ddrg/super_eurlex huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1747/97 by Honório Novo (GUE/NGL) and Sérgio Ribeiro (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (23 May 1997)

Subject: Imports of textiles and clothing from Indonesia

In the wake of the amendments to Regulation 3030/93 ((OJ L 275, 8.11.1993, p. 1. )) adopted in January 1997 and ratified by the Council on 29 April 1997, the Commission has adopted a specific regulation intended to allow additional quantities of textiles products and clothing to be imported from Indonesia.

Does the Commission believe that its decision of 29 April 1997 is compatible with Indonesia's failure to respect the decisions of the UN, and with the positions of the European Parliament and the EU requiring trade relations with Indonesia to be conditional on the East Timor issue?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission (27 June 1997)

In adopting Regulation (EC) No 560/97 of 26 March 1997 on additional quantities of textile products to be made available to the Republic of Indonesia ((OJ L 85, 27.3.1997. )) the Commission took as legal basis the text of Article 8 of Regulation (EEC) No 3030/93 ((OJ L 275, 8.11.1993. )) in force at that time, i.e. before being amended by Regulation (EC) No 824/97 ((OJ L 119, 8.5.1997. )) which was adopted by Council on 29 April 1997.

The text of Article 8 which was then in force allowed the Commission, under particular circumstances and upon a favorable opinion of the textile committee, to grant additional quantities of restricted textile and clothing products for imports from third countries during a given quota year without offsetting such additional quantities against corresponding quantitative deductions from other products under quota, or from other quota years. In this respect, the text of Article 8 resulting from the amendment subsequently adopted by Council gives less, not more, discretion to the Commission, in that it is now explicitly provided that such additional quantities may only be granted subject to compensatory quota reductions elsewhere.

In fact the derogation granted by Regulation (EC) No. 560/97 did not so much benefit Indonesia which had to deduct the quota the following year, but it mainly served the interests of European importers who were unaware of the existing quota utilisation problems created by the Indonesian administration and found themselves in a difficult situation with goods blocked in customs for weeks.

Indonesia being a member of the World trade organisation (WTO), trade in textiles and clothing products between that country and the Community is governed by the multilateral trade rules agreed between all members within that organization, and particularly by the Agreement on textiles and clothing.

As the Honourable Members know, the Union has formulated a common position on East Timor, and participated fully in establishing the views expressed by the United Nations human rights commission's resolution.

The Commission continues to follow closely the political process in Indonesia and will continue to raise issues of concern with the Indonesian government for the maintenance of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1240/97 by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission (8 April 1997)

Subject: Rice imports from the OCT

Because all the Member States bar the Netherlands were forced to recognize that the situation created by Decision 91/482/EEC ((OJ L 263, 19.9.1991, p. 1. )) had damaged Community producers to an alarming degree, it was eventually decided in January 1997 to apply a protective measure to rice imports from the OCT.

Unfortunately, the measure in question will not continue in force after 30 April 1997, and the time is apparently still not right to resolve the problem once and for all, since the Netherlands thinks it preferable to veto any amendments to Decision 91/482/EEC.

Given that the conditions for a final agreement are not yet in place, does not the Commission consider it essential to extend the protective clause beyond the present time-limit?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (21 May 1997)

On 23 April 1997, in view of the continuing serious disturbances on the Community rice market and the danger that the situation in the sector might deteriorate further, the Commission adopted Regulation (EC) No 764/97 introducing safeguard measures in respect of imports of rice originating in the overseas countries and territories (OCTs) ((OJ L 112, 29.4.1997. )), in accordance with Annex IV to the Decision on the overseas countries and territories.

This regulation opens a tariff quota on imports applicable from 1 May until 30 September 1997.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1263/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (11 April 1997)

Subject: Rules governing the import of used heavy vehicles to Greece

The adoption of onerous new provisions governing the sale of used heavy vehicles in Greece has caused great consternation among importers of used vehicles in that country. According to an article that appeared in the reputable periodical 'Trochoi kai TIR', the new rules governing the import and sale of heavy vehicles in Greece mean that whereas until 8 February 1997 the classification of these used vehicles in Greece depended on the fulfilment of a series of alternative conditions - for example, either the age of the vehicle (seven years from the date of construction), or possession of an exhaust certificate in accordance with the provisions of Directive 88/77 (1) -, after 8 February 1997 a vehicle must meet both the above conditions.

These provisions constitute a barrier to the movement of goods in the European Union and the professional activity of importers.

In addition, the Greek authorities have recently reduced the seven- year period to six years from the date of first registration; vehicles that have already been legally imported and issued with classification certificates (and also used lorries and buses imported henceforth in accordance with the new conditions) must be classified within two years.

Given that the situation has become very difficult for dealers and other workers in this sector, would the Commission give its views on this subject and say to what extent the above rules are compatible with Community legislation and what measures it intends to take should this not be the case?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (12 June 1997)

The legislation alluded to by the Honourable Member (Article 2 of Law No 2465/1997 issued by the Greek Ministry of Transport and Communications - Greek Official Gazette No 28 of 26 February 1997, p. 415) would indeed seem to reinforce the restrictive nature of the earlier measures adopted by the Greek authorities limiting the sale of certain heavy vehicles previously registered in another Member State. The relevant earlier measures comprise, in particular, Article 1(5), (6) and (7) of Law No 2052/1992 (as amended), and Ministerial Decision No 12792/958.

The Commission has instituted infringement proceedings under Article 169 of the EC Treaty, since the legislation in question may constitute a measure having equivalent effect to quantitative restrictions and so be contrary to Articles 30 and 36 of the EC Treaty. The Greek authorities' response is currently being examined.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1698/97 by Ria Oomen-Ruijten (PPE) to the Commission (20 May 1997)

Subject: Noise and exhaust gas emission requirements for boat's engines

In mid-October 1996 there were discussions with Sweden, other interested Member States and the industry concerning requirements for noise and exhaust gas emissions for boat's engines.

The Commission was supposed to have adopted a position following these discussions, but nothing has so far been published.

1. What is the Commission's position on this issue?

2. Does the Commission think that European rules for noise and exhaust gas emission requirements for boat's engines are justified?

3. If so, what does the Commission intend doing?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commisison (11 July 1997)

1. In the Commission's previous answer to the Honourable Member's written question No 2100/96 ((OJ C 83, 14.3.1997. )), last year, it was indicated that a meeting with Sweden, other interested Member States and industry had been organised to discuss the question of recreational craft emissions.

2. It is now possible to confirm that Commission is presently taking the steps necessary for the preparation of Europe-wide legislation in this field.

3. To this end, the Commission initially envisages a meeting with Member State and industry experts in July 1997. It is intended that, during this meeting, a possible modification to Directive 94/25/EC relating to recreational craft ((OJ L 164, 30.6.1994. )) will be examined.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1787/97 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission (27 May 1997)

Subject: Television licences

Cant he Commission comment on the current UK practice of charging people for the use of the same television at two separate addresses twice? This practice would seem to penalize those who need to use their television in two places and cannot be a fair practice.

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (11 July 1997)

The Commission cannot comment on the practice described by the Honourable Member. In general, licence fees fall within the competence of the Member States. For example, recital No 13 of directive 89/552/EEC on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the pursuit of television broadcasting activities ((OJ L 298, 17.10.1989. )) stipulates that the Directive does not affect the responsibility of Member States with regard to the organisation and financing of programmes. However, measures taken by Member States in this regard must be compatible with Community law. The facts given in the question are not sufficient to indicate in themselves that there is any infringement of Community law.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1666/97 by David Bowe (PSE) to the Commission (20 May 1997)

Subject: Control of volatile organic compounds

Is the Commission going to proceed with the drafting of a proposal for the control of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), resulting from refuelling operations at service stations (Stage II Directive)? If not, why not?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (19 June 1997)

From an environmental point of view, the volatile organic compounds (VOC) losses due to refuelling at filling stations are a small percentage, (2%), of the total man-made losses at European level.

Seven Member States (Denmark, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Austria and Sweden) have introduced domestic legislation on VOC control. France will use the framework legislation on air quality as a basis for introduction in specific locations (large cities, heavily polluted areas). It is understood that the United Kingdom (UK) will also introduce VOC stage II measures for a limited number of service stations.

In addition, other Member States are currently reviewing the results of pilot projects (Greece, Finland) or have recently entered into discussions with their national petroleum federation(Belgium).

In these circumstances it would appear that the additional environmental benefits in terms of reduced emissions which would result from a Commission initiative on stage II are marginal. A legislative proposal on VOC stage II does not therefore rank among the current priorities.

However, the current work on the ozone strategy expected to be adopted by the Commission in spring 1998, will take account of the emissions from this sector. On the basis of the conclusions of the strategy to combat tropospheric ozone the Commission will review the need for and nature of any future Community initiatives on refuelling losses.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1344/97 by André Fourçans (PPE) to the Commission (21 April 1997)

Subject: Non-discrimination rule

Will the Commission take steps to ensure that consumers are protected against possible abuse, particularly in situations where they are most vulnerable?

In particular, will residents of one Member State travelling on business or as a tourist in another Member State and purchasing articles on the way not become the classic victims of abuse?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1338/97, E-1339/97, E-1340/97, E-1341/97, E-1342/97, E-1343/97 and E-1344/97 given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (2 June 1997)

The Commission is unable at this juncture to reply in detail to the questions put by the Honourable Member. It is currently examining in the light of Community competition law a number of card payment systems notified under Article 4 of Council Regulation No 17 of 6 February 1962 ((OJ C 13, 21.2.1962. )). They include, for example, national systems such as the 'CB' system in France as well as international systems such as those operated by Visa International and Europay Interntional. Some of these systems have a so-called non-discrimination rule to which the Honourable Member refers.

The Commission is assessing the validity of that rule in the light of the Community rules on competition and has entered into discussions with the parties concerned.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1340/97 by André Fourçans (PPE) to the Commission (21 April 1997)

Subject: Non-discrimination rule

On what analysis does the Commission base its view that competition between various means of payment would be more intense if the non-discrimination rule was abolished?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1338/97, E-1339/97, E-1340/97, E-1341/97, E-1342/97, E-1343/97 and E-1344/97 given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (2 June 1997)

The Commission is unable at this juncture to reply in detail to the questions put by the Honourable Member. It is currently examining in the light of Community competition law a number of card payment systems notified under Article 4 of Council Regulation No 17 of 6 February 1962 ((OJ C 13, 21.2.1962. )). They include, for example, national systems such as the 'CB' system in France as well as international systems such as those operated by Visa International and Europay Interntional. Some of these systems have a so-called non-discrimination rule to which the Honourable Member refers.

The Commission is assessing the validity of that rule in the light of the Community rules on competition and has entered into discussions with the parties concerned.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1305/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (11 April 1997)

Subject: Veterinary checks

The Commission has submitted a proposal for a Council Directive laying down the principles governing the organization of veterinary checks on products entering the Community from third countries, amending Directives 71/118/EEC, 72/462/EEC, 85/73/EEC, 91/67/EEC, 91/492/EEC, 91/493/EEC, 92/45/EEC and 92/118/EEC governing the organization of veterinary checks on products entering the Community from third countries (COM(96)170 final - 96/0109/0110(CNS)) ((OJ C 245, 23.8.1996, p. 9. )), (CES 1395/96 - 96/0109/0110/CNS).

So as to obviate the need to refer to the specific customs legislation, would the Commission amend the directive to clarify the powers of the customs authorities and the way in which responsibility is divided between the customs authorities and the veterinary authorities?

Does it feel that the directive should make cooperation between the two authorities compulsory and that it should give the competent customs authority, rather than the veterinary authority (as provided for in the proposal for a directive), exclusive responsibility for supervising free warehouses and customs warehouses?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (2 June 1997)

The proposals for Council Directives laying down the principles governing the organization of veterinary checks on products entering the Community from third countries ((COM(96) 170 final. )) were examined in detail by Parliament (17-21 February 1997). In that context the Commission accepted a number of amendments to certain provisions adopted by Parliament, in particular to clarify the respective responsibilities of the veterinary and customs authorities.

On the particular question raised by the Honourable Member, the Commission has agreed that Article 12(1) of the proposal should provide for the customs authorities and the veterinary authorities responsible for the border inspection post to authorize admission into the free zone, the free warehouse or a customs warehouse. Nevertheless, Article 12(2) stipulates that zones and warehouses must be under the permanent supervision of an official veterinarian. This rule applies without prejudice to the obligations arising from customs regulations. This position is in accord with that expressed by Parliament.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2067/97 by Markus Ferber (PPE) to the Commission (16 June 1997)

Subject: Right of establishment and freedom of profession in Greece for architects who are citizens of other EU Member States

Directive 85/384/EEC ((OJ L 223, 21.8.1985, p. 15. )) of 10 June 1985 covers the mutual recognition of certificates concerning architecture and other measures to facilitate the effective exercise of the right of establishment and freedom to provide services in the EU Member States.

I understand that this Directive was transposed in Greek law by Presidential Decree No 107 (Greek Official Gazette of 7 April 1993, No 49, p. 483 ff.). Although the Decree recognizes, under certain conditions, the right of establishment and the right to exercise the profession of architect of citizens of other EU Member States, at the same time it makes permission to do so dependent on prior authorization by the Technical Chamber of Greece (TCG).

According to information from German citizens, the TCG refuses permission, without any explanation of the reasons, for foreign applicants who have all the requisite qualifications. Consequently, even though it has been transposed formally in Greek law, the EU directive is of no practical significance.

What action will the Commission take to ensure that the provisions of the EU Directive are transposed in Greece?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (23 July 1997)

The Commission is aware of the problem raised by the Honourable Member. It has already officially drawn the attention of the Greek authorities to the problem and the need to resolve it as soon as possible. If the Greek authorities do not take the requisite steps forthwith, the Commission will, where necessary, be certain to investigate the matter by instituting proceedings under Article 169 of the EC Treaty.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0712/97 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (10 March 1997)

Subject: Operating appropriations of the European Institutions

With regard to heading B3-2013 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.

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 (5 May 1997)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will continue its findings as soon as possible.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0720/97 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou (NI) to the Commission (10 March 1997)

Subject: Operating appropriations of the European Institutions

With regard to heading B3-4010 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.

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 (5 May 1997)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will continue its findings as soon as possible.