WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1606/97 by Bárbara DÜHRKOP DÜHRKOP to the Council. Increased funding for new fisheries agreements
C 21/74 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 22. 1. 98 (98/C 21/165) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1584/97 by Armelle Guinebertie‘re (UPE) to the Commission (6 May 1997) Subject: Compulsory quarantine for pet animals entering the United Kingdom Freedom of movement for goods and persons is now an officially established principle within the European Union. The United Kingdom nevertheless still requires pet animals to spend a period in quarantine (6 months in the case of dogs) before they can freely enter the country. Although the official reason given for this requirement is the need to fight rabies, some claim that it is a form of economic protectionism. Given that this is an infringement of the principles of free movement of goods and persons, free competition and animal rights, and that there are extremely effective rabies vaccines, we believe that the continued application of the quarantine rule is contrary to Community law. Does the Commission intend to urge the British Government to remedy this situation and put an end to such practices? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (30 May 1997) The Commission is aware of the problem and has taken a number of initiatives in this field. In recent years, an eradication programme financed by the Community has been implemented. This programme has had remarkable results and rabies will be hopefully be eradicated in the relatively near future, which will render the quarantine of pets in the United Kingdom unnecessary. In addition, the Commission is currently re-examining the situation and will make suitable proposals shortly. The Scientific Veterinary Committee will submit a report on the matter. (98/C 21/166) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1606/97 by Ba·rbara Du¤hrkop Du¤ hrkop (PSE) to the Council (12 May 1997) Subject: Increased funding for new fisheries agreements The EU must find ways of compensating for the sacrifices which Community fleets have to make in order to adapt to the requirements of the Fourth Programme for Fisheries Guidance. Did the Commission ask the Fisheries Council on 14 April to increase by ECU 30 million the budgetary funding available for negotiating new fisheries agreements with non-member countries? What did the Council decide? Answer (6 August 1997) At its meeting on 14-15 April 1997, the Commission did not ask the Council to increase by 30 MECUs the budgetary funding for negotiating new fisheries agreements with third countries. However, in the meantime, the Commission has made a proposal for a transfer of appropriations with a view to making available an additional amount of 52. 6 MECUs in budget line B 78000 (International Fisheries Agreements). The Council will examine this proposal in accordance with established procedures