91999E0060

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0060/99

by Paul Rübig (PPE) to the Commission

(27 January 1999)

Subject: Traditional units of measurement for beverages

The SLIM initiative is now entering its fourth phase, when the areas of company law, dangerous substances and legislation on prepackaging are to be assessed. The prepackaging category also includes units of measurement for food and drink. In Austria and in other Member States, 0,3 and 0,5 l units are customarily used for beverages. This is part of a long-standing tradition which has become part of the culture and identity of the population. In the light of subsidiarity, it must remain possible for such units of measurement to be established in the Member States.

In what way will the Commission take adequate account of these elements of traditional values in the current assessment process?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(25 February 1999)

The Commission will take care to inform the SLIM team of the points raised by the Honourable Member's question.

The conclusions of the work of the team should be made available, together with the Commission comments, to the Parliament and the Council, on the occasion of the Internal Market Council meeting of 21 June 1999.