WRITTEN QUESTION E-0236/00 by Charles Tannock (PPE-DE) to the Commission. The future of wood-burning ovens.
28. 12. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 374 E/41 Decision No 1692/96/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 1996 on Community guidelines for the development of the trans-European network does not add any legal obligation in respect to the application of the EIA Directive. Article 8 states that TEN projectsí are ruled by and subject to Directive 85/337/EEC. Since such Directive covers all the projects for which the development consent had been granted after 3 July 1988, there is no legal obligation for Member States to submit projects approved before 3 July 1988 to the EIA procedure as set out in Directive 85/337/EEC, even if the project concerns the trans-European networks. The Commission has no intention to prohibit an increase of traffic at Malpensa airport for environmental reasons. This issue remains within the competence of the Member States which may adopt specific operational rules or limit the exercise of traffic rights at Community airports for environmental reasons on the basis of Article 8. 2 or 9 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes (3). (1) For the purposes of Directive 85/337/EEC, áprojectí means áthe execution of construction works or of other installation or schemes; other interventions in the natural surroundings and landscape including those involving the extraction of mineral resourcesí (Article 1). (2) Article 2. 1 of Directive 85/337/EEC. (3) OJ L 240, 24. 8. 1992. (2000/C 374 E/047) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0236/00 by Charles Tannock (PPE-DE) to the Commission (7 February 2000) Subject: The future of wood-burning ovens Can the Commission confirm that there are no plans to ban the use of wood-burning ovens such as those used to cook traditional pizzas? Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (29 February 2000) The Commission has no plans to introduce legislation or other measures which may potentially lead to a ban on wood burning pizza ovens. Although there have been reports in certain newspapers and other media that new hygiene legislation may be introduced to this end there is no truth in these reports. Food businesses that are involved in preparing and cooking pizzas are covered by Council Directive 93/43/EEC of 14 June 1993 on the hygiene of foodstuffs (1) that was adopted unanimously in June 1993, and which Member States have to implement by 15 December 1995. It requires food equipment in contact with food to be in good condition, clean and properly maintained. There are no specific measures for pizza ovens. The Honourable Member is also referred to the Commissionís answer to Written Question P-2771/99 (2) by Mr Mastella. (1) OJ L 175, 19. 7. 1993. (2) OJ C 330 E, 21. 11. 2000, p. 49