92000E0773

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0773/00

by Astrid Thors (ELDR) to the Commission

(9 March 2000)

Subject: Importing reindeer meat from Russia to countries in the EU

According to information received by the Finnish Reindeer Herders' Association, the EU Standing Veterinary Committee made a decision of principle on 12 January 2000 (amending Decision 97/217/EC)(1) on the import of reindeer meat from the Kola Peninsula area of Russia. Until now, the import of meat from Russia has been prevented because the country is defined as a foot-and-mouth disease region and because of substandard abattoir and meat handling conditions. Representatives of the EU Standing Veterinary Committee made a tour of inspection to the Kola Peninsula concerning this matter.

Does the Commission know whether the tour of inspection, that affected the preparation of the issue and decision made by the Standing Veterinary Committee, was made in impartial conditions; did the Commission check the monitoring of disease, meat handling and quality testing, and did the Commission clarify the possibilities of creating an outside monitoring system by which the origin of reindeer meat can be reliably proven in all cases?

(1) OJ L 88, 3.4.1997, p. 20.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(28 March 2000)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the reply it gave to Oral Question H-0179/00 by Mr Seppänen during question time at Parliament's March 2000 part-session(1).

(1) Debates of the European Parliament (March 2000).