WRITTEN QUESTION E-0356/00 by Elisa Damião (PSE) to the Commission. European list of occupational diseases.
3. 10. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 280 E/209 (2000/C 280 E/247) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0335/00 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission Subject: Increasing the national guaranteed quantity of cotton for Greece (14 February 2000) For many years Greek cotton production has exceeded the national guaranteed quantity (NGQ) of 782 000 tonnes, resulting in the imposition of large áfinesí and a drastic reduction in producersí incomes, in addition to which the guaranteed target price (€ 106,3/100 kg of non-husked seed) has remained unchanged for many years. In general terms, the producer organisations and other bodies involved are accordingly seeking an increase in the NGQ and in overall Community outlay. In the course of deliberations concerning new arrangements regarding support for cotton production and the adoption of Commission proposals, did Greece request an increase in the national guaranteed quantity and total Community outlay? When did it do so and to which bodies did it table its request? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (15 March 2000) The Commission has no jurisdiction to deal with the question asked, which is a matter solely for the national authorities concerned. (2000/C 280 E/248) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0356/00 by Elisa Damiªo (PSE) to the Commission (14 February 2000) Subject: European list of occupational diseases The European list of occupational diseases, which is supposed to be open-ended, should take into account the new risks related to insecurity, the pace of modern life, constant changes in peopleís jobs and working environments, and technological development, which all have psychosomatic effects (commonly referred to as ástressí) on the quality of life and health of workers. In the light of various studies on the subject, will the Commission state to what extent this list of occupational diseases and new risks has been updated in recent years? Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission (13 March 2000) The European schedule of occupational diseases was adopted in the form of Commission Recommendation No 90/326/EEC of 22 May 1990 (1). On 20 September 1996 the Commission produced a Communication (2) examining the extent to which the Recommendation on the European schedule of occupational diseases had been implemented in the Member States. In 1999 the Commission, in collaboration with the Member States, embarked on technical studies with a view to updating the aforementioned European schedule. Particular attention is being paid to the emergent risks to workersí health, such as psychosocial risks. Once this work has been completed, the new European schedule of occupational diseases is expected to be adopted in the first half of 2001. (1) OJ L 160, 26. 6. 1990. (2) COM(96) 454 final