WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3463/97 by Rijk van DAM to the Commission. Access to French inland waterways
C 174/62 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 8. 6. 98 (98/C 174/103) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3462/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (31 October 1997) Subject: JRC in Ispra There have been reports that a firm has been set up in England, with a branch office in the small town of Ranco, not far from the JRC in Ispra. The alleged purpose of this firm is to recruit staff who are then employed in various capacities at the JRC. Are these worrying reports true? Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (20 January 1998) In the Lombardy region, and in particular the province of Varese, there has always been a close network of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). If they meet the requirements, these companies may respond to invitations to tender launched by the Commission. Should these SMEs win the contract, they must carry out the work under their own responsibility and with their own staff. It is true that a company having the geographical characteristics mentioned (set up in the United Kingdom with a branch in Ranco) exists. It must be noted that companies set up in other Member States and operating in the North of Italy are on the increase. However, Contractual agreement exists with this or any other company for recruiting staff to take up posts with the JRC. (98/C 174/104) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3463/97 by Rijk van Dam (I-EDN) to the Commission (31 October 1997) Subject: Access to French inland waterways 1. According to a report in the Scheepvaartkrant of 30 September 1997, foreign skippers in France are being excluded on journeys within France. In the South of France in particular cabotage itself is almost impossible. In addition on the freight markets in France there is apparently a categoric refusal to ship goods in France on non-French vessels. Can the Commission confirm these reports? If so, what measures does the Commission intend to take against this violation of the free market principle 2. and in particular against the cabotage directive? Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (8 December 1997) The Commission is aware of an alleged discrimination against non-French barge-owners in the operation of the French átour de roêleí in inland waterway transport. It is clear that this alleged discrimination would be contrary to Community law and, in particular, to the provisions of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3921/91 of 16 December 1991 laying down the conditions under which non-resident carriers may transport goods or passengers by inland waterway within a Member State (1). The Commission has contacted the French authorities with a view to verifying the existence or otherwise of the alleged discrimination. (1) OJ L 373, 31. 12. 1991