91997E4007

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4007/97 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE) to the Commission (14 January 1998)

Subject: Promotion campaign for EU slate production

The production of slate in the EU is, in general, far from adequately promoted. The reputation of the product, as sanctified by tradition, derives from its excellent qualities as a roofing material. However, it is scarcely recognized as a building material in those countries where it has not traditionally been used. As a result, many architects and builders are unaware of the technical characteristics of slate and do not know how to put it in place, how long it will last or what purposes it serves; it thus has the general image of an expensive product suitable only for historic buildings or luxury constructions. The slate produced in the EU lacks a profile to differentiate it from the products of third countries, and there is insufficient awareness in society at large of the importance of the industry.

In view of the above, does the Commission not consider that the EU must establish guidelines for the promotion of slate production in the EU?

Has the Commission adopted, or does it intend to adopt, any measures to promote and publicize the EU's slate production?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-4006/97, E-4007/97 and E-4010/97 given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (6 February 1998)

In its report to the Council on the implementation of the Council conclusions of 18 November 1993 on the non-energy extractive industry ((SEC(96) 852. )) the Commission established that, as such, Community law only occupies a subsidiary position in the set of problems concerning environmental costs as compared with national or sub-national regulations. Although it does not rule out any regional appeal of that sector and the availability to it of structural funds, the Commission does not have any financial instruments to hand in order to compensate for those costs.

The Commission does not have any means available for directly promoting slate products and feels that this is primarily a job for the trade associations. It would, however, point out that vocational training activities shared with other parts of the building trade, or indeed research, could help to achieve that aim.

The implementation of Council Directive 89/106/EEC of 21 December 1988 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to construction products ((OJ L 40, 11.2.1089. )) in which this area is involved via standardisation activities, is likely to have a favourable effect on the products' image and on the international competitiveness of Community producers. Indeed, after the Standing Committee on Construction had delivered a positive opinion the Commission, on 20 November 1997, adopted a decision (97/808/EEC) on the conformity certification of such products where these were members of the 'flooring' product family ((OJ L 331, 3.12.1997. )).