do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1272/98 by Freddy BLAK to the Commission. Job tests
Date: 1998-04-29
Institutions: BLAK, European Parliament
Subjects: European undertaking, confidentiality, data protection, labour law, protection of privacy, recruitment, testing













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91998E1272

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1272/98 by Freddy BLAK to the Commission. Job tests  


Official Journal C 050 , 22/02/1999 P. 0020 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1272/98by Freddy Blak (PSE) to the Commission(29 April 1998)Subject: Job testsJob tests are becoming increasingly widespread where staff are recruited by European companies. This term covers psychological tests, DNA tests and astrological tests. The level of employee protection in this area varies very widely in the Member States. The many multinational companies in Europe highlight the need for a Community initiative.1. The Commission has just completed a survey of the regulation of data protection and job tests in the Member States. What is the conclusion of this survey?2. What else does the Commission plan to do with this survey?3. Does it believe that there is a need for binding legislation in this area?Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission(3 July 1998)The Commission is aware of the use of the job tests in the workplace. This might imply the disclosure of personal data with far-reaching implications for the employee's future.The Commission is currently analysing, in the framework of the protection of privacy of employee data, Member State legislation on this matter. In the light of this analysis, the Commission will decide upon the appropriate course of action in the area of data protection for employees.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1248/98 by Glenys KINNOCK to the Commission. Animal passports
Date: 1998-04-29
Institutions: European Parliament, KINNOCK
Subjects: animal production, cattle, database, free movement of goods, identity document, labelling, passport, veterinary inspection













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91998E1248

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1248/98 by Glenys KINNOCK to the Commission. Animal passports  


Official Journal C 386 , 11/12/1998 P. 0099 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1248/98by Glenys Kinnock (PSE) to the Commission(29 April 1998)Subject: Animal passportsCan the Commission clarify whether animal passports are utilized in other Member States, and where this is the case, who bears the cost, and approximately how much is this?Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission(27 May 1998)In accordance with Article 3(c) of Council Regulation (EC) 820/97 of 21 April 1997 establishing a system for the identification and registration of bovine animals and regarding the labelling of beef and beef products(1), animal passports form part of the identification and registration system of bovine animals.Under Community legislation, animal passports are only foreseen for animals of the bovine species and are a compulsory element of the identification and registration system of bovine animals in all Member States.Regarding the question as to who bears the cost, reference should be made to Article 9 of the same Regulation, where it is mentioned that "Member States may charge to keepers... the cost of the systems referred to in Article 3...". In addition, reference should be made to Annex C, Chapter I of Council Directive 85/73/EEC of 29 January 1985 on the financing of veterinary inspections and controls covered by Directives 89/662/EEC, 90/425/EEC, 90/675/EEC and 91/496/EEC(2) (amended and consolidated) on the financing of veterinary inspections and controls where it is foreseen as a general rule to finance controls at origin and that a fee has to be charged. However, the scope and the level of the fee, the detailed rules for its application, including in particular the determination as to who is liable to pay, and any exceptions have not yet been fixed. Within this framework, it is up to Member States to define such provisions using their national rules.Regarding the cost of such an exercise, the Commission does not have the relevant data.(1) OJ L 117, 7.5.1997.(2) OJ L 32, 5.2.1985.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1253/98 by Odile LEPERRE-VERRIER to the Commission. European youth action programme
Date: 1998-04-29
Institutions: European Parliament, LEPERRE-VERRIER
Subjects: Mediterranean third countries, action programme, cultural cooperation, cultural policy, young person, youth exchange scheme

C 386/100

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

11.12.98

Regarding the question as to who bears the cost, reference should be made to Article 9 of the same Regulation,
where it is mentioned that (cid:145)Member States may charge to keepers... the cost of the systems referred to in Article
3...(cid:146). In addition, reference should be made to Annex C, Chapter I of Council Directive 85/73/EEC of 29 January
1985 on the financing of veterinary inspections and controls covered by Directives 89/662/EEC, 90/425/EEC,
90/675/EEC and 91/496/EEC (2) (amended and consolidated) on the financing of veterinary inspections and
controls where it is foreseen as a general rule to finance controls at origin and that a fee has to be charged.
However, the scope and the level of the fee, the detailed rules for its application, including in particular the
determination as to who is liable to pay, and any exceptions have not yet been fixed. Within this framework, it is
up to Member States to define such provisions using their national rules.

Regarding the cost of such an exercise, the Commission does not have the relevant data.

(1) OJ L 117, 7.5.1997.
(2) OJ L 32, 5.2.1985.

(98/C 386/139)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1253/98

by Odile Leperre-Verrier (ARE) to the Commission

(29 April 1998)

Subject: European youth action programme

What progress has been made in the launch of a Euro-Mediterranean youth action programme apparently
envisaged during one of the meetings of Euro-Mediterranean countries?

What guidelines have been established and within what time frame might the measures be implemented?

Answer given by Mr Mar(cid:237)n on behalf of the Commission

(25 May 1998)

The Barcelona Declaration includes youth as a priority field of action between the EU and the twelve
Mediterranean partners. The Work Programme states that (cid:145)a Euro-Mediterranean youth exchange programme
should be established based on experience acquired in Europe and taking account of the partners&apos; needs(cid:146).

The conclusions of the second Euro-Mediterranean conference of foreign ministers reiterate this aim, stating that
(cid:145)specific initiatives for youth will be put forward shortly(cid:146). The Commission attaches particular importance to this
sector and has established the necessary contacts for these initiatives, which it is working to set up in 1998.

(98/C 386/140)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1262/98

by Edith M(cid:252)ller (V) to the Commission

(29 April 1998)

Subject: Links and training programmes with the applicant countries

What administrative offers and programmes have been put in place by the Commission as a means of developing
links with the applicant countries (training programmes, trainees, etc.), particularly in this period of pre-
membership for the Central and Eastern European countries?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1328/98 by Graham MATHER to the Commission. Compulsory competitive tendering: case of Oldham Metropolitan District Council (UK)
Date: 1998-04-29
Institutions: European Parliament, MATHER
Subjects: United Kingdom, award of contract, building, invitation to tender, maintenance, public works

11.12.98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 386/113

effectiveness of Community measures in this area, the Commission will continue its efforts to obtain a Council
Decision on a Multiannual Programme to assist European tourism, such as the one put forward in the 1996
proposal for a Council Decision on a First Multiannual Programme to assist European tourism › Philoxenia
(1997-2000) (1) and the subsequent amended proposal (2).

Given its existing responsibilities, however, the Commission does not consider the creation of a European
Tourism Office appropriate.

(1) OJ C 222, 31.7.1996.
(2) OJ C 13, 14.1.1997.

(98/C 386/153)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1324/98

by Jean-Antoine Giansily (UPE) to the Commission

(29 April 1998)

Subject: Establishment of a European climate agency

Following the position adopted by the European Parliament on the Commission(cid:146)s strategy paper on reducing
methane emissions, what is the Commission(cid:146)s response to the suggestion from the Environment Committee that a
European climate agency should be set up and when is such an agency likely to see the light of day?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(19 June 1998)

The question of creating a European climate agency was raised in the Parliament(cid:146)s resolution on the
Commission(cid:146)s communication (cid:145)A strategy for reducing methane(cid:146) (1).

In reply to this specific question during the debate on the above communication, the Commission said that the
idea of creating a European climate agency was an interesting idea and deserved consideration. However, before
the Commission could take a position, such a step would require further careful examination since it raises a large
number of practical and institutional questions concerning the role of such an agency. The Commission is not at
the moment pursuing this issue as it is concentrating its efforts on following up the Kyoto conference which is a
top priority.

(1) COM(96) 557 final.

(98/C 386/154)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1328/98

by Graham Mather (PPE) to the Commission

(29 April 1998)

Subject: Compulsory competitive tendering: case of Oldham Metropolitan District Council (UK)

Is the Commission aware of a recent case in the UK involving a building maintenance contract awarded by
Oldham Metropolitan District Council to its own Direct Services Organization without the due competitive
tendering process taking place? This case was subject to the issuance of a notice under Section 14 of the 1988
Local Government Act on Compulsory Competitive Tendering in August 1995, which was subsequently
overruled (early in 1998) by the incoming UK administration.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1217/98 by José GARCÍA-MARGALLO Y MARFIL to the Commission. European Central Bank
Date: 1998-04-29
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Economic and Monetary Union, European Central Bank, European System of Central Banks, decision-making body (EU), institutional structure, president of an institution, vice-president of an institution

11.12.98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 386/95

Commission is asked to submit conclusions explaining why certain European sectors, such as tobacco,
outperform their US and Japanese counterparts in terms of industrial added value.

When is it intending to submit these conclusions?

(98/C 386/131)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1216/98

by JosØ Garc(cid:237)a-Margallo y Marfil (PPE) to the Commission

(29 April 1998)

Subject: Competitiveness

In Parliament(cid:146)s report (A-0113/97) on the Commission Communication to the Council on benchmarking the
competitiveness of European industry (COM(96) 0463 › C-0622/96) and the Commission staff working paper
concerning European quality promotion policy for improving European competitiveness (SEC(96) 2000), the
Commission is asked to submit conclusions explaining why certain European sectors, such as furniture,
outperform their US and Japanese counterparts in terms of industrial added value.

When is it intending to submit these conclusions?

Joint answer to Written Questions
E-1207/98, E-1208/98, E-1209/98, E-1210/98, E-1211/98,
E-1212/98, E-1213/98, E-1214/98, E-1215/98 and E-1216/98
given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(14 May 1998)

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

(98/C 386/132)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1217/98

by JosØ Garc(cid:237)a-Margallo y Marfil (PPE) to the Commission

(29 April 1998)

Subject: European Central Bank

Pursuant to Article 109a(2)(a) of the EU Treaty the Executive Board of the European Central Bank is to comprise
the President, the Vice-President and four other members. Paragraph 2(b) states that they are all to be appointed
by common accord of the governments of the Member States at the level of Heads of State or Government, on a
recommendation from the Council, after it has consulted the European Parliament and the bank(cid:146)s Governing
Council.

Would the Commission say whether some other kind of executive post could be created so that all the EMU
member countries are represented on the ECB(cid:146)s Executive Board?

Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission

(11 June 1998)

The EC Treaty is clear in saying that the executive board of the European central bank (ECB) consists of the
President and the Vice-President and of four other members (Article 109a (2) of the EC Treaty). If there are
Member States with a derogation, the number of members of the executive board may be smaller, but in no
circumstances shall it be less than four (Article 109l (1) of the EC Treaty).
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1343/98 by José SALAFRANCA SÁNCHEZ- NEYRA to the Commission. Helms-Burton Act
Date: 1998-04-29
Institutions: European Parliament, SALAFRANCA SANCHEZ-NEYRA
Subjects: EU relations, United States, extra-territoriality, international law, ministerial meeting

11.12.98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 386/115

(98/C 386/156)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1334/98

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(29 April 1998)

Subject: Final report of the international MOX assessment

With reference to the findings of the final report of the international MOX assessment › (cid:145)Comprehensive social
impact assessment of MOX in light water reactors(cid:146), can the Commission say what action is to be taken to account
for these findings?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission

(24 June 1998)

The Commission has taken note of the report published in November 1997 by a non-governmental organization
(NGO) to which the Honourable Member appears to refer. The assessments presented in this report differ from
those of the G8 experts. Whatever comments the Commission might make with regard thereto, it would remind
the Honourable Member that the decision whether or not to use mixed oxide fuel (MOX) rests with each Member
State which produces nuclear electricity. These Member States must therefore assess the possible consequences
of their choice.

(98/C 386/157)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1343/98

by JosØ Salafranca SÆnchez-Neyra (PPE) to the Commission

(29 April 1998)

Subject: Helms-Burton Act

In connection with the answer received on 13 March 1998 from Mr Brittan on behalf of the Commission
(E-0236/98) (1) on the negotiations between the Community and the US on a number of subjects, including the
Helms-Burton Act.Can the Commission provide some more precise information and indicate on what dates and at
what level the preparatory meetings for the 15 January 1998 ministerial meeting were held?

Can the Commission specify the expected timetable for the forthcoming negotiations and meeting on the matter
between the Community and the US?

In view of a number of recent statements by Mr Brittan to the effect that the negotiations are (cid:145)half-way through(cid:146),
and that there is no deadline for a settlement, can the Commission state which are the points on which agreement
has been reached and which have still to be resolved?

Despite the fact that no deadline has been set for the conclusion of the negotiations, can the Commission state
how long it believes the present situation can go on?

(1) OJ C 323, 21.10.1998, p. 29.

(98/C 386/158)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1344/98

by JosØ Salafranca SÆnchez-Neyra (PPE) to the Commission

(29 April 1998)

Subject: Helm-Burton Act and relations with the US

In view of the recent decision of the US Administration in favour of the partial lifting of the restrictions on travel,
humanitarian aid and remittances to Cuba, does the Commission believe that this decision may have ben
influenced by the positions of the EU in the negotiations on the Helms-Burton Act? Was this subject discussed at
the ministerial meeting of 15 January 1998?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1260/98 by Gerardo FERNÁNDEZ-ALBOR to the Commission. Safety in children's playgrounds
Date: 1998-04-29
Institutions: European Parliament, FERNANDEZ ALBOR
Subjects: accident prevention, child, gaming, health policy, leisure park, product safety, public health, safety standard, standardisation

18.1.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 13/27

European Social Fund

Objective 2

Objective 3

Objective 5b

1996

1997

Engagements

Payments

Engagements

Payments

71,45

15,79

3,63

55,26

8,88

2,14

0

12,79

4,33

0

16,80

3

European Agricultural Guidance and
Guarantee Fund Guidance section

Objective 5a

Objective 5b

1996

1997

Engagements

Payments

Engagements

Payments

0

16,02

0

12,05

46,64

0

30,86

5,91

It is useful to stress that for the interventions of Community initiative having a national overall cover, the
commitments and payments are carried out for the intervention and data are not, consequently, available at the
regional level. The same is true for the single programming document (cid:145)Objective 5a › fishes(cid:146).

With regard to the cohesion Fund, during these two years, the Commission part-financed in Catalonia projects in
the field of the environment and of transport for a total amount of ECU 564,42 million. Vis-a-vis these
investments, an sum of ECU 299,77 million was paid.

(1999/C 13/037)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1260/98

by Gerardo FernÆndez-Albor (PPE) to the Commission

Subject: Safety in children(cid:146)s playgrounds

(29 April 1998)

With reference to the answer by Commissioner Emma Bonino to Written Question E-1871/97 (1), will the
Commission say what progress has been made in drawing up the general standard for safety requirements and test
methods (pr EN 1176-1) and the standards for additional requirements and test methods for certain specific types
of equipment (carousels, swings, rocking equipment, slides and runways)?

(1) OJ C 21, 22.1.1998, p. 107.

Answer given by Ms Bonino on behalf of the Commission

(19 June 1998)

The standardisation programme for playground equipment implemented by the European Commitee for
Standardisation (CEN) has almost been completed, although it has taken a little longer than intended.

The general standard for (cid:145)safety requirements and test methods(cid:146) (pr EN 1176-1) is currently the subject of a
formal vote by the national standardisation organisations which are members of the CEN.

As for the standards for additional requirements and test methods for certain specific types of equipment, these
are all the subject of formal voting procedures at the CEN › except as regards carousels, for which the procedure
is about to start.

According to the responsible officials at the European standarisation body, the relevant set of standards should be
available before this summer. However, this will depend on the as yet unknown outcomes of the votes.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1170/98 by Graham WATSON to the Commission. General aviation
Date: 1998-04-29
Institutions: European Parliament, WATSON
Subjects: air quality, air transport, airport, civil aviation, noise, transport infrastructure

C 402/86

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

22.12.98

(98/C 402/109)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1170/98

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(29 April 1998)

Subject: General aviation

Given that the number of airfields available for general aviation use is decreasing, will the Commission undertake
a feasibility study of satellite airports which could be built throughout the EU to cope with the continued demand
and growth of general aviation?

Joint answer to Written Questions
E-1168/98 and E-1170/98
given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(10 June 1998)

There is no Community legislation related to general aviation (GA) facilities at aerodromes, and it is therefore for
local authorities to make whatever provision they think appropriate for such facilities.
national or
The Commission sympathises with the pressure on GA and its aerodromes, but considers that, in accordance
with the subsidiarity principle, intervention would at this time be inappropriate.

While the Commission has no plans to undertake any feasibility studies on the provision of satellite airports for
GA, the Commission does have regular contact with the business aviation industry to ensure that the sector(cid:146)s
voice is heard and their interests taken into account.

(98/C 402/110)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1169/98

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(29 April 1998)

Subject: General aviation

Within the Single Market, there are considerable economic advantages for centres of population in having their
own aerodrome which caters for business aircraft.

What action will the Commission take to encourage and facilitate the emergence of new satellite airports,
especially in the United Kingdom where there are only 143 licensed airports while France has four times as
many?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(18 June 1998)

The Commission recognises the economic potential offered by general aviation (GA) aerodrome facilities,
including accessibility, employment, and the initial training of future pilots. Activities to facilitate the
development of GA facilities are, however, a matter for national and local authorities who are in the best
position to assess need for and implications of such provision.