WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2605/98 by Glyn FORD to the Commission. Airline timetables and S.A. Benz
21. 7. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 207/11 (1999/C 207/013) WRITTEN QUESTION P-2584/98 by Karin Riis-Jørgensen (ELDR) to the Commission (29 July 1998) Subject: EU banana arrangements Has the USA indicated whether in its view the measures adopted by the Agriculture Ministers to counter the WTO decision meet the requirements of the WTO decision? How can the EU banana arrangements be reconciled with the Commission’s desire for free and liberal world trade without trade restrictions, and is there not a danger that third countries can use the EU banana arrangements as an object lesson/excuse for maintaining protectionist measures on their domestic markets? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (16 September 1998) The United States have given some indication that it has some doubts about whether the revision of the common organisation of the market in bananas will necessarily meet World trade organisation (WTO) requirements. The Commission believes that the revised banana regime is fully compatible with the legal requirements of the WTO and the provisions of the IVth Lomé Convention. (1999/C 207/014) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2605/98 by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission (1 September 1998) Subject: Airline timetables and S. A. Benz Is the Commission aware of the latest piece of imaginative fiction published by the Belgian author S. A. Benz? This novel, in a highly original style, purports to be an airline timetable. However, it is leading to some confusion as passengers are mistaking it for the real timetable and in consequence arriving hours late at their destinations. Will the Commission ask the publishers either to cease and desist from distributing this publication or at least to accompany it with the necessary disclaimer. Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (2 October 1998) The Commission is not aware of the book to which the Honourable Member refers but is grateful to him for drawing attention to such an original work. Since the fictional nature of the book is apparent, the Commission does not share the concerns expressed by the Honourable Member, nor is it considering any action