WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1489/99 by Brian CROWLEY Radiation from office computers
C 27 E/94 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 29. 1. 2000 Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission (7 October 1999) One of the aims of developing the trans-European transport network is to use the existing waterways in order to build up a consistent, interoperable and economically and ecologically rational network of inland waterways which will enable these to provide a cheap, safe and environmentally-friendly form of transport in an optimum manner. Moreover, inland waterways perform multiple functions, in addition to that of transport, such as water- borne tourism, regional planning, water management (irrigation, drinking water and groundwater replen- ishment) apart from that of áheritageí (Canal du Midi in France, boat lifts on the Canal du Centre in Belgium). These are both factors that the Commission is attempting to include in its various areas of thinking, such as those relating to infrastructure charges. Against highlighting the part played by waterways, including the World Canals Conference. this backdrop the Commission is noting, with interest, the outcome of the various events (2000/C 27 E/115) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1489/99 by Brian Crowley (UEN) to the Commission (1 September 1999) Subject: Radiation from office computers The Commission will be aware of new research which suggests that office computers are capable of making office workers sick by flooding their bodies with harmful radiation but that a new device can be installed on top of computer screens which is designed to counter the effects of such radiation. How does the Commission, therefore, intend to respond to the conclusion that low frequency magnetic fields account for over a third of sick building syndrome? Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (16 September 1999) In June, 1998 the Commission presented a proposal for a Council recommendation (1) on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields. This was adopted by the Council on 8 June 1999 (2). This text takes account of the scientific opinion of the International commission on non-ionising radiation, supported by the Commissionís scientific steering committee. The results of ongoing and future research in this area will be considered in the context of the reporting procedure provided in this text. (1) COM(99) 247 final. (2) OJ L 199, 30. 7. 1999. (2000/C 27 E/116) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1490/99 by Pat Gallagher (UEN) to the Commission (1 September 1999) Subject: The new EQUAL Community initiative Under the new Structural Fund proposals, the existing ADAPT and Employment initiatives are to be replaced with a single initiative to be called EQUAL