WRITTEN QUESTION E-2423/03 by Kathleen Van Brempt (PSE) to the Commission. Maximum permitted level of alcohol in the bloodstream of a driver.
Date: 2003-07-21
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: alcoholism, approximation of laws, road safety, transport policy

26.2.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 51 E/245

Objective 1 transitional programme in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland could be used for a similar
purpose? Could the Commission also confirm whether there are any other sources of EU funding that
could contribute to projects that aim to connect either homes, businesses or both to the national electricity
supply?

Could the Commission also answer the above questions but in relation to water supplies?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(22 August 2003)

The Single Programming Document of 2000-2006 Highlands & Islands Special Transitional Programme
stipulates that assistance from Guidance Section of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee
Fund can be available for the provision or upgrading of electricity and water supplies.

Concerning water supplies, a measure in the Programme is dedicated to waste management, water
provision and sewage treatment and pollution control. The aim of this measure is to improve water
provision and sewage treatment which benefits economic activity and better protects the environment.

The responsibility for deciding on the selection of projects co-financed by European Structural Funds lies
with the Regional Partnership in the Highlands & Islands (HIPP).

(2004/C 51 E/267)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2423/03

by Kathleen Van Brempt (PSE) to the Commission

(21 July 2003)

Subject: Maximum permitted level of alcohol in the bloodstream of a driver

The European Commission has launched a project with a view to bringing the Belgian BOB campaign to
the attention of the public in other EU Member States. This is a welcome move, but the problem here is
that there are sharp disparities in Member States’ legislation governing the maximum permitted level of
alcohol in the bloodstream of a driver.

Does the Commission take the view that there is a need for European legislation on this issue? Is it
planning to take any appropriate measures?

Can the Commission introduce Europe-wide harmonisation of the maximum permitted levels of alcohol in
the bloodstream of a driver? If so, what is the maximum level that the Commission is considering?

Answer given by Ms de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(9 September 2003)

In 1988 the Commission proposed a directive harmonising legal blood alcohol content (BAC) levels for
drivers. The proposal was never adopted by the Council or Parliament. On 17 January 2001 the
Commission adopted a recommendation on the maximum permitted blood alcohol content for drivers of
motorised vehicles (1), in order to establish guidelines at Community level.

At this stage, the Commission no longer plans to harmonise the maximum BAC levels permitted by the
Member States.

Efforts to curb drunken driving require action on several fronts (cid:1) the maximum permitted BAC is only
one aspect of this.

C 51 E/246

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

26.2.2004

The United Kingdom, for example, has the highest permitted blood alcohol content level in the EU, but
relatively low accident figures compared to the other Member States.

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its recommendation of 17 January 2001 setting
out the Commission’s approach to tackling the serious problem of drunken driving.

(1) Commission Recommendation of 17 January 2001 on the maximum permitted blood alcohol content for drivers of

motorised vehicles, OJ C 48, 14.2.2001.

(2004/C 51 E/268)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2424/03

by Kathleen Van Brempt (PSE) to the Commission

(21 July 2003)

Subject: Salt content in children’s food

Nutritionists are urging a reduction in the salt content in the food that we eat. They emphasise that this is
particularly important with regard to babies’ and children’s food. Apart from the fact that it leads to an
unhealthy diet, they claim that an excessive intake of salt is the cause of obesity and high blood pressure in
later life. Scientific standards have been laid down which prescribe the maximum daily salt intake
commensurate with good health. The same scientific studies show, however, that babies and children are
exceeding that maximum intake because of the food that they eat. Nutritionists are therefore calling on the
food industry to reduce the salt content in its products.

Is the Commission aware of the findings of the said nutritionists? Does it have any further information?

Does the Commission share this concern about the excessive salt content in the food that we eat?

Does the Commission intend to take any measures to require the food industry to reduce the high salt
content? Can it provide more information about this?

Does the Commission have any information available which shows that the food industry is making an
effort to reduce the salt content in its products?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(12 September 2003)

The Commission is aware of the findings and recommendations of national and international World Health
Organisation (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) authorities and of
the medical
profession as to the high salt consumption of the European population. High levels of salt intake have
been associated with increased blood pressure, or hypertension. High blood pressure is a cause, or
contributory factor, in a very high number of deaths throughout Europe; over 170 000 deaths each year in
England alone.

Reduction of salt intake by the population is one aspect of the actions to take in order to achieve long
term improvements in the diet and nutrition of the population throughout Europe. A healthy balanced diet
will improve people’s health and reduce the incidence of the major causes of premature death and chronic
illness. Reducing the average population salt intake would proportionally lower population average blood
pressure levels and confer significant public health benefits. Since approximately 75 % of the dietary salt
intake come from processed foods or foods eaten outside the home (the remaining being added during
cooking or at the table), reductions in the salt content of processed food and drinks would be necessary
and requires the co-operation of the food industry.