WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2737/97 by Gianni TAMINO to the Commission. Incompatibility of Veneto regional law No 15 of 22 May 1997 with Community legislation
3. 4. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 102/107 Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (8 October 1997) The Commission extends its deepest sympathy to the victims of the floods caused by torrential rain in the commune of Estaimpuis. The Commission is aware of the losses sustained by the people in this area. It has to inform the Honourable Member that, under the 1997 budget, heading B4-3400 (Emergency aid to disaster victims) has not been allocated any funds which can be used for immediate action. The Commission would also remind the Honourable Member that it has published in the Official Journal a call for proposals for pilot projects in the field of environmental protection of areas prone to flash floods (1). The pilot projects are intended to stimulate cooperation between the Member States in the collection, coordination and consolidation of the best existing knowledge in Europe with regard to the management and protection of the environment in areas prone to flash floods. As regards longer-term flood prevention through land management, the Commission would draw the Honourable Member’s attention to Interreg II C (1997-99), a Community initiative for which Hainaut province is eligible. (1) OJ C 185, 18. 6. 1997. (98/C 102/154) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2737/97 by Gianni Tamino (V) to the Commission (1 September 1997) Subject: Incompatibility of Veneto regional law No 15 of 22 May 1997 with Community legislation Regional law No 15 of 22 May 1997 on the breeding for exhibition or as pets of species of birds other than game birds born in captivity was published in official bulletin No 43 of the Veneto region, Italy, on 27 May 1997. Does this law comply with European directives on the protection of wild birds and game birds? Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (10 October 1997) The Commission has obtained and is examining the law cited by the Honourable Member, and will not hesitate to initiate the procedure provided in Article 169 EC Treaty should this prove necessary. (98/C 102/155) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2742/97 by Patricia McKenna (V) to the Council (1 September 1997) Subject: Refugees fleeing from Burma to Bangladesh An estimated 25 000 asylum-seekers have fled from Burma to Bangladesh over the past few months to escape forced labour, human rights abuses and imposed hardship. Bangladesh has so far refused to allow the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to interview these refugees