92002E0469

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0469/02

by Dana Scallon (PPE-DE) to the Council

(27 February 2002)

Subject: Use of EU safety marks for the promotion of weapons of torture

I am told that, since 1990, electro-shock devices have been used to torture or ill-treat people in prisons, detention centres and police stations in at least 76 countries, in every region of the world. It seems that several stun weapon manufacturers are advertising that their products have been awarded the European CE standard mark and European guarantee.

1. How many stun weapon manufacturers are using the CE mark on their products?

2. Which EU Member States are effectively allowing stun weapon manufacturers to use the European Commission's CE safety marks on their stun weapons as a quality selling point?

3. Can the Council clarify the process by which European CE standard marks are awarded to stun weapon manufacturers?

4. Does the Council consider that CE safety marks on stun weapons are a quality selling point?

5. Does the Council consider that action should be taken to prevent stun weapon manufacturers from using the CE mark to promote the sale of their products?

Reply

(26 June 2002)

The Council invites the Honourable Member to put her question directly to the Commission.