Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission
(4 September 2001)
The recently finalised study undertaken on behalf of the Commission by a private consultant on the
competition between different types of alcoholic beverages is now available. The executive summary of the
study and the reference to order the complete study on CD-Rom can be found on the web-site of the
Directorate General Taxation and Customs Union, located at the following address: http://europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_customs/index_en.htm.
A copy of the CD-Rom has been sent to the office of the Honourable Member.
(2002/C 40 E/160) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1957/01
by Jürgen Zimmerling (PPE-DE) to the Commission
(3 July 2001)
Subject: Council Directive 91/439/EEC of 29 July 1991 on driving licences
The reorganisation of driving licence categories has led to problems in Germany, especially where
emergency and rescue services and fire brigades are concerned.
Members of volunteer fire brigades, for example, are in the main no longer allowed to drive their fire-
engines on account of the new driving licence categories. It is therefore impossible to guarantee thatqualified drivers will be available all day in case of emergency. The class 3 driving licence previously validin Germany (for private cars) also entitled its holders to drive vehicles weighing more than 3,5 t(operations vehicles). However, those who obtain a new driving licence under EU rules will for the mostpart be issued with a category B licence (valid for private cars but not for vehicles over 3,5 t).
To obtain the new C1 licence, which entitles holders to drive vehicles over 3,5 t, it would be necessary to
take a further test, which most young members of relief organisations could not afford to do.
Does the Commission realise that, unless exceptions are made for them, volunteer fire brigades may not be
able to operate in emergencies, entailing a potential danger to life and property?
Will the Commission make exceptions to Directive 91/439/EEC (
1) so as to alleviate the manning problems
which the Directive has caused for volunteer fire brigades? Alternatively, could the Member States treatrescue vehicles as special vehicles within the meaning of Article 3(6) and hence exclude them from theclassification set out in Article 3?
(1) OJ L 237, 24.8.1991, p. 1.
Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission
(6 September 2001)
Article 3 of Council Directive 91/439/EEC of 29 July 1991 on driving licences (1) sets out the categories of
driving licences authorising the driving of certain vehicles. No exemption is provided for driving fireservice vehicles. Licence categories are based on vehicle weight and size criteria. Driving a large and heavyfire engine calls for specific abilities, and emergency situations require above-average driving skills.
The drivers of emergency vehicles, even in voluntary fire brigades, have to be licensed to use these vehicles
for obvious road safety reasons. Obtaining such licences is entirely within the reach of voluntary firebrigade members.14.2.2002 EN C 40 E/149 Official Journal of the European Communities
The Commission accordingly has no intention to propose a specific amendment to exclude fire engines
from the driving licence categories laid down by Directive 91/439/EEC.
(1) OJ L 237, 24.8.1991.
(2002/C 40 E/161) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1962/01
by Juan Ojeda Sanz (PPE-DE) to the Commission
(3 July 2001)
Subject: Pension adjustment in Gibraltar
ALPEG, a Spanish association, based in La Línea de la Concepción, representing pensioners who formerly
worked in Gibraltar, has drawn our attention to the injustice being done to 9 005 Spanish pensionerswhose pensions have not been increased or subject to any periodic adjustment since 1990. According tothe associations calculations, the amount currently owed by the Gibraltarian Government stands at € 48million.
The situation of these pensioners, who for many years worked in the British colony of Gibraltar, is a
particularly serious matter because it constitutes discrimination compared with the treatment of pensionersliving on Gibraltarian territory and is also contrary to Community pensions legislation.
Does the Commission have any evidence relating to the problem facing the 9 005 pensioners who used to
work in Gibraltar?
What measures does it have in mind to mitigate this injustice?
(2002/C 40 E/162) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1979/01
by Laura GonzÆlez `lvarez (GUE/NGL) to the Commission
(5 July 2001)
Subject: Pensions of Spaniards formerly employed in Gibraltar
The retirement pensions of some 9 000 Spaniards who used to work in Gibraltar have not been increased
since 1990, even though the consumer price index has risen constantly from one year to the next and thepensioners themselves have been protesting against their treatment.
Regulations (EEC) Nos 1408/71 (
1) and 574/72 (2) coordinate the Member States different statutory social
security systems. The basic rules deriving from Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 where retirement pensionsare concerned stipulate, firstly, that benefits must be paid under each body of law to which a worker hasbeen subject; secondly, that they must be calculated in proportion to the periods completed under thelegislation of each country concerned; and, finally, that old age benefit or benefits may be transferred toany part of the EU.
Can the Commission obtain information on this matter from the appropriate authorities?Can it check whether Community social security legislation is being infringed?
(1) OJ L 149, 5.7.1971, p. 2.
(2) OJ L 74, 27.3.1972, p. 1.C 40 E/150 EN 14.2.2002 Official Journal of the European Communities