Jobless Germans face giving up their cars-report

BERLIN, Oct 5 (Reuters) Germans on the dole might be forced to give up anything more than the most modest of cars to help support themselves if a plan by conservative political leaders is approved, German media has reported.

A group of Christian Democrats in parliament wants to introduce legislation that would put a formal limit of 10,000 euros on one car for each family receiving welfare, Focus magazine online reported yesterday.

Until now, Germans on the dole have usually been allowed to keep cars worth up to 14,500 euros.

Stories about welfare recipients driving expensive cars have enraged taxpayers in the past but previous attempts to force the sale of cars before the grant of financial support have been rejected by courts, prompting the parliamentary initiative.

A Christian Democrat spokesman said the party was still working on the proposal and hoped to have a detailed plan ready this week.

REUTERS BDP HS1207