Summer-time arrangements: 8th Directive

The rapporteur said that he agreed with the Commission’s aim of harmonising the dates for the beginning and end of summer-time. He also stressed the importance of ensuring the proper operation of transport and telecommunications services. Mr Belleré considered that the decision whether or not to apply this time system should be the exclusive responsibility of each Member State. He then regretted that the Commission and Council had not taken over, in the common position, Parliament’s three amendments which took into account the principle of subsidiarity. Finally, the rapporteur said that he supported the harmonisation of summer-time and asked for a detailed report on its consequences, following consultation of representatives of interested sectors and national experts. Commissioner Kinnock welcomed the rapporteur’s opinion which was favourable to parliamentary approval of the common position on this subject. He was also prepared to respond positively to those who wanted an in-depth examination of all the consequences of summer-time and announced that a report would be submitted on this issue during 1999.