the relevant
national authorising bodies prior to the start of the research activities. The Biomedical Research Primate
Centre (BPRC), which is situated in the Union but independent of the Community, has engaged itself
contractually to fulfil all national legal and ethical requirements. The BPRC has in July 2001 confirmed to
the Commission that it has the permission at local level to conduct biomedical research with non-human
primates. It has also confirmed that several
improvements have been made, for instance, building of
outdoor facilities, which support the social housing of macaques. Plans for rehousing of the chimpanzees’
colony of the BPRC is currently under preparation.

Thirdly, the Commission is currently supporting more than 20 research projects aiming at developing in
vitro alternatives to animal experiments. Furthermore, the Commission created in 1991 the European
Centre for Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM). The main task of ECVAM is the validation of
alternative methods,
including in vitro methods. Such methods can then be made available by the
Commission for regulatory purposes.

(1) OJ L 26, 1.2.1999.
(2) OJ L 358, 18.12.1986.

(2002/C 172 E/138)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0050/02

by Ria Oomen-Ruijten (PPE-DE), Alexander de Roo (Verts/ALE)
and Dorette Corbey (PSE) to the Commission

(24 January 2002)

Subject: Objections to the opening of a civilian airport

The Düsseldorf Bezirksregierung (district authority) in Germany has granted permission to the company
Flughafen Niederrhein GmbH to convert the former Laarbruch military airfield, situated two kilometres
from the Netherlands-German border in Germany, for use as a civilian airport. A number of communities
living in nearby border areas of the Netherlands and Germany have lodged objections to the decision.

Can the Commission confirm that

1.
the granting of the aforementioned authorisation does not
contravene European legislation on environmental impact assessment applying in this area, the birds and
habitat directives and designated quiet areas?

2. What steps does the Commission intend to take if the authorisation in fact contravenes European
legislation in force?