WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3680/97 by Anita POLLACK to the Commission. Business Tourism
C 158/176 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 25. 5. 98 Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (18 December 1997) The Commission recognises the adverse effect of the blockades during the French lorry driversí strike on the free movement of goods and people within the Community. The Commission intervened at an early stage on each occasion when there was a blockade during the past year, urging the French authorities to take all necessary measures to secure the free movement of road hauliers and road passenger traffic as required under the EC Treaty. In addition, whilst there is no obligation under Community law for Member States to provide compensation for losses incurred by transport operators as a result of an industrial dispute, in written and personal contacts the Commission repeatedly emphasised the need for the undertakings given by the French government to provide compensation to be promptly and adequately fulfilled by the French authorities. Unless and until Community law is changed, obligations to provide compensation continue to be matter of national law. The Commission takes all elements of information and circumstances into account when assessing whether a Member State is fulfilling its Community obligations. The strength and consistency of the efforts undertaken by the Member State concerned to resolve the problems are significant in such assessments. No quantitative threshold has ever been specified under the law of the Community. The Commission is currently reflecting on whether additional Community measures relating to the conduct and consequences of the disruption of the freedom of movement are possible and desirable and will report in the normal fashion in due course. (98/C 158/236) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3680/97 by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission (19 November 1997) Subject: Business Tourism In 1996 the Commission had a report on business tourism prepared by Horwath & Axe; what, in detail, have been done to implement its recommendations? Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (5 December 1997) The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to her Written Question E-3391/97 (1). (1) See page 96. (98/C 158/237) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3681/97 by Thomas Megahy (PSE) to the Commission (19 November 1997) Subject: Enforcement of EU health and safety legislation in Member States Can the Commission indicate: 1. How many Member States have not transposed health and safety directives which should now apply? 2. How many actions have been taken against Member States for not acceding to legislation already in force? 3. Is the Commission satisfied that in respect of health and safety there is a level playing field across the whole of the European Union?