WRITTEN QUESTION P-3308/00 by Carlos Bautista Ojeda (Verts/ALE) to the Council. Illegal immigration and the Andalusian coast.
Date: 2000-10-20
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Andalusia, EU migration policy, illegal migration, social impact

C 136 E/222

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

8.5.2001

Given that more and more families are seeking affordable childcare and that young au pairs are being
more and more frequently used to fill the gap in childcare facilities, is the Commission prepared to look
again at the situation of au pairs and prepare a regulatory framework or even a directive to protect young
people from the worst excesses and abuses which take place at present so that there is a return to the
original concept of the au pair which was one of helping with children while learning the language and
culture of the country of placement?

(1) OJ C 342, 19.12.1983, p. 64.

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(15 November 2000)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the Commission Recommendation (85/64/EEC)
of 20 December 1984 concerning a European Agreement on au pair placement sponsored by the Council
of Europe (1).

Through this act, the Commission recommended that the Member States sign and ratify, as soon as
possible, the European agreement of the Council of Europe of 24 November 1969 on au pair placement.
This agreement lays down rules governing living and working conditions, education, social security and
the rights and duties of the host family, in addition to setting up national consultation and information
facilities.

The Commission has, at present, no plans to make legislative proposals in this area.

(1) OJ L 24, 29.1.1985.

(2001/C 136 E/260)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3301/00

by Eryl McNally (PSE) to the Commission

(25 October 2000)

Subject: Light pollution

(cid:145)Light pollution(cid:146) is caused by stray light that escapes from residential and industrial developments, prevents
city dwellers from seeing the night sky and increases global warming. The use of lower powered bulbs and
shields to prevent this light from escaping would reduce CO2 emissions and give a better view of the stars.
Is the Commission planning to take any legislative measures to prevent light pollution?

Answer given by Mrs Wallstr(cid:246)m on behalf of the Commission

(8 December 2000)

The Commission is conducting a detailed investigation of the problem raised by the Honourable Member
and will inform her of the outcome as soon as possible.

(2001/C 136 E/261)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3308/00

by Carlos Bautista Ojeda (Verts/ALE) to the Council

Subject: Illegal immigration and the Andalusian coast

(20 October 2000)

Is the Council aware of the full reverberations of the severe social problem of illegal immigration as it
affects the coast of Andalusia?

Is it aware of the large numbers of deaths and disappearances among those trying to cross the Straits of
Gibraltar illegally?

8.5.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 136 E/223

Is it aware that the burden of national aid to such persons is falling on NGOs and the solidarity of the
people of Andalusia, while the Spanish government stands by?

Does the Council intend to take any kind of measures on this problem and, in particular, on the inhuman
conditions of overcrowding suffered by these people in the process of repatriation by the authorities, who
are locking them up in the holds of vessels?

Will Andalusia have to continue acting as the Union(cid:146)s policeman in these circumstances, despite lacking
suitable means and although the matter does not fall exclusively within its competence?

Reply

(20/21 December 2000)

1.
The Council would refer the Honourable Member to its replies to Written Questions P-1391/00, by
Mr Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou, E-2878/00, by Mr Camilo Nogueira RomÆn and E-1013/00, by Mr AndrØ
Brie.

2.

It is not for the Council to comment on the division of powers within one of the Member States.

(2001/C 136 E/262)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3321/00

by Ant(cid:243)nio Campos (PSE) to the Commission

(25 October 2000)

Subject: Common agricultural policy

Will the Commission please tell me:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

the annual variation,
sector between 1992 and 1999;

in euros and percentage points, in EAGGF-Guarantee spending in the cereal

the total growth in euros and percentage points, in EAGGF-Guarantee spending on cereals between
1992 and 1999;

the annual financial growth, in euros and percentage points, of the EAGGF-Guarantee between 1992
and 1999;

for the total growth of the EAGGF-Guarantee in euros and percentage points, between 1992 and
1999;

the annual variation in market prices for cereals between 1992 and 1999, and the percentage by
which they have fallen or risen against 1992;

6.

the average difference, in euros and percentage points, of cereal prices between 1992 and 1999?

Supplementary answer
given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(21 December 2000)

In view of the length of its answer, the Commission is sending it direct to the Honourable Member and to
Parliament(cid:146)s Secretariat.