WRITTEN QUESTION E-2143/99 by Guido Viceconte (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Serious damage to chestnut groves in various parts of Calabria.
8. 8. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 225 E/59 Moreover, the Commission received the recommendations made at the meeting of the Spanish Coopecos on 20 September 1999 in good time and intends at all events to deal with them appropriately. (2000/C 225 E/058) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2143/99 by Guido Viceconte (PPE-DE) to the Commission (24 November 1999) Subject: Serious damage to chestnut groves in various parts of Calabria The sharp drop in night-time temperatures in early October caused considerable damage to chestnut groves, seriously jeopardising the entire harvest in various parts of Calabria, particularly in the munici- palities of Cicala, Sorbo San Basile, Gimigliano, Carlopoli, Sersale, Petronà, Petilia, Mesorarca, San Pietro Apostolo, Serrastretta, Decollatura, Soveria Mannelli, Conflenti, Platania, Fossato Serralta, Pentone, Pedivi- gliano, Colosomini, Bianchi, Panettieri, Taverna and many others. Can the Commission take action to support the areas stricken by this disaster, given that a large portion of the local population earns a living primarily from the harvesting, processing and marketing of chestnuts? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (6 January 2000) Community legislation does not authorise the Commission to intervene to provide compensation for losses of income caused by natural disasters. Council Regulation (EEC) No 2085/93 of 20 July 1993 amending Regulation (EEC) No 4256/88 laying down provisions for implementing Regulation (EEC) No 2052/88 as regards the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) Guidance Section (1) (for the period 19941999) and Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999 of 17 May 1999 on support for rural development from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) and amending and repealing certain Regulations (2) (for the period 2000-2006) provide only for the possibility of assistance from the EAGGF for the reconstitution of agricultural production potential damaged by natural disasters and the introduction of appropriate means of prevention. Measures will be selected and proposed by the national or regional authorities, as appropriate. In the case of the natural disaster in question it is therefore for the regional government of Calabria to determine whether the nature of the damage is such that it is possible for the EAGGF to provide part-financing under the abovementioned legislation. The Member States are currently drawing up the programmes for 2000-2006 and according to the information available there are no plans for EAGGF aid to be granted in the case referred to. (1) OJ L 193, 31. 7. 1993. (2) OJ L 160, 26. 6. 1999. (2000/C 225 E/059) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2153/99 by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission (24 November 1999) Subject: Working conditions and competition at Piaggio Over the past few months the Italian Government has granted special incentives for the scrapping of motorcycles. This has led to a higher turnover for motorcycle manufacturers. At the same time, however,