WRITTEN QUESTION E-2293/02 by Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Welfare of animals during transport and desirability of a local abattoir in the Western Isles of Scotland.
Date: 2002-07-25
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Scotland, animal welfare, application of EU law, building industry, island, meat processing industry, protection of animals, public health, transport of animals

6.2.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 28 E/215

carried out an on site technical inspection on 22 March 2002. Following the visit a series of questions and
a request for a new intermediate report were addressed in writing to the project beneficiary on 28 March
2002. The beneficiary sent a new intermediate report on 15 May 2002, together with a request for
modifications and extension to the project. The Commission refused this request on 11 June 2002, due to
a number of financial and technical issues.

The final technical report and financial statement are due on 31 December 2002. According to the
Standard Administrative Provisions, the rules which govern LIFE projects, inspections can be carried out at
any time by both the Commission and the European Court of Auditors under the Financial Regulation of
21 December 1977 (1). These may be carried out on site and comprise an examination of the work
completed and the accounts and documents relating to the project. Verification of the need to carry out
further inspections will be made on the basis of information provided in the final technical report and
financial statement.

The Commission will only reimburse the eligible costs for work which it is certain has been carried out
according to the agreed project proposal. In the case of inadequate completion of actions, the beneficiary
will be required to reimburse part or all of payments already received from the Commission.

(1)

Financial Regulation of 21 December 1977 applicable to the general budget of the European Communities, OJ L 356,
31.12.1977.

(2003/C 28 E/245)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2293/02

by Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(25 July 2002)

Subject: Welfare of animals during transport and desirability of a local abattoir in the Western Isles of

Scotland

In the light of Council Directive 95/29/EC (1) amending Directive 91/628/EEC (2) concerning the protection
of animals during transport, and acknowledging the often adverse weather conditions experienced in the
shipping routes between the Western Isles and mainland Scotland, would the Commission agree that the
lack of local abattoir facilities in the Western Isles is in part contributing to longer journey times for
animals which have to be shipped to the mainland for slaughter?

Would the Commission further comment on ways in which the EU, in conjunction with the Scottish
Executive and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, could support the establishment of small local abattoirs and
mobile slaughterhouses in the islands so as to minimise journey times and thereby enhance both animal
welfare and public health?

(1) OJ L 148, 30.6.1995, p. 52.
(2) OJ L 340, 11.12.1991, p. 17.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(25 September 2002)

It is evident that the absence of abattoir facilities in the Western Isles results in longer journeys for animals
which are shipped to the Scottish mainland for slaughter.

In relation to comments requested on the establishment of small local abattoirs and mobile slaughter-
houses, the Commission would like to indicate that under Article 4, and by way of derogation from
Article 3, of Council Directive 64/433/EEC of 26 June 1964 (1), on health conditions for the production
and marketing of fresh meat, local slaughterhouses may apply less strict rules, provided inter alia that meat
is placed on the market for marketing in their national territory. Mobile slaughterhouses are allowed under
current Community legislation for slaughter of reindeer but not for slaughter of domestic species. The
Commission would like to stress that the overall respect of the rules on public health remains a corner
stone for ensuring the practicability of any support initiative

C 28 E/216

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

6.2.2003

the measure for

In relation to support for the establishment of small local abattoirs, within the framework of the structural
funds programme for the Highlands and Islands under Objective 1, Community funding may be granted to
improving processing and marketing of agricultural products
investments under
(Articles 25-28 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999 of 17 May 1999 on support
for rural
development from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) and amending and
repealing certain Regulations (2)). The objectives of
this measure, among others, are to improve or
rationalise marketing channels or processing procedures, to improve and monitor quality and health
conditions, and to encourage the development of new outlets for agricultural products. In drawing up the
programme the regional partnership established additional objectives including adding greater value to
locally sourced raw materials and to encourage investments which create and retain employment within
the region.

However, while the Commission has approved the programme in question,
the responsibility for
implementing the measures and for the selection of projects to be funded remains entirely in the hands
of the Scottish authorities.

(1) OJ P 121, 29.7.1964.
(2) OJ L 160, 26.6.1999.

(2003/C 28 E/246)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2296/02

by Erik Meijer (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(25 July 2002)

Subject: Ban on imports of candles with lead-treated wicks which cause health dangers, especially for

children and low-paid people

Is the Commission aware of the report carried on page 15 of ‘New Scientist’ dated 22 June 2002,

1.
concerning possible health risks from candles with lead-treated wicks?

2. Why has the import of candles containing lead, many of which are made in the Far East, not been
restricted when, according to this report, lead is no longer used in the wicks of candles manufactured in
the European Union?

Is the Commission aware that researchers have detected levels of lead particles in air after the

3.
burning of certain brands of candle which are thirteen times higher than the recognised safety limit?

4.
Can it confirm that children are particularly at risk, since such levels of lead exposure can cause brain
damage, and that people on low incomes are most in danger of exposure because leaded candles are
cheaper?

5. Will the Commission join the US Consumer Product Safety Commission in considering a ban on the
marketing of leaded candles, whether from imported or domestic sources?

6.

If not, what alternative measures does the Commission plan to take to avoid future problems?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(15 October 2002)

The Commission is aware of the potentially harmful effects of lead and its compounds to human health
and in particular of the latest indications of possible health risks from lead-treated wicks.

The Commission shares the concerns expressed by the Honourable Member and is considering an overall
approach to the issue of risks to health and the environment from lead-containing products.