WRITTEN QUESTION No. 258/98 by Hiltrud BREYER to the Commission. Occupational and general disability
2. 10. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 304/63 According to article 15 of the draft Council regulation, banknotes and coins denominated in national currency units retain their legal tender status for up to six months after the end of the transitional period, i. e. until 30 June 2002 at the latest. This period may be shortened by national law. In fact Member States are free to reduce the period of dual legal tender to nil. Moreover, a Member State may between 1 January and 1 July 2002, lay down rules for the use of the banknotes and coins denominated in its national currency unit and take any measures necessary to facilitate their withdrawal. During this six month period, it will therefore in the first instance depend on national provisions which notes and coins retailers will be obliged to accept for payments. Since December 1995, when the European Council decided on the reference scenario for the introduction of the euro, most Member States have indeed indicated that they will have a period of dual circulation substantially shorter than six months, helping to reduce the burden on retailers, and avoiding confusion for consumers. First rounds of discussions on the optimal length and general organisation of phase C, with the aim of minimising cost and inconvenience, have taken place in all Member States except Denmark. The Commission has not changed its view that the dual circulation period should be as short as technically possible. It does not at this stage intend to issue a formal recommendation, but will invite Member States to speed up their decision process, in order to give currency users sufficient time to prepare the transition. (1) OJ C 369, 7. 12. 1996. (98/C 304/88) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0258/98 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission (13 February 1998) Subject: Occupational and general disability All the EU Member States are naturally interested in maintaining their gross national product. This can only be achieved if adequate precautions are taken in the field of health, consumer and labour protection. Will the Commission say: 1. 2. Are occupational and general disability increasing in the individual Member States? If so, what steps does it intend to take to check this trend? Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (17 April 1998) The Commission is conducting a detailed investigation of the problem raised by the Honourable Member and will inform her of the outcome as soon as possible. (98/C 304/89) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0259/98 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission (13 February 1998) Subject: Cot death EPA-USA claims that cot death is linked to contaminated dust particles in the domestic environment. Does 1. the Commission have any information about this or does it plan to support research projects in this area? 2. 3. Has there been an increase in the incidence of cot death in the EU Member States? If so, in which states and regions? Are these primarily industrial sites or rural areas?