91997E3531

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3531/97 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission (12 November 1997)

Subject: Intensive rearing of laying hens in Neubukow

A battery complex for 800 000 laying hens is being built in Neubukow, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

1. To what extent is the EU supporting the construction of the complex, directly and indirectly?

2. Are EU funds being used to develop the infrastructure?

3. Is money from the Structural Funds being used to develop the complex?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (11 December 1997)

There are no plans to provide any Community support for either the construction of or the infrastructure related to the battery complex for 800 000 laying hens at Neubukow in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (Germany). The Community rules on aid to investment in agricultural holdings, (Council Regulation (EC) No 950/97 of 20 May 1997 on improving the efficiency of agricultural holdings ((OJ L 142, 2.6.1997. ))) exclude aid in the eggs and poultrymeat sector apart from aid to protect the environment and to promote hygiene in premises and the welfare of livestock and then only provided there is no increase in capacity. Accordingly, the Objective 1 operational programme for Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania includes no part-finance for this project. At national level, the Federal Government has reacted unfavourably to support for infrastructure in the form of the construction of rural roads. It is not possible to provide the Honourable Member with information about national assistance for construction since the procedure for approval at national level has still not been terminated.