ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1343/98

by José Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra (PPE) to the Commission

(29 April 1998)

Subject: Helms-Burton Act

In connection with the answer received on 13 March 1998 from Mr Brittan on behalf of the Commission (E-0236/98)(1) on the negotiations between the Community and the US on a number of subjects, including the Helms-Burton Act.Can the Commission provide some more precise information and indicate on what dates and at what level the preparatory meetings for the 15 January 1998 ministerial meeting were held?

Can the Commission specify the expected timetable for the forthcoming negotiations and meeting on the matter between the Community and the US?

In view of a number of recent statements by Mr Brittan to the effect that the negotiations are "half-way through", and that there is no deadline for a settlement, can the Commission state which are the points on which agreement has been reached and which have still to be resolved?

Despite the fact that no deadline has been set for the conclusion of the negotiations, can the Commission state how long it believes the present situation can go on?

(1) OJ C 323, 21.10.1998, p. 29.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1126/98

by Marjo Matikainen-Kallström (PPE) to the Commission

(8 April 1998)

Subject: The spread of tubercolosis

According to recent information from the WHO, there are 16 States worldwide which have neglected measures to prevent and treat tuberculosis among their people. The WHO says that such negligence represents a threat to the whole world. Some of the negligent countries are close to the Union's external borders.

What will the Commission do to ensure that citizens of the Union can continue to be protected against tuberculosis, and how is it seeking to assist countries outside the Union with the aim of finally suppressing the disease?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(3 June 1998)

The Commission is aware of the increase in the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) and of the factors that are associated with this phenomenon, including crumbling medical systems, deteriorating socio-economic conditions, and inappropriate practices leading to anti-microbial resistance threats.

Through the Community programme on acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and other communicable diseases the Commission is giving support to projects on surveillance and response on TB involving all Member States. These projects aim at enhancing the capacity of the Member States'authorities to fight against this disease. Within the Community's enlargement framework, applicant countries have been encouraged to participate in this programme.

The Commission is also co-operating on this issue with the United States in the context of the Community Task Force and with international organisations, in particular the World Health Organisation and the World Bank, and in some cases in providing financial assistance to developing countries to implement immunisation campaigns.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-1179/98

by Odile Leperre-Verrier (ARE) to the Commission

(6 April 1998)

Subject: Consequences of suspension of the Med-Media programme

Owing to the suspension of the Med-Media programme a number of organizations which were due to be subsidized did not receive the promised funds and have had to abandon their projects.

The damage caused by this decision is such that certain companies are now in a precarious situation.

Will the Commission state what it intends to do to provide the affected companies with appropriate compensation and to relaunch the Med-Media programme?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission

(5 May 1998)

Following in-depth discussions with Parliament, the Commission has ascertained that the conditions laid down by Parliament for resuming decentralised cooperation in the Mediterranean have now been fulfilled.

The Commission has therefore decided to relaunch decentralised cooperation in the Mediterranean. Three programmes will be involved: Med Campus, designed to foster cooperation between universities; Med Media, which focuses on cooperation between the media (training); and Med Urbs, which is aimed at local authorities.

In line with the Barcelona Declaration, the Commission stresses the importance of direct cooperation between those involved in civil society - a cooperation which is essential for rapprochement and greater understanding between the peoples of Europe and the Mediterranean.

Although no commitment has been made with regard to the Med Media project promoters selected in 1995, some of them may receive financial support under the relaunched programmes.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1517/98

by Claudia Roth (V) to the Commission

(13 May 1998)

Subject: Commission funds paid to the Federal Office for the Recognition of Foreign Refugees

In the EU bulletin of 28 January 1998 published by the German Commission representation it was reported that the Federal Office for the Recognition of Foreign Refugees (BAFI) in Nürnberg receives funds from the Commission to pay for independent legal advice for asylum seekers at Frankfurt Airport.

Is the Commission aware that in a judgment of 1996 the Federal Constitutional Court called on the German federal authorities to set up an independent legal advice service?

Does the Commission take the view that the limited means available for work with asylum seekers should be paid to national authorities?

Is the Commission of the opinion that the BAFI can provide independent legal advice?

Does the Commission know how the money it has provided has been used so far?

Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission

(6 July 1998)

The Federal Office for the recognition of foreign refugees (BAFI) in its application for funds from budget line B-803 made no mention of the Federal constitutional court judgment cited by the Honourable Member, and nor was the Commission aware of that judgement at that time.

The rules applying to this budget line allow for funds to be granted to public and private bodies (such as non-governmental organizations) provided that projects do not give rise to profits. The main criterion for the decision to fund a project is the quality of the project and not the legal status of the applicant.

The BAFI project funded by the Commission provides for legal counselling by solicitors. According to German law, solicitors exercise their profession independently. The Commission, therefore, sees no danger of biased legal counselling.

The BAFI interim report of 14 May 1998, indicates that due to an intended improvement of counselling services, negotiations were delayed for six months. This means that the duration of the project is now half the duration originally planned.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0709/98

by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) and Salvatore Tatarella (NI) to the Commission

(18 March 1998)

Subject: Food legislation - consumer health

In connection with "The General Principles of Food Law in the European Union" (Commission Green Paper) and "Consumer Health and Food Safety" (Commission Communication) (COM(97) 176 final and COM(97) 183 final),

can the Commission consider recourse to fundamentally non-binding instruments before the creation of legislative provisions and give thought to the principle of mutual recognition in the sphere of optional instruments too?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 718/98 by Amedeo AMADEO , Salvatore TATARELLA to the Commission. The VAT Committee



Official Journal C 386 , 11/12/1998 P. 0037



WRITTEN QUESTION E-0718/98 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) and Salvatore Tatarella (NI) to the Commission (18 March 1998) Subject: The VAT Committee In connection with the proposal for a Council Directive amending Directive 77/388/EEC on the common system of value-added tax (the Value-added Tax Committee) (COM(97) 325 final - 97/0186 CNS)(1), could the Commission ensure that the proposals that are to be submitted to the VAT Committee are published in advance? At present amendments to Community legislation on VAT require a directive or a regulation, and their publication in draft form offers all those concerned the opportunity to make comments on the subject. This public safeguard should also apply to the proposals submitted to the VAT Committee. (1) OJ C 278, 13.9.1997, p.6.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1328/98

by Graham Mather (PPE) to the Commission

(29 April 1998)

Subject: Compulsory competitive tendering: case of Oldham Metropolitan District Council (UK)

Is the Commission aware of a recent case in the UK involving a building maintenance contract awarded by Oldham Metropolitan District Council to its own Direct Services Organization without the due competitive tendering process taking place? This case was subject to the issuance of a notice under Section 14 of the 1988 Local Government Act on Compulsory Competitive Tendering in August 1995, which was subsequently overruled (early in 1998) by the incoming UK administration.

It has been contended by the Public Contractors Association in the UK that in this case there has been a breach of the Services and Works Directive. Does the Commission have any comment to make on this case?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(2 June 1998)

The Commission is not aware of the recent case in the United Kingdom involving a building maintenance contract in Oldham, to which the Honourable Member refers. He is therefore kindly requested to forward any specific information on the matter at his disposal to the Commission so that it may take appropriate action.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1496/98

by Richard Corbett (PSE) to the Commission

(13 May 1998)

Subject: Discrimination on the ground of sexual orientation

Following the ECJ judgment in the case of Grant-v-South West Trains (Case C-249/96), does the Commission intend to introduce legislation outlawing discrimination based on sexual orientation as soon as the Treaty of Amsterdam enters into force?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(12 June 1998)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written question No E-756/98 by Mrs Ojala(1).

(1) See page 40.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1414/98

by Joan Colom i Naval (PSE) to the Commission

(11 May 1998)

Subject: Languages used in providing information on the euro on the Internet

On accessing the Spanish version of the Commission's web page on the euro and consulting the topics "Citizens and Consumers" and "Enterprises and Finance", one finds that with the exception of a description of the information campaign, its aims and its internal organization, practically all of the information therein is available only in English, French or German, and in one instance in Dutch.

Does the Commission not consider it a matter of urgency that the information on the euro, and above all the information under the said topics, should at least be available in the languages of the EU? If it does, what timetable has it set to achieve that end?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

(15 July 1998)

All the reference texts shown are available in the eleven languages.

The most technical and specialised texts are always available in English, are usually available in French and German, and are available where resources allow in the other languages. This is the case for the for the Euro Papers series. The list of Euro Papers available and the languages covered is being sent direct to the Honourable Member and to the Parliament's Secretariat.

Obviously, the best way of reaching an audience is, firstly, to use its language and, secondly, to use style and vocabulary which are as widely accessible as possible. The Commission is mindful of this objective, but the complexity and number of texts makes it difficult to completely fulfil this legitimate expectation, given the human and financial resources available.

The Commission will try to better target those documents which should be translated into all languages, particularly those to which the Honourable Member refers.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1771/98

by Roger Barton (PSE) to the Commission

(5 June 1998)

Subject: Belgian ban on three-wheeled uncovered motor vehicles using motorways and main roads

The Belgian authorities have introduced a ban on three-wheeled uncovered motor vehicles using motorways and main roads, despite the fact that such vehicles are subject to single-market specifications and agreements.

Given that three-wheelers are often used by riders with disabilities, and having regard to the principle of free movement, have the Belgian authorities informed the Commission of the reasons, rationale and justification for introducing such a ban?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(10 July 1998)

The Commission has asked the Member State concerned for information regarding the facts raised to by the Honourable Member. It will inform him of its findings.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-1308/98

by Freddy Blak (PSE) to the Commission

(24 April 1998)

Subject: Make-up requirement for female employees

Maersk Air, a Danish-owned airline, has issued regulations on uniform which state that female employees must always wear make-up.

Special mention is made of lipstick, mascara and eye shadow. But the employer also warns against failure to use foundation, powder and rouge. Not only do female employees have to spend money on make-up, they are also exposed to a considerable risk of allergy and to daily inconveniences because the air in planes is very dry.

FTF, the trade union which represents men and women employed as cabin attendants by Maersk Air, has brought the matter before the court of justice in Denmark. A hearing is scheduled for 12 June 1998.

1. What is the Commission's reaction to a make-up requirement as part of the working conditions for women?

2. Does it not think that it conflicts with the EU directive on equal treatment?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(11 June 1998)

The Commission firstly notes that the union representing Maersk Air crew members has referred the obligation to wear make-up imposed on the airline's female employees to the relevant courts.

As a rule, the Commission does not comment on disputes brought before national courts. The Commission therefore considers that it is not for it to answer the first part of the Honourable Member's question. On the second part, the Commission considers that it is for the court hearing the case to determine whether the obligation to wear make-up falls within the scope of Council Directive 76/207/EEC of 9 February 1976 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women as regards access to employment, vocational training and promotion, and working conditions(1) and, if soe, whether this obligation creates direct or indirect discrimination against female employees. In case of doubt, this court may stay the proceedings and submit one or more requests for a preliminary ruling to the European Court of Justice.

(1) OJ L 39, 14.2.1976.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0827/98

by Ursula Schleicher (PPE) to the Commission

(26 March 1998)

Subject: Compatibility with EU law of the "special spa tax" levied in Badgastein

Are the levying of a "special spa tax" in Badgastein, as well as the provisions of the 1993 spa tax legislation on which it is based (Land Salzburg Official Gazette 1993, pp. 79 ff.), and the Spa Commission's corresponding implementing regulation (Section 18 of the Salzburg Therapy and Health Resort Legislation) compatible with the law of the European Union? Doubts also arise with particular regard to the absence of any special provision for the severely disabled and to the level of the taxes to be paid.

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(2 June 1998)

The Honourable Member asks about the compatibility with Community law of a tax levied in the commune of Badgastein in Austria. It seems that the tax ("Kurtaxe") is levied by the Land Salzburg on overnight stays in apartments and caravans in the district of Badgastein for spa administration ("Kurbezirk"). Revenues from the tax are paid into a fund ("Kurfonds") and subsequently used to promote local public interest in spa activity.

Because the tax mentioned by the Honourable Member is not harmonised at Community level, Member States are in principle free to use legislative powers in this field of taxation. This autonomy includes the freedom to legislate exemptions from the tax. However, the relevant provisions of the EC Treaty and of Community secondary legislation must be respected.

On the basis of the information provided to the Commission, the tax mentioned by the Honourable Member is not in conflict with Article 95 of the EC Treaty which concerns the taxation of products.

Further, as far as Community secondary legislation is concerned, the tax appears to be compatible with Community legislation on excise duties. Concerning the common system of value added tax, the conclusion is that Article 33 of the Sixth Council Directive 77/388/EEC of 17 May 1977 on the harmonization of the laws of the Member States relating to turnover taxes - Common system of value added tax: uniform basis of assessment(1) does not preclude the levying of a tax like that mentioned by the Honourable Member.

Therefore, on the basis of the information in the possession of the Commission, there is no apparent conflict between the tax and Community fiscal legislation.

(1) OJ L 145, 13.6.1977.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1389/98

by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission

(7 May 1998)

Subject: Evaluation of Helios II: Preparations for a new disability programme

When does the Commission expect to consult the European Parliament on the evaluation of the Helios II programme for people with disabilities?

Given the fact that, in 1997, the Commission said it would delay any proposal for a new disability programme pending completion of this evaluation, in what timescale does the Commission now intend to make the proposal?

Given the European Parliament's support for such a programme and the restriction of the European Social Fund and equal Community Initiative to employment initiatives, can the Commission confirm its support for a new programme which promotes equal opportunities for disabled people in relation to all discrimination?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1388/98 and E-1389/98 given

by Mr Flynn on behalf fof the Commission

(22 June 1998)

The Commission is continuing to examine possible options concerning the future strategy in favour of people with disabilities. This examination coincides with the new proposals for the structural funds(1), the plans for a new Community initiative and the implementation of Agenda 2000(2).

The evaluation of the third Community action programme to assist disabled people (Helios II) was the subject of a recent Commission report(3).

The issues arising under the new Article 13 of the Treaty of Amsterdam on combating discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation are being examined by the Commission with equal regard to all those facing discrimination.

The Commission remains firmly committed to the promotion of equal opportunity for disabled people.

(1) COM(98) 131 final.

(2) COM(97) 2000 final.

(3) COM(98) 15 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1081/98

by Jean-Antoine Giansily (UPE) to the Commission

(7 April 1998)

Subject: Green Paper on Vertical Restraints in EC Competition Policy and the restriction or abolition of the block exemption system

Does the Commission intend to publish a White Paper setting out the approach decided on after the conference held on 6 and 7 October 1997 by DG IV to consult interested parties about the Green Paper on Vertical Restraints in EC Competition Policy?

What timetable does it envisage?

How does it intend, in particular, to respond to the almost unanimous objections raised to its proposal to abolish or restrict the block exemptions granted to certain vertical agreements on the basis of the market share of the enterprises concerned?

Joint answer to Written QuestionsE-1079/98, E-1080/98 and E-1081/98 given by MrVan Miert on behalf of the Commission

(8 May 1998)

The wide ranging consultation on the green paper on vertical restraints in Community competition policy(1) terminated in a public hearing on 6 and 7 October 1997. During the consultation process 227 written submissions were received by the Commission. The Commission has analysed the vast amount of information obtained during the consultation exercise. A policy paper will be proposed to the Commission for adoption in the course of this year which will set out the Commission's proposal for a new policy in the field of vertical restraints.

It is as yet too early to comment on the possible content of this policy paper and the Commission is not, at this stage, in a position to inform the Honourable Member whether it is envisaged to extend the existing block exemption regulations or whether any new policy would involve a greater use of market shares.

Following the adoption of a policy paper, work will commence on any necessary legislative changes. The adoption of new legislation in the field of vertical restraints will follow the normal legislative procedure which includes a number of consultations both of institutions, Member States and interested parties. This legislative process is likely to take until the end of 1999.

(1) COM(96) 721 final.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0803/98

by Florus Wijsenbeek (ELDR) to the Commission

(26 March 1998)

Subject: Road safety with respect to car drivers' using mobile phones

Is the Commission aware of the July 1995 study carried out by the "Bundesanstalt für Strassenwesen" (Federal German Road Research Institute) which found that car drivers' attention and coordination capacity diminished when they were holding mobile phones?

Does the Commission intend to take measures with a view to promoting road safety, given the ever-increasing habit of car drivers' using mobile phones while driving?

If not, why not?

If so, how?

Given the specific dangers arising for road safety from the use in cars of mobile phones other than hands-free phones, which therefore require the driver to use one hand to operate them, does not the Commission feel that the ban in force in Italy, which provides for an exemption for hands-free phones, should be selected in preference to a total ban on car drivers' using mobile phones while driving (as in Portugal and Denmark)?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(28 May 1998)

The Commission is aware of the report mentioned by the Honourable Member, one of the conclusions of which was that using a phone while driving could be a distraction and potentially dangerous.

The Commission shares the broad concerns about the use of mobile phones while driving.The question is partly addressed in the Commission's communication on Road Transport Telematics(1), in which the design and installation of human machine interfaces (HMI) for in-vehicle information and communication systems is considered. Work is continuing on speech-based communication systems which could be relevant to mobile phones.

The question of mobile phones and driving was discussed in a meeting of the high level group of road safety experts in November 1997, and the Commission asked to be informed of the position of each Member State on this matter.

When the Commission has received responses from all Member States it will decide what action, if any, is appropriate at Community level.

(1) COM(97) 223 final.