91998E3005

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3005/98

by Elmar Brok (PPE) to the Commission

(8 October 1998)

Subject: Dishonest sales practices involving names of German firms in the CITA shopping centre in Playa del Ingles, Grand Canaria (Spain)

1. Is the Commission aware of the fact, reported by German television, that some purveyors of electronic leisure goods in the CITA shopping centre on Grand Canaria are deliberately deceiving their customers by displaying the names of well-known German firms - although the shops in question are not branches/outlets - and that they are also using these names for unauthorised guarantees

2. Is the Commission aware that very large numbers of holiday makers have been taken in by this sales ploy and that the Spanish authorities, despite many complaints, will hardly lift a finger to help?

3. Is there any way in which the Commission can bring pressure to bear on the Spanish authorities to put an end to such illegal practices forthwith?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 1998)

The Commission has no jurisdiction to deal with the question asked, which is a matter solely for the national authorities concerned.