WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2735/98 by Christine ODDY to the Commission. Thalassaemia
8. 4. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 96/141 (c) rationalisation of transhumance; (d) measures to support laboratories carrying out analyses on the physico-chemical properties of honey; (e) cooperation with specialised bodies for the implementation of applied research programmes to improve the quality of honey. To be eligible for part-financing, Member States must carry out a study of the production and marketing structure in the beekeeping sector in their territory. The Community will provide part-financing for the national programmes equivalent to 50 % of the expenditure borne by Member States. It is stipulated that the Commission will present to the European Parliament and the Council every three years a report on the application of the Regulation. At this juncture, the Council considers that the aforementioned Regulation constitutes a fair balance between budgetary constraints and the most pressing needs in the beekeeping sector. (1) OJ L 173, 1. 7. 1997, p. 1. (2) OJ L 319, 21. 11. 1997, p. 4. (1999/C 96/201) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2735/98 by Christine Oddy (PSE) to the Commission (1 September 1998) Subject: Thalassaemia Will the Commission draw up proposals for a publicity campaign to increase awareness of the importance of screening for Thalassaemia, an inherited genetic blood disorder which is particularly prevalent amongst people of Asian origin whose ancestors came from the Indian sub-continent? A simple blood test can identify carriers of the disorder, for which there is no effective cure and which can lead to premature death. Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (2 October 1998) The Commission is aware that the hereditary blood disorder, thalassaemia, affects individuals of southern Asian origin as well as those with Greek, Middle Eastern, and African ancestry. The proposed Community action programme on rare diseases (1), which is currently under legislative consideration, identifies the provision of knowledge about rare diseases and the fostering of patient and family support groups among its possible actions. Once the programme is adopted, the question of public awareness campaigns for thalassaemia screening could be considered in this framework. (1) COM(98) 232 final. (1999/C 96/202) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2740/98 by Ana Palacio Vallelersundi (PPE) to the Commission (3 September 1998) Subject: Applications from holders of the Spanish Ingeniero TØcnicoí qualification for open competitions for category A/LA posts in the European civil service › In his answer of 10 February 1998 to Written Question E-4186/97 (1) by Mrs BÆrbara Dührkop, Commis- sioner Liikanen stated that the Commission admits holders of German diplomas issued after the minimum compulsory period of eight semesters to category A/LA posts in the European civil service;