WRITTEN QUESTION E-2819/99 by Helle Thorning-Schmidt (PSE) to the Commission. WTO dispute between France and Canada on the ban on asbestos.
C 303 E/116 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 24. 10. 2000 (2000/C 303 E/113) WRITTEN QUESTION P-2818/99 by Pietro-Paolo Mennea (ELDR) to the Council (10 January 2000) Subject: Enactment of Community criminal legislation to combat doping Doping is an increasingly widespread problem and is having an adverse effect on the world of both professional and amateur sport and, unfortunately, even the youngest athletes. Continual drug abuse seriously damages the health and bodies of sportsmen and women. Athletes and others who use drugs are therefore subjecting themselves to grave risks. In all these years, however, the various national and international sports federations and organisations, which were supposed to help to keep sports doping in check via their own sports tribunals, have not managed to combat the phenomenon. Cases of sports doping are regularly brought before the national courts in several Member States and the problem is causing increasing concern in the sports world. It is therefore essential that common legislation be enacted for all Member States. In view of the above, can the Council use its powers to promote the introduction of Community criminal legislation, whose general principles would be adopted by, and binding on, all Member States? Reply (10/11 April 2000) The Council is aware of the problem posed by doping in the world of sport and attaches great importance to it. No initiative has been submitted to the Council. (2000/C 303 E/114) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2819/99 by Helle Thorning-Schmidt (PSE) to the Commission (18 January 2000) Subject: WTO dispute between France and Canada on the ban on asbestos What is the latest news on the outcome of the WTO dispute between France and Canada on the French ban on asbestos, and what action has the Commision taken itself on the matter? Answer given by Mr Lamy on behalf of the Commission (4 February 2000) The World Trade Organisation (WTO) panel set up on 25 November 1998 for the Community at Canadaís request over the French ban on the import of asbestos and products containing asbestos has not yet finished its work. The complexity of the scientific data concerned has led to considerable delays. The panelís meeting with the experts and the second hearing only took place in January, so we cannot expect the panelís report before May. However, this delay testifies to the quality of the scientific evidence presented by the Community in this dispute. The health risks involved would appear to justify the substantial effort put into this case