WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2668/97 by Mark WATTS to the Commission. Safety of steroid drugs
16. 4. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 117/37 Can it also investigate reports that the Santa Pola Regional Government is demonstrating lack of supervision over the landing of immature and undersize catches? Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (30 October 1997) The sale of small-sized fish has traditionally been a widespread phenomenon in Mediterranean countries. A fair assessment of the situation, however, should take account of the fact that species from different areas can reach maturity at different sizes. Thus fish exploited locally in the Mediterranean can reach maturity at a much smaller size than the same species from the Atlantic. This is particularly true for hake. The protection of small juvenile fish has always been at the centre of the Communityís policy of conservation of maritime resources. To this effect, the Council adopted in 1994 a series of technical measures for the Mediterranean (including Council Regulation (EC) No 1626/94 laying down certain technical measures for the conservation of fishery resources in the Mediterranean (1)) which, amongst other things, specifies a minimum landing size of hake of 20 centimetres and prohibits the retention, processing and sale of undersized fish. It is the responsibility of each Member State to ensure compliance with the relevant technical measures under Community legislation. To that end, the authorities of Member States must monitor landings and carry out inspections at sea and in port. The Commission monitors the enforcement activities carried out by the authorities in Member States including the implementation of rules concerning the minimum size for hake (20 centimetres). (1) OJ L 171, 6. 7. 1994. (98/C 117/47) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2648/97 by Eryl McNally (PSE) to the Commission (1 September 1997) Subject: Steroid prescriptions Many patients have suffered both physically and financially from being prescribed steroids. Is the Commission aware of the strong public concern over this issue and does it intend to take any action to raise awareness amongst patients of the risks involved with taking steroids in prescribed drugs? (98/C 117/48) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2668/97 by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission (1 September 1997) Subject: Safety of steroid drugs Is an investigation into the safety of steroid drugs to be carried out, and if so what is the likely timescale for the investigation? If such an investigation goes ahead, will the Commission be calling for evidence from victims of side-effects from the drugs and if so, how will such evidence by called for?