92002E0418

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0418/02

by Jonas Sjöstedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(21 February 2002)

Subject: Livestock export refunds

What was the Commission's total expenditure in 2001 on refunds for the export of livestock to non-Community countries?

Joint answerto Written Questions E-0418/02 and E-0420/02given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(4 April 2002)

The total amount of export refunds paid in 2001 for livestock exports was 44,4 million(1). In recent years subsidies paid for cattle traded for slaughtering were reduced significantly from 60,50/100 kilogram (kg) (in 1999) to 41,00/100 kg (32 %). The export refund for breeding cattle was reduced from 63,00/100kg to 53,00/100 kg (16 %).

Concerning the measures to reduce live animal exports, the Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written question P-0480/02 by Mr de Rossa(2). (It should be noted that the report of the Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare on the welfare of animals during transport was adopted on 11 March 2002.)

(1) Based upon licences requested for Gatt year 2000/2001.

(2) OJ C 160 E, 4.7.2002, p. 220.