WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2603/97 by Encarnación REDONDO JIMÉNEZ to the Commission. Statements by Commissioner Bonino on UK beef exports
3. 4. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 102/61 It appears that the Commission later denied that Spain was concerned. Why did Commissioner Bonino act in such an irresponsible way? Has the Commissioner assessed the damage caused by her actions? Is the Commissioner aware that her muddled statements can only exacerbate the difficult situation in the market for beef? Who is to deal with the economic consequences of this irresponsibility? (98/C 102/87) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2577/97 by Juan Colino Salamanca (PSE) and Jesu·s Cabezo·n Alonso (PSE) to the Commission Subject: Breaking the EU embargo on British beef (24 July 1997) On 2 July 1997, Commissioner Bonino reported a possible illegal sale of British beef, under embargo because of the mad cow crisis, stating on Italian television that Spain was one of the countries of destination for this beef. It appears that the Commission later denied that Spain was concerned. On what investigations did the Commissioner base these claims? What body or officials informed her that Spain was affected? Is it normal to make statements of this kind before contacting the Member State concerned? (98/C 102/88) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2578/97 by Juan Colino Salamanca (PSE) and Jesu· s Cabezo·n Alonso (PSE) to the Commission Subject: Breaking the EU embargo on British beef (24 July 1997) On 2 July 1997, Commissioner Bonino reported a possible illegal sale of British beef, under embargo because of the mad cow crisis, stating on Italian television that Spain was one of the countries of destination for this beef. It appears that the Commission later denied that Spain was concerned. Does the Commissioner acknowledge her mistake? What were the reasons for issuing the denial? What authority or official provided the new information which allowed her to change her claims? (98/C 102/89) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2603/97 by Encarnacio·n Redondo Jime·nez (PPE) to the Commission (1 September 1997) Subject: Statements by Commissioner Bonino on UK beef exports Mrs Bonino made several statements to the media on Wednesday, 2 July 1997 on UK beef exports to various countries. Has the Commission given any thought to the suitability or otherwise of such statements and their impact on: 1. 2. the credibility of the Commissionís activities as regards consumer health and consumer protection; the Community beef markets?