WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2057/97 by Nikitas KAKLAMANIS to the Commission. Aid for the textiles, clothing and leather sectors
C 45/150 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 10. 2. 98 (98/C 45/196) WRITTEN QUESTION P-2051/97 by Eryl McNally (PSE) to the Commission (16 June 1997) Subject: The 4th Framework Programme-Research In which of the specific programmes are experiments on animals funded? Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (14 July 1997) Under the fourth framework programme the specific programmes using animals for experiments are Biotechnology, Biomedecine & health, Agriculture & fisheries (FAIR), Environment and climate (not in MAST), Industrial and materials technologies (IMT), Standards, measurements and testing (SMI), Radioprotection and cooperation with third countries and international organisations. These experiments are made with objectives such as the protection of human health, the reduction of risks from chemicals, but also improved animal welfare or the reduction of the use of animals in testing. These experiments are legally prescribed when no alternative methods, such as in vitro tests, are available. In every project it is ensured that only the minimum number of animals are used. The Commission remains committed to reducing the use of animals in research and to encouraging the use of alternative methods as soon as this is feasible. The support of the European centre for the validation of alternative methods (ECVAM) is significant evidence of the Commissionís wishes on this important topic. (98/C 45/197) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2057/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (16 June 1997) Subject: Aid for the textiles, clothing and leather sectors The French authorities are reported to have submitted a scheme for providing aid for their textiles and leather products sectors by means of a plan to subsidize labour. This scheme has been rejected as ásectoralí by Commissioner Van Miert. The French authorities have promised to change it and re-submit it as a áhorizontal schemeí. Will the Commission say how this whole affair has developed so far, whether any aid has been given to the textiles, clothing and leather sectors in any EU country and whether it is planned to give such aid to any non-EU country in future? Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (23 July 1997) On 9 April 1997 the Commission adopted a final negative decision on the experimental measures for reducing social security contributions in the textile, clothing, leather and footwear sectors in France. It took the view that, normally, the burden on firms resulting from agreements concluded between the two sides of industry in a particular sector, whether with a view to reorganising working time or with other objectives in mind, and leading to wage increases or paid holidays not required under the rules generally applicable should be borne by those firms. In its opinion, therefore, intervention by the authorities in the case at issue intrinsically ranks in its entirety as state aid