WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3782/98 by Gerhard SCHMID Reform of German spelling
C 289/86 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 11. 10. 1999 (1999/C 289/113) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3781/98 by Manuel Escolá Hernando (ARE) to the Commission (11 December 1998) Subject: Aid for family pig farms Given the current slump in the pigmeat sector in the European Union, due in large part to overproduction, the suspension of exports to Russia and falling demand in Asia, a number of organisations have called for a range of emergency aid to be granted to small family farms in order to ensure their survival. For instance, various agricultural organisations have proposed providing livestock farms with linear aid amounting to 75 000 pesetas per breeding sow, up to a maximum of 120 sows per farm. Ad hoc measures such as this are designed to assist the weakest part of the sector, which at the same time generates the most jobs. Does the Commission believe that it could fund proposals such as this? Could a fund be set up to support initiatives of this nature, enabling small-scale livestock farmers to cope with the current market situation? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (21 January 1999) The common organization of the market in pigmeat in Council Regulation (EEC) 2759/75 of 29 October 1975 (1) does not contain provisions for aids for pig farms of any size. It should be noted that any national aid programmes for pig farmers should be compatible with the common market having regard to Article 92 of the EC Treaty and should be notified to the Commission. (1) OJ L 282, 1. 11. 1975. (1999/C 289/114) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3782/98 by Gerhard Schmid (PSE) to the Commission (11 December 1998) Subject: Reform of German spelling The reformed spelling system will shortly enter into force in Germany. Will the Commission draw up all official documents in German in accordance with the new spelling rules in future? If not, why? Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (15 January 1999) Yes, it being understood that it will coordinate its action on this matter with the other Community Institutions