WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1443/97 by Karl OLSSON to the Commission. Animal Welfare
10. 2. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 45/33 Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (18 June 1997) The Commission shares the Honourable Member’s views on the importance of construction in the Community. This is indeed one of the main industrial sectors in terms of production and job creation. With more specific regard to employment, a strategic study commissioned by the Commission (1) emphasised that 8. 8 million direct jobs in the sector have led to 17. 6 million indirect jobs. In view, particularly, of the above, the Commission is exploring the expediency of preparing a communication to the Council, Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions in which it would examine the key elements affecting the sector’s competitiveness. (1) Strategies for the European Construction Sector › A Programme for Change (1994). (98/C 45/40) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1443/97 by Karl Olsson (ELDR) to the Commission (28 April 1997) Subject: Animal Welfare A directive for improving the protection of animals has been adopted after lengthy debate in the European Parliament. The directive came partly into force at the beginning of this year. Public and political opinion is strongly against cruelty in the trade in live animals. A report broadcast on Swedish television showed examples of mal-treatment of animals more appalling than anything seen before. It is of course completely unacceptable and must be stopped. What steps does Mr Fischler intend to take to ensure that the new animal protection directive is strictly complied with, to make animal handling and transport more humane and ensure that those breaking the law get the punishment they deserve? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (10 June 1997) The Commission would refer to the answer given to written question No E-1106/97 by Mr R. Paasilinna (1). It should also be noted that the power of the Community to impose restrictions on trade from third countries, in order to protect animal welfare, could possibly be limited by the Communityís obligations under the World trade organisation agreements. In relation to compliance by Member States with their obligations under Council Directive 91/628/EEC on the protection of animals during transport (2), the Commission intends to continue monitoring the enforcement of the relevant provisions by the Member States, and will not fail to take the necessary measures, including the opening of infringement proceedings under Article 169 of the EC Treaty, if Member States fail to comply with these obligations. (1) OJ C 373, 9. 12. 1997, p. 68. (2) OJ L 340, 11. 12. 1991