92002E2287

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2287/02

by Imelda Read (PSE) to the Commission

(25 July 2002)

Subject: Tobacco advertising

On 28 March 2002, the British Government forwarded to the Commission a notification under Directive 98/34/EC(1) concerning the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Bill. The standstill period on this draft law was due to expire on 1 July 2002. Can the Commission confirm that the reason for this extension is that the German Government has lodged objections to this draft British law banning tobacco advertising?

(1) OJ L 204, 21.7.1998, p. 37.

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(22 August 2002)

The Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that the draft Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Bill has indeed been notified on 28 March 2002 under Directive 98/34/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 22 June 1998 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations. Subsequently, on 28 June 2002, the German authorities issued, in accordance with Article 9(2) of that Directive, a so-called detailed opinion. This detailed opinion has extended the status quo period until 30 September 2002.