91999E0290

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0290/99

by Paul Rübig (PPE) to the Council

(17 February 1999)

Subject: Protection for the European granite industry

In recent years, firms quarrying granite in Europe, most of which are constituted as small or medium-sized undertakings, have had to cope with substantial changes. Competition both on the internal market and from third countries has resulted in average price falls of between 30 % and 40 % and has left a permanent mark on this sector.

The most recent developments have resulted in this sector being faced by new challenges; resolute action is required from the Commission and the Member States. China supplies large amounts of granite for road and bridge construction, as well as for buildings, and India does the same for tombstones. Because of the different level of wage costs, these imports are much cheaper than European products. What is more, these third countries protect themselves in part by means of export duties against the export of raw materials for processing.

What options are available to the Council in relation to anti-dumping and protective tariffs, to react vigorously to this concrete situation, and how quickly, in concert with the Commission, can targeted measures subsequently be put in place?

Reply

(26 April 1999)

1. It is recalled that, in accordance with the distribution of institutional responsibilities laid down by Council Regulation (EC) 384/96 in anti-dumping matters(1), the European Commission has the sole power to make provisional findings and to adopt provisional measures after consulting the Anti-dumping Committee. The adoption of definitive measures is a matter for the Council, on the basis of a proposal from the Commission.

2. As to the possibility of raising existing duties, such possibility exists through Regulation 3286/94 (Trade Barrier Regulation(2)), whereby the Commission can make proposals subject to all conditions and procedures provided for by this regulation.

3. At this moment the Commission has not yet submitted proposals to the Council, either in relation to anti-dumping measures, nor in the framework of the trade barrier regulation.

(1) OJ L 56, 6.3.1996, p. 1.

(2) OJ L 349, 31.12.1994, p. 71.