WRITTEN QUESTION No. 601/98 by David BOWE to the Commission. Implementation by Member States of Directive 91/156/EEC
C 323/52 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 10. 98 Regarding fuel quality, Council Directive 85/210/EEC of 20 March 1985 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning the lead content of petrol (1) has thus far allowed a maximum rate of 5% benzene by volume for both leaded and unleaded petrol. Changes affecting both benzene and aromatics in general are planned in the short term, once Parliament and the Council have adopted the legislation proposed by the Commission under the Auto Oil programme (2). On 1 January 2000 a maximum rate of 1% of benzene for leaded and unleaded petrol will become the rule. The maximum rate for aromatics (benzene, but also toluene and xylene) in unleaded petrol will be regulated on the same date and, pending a final decision from the Council and Parliament, should be between 42% and 35% in Europe, compared with levels exceeding 50% in some Member States. The Auto Oil I programme will also require European manufacturers of petrol-engine vehicles to alter their practice by fitting on-board diagnostic equipment to inform drivers of any faults in their anti-pollution equipment and point them towards the necessary repairs. Lastly, and still under the Auto Oil programme, a directive is being proposed (3) which will simultaneously toughen up inspections and maintenance. All these measures will clearly help improve air quality throughout Europe as from 2000. As for the period beyond 2000, the Auto Oil II programme, currently being drawn up, is due to present its conclusions in mid-1999 regarding the fuel quality and vehicle technology we will need by the year 2005. In a broader context, Directive 96/62/EC (4) establishing a framework for the future policy on air quality in Europe is designed to prevent, anticipate and reduce the impact of pollution on human health and the environment. This framework Directive requires the Commission to propose ádaughterí directives establishing air quality standards for 12 individual pollutants. The Commission is currently formulating proposals with a view to setting limit values for benzene. (1) OJ L 96, 3. 4. 1985. (2) COM(96) 248 final. (3) COM(98) 117. (4) OJ L 296, 21. 11. 1996. (98/C 323/70) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0601/98 by David Bowe (PSE) to the Commission (4 March 1998) Subject: Implementation by Member States of Directive 91/156/EEC Can the Commission provide a list of which Member States have implemented the provisions of Directive 91/156/EEC (1), pursuant to Article 2. (1) OJ L 78, 26. 3. 1991, p. 32. Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (22 April 1998) The Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that all Member States have implemented the provisions of Council Directive 91/156/EEC of 18 March 1991 amending Directive 75/442/EEC on waste (1), except Spain. The list of national provisions communicated by the Member States concerning Directive 91/156/EEC amending Directive 75/442/EEC on waste (2) is sent directly to the Honourable Member and to Parliamentís Secretariat. (1) OJ L 78, 26. 3. 1991. (2) OJ L 194, 25. 7. 1975