Commission Regulation (EC) No 744/98 of 2 April 1998 amending for the ninth time Regulation (EC) No 913/97 adopting exceptional support measures for the pigmeat market in Spain

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 744/98 of 2 April 1998 amending for the ninth time Regulation (EC) No 913/97 adopting exceptional support measures for the pigmeat market in Spain
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2759/75 of 29 October 1975 on the common organisation of the market in pigmeat (1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 3290/94 (2), and in particular Article 20 thereof,
Whereas, because of the outbreak of classical swine fever in certain production regions in Spain, the Commission adopted Regulation (EC) No 913/97 (3), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 503/98 (4), to introduce exceptional support measures for the pigmeat market in that Member State;
Whereas the Commission has adopted veterinary and trade restrictions applicable to certain veterinary districts (comarcas) in the provinces of Segovia, Madrid and Toledo by Decision 97/285/EC of 30 April 1997 concerning certain protection measures relating to classical swine fever in Spain (5), as last amended by Decision 98/93/EC (6); whereas, consequently, the marketing in these zones of piglets which are surplus to requirements there is temporarily prohibited; whereas it is therefore necessary to include piglets reared in these areas in the support measures provided for in Regulation (EC) No 913/97;
Whereas, because the veterinary and trade restrictions continue to apply and have been extended to new zones, particularly in the province of Lérida, the number of fattening pigs which may be delivered to the competent authorities should be increased so that the exceptional measures can continue during the coming weeks;
Whereas the restrictions on the free movement of piglets have been operative for several weeks in Segovia, Madrid and Toledo provinces, resulting in a substantial increase in the weight of the animals and consequently an intolerable situation as regards their welfare; whereas application of this Regulation from 18 March 1998 is therefore justified;
Whereas the measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for Pigmeat,