91997E1695

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1695/97 by Marco Cellai (NI) to the Commission (20 May 1997)

Subject: Derogation from the ceiling on the number of animals slaughtered by limited-capacity slaughterhouses situated in geographically disadvantaged regions

About a year ago, various Member States apparently requested derogations from the ceiling on the number of animals slaughtered, but the Commission has not yet responded.

The users of the facilities concerned are farmers and butchers who often operate in the Community's mountainous areas. Many such areas fall under Objective 5b within the meaning of Regulation (EEC) No 2081/93 ((OJ L 193, 31.7.1993, p. 5. )). Plans are under way to create designation of origin labels to protect and enhance the image of local produce, safeguard livestock and agri-foodstuffs activities, and increase employment.

Will the Commission request the Standing Veterinary Committee to consider the application for derogations from the ceiling on the number of animals slaughtered by limited-capacity slaughterhouses situated in geographically disadvantaged regions?

Answer given by Mr Fischler au nom de la Commission (18 June 1997)

With a view to the completion of the internal market the rules of Directive 64/433/EEC ((OJ 121, 29.7.1964. )) (fresh meat directive), as amended by Council Directives 91/497/EEC ((OJ L 268, 24.9.1991. )) and 95/23/EC ((OJ L 243, 11.10.1995. )), were extended to the national markets of fresh meat. In this Directive special requirements (derogations) were introduced for small artisanal establishments (up to a production volume of 1000 livestock units per year) in order to avoid difficulties in the implementation of the provisions. These derogations concern structural requirements.

In addition a derogation was introduced in the Directive for slaughter establishments which handle not more than 2000 livestock units per year taking specific geographical situations and infrastructure circumstances in Member States into account. Member States may, at their request, be authorized to apply the structural requirements for small slaughterhouses (1000 livestock units per year) to these establishments if they are situated in regions suffering from special geographical constraints or affected by supply difficulties.

The Italian authorities have transmitted a list of slaughterhouses to the Commission with a request to make a proposal for derogations to the standing veterinary committee. This list contained several points which have to be clarified before further action can be initiated. Therefore the Italian authorities were asked for clarification. Having received this the Commission will examine the request and initiate the necessary action.