WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1375/98 by Alexandros ALAVANOS to the Commission. Establishment of a new agency for the payment and control of Community EAGGF aid
C 323/128 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 10. 98 Is it in particular willing to press the French authorities to introduce proper toilets in such rest areas? Is it aware of the contrast between the generally high quality of such rest areas, many of which have been beautifully designed and landscaped, with the appalling conditions of the toilets provided where users are obliged to squat over a hole rather than use a toilet with a seat? Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (26 May 1998) The Commission has no jurisdiction to deal with the question asked, which is a matter solely for the national authorities concerned. (98/C 323/198) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1360/98 by Maartje van Putten (PSE) to the Council (27 April 1998) Subject: Administering sedatives to animals in British zoos 1. Is the Council aware of recent reports in the (Dutch-language) media that sedatives such as Prozac and Valium are administered to animals in British zoos to combat stress and depression, even though research has shown that inadequate living conditions inhibit the natural behaviour of the animals, can cause stress in animals and that administering sedatives should therefore be regarded as a means of treating the symptoms? 2. Is the Council prepared to investigate whether these reports are true and, if so, how does the Council intend to prevent this sort of behaviour in particular, and in general to guarantee the welfare of animals in European zoos in the context of the proposal for a Council recommendation on the keeping of wild animals in zoos? Parliament has amended the recommendation by changing it into a directive; Parliament is particularly interested in the guidelines for the accommodation and care of animals which are included in the annex to the proposal and which are supported by the EAZA (European Association for Zoos and Aquaria). Answer (13/14 July 1998) 1. The Council is not aware of the reports mentioned by the Honourable Member. 2. With regard to the proposal mentioned by the Honourable Member, the Council would like to inform him that on 17 June 1998 it reached agreement on a common position with a view to adopting a Directive on the keeping of wild animals in zoos. This text, on which the European Parliament will be required to state a position, takes account of the Opinion delivered by the Parliament on 29 January 1998. (98/C 323/199) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1375/98 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (7 May 1998) Subject: Establishment of a new agency for the payment and control of Community EAGGF aid The Greek Government has tabled a bill establishing an agency for the payment and control of Community EAGGF aid which will be responsible for managing and controlling European Agricultural Fund appropriations and carrying out the necessary primary-level technical controls. Given that Council Regulation (EC) No. 1287/95 (1) states: á. decentralized management of Community funds, in particular following reform of the common agricultural policy, leads to the designation of several paying