WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3288/98 by David HALLAM to the Commission. Regulation on credit reference agencies
Date: 1998-11-09
Institutions: European Parliament, HALLAM
Subjects: appeals by private individuals, confidentiality, disclosure of information, fundamental rights, personal data, protection of privacy, trade information, trade regulations

C 142/116

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

21.5.1999

(1999/C 142/144)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3288/98

by David Hallam (PSE) to the Commission

(9 November 1998)

Subject: Regulation on credit reference agencies

Would the Commission consider legislating to introduce common regulatory controls over the work of
credit reference agencies across the European single market, compelling them to make their files available
to the subject of those files, to correct any misrepresentations in the information they hold and to provide
adequate compensation for those disadvantaged by inaccurate information disclosed to other bodies?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(14 December 1998)

The issue of individuals’ rights with respect to information held about them in credit reference files is
addressed by existing Community law in the form of Directive 95/46/EC of the Parliament and of the
Council of 24 October 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data
on the free movement of such data (1) (the data protection Directive), which Member States were required
to implement by 25 October 1998.

This Directive guarantees to individuals rights of access to and rectification of data held about them, as
well as a right to be given information about the ‘logic’ used in the data processing in particular where
significant decisions are taken on a purely automated basis − an important feature given the complexity of
credit-scoring techniques. Where the result of an automated decision is negative for the individual, he
must be given the possibility to air his point of view. People suffering damage as a result of inaccurate data
or breaches of any of the Directive’s other provisions are entitled to compensation.

The Commission will continue to monitor the need for further regulation of this area in the light of the
requirements of the internal market.

(1) OJ L 281, 23.11.1995.

(1999/C 142/145)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3290/98

by Ian White (PSE) to the Commission

(9 November 1998)

Subject: Recognition of veterinary qualifications

Would the Commission specify the precise position with regard to the recognition of veterinary
qualifications throughout the European Union?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(11 December 1998)

The freedom of movement of veterinary surgeons within the Community is based on national qualifica-
tions awarded upon completion of a full cycle of training satisfying certain common criteria. The
provisions of Community law which are applicable in this case are those of Council Directive 78/1026/
EEC of 18 December 1978 concerning the mutual recognition of diplomas, certificates and other evidence
of formal qualifications in veterinary medicine, including measures to facilitate the effective exercise of
the right of establishment and freedom to provide services (1), and of Council Directive 78/1027/EEC of
18 December 1978 concerning the coordination of provisions laid down by law, regulation or adminis-
trative action in respect of the activities of veterinary surgeons (1).

(1) OJ L 362, 23.12.1978.