do-me/EUR-LEX huggingface dataset:
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2570/98 by Patricia McKENNA to the Commission. Environment statistics database
Date: 1998-09-01
Institutions: European Parliament, MCKENNA
Subjects: OSCE, database, environmental monitoring, environmental policy, statistics, transmission network

C 96/116

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

8.4.1999

(1999/C 96/162)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2558/98

by JosØ ApolinÆrio (PSE) to the Commission

(1 September 1998)

Subject: The NUTS and Agenda 2000

Can the Commission confirm the geographical distribution of the areas eligible under NUTS 2 for the UK,
following the submission of Agenda 2000?

Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission

(13 October 1998)

The Commission presented its proposals for Agenda 2000 (1) in July 1997. Its proposals for new regulations
relating to the structural funds and the Cohesion fund for the period 2000-2006 were published in March 1998.

In mid-1995, the Statistical office of the Community (Eurostat) was informed by the Office for national statistics
(ONS) of the United Kingdom that following a comprehensive reform in regional and local administration,
significant changes would be proposed to the nomenclature of territorial units for statistics (NUTS) system.

The first draft proposal for reform of the NUTS in the United Kingdom was forwarded to the Commission for
comment in mid-1996, followed by a formal proposal in June 1997. After examination of the technical merits of
the proposals in the light of the underlying principles of the NUTS system, a new NUTS classification for the
United Kingdom was agreed in June 1998. It involved very minor changes at the NUTS 1 level, a significant
revision of the NUTS 3 regions with related changes at the NUTS 4 level, as well as more limited changes at the
NUTS 2 level.

(1) COM(97) 2000 final.

(1999/C 96/163)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2567/98

by Peter Truscott (PSE) to the Council

(1 September 1998)

Subject: Respite and shared care for disabled adults

Could the Council please clarify the following points about respite and shared care for disabled adults in the EU.
What EU regulations relate to the standards for respite and shared care for disabled adults across Europe? What
regulations exist for standards in day care facilities for disabled adults? And finally, how does the standard of
provision compare between Member States?

Reply

(22 October 1998)

The Council would like to inform the Honourable Member that there is no legislation at Community level in the
fields to which his question refers. The Commission has not submitted any proposals on that subject to the
Council.

(1999/C 96/164)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2570/98

by Patricia McKenna (V) to the Commission

(1 September 1998)

Subject: Environment statistics database

I am informed that the European Commission now has a new environment statistics database which is currently
only available for use by the Commission and cannot be accessed by the European Parliament.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2543/98 by Roberta ANGELILLI to the Commission. Environmental impact assessment on a telephony station
Date: 1998-09-01
Institutions: ANGELILLI, European Parliament
Subjects: Latium, application of EU law, countryside conservation, environmental impact, environmental protection, impact study, radio telecommunications, satellite communications













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91998E2543

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2543/98 by Roberta ANGELILLI to the Commission. Environmental impact assessment on a telephony station  


Official Journal C 297 , 15/10/1999 P. 0021 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-2543/98by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission(1 September 1998)Subject: Environmental impact assessment on a telephony stationWith reference to my previous question "Non-ionizing radiation in the communes of Orte and Gallese" (E-2073/98) concerning the building of a cellular telephony satellite station with a radiation frequency of 5 Ghz, I should like to state that this station has not been subject to an environmental impact assessment in accordance with Directive 85/337/EEC(1). Can the Commission therefore give its opinion on the matter?Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission(28 October 1998)Cellular telephone satellite stations are not included in the list of the projects of Annex I or II of Council Directive 85/337/EEC of 27 June 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment(2).Consequently, if the telephone satellite station mentioned by the Honourable Member has not been submitted to any environmental impact assessment, that cannot be considered as a breach of Community environmental legislation.(1) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p. 40.(2) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2568/98 by Graham WATSON to the Council. Human rights in Tunisia
Date: 1998-09-01
Institutions: European Parliament, WATSON
Subjects: Tunisia, association agreement (EU), democracy, freedom of expression, human rights, rule of law













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91998E2568

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2568/98 by Graham WATSON to the Council. Human rights in Tunisia  


Official Journal C 135 , 14/05/1999 P. 0074 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-2568/98by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Council(1 September 1998)Subject: Human rights in TunisiaFollowing reports that Tunisia has been involved in numerous suppressions of human rights: the right to travel, freedom of speech and the right to be politically active, what action does the Council intend to take to ensure that Tunisia respects the human rights clause of the Euro-Mediterranean agreements?Reply(7/8 December 1998)1. The Council is aware of the importance of respect for human rights throughout the world and shares the Honourable Member's concern regarding the human rights situation in Tunisia. It is watching developments in this area very closely.2. The Council recognises that Tunisia is a country in transition and one of the Mediterranean partners most committed to its relationship with the Union. It recognises that Tunisia is an active participant in the Barcelona Process, striving to transform the Mediterranean basin into an area of peace, prosperity and stability. It acknowledges that Tunisia plays a leading role in this Process and has set the pace for the other countries in the area, by being the first Mediterranean partner to ratify an Association Agreement. It has thus committed itself, among other things, to a regular political dialogue, which will include human rights.3. A first EU-Tunisia Association Council took place on 13-14 July 1998, which also allowed for an exchange of views on human rights questions; on that occasion the EU had the opportunity of stressing that the aims of the association are based on shared respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law. It confirmed that the political dialogue between the two partners will enable them to consult each other frankly on a whole series of political issues, including human rights, and should contribute to the government's aspirations to develop democratic traditions and civil society based on the rule of law.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2617/98 by Sören WIBE to the Commission. Commission policy on public opinion
Date: 1998-09-01
Institutions: European Parliament, WIBE
Subjects: European Commission, administrative responsibility, duties of civil servants, freedom of opinion, opposition, political opposition

8.4.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 96/125

Finally, the Member States are working in close cooperation with Interpol in the fight against child

4.
pornography.

(1) OJ L 342, 31.12.1996, p. 4.
(2) OJ L 63, 4.3.1997, p. 2.

(1999/C 96/177)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2617/98

by S(cid:246)ren Wibe (PSE) to the Commission

(1 September 1998)

Subject: Commission policy on public opinion

In the Swedish Government, for example, it is considered impossible in principle for a member of the government
to express a view which contradicts the political line adopted by the Swedish Government.

What is the position within the Commission? Can a commissioner take a different political line from the one
adopted by the Commission as a whole ahead of a government conference, for example? Can a commissioner
take a liberal line on drugs if the Commission as a whole does not advocate such a policy?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

(20 October 1998)

The Commission would point out that it adopts its positions in accordance with the conditions laid down in the
Treaties. They reflect the will of the Members of the Commission as a whole, and only these are binding on them.

The Commission has had the occasion to recall in reply to written and oral questions by Members of
Parliament (1) that its Members exercise a political function and, while honouring the obligations imposed by
the function, remain free to express their personal opinions quite independently and on their own responsibility.

(1) For example, reply from President Rey to oral question No 10/68 by Mr Habib-Deloncle, and Commission replies to Written Questions

Nos 44/83 by Mr Bendebien, 1682/85 by Mr Vandemeulebroucke, and 1404/97 by Mr Pasty, OJ C 55, 10.3.1986; OJ C 391, 23.12.1997.

(1999/C 96/178)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2618/98

by S(cid:246)ren Wibe (PSE) to the Commission

(1 September 1998)

Subject: Team Europe

What is the annual budget for the Commission(cid:146)s Team Europe information activities? Can the Commission
account for the content of the estimate of expenditure for Team Europe?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

(1 October 1998)

The global annual budget for Team Europe according to the contract with Deloitte and Touche as approved by the
Commission is ECU 956 413. This covers the running of the Team Europe information service. However, as the
contractor is only being paid for actual expenses, the budget for 1997-1998 is just above ECU 670 000. A copy of
the contract with Deloitte and Touche for support to the members of Team Europe is sent direct to the Honourable
Member and to the Parliament(cid:146)s Secretariat.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2728/98 by Graham MATHER to the Commission. Taxation of savings income (COM(98)295)
Date: 1998-09-01
Institutions: European Parliament, MATHER
Subjects: Spain, direct tax, fiscal policy, impact study, outflow of capital, tax on investment income

C 118/128

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

29.4.1999

The Council has made it quite clear that Cuba(cid:146)s admission as an observer member to the group of African,
Caribbean and Pacific countries does not make its accession to the LomØ Convention a foregone
conclusion. The Commission would draw the Honourable Member(cid:146)s attention to the fact that relations
between the Union and Cuba are governed by the common position adopted on 2 December 1996 and
confirmed on 9 June this year.

(1999/C 118/157)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2727/98

by Graham Mather (PPE) to the Commission

(1 September 1998)

Subject: Impact of proposed directive on taxation of savings income (COM(98) 295)

Following a General Affairs Council meeting in July 1998, Mr Jacques Poos was reported as having called
for a study by an independent firm of the potential effects on capital markets of the introduction of the
measures set out in this proposal.

Can the Commission confirm that such a study will be commissioned? If not, can it explain why it does not
consider that such a study would be necessary or useful?

(1999/C 118/158)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2728/98

by Graham Mather (PPE) to the Commission

(1 September 1998)

Subject: Taxation of savings income (COM(98) 295)

The Impact Assessment Form attached to this proposal states that (cid:145)the impact of the proposal is ... centred
on the cost of supplementary administrative responsibilities asked of the paying agents(cid:146), but makes no
attempt to quantify this cost.

Does the Commission agree that a quantification of this cost would be extremely useful for a consideration
of the potential impact of this Directive, and will it undertake to produce one?

(1999/C 118/159)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2729/98

by Graham Mather (PPE) to the Commission

(1 September 1998)

Subject: Taxation of savings income (COM(98) 295)

The Impact Assessment Form attached to this proposal states that (cid:145)the impact of the proposal is ... centred
on the cost of supplementary administrative responsibilities asked of the paying agents,(cid:146) and gives no
serious consideration to the possibility that capital flight could result from the imposition of a withholding
tax, despite clear precedents which suggest that this would occur and would be substantial.

1. What consideration has the Commission given to this issue, and does it propose to produce a
document detailing this consideration?

2.
Given the tremendous importance of this question, particularly in view of the suggestion made by
Mr Helmut Kramer at the Austrian Presidency Tax Conference, held in Vienna on 13 July, 1 000 billion
might be liable to the proposed withholding tax, will the Commission put in hand an independent study to
examine it?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2696/98 by Frédéric STRIBY to the Commission. European definition of heavy goods vehicles
Date: 1998-09-01
Institutions: European Parliament, STRIBY
Subjects: European standard, approximation of laws, carriage of goods, commercial vehicle, environmental standard, harmonisation of standards, road transport, weight and size

14.5.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 135/97

(1999/C 135/113)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2696/98

by Frédéric Striby (I-EDN) to the Commission

(1 September 1998)

Subject: European definition of heavy goods vehicles

The total authorised loaded weight for heavy goods vehicles in France is subject to a limit of 40 tonnes,
whereas the corresponding limit in neighbouring European countries ranges from 44 to as much as
50 tonnes.

The European Union has been looking into a common definition of road transport vehicles with a view to
harmonising the rules applicable to them in the light of the opening of borders to the transport of goods by
road and establishing the weight, dimensions and environmental standards to which such ‘European’
vehicles should conform.

Can the Commission say what progress has been made on this matter?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(6 October 1998)

In 1993, the Commission adopted a proposal to harmonise the maximum weights and dimensions of
lorries throughout the Community (1) for international and national transport operations.

The proposal contained, inter alia, a maximum weight limit of 44 tons for 6 − axle lorry combinations
fitted with air suspension and a maximum weight limit of 40 tons for 5 − axle lorry combinations.

Whilst certain aspects of the proposal (chiefly those relating to maximum vehicle dimensions for all
transport and weight limits only for international transport) were adopted as Council Directive 96/53/EC
of 25 July 1996 (2), there was no agreement in the Council to harmonise maximum vehicle weights for
national transport.

This part of the Commission’s proposal consequently formally remains with the Council for consideration
and there are currently no plans to withdraw the proposal.

(1) OJ C 38, 8.2.1994.
(2) OJ L 235, 17.9.1996.

(1999/C 135/114)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2697/98

by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission

(1 September 1998)

Subject: Flight safety

Community legislation on flight safety points to the establishment of an independent national agency for
the prevention and investigation of aviation accidents as one of the most effective means of achieving the
goal of flight safety.

The setting up of such a body, made obligatory by an EEC directive which has yet to be implemented by
Italy, has become more urgent and necessary as a result of the introduction of free competition between
carriers. Its establishment should be justified on grounds that attract broad political consensus, precisely
because everyone has a right to safety.

Can the European Commission say which Member States have yet to implement the directive and does it
not consider that it should prevail upon these Member States to do so?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2588/98 by Jens-Peter BONDE to the Council. Unpublished declarations to minutes of Council meetings
Date: 1998-09-01
Institutions: BONDE, European Parliament
Subjects: Council of Europe, EU act, dissemination of EU information, operation of the Institutions, public conduct of debates, transparency in decision-making

8.4.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 96/119

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(23 September 1998)

The Commission has absolutely no intention of introducing a ban on car advertising as erroneously reported in
some German newspapers.

In several Member States voluntary codes of conduct are applied which encourage advertising agencies and their
customers, the car industry, to limit advertisements that could be considered to be linked to dangerous behaviour
on the road. Various public discussions about the possibilities of applying such a voluntary code throughout
Europe may have led to misunderstanding on the part of some journalists, particularly those who did not take the
trouble to make enquiries to various voluntary organisations, public authorities and the Commission before
writing their stories.

(1999/C 96/168)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2588/98

by Jens-Peter Bonde (I-EDN) to the Council

(1 September 1998)

Subject: Unpublished declarations to minutes of Council meetings

Are there any declarations to the minutes of Council meetings that were not published in 1997 and 1998 and, if so,
how many and on what subjects?

Reply

(9 November 1998)

In 1997, 361 statements for the minutes of Council meetings at which legislative acts were adopted were

1.
published.

However, on 20 January 1997 when the Council adopted Directive 97/3/EC amending Directive 77/93/EEC on
protective measures against the introduction into the Community of organisms harmful to plants or plant products
and against their spread within the Community (1), one statement was not published.

In the first six months of 1998, 170 statements for the minutes of Council meetings at which legislative acts

2.
were adopted were published.

However, on 23 March 1998 when the Council adopted:

› a Council Decision on the conclusion on behalf of the Community of the Convention on Transboundary

Effects of Industrial Accidents, one statement was not published;

› a Council Decision on the conclusion by the European Community of the Protocol to the 1979 Convention on
long-range transboundary air pollution on further reductions of sulphur emissions, two statements were not
published.

As the Honourable Member can see, 99,72 % of statements were published in 1997 and 98,24 % in the first half of
1998.

(1) OJ L 27, 30.1.1997, p. 30.

(1999/C 96/169)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2589/98

by Herbert B(cid:246)sch (PSE) to the Council

(1 September 1998)

Subject: School trips within the European Union

At present, school trips within the European Union made by classes which include pupils who are not nationals of
an EU Member State entail a disproportionate degree of bureaucracy and expense.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2482/98 by Franz LINSER to the Council. Visits to parliamentary committees by members of the Austrian Federal Government
Date: 1998-09-01
Institutions: European Parliament, LINSER
Subjects: Austria, minister, official visit, parliamentary committee, tourism policy, transport policy













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91998E2482

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2482/98 by Franz LINSER to the Council. Visits to parliamentary committees by members of the Austrian Federal Government  


Official Journal C 096 , 08/04/1999 P. 0103 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-2482/98by Franz Linser (NI) to the Council(1 September 1998)Subject: Visits to parliamentary committees by members of the Austrian Federal GovernmentIn order to ensure satisfactory communication between the Council and the European Parliament, it is customary for the relevant Ministers of the Member State which holds the Council Presidency to visit Parliament's committees and, inter alia, present their programmes.1. Will an Austrian Federal Minister or an Austrian Secretary of State visit the Committee on Transport and Tourism between now and 31 December 1998?2. If so, when, and who will it be?3. If not, why not?Reply(9 November 1998)As the Honourable Member will no doubt be aware, Mr Einem, the Austrian Minister for Science and Transport, and Mr Farnleitner, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, met the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism on 1 and 28 September 1998 respectively, to present the Presidency's programme.Statements to Parliamentary Committees by Ministers from the Member State holding the Presidency of the Council have now become a well-established practice, which helps encourage exchanges of views between the Council and the European Parliament on the various subjects under examination.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2701/98 by Marie-Paule KESTELIJN- SIERENS to the Commission. Registration fees
Date: 1998-09-01
Institutions: European Parliament, KESTELIJN-SIERENS
Subjects: competence of the Member States, purchase, real property, registration tax

8.4.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 96/137

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

(17 September 1998)

Immediately after the tidal wave struck Papua New Guinea on 17 July 1998, the Commission forwarded to the
affected area emergency relief items that were on their way to the island of Bougainville under another relief
operation. This first aid included medicine and reconstruction packs, clothes and other articles of primary
necessity.

In addition, the Commission made available humanitarian aid worth ECU 500 000 for the victims of the disaster.
The aid was to enable European non governmental organisations (NGOs) to provide further emergency relief
items such as medicines, food and clean water.

There was, however, a quick and overwhelming international response to this natural disaster from governments
(in particular Australia, New Zealand, France and Japan), non-governmental organisations and private
individuals. In a report published at the end of July, the United Nations Office for the co-ordination of
humanitarian affairs and their team that was sent to Papua New Guinea declared that all immediate relief needs
had already been met. This information was confirmed by many other sources.

In view of the changing circumstances as a result of the extraordinarily generous international response, and after
consultation with the NGOs that were to implement the Community financed assistance, with the relevant United
Nations bodies and with its delegation in Papua New Guinea, the Commission decided to reallocate the funds that
had been made available to other, more urgent crises elsewhere in the world.

Regarding the rehabilitation and reconstruction work to be carried out in the area hit by the tidal wave, the
Commission will give due consideration to any concrete request that may be made by the government of Papua
New Guinea.

(1999/C 96/196)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2701/98

by Marie-Paule Kestelijn-Sierens (ELDR) to the Commission

(1 September 1998)

Subject: Registration fees

Can the Commission provide a breakdown of the registration fees payable in the fifteen Member States of the
European Union on the purchase of real estate?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(21 September 1998)

Registration taxes on immovable property are a matter for the Member States, and there is no plan to harmonise
them at Community level.

The Commission does not, therefore, possess the detailed information sought by the Honourable Member.

(1999/C 96/197)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2704/98

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(1 September 1998)

Subject: Maldives

On 18 June 1998 and the days following, the Maldivian authorities began to arrest and interrogate Christian
believers living on the island. Reliable sources estimate that as many as 50 Maldivians suspected of being
Christian believers have been arrested since that time.