ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION P-2616/97 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission (18 July 1997)

Subject: Banks and building societies - hidden payments on mortgage arrears

In response to a complaint from my constituent, Mr Hill of Leigh-on-Sea, who is seeking reimbursement from the Cheltenham and Gloucester Building Society of unauthorised legal charges added to his mortgage, can the Commission:

1. Advise of any other such complaints of hidden charges and fines resulting in increased arrears particularly where they have resulted in repossessions;

2. Confirm if this practice by financial institutions is in breach of any EU directives;

3. Investigate all cases relating to this issue raising it in the appropriate forums.

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (9 September 1997)

1. The Commission has not received any other complaints on problems similar to the one raised by the Honourable Member.

2. The Honourable Member's question does not make it possible to gain a clear idea of the practice in question. In any case, the problem of charges and penalties connected with mortgage contracts is not covered by a Community harmonisation directive and is therefore subject to national law concerning contracts.

Consumer credit is another matter. This is covered by Directive 87/102/EEC as amended by Directive 90/88/EEC ((OJ L 61, 10.3.1990. )), which lays down the principle that the annual percentage rate of charge for credit must include all costs which the consumer has to pay, excluding those listed in Article 1a(2). Community law on consumer credit was designed to ensure that consumers do not incur costs without their knowledge. The Commission has begun to look into the possibility of achieving the same level of transparency for mortgage credit.

3. As the question concerns 'unauthorised legal charges', the Commission has no doubt that the complainant will take the necessary administrative and legal steps open to him under national law.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0698/97 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (10 March 1997)

Subject: Operating appropriations of the European Institutions

With regard to heading B2-600 would the Commission give figures for the total amount of appropriations allocated in 1996 to expenditure on:

- studies

- meetings of experts

- conferences and congresses

- information and publications.

Can the Commission also give figures for these four types of expenditure expressed as a proportion of the total appropriations allocated to the heading in question and state whether it considers this to be a reasonable proportion.

Supplementary joint answer to Written Questions E-0698/97, E-0699/97, E-0700/97, E-0701/97, E-0702/97, E-0703/97, E-0704/97, E-0705/97, E-0706/97, E-0707/97, E-0708/97, E-0709/97, E-0710/97, E-0711/97, E-0712/97, E-0713/97, E-0714/97, E-0715/97, E-0716/97, E-0717/97, E-0718/97, E-0719/97, E-0720/97, E-0721/97, E-0722/97, E-0723/97, E-0724/97, E-0725/97, E-0726/97, E-0727/97, E-0728/97, E-0729/97, E-0730/97, E-0731/97, E-0732/97, E-0733/97, E-0734/97, E-0735/97, E-0736/97, E-0737/97, E-0738/97, E-0739/97, E-0740/97, E-0741/97, E-0742/97, E-0743/97, E-0744/97, E-0745/97, E-0746/97, E-0747/97, E-0748/97, E-0749/97, E-0750/97, E-0751/97, E-0752/97, E-0753/97, E-0754/97, E-0755/97, E-0756/97, E-0757/97, E-0758/97, E-0759/97, E-0760/97, E-0761/97, E-0762/97, E-0763/97, E-0764/97, E-0765/97, E-0766/97, E-0767/97, E-0768/97, E-0769/97, E-0770/97, E-0771/97, E-0772/97, E-0773/97, E-0774/97, E-0775/97, E-0776/97, E-0777/97, E-0778/97, E-0779/97, E-0780/97, E-0781/97, E-0782/97, E-0783/97, E-0784/97, E-0785/97, E-0786/97, E-0787/97, E-0788/97, E-0789/97 and E-0790/97 given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (19 September 1997)

Further to its answer of 5 May 1997 ((OJ C 21, 22.1.1998, p. 28. )), the Commission is now able to provide the following additional information.

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-2399/97 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (10 July 1997)

Subject: Community subsidies

On 2 June 1997 in Luxembourg, EU foreign ministers gave their agreement to the creation of a European monitoring centre on racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism.

What are the budgetary consequences of the creation of this centre?

Will it have an equivalent status to the specialist European agencies and on what budget line will it operate?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (31 July 1997)

On 2 June 1997 the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 1035/97 ((OJ L 151, 10.6.1997. )) establishing a European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia.

Article 12 (4) if this Regulation states that the revenue of the Centre shall include a subsidy from the Community, entered under a specific heading in the general budget of the European Communities ('Commission' section).

The Commission entered line B3-4115 in the preliminary draft budget for 1998, entitled European monitoring centre on racism and xenophobia, with the amount of MECU 3.

The status of the Monitoring Centre is laid down in the Regulation, and is similar to that of the other specialised agencies.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0754/97 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (10 March 1997)

Subject: Operating appropriations of the European Institutions

With regard to heading B5-3051 would the Commission give figures for the total amount of appropriations allocated in 1996 to expenditure on:

- studies

- meetings of experts

- conferences and congresses

- information and publications.

Can the Commission also give figures for these four types of expenditure expressed as a proportion of the total appropriations allocated to the heading in question and state whether it considers this to be a reasonable proportion.

Supplementary joint answer to Written Questions E-0698/97, E-0699/97, E-0700/97, E-0701/97, E-0702/97, E-0703/97, E-0704/97, E-0705/97, E-0706/97, E-0707/97, E-0708/97, E-0709/97, E-0710/97, E-0711/97, E-0712/97, E-0713/97, E-0714/97, E-0715/97, E-0716/97, E-0717/97, E-0718/97, E-0719/97, E-0720/97, E-0721/97, E-0722/97, E-0723/97, E-0724/97, E-0725/97, E-0726/97, E-0727/97, E-0728/97, E-0729/97, E-0730/97, E-0731/97, E-0732/97, E-0733/97, E-0734/97, E-0735/97, E-0736/97, E-0737/97, E-0738/97, E-0739/97, E-0740/97, E-0741/97, E-0742/97, E-0743/97, E-0744/97, E-0745/97, E-0746/97, E-0747/97, E-0748/97, E-0749/97, E-0750/97, E-0751/97, E-0752/97, E-0753/97, E-0754/97, E-0755/97, E-0756/97, E-0757/97, E-0758/97, E-0759/97, E-0760/97, E-0761/97, E-0762/97, E-0763/97, E-0764/97, E-0765/97, E-0766/97, E-0767/97, E-0768/97, E-0769/97, E-0770/97, E-0771/97, E-0772/97, E-0773/97, E-0774/97, E-0775/97, E-0776/97, E-0777/97, E-0778/97, E-0779/97, E-0780/97, E-0781/97, E-0782/97, E-0783/97, E-0784/97, E-0785/97, E-0786/97, E-0787/97, E-0788/97, E-0789/97 and E-0790/97 given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (19 September 1997)

Further to its answer of 5 May 1997 ((OJ C 21, 22.1.1998, p. 28. )), the Commission is now able to provide the following additional information.

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-2065/97 by Salvatore Tatarella (NI) to the Commission (16 June 1997)

Subject: Request for renegotiation of the Interreg II agreement between Italy and Greece

- In the answer it gave on 9 June 1995 to Written Question E-1008/95 of 6 April 1995 ((OJ C 222, 28.8.1995, p. 30.)), the Commission undertook to ensure 'that a proper balance (would be) struck between the various measures envisaged' under Interreg II.

- As a result of the bilateral negotiations between Italy (Apulia region) and Greece, any form of EAGGF assistance has apparently been ruled out, entailing severe disadvantages for the agricultural sector and flower-growing in particular.

- The cross-border cooperation project submitted by nursery enterprises from Bari and Lecce provinces aims to satisfy every requirement laid down in the reform of the CAP, not least with a view to bringing domestic and international agricultural commodity markets into a better balance, improving production, and boosting the processing industry.

Does the Commission not therefore believe that:

1. the negotiations should be reconsidered in order to make for a fairer share-out of resources by accepting the Italian requests to promote cooperation in the agricultural and in particular the floricultural sector;

2. it should refuse to endorse the negotiations unless further discussions are held along the lines specified above?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (24 July 1997)

As mentioned in the Commission's answer to the Honourable Member's written question E-1008/95 ((OJ C 222, 28.8.1995. )), it is for the Member States, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, to propose the priorities and measures to be included in programmes.

In their latest proposal for the Interreg Greece/Italy programme, received by the Commission on 20 May 1997, the national authorities concerned have decided not to include measures cofinanced by the European agricultural guidance and guarantee fund (EAGGF). This latest proposal follows a series of discussions between those

authorities and the Commission, including extensive discussions on potential EAGGF measures. The Commission now wishes to proceed with approval of this seriously-delayed programme and does not intend to question further the priorities proposed by the Member States.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0767/97 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (10 March 1997)

Subject: Operating appropriations of the European Institutions

With regard to heading B7-210 would the Commission give figures for the total amount of appropriations allocated in 1996 to expenditure on:

- studies

- meetings of experts

- conferences and congresses

- information and publications.

Can the Commission also give figures for these four types of expenditure expressed as a proportion of the total appropriations allocated to the heading in question and state whether it considers this to be a reasonable proportion.

Supplementary joint answer to Written Questions E-0698/97, E-0699/97, E-0700/97, E-0701/97, E-0702/97, E-0703/97, E-0704/97, E-0705/97, E-0706/97, E-0707/97, E-0708/97, E-0709/97, E-0710/97, E-0711/97, E-0712/97, E-0713/97, E-0714/97, E-0715/97, E-0716/97, E-0717/97, E-0718/97, E-0719/97, E-0720/97, E-0721/97, E-0722/97, E-0723/97, E-0724/97, E-0725/97, E-0726/97, E-0727/97, E-0728/97, E-0729/97, E-0730/97, E-0731/97, E-0732/97, E-0733/97, E-0734/97, E-0735/97, E-0736/97, E-0737/97, E-0738/97, E-0739/97, E-0740/97, E-0741/97, E-0742/97, E-0743/97, E-0744/97, E-0745/97, E-0746/97, E-0747/97, E-0748/97, E-0749/97, E-0750/97, E-0751/97, E-0752/97, E-0753/97, E-0754/97, E-0755/97, E-0756/97, E-0757/97, E-0758/97, E-0759/97, E-0760/97, E-0761/97, E-0762/97, E-0763/97, E-0764/97, E-0765/97, E-0766/97, E-0767/97, E-0768/97, E-0769/97, E-0770/97, E-0771/97, E-0772/97, E-0773/97, E-0774/97, E-0775/97, E-0776/97, E-0777/97, E-0778/97, E-0779/97, E-0780/97, E-0781/97, E-0782/97, E-0783/97, E-0784/97, E-0785/97, E-0786/97, E-0787/97, E-0788/97, E-0789/97 and E-0790/97 given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (19 September 1997)

Further to its answer of 5 May 1997 ((OJ C 21, 22.1.1998, p. 28. )), the Commission is now able to provide the following additional information.

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-0715/97 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (10 March 1997)

Subject: Operating appropriations of the European Institutions

With regard to heading B3-301 would the Commission give figures for the total amount of appropriations allocated in 1996 to expenditure on:

- studies

- meetings of experts

- conferences and congresses

- information and publications.

Can the Commission also give figures for these four types of expenditure expressed as a proportion of the total appropriations allocated to the heading in question and state whether it considers this to be a reasonable proportion.

Supplementary joint answer to Written Questions E-0698/97, E-0699/97, E-0700/97, E-0701/97, E-0702/97, E-0703/97, E-0704/97, E-0705/97, E-0706/97, E-0707/97, E-0708/97, E-0709/97, E-0710/97, E-0711/97, E-0712/97, E-0713/97, E-0714/97, E-0715/97, E-0716/97, E-0717/97, E-0718/97, E-0719/97, E-0720/97, E-0721/97, E-0722/97, E-0723/97, E-0724/97, E-0725/97, E-0726/97, E-0727/97, E-0728/97, E-0729/97, E-0730/97, E-0731/97, E-0732/97, E-0733/97, E-0734/97, E-0735/97, E-0736/97, E-0737/97, E-0738/97, E-0739/97, E-0740/97, E-0741/97, E-0742/97, E-0743/97, E-0744/97, E-0745/97, E-0746/97, E-0747/97, E-0748/97, E-0749/97, E-0750/97, E-0751/97, E-0752/97, E-0753/97, E-0754/97, E-0755/97, E-0756/97, E-0757/97, E-0758/97, E-0759/97, E-0760/97, E-0761/97, E-0762/97, E-0763/97, E-0764/97, E-0765/97, E-0766/97, E-0767/97, E-0768/97, E-0769/97, E-0770/97, E-0771/97, E-0772/97, E-0773/97, E-0774/97, E-0775/97, E-0776/97, E-0777/97, E-0778/97, E-0779/97, E-0780/97, E-0781/97, E-0782/97, E-0783/97, E-0784/97, E-0785/97, E-0786/97, E-0787/97, E-0788/97, E-0789/97 and E-0790/97 given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (19 September 1997)

Further to its answer of 5 May 1997 ((OJ C 21, 22.1.1998, p. 28. )), the Commission is now able to provide the following additional information.

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-0752/97 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (10 March 1997)

Subject: Operating appropriations of the European Institutions

With regard to heading B5-105 would the Commission give figures for the total amount of appropriations allocated in 1996 to expenditure on:

- studies

- meetings of experts

- conferences and congresses

- information and publications.

Can the Commission also give figures for these four types of expenditure expressed as a proportion of the total appropriations allocated to the heading in question and state whether it considers this to be a reasonable proportion.

Supplementary joint answer to Written Questions E-0698/97, E-0699/97, E-0700/97, E-0701/97, E-0702/97, E-0703/97, E-0704/97, E-0705/97, E-0706/97, E-0707/97, E-0708/97, E-0709/97, E-0710/97, E-0711/97, E-0712/97, E-0713/97, E-0714/97, E-0715/97, E-0716/97, E-0717/97, E-0718/97, E-0719/97, E-0720/97, E-0721/97, E-0722/97, E-0723/97, E-0724/97, E-0725/97, E-0726/97, E-0727/97, E-0728/97, E-0729/97, E-0730/97, E-0731/97, E-0732/97, E-0733/97, E-0734/97, E-0735/97, E-0736/97, E-0737/97, E-0738/97, E-0739/97, E-0740/97, E-0741/97, E-0742/97, E-0743/97, E-0744/97, E-0745/97, E-0746/97, E-0747/97, E-0748/97, E-0749/97, E-0750/97, E-0751/97, E-0752/97, E-0753/97, E-0754/97, E-0755/97, E-0756/97, E-0757/97, E-0758/97, E-0759/97, E-0760/97, E-0761/97, E-0762/97, E-0763/97, E-0764/97, E-0765/97, E-0766/97, E-0767/97, E-0768/97, E-0769/97, E-0770/97, E-0771/97, E-0772/97, E-0773/97, E-0774/97, E-0775/97, E-0776/97, E-0777/97, E-0778/97, E-0779/97, E-0780/97, E-0781/97, E-0782/97, E-0783/97, E-0784/97, E-0785/97, E-0786/97, E-0787/97, E-0788/97, E-0789/97 and E-0790/97 given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (19 September 1997)

Further to its answer of 5 May 1997 ((OJ C 21, 22.1.1998, p. 28. )), the Commission is now able to provide the following additional information.

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-2266/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (2 July 1997)

Subject: Piracy of television decoders

The illegal use of decoders and smart cards slowed down the growth of pay television services in 1996 and is holding up the launch of digital broadcasting in Europe. This kind of audiovisual piracy currently accounts for more than ECU 200 million in lost income for terrestrial, cable and satellite broadcasters and for programme makers. Will the Commission adopt a binding directive this year designed to protect scrambled services and will it hold training seminars and other activities to help police and magistrates to combat crimes of piracy?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (4 September 1997)

The Commission is aware of the problem raised by the Honourable Member. Following the resolution adopted by Parliament on 13 May, the Commission has adopted a proposal for a Parliament and Council Directive on the legal protection of conditional access services. ((COM(97) 356 final. ))
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2276/97 by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission (2 July 1997)

Subject: Sailing accidents

In Italy a young woman was recently killed in a simple accident where she fell overboard and was cut to pieces by the propeller of the motor of the powerful craft on which she was sailing alone.

Given that incidents of this kind are sadly all too frequent during the summer season:

1. Will the Commission make it compulsory for a safety device to be installed on on-board and out-board motors to be attached to the wrist of anyone sailing alone so that the motor is automatically switched off in the event of a fall or sickness;

2. Will the Commission call on the Member States to punish severely anyone failing to respect these rules?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (4 September 1997)

1. Safety was one of the main considerations during the drafting of Directive 94/25/EC which relates to the construction of recreational craft ((OJ L 164, 30.6.1994. )). The final requirements provide a high level of user protection including provisions relating to the risk of accident caused by starting a boat engine whilst in gear and aiming to prevent falling overboard. The device to which the Honourable Member refers is not regulated at Community level under Directive 94/25/EC.

The provision of such a device might in this case have prevented the accident, but in many cases the ability of the boat to maintain steerage makes the rescue of the person who has fallen overboard more rapid and in inclement weather conditions reduces the risk of capsizing.

2. From 16th June 1998 all new boats placed on the Community market should comply with Directive 94/25/EC. It is up to Member States to ensure this obligation.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0585/97 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Council (25 February 1997)

Subject: Implementation of the Philoxenia Programme

The European Parliament has already delivered a favourable opinion on the Commission's proposal for a Council decision adopting a First Multiannual Programme to Assist European Tourism 'Philoxenia' (1997-2000). The Economic and Social Committee has also delivered a favourable opinion on the proposal.

In view of the importance of tourism in the European Union - it is the biggest job-creating sector, accounting for 13.5% of GDP and directly employing 9 million people - it is vital that the measures set out in the Philoxenia programme are implemented.

Given that the meeting of the Council of Ministers for Tourism scheduled during the Irish Presidency has been postponed and that there is no such meeting on the agenda of the Netherlands Presidency to discuss Philoxenia, will the Council say:

1. when the programme is scheduled for final approval? Can it assure Parliament and the Commission that the programme can be implemented as soon as possible?

2. Whether there are any problems within the Council relating to final approval of the programme?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0505/97 and E-0585/97 (25 September 1997)

The Council meeting of Ministers for Tourism scheduled under the Irish Presidency was postponed as there was no prospect at that time of obtaining the necessary unanimous approval of the Council for the adoption of the Philoxenia Programme. No meeting of that nature was held under the Netherlands Presidency.

The Council has therefore not yet formally considered the Philoxenia Program.

The draft Treaty of Amsterdam does not contain a separate chapter on tourism.

Finally, it is up to the Commission to undertake appropriate measures in line with the existing budgetary rules and provisions.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1504/97 by Pervenche Berès (PSE) to the Commission (30 April 1997)

Subject: Printing of Euro notes

Is it true that invitations to tender will be issued under public procurement procedures for the printing of Euro notes?

Does the Commission envisage allowing the notes to be printed in a non-Member State?

If so, how does it think public opinion might react?

Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission (10 June 1997)

The production of euro bank notes is the responsibility of the European monetary institute (EMI) and its successor, the European central bank (ECB), and not the Commission. However, the EMI has provided the Commission with the following information.

According to EMI legal advice, contracts for the production of euro bank notes will not be subject to tender under the normal framework for public procurement. Producing bank notes requires special security measures which means the Council Directive 93/36 on public procurement ((OJ L 199, 9.8.1993. )) does not apply.

The EMI is well aware of the importance and sensitivity of public opinion on the place of production of the bank notes and will take this into account when awarding contracts.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0764/97 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (10 March 1997)

Subject: Operating appropriations of the European Institutions

With regard to heading B5-720 would the Commission give figures for the total amount of appropriations allocated in 1996 to expenditure on:

- studies

- meetings of experts

- conferences and congresses

- information and publications.

Can the Commission also give figures for these four types of expenditure expressed as a proportion of the total appropriations allocated to the heading in question and state whether it considers this to be a reasonable proportion.

Supplementary joint answer to Written Questions E-0698/97, E-0699/97, E-0700/97, E-0701/97, E-0702/97, E-0703/97, E-0704/97, E-0705/97, E-0706/97, E-0707/97, E-0708/97, E-0709/97, E-0710/97, E-0711/97, E-0712/97, E-0713/97, E-0714/97, E-0715/97, E-0716/97, E-0717/97, E-0718/97, E-0719/97, E-0720/97, E-0721/97, E-0722/97, E-0723/97, E-0724/97, E-0725/97, E-0726/97, E-0727/97, E-0728/97, E-0729/97, E-0730/97, E-0731/97, E-0732/97, E-0733/97, E-0734/97, E-0735/97, E-0736/97, E-0737/97, E-0738/97, E-0739/97, E-0740/97, E-0741/97, E-0742/97, E-0743/97, E-0744/97, E-0745/97, E-0746/97, E-0747/97, E-0748/97, E-0749/97, E-0750/97, E-0751/97, E-0752/97, E-0753/97, E-0754/97, E-0755/97, E-0756/97, E-0757/97, E-0758/97, E-0759/97, E-0760/97, E-0761/97, E-0762/97, E-0763/97, E-0764/97, E-0765/97, E-0766/97, E-0767/97, E-0768/97, E-0769/97, E-0770/97, E-0771/97, E-0772/97, E-0773/97, E-0774/97, E-0775/97, E-0776/97, E-0777/97, E-0778/97, E-0779/97, E-0780/97, E-0781/97, E-0782/97, E-0783/97, E-0784/97, E-0785/97, E-0786/97, E-0787/97, E-0788/97, E-0789/97 and E-0790/97 given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (19 September 1997)

Further to its answer of 5 May 1997 ((OJ C 21, 22.1.1998, p. 28. )), the Commission is now able to provide the following additional information.

In view of the length of its answer, the Commission is sending it direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.