WRITTEN QUESTION No. 854/98 by Lyndon HARRISON to the Commission. Responsibility for fire
C 304/160 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 2. 10. 98 Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission (26 March 1998) Compliance with democratic principles and the rule of law in Togo require any presidential election there to be completely above board and the lead-up to it open and fair. In reply to the Honourable Memberís question, a specialist was sent out earlier this month to determine whether and how support could be given to the belatedly established national electoral commission in light of the fact that the first round of presidential elections is set for June this year. The Commission intends to continue very close monitoring of the elections in conjunction with the Member States. It is supporting campaigns by Togolese NGOs to inform the public of the elections and will assist with a training programme for those bodies involved in the electoral process. (98/C 304/244) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0854/98 by Lyndon Harrison (PSE) to the Commission (11 March 1998) Subject: Responsibility for fire The responsibility for fire falls across many directorates-general of the European Commission. In what way does the Commission ensure that these matters are dealt with in a coherent and focused manner? Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (8 April 1998) The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its findings as soon as possible. (98/C 304/245) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0867/98 by Armelle Guinebertie‘re (UPE) to the Council (31 March 1998) Subject: Netherlandsí bill on the treatment of prostitution and procuring The attention of the Council of Justice Ministers is drawn to a bill tabled by the Netherlands government in that country concerning the treatment of prostitution and procuring. This bill lifts the ban on brothels, sets out a female sex workersí charter for so-called voluntary prostitutes and decriminalizes procuring. If it is passed, the bill is likely to set a European precedent. Can the Council of Minister of the European Union accept legislation which undermines the inviolability and inalienability of the human body and repudiates the UN Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others of December 1949? The Council is not competent to comment on bills submitted by the Member Statesí governments. Answer (4 June 1998)