91997E4019

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4019/97 by Panayotis Lambrias (PPE) to the Commission (14 January 1998)

Subject: Funding of research into allergies

According to recent estimates, one third of Europe's population suffers from some kind of allergy. Will the Commission say how it intends to adapt the planned fifth research and development framework programme to secure financial support for research into allergies in Europe, in view of the fact that the cost of these allergies has been estimated at ECU 30 billion per year.

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (25 February 1998)

Within the 5th framework programme for research, technological development and demonstration activities (1998-2002) proposal, as modified by the Commission on 14 January 1998 after the first reading by the Parliament ((COM(98) 8. )), the scientific and technical objectives of the first activity 'Improving the quality of life and the management of living resources' include, in the key action 'Health, food and environmental factors', the development of tests to detect and process to eliminate toxic agents, which includes also allergic agents, as well as research into allergies related or influenced by the environment, and into their treatment and prevention.

Community research activities are intended to be complemented by a future public health action programme on pollution-related diseases that will place emphasis on respiratory diseases and allergies. The Commission proposal is at present negotiated in the Parliament and Council ((OJ C 214, 16.7.1997. )).