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WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1054/99 by Angela BILLINGHAM European travel pass for the elderly
Date: 1999-04-20
Institutions: BILLINGHAM, European Parliament
Subjects: elderly person, feasibility study, intra-EU transport, rail transport, railway tariff, tariff reduction, tourism, travel













EUR-Lex - 91999E1054 - EN






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91999E1054

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1054/99 by Angela BILLINGHAM European travel pass for the elderly  


Official Journal C 348 , 03/12/1999 P. 0148 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1054/99by Angela Billingham (PSE) to the Commission(20 April 1999)Subject: European travel pass for the elderlyWould the European Commission consider putting forward a proposal to introduce a European travel pass which would simply offer a 20 % deduction on rail for the elderly in all Member States and passing from one Member State to another with freedom to stop over throughout the European Union?Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission(7 May 1999)The Commission Recommendation 89/350/EEC of 10 May 1989(1) called for the introduction of Community wide over-sixties' card, which would facilitate access to travel and other concessions. However, progress on implementation of the Recommendation has been slow owing to several practical difficulties encountered by the Member States. In order to help take the matter forward the Commission carried out two feasibility studies. The first in 1993 covered the then 12 Member States, while the second in 1997 looked at the situation in more detail in five Member States - Denmark, France, Ireland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Copies of the final reports of these studies have been given to the members of the Parliament's Intergroup on ageing.These reports show that although all the Member States offer some form of concessionary scheme to older people, many do not use a card system as such, and the conditions entitling people to transport and cultural concessions also vary greatly from one Member State to another. Several Member States have no national concession scheme but rely instead on a decentralised localised approach with variations between regions.The sheer number and variety of schemes operated by Member States, combined with the fact that the situation is constantly changing, make it difficult to gain an accurate, up-to-date picture at European level.The Commission remains convinced of the usefulness of an Community wide older persons' card in promoting a stronger sense of European citizenship and in encouraging greater mutual acquaintance and understanding between citizens of the different Member States. The Commission is currently discussing the conclusions and recommendations of the latest feasibility report with Member State representatives.(1) OJ L 144, 27.5.1989.
Council Regulation (EC) No 836/1999 of 20 April 1999 suspending the application of Regulation (EC) No 3274/93 preventing the supply of certain goods and services to Libya
Date: 1999-04-20
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: Libya, UN Security Council, UN resolution, economic recovery, goods and services

23. 4. 1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 106/1

I

(Acts whose publication is obligatory)

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 836/1999

of 20 April 1999

suspending the application of Regulation (EC) No 3274/93 preventing the supply
of certain goods and services to Libya

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
Community, and in particular Article 228a thereof,

Having regard to Common Position 1999/261/CFSP of
16 April 1999 defined by the Council on the basis of
Article J.2 of the Treaty on European Union concerning
Libya (1),

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

(1) Whereas the Council adopted on 29 November 1993
Regulation (EC) No 3274/93 preventing the supply of
certain goods and services to Libya (2);

(2) Whereas the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
decided in its Resolution 1192 (1998) to suspend the
measures set forth in its Resolutions 748 (1992) and
the UN Secretary-
immediately after
883 (1993)
General has reported to the UNSC that
the two
persons charged with the bombing of Pan Am flight
103 have arrived in the Netherlands for the purpose of

their trial before a Scottish court sitting in the Nether-
lands;

(3) Whereas the UN Secretary-General has so reported on

5 April 1999,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The application of Regulation (EC) No 3274/93 is hereby
suspended.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the day of its
publication in the Official Journal of the European
Communities.

It shall apply from 6 April 1999.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member
States.

Done at Brussels, 20 April 1999.

For the Council

The President

J. FISCHER

(1) OJ L 103, 20.4.1999, p. 1.
(2) OJ L 295, 30.11.1993, p. 1.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1006/99 by Ian HUDGHTON Animal Welfare
Date: 1999-04-20
Institutions: European Parliament, HUDGHTON
Subjects: animal welfare, protection of animals, transport of animals, veterinary inspection

21.12.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 370/153

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 1999)

The Commission is currently funding research on the safety aspects of post-menopausal therapy but not
research into the production of alternative synthetic and plant-derived hormones.

In the fifth framework programme for research and technical development (1998-2002), it is foreseen to
support research on the development of new therapeutic substances,
including recombinant synthetic
therapies and hormones which are specifically mentioned in the working programme under key action
‘Cell factory’, bullet point 3.1: ‘New and innovative health related processes & products’.

(1999/C 370/217)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1006/99

by Ian Hudghton (V) to the Commission

(20 April 1999)

Subject: Animal Welfare

What steps have been taken to monitor and enforce the implementation of Directive 95/29/EC (1) on Live
Transport?

In particular, what steps have been taken to ensure that vehicles transporting animals must meet set
standards regarding provision of adequate food and water on journeys?

(1) OJ L 148, 30.6.1995, p. 52.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 1999)

Member States had to implement Council Directive 95/29/EC of 29 June 1995 amending Directive 90/
628/EEC concerning the protection of animals during transport, before 31 December 1996 and had to
notify their legislation to the Commission. However, Member States had an additional period of transition
until 31 December 1997 for the requirements laid down in Chapter VII(3) for the means of transport
referred to in points (3), (6) and (7) of that Chapter.

Infringement procedures are automatically opened when a directive is not correctly implemented.

The Commission received the requested national legislation on the subject concerned from all Member
States, except for one.

Furthermore the Commission is subsequently visiting the Member States to control the enforcement of the
Community animal welfare legislation. These controls include the enforcement in practice of the provision
of adequate food and water on journeys.

(1999/C 370/218)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1007/99

by Ian Hudghton (V) to the Commission

(20 April 1999)

Subject: Transportation of live animals

What steps has the Commission taken to promote harmonisation of maximum journey times for live
animal transport between Member States?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 995/99 by Patricia McKENNA Harmonisation of Fire Safety Regulations in the European Union
Date: 1999-04-20
Institutions: European Parliament, MCKENNA
Subjects: approximation of laws, building safety, fire, fire protection, hotel industry, housing

C 341/150

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

29.11.1999

(1999/C 341/213)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0995/99

by Patricia McKenna (V) to the Commission

(20 April 1999)

Subject: Harmonisation of Fire Safety Regulations in the European Union

When will the Commission come forward with a fire safety directive to ensure the safety of Europe’s citizens
when staying in hotels, apartments and other such accommodation?

Is it not a matter of extreme urgency now to propose such legislation?

Does the Commission not consider it a matter of embarrassment to it as an institution, and to the EU as a
whole, that such basic regulations do not already exist?

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-0994/99 and E-0995/99
given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

(30 April 1999)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-0854/98 by
Mr Harrison (1).

(1) OJ C 13, 18.1.1999, p. 10.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1026/99 by Graham MATHER Pesticide Lindane
Date: 1999-04-20
Institutions: European Parliament, MATHER
Subjects: cancer, carcinogenic substance, environmental protection, health risk, pesticide, plant health product, public health, research report, toxic substance

C 325/134

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

12.11.1999

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-0957/99, E-0974/99, E-0978/99, E-1053/99 and P-1161/99
given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(30 April 1999)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Members to its answer to Written Question E-0585/99 by
Mr McCartin (1) and to the replies it gave to Oral Questions H-223/99 by Mrs McKenna and H-306/99 by
Mr McMahon during question time at Parliament’s April 1999 part-session (2).

See page 122.

(1)
(2) Debates of the Parliament, (April 1999).

(1999/C 325/201)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1026/99

by Graham Mather (PPE) to the Commission

(20 April 1999)

Subject: Pesticide Lindane

In response to my Written Question 2860/97 (1), the Commission stated that Directive 91/414/EEC (2)
concerning the placing on the market of plant protection products provides for the review of active substances
which were already on the market when the Directive entered into force.

Concerning the active substance lindane, which is one of the 90 substances covered under the first phase of the
review, the Commission confirmed that it was waiting for the report of the rapporteur Member State, Austria.
Upon receipt of this report an intensive scientific and technical examination with all the Member States was
due to take place. The Commission would then take a final position on this active substance and consider
options for further progressing the work.

What stage has this process now reached?

(1) OJ C 117, 16.4.1998, p. 84.
(2) OJ L 230, 19.8.1991, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(29 April 1999)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-154/99 by
Mrs Pollack (1).

(1)

See page 76.

(1999/C 325/202)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1051/99

by Karin Riis-Jørgensen (ELDR) to the Commission

(12 April 1999)

Subject: Discrimination against foreign construction companies in Germany

In Germany an amendment to the tax legislation entered into force on 1 April 1999 which discriminates
against foreign construction companies.

A German client who employs a foreign construction company must retain 25 % of the remuneration and pay
it to the Inland Revenue in Germany.

The foreign company receives this sum only after the end of the calendar year if it can prove that it is not liable
to taxation in Germany. There is a derogation provision, but at present the German tax authorities are refusing
to apply it.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1065/99 by Daniel VARELA SUANZES- CARPEGNA Bringing the additional provisions of the French law 97- 1051 of 18 November on sea fishing guidelines and marine crops into line with Community law
Date: 1999-04-20
Institutions: European Parliament, VARELA SUANZES-CARPEGNA
Subjects: EU law - national law, France, application of EU law, authorised catch, catch quota, fishing industry, fishing regulations, resources of the sea, sea fishing

C 348/150

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

3.12.1999

(1999/C 348/207)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1062/99

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(12 April 1999)

Subject: Payments to flax farmers

In view of the immense hardship caused to flax farmers by the introduction of new conditions to EC flax
regulations which delay payment of subsidies for up to 12 months, would the Commission not consider the
possibility of granting interim part payments as a compromise which would help ease the burden on farmers?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(26 April 1999)

The common organisation of the market in flax and hemp introduces new constraints, from the 1999/2000
marketing year, into the conditions for granting aid for fibre flax.

The recent requirements pertaining in particular to checking the minimum flax straw yield at the processing
stage can indeed give rise to an additional delay in the payment of aid. In order to limit the disadvantages of
this, the Commission is currently examining the possibility of introducing a system of advances on the aid
involving the lodging of a security.

(1999/C 348/208)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1065/99

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE) to the Commission

(20 April 1999)

Subject: Bringing the additional provisions of the French law 97-1051 of 18 November on sea fishing

guidelines and marine crops into line with Community law

With reference to the Commission’s answer to my written question E-0301/99 (1), once it has requested and
examined the provisions referred to in my question, will it say whether it considers them to be in conformity
with Community law as interpreted by the Court of Justice, with particular reference to the provisions laid
down in the circular on stable establishment?

(1) OJ C 341, 29.11.1999, p. 87.

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

(5 May 1999)

The Commission would inform the Honourable Member that it considers the circular of the French
administration on the new conditions for the fishing of French quotas, which was addressed to the fishing
companies late in 1998, to be compatible with Community law.

The Commission however has emphasised once again to the French authorities the need to show some
flexibility in the initial application of the new conditions to allow fishing companies to adapt themselves
smoothly to the new situation.

The French authorities have reassured the Commission that this will be the case.
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1007/99 by Ian HUDGHTON Transportation of live animals
Date: 1999-04-20
Institutions: European Parliament, HUDGHTON
Subjects: animal welfare, length of journey, protection of animals, transport of animals

21.12.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 370/153

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 1999)

The Commission is currently funding research on the safety aspects of post-menopausal therapy but not
research into the production of alternative synthetic and plant-derived hormones.

In the fifth framework programme for research and technical development (1998-2002), it is foreseen to
support research on the development of new therapeutic substances,
including recombinant synthetic
therapies and hormones which are specifically mentioned in the working programme under key action
‘Cell factory’, bullet point 3.1: ‘New and innovative health related processes & products’.

(1999/C 370/217)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1006/99

by Ian Hudghton (V) to the Commission

(20 April 1999)

Subject: Animal Welfare

What steps have been taken to monitor and enforce the implementation of Directive 95/29/EC (1) on Live
Transport?

In particular, what steps have been taken to ensure that vehicles transporting animals must meet set
standards regarding provision of adequate food and water on journeys?

(1) OJ L 148, 30.6.1995, p. 52.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 1999)

Member States had to implement Council Directive 95/29/EC of 29 June 1995 amending Directive 90/
628/EEC concerning the protection of animals during transport, before 31 December 1996 and had to
notify their legislation to the Commission. However, Member States had an additional period of transition
until 31 December 1997 for the requirements laid down in Chapter VII(3) for the means of transport
referred to in points (3), (6) and (7) of that Chapter.

Infringement procedures are automatically opened when a directive is not correctly implemented.

The Commission received the requested national legislation on the subject concerned from all Member
States, except for one.

Furthermore the Commission is subsequently visiting the Member States to control the enforcement of the
Community animal welfare legislation. These controls include the enforcement in practice of the provision
of adequate food and water on journeys.

(1999/C 370/218)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1007/99

by Ian Hudghton (V) to the Commission

(20 April 1999)

Subject: Transportation of live animals

What steps has the Commission taken to promote harmonisation of maximum journey times for live
animal transport between Member States?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1000/99 by Ian WHITE Article 9 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 95/93 of 18 January 1993
Date: 1999-04-20
Institutions: European Parliament, WHITE
Subjects: United Kingdom, airline, airport, common transport policy, competence of the Member States, liberalisation of the market, public service, transport regulations

21.12.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 370/151

Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 1999)

The Commission informs the Honourable Member that unit 3 of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant (NPP)
returned to operation on 6 March 1999 following a planned outage of three months for inspection and
maintenance.

In the memorandum of understanding, signed in 1995 between the G7 countries, the Commission and
Ukraine, the latter has taken the commitment to close the Chernobyl plant by the year 2000.

The Commission considers that the implementation of the 1995 memorandum of understanding is
progressing and expects, in particular, that Ukraine will stick to its commitment to close the Chernobyl
plant by 2000.

(1999/C 370/212)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1000/99

by Ian White (PSE) to the Commission

(20 April 1999)

Subject: Article 9 of Council Regulation (EEC) 95/93 of 18 January 1993

Would the Commission advise what public service obligations are permitted under Article 9 of Council
Regulation (EEC) 95/93 (1) of 18 January 1993 and whether the South West Region of the United
Kingdom currently qualifies? If this Region does not, is the Commission able to confirm the reason for
this, since such obligations are vital to obtain the slots needed by such airports for their survival?

(1) OJ L 14, 22.1.1993, p. 1.

(1999/C 370/213)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1001/99

by Ian White (PSE) to the Commission

(20 April 1999)

Subject: Revision of Council’s Regulation (EEC) 95/93 of 18 January 1993

Would the Commission advise how regional airports, currently experiencing difficulties in obtaining viable
slots at major centres/hubs (e.g. Frankfurt), will benefit from the promised revision of Council Regulation
(EEC) 95/93 (1) of 18 January 1993, giving specific details?

(1) OJ L 14, 22.1.1993, p. 1.

(1999/C 370/214)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1002/99

by Ian White (PSE) to the Commission

(20 April 1999)

Subject: Open Commercial Trading of slots at airports

Is the Commission aware that the potential open commercial trading of slots at airports by airlines will
lead to smaller regional services being squeezed out of major hub airports due to pure commercial
pressure? Is this not contrary to the policy of regionalisation and transport access by air on a region-to-
region basis?
WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1053/99 by Graham WATSON Foreign language lectors in Italy
Date: 1999-04-20
Institutions: European Parliament, WATSON
Subjects: Italy, application of EU law, equal treatment, foreign national, free movement of workers, infringement procedure (EU), language teaching, teacher, university

12.11.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 325/133

Does the Commission not consider that such discrimination violates the basic rules and principles of the
European Union?

Would the Commission inform me of its position on this matter? Is it ready to take measures against the Italian
authorities in order quickly to eliminate this discrimination?

(1999/C 325/198)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0978/99

by Paul Rübig (PPE) to the Commission

(15 April 1999)

Subject: Discrimination against foreign-language lecturers at Italian universities

Under Article 48 of the EC Treaty, Union citizens are entitled to work, settle or move freely within the borders
of the European Union without being discriminated against on grounds of nationality.

Contrary to this fundamental right, there have been loud complaints about alleged discrimination against
foreign-language lecturers at Italian universities. Despite a judgment by the European Court of Justice on
2 August 1993, and a resolution adopted by Parliament on 13 July 1995, applicants for such posts are still
being unjustifiably prevented from exercising their right freely to choose their employment.

1.

Is the Commission aware of these incidents?

How does it propose to ensure that EU lecturers in Italy are able to exercise fundamental rights which are

2.
recognised throughout the European Union, and to prevent illegal discrimination?

(1999/C 325/199)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1053/99

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(20 April 1999)

Subject: Foreign language lectors in Italy

What is the Commission’s view of the ongoing claims of discrimination made by foreign language assistants
against the Italian authorities?

Is the Commission satisfied that the judgments handed down by the ECJ are being respected in full by the
Italian authorities?

(1999/C 325/200)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1161/99

by Winifred Ewing (ARE) to the Commission

(27 April 1999)

Subject: Europe that puts citizens first

What action has been taken to guarantee the fundamental Community right of establishment for lecturers
from other Member States who wish to exercise that right in Italian universities?

Can the Commission confirm what action it has taken to ensure, in the exercise of the right of establishment,
that lecturers from other Member States are not discriminated against in relation to employment conditions
relative to lecturers of Italian nationality?

Can the Commission confirm the status of infringement proceedings being brought against Italy concerning
this matter?