WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1898/98 by Bill MILLER to the Commission. Indirect tax harmonization
22. 2. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 50/111 (1999/C 50/159) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1898/98 by Bill Miller (PSE) to the Commission (16 June 1998) Subject: Indirect tax harmonization Does the Commission consider that it is desirable to continue with the further harmonization of indirect taxation and, in particular, excise duties in the EU? In light of the answer to my Written Question E-0037/98 (1), and Commissioner Montiís recent comments before the European Parliamentís Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, when can we expect a separate report on the alcoholic beverages sector, given that March 1998 was the most recent deadline set! If this is not possible, can the Commission confirm that it is desirable to coordinate Member Statesí policies in respect of excise duty in order to stabilize differentials in duty and so minimize trade distortions between neighbouring Member States. (1) OJ C 196, 22. 6. 1998, p. 110. Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (28 July 1998) Article 99 of the EC Treaty requires a system of indirect taxation that allows the establishment and proper functioning of an internal market. Results of the present lack of harmonization in the excise field include distortion of competition and diversion of trade and revenue beyond frontiers where taxes are lower. In such circumstances tax erosion is inevitable, and there is evidence that it has commenced, even though the highest taxing Member States have obtained derogations permitting them to maintain tight restrictions on the rights of European travellers. It follows that further harmonization is necessary, in particular in the excise field. The reply to the Honourable Memberís Written Question E-37/98 stated that the report for tobacco products would come out in March 1998. It was in fact published on 15 May 1998 (1). As regards the report on alcoholic drinks, the reply explained that it would be produced as soon as possible. The reasons for the delay were given in the answer to that question and updated in the answer to Oral Question H-557/98 by Mrs McIntosh during question time at Parliamentís June 1998 part-session (2), to which the Honourable Member is referred. The Commission would agree that the reduction of duty differences between neighbouring Member States is a desirable objective. It attempts to achieve this through its harmonization proposals. (1) COM(98) 320 final. (2) Debates of the Parliament (June 1998). (1999/C 50/160) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1900/98 by Glenys Kinnock (PSE) to the Commission (16 June 1998) Subject: Disability unemployment statistics in the EU Would the Commission outline the sources of statistical information available on the levels of unemployment among people with disabilities in the EU? Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission (30 July 1998) Statistical information on the levels of unemployment among people with disabilities in the Community comes mainly from the registration of disability at the national authorities on employment, and, for some Member States, from national surveys on disability. A summary of these data (up to 1993) was compiled in a Eurostat/DG V document Disabled persons: statistical dataí published in 1995 of which copy is sent direct to the Honourable