WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3723/97 by Gianni TAMINO to the Council. Representatives of European governments at Council meetings dealing with consumer affairs
25. 5. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 158/183 (98/C 158/245) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3723/97 by Gianni Tamino (V) to the Council (24 November 1997) Subject: Representatives of European governments at Council meetings dealing with consumer affairs Whilst respecting the fact that every Member State autonomously decides which minister or under-secretary to send to European Council of Ministersí meetings, does the Council consider that European consumers and their interests are better represented by the industry or agriculture minister, as is sometimes the case, or by the health or environment minister? Answer (16 February 1998) Designation of the most appropriate representatives at Council meetings dealing with consumer affairs is a matter solely for the governments of the Member States. (98/C 158/246) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3724/97 by Luis Marinho (PSE) to the Commission (12 November 1997) Subject: Safety of school transport vehicles More and more accidents are occurring with school transport vehicles, with each yearís figures being more disturbing. It is estimated that in 80% of cases the causes are material in nature (mechanical breakdown, material fatigue or inadequate safety precautions); only 20% of accidents are due to human error. The wellbeing and safety of children is one of the objectives of family policy, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child lays down the obligation to legislate on the basis of this principle. Can the Commission state: what direct or indirect measures the EU can take to enhance the safety of school transport and contribute to 1. reducing the problem of the existing out-of-date vehicles, which are overcrowded thanks to the rise in the school population; 2. whether it is considering a directive on the safety of school transport vehicles? Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (11 December 1997) The Commission has not previously received information that as many as 80% of school bus accidents in Portugal are due to technical failures and would, therefore, welcome further technical information from the Honourable Member on this matter. Council Directive 96/96/EC of 20 December 1996 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers (1) lays down minimum requirements for roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles (including school buses). Such roadworthiness tests will both ensure that minimum safety standards are met and that vehicles are checked on a regular basis. Furthermore, the Commission is considering presenting a proposal for European legislation permitting authorities to make random roadside checks to ensure that vehicles are being maintained to a standard consistent with that laid down in Directive 96/96/EC