WRITTEN QUESTION No. 851/98 by Jonas SJÖSTEDT to the Commission. EU policy on seed varieties
C 323/84 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 10. 98 the EU. Such a step is considered absolutely indispensable to ensure that deaf people have access to education and to reassure them that they are not excluded from public life in the Member States in which they live. Will the Commission say which EU Member States have accorded official recognition to the sign language used by the deaf-and-dumb and how it intends to intervene to promote this form of communication which is so important for them? (1) OJ C 187, 18. 7. 1988, p. 236. Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (20 April 1998) The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written question P-137/98 by Mrs Graenitz (1). (1) OJ C 304, 2. 10. 1998, p. 37. (98/C 323/112) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0850/98 by Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE) to the Commission (26 March 1998) Subject: Introduction of a neighbouring-country compatibility assessment for all national legislation Is the Commission aware that, according to reports from the Euregios, Member States regularly adopt legislation which conflicts radically with that of neighbouring countries, causing difficulties to members of the public and enterprises in border areas and reducing or entirely cancelling out the positive impact of open borders in the European Union? What view does the Commission take of the idea of drawing up a European Directive requiring Member States to assess the compatibility of all relevant national legislation with that of neighbouring countries, with the aim of avoiding such adverse effects? Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (5 June 1998) The Commission is conducting a detailed investigation of the problem raised by the Honourable Member and will inform her of the outcome as soon as possible. (98/C 323/113) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0851/98 by Jonas Sjo¤stedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (26 March 1998) Subject: EU policy on seed varieties EU legislation on seeds has been causing grave problems to those selling seed in small volumes. To sell seed it has to be registered. The cost of registration often exceeds the proceeds for selling less common varieties. There is therefore a risk that many less common and often traditional varieties of seeds will no longer be sold. This is a particularly serious matter, as the varieties concerned may be historically valuable vegetables or pot-herbs especially adapted to certain types of climates