WRITTEN QUESTION E-0299/04 by Christopher Heaton-Harris (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Compact disc pricing in the EU.
Date: 2004-02-06
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Ireland, United Kingdom, competition law, industrial manufacturing, price increase, record

3.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 84 E/195

discrimination in employment. However, the Commission has so far not attempted to deal with the issue
of age discrimination beyond the area of employment.

Anecdotal evidence of older citizens being refused car insurance on the basis of their age highlights the
need for anti-discrimination legislation in the field of goods and services provision. Does the Commission
intend to propose age discrimination legislation in areas other than employment? If so, when, and if not,
why not?

(1) OJ L 303, 2.12.2000, p. 16.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(12 March 2004)

The Commission does not intend, for the time being, to propose legislation on particular grounds of
discrimination outside of the employment sphere. The Commission believes that such a proposal would be
premature; given that the date of transposition of Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000
establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation, has so recently
passed (December 2003), the impact of this Directive on the national legal systems will be considerable
and there will be a need to take stock of developments in this regard.

the Commission does believe that

there needs to be a wider reflection on the various
However,
instruments at Community level which aim to achieve equality in practice. In this regard, the Commission
intends to launch a public consultation (Green Paper) in Spring 2004 on the Future Strategy to combat
discrimination. This paper will take stock of progress made in EU anti-discrimination policy and will raise
issues/questions regarding future policy development. It will also address the new challenges posed by the
enlargement of the EU and will help to map out the way ahead for EU action on equality over the next
five years or more.

In addition, in 2006 the Commission will present to the Parliament and the Council a report on the
implementation of the 2000/78/EC Directive.

(2004/C 84 E/0237)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0299/04

by Christopher Heaton-Harris (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(6 February 2004)

Subject: Compact disc pricing in the EU

It has come to my attention that compact discs ordered for delivery in the UK and Ireland will incur a
surcharge as companies will only be able to deliver compact discs manufactured within the EU, thus
increasing the production costs.

Could the Commission confirm that all compact discs sold and delivered in the UK and Ireland will have to
be manufactured in Europe? If so, what are the regulations governing this change in law?

If this is true, does the Commission agree it is against EU competition rules?

C 84 E/196

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

3.4.2004

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(16 March 2004)

The Commission is not aware of any provision that would require that all compact discs sold and delivered
in the United Kingdom and Ireland would have to be manufactured in Europe. More information is needed
to take a position on the applicability of the Community competition rules.

(2004/C 84 E/0238)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0303/04

by Michael Cashman (PSE) to the Commission

(2 February 2004)

Subject: Booking tickets for travel in another country

Is the Commission aware that it is often impossible to book a ticket in one EU Member State for a journey
that originates in a country other than where the tickets are booked? For example, Air France will not
allow a citizen to book a ticket for a journey from Strasbourg to London and for the ticket to be delivered
to the UK. The ticket can only be delivered to an address in France.

It is often difficult to purchase flight tickets in Belgium with a UK credit card. With many online services,
one can not purchase a ticket with a credit card that has not been issued in the country from where the
journey starts.

Is the Commission able to confirm that these difficulties are not in breach of the principles of free
movement that the EU strives for?

If the Commission finds that there is a breach, can it outline what is being done to combat this and to
ensure that such discriminatory practice does not continue?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(27 February 2004)

It has been reported to the Commission that certain distribution channels refuse to sell airline tickets to
people resident in other Member States. In such cases, it is always possible for the resident of the other
Member State to purchase a ticket, but only through a different distribution channel and at a different
price, often higher. This problem is particularly evident when sales are made via the Internet.

As a follow-up to information received, at the end of 2003 the Commission forwarded a series of letters to
18 European airlines asking them for clarification on these practices. Replies are expected in March 2004.
The Commission will then analyse the information received with a view to taking appropriate steps if
need be.

(2004/C 84 E/0239)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0304/04

by Pietro-Paolo Mennea (NI) to the Commission

(2 February 2004)

Subject: Prison guards

Various press reports and reports from the department concerned have highlighted the difficulties
currently facing the Italian prison guards’ service.

In accordance with staffing provisions laid down by former Minister Fassino (Ministerial Decree of
8 February 2001) this service is currently estimated to comprise 45 000 men and women in more than