ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3274/96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil (PPE) to the Commission (5 December 1996)

Subject: Interim RPI

It is increasingly clear from the media that there are real difficulties in finding universally accepted statistical measurements.

The Commission evaluates the convergence of prices on the basis of the interim retail price index. Does this index coincide with or diverge from the retail price index used by Sweden?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3259/96, E-3260/96, E-3261/96, E-3262/96, E-3263/96, E-3264/96, E-3265/96, E-3266/96, E-3267/96, E-3268/96, E-3269/96, E-3270/96, E-3271/96, E-3272/96, E-3273/96 and E-3274/96 given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission (21 January 1997)

Under Protocol No 6 on the convergence criteria referred to in Article 109j of the EC Treaty 'Inflation shall be measured by means of the consumer price index on a comparable basis, taking into account national differences.' This requirement is currently met through a process of harmonization based on the national consumer price indices (CPIs).

According to Council Regulation No 2494/95 on harmonized indices of consumer prices (HICPs) ((OJ L 257, 27.10.1995. )), harmonization should be considered as a stepwise approach in two stages. Stage I established in February 1996 a set of interim indices of consumer prices (IICPs). The IICPs are in fact the national CPIs with the coverage of goods and services adjusted to reduce non-comparability, particularly by excluding certain non-market services, such as health, education and owner occupied housing.

National CPIs can thus be seen as coincident with the corresponding IICPs regarding methods, concepts and definitions, apart from the coverage of goods and services. Numerically, the indices differ as a result of these differences in the coverage ((COM(96) 560. )). For most of the Member States, the differences in the inflation rates measured as a twelve month change, whether on an annual or monthly basis, are small, ranging from 0,0 to ±0,2 percentage points. For some Member States (Ireland, the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden and the United Kingdom) the differences are bigger, mainly because of housing costs, particularly where interest payments are used in the national CPIs.

Though not strictly comparable, IICPs provide for the time being the most comparable basis for the assessment of inflation convergence among Member States. The Commission will, however, assess inflation convergence during the period before the start of stage three of economic and monetary union, as required by the Treaty, on the basis of comparable HICPs. These will be launched with Stage II of the harmonization of CPIs in February 1997 and will be based on appropriately designed definitions, concepts and methods.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2928/96 by Yves Verwaerde (PPE) to the Commission (25 October 1996)

Subject: Action plan 16/9 by channel and category of programme

Bearing in mind that action plan 16/9 had to be drawn up by the Commission, I would like the Commission to provide me with an assessment of the implementation of plan 16/9 by channel and category of programme.

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (20 November 1996)

The main barrier to the introduction of wide-screen television is the structural separation between the consumer electronics and television broadcasting sectors. According to a logic which evokes the vicious circle as to which came first: the chicken or the egg?, broadcasters refused to broadcast in line with the 'large-screen standards until receivers were sold in large numbers, whereas the manufacturers of receiving equipment refused to commit themselves to the mass production of receivers before broadcasting began. The first task of the action plan was to break this vicious circle by offering programme broadcasters and producers a financial contribution covering their extra costs. The number of hours that the channels had undertaken to broadcast on the basis of the 'large-screen' standards is 56 648 and the production of programmes (films, etc.) involves almost 20 000 hours. The details of broadcasting by channel and programme can be found in a document sent directly to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat-General of Parliament.

Overall the action plan may be considered a success. Indeed, the vast majority of the operators in this area now feel that large-screen television is the format of the future. All of the major players in the television industry have invested considerable sums in order to adapt their production and broadcasting studios, while new television production lines have been set up. A large proportion of the new televisions placed on the market are of the wide-screen type and sales of large-screen television sets are growing by between 50 and 60% per year. Whether producers, broadcasters or television manufacturers, those involved have joined in agreement that this success is largely due to the financial support and confidence arising from the Commission's commitment.

Despite these good results and some progress made the situation is still fragile. It is forecast that large-screen television will be represented in 1% of households at the end of the action plan. This is below the critical mass needed to ensure growth.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3310/96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil (PPE) to the Commission (5 December 1996)

Subject: 'Hidden economy' and GDP

The media are increasingly reflecting the current difficulty of obtaining universally accepted statistics.

What proportion of GDP in the Netherlands is accounted for by the 'hidden economy'?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3280/96, E-3298/96, E-3299/96, E-3300/96, E-3301/96, E-3302/96, E-3303/96, E-3304/96, E-3305/96, E-3306/96, E-3307/96, E-3308/96, E-3309/96, E-3310/96, E-3311/96, E-3312/96 and E-3313/96 given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission (21 January 1997)

It is not possible at this stage to accurately estimate the impact of the hidden economy on gross domestic product, since the methods used differ considerably from one Member State to the next and several Member States also make implicit corrections which are very difficult to assess.

It is intended that the work on the issue of exhaustiveness be completed by the end of 1998, and it should then be possible to compile the estimates requested with a certain degree of reliability and comparability between Member States.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3308/96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil (PPE) to the Commission (5 December 1996)

Subject: 'Hidden economy' and GDP

The media are increasingly reflecting the current difficulty of obtaining universally accepted statistics.

What proportion of GDP in Italy is accounted for by the 'hidden economy'?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3280/96, E-3298/96, E-3299/96, E-3300/96, E-3301/96, E-3302/96, E-3303/96, E-3304/96, E-3305/96, E-3306/96, E-3307/96, E-3308/96, E-3309/96, E-3310/96, E-3311/96, E-3312/96 and E-3313/96 given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission (21 January 1997)

It is not possible at this stage to accurately estimate the impact of the hidden economy on gross domestic product, since the methods used differ considerably from one Member State to the next and several Member States also make implicit corrections which are very difficult to assess.

It is intended that the work on the issue of exhaustiveness be completed by the end of 1998, and it should then be possible to compile the estimates requested with a certain degree of reliability and comparability between Member States.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2913/96 by Salvador Garriga Polledo (PPE) to the Commission (8 November 1996)

Subject: COM in olive oil

Can the Commission explain its statement that the new COM in olive oil will reduce the opportunities for fraud?

What mechanisms does this COM introduce to reinforce checks on aid?

Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission (17 December 1996)

Experience in the olive oil sector has shown that there has been significant fraud in relation to consumption aid. In addition, control measures have not properly ensured the protection of the financial interests of the Community, in particular in the case of production aid. Import and export operations have also been vulnerable to fraud. This is one of the major reasons why the Commission believes that it is necessary to examine possible changes to the common market organisation in this sector ((Regulation No 136/66/EEC on the establishment of a common organisation of the market in oils and fats - OJ 172, 30.9.1966 )), in accordance with its 1996 work programme ((OJ L 282, 26.9.1996. )).

The Commission has not yet made formal proposals. As indicated in its answer to Written Questions Nos E-2684/96 and E-2685/96 by Mr Valverde Lopez and P-2946/96 by Mr Papayannakis ((OJ C 91, 20.3.97. )), different options will first be discussed with the Parliament and the Council. The Commission is not therefore yet in a position to state which mechanisms should be introduced to reinforce checks and reduce fraud.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2930/96 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) and Katerina Daskalaki (UPE) to the Commission (8 November 1996)

Subject: Cold-blooded murder of a Greek Cypriot

For the third time in two months an unarmed Greek Cypriot citizen has been cold-bloodedly murdered in Cyprus.

On 13 October Petros Kakkoulis was shot dead by Turkish soldiers while gathering snails near the British base of Dekeleia.

This Greek Cypriot citizen was shot by two bursts of gunfire from a distance of 30 metres and given the coup de grâce as he lay on the ground.

Since the behaviour of the Turkish occupying forces can only be compared to that of animals, will the Commission say:

- What immediate and effective measures does it intend to take to deal a crippling blow to official Turkish state terrorism which finds expression in the bestial behaviour of the Denktash regime of occupation which it supports?

- When will government officials of the Member States of the European Union finally stop talking to the person representing the occupying regime in Cyprus, Mr Denktash, a man who has been ordering the execution of unarmed citizens?

- When will it finally decide to sever every official link with Turkey until it behaves like a state that has attained a basic level of civilization?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (4 December 1996)

The Commission thanks the Honourable Members for their question regarding the present situation in Cyprus and refers to the Irish Presidency's declaration issued on 16 October 1996 in which the European Union expressed its strong condemnation of the killing of Mr Kakkoulis as well as other violent incidents in recent months.

Pursuant to the Council's decision of 6 March 1995, the Commission will continue its pre-accession policy towards Cyprus and its information activities for the Turkish Cypriot community in the expectation that the perspective of accession will contribute to efforts aimed at establishing a dialogue between the two communities on the island and at resolving the Cyprus problem. The Commission, in its contacts with the parties concerned, continues to stress the need to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. This policy should contribute to a climate in which acts of violence are less likely to occur.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2676/96 by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (15 October 1996)

Subject: Dam on the River Nestos

On 15.9.1996 the Greek Electricity Board, without having signed a joint ministerial decision on the operating conditions of the Thisavros Dam on the River Nestos, opened the dam, thereby interrupting the flow of water to the river's delta, which is an ecosystem of unique importance.

In view of the fact that: the Greek Electricity Board has taken this high-handed action in defiance of a decision by the Prefectural Council of Kavala which stated that the dam would not be allowed to operate before three studies concerning measures to mitigate the effects of this dam on the surrounding region had been completed and evaluated;

this constitutes a violation of Greek and Community legislation, and in particular Directives 79/409/EEC ((OJ L 103, 25.4.1979, p. 1. )), 85/337/EEC ((OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p. 40. )) and 92/43/EEC ((OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7. ));

environmental organizations have condemned this high-handed action;

Will the Commission say whether it intends to call for special measures to be drawn up so that the consequences of this project on the Nestos ecosystem can be properly assessed, and what further measures it intends to take if it is established that the above directives are still being violated?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (29 November 1996)

The Commission is aware of the problems concerning the dam on the river Nestos, as it has received a complaint on the subject.

The Commission recognizes the major ecological importance of the Nestos region, which has been classified as a special protection area by the Greek authorities under Article 4 of Directive 79/409/EEC (protection of wild birds) and is also one of the sites proposed for the Natura 2000 European ecological network under Directive 92/43/EEC (habitats). It is therefore keeping a very close eye on the situation.

In connection with the complaint referred to above, the Commission will ask the Greek authorities to provide all relevant information and, within the limits of its jurisdiction, will ensure that Community environmental legislation is properly applied.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2903/96 by Jan Sonneveld (PPE) and Bartho Pronk (PPE) to the Commission (31 October 1996)

Subject: 'Black' fishing in the United Kingdom

1. Is the Commission aware of BBC news broadcasts of 7 October 1996, which included a report on fraud in fisheries in the UK?

2. Is it aware that the report claimed that 25% of the fish trade is carried on outside the official channels?

3. Can the Commission confirm these figures? If not, can it set up an inquiry into black fishing in the UK and report to Parliament on the result?

4. Is the Commission prepared to assist the UK Government in curbing the problem of black fishing, particularly in the light of results achieved in the Netherlands in this area?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (5 December 1996)

1. The Commission is aware of the programme cited by the Honourable Member and of the report that up to 25 per cent of landings are sold outside official channels.

2. The Commission is not in a position to confirm the quantity of fish reported in this programme as not being registered in accordance with Community rules. According to information available to the Commission the quantity may however be rather significant.

Indeed, in the view of the Commission the control system applied is not fully efficient for coping with the situation where the fishing capacity largely exceeds the available fishing possibilities.

3. The whole question of unregistered landings into United Kingdom ports and particularly in Scotland has been examined by both the Commission and the national control services in the past (1994-1995) and highlighted in the Commission's report on monitoring of the common fisheries policy ((Doc. COM(96) 100 final. )).

4. The Commission, in the course of missions to the United Kingdom, continues to monitor the efforts of national control authorities to counteract this practice.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2512/96 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Council (25 September 1996)

Subject: VAT and air transport

1. How and when does the Council of Ministers intend to bring air tickets into line with the VAT (Value Added Tax) provisions for the different modes of transport (railways and roads) in the different Member States?

2. How high (in percentage terms) could the VAT be?

3. What will be the cost (in absolute figures) of introducing VAT on air tickets?

Answer (13 February 1997)

The VAT arrangements appliacble to the different modes of passenger modes of transport (air, sea, inland waterway, inland, rail, road) are laid down in the Sixth VAT Directive, which provides that such transport is taxed on the basis of the distances covered in the different Member States.)

As regards the VAT rates applicable to the carriage of passengers,the current situation is as follows:

- the national carriage of persons is taxed quite differently in the various Member States;

- the intracommunity carriage of persons is generally zero-rated.

With a view to achieving a common VAT system, in 1992 the Commission submitted a proposal for a Directive confined to the transport of persons by road and inland waterway. That proposal did not tackle the question of the relationship between those sectors and the other modes of transport (in particular rail and air transport). The Commission announced that it would cover this question in a report it undertook to submit before the end of 1994, which would make an overall assessment of the VAT situation in the passenger transport sector and examine the risks of distortion of competition between the various modes of transport.

In the absence of that Commission report the Council is unable to provide the information which the Honourable Member requests. It is however well aware that this issue is of considerable importance for the future development of transport in the Union.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3476/96 by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission (9 December 1996)

Subject: Eco-label

How satisfied is the Commission wit the eco-labelling system in view of the fact that a 'Which?' report [January 1996] in the UK found that a washing machine with an eco-label used more water and had a poorer cleaning performance than washing machines without the eco-label?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (24 January 1997)

The occurrence described can happen in a voluntary eco-labelling scheme such as the Community ecolabel award scheme. The aim of schemes of this type is to allow a range of products to comply with the criteria and this range is intended to represent a selective percentage of products on the market.

In the case of the Community a reasonable proportion of the market needs to be covered in order to provide for visibility of eco-labelled appliances throughout Europe. Therefore, it is possible that certain manufacturers with washing machines in this range apply for the label and others do not.

The Commission, is, however, satisfied with the level of environmental protection associated with the criteria for this product group and recently updated the criteria in the light of market and technological developments ((OJ L 191, 1.8.1996. )).
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0225/96 by Angela Sierra González (GUE/NGL), Laura González Álvarez (GUE/NGL) and María Sornosa Martínez (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (9 February 1996)

Subject: Environmental impact of the Ronda de la Laguna (Lagoon ring-road) (Tenerife)

On 8 October 1995 the Commission replied to our written question (E-1886/95) ((OJ C 326, 6.12.1995, p. 10. )) on the environmental impact of the Ronda de la Laguna (Lagoon ring-road) (Tenerife), stating that it would ask the Spanish authorities to provide the necessary information.

Does the Commission not consider that, before irreparable damage is done, it should be established whether the authorities in the Canary Islands are correctly applying Community environmental rules?

Has the Commission received the information it requested?

Can the Commission state whether the project is receiving any type of financing from Community funds?

Supplementary answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (28 January 1997)

Following its answer of 22 April 1996 the Commission wishes to inform the Honourable Members that it has terminated its investigations on the matter after receiving information from the Spanish authorities, details of which were sent to the Honourable Members in a Commission letter.

As part of the Canary Islands Operational Programme (OP) for 1990-1993, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) cofinanced the first phase of the La Laguna ring-road, contributing PTA 148,16 million in 1990 and 65,68 million in 1991. The project will also receive cofinancing from the ERDF under the Canary Islands OP for the period 1994-1999.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3225/96 by Joan Colom i Naval (PSE) to the Commission (28 November 1996)

Subject: Cost of sending a poster

In early October 1996 all the Members of the European Parliament received a poster (size DIN A3) announcing the 'European Year of Health and Safety in the Workplace'.

This poster was sent inside a cardboard tube (10 cm in diameter and 30 cm long, sealed with plastic), of the type used for the transportation of plans, drawings and other objects which need to be preserved against wrinkles or folds.

Since this poster was sent purely for purposes of information, and could therefore have been sent in an ordinary envelope, thus saving on transport space, can the Commission:

1. inform the Members and other recipients of the cost of sending the posters (price of the tubes plus transport);

2. state whether it intends to use this method again in the future?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (21 January 1997)

'European Week' and suchlike campaigns are intended not just to provide information but, especially, to promote a theme. The A3 format of the accompanying posters makes it easier for them to be displayed on a stand. Many people complain when they receive posters which have been creased or otherwise damaged in transit. In the face of such complaints, the Commission chooses the most suitable means of distribution to the principal information outlets, including parcels, pallets and tubes.

The Commission thus ensures that the consignments are dispatched in the most efficient and economical manner, having regard both to its own constraints and technical facilities, and to the way in which the documents are to be used. In the case in question, the posters were sent to the Members of Parliament by means of the internal courier service, thereby saving on transport costs.

In general, posters for information campaigns are dispatched in bulk, packed on pallets. When specific requests are made directly to the Commission, the most appropriate methods of dispatch are used, including, if necessary, rolled-up posters.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3196/96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil (PPE) to the Commission (22 November 1996)

Subject: URBAN programme - number of projects in the Valencia region

The deadline for submitting urban development projects under the URBAN programme for 1997-1999 will expire on 10 January 1997.

How much funding is the Commission likely to allocate to the Spanish projects under the URBAN programme? Of this, how much will go to projects relating to the Autonomous Community of Valencia?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3196/96, E-3197/96 and E-3202/96 given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (20 December 1996)

Following consultations with Parliament, the Commission decided on 8 May 1996 on the indicative allocation of the reserve for the Community Initiatives. Under that decision, Urban in Spain received (at indexed 1995 prices) MECU 56,2 for the Objective 1 regions and MECU 21,4 for the other areas.

The submission of operational programmes for implementation of the extension of Urban is a matter for the Member States. This means that the Commission cannot make an estimate of any Community contribution to the Autonomous Community of Valencia.

So far, the Commission has received no operational programme from the Spanish authorities. It is not possible at present to predict when the Commission will take a decision, since this will depend on the quality of the proposals it receives.