91999E0200

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0200/99

by Gianni Tamino (V) to the Commission

(11 February 1999)

Subject: Derogations granted by Italy for slaughterhouses

Yet again the deadline for adapting slaughterhouses to health and hygiene standards has been extended by Article 48 of the 1999 "finance law", this time until 31 December 1999. Slaughterhouses have still not complied with the provisions of Directives 91/497/EEC(1) and 91/498/EEC(2) of 29 July 1991, transposed into Italian law by Decree No 286 of 18 April 1994.

This derogation has also been extended to the requirement that animals should be stunned prior to slaughter, as provided for in Directive 93/119/EEC(3) of 22 December 1993, transposed into Italian law by Decree No 333 of 1 September 1998.

In reply to Written Question E-3274/97(4), tabled at the time of the previous extension, the Commission said it would contact the Italian authorities in order to clarify the situation.

Is the Commission aware of this situation and what is its opinion on the matter?

If it ascertains a blatant breach of Community law, will it initiate infringement proceedings against Italy?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(26 February 1999)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its findings as soon as possible.

(1) OJ L 268, 24.9.1991, p. 69.

(2) OJ L 268, 24.9.1991, p. 105.

(3) OJ L 340, 31.12.1993, p. 21.

(4) OJ C 158, 25.5.1998, p. 75.