ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0857/98 by Ursula Schleicher (PPE) to the Council (31 March 1998)

Subject: Implications of the ban on tobacco advertising

The directive prohibits the naming of new brands of cigarettes after other products or services once a transitional period has expired. Does this mean that, before any new brand of cigarettes is introduced in the future, a check must be made to determine whether the planned brand name is being used for some product (or service) somewhere in the world?

Any free distribution that has the direct or indirect effect of advertising a tobacco product is also prohibited.

1. Does this also apply to the commercial distribution of samples of non-tobacco products (e.g. such cosmetic articles as Davidoff shaving lotion)?

2. May the Member States admit as evidence the contention that the free distribution of non-tobacco products does not result in the promotion of sales of tobacco products in individual cases?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0856/98, E-0857/98, E-0858/98, E-0859/98, E-0860/98, E-0861/98 and E-0862/98 (13/14 July 1998)

As the Honourable Member is aware, following a detailed debate in second reading on 13 May 1998, the European Parliament approved the Council's common position on the Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products without making any amendments to it. The Council consequently adopted the Directive at its meeting on 22 June 1998.

With particular reference to the questions raised by the Honourable Member, it should be emphasized that, when discussing the Commission proposal, the Council took great pains to produce a text which took into account both the efficient operation of the internal market and the requirements of ensuring a high level of health protection.

The reasoning which guided the Council's work on the proposal for a Directive was explained in detail in the recitals and in the statement of reasons which were sent to the European Parliament before its second reading. It will be for the Member States to adopt appropriate provisions to ensure that the Directive is so implemented as to enable the desired objectives to be attained.

The Council would remind the Honourable Member that it is for the Commission to ensure application of the measures adopted by the Institutions pursuant to the Treaty and that the Court of Justice is competent to interpret them and to ensure that they comply with the Treaty.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0236/98 by José Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra (PPE) to the Commission (13 February 1998)

Subject: Helms-Burton Act

On Thursday 15 January 1998 the EU and the USA held a ministerial meeting in Washington.

One of the topics raised was undoubtedly the Helms-Burton Act relating to Cuba.

Could the Commission provide information regarding the progress which has been made in the negotiations since 15 October 1997?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (13 March 1998)

Under the terms of the April 1997 understanding between the Community and the United States on the Helms-Burton and D'Amato legislation, the Community and the United States are seeking to develop jointly agreed disciplines on investments in illegally expropriated property and principles governing the use of extraterritorial legislation.

Recent contacts between the Community and the United States, since the 15 January Community and United States ministerial, have been constructive. The Community continues to argue that positive progress must be recorded on all the various aspects of the Understanding, both on Helms-Burton and D'Amato, to ensure a full implementation therof. We continue to press the United States for a rapid solution to all these issues which protects European interests and inhibits future United States recourse to illegal extraterritorial legislation.
WRITTEN QUESTION P-0694/98 by Riccardo Nencini (PSE) to the Commission (2 March 1998)

Subject: Protection of patients

Council Directive 93/42/EEC ((OJ L 169, 12.7.1993, p.1. )), transposed into Italian law by Decree Law 46/1997, was intended to protect the legitimate interests of patients by ensuring the quality of the service provided and codifying dental prostheses as custom-made medical devices for which the dental technician and the dentist who fits them are directly responsible. However it appears that Italian dentists, contrary to the provisions of the directive, are refusing to provide dental technicians with the particulars of patients for whom they are asked to make prostheses, although Annex VIII of the said directive stipulates that the manufacturer must draw up a statement of conformity which includes the patient's personal details, thus enabling every single medical device to be identified. Furthermore, dentists, when issuing bills, do not explicitly mention the cost of the dental prosthesis or the name of the manufacturer. Does the Commission intend to take action to compel European medical practitioners to comply with the provisions in question?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (31 March 1998)

The question by the Honourable Member refers to the obligations incumbent on manufacturers of custom-made devices under the provisions of Directive 93/42/EEC concerning medical devices.

Under Annex VIII of the Directive, the manufacturer of custom-made devices is required to draw up a statement indicating that the custom-made device is intended for exclusive use by a particular patient, together with the name of the patient. Furthermore, under the provisions of the Directive, all the parties involved, including the doctor who issues the prescription, are bound to observe confidentiality.

The purpose of imposing these obligations on the manufacturers of custom-made devices is to enable the devices in question to be traced back from the user to the manufacturer. It is not essential, to this end, that the manufacturer should have the patient's full name. As a necessary and adequate prerequisite, however, the doctor who issues the prescription should provide the manufacturer with the information needed to identify the patient (for instance, by means of a code), thereby enabling the patient's name to be found in the doctor's data base.

The Commission considers that this interpretation is justified since it takes account, on the one hand, of the health protection needs of patients and, on the other, of the latter's right to privacy.

Given the practical implications as far as the implementation of the Directive is concerned, the Commission intends to examine this matter in consultation with the Member States.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0577/98 by Ernesto Caccavale (UPE) to the Commission (4 March 1998)

Subject: State aid for RAI - the Italian broadcasting corporation

Under the present arrangements governing Italian broadcasting RAI benefits not only from a compulsory fee paid annually by viewers, but also from money from the State budget.

These subsidies are justified by RAI's alleged 'public service' mission. However, it is not clear either what the scope or the specific purpose of this mission is, or what actual amount of public resources is transferred from RAI's budget to finance them. In the absence of this information, the subsidies would seem to constitute an infringement of Community legislation banning State aids.

RAI operates in a highly competitive market and its programming and advertising methods are similar to those of its closest competitors. Hence the fact that it benefits not only from advertising revenue but also from State subsidies constitutes a serious distortion of competition in this sector. Since there is no transparency and the provision of a public service and purely commercial activities do not feature separately in the accounts, the taxpayer has no way of knowing what proportion of his money ends up funding cultural programmes or those of general interest and what proportion is used to support programmes aimed at increasing advertising revenue.

It would appear that a complaint has been lodged with the Commission concerning the infringement of the rules on State aid and that it has not yet been officially dealt with.

Can the Commission say whether the matter is being investigated or not?

If so, can the Commission ascertain why the procedure is taking so long?

Furthermore, can the Commission take steps to define what is meant by the term 'public service' and hence ascertain whether the corporation is fulfilling this task or not?

In view of the situation, does the Commission intend to check whether it actually is a State aid and whether it is considered compatible with the common market withing the meaning of Article 42(3)(c) of the EEC Treaty? If it is, does the Commission intend to exercise its powers under Article 93 of the Treaty and call upon the Italian State to discontinue this aid?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (8 May 1998)

The Commission is conducting a detailed investigation of the problem raised by the Honourable Member and will inform him of the outcome as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0421/98 by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission (24 February 1998)

Subject: The Millenium Bug

Will the Commission publish a regular report on the progress of EU governments and industry towards millenium bug compliance, together with the costs involved?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (1 April 1998)

The Commission has adopted a communication on the year 2000 computer problem ((COM(98) 102. )), which outlines roles for enterprises, associations and Member States and indicates the scope for Community action on this matter. Among the activities proposed is the publication of periodic reports on progress as well as on the efforts made in Member States. An essential basis for such reports will be the discussions in all relevant Councils on the progress made within the Community towards year 2000 readiness together with the regular exchange of information on this matter among year 2000 initiatives undertaken by Member States and European associations.

On the matter of costs, it will be recalled that estimates have been made and widely published. These are also reported in the communication. Since it is generally agreed that detailed monitoring of costs is impractical, it is not envisaged that this aspect will be covered, but estimates may be revised from time to time.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0946/98 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso (PSE) to the Commission (30 March 1998)

Subject: Investment in Nicaragua

In what way is the Commission stimulating national and foreign investment in productive sectors in Nicaragua in order to favour sustainable development in that country?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission (23 April 1998)

One of the main objectives of Commission cooperation with Nicaragua is to encourage investment that will contribute to the sustainable development of the country.

As part of Community financial and technical cooperation, the Commission is conducting an ambitious project aiming to establish greater legal certainty for rural landowners, an essential factor in encouraging investment.

More generally, rural development cooperation, which has been a major focus of Community assistance, contributes to improved socio-economic conditions and thereby helps establish the basic conditions for investors to derive greater profit from their activities.

At the same time, the Commission is trying to promote foreign investment directly through economic cooperation, by setting up a Euro-centre for business cooperation, organising trade fairs under the Al-Invest programme and making the facilities of the European Community International Investment Partners (ECIP) available to international economic operators.

Lastly, the FEPEX (Fondo especial de promoción de las exportaciones) and Foexca (Fomento de las exportaciones en Centroamérica) programmes, designed to promote exports from Nicaragua through loans at reduced interest rates, have also contributed considerably to an upswing in investments.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0530/98 by Ludivina García Arias (PSE) to the Commission (2 March 1998)

Subject: Sexist content of recruitment tests

Has the Commission sought to analyse whether the phycological and aptitude tests regularly used by companies offering recruitment services ensure equal opportunities for men and women?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (16 April 1998)

Studies which the Commission launched on psychotechnical tests, applied in its own recruitment procedures, showed that such tests disadvantage women disproportionally. The Commission has, therefore, abandoned this type of test in its own recruitment policy.

Within the next call for proposals in the context of the Fourth action programme on equal opportunities (Council Decision 95/593/EC of 22 December 1995 ((OJ L 335, 30.12.1995. ))) for men and women, the Commission will call for projects on raising awareness of possible indirect discrimination in recruitment examinations.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0911/98 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE) to the Commission (26 March 1998)

Subject: Imports of frozen and tinned mussels from third countries

Can the Commission provide information on the volume of imports of frozen and tinned mussels from third countries, indicating the individual quantities by country of origin which cross European Union borders?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0907/98, E-0908/98, E-0909/98, E-0910/98, E-0911/98, E-0912/98, E-0913/98, E-0914/98 and E-0915/98 given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (30 April 1998)

Because of the length of the answer, which includes a number of tables, the Commission is sending it direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1114/98 by Harald Ettl (PSE) to the Commission (8 April 1998)

Subject: European Parliament call for a White Paper on the social aspects of EU enlargement to the east (A4-0368/97)

'Fail to act now, pay later' applies in particular to consideration of the social aspects of EU enlargement to the east.

What measures has the Commission taken in response to the call in paragraph 62 of the resolution in the Oostlander/Baron Crespo report on Agenda 2000 (A4-0368/97) for the drawing up of a White Paper on social policy in relation to EU enlargement to the east? What internal organizational steps has it already made? What other measures does it intend to adopt and within what time-scale?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (20 May 1998)

The Commission is fully aware of the social dimension of the enlargement process. The Commission has privileged an action-oriented approach, in particular in elaborating the accession partnerships, which indicate all the issues that each applicant country will have to address in preparation for membership. In all ten accession partnerships the area of employment and social affairs is recognised as a priority area, with explicit mention of the following points:

- development of appropriate labour market structures and joint review of employment policies as preparation for participation in Community co-ordination;

- alignment of labour and occupational health and safety legislation and development of enforcement structures, in particular early adoption of the framework directive on health and safety at work;

- enforcement of equal opportunities between women and men;

- further development of active, autonomous social dialogue;

- further development of social protection;

- steps to bring public health standards into line with Community norms.

As part of the mechanisms put in place to ensure an adequate follow-up to this, there will be regular monitoring of the implementation of the accession partnerships in the relevant (sub-)committees operating in the framework of the Europe agreements. The Commission will present regular reports reviewing the progress made by each applicant country in the implementation of the accession partnership, including the mentioned social policy issues. Moreover, the Phare management committee will ensure that financing decisions are compatible with the accession partnerships.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0537/98 by José Apolinário (PSE) to the Commission (4 March 1998)

Subject: Funding of BICs

Can the Commission say what the outlook is for the future funding of BICs (Business Innovation Centres) in the financing period 2000-2006?

To what extent is the continued existence of these information structures guaranteed?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (8 April 1998)

Business and innovation centres (BICs) are not organisations for information but provide business advisory services for the creation and development of innovative enterprises. The Commission is currently evaluating the past programme for the promotion of BICs in order to determine, by mid-1998, if and from which financial source it might be pursued in the future.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0910/98 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE) to the Commission (26 March 1998)

Subject: Imports of semi-preserves of salted anchovies and anchovies in oil from third countries

Can the Commission provide information on the volume of imports of salted anchovies and anchovies in oil from third countries, indicating the individual quantities by country of origin which cross European Union borders?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0907/98, E-0908/98, E-0909/98, E-0910/98, E-0911/98, E-0912/98, E-0913/98, E-0914/98 and E-0915/98 given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (30 April 1998)

Because of the length of the answer, which includes a number of tables, the Commission is sending it direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1031/98 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission (6 April 1998)

Subject: City of Dresden 5¥ Sterling Loan of 1927 - 7 certificates of £100

In 1927, the City of Dresden and the State of Saxony sought help from Lazard Bros and Hambros bank so that they might raise money in Britain. Investors paid cash in return for Loan Bonds that were to be repaid no later than 1952. Interest of 5¥ was to be paid by Dresden and 6% by Saxony. In 1939, the interest payments ceased, and Saxony and Dresden were subsequently occupied by Soviet troops. Although they are now part of the reunified German Republic, no one wishes to accept liability to UK Bondholders. Could the Commission advise my constituent, Mrs Briggs, whether the above bonds are still valid and if so, who is responsible for paying out?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission (29 April 1998)

The Commission has no jurisdiction to deal with the question asked, which is a matter solely for the national authorities concerned.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0845/98 by Edith Müller (V) to the Commission (26 March 1998)

Subject: Visits by senior figures from Directorate-General IA to Bosnia-Herzegovina

Directorate-General IA is responsible for various EU programmes in aid of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

How often has Commissioner van den Broek been in Bosnia-Herzegovina since January 1996?

How often has Director-General Burghardt been there over the same period?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (20 April 1998)

In order to lay the foundations for the actions of the Commission, the responsible member of the Commission has visited Bosnia-Herzegovina four times since the beginning of 1996 including a visit to Sarajevo with the Irish Presidency in July 1996.

The responsible member of the Commission has set the framework for the services under his authority (DGIA - External relations: Europe and the New Independent States (NIS), Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and external service) to be fully involved at all levels of the relevant hierarchy. This is moreover the case not only since 1996, but equally during the five years preceding the Dayton Agreements. This has led to regular visits to Bosnia-Herzegovina as well as attendance at numerous international meetings, including the various Community led peace efforts, the Dayton negotiations themselves, of the Contact Group, and donor conferences, which the Director-General co-chaired with the Vice-President of the World Bank.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0599/98 by Panayotis Lambrias (PPE) to the Commission (4 March 1998)

Subject: Substantial benzol pollution in the prefecture of Attica

According to recent measurements, the photochemical smog in Athens has been aggravated by substantial concentrations of benzol. This carcinogenic pollutant is believed to result from the extensive use of catalytic converters in vehicles and a failure to replace them in time.

Will the Commission say whether it intends to take immediate measures to address the greatly increased hazard posed by benzol, and whether the directives currently in force are sufficient to curb this dangerous phenomenon?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (24 April 1998)

This regrettable pollution by the aromatic compound benzene is the result not, as the Honourable Member suggests, of extensive use of catalytic converters, but of failure to use catalytic converters fitted to petrol-engine vehicles (running only on unleaded petrol), or to maintain them properly.

Regarding fuel quality, Council Directive 85/210/EEC of 20 March 1985 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning the lead content of petrol ((OJ L 96, 3.4.1985. )) has thus far allowed a maximum rate of 5% benzene by volume for both leaded and unleaded petrol.

Changes affecting both benzene and aromatics in general are planned in the short term, once Parliament and the Council have adopted the legislation proposed by the Commission under the Auto Oil programme ((COM(96) 248 final. )). On 1 January 2000 a maximum rate of 1% of benzene for leaded and unleaded petrol will become the rule. The maximum rate for aromatics (benzene, but also toluene and xylene) in unleaded petrol will be regulated on the same date and, pending a final decision from the Council and Parliament, should be between 42% and 35% in Europe, compared with levels exceeding 50% in some Member States.

The Auto Oil I programme will also require European manufacturers of petrol-engine vehicles to alter their practice by fitting on-board diagnostic equipment to inform drivers of any faults in their anti-pollution equipment and point them towards the necessary repairs. Lastly, and still under the Auto Oil programme, a directive is being proposed ((COM(98) 117. )) which will simultaneously toughen up inspections and maintenance. All these measures will clearly help improve air quality throughout Europe as from 2000. As for the period beyond 2000, the Auto Oil II programme, currently being drawn up, is due to present its conclusions in mid-1999 regarding the fuel quality and vehicle technology we will need by the year 2005.

In a broader context, Directive 96/62/EC ((OJ L 296, 21.11.1996. )) establishing a framework for the future policy on air quality in Europe is designed to prevent, anticipate and reduce the impact of pollution on human health and the environment. This framework Directive requires the Commission to propose 'daughter' directives establishing air quality standards for 12 individual pollutants. The Commission is currently formulating proposals with a view to setting limit values for benzene.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0907/98 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE) to the Commission (26 March 1998)

Subject: Imports of tinned tuna and bonito from third countries

Can the Commission provide information on the volume of imports of tinned tuna and bonito from third countries, indicating the individual quantities by country of origin which cross European Union borders?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0907/98, E-0908/98, E-0909/98, E-0910/98, E-0911/98, E-0912/98, E-0913/98, E-0914/98 and E-0915/98 given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (30 April 1998)

Because of the length of the answer, which includes a number of tables, the Commission is sending it direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.