92001E0109

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0109/01

by Heidi Hautala (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(1 February 2001)

Subject: Improved construction of livestock vehicles

The Commission will recall that, following much hard work and consultation with interested parties, a proposal to amend Directive 70/156/EEC(1) regarding type-approval of vehicles and trailers carrying farm livestock was published in July 1997. Parliament responded positively and in its report, agreed in July 1998, several amendments were put forward. Many of these were accepted by the Commission and an amended proposal was published in April 1999.

In the light of the Commission's recent report highlighting continuing welfare problems for transported animals and the fact that some of these problems are caused by inadequately constructed vehicles, would the Commission agree that the proposed Directive to lay down rules for the improved construction of livestock vehicles should be made a priority? Would the Commission say what steps it intends to take so that, with the Council, a common position can be reached without any further delay and progress made on this important piece of legislation?

(1) OJ L 42, 23.2.1970, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(15 March 2001)

The Commission shares the views of the Honourable Member on the importance of improving transport conditions of farm livestock. For this purpose a proposal for a Directive regarding type-approval of vehicles and trailers carrying certain types of animals was presented in July 1997(1).

This Directive will contribute to ensuring that the technical conditions exist to safeguard welfare of animals during their transport.

The draft proposal lays down requirements on the basis of Article 95 (ex Article 100A) of the EC Treaty and provides for total harmonisation of the relevant technical provisions of vehicles intended for the transport of certain types of animals. This approach is consistent with the general approach followed in the motor vehicle sector as established in the framework directive regulating the type-approval of motor vehicles in the Community (Council Directive 70/156/EEC of 6 February 1970, as last amended by Directive 2000/40/EC of the Parliament and Council of 26 June 2000(2)).

After the first reading in the Parliament on 16 July 1998, an amended proposal was adopted on 2 March 1999(3) and sent to the Council.

It is the intention of the Swedish Presidency to reach a Common Position under its Presidency.

(1) OJ C 290, 24.9.1997.

(2) OJ L 203, 10.8.2000.

(3) OJ C 110, 21.4.1999.