WRITTEN QUESTION No. 135/99 by Bill MILLER Subsidies to the wine industry
C 325/74 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 12. 11. 1999 (1999/C 325/093) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0134/99 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission Subject: Compensation to fishermen for replacement of fishing gear (2 February 1999) Under Regulation 1626/94 (1), Greek fishermen are required, as of 1 January 1999, to replace their fishing gear, in particular their nets, with other types which will not allow small fish to be caught. The cost of replacement is high and will result in a further deterioration of the financial position of fishermen and an increase in unemployment in the fishing industry. Recently, the Commission adopted special measures requiring fishermen to stop using drift nets. Will the Commission say: 1. whether it has, accordingly, adopted special measures to compensate for the replacement of fishing gear required by Regulation 1626/94, and 2. how it intends to help fishermen cope with the high cost involved in implementing Regulation 1626/94? (1) OJ L 171, 6. 7. 1994, p. 1. Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (23 March 1999) When Council Regulation (EC) 1626/94 of 27 June 1994 laying down certain technical measures for the conservation of fishery resources in the Mediterranean (1) was adopted, it provided for derogations allowing fishermen to continue certain activities until 31 December 1998. The purpose of the derogations was to allow a gradual adjustment to take place over a four year period, so minimising the financial losses occasioned by the transition to the general rules. As the circumstances involved in this transition are totally unlike those in the case of drift nets, the Commission does not believe that any possible financial consequences have to be treated in like manner. That said, the Commission will see if the derogations applying to the fisheries concerned can be extended in the light of the better scientific information now available as to their impact on the resources. (1) OJ L 171, 6. 7. 1994. (1999/C 325/094) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0135/99 by Bill Miller (PSE) to the Commission (11 February 1999) Subject: Subsidies to the wine industry I refer to the answer given by Commissioner Fischler (E-3429/98) (1) with regard to the additional subsidies, over and above any in the Agenda 2000 package, to the wine industry. In view of the bleak economic circumstances facing the Scotch whisky industry, could the Commission outline any plans to help alleviate the hardship facing this indigenous industry? (1) OJ C 182, 28. 6. 1999, p. 84