Morning newspapers – 1 June 2007 01/06/2007 00:00

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Plans for "business buses" find support

The Randstad conurbation should introduce "business buses" on the motorways as soon as possible. These buses should come by every three minutes and make stops at business parks. No new lanes will be needed, but new bus stops along the motorway will need to be built.

Klink wants full smoking ban next year

The catering industry may be faced with a complete ban on smoking from May 2008. Public Health Minister Ab Klink will take a decision on the plan soon. The minister is deciding between two variants: a complete ban from mid 2008 or the introduction of a ban in two steps.

Het Financieele Dagblad

Cabinet to give entrepreneurs a boost

Employees who start their own business should be able to put their life-course savings into their business tax free. The cabinet also wants to relax the eligibility requirements for tax breaks for small business owners.

Docters promotes financial centre

Financial Markets Authority (AFM) chairman Arthur Docters van Leeuwen will head a foundation to permanently promote the Netherlands as a financial centre. Leading figures from the Dutch financial world will participate in the foundation.

Nederlands Dagblad

Minister wants to limit missions abroad

The Netherlands should adjust its expectations for serving in reconstruction mission abroad, like the one in the Afghan province of Uruzgan. Defence Minister Eimert van Middelkoop said this in an interview with the Nederlands Dagblad.

Parliament pleased with coffeeshop closings

Parliament supports Rotterdam's decision to close down all coffeeshops in close proximity to secondary schools. Coalition party Labour PvdA says municipalities are free to determine their own policies regarding coffeeshops. The Christian democrat CDA and the ChristenUnie have been urging stricter policies for years.

De Telegraaf

Tax on "gas guzzlers"

"Gas guzzling" cars will be significantly more expensive starting next year. A new tax will drive the price of SUVs like the BMW X5, Citroën C6, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Mitsubishi Pajero, Porsche Cayenne and others up by thousands of euros in an attempt to discourage consumers from buying cars that pollute the environment more than others.

Trouw

Certain fish and trees added to list of endangered species

Tigers and elephants will be discussed at the international Cites conference which starts in The Hague on Sunday, but so will eels and certain species of tree. Countries have been making agreements for more than 30 years on the trade in wild animals in plants so as to prevent species from becoming extinct.

de Volkskrant

"Municipality can determine drinking age"

Municipalities should be able to decide whether to increase the drinking age for weak alcoholic drinks from 16 to 18. Minister Guusje ter Horst made this proposal at the cabinet meeting today.

[Copyright Expatica News + ANP 2007]

Subject: Dutch news