WRITTEN QUESTION No. 258/98 by Hiltrud BREYER to the Commission. Occupational and general disability
Date: 1998-02-13
Institutions: BREYER, European Parliament
Subjects: case study, consumer protection, disability insurance, employment policy, health policy, incapacity for work

2. 10. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 304/63

According to article 15 of the draft Council regulation, banknotes and coins denominated in national currency
units retain their legal tender status for up to six months after the end of the transitional period, i.e. until 30 June
2002 at the latest. This period may be shortened by national law. In fact Member States are free to reduce the
period of dual legal tender to nil. Moreover, a Member State may between 1 January and 1 July 2002, lay down
rules for the use of the banknotes and coins denominated in its national currency unit and take any measures
necessary to facilitate their withdrawal. During this six month period, it will therefore in the first instance depend
on national provisions which notes and coins retailers will be obliged to accept for payments.

Since December 1995, when the European Council decided on the reference scenario for the introduction of the
euro, most Member States have indeed indicated that they will have a period of dual circulation substantially
shorter than six months, helping to reduce the burden on retailers, and avoiding confusion for consumers. First
rounds of discussions on the optimal length and general organisation of phase C, with the aim of minimising cost
and inconvenience, have taken place in all Member States except Denmark.

The  Commission  has  not  changed  its  view  that  the  dual  circulation  period  should  be  as  short  as  technically
possible. It does not at this stage intend to issue a formal recommendation, but will invite Member States to speed
up their decision process, in order to give currency users sufficient time to prepare the transition.

(1)  OJ C 369, 7.12.1996.

(98/C 304/88)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0258/98

by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission

(13 February 1998)

Subject: Occupational and general disability

All the EU Member States are naturally interested in maintaining their gross national product. This can only be
achieved if adequate precautions are taken in the field of health, consumer and labour protection.

Will the Commission say:

1.

2.

Are occupational and general disability increasing in the individual Member States?

If so, what steps does it intend to take to check this trend?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(17 April 1998)

The Commission is conducting a detailed investigation of the problem raised by the Honourable Member and
will inform her of the outcome as soon as possible.

(98/C 304/89)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0259/98

by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission

(13 February 1998)

Subject: Cot death

EPA-USA claims that cot death is linked to contaminated dust particles in the domestic environment. Does

1.
the Commission have any information about this or does it plan to support research projects in this area?

2.

3.

Has there been an increase in the incidence of cot death in the EU Member States?

If so, in which states and regions? Are these primarily industrial sites or rural areas?