C 81 E/72 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 4.4.2002
precautionary management measure, pending re-evaluation of the implementation of Community rules in Member States. So far no scientific evidence links bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) to fishmeal.
2. The suspension, strongly supported by the Member States, was partly based on Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) inspections that identified systematic failures in the implementation of rules on animal feed in several Member States. It also follows the advice of the Scientific Steering Committee recommending that where cross-contamination between mammalian meat and bone meal (MMBM) and other feed materials could not be avoided, measures should be taken to protect public and animal health … In this respect it should be recalled that at the time of the decision there was an insistance that the most stringent measures should be taken to avoid cross-contamination. The Commission has, however, undertaken to review the decision in the light of progress in strenghtening controls and especially of the development of more reliable tests for the presence of MMBM in fishmeal. The current measure is not a total prohibition, as a derogation exists, allowing the use of fishmeal in animal feed for species other than ruminants, provided that certain control measures are in place.
3. The FVO does not have any specific information on whether fishmeal is or not more contaminated with MMBM than other feed ingredients. This has not been the subject of any of the FVO missions in this area, these focusing on assessing the implementation by the competent authorities of the requirements and conditions established in Commission Decision 2001/9/EC of 29 December 2000 concerning control measures required for the implementation of Council Decision 2000/766/EC (2).
4. The FVO has no specific information on this matter.
5. Insofar as consumer information and confidence is concerned, there has been no adverse reaction to the decision from consumers or their representative groups. On the contrary consumers are increasingly favorable towards the non-use of any animal or fish derived protein in feedingsstuffs for ruminants as such protein does not form part of their natural diet.
(1) OJ L 306, 7.12.2000. (2) OJ L 2, 5.1.2001.
(2002/C 81 E/084) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1899/01 by Caroline Jackson (PPE-DE) to the Commission
(28 June 2001)
Could the Commission state whether hybrid bison (sometimes referred to as ‘cattalo’ or ‘beefalo’) are eligible for beef premium and/or suckler cow subsidies? If so, what is the official definition of a hybrid?
Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission
(18 September 2001)
Council Regulation (EC) No 1254/1999 of 17 May 1999 on the common organisation of the market in beef and veal (1) does not provide for the granting of beef premiums to bison.
Only bovine animals defined as live animals of the domestic bovine species falling within CN codes ex 0102 10 and 0102 90 05 to 0102 90 79 come within the scope of application of that Regulation.
These sub-headings include all animals of the bovine species, including buffalo, of the genera Bos and Bubalus of domestic species, regardless of their purpose, with the exception of pure-bred animals intended for breeding purposes. They also include the ‘beeffalo’, which is the result of a cross between a bison and a domestic animal of the bovine species. 4.4.2002 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 81 E/73
In conclusion, ‘beeffalo’ are eligible for the financial assistance granted in the beef and veal sector.
Conversely, subheading CN 0102 90 90, which corresponds to non-domestic animals of the bovine species including bison (Bison bison) and buffalo, does not come within the scope of application laid down by the above Regulation.
There is no official definition of a hybrid animal applicable to animals of the bovine species. However, Council Directive 88/661/EEC of 19 December 1988 on the zootechnical standards applicable to animals of the porcine species (2) contains a definition of a hybrid animal which may be of use in considering the question from the Honourable Member.
This definition is as follows:
Article 1(b): hybrid breeding pig: any animal of the porcine species which fulfils the following criteria:
1. It is produced by deliberate cross-breeding: between pure-bred breeding pigs of different breeds or lines, between animals which are themselves the outcome of a cross between different breeds or lines, or between pure-bred animals and animals belonging to one or other of the above categories;
2. It must be entered in a register.
Moreover, Commission Decision 90/255/EEC of 10 May 1990 laying down the criteria governing entry in flock-books for pure-bred breeding sheep and goats (3) contains provisions on hybrid animals.
(1) OJ L 160, 26.6.1999. (2) OJ L 382, 31.12.1988. (3) OJ L 145, 8.6.1990.
(2002/C 81 E/085) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1902/01 by Christopher Heaton-Harris (PPE-DE) to the Commission
(28 June 2001)
Subject: Society for Innovative Cooperation in Europe
Can the Commission indicate which budget line funds the Society for Innovative Cooperation in Europe and answer the following questions:
What are the goals of this society, and what projects have been/are being carried out to date?
How much money does it receive in EU funding, for how long has it been receiving it, and have any audits been carried out of the implementation of funds?
Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission
(4 September 2001)
The Association for Innovative Cooperation (AICE) in Europe has not received any grant from the Commission since 1997.
According to its statutes, as published in the ‘Moniteur Belge’ of 11 July 1996, ‘the Association is a non profit-making organisation which focuses upon strenthening the cooperation between Foundations,