do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1824/98 by Gary TITLEY to the Commission. Article 102
Date: 1998-06-05
Institutions: European Parliament, TITLEY
Subjects: application of EU law, approximation of laws, common commercial policy, competition law, extra-EU trade, national implementing measure

22.2.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 50/99

in the British rebate. In 1997, this increase amounted to ECU 65 million. Consequently, the total change in the
British rebate resulting from the total BSE expenditure in 1997 amounted to a reduction of approximately
ECU 255 million.

(1999/C 50/143)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1824/98

by Gary Titley (PSE) to the Commission

(5 June 1998)

Subject: Article 102

Does the Commission consider that the powers conferred on it by Article 102 of the EU Treaty are of importance?
if so, under what circumstances would it consider exercising them? If not, does it then accept that Article 102 has
fallen into desuetude and has no effect?

If the Commission considers that Article 102 still has effect, would it consider exercising those powers if a
Member of the European Parliament were to draw its attention to examples of national measures which have led
to distortions of cross-border trade?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(29 July 1998)

The Commission does consider that Article 102 still has effect and would consider exercising its powers under it
in the appropriate cases and would invite the Honourable Member to forward all information detailing examples
of national measures which could lead to distortions of competition.

The Honourable Member will be aware that if a proposed provision on which the Commission gives a
recommendation under Article 102 is not adhered to by the Member State (and the distortion of competition
is caused not only to itself), then the Commission can propose to the Council to issue the necessary directive
under Article 101 of the EC Treaty. Furthermore, under Article 101, the Council would act by qualified majority
(unlike Article 100).

(1999/C 50/144)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1826/98

by Karl-Heinz Florenz (PPE) to the Commission

(12 June 1998)

Subject: Local authority ban on PVC in Germany

A number of local authorities in Germany have for some time now been boycotting products containing polyvinyl
chloride. Because of its versatility, PVC is used in particular in component parts in the construction industry. Its
use in the building industry accounts for over 50 % of the PVC market in the Community.

Germany(cid:146)s local authorities are now issuing internal instructions that no more products containing PVC are to be
purchased. In awarding public contracts, i.e. particularly when issuing calls for tenders for construction contracts,
contracts are only to be awarded where PVC-free products are used. In practice, this can amount to a (cid:145)local
authority ban(cid:146) on products containing PVC.

Is the Commission aware of these proceedings and what is its position on them given the economic importance of
the construction industry and of the jobs associated with the production of PVC which are jeopardized by (cid:145)local
authority bans(cid:146) of this nature?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1756/98 by José SALAFRANCA SÁNCHEZ- NEYRA to the Commission. Application by Cuba to accede to the ACP-EU Convention
Date: 1998-06-05
Institutions: European Parliament, SALAFRANCA SANCHEZ-NEYRA
Subjects: ACP-EU Convention, Cuba, EU relations, Lomé Convention, agreement (EU)

22.2.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 50/85

In brief the situation is:

(Amounts in millions of DM)

Amounts declared
Corrections for late slaughter
Corrections for control procedure deficiencies

Eligible slaughter expenditure

Serology expenditure not yet reimbursed

Total due

Amount already paid
Amount to be recovered

67,8
(cid:150) 12,8
(cid:150) 5,5

49,5

+ 9,7

59,2

66,1
(cid:150) 6,9

(1999/C 50/124)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1756/98

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

Subject: Application by Cuba to accede to the ACP-EU Convention

(5 June 1998)

In Written Question E-0816/98 (1) of 26 March 1998 on the application by Cuba to accede to the ACP-EU
Convention, the Commission was asked what its response had been to the application and in what terms it would
be commenting on it.

The answer received on 27 April referred to the answer to Written Question E-0832/98 by Mr Cabez(cid:243)n Alonso
which, however, fails entirely to address the issues raised in the written question of 26 March. Can the
Commission therefore answer that question directly and say whether it has responded to Cuba(cid:146)s application?

If so, who gave a response on behalf of the Commission, when, to whom, and in what terms?

(1) OJ C 354, 19.11.1998, p. 27.

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission

(8 July 1998)

The Commission has indeed responded to the letter sent to it on 26 January by Cuba(cid:146)s Minister of Foreign Affairs
in which Cuba applied to take part in negotiations for the new convention between the Community and the
African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states.

In its reply to the Minister, dated 20 March, the Commission took due note of Cuba(cid:146)s application and its positive
view of the cooperation links between the Community and the ACP states. It confirmed that the application would
be treated with all due attention in accordance with the procedures laid down by the LomØ Convention.

The matter was subsequently discussed both by the group of ACP States and by the Council. During these
discussions the Commission declared itself in favour of Cuba(cid:146)s participation as an observer in negotiations for the
new convention with the ACP countries, without prejudging whether or not there would be agreement on Cuba(cid:146)s
accession to the next convention.

(1999/C 50/125)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1758/98

by Sirkka-Liisa Anttila (ELDR) to the Commission

(27 May 1998)

Subject: The basis for the Commission(cid:146)s calculations for use in analysing trends in farm incomes and costs in the

Member States, e.g. Finland

The Commission monitors trends in agriculture by making assessments per country, per production sector, etc.
Negotiations have been conducted and letters exchanged with the Commission concerning the special needs of
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1741/98 by Mary BANOTTI to the Commission. Directive 91/439/EEC on driving licences
Date: 1998-06-05
Institutions: BANOTTI, European Parliament
Subjects: United Kingdom, approximation of laws, bus, commercial vehicle, disease of the nervous system, driving licence, motor car













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91998E1741

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1741/98 by Mary BANOTTI to the Commission. Directive 91/439/EEC on driving licences  


Official Journal C 050 , 22/02/1999 P. 0083 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1741/98by Mary Banotti (PPE) to the Commission(5 June 1998)Subject: Directive 91/439/EEC on driving licencesDirective 91/439/EEC(1) on driving licences states that account must be taken of the state of a person's epilepsy in considering the issue of or renewal of a driving licence. The Directive lays down a guideline of no epileptic seizure for the past two years.Could the Commission explain why a period of two years is used?Is the Commission aware that, in the UK, a period of only one year is laid down for the issue or renewal of a driving licence?If so, is the Commission aware of the development in medical science which underpins the period of twelve months laid down in UK law?Since the period of two years laid down in the Directive seems to be no more than a recommendation, could this not be changed in accordance with the guidelines used in the UK?Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission(15 July 1998)Provisions relating to the issuing and renewal of driving licences to people with epilepsy are laid down in Annex III point 12 of Council Directive 91/439/EEC on driving licences(2).Point 12.2 stipulates that no group 2 licences (lorries and buses) may "be issued to or renewed for applicants or drivers suffering or liable to suffer from epilepsy seizures or other sudden disturbances of the state of consciousness". However, group 1 licences (motorcycles and cars) may be issued subject to a number of conditions, one of which is the progress of the epilepsy (point 12.1).The Commission relied upon the advice of medical experts in drafting its proposal. Given the many different types of epilepsy, the medical experts who discussed these provisions in the late 1980s considered that no precise seizure-free period should be laid down. Consequently, the Directive is indicative: "no seizure in the last two years, for example".On 23 March 1998, the committee on the driving licence, established by Directive 97/26/EC of 2 June 1997(3), (amended Directive 91/439/EEC) discussed the same issue in order to try to harmonise the seizure-free period. Although the seizure-free period established by Member States ranged between 6 months and 2 years in general, it is as long as 5 years for some specific types of epilepsy.It is evident, therefore, that the reasons for not specifying a fixed period remain unchanged.(1) OJ L 237, 24.8.1991, p. 1.(2) OJ L 237, 24.8.1991.(3) OJ L 150, 7.6.1997.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1769/98 by Mihail PAPAYANNAKIS to the Commission. Sewerage and sewage treatment system in Old Kavalla (SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER)
Date: 1998-06-05
Institutions: European Parliament, PAPAYANNAKIS
Subjects: Macedonia, coastal region, hydraulic works, tourist region, wastewater, water treatment

8.4.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 96/9

(1999/C 96/012)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1769/98

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

Subject: Sewerage and sewage treatment system in Old Kavalla

(5 June 1998)

The Eastern Macedonia Department of the Technical Chamber of Greece claims that the drains and pumping
stations for the sewage system in Old Kavalla have been built in the waterfront area as opposed to the approved
study, which provided for them to be built higher up, on stable ground and away from the waterfront.

Given that:

› the project is funded from Community resources,

› the construction of the system in the waterfront area, in an exceptional summer resort such as Old Kavalla,
creates environmental problems and deprives the public of free access to and use of the waterfront and the
beach,

› there is a constant threat to the system from rough seas (in the winter of 1996-1997 a section of the drains was

swept away),

can the Commission investigate the matter and examine whether there is a discrepancy between the locations
indicated in the study and the actual locations of the work and, if so, will it ask the Greek authorities for
clarification

Supplementary answer
given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(9 October 1998)

Further to its answer of 24 June 1998 (1), the Commission can now provide the following information.

As a result of its request to the Greek authorities for information on the drainage system and the biological sewage
treatment plant at Palio Kavalas, the Commission received a copy of the exchange of letters between the DEYA
(The Public Water Supply and Drainage Company) of Kavala and the Eastern Macedonia Department of the
Greek Technical Chamber. The Commission is sending this correspondence to the Honourable Member and to
the Parliament Secretariat.

It emerges from the correspondence that the issue has been resolved because the clarifications provided by DEYA
mean that the Technical Chamber is satisfied with the work carried out.

(1) OJ C 386, 11.12.1998, p. 157.

(1999/C 96/013)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1794/98

by Heidi Hautala (V) to the Commission

(11 June 1998)

Subject: HFC gases

Since the adoption of the Montreal Protocol ban on CFCs and HCFCs, non-ozone-depleting HFCs have been
developed. However, HFC refrigerants are significant global warmers. The potent global warming impact of
HFCs was recognised by their inclusion in the basket of gases at last December(cid:146)s conference in Kyoto.

1. Will the Commission propose that a planned phase-out of HFCs should be included in the proposals to be
discussed at the June Council of Environment ministers as the EU prepares its position for the Fourth Conference
of the Framework Convention on Climate Change to be held in November in Buenos Aires?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1776/98 by Lucio MANISCO to the Commission. Echelon spying system
Date: 1998-06-05
Institutions: European Parliament, MANISCO
Subjects: EU programme, United Kingdom, United States, confidentiality, industrial espionage, infringement of EU law, telematics, transmission network













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91998E1776

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1776/98 by Lucio MANISCO to the Commission. Echelon spying system  


Official Journal C 050 , 22/02/1999 P. 0090 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1776/98by Lucio Manisco (GUE/NGL) to the Commission(5 June 1998)Subject: Echelon spying systemA European Parliament STOA document and European press sources have reported the existence of an industrial spying computer network called Echelon to which the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and Australia belong.According to the STOA document, unlike other electronic spying systems in the UKUSA network, the Echelon system is directed mainly against non-military objectives of governments, organizations and companies in every country.1. Does the Commission not think that the Echelon programme, in which a Member State is one of the main participants (in the UK there are reputedly two bases out of six (at Mentmith Hill and Morwanatow)), manifestly violates solidarity between the Member States of the Union?2. Does it not think that industrial spying conflicts with the Treaties and could distort competition?3. Does it not think that industrial spying violates Article 51 of the UN Charter?4. What immediate action will the Commission take to put an end to this form of industrial espionage?5. What emergency measures does the Commission intend to take against the United Kingdom, the United States and the other countries involved in the Echelon industrial espionage system?Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission(25 September 1998)The Commission has noted the interim study: An appraisal of technologies of political control from the scientific and technological options assessment from the Parliament. The Commission does not have any evidence or complaint that a particular Member State is infringing the EC Treaty in this respect.Nonetheless the Commission remains vigilant to defend the Community interests and continues to make efforts to improve the security of its data networks. Furthermore, the Commission condemns all attempts to breach the integrity and confidentiality of information held or transmitted by the institutions.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1755/98 by Richard CORBETT to the Commission. Strike by Commission staff
Date: 1998-06-05
Institutions: CORBETT, European Parliament
Subjects: European Commission, European official, regulations for civil servants, right to strike, rights of civil servants, strike

11.12.98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 386/157

(98/C 386/215)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1755/98

by Richard Corbett (PSE) to the Commission

(5 June 1998)

Subject: Strike by Commission staff

Can the Commission confirm that its staff was out on strike on 30 April? Is it true that this strike was not over any
specific proposal but over a consultation document on which staff views were sought and welcome? Does the
Commission consider that a strike is warranted in such a situation? Is it aware of the impact on public opinion, in
particular as the date of the strike, immediately prior to a public holiday, effectively gave staff a 4 › day
weekend? What was the result of the ballot on whether to strike?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(29 June 1998)

There was a strike in the Commission on 30 April 1998.

At the heart of the conflict was an issues paper, which had no official status. There was no Commission proposal
concerning the staff regulations. Comments were welcomed on the issues paper, which was made available to the
staff via the Intranet of the Commission.

Because the strike was directed at the Commission, the Commission declines to say whether it was warranted.

The strike preceded a public holiday and the weekend when the European Council decided on the participants in
the third phase of economic and monetary union. There were some critical articles in the media about the staff
issues of the Commission.

The resolution to strike in case of failure of the negotiations was voted by a general assembly of the personnel
organised by the trade unions. To the knowledge of the Commission, the clear majority of the personnel present at
the general assembly voted for the resolution. The exact result is unknown, however, since no ballot papers were
used.

(98/C 386/216)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1769/98

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(5 June 1998)

Subject: Sewerage and sewage treatment system in Old Kavalla

The Eastern Macedonia Department of the Technical Chamber of Greece claims that the drains and pumping
stations for the sewage system in Old Kavalla have been built in the waterfront area as opposed to the approved
study, which provided for them to be built higher up, on stable ground and away from the waterfront.

Given that:

› the project is funded from Community resources,

› the construction of the system in the waterfront area, in an exceptional summer resort such as Old Kavalla,
creates environmental problems and deprives the public of free access to and use of the waterfront and the
beach,

› there is a constant threat to the system from rough seas (in the winter of 1996-1997 a section of the drains was

swept away),