WRITTEN QUESTION E-1598/03 by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission. Animal Transport Directive.
Date: 2003-05-12
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EC Directive, protection of animals, transport of animals

21.11.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 280 E/169

Can the Commission provide the following information:

1. What stage has been reached in the proceedings brought against the Republic of Korea in the WTO?

2. What steps will the Commission take, particularly as regards amending the current Regulation (EC)
No 1540/98 (1) and the new Leadership 2015 initiative, with the aim of supporting the shipbuilding
industry, a strategic sector in the European Union, and promoting the rapid renewal of fleets by
Community shipowners in order to help improve safety in maritime transport?

(1) OJ L 202, 18.7.1998, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(17 June 2003)

The Commission is aware of the difficult situation in the shipbuilding market, as evidenced by the
information provided in the Commission’s 7th shipbuilding report which has been submitted to the
Council on 13 May 2003 (1) and is now publicly available.

The Commission has responded to this continued crisis in several ways. In 2002, it adopted a two pronged
strategy consisting of a World Trade Organisation (WTO) action against Korea and the possibility to
authorise direct aid to shipyards for the construction of certain shiptypes under Council Regulation (EC)
No 1177/2002 of 27 June 2002 concerning a temporary defensive mechanism (TDM) to shipbuilding (2).
The TDM is an exceptional measure and is applicable as of 24 October 2002. It is now up to Member
States to implement the Regulation and notify any aid measure to the Commission, if they have not yet
done so.

Concerning the WTO dispute, the Commission held various rounds of consultations with the Korean
Government since the initiation of the dispute in October 2002 which have, however, failed to resolve the
issue. The Commission is, therefore, currently preparing its next step i.e. the request of a WTO Panel.

With regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1540/1998 of 29 June 1998 establishing new rules on aid to
shipbuilding, the Commission is actively engaged in the preparation of new appropriate rules for State aid
to shipbuilding, as the Regulation will expire by the end of 2003.

The Commission is also strongly supporting the work in LeaderSHIP 2015, which is an initiative of the
Union’s shipbuilding industry, in co-operation with the Commission, designed to develop new working
structures and technology priorities and so to sustain the competitiveness of the Community’s shipbuilding
industry. The initiative will, among other issues, look into new possible ways to support Research and
Technological Development (R & D) and innovation in the sector. First results will be presented before the
end of 2003.

As to the question of fleet renewal, this is already being promoted by the recent Union maritime safety
legislation. Any other specific measures would have to comply with the state aid rules for the shipping and
shipbuilding industry.

(1) COM(2003) 232 final.
(2) OJ L 172, 2.7.2002.

(2003/C 280 E/187)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1598/03

by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission

(12 May 2003)

Subject: Animal Transport Directive

Further to my question H-0180/03 (1), when will inter-departmental consultations commence on the draft
proposal on the protection of animals during transport?

In the experience of the Commission how long do such inter-departmental consultations take?

(1) Written answer of 8 April 2003.

C 280 E/170

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

21.11.2003

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(20 June 2003)

The Commission has initiated the inter-service consultations.

The standard period for an inter-service consultation for a document of this size is 15 working days. After
this period additional
to take into account all relevant
observations in order to ensure the agreement of the relevant Departments.

time may be necessary to adjust

the text

(2003/C 280 E/188)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1602/03

by Maria Carrilho (PSE) to the Commission

(12 May 2003)

Subject: Toys in foodstuffs

In view of the fatal accidents in which children have died of asphyxia in the last few years, some of the
more conscientious manufacturers have voluntarily withdrawn potentially dangerous products from the
market.

Nestlé withdrew its ‘Magic Ball’
character) because toys inside food products are considered extremely dangerous.

(a chocolate-covered plastic ball containing a figurine of a Disney

In Denmark and the United Kingdom a yoghurt containing a toy (Onken) was also voluntarily withdrawn
from the market.

In Finland a chocolate egg containing a novelty toy manufactured in Austria was withdrawn from the
market.

Meanwhile, unscrupulous manufacturers continue to advertise and sell their food products under the
pretext of offering a toy (which is of course just another marketing gimmick to promote the food product),
which can cause fatal accidents and irreparable damage to the lives of families.

What specific action will the Commission take with a view to protecting European consumers?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(13 June 2003)

The Honourable Member is asked to refer to the Commission’s answer to Written Questions E-1475/03 by
Mr Carlos Lage, E-1505/03 by Mr Arlindo Cunha, E-1552/03 by Mr Paulo Casaca and E-1591/03 by
Mr Antonio Campos (1).

(1) OJ C 268 E, 7.11.2003, p. 202.

(2003/C 280 E/189)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1645/03

by Bill Miller (PSE) to the Commission

(16 May 2003)

Subject: Methods to reduce unemployment in labour-intensive industries

In order to try and alleviate unemployment there was a decision to look at a reduced rate of VAT on
labour-intensive industries. I understand that there have been pilot projects in the building industry in
France. What have been the results?