WRITTEN QUESTION No. 870/98 by Gerhard HAGER to the Commission. Legalization of illegal immigrants
C 323/88 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 10. 98 (98/C 323/122) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0863/98 by Graham Mather (PPE) to the Commission (26 March 1998) Subject: Possible banking mergers in the UK Concerns have been expressed recently in a number of quarters about possible forthcoming banking mergers in the UK. The Banking Insurance and Finance Union (to whom I am an adviser) in particular has expressed concern that such mergers could lead to reductions in competition, employment and coverage of smaller rural communities. While recognising that the Commission must judge all merger cases on their individual merits: 1. Is the Commission aware of the situation regarding possible mergers in this sector in the UK; and 2. does it have any observations to make on this matter? Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission (7 May 1998) The Commission is aware that there has been unconfirmed press speculation about the possibility of future banking mergers in the United Kingdom. Were there to be any such merger situation giving rise to a concentration with a Community dimension to which the so-called Merger Regulation, Council Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89 of 21 December 1989 on the control of concentrations between undertakings (1) would apply, then it would be assessed by the Commission in accordance with the provisions of the Regulation. Notifications of concentrations received by the Commission are made public by means of a notice in the Official journal and interested parties are invited to comment. (1) OJ L 257, 21. 9. 1990. (98/C 323/123) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0870/98 by Gerhard Hager (NI) to the Commission (26 March 1998) Subject: Legalisation of illegal immigrants The report on the human rights situation in the European Union in 1996 that was adopted during the February part-session singled out a number of Member States in which the residential status of persons living illegally in their territory is legalised after a given period. Does the Commission consider the approach adopted by these Member States to be inconsistent with the 1. Unionís current legislation? Does the Commission consider the approach adopted by these Member States to be inconsistent with the 2. Schengen acquis? 3. What does the Commission intend to do as regards integrating the Schengen acquis into the Community and such differences? Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (5 June 1998) The Commission is conducting a detailed investigation of the problem raised by the Honourable Member and will inform him of the outcome as soon as possible