WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2695/97 by Cristiana MUSCARDINI to the Commission. Floods and environmental protection
C 102/92 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 3. 4. 98 Answer (10 November 1997) Following the Opinion of the European Parliament, the Commission has presented an amended proposal for a Council Directive to introduce rational planning techniques in the electricity and gas distribution sectors (1). The relevant Council bodies have begun examining that amended proposal. (1) OJ C 180, 14. 6. 1997, p. 37. (98/C 102/133) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2694/97 by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission (1 September 1997) Subject: Restriction of vitamin and mineral preparations to Recommended Daily Allowance Is there a European Union ruling restricting the availability of vitamin and mineral preparations to quantities not exceeding the Recommended Daily Allowance? If so, what is the reasoning behind such a restriction, as this is surely a matter which comes down to consumer choice? Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (29 September 1997) There are no Community rules at present on the manufacture of or trade in the preparations referred to by the Honourable Member. However, the vast majority of Member States and a large number of representatives from economic and social circles have made it quite clear to the Commission that they perceive an urgent need for such rules to be put in place. Since broad consultation of those involved is essential in this sector, a discussion paper has been drawn up and widely disseminated. Comments are expected by the end of September 1997 at the latest. (98/C 102/134) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2695/97 by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission (1 September 1997) Subject: Floods and environmental protection As well as being caused by meteorological factors in the narrow sense, the latest floods in various parts of Europe and those which have occurred over the last few years in Italy and elsewhere have in many cases resulted from disturbances brought about by criminal policies that ruin the environment. According to a recent survey of the banks of the river Adda in Valtellina conducted by the Lombardy branch of the WWF, 690 buildings and smaller works, including 376 homes and 91 factories, are exposed to the risk of flooding. These findings patently demonstrate that there is no policy of prevention on the ground, thus offering an inducement to build on the banks in areas bordering the river. In view of the grave dangers posed by this situation, will the Commission: 1. monitor hydrogeological risks, having regard to the conditions required for a safe environment? 2. propose that prior checks be carried out to ensure that forward urban development planning is compatible with the geological state of the terrain, especially in regions most at risk when rivers burst their banks?