WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2234/98 by MaLou LINDHOLM to the Commission. Fermented herring
C 118/46 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 29. 4. 1999 account of disease. Because of the financial straits in which farmers find themselves and because of the way in which EU subsidies are calculated › for instance the number of days on which subsidy calculations are based › transport for slaughter is frequently delayed, causing extra problems, especially for animals which are sick and in poor condition. What is the Commissionís view of allegations that the EUís support policy regarding animals for slaughter incites farmers to maximize their profits, inter alia, by delaying slaughter dates, and how could the Unionís support policy be altered so as to take better account of the deficiencies in the living conditions of animals for slaughter? How will the Commission ascertain what deficiencies there are in livestock farming within the territory of the EU? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (22 September 1998) The Act of Accession for Austria, Finland and Sweden provided for the immediate introduction of common (lower) agricultural prices in these new Member States as of 1 January 1995. Finland reserved the right to grant degressive national subsidies as well as national aids to farmers during a transitional period until the problems from the small-scale structure of its agriculture are overcome. In animal production, degressive national aids are paid on a per head basis to respect international agreements. It is not thought that payment of these aids has led to lower quality calves or pigs since the greater part of farmersí revenue still derives from the prices obtained. The minimum standards provided in the present legislation concerning calves and pigs are based on scientific information. These directives include rules on the feeding and watering of the animals which every farmer has to observe up to the moment the animals go to the slaughterhouse, independent of subsidies. The national authorities monitor compliance with the rules and take action if there is any infringement. Furthermore the Member States have to inform the Commission every two years of the results of the inspections carried out. (1999/C 118/054) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2234/98 by MaLou Lindholm (V) to the Commission (16 July 1998) Subject: Fermented herring From 1 July 1998, fermented herring will be covered by the same rules that apply to other fish products in the EU, which means that it may not be kept in old wooden barrels, as has been done since the 16th century, if it is to be sold in food shops, nor may it be handled on premises with wooden floors, such as old boathouses. These rules will affect a one thousand year old industry and tradition in Sweden, making the situation particularly difficult for small local producers. The EU talks of subsidiarity and not interfering in details but does the exact opposite. Does the Commission believe that such detailed regulation is consistent with subsidiarity? If not, does the Commission intend to block the directive on fermented herring?