WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3013/98 by Mair MORGAN to the Commission. Expenditure on information and communication activities in the UK
C 207/22 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 21. 7. 1999 (1999/C 207/027) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3009/98 by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission (8 October 1998) Subject: Health and safety inspections at kennels In view of Italian press reports of the macabre events which took place in a kennels, where 11 of the dogs were found dead and all the others in an advanced state of malnutrition, one is forced to conclude that, if even animals which are lucky enough not to be abandoned but are placed in the ‘care’ of a kennels die as a result of neglect and ill-treatment, there is clearly a need for urgent action to be taken by a higher body, such as the European Commission. Would the Commission therefore ensure: 1. that an authority for animals is at last set up under a directive to apply in all Member States; 2. that, again under an EU directive, standards are laid down for kennels, and Member States are obliged to make provision for periodic inspections. Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (16 November 1998) The Commission deplores all cruelty towards animals. Community legislation has been adopted to protect the welfare of farm and laboratory animals. However, the welfare of domestic pets is still a matter within the competence of the Member States. The Commission does not have the intention at the present time to propose legislation in the area of housing pet animals. (1999/C 207/028) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3013/98 by Mair Morgan (PSE) to the Commission (28 September 1998) Subject: Expenditure on information and communication activities in the UK Would the Commission provide a detailed breakdown of information and communication activities within the United Kingdom? The breakdown should show the amount spent in each region and the category of the expenditure (e. g. salaries, publications, hospitality, etc. ). Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (18 November 1998) In 1998 the budget allocation for information and communication activities for the United Kingdom as a whole is ECU 3,3 million (1997: ECU 5,9 million). A notional amount of ECU 100 000 for each of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales is set aside from this amount for targeted political and information activities. This does not include expenditure on salaries and other operating expenses which are administered centrally from London. Regional offices also have access to shared service contracts for relay activities, as well as funds earmarked for publications and a comprehensive range of representation activities