WRITTEN QUESTION E-2149/99 by Glenys Kinnock (PSE) to the Commission. Dietary Foods Directive.
1. 8. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 219 E/101 (2000/C 219 E/129) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2147/99 by Patrick Cox (ELDR) and Brian Crowley (UEN) to the Commission Subject: Wine and beer taxation (24 November 1999) With regard to taxation per unit of alcohol, Irelandís taxation regime is arguably one of the most neutral, in fiscal terms, in the EU, with the rates for beer, wine and spirits corresponding most closely to their respective alcohol strength by volume. The wine to beer relationship is 1 to 3. 3, and this corresponds to the prevailing alcoholic strength by volume of 4o for beer to 12o for wine. The wine to beer excise relationship operating in the UK is 1 to 3. 4. Seven countries in the EU have no excise tax on wine. Can the Commission explain its case against Ireland and justify its arguments which are based on theoretical wines of 5o and 6o, wines which are simply not available in Ireland, or, indeed, even in very small quantities in other Member States of the Union? Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission (17 January 2000) In follow-up to Petition No 1229/97, forwarded to it by the Committee on Petitions, suggesting that wine was being taxed less favourably than beer, the Commission contacted the Irish authorities for further explanations. After almost five months without any substantial reply from the Irish authorities the Commission decided on 1 July 1999 to deliver a reasoned opinion under Article 226 (formerly Article 169) of the EC Treaty. On 22 October 1999 the Irish government replied to the Commissionís reasoned opinion. The Com- mission is now considering this reply, which is subject to the confidentiality imposed by infringement proceedings with regard to the Member State concerned. (2000/C 219 E/130) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2149/99 by Glenys Kinnock (PSE) to the Commission (24 November 1999) Subject: Dietary Foods Directive What measures will the Commission take to ensure that the Dietary Food Directive meets the requirements of the international code for the marketing of breast milk and subsequent WHA resolutions? (2000/C 219 E/131) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2150/99 by Glenys Kinnock (PSE) to the Commission (24 November 1999) Subject: Dietary Foods Directive What consultation took place with experts on infant foods and their marketing when the Dietary Foods Directive was being drawn up?