ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1321/97 by Gary Titley (PSE) to the Commission (11 April 1997)

Subject: EU legislation for the licencing of crane operators/drivers

Can the Commission report which EU legislation requires crane operators/drivers to hold licences such as the UK Category C Licenced Goods Vehicle (LGV) qualification, which UK crane operators will have to possess from 1 January 1998, and what measures did the Commission take to consult with the industry in framing the legislation and assisting with any training costs incurred?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (27 May 1997)

A distinction has to be made between crane operators and mobile crane drivers. There is no Community legislation requiring crane operators to hold a category C driving licence.

A requirement is however laid down for the driving of mobile cranes that travel on public roads between construction and building sites in Council Directive 91/439/EEC ((OJ L 237, 24.8.1991. )) on driving licences. Such cranes are capable of speeds well above the 25 kilometres per hour threshold usually applied for excluding certain vehicles from the definition of motor vehicle.

Article 3.1 of Council Directive 91/439/EEC defines vehicles of category C as 'motor vehicles other than those in category D and whose maximum authorized mass is over 3.500 kilograms'. The weight of mobile cranes usually exceeds this. Therefore, a C licence is required by Directive 91/439/EEC for driving mobile cranes.

In the past, the United Kingdom required only a B licence. However, the United Kingdom authorities decided to include mobile cranes within category C when implementing the Directive early this year. The draft Regulation was the subject of normal consultation procedures. Specific consultations are under way for clarifying the position of experienced mobile crane drivers in the United Kingdom.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1801/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (28 May 1997)

Subject: Staffing problems at CEDEFOP

Cedefop is the first- and only- European institution to be based in Greece, namely in Thessaloniki. Much has been said about staffing problem there, and the transfer of officials from Berlin, which used to be the seat of the institution, to Thessaloniki is about to go ahead in order to meet the operational needs.

No particular steps have been taken to recruit Greek officials who could adequately staff the centre at a greatly reduced cost (since they would not receive any transfer allowances or expatriation allowances).

According to an official justification, some balance must be kept in the composition of the staff.

Will the Commission say whether it is examining the possibility of meeting the Institution's pressing staffing requirements with Greek officials (even on a provisional basis), so as to avoid a situation in which the Cedefop is unable adequately to perform its very important function?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (30 June 1997)

The Commission would remind the Honourable Member that Cedefop is a decentralized Community agency administered by a management board responsible also for personnel policy.

According to the information received by the Commission, the Centre's operational capacity is fully assured at present. There are no pressing staffing problems. In a staff of 81 (52 permanent and 29 temporary posts) there are now 8 vacancies. The occupation of these posts is not considered a priority for the Centre since there is a need to maintain a small reserve of posts in order to be able to reintegrate staff members temporarily on leave on personal grounds, and the relevant tasks are actually fulfilled either by national seconded experts (of whom there are currently 7) or by local staff, auxiliaries and interim staff.

As regards the geographical distribution of staff, the management board decided in line with the existing rules at Community level that a reasonable equilibrium should be maintained, ensuring a fair representation of all Community nationalities. Greek nationals are already proportionally well represented in the centre, covering 10% of the total staff (excluding auxiliaries and local agents).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1686/97 by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler (V) to the Commission (20 May 1997)

Subject: Exports of old clothes to the Third World

Does the Commission have any information on the number of tonnes of old clothes (and old shoes exported annually from the EU to the Third World? What are the main importing countries?

Has the Commission carried out any studies on the effect of these exports on the textile and shoe industries of the importing countries? To what extent is the EU's trade in old clothes in line with the objectives of EU development policy?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission (25 June 1997)

The combined nomenclature on which the Community bases its external trade figures, includes a product code 6309 00 00 for worn clothing. This includes textiles and footwear (loose or bundled) which show clear evidence of previous use, but also covers other items such as bedding and furnishing fabrics. It is not therefore possible to say how much trade old clothes and shoes alone represent.

A table listing all Community exports of old clothes and textile items over the past three years is being sent direct to the Honourable Member and Parliament's Secretariat.

On average, exports totalled 340 000 tonnes between 1993 and 1995.

The Commission is aware of the dangers that such exports may pose to developing economies. However, it does not know of any recent study which demonstrates potential adverse effects on these economies as a result of, say, the end-use of the products (for use as clothing or as the inputs for new production) or on local manufacture or prices.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1366/97 by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas (PPE) to the Commission (21 April 1997)

Subject: Production and marketing of honey

The Commission's proposal on measures to improve the production and marketing of honey are considered inadequate in Spain, since the proposal concentrates on the health issue and does not include income support, and hence it is felt that a system of aid should be established to compensate bee-keepers for the fact that honey enters the Community from third countries at much lower prices.

Does the Commission consider that it would be possible to set up a system of aid for European honey producers?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (30 May 1997)

In October 1994 the Council accepted the conclusions of the discussion paper on European apiculture ((COM(94) 256 final. )) and asked the Commission to make appropriate proposals as soon as possible. In the conclusions of the report, it was expressly stated that 'it is not appropriate to set up a specific market organization for honey. Nor is it really feasible to devise a global system of support, such as income aids.'

The aim of the Commission's proposal is to improve the production and marketing of honey, which can be done by establishing national programmes with priorities such as technical assistance, the treatment of hives against varroasis, the rationalisation of transhumance, support for the analysis of honey and cooperation on applied research. In some regions of the Community, individual measures of these types have produced good results.

Community part-finance for these measures is aimed both to reduce some production costs and to improve the quality of honey.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0508/97 by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission (19 February 1997)

Subject: Construction of the high-speed rail link between Rome and Naples

Directive 85/337/EEC ((OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p. 40.)) stipulates that an environmental impact assessment must be carried out (Article 4) in accordance with Articles 5 to 10 prior to the construction of lines for long-distance railway traffic (Annex I).

Despite this, Rome City Council has authorized the commencement of work in the Tor Sapienza area on the high-speed Rome to Naples link.

Contrary to the provisions of Directive 85/337/EEC, this project makes no provision for consultation of the local inhabitants of the areas affected (which include the La Rustica and Casal Bertone districts).

The project, which will have an enormous environmental impact, involves the quadrupling of the track and an increase in daily traffic levels from 30 to 330 trains.

Would the Commission:

1. give its views on this matter?

2. state whether it considers that representations should be made to the relevant Italian authorities with a view to ensuring compliance with Community law?

Supplementary answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (5 June 1997)

Further to the answer it gave on 13 March 1997 ((OJ C 186, 18.6.1997. )), the Commission is now able to provide the following information.

In the light of the information supplied by the Honourable Member, the Commission has taken up this matter with the Italian authorities and will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure compliance with Community law in this field.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1609/97 by José Valverde López (PPE) to the Commission (7 May 1997)

Subject: Mandatory requirement to state precise names of vegetable oils and fats in processed food ingredients

The generic reference in processed food ingredients to 'vegetable oils', without any further details, amounts to an officially authorized fraud which needs to be urgently rectified in Community foodstuffs legislation. The price of vegetable oils can vary by a factor of five. Moreover, the chemical composition and structure of such oils is such that they can have very different properties and even be extremely damaging to health. The failure to show such details on labels could be regarded as a serious health hazard.

Does the Commission plan to take any steps to deal with this matter?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (6 June 1997)

The reference to 'vegetable oil' in the list of ingredients of a foodstuff containing this type of ingredient is in accordance with current Community law: Article 6(5)(b) of Directive 79/112/EEC, relating to the labelling of foodstuffs ((OJ L 33, 8.2.1979. )), provides that ingredients which belong to one of the categories listed in Annex I to the Directive need only be designated by the name of that category. Annex I states that refined oils other than olive oil may be designated by the term 'oil', together with either the adjective 'vegetable' or an indication of their specific vegetable origin. The same rule applies to refined fats.

At international level, a similar provision appears in the rule on 'labelling' in the Codex Alimentarius.

To date the Commission has not been informed of any potential economic problems or health risks arising from the application of this rule, which was laid down nearly twenty years ago.

Where price differences are concerned, the manufacturer - in accordance with the Directive - can always make the most of his ingredients by specifying the vegetable origin of the oil contained in the foodstuff. With regard to harmful effects on health, the Commission has no knowledge of such effects and would ask the Honourable Member to be more specific on this point.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1777/97 by Angela Sierra González (GUE/NGL), Laura González Álvarez (GUE/NGL), María Sornosa Martínez (GUE/NGL) and Carlos Carnero González (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (27 May 1997)

Subject: Forms of cooperation with the Saharaui people

Can the Commission provide information regarding the budget headings, projects and amounts which it allocated to relieving the situation of the Saharaui people during 1996?

Can it also provide information regarding the amount of funding earmarked for the Saharaui people in 1997?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (2 July 1997)

Since 1993, the Community's overall contribution for Western Sahara refugees has amounted to 20 MECU. Last year, 7 MECU was allocated, including 2 MECU from the budget line B7-644 adopted by the Parliament to help the population of Western Sahara, and 5 MECU from the budget line B7-217.

The Commission adopted on 23 May 1997 a decision for the implementation of a global plan amounting to 7 MECU in favour of the Western Sahara refugees including food aid (5.8 MECU) and a medical and logistic assistance, emergency rehabilitation and water purification programme (1.2 MECU). This will help ensure supplies to this population of basic products, to maintain security stocks until November, as well as to preserve an acceptable level of living conditions and health care.

The food element of the plan, to be implemented by various Commission partners, was drawn up in the light of different reports (evaluation, nutritional studies), contributions announced by the Member States and recent deliveries. Thus, the decision will comprise 2,300 tonnes of wheatflour and approximately 3,500 tonnes of other basic foodstuffs. The non-food element will include hygiene products, medicines and medical supplies, water purification and repairing of wells and finally the completion of the rehabilitation of infrastructures (hospitals, schools, health centres).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1901/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (4 June 1997)

Subject: Green paper on Education - Training - Research: The obstacles to transnational mobility

With reference to the 'Green Paper on Education - Training - Research: The obstacles to transnational mobility' (COM(96)0462 final),

not only must the availability of information be guaranteed in the Member States but ease of access for citizens must be ensured. The Commission has an obligation to guarantee that the dissemination of this type of information is not restricted to limited circles or the usual channels of information from the Community.

Will the Commission therefore set up, under line of action No 9, a systematic information network for citizens which sets out all the training opportunities offered in the Community?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1900/97, E-1901/97, E-1902/97, E-1903/97 and E-1904/97 given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (22 July 1997)

In view of the length of its answer, the Commission is sending it direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1600/97 by Wayne David (PSE) to the Commission (7 May 1997)

Subject: Nicaraguan Government's proposal for a Ministry of the Family

Recently President Aleman of Nicaragua introduced a bill to create a Ministry of the Family. This bill is causing widespread concern in Nicaragua and amongst NGOs, and it will clearly have an adverse effect on EU-funded

programmes. Does the Commission agree that the proposed Ministry of the Family is a regressive move and that it will threaten the rights of women and children?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (30 May 1997)

The Commission cannot enter into a debate about internal administrative and political decisions taken by a sovereign government.

Nevertheless, the Commission is concerned about the future of the Nicaraguan women's institute (INIM) as an autonomous national women's institute, which up till now has had its own legal personality and financial independence.

The Commission does not have sufficient elements to judge at this time whether the draft law would undermine the national instruments for the advancement of women in Nicaragua. INIM is a counterpart institution for Community-funded projects (and those of several Member States), including a major programme of support to adolescent women and young single mothers (4 MECU). The Commission will closely monitor any repercussions arising from qualitative changes in the approach of the Nicaraguan government to the issue of women's empowerment which might adversely affect any projects or initiatives and it retains the right to withdraw its support.

The Commission has been informed that representatives of the United Nations development programme (UNPD), the Netherlands and Sweden are to have a meeting with the Nicaraguan minister of foreign affairs. During this meeting the representatives will transmit their concerns about the possible loss of momentum of the INIM as an independent institution that has, until now, promoted women's rights in Nicaragua and they will also underline their attachment to the Beijing principles in the framework of their cooperation. The Commission fully supports this political initiative.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1927/97 by Angela Sierra González (GUE/NGL), Nel van Dijk (V), Magdalene Hoff (PSE), Doeke Eisma (ELDR), Gianni Tamino (V) and Antoni Gutiérrez Díaz (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (4 June 1997)

Subject: Environmental impact assessment on the island of El Hierro (Canary Islands - Spain)

The Spanish Ministry of Defence, through the National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA), has stated its aim of building a space launch centre on the island of El Hierro (Canary Islands - Spain).

This project, the details of which are contained in the document 'Blueprint for a space launch centre' drawn up by the INTA and the study 'Site Survey and Engineering Assessments for Space Launch Facilities at El Hierro, Canary Islands', drawn up by Bechtel National Inc., may have serious adverse effects on the natural and human environment on the island of El Hierro, and may be in breach of Directive 85/337/EEC ((OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p. 40. )) by disturbing the existing balance between conservation of the island's environment and its model of development.

In addition, the possible site for the project may be part of the Natura 2000 network which includes the 'special areas of conservation' provided for in Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora.

What measures will the Commission take to ensure that an environmental impact assessment is carried out in accordance with the provisions of Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment?

Answer (18 July 1997)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Members to its answer to Written Question E-1413/97 by Mrs Van Dijk and Mr Eisma ((See page 83. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION P-1481/97 by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission (24 April 1997)

Subject: Treatment of non-French nationals by French police when transporting goods through France

A UK haulage company in my constituency recently had a driver subjected to a routine check at the Rheims toll in France. The police officers took out the tachograph, breaking it in doing so. When they examined the tachograph, they said the driver was breaking the law and immediately fined him £400. When the driver could not pay, the officers parked him on the side of the road and called the haulage company in the UK.

Representatives from the English company immediately went to France to personally pay the fine. On arrival in France, the French officers informed them that the fine was now £1000. When this was disputed by the representatives from the company, the French officers pulled a gun on them and impounded their vehicle until they could pay the fine.

Can the European Commission investigate with the French authorities whether this is the usual treatment that non-French nationals are subjected to when transporting goods through France? Is the Commission aware of similar instances of brutality by the French police towards non-French nationals? Is this type of behaviour not against the principle of the Single Market - the free movement of people and goods? Is it not a direct infringement of civil liberties?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (5 June 1997)

The exercise of checks and the imposition of sanctions are for the Member States to organise in line with the relevant provisions of Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85 ((OJ L 370, 31.12.1985. )) on driving times and rest periods and Directive 88/599/EEC ((OJ L 325, 29.11.1988. )) on standard checking procedures. Article 3(3) of this Directive specifically prohibits discrimination by enforcement authorities between resident and non-resident operators in implementing roadside checks.

The Commission receives complaints from time to time about various aspects of checking in Member States but is not aware of the details of this case. It is also not aware of circumstances which reflect those mentioned in the written question. In view of the seemingly abnormal nature of the case, the Commission will investigate this matter further with the French authorities.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1281/97 by Daniela Raschhofer (NI) to the Commission (11 April 1997)

Subject: Compliance of certain Austrian taxes and charges with Community legislation

Article 33 of the 'Sixth Council Directive of 17 May 1977 (77/388/EEC) ((OJ L 145, 13.6.1977, p. 1. )) on the harmonization of the laws of the Member States relating to turnover taxes - Common system of value added tax: uniform basis of assessment' states that Member States shall not be prevented from maintaining or introducing other taxes, duties or charges which cannot be characterized as turnover taxes. Expressed in positive terms, this presumably means that no taxes, duties and charges similar to turnover taxes may be levied in addition to turnover taxes.

However, in Austria the basic contribution for compulsory members of the Chamber of Commerce, beverage taxes and, in the federal province of Vorarlberg, tourist duties are calculated and levied on the basis of the turnover tax assessment basis or payed over in accordance with self-assessment pursuant to the relevant decisions by the tax authority.

The above duties are levied, in addition to turnover taxes, on the same assessment basis on revenue generated by goods or services. They are also proportional to the price of these goods or services and are levied at every stage of production and marketing.

Will the Commission say to what extent the Austrian basic contribution for compulsory members of the Chamber of Commerce (KU1), the beverage taxes and tourist duties are compatible with Community law?

Would these duties also violate Community law if they were only levied on services and revenue which did not involve transfrontier transactions?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1262/97 and E-1281/97 given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (3 June 1997)

The Commission is not yet in possession of the information it needs in order to decide definitively whether the taxes and levies in question are compatible with Community law.

However, the Austrian legislation regarding the compulsory levy on membership of the chamber of commerce (KU1), to which the Honourable Member refers, is currently the subject of a reference for a preliminary ruling by the Court of Justice (Case C-318/96) on the interpretation of Article 33 of the Sixth Council Directive 77/388/EEC of 17 May 1977 concerning value added tax ((OJ L 145, 13.6.1977. )). Consequently, it is now for the Court of Justice to provide the Austrian courts with the criteria for interpreting Article 33 that will enable them to decide on the compatibility of the membership levy with Community law.

As for the other two taxes referred to, the Commission is continuing its assessment.