WRITTEN QUESTION E-0750/00 by John McCartin (PPE-DE) to the Council. Dutch legislation on termination of pregnancy.
C 374 E/148 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 28. 12. 2000 If statistics on the fire safety of televisions are not currently available, will the Commission undertake to ensure that the involvement of televisions is recorded by the fire services when they attend fire incidents? Will the Commission undertake to keep a record of the specific models of television sets that are involved in fires, so that we have a better understanding as to which types of televisions may pose a fire hazard in European homes? Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (18 April 2000) The Commission attaches a high priority to issues regarding fire safety. To-date, the Commission has not received statistics concerning the incidence of fire involving television sets. The safety of television sets is regulated by Directive 73/23/EEC relating to electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits (the Low Voltage Directive) (1). In response to the question from the Honourable Member, the Commission will discuss the subject of fire safety involving television sets with national authorities in charge of the enforcement of the above Directive at the Low Voltage Directive administrative co-operation meeting scheduled for 26-27 April 2000. The meeting will also allow an exchange of information between Member States regarding incidents of fire relating to television sets. It should be noted that it is the task of Member States to set up and implement policies on fire protection which may also include collecting incident statistics. If it appears that a product covered by the Low Voltage Directive presents a potential fire hazard the Commission will co-ordinate the necessary actions on the part of national authorities regarding the application of the Low Voltage Directive. For further information on this matter, the Honourable Member is invited to refer to the Commissionís reply to Written Question P-0828/00 from Mr Davies (2). (1) OJ L 77, 26. 3. 1973. (2) OJ C 330 E, 21. 11. 2000, p. 216. (2000/C 374 E/174) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0750/00 by John McCartin (PPE-DE) to the Council (15 March 2000) Subject: Dutch legislation on termination of pregnancy Is the Council aware of the proposed changes in Dutch legislation allowing abortion in pregnancies over 24 weeks on the grounds that the babies have a disability and does the Council consider that such a law would be contrary to Article 6 of the Treaties? Reply (18 May 2000) National legislation relating to termination of pregnancy does not fall within the scope of Article 6 of the Treaty on European Union which applies only to actions carried out, or to legal instruments and other legal acts adopted, either by the Union or by the European Communities