WRITTEN QUESTION E-1774/02 by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Pump-action rifles.
Date: 2002-06-24
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: application of EU law, firearms and munitions, intra-EU trade, market approval, personal weapon

C 277 E/244

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

14.11.2002

effects of foods are scientifically proven and correctly communicated to the consumer. The provisions of
the proposed legislation will apply to all foods, including the products in question provided they are
marketed as foods.

The Commission shares the concerns of the Honourable Member regarding the proliferation of
3.
weight loss supplements and their dubious marketing practices. Current Community legislation on the
labelling, presentation and advertising of foods (Directive 2000/13/EC of the Parliament and of the Council
of 20 March 2000 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the labelling,
presentation and advertising of foodstuffs (1)) clearly states that the labelling and advertising of foods must
in particular by attributing to the food effects or properties it does not possess.
not be misleading,
However, the responsibility to control the correct application of the provisions laid down in this Directive
lies with the competent authorities of the Member States. Furthermore, the Parliament and Council
Regulation on the General Principles of Food Law (2) states that the food business operators shall ensure
that the foods they place on the market are safe.

(1) OJ L 13, 26.5.2000.
(2) Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general
principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down
procedures in matters of food safety, OJ L 31, 1.2.2002.

(2002/C 277 E/269)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1774/02

by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(24 June 2002)

Subject: Pump-action rifles

It is sad but true that reports of murders, instances of manslaughter and accidents resulting from the use of
pump-action rifles are now a daily occurrence.

Does not the European Commission take the view that it would be sensible to prohibit pump-action rifles
on the grounds that they are not used by security services, members of amateur shooting clubs or hunters?

Will the Commission indicate it if shares this view, if it is taking independent action and if it is making
representations to the Member States on this issue, and will it give a progress report on developments in
this field?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(23 July 2002)

Council Directive 91/477/EEC of 18 June 1991 on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons (1)
in
states that passing from one Member State to another while in possession of a weapon should,
principle, be prohibited and that a derogation therefrom is acceptable only if a procedure is adopted that
enables Member States to be notified that a firearm is to be brought into their country. In addition, the
Directive allows Member States to go as far as to prohibit the possession of firearms not already included
the
in the category of weapons for which possession by private individuals is forbidden. So far,
Commission has no information suggesting that the arrangements introduced by Directive 91/477/EEC do
not provide a satisfactory solution for controlling the acquisition and possession of pump-action rifles.

(1) OJ L 256, 13.9.1991.