Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

# Official Journal

## of the European Communities

### English edition Information and Notices

ISSN 0378-6986

## C136

Volume 34

27 May 1991

Contents Page

I _Information_

European Parliament

_Written Questions with answer_

No 87/90 by Mr Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission
Subject: Aquaculture and its effects 1

No 824/90 by Mr Reinhold Bocklet to the Commission

Subject: Application of the Third Finanical Protocol to the population of Cyprus as a whole ... 1

No 994/90 by Mr Jesus Cabezon Alonso to the Commission
Subject: Unused appropriations (1988 financial year) and development cooperation 2

No 1006/90 by Mrs Guadalupe Ruiz-Gimenez Aguilar to the Commission
Subject: Carajas Project in Brazil 2

No 1297/90 by Mr Karel Dillen to the Commission

Subject: Cost and value of the Erasmus programme 3

No 1541/90 by Mr Gerard Monnier-Besombes to the Commission
Subject: Regeneration of the Cevennes coalfield (Grand Combe) ERDF 3

No 1614/90 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission

Subject: Environmental protection bonuses for farmers 4

No 1676/90 by Mr Gianfranco Amendola to the Commission
Subject: Buildings policy of the Commission 4

No 1791/90 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to the Commission

Subject: Delays in payment of ESF grants in Scotland 5

No 1816/90 by Mr Filippos Pierros to the Commission

Subject: Dealing with the crisis in the textile industry 5

(Continued overleaf)

lit

Notice No

91/C136/01

91/C136/02

1 91/C136/03

91/C136/04

H 91/C136/05

91/C136/06

91/C136/07

91/C136/08

91/C136/09

91/C136/10

Notice No

91/C136/11

91/C136/12

91/C136/13

91/C136/14

91/C136/15

91/C136/16

91/C136/17

91/C136/18

91/C136/19

91/C136/20

91/C136/21

91/C136/22

91/C136/23

91/C136/24

91/C136/25

91/C136/26

91/C136/27

Contents (continued) Page

No 2056/90 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Council

Subject: European Community contribution to the programme to safeguard Amazonia and the
problems raised by the BR 364 highway project 6

No 2106/90 by Mr Pol Marck to the Commission

Subject: EC pavilion in the First World Horticultural Fair in Osaka, Japan 7

No 2114/90 by Mr Kenneth Collins to the Commission

Subject: Consumer integration 7

No 2214/90 by Mrs Ursula Schleicher to the Commission

Subject: Health risks of air-conditioning systems 8

No 2282/90 by Mrs Dorothee Piermont, Mr Alfred Lomas, Mr Michael McGowan,
Mr Hugh McMahon, Mr Alex Smith, Mrs Hiltrud Breyer, Mr Arthur Newens, Mr
Alexander Falconer, Mr Neil Blaney, Mr Llewellyn Smith, Mr Kenneth Stewart, Mr
Stephen Hughes, Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke, Mr Herman Verbeek, Mr Philippe
Herzog, Mr Vassilis Ephremidis, Mr Francis Wurtz, Mr Eugenio Melandri, Mr
Maxime Gremetz, Mrs Birgit Cramon-Daiber, Mr Wilfried Telkamper, Mrs Ulla
Sandbaek, Mr Mario Melis, Mrs Winifred Ewing, Mr Jens-Peter Bonde, Mr Max
Simeoni, Mrs Birgit Bjornvig, Mrs Sylvie Mayer, Mrs Eva-Maia Quistorp and Mr

Juan Garaikoetxea Urriza to the Commission

Subject: International decade for the abolition of colonialism 8

No 2359/90 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin to the Commission

Subject: The starling 9

No 2447/90 by Mr Dieter Rogalla to the Commission

Subject: Flying the European flag together with national flags 9

No 2469/90 by Mr Miguel Arias Canete to the Commission

Subject: Implementation of the EEC-Mauritius fisheries agreement 10

No 2476/90 by Mrs Christine Oddy to the Commission

Subject: Taxation of employees' expenses 10

No 2490/90 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission

Subject: Reappearance and protection of the Afro-Asian jackal in the Alps 10

No 2629/90 by Mr Gerardo Fernandez Albor to the Commission

Subject: Use of the Community flag logotype on all aircraft operated by Community airlines 11

No 2636/90 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission

Subject: Coordination of the various UN institutions — The Community's viewpoint 11

No 2640/90 by Miss Patricia Rawlings to the Commission

Subject: Safe evacuation of premises 12

No 2642/90 by Mr Winfried Menrad to the Commission

Subject: Recognition of diplomas awarded to German (nursery-school) teachers in the EC . . . . 12

No 2663/90 by Mrs Raymonde Duty to the Commission

Subject: Accessibility of public places to the disabled 13

No 2664/90 by Mr Paul Staes to the Council

Subject: Transport of chemical waste to Eastern Europe 14

No 2691/90 by Mr Lode Van Outrive to the Commission

Subject: Award of contract to set up an 'industrial relations observatory' 14

Notice N o Contents (continued)

9 1 / C 1 3 6 / 2 8

9 1 / C 1 3 6 / 2 9

9 1 / C 1 3 6 / 3 0

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91/C136/40

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9 1 / C 1 3 6 / 4 3

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9 1 / C 1 3 6 / 4 5

N o 2697/90 by M r Jean-Pierre Raffarin to the Council

Subject: Right of association for serving members of armed forces 15

N o 2714/90 by M r Carlos Pimenta to the Commission

Subject: Protection of wildlife habitats in French Guiana 15

N o 2720/90 by M r Gianfranco Amendola, M r Enrico Falqui and M r Virginio Bettini

to the Commission

Subject: Non-compliance with Directive 85/337/EEC in connection with the authorization of
the projected Bologna-Florence trans-Appenine relief road 16

N o 2741/90 by Mrs Maartje van Putten to the Council

Subject: Trade relations between the Member States and overseas territories 16

N o 2747/90 by M r Pedro Canavarro to the Commission

Subject: Implementation of the directive on the education of the children of migrant workers in
certain Member States 17

N o 2765/90 by M r Yves Verwaerde to the Commission

Subject: Energy and the environment 17

N o 2766/90 by M r Yves Verwaerde to the Commission

Subject: Community policy on television 18

N o 2789/90 by M r Ernest Glinne to the Council

Subject: Agreements on double taxation between the Federal Republic of Germany and its
partners in the Community 18

N o 2798/90 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission

Subject: Measures in favour of the disabled in the Community 19

N o 2816/90 by Mrs Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission

Subject: High-speed trains — freight transport 19

N o 2846/90 by M r Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru to the Council

Subject: Policies on the integration of immigrants 19

N o 2852/90 by M r James Elles to the Commission

Subject: Fraud 20

N o 2873/90 by M r Lyndon Harrison to the Commission

Subject: Timeshare properties 21

N o 2874/90 by M r Stephen Hughes to the Commission

Subject: Disposal of coal waste, tailings and solid waste 22

N o 2881 /90 by M r Gianfranco Amendola to the Commission

Subject: Non-compliance with the EEC Directive on environmental impact assessments in
connection with the Rho-Monza express road crossing the Santo Eusebio agricultural park in
the province of Milan 22

N o 2894/90 by M r Carles-Alfred Gasoliba i Bohm to the Council

Subject: Inclusion of Catalan in the LINGUA programme 22

N o 2899/90 by M r Didier Anger to the Commission

Subject: Victims of loans for the purchase of 'low-cost' housing 23

N o 2902/90 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission

Subject: Time taken to deal with applications to the European Social Fund 23

(Continued overleaf)

Notice No

91/C136/46

91/C136/47

91/C136/48

91/C136/49

91/C136/50

91/C136/51

91/C136/52

91/C136/53

91/C136/54

91/C136/55

91/C136/56

91/C136/57

91/C136/58

91/C136/59

91/C136/60

91/C136/61

91/C136/62

91/C136/63

91/C136/64

Contents (continued) Page

N o 2916/90 by Mrs Maartje van Putten to the Commission

Subject: Human rights violations in Papua New Guinea 24

N o 2930/90 by M r Sergio Ribeiro to the Council

Subject: Council of Industry Ministers meeting on 26 November 1990 — aid to shipbuilding . . 24

N o 2963/90 by M r H e m m o Muntingh to the Council

Subject: Responsibility for the environment in the Spanish Government 25

N o 2965/90 by M r Jannis Sakellariou to the Council

Subject: Memorandum from the self-styled President of the Turkish Republic of Northern
Cyprus to the President-in-Office of the Council of the European Community 25

N o 2967/90 by M r Paul Staes to the Commission

Subject: Infringements of Directive 80/778/EEC 25

N o 2992/90 by M r Jose Barros Moura to the Commission

Subject: Schooling of children of Portuguese migrant workers in Luxembourg 26

N o 3000/90 by M r H u g h M c M a h o n to the Commission

Subject: European Social Fund payments 27

N o 3015/90 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Council

Subject: Emergency medical aid — training of ambulance staff 28

N o 3030/90 by M r Madron Seligman to the Commission

Subject: Unreasonable interpretation of social security law 28

N o 3054/90 by M r Miguel Arias Canete to the Commission

Subject: Utilization of funds entered against Item 9531 in the 1990 budget 29

N o 5/91 by M r Francesco Speroni to the Commission

Subject: Ban on school trips within the Community for Italian pupils 29

N o 8/91 by M r Henry Chabert to the Commission

Subject: Community activities and funds for the Rhone-Alpes Region 30

N o 31/91 by M r Antonio Gutierrez Diaz to the Commission

Subject: Implementation of the Structural Funds in 1990 (Spain, Objective 1) 30

N o 68/91 by M r Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission

Subject: Fatal wounding of a secondary school teacher 30

N o 93/91 by M r Proinsias De Rossa to the Commission

Subject: Imposition of duty on aspartame sweetener imports 31

N o 96/91 by M r Proinsias De Rossa to the Commission

Subject: Recognition of time spent in custody awaiting extradition 31

N o 115/91 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Council

Subject: Community support for epidemiology 31

N o 134/91 by M r Louis Lauga to the Council

Subject: European centre for coordinating methods of bio-substitution 32

N o 225/91 by M r Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru to the Commission

Subject: Change in the status of the Consultative Council of Local and Regional Authorities . . . 32

(Continued on inside back cover)

Notice No Contents (continued) Page

91/C 136/65 No 240/91 by Mr David Bowe to the Commission

Subject: Migrant workers 32

91/C 136/66 No 283/91 by Mrs Christa Randzio-Plath to the Council

Subject: EC embargo on Iraq 33

91 /C 136/67 No 299/91 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Council

Subject: Misappropriation of international aid to Colombia 33

91/C 136/68 No 335/91 by Mr Kenneth Collins to the Council

Subject: Secret agreements reached in Council 34

91/C 136/69 No 351/91 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Council

Subject: Restructuring of the Member States' customs administrations 34

91/C 136/70 No 373/91 by Mrs Dorothee Piermont to the Council

Subject: Implementation of Parliament's resolution of 13 September 1982 on war toys 35

91/C 136/71 No 375/91 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Council

Subject: Transport for elderly people whose mobility is limited 35

91/C 136/72 No 384/91 by Mr Jeannou Lacaze to the Council

Subject: Community assistance to Jordan 35

91/C136/73 No 419/91 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to the Council

Subject: Welfare regulations for calves and pigs 36

91/C 136/74 No 462/91 by Mrs Mary Banotti to the Commission

Subject: The cot death syndrome 36

91/C 136/75 No 661/91 by Mr Henry Saby to the Council

Subject: European Community Mediterranean policy 36

27. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 136/1

##### I

_(Information)_

#### EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

WRITTEN QUESTION No 87/90

by Mr Mihail Papayannakis (GUE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(2 February 1990)_

(91/C 136/01)

_Subject:_ Aquaculture and its effects

Can the Commission say:

1. how many jobs will foreseeably be created by the
aquaculture projects in Greece which are beinig
financed through the structural funds?

2. how these projects will affect the incomes of
traditional fishermen?

3. how many full-time or part-time fishermen will be
affected?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(16 March 1990)_

The Commission would inform the Honourable Member

that, under Regulation (EEC) No 4028/86 O, 41 Greek
aquaculture projects were financed in the period
1987—89.

1. It is expected that some 150 new jobs will be created
by these projects.

2. The impact of aquaculture on the incomes of
traditional fishermen is not significant, given the
quality of the fish which the aquaculture projects seek
to produce and the limited volume of production from
aquaculture compared with that of the Greek fishing
fleet.

3. Full-time and part-time Greek fishermen, who
number approximately 25 000, should not be
adversely affected therefore by measures concerning

aquaculture, whose aim is to increase the market
supply of high-quality fish, of which there is a large
shortfall at present in Greece.

(') OJ No L 376, 31.12. 1986.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 824/90

by Mr Reinhold Booklet (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4_ _April 1990)_

(91/C 136/02)

_Subject:_ Application of the Third Financial Protocol to
the population of Cyprus as a whole

On the occasion of the granting of the negotiating
mandate by the Council on 23 January 1989 the
Commission issued a statement containing an assurance
that the Third Protocol on financial and technological
cooperation between the European Community and the
Republic of Cyprus would be applicable to the population
of the island as a whole.

Can the Commission state:

1. What amounts of Community appropriations for
Cyprus have hitherto benefited (a) the Greekspeaking population and (b) the Turkish-speaking
population?

2. How it will ensure that its statement is implemented in
reality, and that Community appropriations do in fact
benefit the population of Cyprus as a whole?

Answer given by Mr Matutes
on behalf of the Commission

_(27 June 1990)_

All the projects financed under the First and Second
Financial Protocols have been joint projects aimed at the
population of Cyprus as a whole.

No C 136/2 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 5. 91

As far as the Third Financial Protocol is concerned, the
Commission will naturally bear in mind the need to
ensure this same Community criterion is respected when it
decides on the projects to be financed. The sovereignty of
the Republic of Cyprus will continue to be safeguarded.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 994/90

by Mr Jesus Cabezon Alonzo (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(25 April 1990)_

(91/C 136/03)

_Subject:_ Unused appropriations (1988 financial year) and
development cooperation

According to the analysis published in the Community's
Official Journal of 12 December 1989 on the

implementation of the general budget for 1988, budget
Items 9300, 9310, 9303 and 9313, which contain the
appropriations devoted to financial and technical
cooperation with Asian and Latin American developing
countries and cooperation with them in the field of
energy, were not fully used up. Can the Commission say
what the reason for this was and what steps it will take to
remedy the less than full use of these financial resources,
which are so essential to guarantee not only development
but also the democratization of many of these countries
and also to safeguard the Community's image as an entity
capable of pursuing a uniform joint external policy?

Answer given by Mr Matutes
on behalf of the Commission

_(3 October 1990)_

(a) Budget Items 9300 and 9310

Under the 1988 budget the implementation rate for
commitment appropriations was 94 % for Item 9300 (Asia)
and 100 % for Item 9310 (Latin America).

For payments, the utilization rate was 50 %. This reflects
unavoidable delays in project implementation (tenders,
selection of contractors, contracts, etc.) and
administrative difficulties in the recipient countries. The
Commission is now taking steps to reduce delays by
providing a better administrative framework through its
delegations, giving more technical assistance and
assuming a higher profile in the management of projects.
It is also introducing measures to speed up financial
transfers in respect of projects (by opening project bank
accounts and paying directly into them wherever possible,

and by suggesting the most direct channels for transfers,
etc.).

These efforts have already brought about a distinct
improvement in the rate of use of payment appropriations
for 1989 (90%).

(b) Budget Items 9303 and 9313

The appropriations committed under these Items
(cooperation on energy) totalled ECU 9,8 million, more
than double the 1987 figure (4,3 million). This
year-on-year increase of over 123% clearly demonstrates
the interest of our Asian and Latin American partners in
these budget headings. Our partners are becoming more
familiar with the potential offered by technical and
financial cooperation in energy matters.

The average rate of utilization of the payment
appropriations is just over 40 % of the sum available but
this does represent a slight improvement over 1987 (36%).
There are three main reasons for the slow rate at which

funds are drawn:

— as we saw in connection with the previous heading,
there was a big increase in the sums committed in the
1988 financial year;

— it takes time to implement large projects involving an
average of ECU 1 million (calls for tender, selection
of contractors, contracts, etc.) and split into several
subsections;

— the bodies in the recipient countries take a long time to
respond when it comes to undertaking projects.

Nevertheless, there may be an improvement in the
payments situation in future financial years due mainly to
better project implementation procedures and the effect
of the important equipment supply contracts that form
part of many of the projects.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1006/90

by Mrs Guadalupe Ruiz-Gimenez Aguilar (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11 May 1990)_

(91/C 136/04)

_Subject:_ Carajas Project in Brazil

Can the Commission give an account of the Carajas
Project in Brazil?

What has been the Community's financial contribution to
this project?

What are the environmental consequences of this project?

27. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 136/3

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(3 October 1990)_

The Carajas iron ore project has been completed. The
Community contributed $US 249,16 million in the form
of ECSC loans between 1982 and 1985. There will be no

further payments.

The Commission would remind the Honourable Member

that the question of the environmental consequences of
the project is currently being examined by the relevant
Parliament bodies and the Commission proposes to raise
the matter when the Muntingh report is next discussed in
plenary session.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1297/90

by Mr Karel Dillen (DR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(25 May 1990)_

(91/C 136/05)

_Subject:_ Cost and value of the Erasmus programme

In response to the political events in Eastern Europe the
Commission proposes setting up the Tempus programme
for an exchange of students between the countries of the
European Community and a number of Eastern European
countries.

It would probably be interesting in this connection to
draw a number of conclusions from the past, and in
particular from experience of the Erasmus programme in
the EC itself.

What has been the total budget so far (or for any
operational year) of Erasmus and how many students
have taken part? What is the ratio between expenditure on
study grants and other grants, on the one hand, and
general administrative overheads on the other?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(5 March 1991)_

Apart from the annual reports on the application of the
Erasmus programme which the Commission presents to
the Community institutions in accordance with Article 6
of the Council decision adopting the programme, in 1989
the Commission also published a report on experience
gained with the said programme in the period
1987—1989. The report served as a basis for the adoption
of Phase II of the programme (1990 — 92) (').

All the information requested by the Honourable
Member is to be found in the above publications, which
have been discussed within the European Parliament.

The Commission will send the abovementioned report
direct to the Honourable Member and to the

Secretariat-General of Parliament.

O SEC(89) 2051 final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1541/90

by Mr Gerard Monnier-Besombes (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 June 1990)_

(91/C 136/06)

_Subject:_ Regeneration of the Cevennes coalfield (Grand
Combe) ERDF

At a time when the Community is taking an active part in
the regeneration of the Cevennes coalfield which has been
recognized as an 'industrial wasteland' (ERDF — FF 3,46
million) and major reafforestation measures are being
carried out with a view to tourist development, the
colleries in the Centre and Midi Basin are mining
'discoveries' of coal in the Mercoirol sector. Initial

economic analyses of this mining project indicate that it
will not be profitable and may even make a loss. Mining
these discoveries will also destroy the Rouvergue Forest
and threaten the continued existence of springs and
aquifers.

Should the Commission not review this mining operation
which, in the long-term, risks creating new 'industrial
wasteland', which will have to be regenerated?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(27 November 1990)_

The Commission contributed to the restoration of

industrial wasteland in the commune of Grand-Combe in

the department of Gard as part of a non-quota
programme in the textiles and clothing sector which ran
from 1987 to 1989. This work will continue through
implementation of the operational programme under
Objective 2 of the reform of the structural Funds for the
Ales-Me Vigan employment area.

Extension of the Mercoirol open-cast mining operations
decided on by the Houilleres du Basin du Centre-Midi
took place after an impact assessment had been carried
out and a declaration of public utility secured. In view of

No C 136/4 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 5. 91

the French authorities, the impact assessment procedures
were in accordance with Directive 85/337/EEC on the

assessment of the effects of certain projects on the
environment.

The Commission will contribute to financing economic
conversion measures as part of operational programmes
under Objective 2 and the Rechar Community initiative.
Measures taken to implement those programmes must
respect Community legislation on the environment.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1614/90

by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(2 July 1990)_

(91/C 136/07)

_Subject:_ Environmental protection bonuses for farmers

The UK Department of the Environment has recently
devised a system of bonuses for farmers who leave their
land fallow in order to preserve the beauty of the
countryside, help in the conservation of disappearing
species, or repair the damage caused by intensive farming
or the use of certain pesticides.

Do Community policies (agricultural or environmental
policy) contain any similar provisions?

If not, has the Commission considered introducing such a
scheme?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(6 September 1990)_

The British aid scheme to which the Honourable Member

refers (Countryside Premiums) comes under the
Community set-aside scheme governed by Regulation
(EEC) No 797/85 (').

This scheme does not exclude, apart from the premium
partly financed by the EAGGF — Guidance Section, the
possibility of a Member State proposing additional aid,
provided that the methods, conditions and maximum
levels do not differ from those laid down by the
Regulation. As these conditions were met by the UK
Countryside Premium scheme, it was accepted by the
Commission.

Community provisions currently in force thus allow
national additions to the set-aside premium for
environmental protection purposes.

As regards future measures, on 25 July 1990 the
Commission approved a proposal for a Regulation on

new structural measures in order to integrate the
environment factor more fully into the common
agricultural policy ( [2] ).

For this purpose it is proposed to adapt the set-aside
scheme by:

— introducing a supplementary premium of ECU 100
per hectare maximum in return for special
undertakings given by the beneficiaries with a view to
protecting the environment;

— prolonging to 20 years the maximum period for which
the premium may be paid in the case of an ecological
use of which the Community interest is well
established.

O OJNoL93,30. 3. 1985.
( [2] ) COM(90)366.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1676/90

by Mr Gianfranco Amendola (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4_ _July 1990)_

(91/C 136/08)

_Subject:_ Buildings policy of the Commission

1. Is it true that the Belgian Government would like to
sell the Berlaymont building to the Commission?

2. At what price?

3. In view of the high cost of the buildings it rents in
Brussels, has the Commission ever attempted to carry out
a survey to determine the cost in other member countries
of the Community?

4. Why has the Commission never negotiated with the
Belgian Government the payment of a nominal rent for its
buildings, given that this was the policy adopted by the
Belgian Government for NATO?

5. Is it true that some Member States would be

prepared to provide the buildings needed by the
Commission at a nominal rent?

6. Is it true that, in proposing that the European
Environment Agency be established on its territory, Italy
has offered a building on which it would charge a nominal
rent?

7. Is it true that a nominal rent is paid on the building
housing the European University Institute in Florence?

8. Would the Commission not agree that a nominal
rent policy represents a massive saving for the European
taxpayer?

_27._ 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 136/5

9. Why does the Commission not pursue such a policy
instead of one which is so very costly?

Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha
on behalf of the Commission

_(6 September 1990)_

1 and 2. The Belgian Government has offered to sell
the Berlaymont building to the Commission but the offer
has not been taken up at this stage. The matter of
refurbishing the building and certain technical problems
that have arisen are also being discussed.

3. The Commission has explored the property market
in other Member States whenever the location of

particular departments made it necessary.

4, 5, 8 and 9. The Commission would remind the
Honourable Member that the headquarters of the
Community institutions is determined by agreement
between the Governments of the Member States. The

Community institutions in Brussels and Luxembourg have
not been able to rent or purchase property for nominal
sums, apart from a few plots of land. It is Commission
policy to purchase rather than rent premises whenever the
opportunity arises.

6. With respect to the European Environment Agency,
the decision as to the location of its headquarters should
be taken in the autumn on the basis of the various

proposals that have been made.

7. Italy has made land and buildings available free of
charge to the European University Institute in Florence.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1791/90

by Mrs Winifred Ewing (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 July 1990)_

(91/C 136/09)

_Subject:_ Delays in payment of ESF grants in Scotland

Is the Commission aware of the fact that the UK

Department of Employment is taking far too much time
to administer the payment of European Social Fund
grants? These repeated delays are causing unnecessary
hardship for voluntary organizations which often find
that they have to wait for at least six months after the
commencement of training courses to be paid their grants.

As a measure of what is at stake, the voluntary sector in
Scotland is expecting to attract approximately £4 million
in ESF grants to finance one thousand training places.

Will the Commission exert pressure on the UK
Government to speed up the administration of this grant
scheme so that unnecessary delays are avoided?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(7 September 1990)_

The Commission is well aware that operational
programmes have not yet been agreed for ESF financing
under objectives 3 and 4 for the period 1990—1992 and
that this may in consequence be the cause of delays in
payment for programmes that were started at the
beginning of 1990.

The operational programmes were finally submitted to
the Commission in the middle of June 1990 by the United
Kingdom authorities. They are being examined by the
Commission. The programmes will be agreed as soon as
this process is complete and all outstanding problems have
been resolved.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1816/90

by Mr Filippos Pierros (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 July 1990)_

(91/C 136/10)

_Subject:_ Dealing with the crisis in the textile industry

According to information provided by Commissioner
Bangemann within the framework of the COMITEXTIL
meeting of 29 May 1990 in Brussels, the Community's
textile and clothing industries are expected to contract
significantly by the end of this century having a major
effect on countries such as Greece and Portugal. It has
been estimated that the European industries concerned
will contract by 15 %—30 % on the assumption that annual
consumption rises by 2 %, exports by 4 % and productivity
by 3 %. On this basis it is reckoned that 37 %—45 % of the
jobs in the clothing industry will be lost directly affecting
between 800 000 and 1 million workers. In the textile

industry it is estimated that job losses over the same
period will amount to 16%—22%, in other words
approximately 200 000 to 250 000. Overall approximately
1 million workers will have lost their jobs by the year
2000. Since the process of adapting to international
competition has almost been completed in the countries of
northern Europe, this development will have a major
impact on countries such as Greece and Portugal.

No C 136/6 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 5. 91

Can the Commission state to what extent it shares these

forecasts and whether it intends to take prompt and
effective action to deal with this situation?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(11 October 1990)_

The expected changes in employment in the textile and
clothing industries forecast at the Comitextil General
Assembly are for the long term and are based on studies in
progress for the drafting of proposals for social and
economic measures which the Commission may have to
put forward in order to facilitate the structural
adjustments which still have to be made to these
industries, particularly in the countries which joined the
Community most recently.

As in all forecasts, the figures are based on assumptions
which seem most likely at the time when they are made.
They may be revised provided the results of a number of
additional studies are available and decisions have been

taken to lay down the future framework of commercial
policy.

It is also on this basis that the Commission will be able to

specify the scope of the action which should be
considered and the most suitable steps to be taken.

The Commission keeps a very close watch on changes in
the textiles and clothing industries in countries such as
Greece and Portugal and is concerned to encourage
action to enable the adjustments required to be made in
the best way for the undertakings concerned and for the
people who are employed in them.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2056/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(5 September 1990)_

(91/C 136/11)

_Subject:_ European Community contribution to the
programme to safeguard Amazonia and the
problems raised by the BR 364 highway project

At its meeting of 9—11 July 1990 in Houston, the G-7
asked the World Bank and the European Community
(Point 66 of the Declaration) to draw up a pilot
programme to safeguard Amazonia in cooperation with
Brazil for submission to the Conference on the World

Climate to be held in the United States next year and

other conferences, and to be drawn up in time for the next
economic summit at the very latest.

1. Is it true that the road programme designed in 1970
with the aid of the World Bank and which has gone
hand-in-hand with the destruction of the rainforest in

a vain attempt to turn over most of Amazonia to
agriculture and stock-breeding has been handed over
by the World Bank to the Interamerican Bank because
of the failure to respect clauses relating to Indian
rights during the early phases and the failure to
maintain sufficient natural reserves? Is it true that the

BR 364 highway project which was initially exempted
from this decision, has subsequently been suspended
for the above reasons and also because Brazil has an

excellent waterway network which could be
supplemented by airstrips to enable air traffic to play a
complementary role?

2. Is it true that the new President of Brazil, Mr
Fernando Collor de Mello, who took office on 15
March 1990 following democratic elections, does not
support the BR 364 project and that the Secretary of
State for the Environment, Mr Jose Lutzenberger, is a
declared opponent of the project and is against the use
of international finance? It is also true that, on the
contrary, the armed forces and the National Security
Council (SADEN) support the BR 364 project and
that there is a serious conflict over this matter between

the civilian authorities and the military high
command?

3. Is it true that the Governor of the State of Acre, Mr
Flaviano Melo, who is directly concerned by this
matter, is drawing up a realistic state-wide project for
Acre divided up into balanced zones and which
President Collor would like to use as a model for the

whole of Amazonia?

4. Despite the internal legal obstacles which might be
raised, could the Community and its Member States
use their influence through the IMF and international
lending institutions to ensure that a solution is found
along the lines of the project referred to in point 3?

Answer

_(22 March 1990)_

The Council does not have the information necessary to
reply to the Honourable Member's first, second and third
questions.

It would however point out that, at the Dublin European
Council, the Heads of State and of Government stated
that they were gravely concerned at the continuing and
rapid destruction of the tropical forests.

They welcomed the commitment of the Brazilian
Government to halt the destruction of the Amazonian

rain forest and promote sustainable forest management.
The Commission has been instructed as a matter of

urgency to commence contacts with Brazil and the other

27. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 136/7

Amazonian countries with a view to developing a concrete
action programme involving the Community and its
Member States. These contacts are under way at present.
The priorities which have been determined include debt
cancellation in exchange for conservation measures, a
code of conduct for the importation of timber into the
Community and resources for forest conservation.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2106/90

by Mr Pol Marck (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(17 September 1990)_

(91/C 136/12)

_Subject:_ EC pavilion in the First World Horticultural Fair
in Osaka, Japan

On visiting this horticultural fair, I was not a little
surprised to discover that the European Community
pavilion in fact belonged to the Heineken Brewery.

What is the EC's contribution in kind and in cash, and
what is its relationship with private sponsors?

Answer given by Mr Andriessen
on behalf of the Commission

_(11 December 1990)_

The European Community took part in the Osaka Expo
90, which opened on 1 April 1990 and closed on 30
September 1990. The Community's participation took the
form of a modern glass pavilion, surrounded by a garden,
in the form of which the flags of the Community and its
Member States were raised.

Within the pavilion the Commission had organized an
information booth, with videos and visual displays giving
basic information about the Community and its relations
with Japan. Also attractive tourist destinations and
horticultural products were prominently displayed in the
pavilion. Given the Community's budgetary constraints
and the short notice at which the Community's
participation had to be organized, the Commission did
not contribute financially to the construction of the
pavilion, nor to its operations.

The pavilion was entirely financed by contributions from
a consortium of five prominent European companies and
importers of European foodstuffs and horticultural
products. This consortium was lead-managed by
Heineken.

Other official participations at this strongly commercially
oriented fair, including most of the Community's
Member States were also partially or fully private sector
sponsored and managed.

The Commission is very satisfied by the dedicated work
and efforts undertaken by the consortium of sponsoring
companies, their Osaka based managers and the local
employees at the pavilion.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2114/90

by Mr Kenneth Collins (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(17 September 1990)_

(91/C 136/13)

_Subject:_ Consumer integration

Will the Commission:

1. list all of its advisory and consultative committees, and

2. indicate which ones have representatives nominated
by a European consumer body?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(26 February 1991)_

1. The following is a list of the bodies that advise the
Commission on consumer policy:

— the Consumers' Consultative Council ( [J] );

— the Scientific Committee on Cosmetology ( [2] );

— the Advisory Committee on Home and Leisure
Accidents ( [3] );

— the Advisory Committee on the Rapid Exchange of
Information ( [4] ).

2. The membership of the Consumers' Consultative
Council, set up by Commission Decision 90/55/EEC of
17 December 1989, includes representatives appointed by
the Commission from lists of nominees proposed by
European consumer organizations and national bodies
responsible for coordinating consumer associations.

Article 2 of the Decision states that 'the Council may be
consulted by the Commission on all problems relating to
the protection of consumer interests' and '. . . on the
appointment of consumer representatives to consultative
committees set up within the Commission'.

(') OJNoL38,10. 2. 1990.
O OJNoL13, 17. 1.1978.
O OJNoL109, 26. 4. 1986.
O OJ No L 17,21.1. 1989.

No C 136/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 5. 91

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2214/90

by Mrs Ursula Schleicher (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 October 1990)_

(91/C 136/14)

_Subject:_ Health risks of air-conditioning systems

There are constant reports that health risks are associated
with workplaces in office buildings ventilated solely by
air-conditioning systems. The investigation carried out in
the Palais de l'Europe still springs to mind.

Air conditioning systems not only circulate air, but also
distribute pathogens. The notorious 'Legionnaires'
disease, which has already caused a number of deaths, has
been traced back to this source. The humidifier basins of

air-conditioning systems, maintained at 10 to 15 °C
provide an ideal breeding ground for microorganisms.
Engineers have tried to combat these pathogens using
chemical substances, which are themselves then
distributed through the air-conditioning system.

1. Can the Commission confirm these reports ?

2. Is it conducting any investigations in this area?

3. Is it familiar with a study by the West German Health
Office (BGA) on this matter?

4. Does it consider measures such as a technical

certification system for air-conditioning systems to be
necessary?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(26 February 1991)_

1. The Commission is aware of the problems
mentioned in this question.

2. The Commission has not directly promoted research
into the risks of air-conditioning systems. However, the
problem has been tackled as part of COST project 613
(Indoor air quality and its impact on man). In connection
with this, a report has been issued (Report No 4, Sick
Building Syndrome. A Practical Guide. EUR 12294 EN,
1989) which deals with the different problems that affect
building occupants as a result of malfunctioning
air-conditioning systems; it also shows how to verify
whether the operating conditions are being respected.

Under COST Project 613 a working group is preparing
guidelines on the procedures and techniques for
determining microbiological pollution levels in buildings.
Another working group is looking into ventilation criteria
and requirements with a view to publishing a guide on the
subject.

The Commission was represented by its own scientist at
an expert meeting organized by the World Health

Organization on the subject of biological contaminants in
indoor air. The resulting report contains a detailed
description of the discomfort or sickness caused by
malfunctioning air-conditioning systems and makes
recommendations on how to avoid it ( [J] ).

3. The Commission is not aware of a special BGA
report on the problem of microbial growth in
air-conditioning systems. It does know of a German
report entitled 'Luftverunreinigungen in Innenraumen'
issued by the Rat von Sachverstandigen ftir Umweltfragen
(Sondergutachten, May 1987), which also addresses the
question of air-conditioning systems as a source of
microbiological pollution and makes recommendations
on its avoidance.

4. As regards the problem of air-conditioning systems
at the workplace, Annex I to Directive 89/654/EEC ( [2] )
lays down minimum safety and health requirements for
workplaces used for the first time after 31 December
1992. In particular, point 6.2 states:

'if air-conditioning or mechanical ventilatiori
installations are used . . . any deposit or dirt likely to
create an immediate danger to the health of workers
by polluting the atmosphere must be removed without
delay'.

( [l] ) Biological Contaminants in Indoor Air. EURO Reports and

Studies, WHO, Copenhagen 1990.
O OJNoL393,30. 12.1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2282/90

by Mrs Dorothee Piermont (ARC), Mr Alfred Lomas, Mr
Michael McGowan, Mr Hugh McMahon, Mr Alex Smith
(S), Mrs Hiltrud Beyer (V), Mr Arthur Newens (S), Mr
Alexander Falconer (S), Mr Neil Blaney (ARC), Mr
Llewellyn Smith (S), Mr Kenneth Stewart (S), Mr Stephen
Hughes (S), Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC), Mr
Herman Verbeek (V), Mr Philippe Herzog (CG), Mr
Vassilis Ephremidis (CG), Mr Francis Wurtz (CG), Mr
Eugenio Melandri (V), Mr Maxime Gremetz (CG), Mrs
Birgit Cramon-Daiber (V), Mr Wilfried Telkamper (V),
Mrs Ulla Sandbaek (ARC), Mr Mario Melis (ARC), Mrs
Winifred Ewing (ARC), Mr Jens-Peter Bonde (ARC), Mr
Max Simeoni (ARC), Mrs Birgit Bjornvig (ARC), Mrs
Sylvie Mayer (CG), Mrs Eva-Maria Quistorp (V) and Mr
Juan Garaikoetxea Urriza (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(15Oktoberl990)_

(91/C 136/15)

_Subject:_ International decade for the abolition of
colonialism

1990 sees the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the UN
Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial
Countries and Peoples. For this reason, in January 1989
the 43rd UN General Assembly designated the years

27. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 136/9

1990—2000 as the 'International Decade for the

Abolition of Colonialism' (A/Res/43/47), calling on the
Secretary-General to submit an action plan to the 44th
General Assembly designed to begin the 21st century with
a world free from colonialism.

The Council, the Commission and European Political
Cooperation have on various occasions expressed their
conviction that the inhabitants of the two German states

have the right to self-determination; the Foreign
Ministers meeting in EPC in Dublin on 21 April spoke in
favour of a negotiated solution leading to Lithuanian
independence.

Against this background, will the Commission state:

1. In what way does the decade of decolonization affect
the EC and its Member States, since the last remaining
colonial countries and peoples include overseas
EC-associated countries and territories as well as

integral parts of certain Member States?

2. What specific measures does the Commission propose
to introduce so as to contribute to the process of
self-determination and independence for the last
remaining European colonies during the period of the
UN Decade of decolonization?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(9 April 1991)_

1. The Resolution adopted by the General Assembly of
the United Nations in January 1989, designating the years
1990—2000 as the 'International Decade for the

Abolition of Colonialism', is a matter for the Member

States.

2. The attitude of the Community, and of the
Commission in particular, is based on the actual
constitutional position in the Member States and,
consequently, respect for the political choices made by the
entities which have constitutional ties with the latter. This

attitude is in line with the Treaty and with the
constitutions of the various Member States.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2359/90

by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(18 October 1990)_

(91/C 136/16)

_Subject:_ The starling

The starling (sturnus vulgaris) which is present in very
large numbers in certain regions causes quite considerable
damage.

Does the Commission therefore intend including the
starling on the list of species which may be hunted (which
is not the case at present) ?

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(7 March 1991)_

The Commission does not intend to propose that _Sturnus_
_vulgarisbe_ included in Annex II to Directive 79/409/EEC
on the conservation of wild birds.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2447/90

by Mr Dieter Rogalla (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 November 1990)_

(91/C 136/17)

_Subject:_ Flying the European flag together with national
flags

1. Is it true that for some time (if so, for how long?) the
European flag, which consists of gold stars on a blue
background, has been the official flag of the European
Communities?

2. What legal principles or agreements between the
Member States exist concerning its use?

3. Are Member States politically or legally required or
bound to fly the European flag together with their
national flags, particularly on special occasions?

4. If it is not compulsory to fly the European flag
together with national flags, what proposals have been
made by the Commission or what efforts or endeavours
has it made to encourage the Member States to do so?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(7 March 1991)_

1. The European flag was adopted by the Community
institutions in 1986.

2. None.

3 and 4. The Member States are not obliged to fly the
European flag. However, on many occasions when the
national flag is flown, the European flag is flown
alongside in the Member States. This being so, the
Commission has not made any approach to the Member
States.

No C 136/10 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 5. 91

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2469/90

by Mr Miguel Arias Canete (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 November 1990)_

(91/C 136/18)

_Subject:_ Implementation of the EEC-Mauritius fisheries

agreement

In view of the provision included in the EEC-Mauritius
fisheries agreement to the effect that the protocol thereto
shall be valid from 23 November 1988 to 22 November

1991, and given that this protocol has now been in force
for nearly two years, can the Commission state:

— to what extent the protocol has actually been applied
_vis-a-vis_ the expected catch possibilities (regarding net
tuna, seiners and vessels fishing by line) and to what
extent Protocol 2 on experimental fishing for
Crustacea has also been applied;

— which Member States have obtained fishing licences,
and how many in each case;

— what results have been obtained by the scientific and
technical programme for research into fisheries

resources;

— what utilization has been made of the appropriations
for study grants;

— whether any conflicts have occurred in the waters
concerned involving the Community fleet and, if so,
on what basis they have been resolved?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_{24 January 1991)_

The Fisheries Agreement between the EEC and
Mauritius, which was initiated on 23 November 1988, was
signed by the two parties on 29 November 1990, and
accordingly only entered into force on 1 December 1990.
It is, therefore, too early to reply to the questions posed
by the Honourable Member.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2476/90

by Mrs Christine Oddy (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_{16 November 1990)_

(91/C 136/19)

_Subject:_ Taxation of employees' expenses

What is the tax position in each of the Member States of
employees' expenses incurred as a result of their
employment?

What plans does the Commission have to harmonize the
tax treatment of employees' expenses, as different
treatment may deter employees from moving freely
throughout the European Community?

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener
on behalf of the Commission

_(29 January 1991)_

Member States generally treat employees' expenses as
being tax-deductible. However, the type of deduction
(flat-rate, actual expenses incurred or some other
alternative) and the nature of deductible expenses vary
considerably between Member States.

The Commission considers that, in the context of the free
movement of workers in the Community and the
completion of the internal market, there is no need in
principle to harmonize the provisions governing income
tax, with employees' expenses being only one of the
components of income determining the tax base.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2490/90

by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini (NI)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 November 1990)_

(91/C 136/20)

_Subject:_ Reappearance and protection of the Afro-Asian
jackal in the Alps

The Commission is doubtless aware of the reappearance
in European alpine areas, of the Afro-Asian jackal, a
versatile and adaptable animal which will have no
difficulty in reproducing and integrating within the
European ecosystem if proper measures are taken to
protect it. Can the Commission ensure that such measures
are taken and complied with, where necessary, to protect
this new species? Can the Commission also say what
measures are being taken for the European lynx, which
is unfortunately frequently hunted and killed by
sheepfarmers?

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(30January 1991)_

The jackal has been part of the fauna of the southern
Balkan peninsula, including Greece, since the end of the

27. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 136/11

Pleistocene. A separate population, then isolated, was also
to be found in Istria. In recent years the species has
multiplied significantly in the northern Balkans,
colonizing Bulgaria and all of Yugoslavia north of
Macedonia. Jackals have recently been discovered, at low
altitudes, in Austria (Lower Austria and Styria), Italy
(Friuli, nearUdine) and Hungary.

This north-westerly expansion suggests that the species
might appear in other areas of the Community, though it
is unlikely that any specific measures would be needed
here to enable the trend to continue, contrary to the
situation in Greece, where the position of jackal
population remains worrying and is currently being
studied.

The European lynx is protected by the Berne
Convention ( [1] ). Under Article 7 of the Convention, each
Contracting Party must take appropriate and necessary
legislative and administrative measures to ensure the
protection of this species (Annex III).

In addition, the Commission has, in the proposal for a
Council Directive on the protection of natural and
semi-natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora ( [2] )
proposed that the European lynx be included in Annexes I
and II and the jackal in Annex III.

O OJNoL38, 10.2. 1982.
_C)_ OJ No C 247, 21.9. 1988 and OJ No C 195, 3. 8. 1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2629/90

by Mr Gerardo Fernandez Albor (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(23 November 1990)_

(91/C 136/21)

_Subject:_ Use of the Community flag logotype on all
aircraft operated by Community airlines

It should be a constant objective of the Community's
promotion and publicity services, under all circumstances,
to encourage the use of symbols embodying the
Community's existence.

The existence of a Community flag should be sufficient
incentive in itself to ensure that this symbol is used to
publicize the Community worldwide.

Given the above, and in view of the commitment to
freedom of movement, does the Commission consider
that it should encourage airlines in the Member States to
ensure that all their aircraft are marked with the emblem

of the Community flag, to be clearly visible and of a
uniform size and standard characteristics?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(26 February 1991)_

The Commission notes with interest the question posed
by the Honourable Member and his suggestion that all
aircraft belonging to airline companies established in
the Member States should be clearly marked with
a Community flag of uniform size and standard
characteristics.

The Commission would, however, point out that all
markings have to comply with aircraft registration
regulations which are governed by international
agreements. The aircraft belonging to some Member
State companies already bear the European emblem.

The Commission is looking into the feasibilty of the idea
and will be contacting the appropriate authorities in the
Member States.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2636/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(23 November 1990)_

(91/C 136/22)

_Subject:_ Coordination of the various UN institutions —
The Community's viewpoint

In the _Bulletin of Peace_ _Proposals,_ Vol. 21(2) (pp. 143.152),
Mr Erskin B. Childrens, a senior UN official, describes
_inter alia_ the problems facing the institution for which he
works, reserving particular criticism for the lack of
coordination.

He considers that the various specialized agencies fail to
coordinate their activities sufficiently. Does the
Commission share this opinion? In what ways could the
situation be improved?

The author also suggests that the different government
representatives similarly fail to coordinate their positions,
while pointing out that the Dutch have set up a special
committee with the task of establishing precisely such a
coordination.

How is the representation of the Twelve in the different
UN bodies coordinated? Are there any plans to improve
the situation?

Answer given by Mr Matutes
on behalf of the Commission

_(18 December 1990)_

The Commission is not empowered to comment on
remarks made by a United Nations official. Nor is it for

No C 136/12 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 5. 91

the Commission to make a value judgment on the internal
coordination of an international organization.

For their part, the Community and the Member States
attach the greatest importance to the coordination of their
positions within the United Nations Organization in
accordance with the practices introduced in Brussels and
in New York following Resolution 3208 (XXIX) of the
General Assembly of the United Nations inviting the
European Economic Community to attend sessions and
take part in the work of the General Assembly as an
observer.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2640/90

by Miss Patricia Rawlings (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(23 November 1990)_

(91/C 136/23)

_Subject:_ Safe evacuation of premises

What action is the Commission taking to ensure
consumer safety when, in an emergency, public buildings
and premises have to be evacuated?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(29 January 1991)_

Directive 89/106/EEC (') was adopted to ensure that
construction products are fit for the intended use. The
measures taken to apply it depend on the various levels of
protection provided for such works in each Member
State. In addition, one of the interpretative documents
mentioned in Article 12 of the Directive sets out essential,
but non-compulsory, fire safety and escape route
standards for such premises.

The Council has adopted a general recommendation on
fire safety, but it applies to existing hotels only
(recommendation 86/666/EEC) ( [2] ). The statutory
measures originally proposed by the Commission were
opposed by the Member States for fear of the extra costs
to hotels.

Under these circumstances, until harmonized standards
are adopted to implement Directive 89/106/EEC, safe
evacuation of premises clearly remains the responsibility
of the national authorities.

Nevertheless, in view of the frequency and toll of
accidents caused by the absence or inadequacy of safety

measures in this field and the resultant adverse impact on
the free movement of persons, the Commission is
considering plans which would apply the principle of
subsidiarity to guarantee all users in every Member State a
minimum degree of protection against the risks inherent
in the evacuation of buildings, particularly in the event of
fire.

Further evidence of the need for such a general approach
to this problem emerged during the drafting of the
measures on the inflammability and fire behaviour of
upholstered furniture and related articles. This draft
proposal for a Directive serves as a reminder of the need
for Community measures which take account of the many
facets and factors, including building design (lighting,
signposting, number and size of emergency exits, smoke
detectors, etc.), which can pose a major risk of physical
injury to the consumer and to the public at large.

O OJNoL40, 11.2. 1989.
O OJ No L 384, 31. 12. 1986.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2642/90

by Mr Winfred Menrad (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(23 November 1990)_

(91/C 136/24)

_Subject:_ Recognition of diplomas awarded to German
(nursery-school) teachers in the EC

From the beginning of 1991 the mutual recognition of
higher-education diplomas will be established under
Council Directive 89/48/EEC of 21 December 1988 (»).
This applies to all regulated, professional activities
requiring training of at least three years' duration in a
higher-education establishment (for example, teachers,
accountants, etc.), which are not covered by individual
directives.

In most European countries (nursery-school) teachers
receive training equivalent to that of primary-school
teachers, while in the Federal Republic of Germany they
receive training equivalent to that of sixth-form teachers
(at technical schools).

1. Will the diplomas of officially qualified
(nursery-school) teachers in the Federal Republic of
Germany be recognized in accordance with EC
proposals, as (1) comparable (2) equivalent or
(3) equal to those of (nursery-school) teachers from
other Member States as proposed by the EC and
receive equal treatment accordingly? From what date
and at which of the above levels (1, 2 or 3) will equal
treatment be accorded?

2. What conditions will apply to the recognition of
(nursery-school) teachers' diplomas throughout the

27. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 136/13

EC in respect of access, period of training, subjects
covered by the training and the (national) final
examination?

3. From what date will it be possible for training
commenced in the Federal Republic of Germany to be
continued and concluded in another Member State of

the Community and for trainees/students from other
Member States to complete their training at a German
training college?

4. Will the qualifications of teachers in this sector be
mutually recognized?

0) OJNoLl9,24. 1.1989, p. 16.

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(8 February 1991)_

1. and 4. As the Honourable Member has pointed out,
Directive 89/48/EEC, which the Council adopted on 21
December 1988 is, in so far as the occupation concerned is
regulated in the host Member State, applicable to social
workers. However the Directive, which took effect on
4 January 1991, covers only higher-education diplomas
awarded on completion of a course of studies lasting at
least three years, a requirement which must be met in both
the Member State of origin or provenance and the host
Member State. Lower qualifications will be covered by the
proposal for a Council Directive on a second general
system for the recognition of professional education and
training which complements Directive 89/48/EEC ( [1] ).

This applies also to teachers in the social studies field.

2. Directive 89/48/EEC, like the proposal for a
Directive complementing it, constitutes, by its general
nature, a fresh approach by the Community to the
recognition of diplomas and a deliberate attempt to avoid
coordinating either courses of training or occupational
fields. Under the terms of the Directive, the power to
regulate or not regulate a given occupation and to
organize the corresponding training system, including in
particular the level, length and content of the training,
rests with the Member State concerned. The Commission

is not planning to put forward any specific proposals in
this respect.

3. Periods of study which students from the
Community spend abroad and which are recognized
academically by the establishment of origin as an integral
part of their study programme are organized under
bilateral or multilateral agreements between
higher-education establishments in the various Member
States. Since 1987 most of this mobility has been achieved
through Community programmes which have been set up
in the field of higher education (Erasmus, Lingua
Action II and Comett) and which promote student

mobility in higher education by giving full recognition to
periods of study abroad in the context of cooperation
programmes between universities.

O OJ No C 263, 16. 10. 1989; OJ No C 217, 1. 9. 1990 (amended
proposal).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2663/90

by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(23 November 1990)_

(91/C 136/25)

_Subject:_ Accessibility of public places to the disabled

The accessibility of public places to the disabled plays an
important role in integrating the latter into society. The
architects of the future must be made aware of this issue

and trained accordingly if the various facets of this
problem, which are quite different from those
encountered in housing, are to be mastered.

Do the Commission's initiatives to promote the social
integration of disabled people include measures aimed at
encouraging architects to design buildings which take into
account the rights of the disabled?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(13 February 1991)_

Under the Helios programme ('), whose purpose is the
social and economic integration of disabled people,
special attention is being paid to the accessibility of public
buildings and facilities and to making public opinion and
those responsible notably public authorities and architects
aware of the problem.

In 1987, the Commission organized a European
Conference in Utrecht (Netherlands) on the accessibility
of public buildings and facilities, following which the
proposal for a European handbook for an accessible
environment was carried out by a working party
consisting of representatives of various disabled people's
organizations. The handbook, presented at a conference
in Hoensbroek (Netherlands) in 1990, contains proposals
for guidelines and standards for erecting and adapting
public buildings and facilities throughout the
Community, and is primarily intended for public
authorities and architects.

Under the Helios programme the Commission each year
makes a number of 'independent way of life' awards to

No C 136/14 Official Journal of the European Communities _17._ 5. 91

innovatory projects and these include access to public
buildings in the Member States.

(') Council Decision 88/231/EEC, OJ No L 104, 23. 4. 1988.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2664/90

by Mr Paul Staes (V)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(23 November 1990)_

(91/C 136/26)

_Subject:_ Transport of chemical waste to Eastern Europe

It is reasonable to suppose that fairly large quantities of
chemical waste were transported via the former GDR to
Poland, Czechoslovakia and the USSR, sometimes
without the knowledge of the GDR authorities.

Border controls are extremely limited; if checks are
carried out at all, it is only the document and never the
load itself which is examined. Loads of this type are never
declared as 'waste', but rather as 'economic goods' — a
trick which has been played in the FRG for many years.

Does the President-in-Office of the Council not consider

that the environmental disaster in Eastern Europe is
serious enough already, that EC waste must not be
allowed to aggravate the problem still further and that
intervention is urgently needed?

Answer

_(22 March 1991)_

1. The Council is fully aware of the environmental
problems facing Central and Eastern Europe.

It will be recalled in this connection that, at a meeting with
their Central and Eastern European colleagues in Dublin
on 16 June 1990, the Community Environment Ministers
stressed that environmental protection was one of the
most urgent political priorities in the intra-European
dialogue.

2. With particular reference to the problems connected
with the transport of hazardous waste to which the
Honourable Member refers in his question, the Council
adopted Directive 84/631/EEC of 6 December 1984 (»),
as amended by Directive 86/279/EEC ( [2] ), on the
supervision and control within the European Community
of the transfrontier shipment of hazardous waste.

According to Articles 3 and 4 of that Directive, all
transfrontier shipments of hazardous waste are subject to
a system of notification and control by the Member States
concerned.

3. The Community also signed on 22 March 1989 the
Basel Convention on the control of transboundary
movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal, and
recently it signed fourth ACP-EEC Convention which
prohibits exports of toxic and hazardous wastes to the
ACP States. Both these Conventions will significantly
reduce the transport of waste.

A proposal for a Decision on the conclusion of the Basel
Convention is currently before the Council.

4. The Council is fully aware of the need to strengthen
Community action in this field, and on 7 May 1990 it
adopted a resolution on waste policy, which defines
Community strategy in this area ( [5] ). In that Resolution,
the Council emphasized that it was important for the
Community as a whole to become self-sufficient in waste
disposal and that it was desirable for Member States
individually to aim at such self-sufficiency. The Council
also stressed that movements of waste must be subject to
appropriate controls and accordingly requested the
Commission to submit proposals to amend
Directive 84/631/EEC, particularly in view of the need to
bring the Basel Convention and the fourth ACP-EEC
Convention into operation as soon as possible.

5. In response to that request the Commission has very
recently submitted a proposal for a Regulation designed
to amend and replace Directive 84/631/EEC. It concerns
the supervision and control of shipments of waste within,
into and out of the European Community.

The Council will take a decision on this proposal as soon
as possible after the European Parliament has delivered its
opinion.

6. Lastly, the Council would remind the Honourable
Member that it is for the Commission to see that

Community law is correctly applied.

(') OJNoL326, 13. 12. 1984.
O OJNoL181,4.7. 1986.
O OJNoC122,18.5. 1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2691/90

by Mr Lode Van Outrive (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 December 1990)_

(91/C 136/27)

_Subject:_ Award of contract to set up an 'industrial
relations observatory'

1. Is it true that the Commission put out a public
invitation to tender for the setting up of a so-called

_27._ 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 136/15

'industrial relations observatory', with a network in the 12
Member States and a central data network and computer
centre in Brussels?

2. If so, in pursuit of what objectives and for what
fundamental reasons was it decided that an

information-gathering agency of this kind should be set
up and the work contracted out?

3. How many offers were made in response to the
Commission's public invitation to tender? Were there any
'special offers'? What were the institutions or persons
concerned? What were the lowest and highest bids?

4. Is it true that the Commission unilaterally withdrew
the public invitation to tender? If so, can the Commission
state and defend the precise reasons for this sudden
change of approach, which gives every indication of not
having been made lightly?

5. Is it true that certain functions that were to have

been carried out by the information-gathering agency
were instead entrusted to a certain institution or to certain

persons without a public invitation to tender? What are
the institutions or who are the persons concerned? What
are their precise duties? For how long will they operate?
Who will have access to the results of any studies?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(14 March 1991)_

1. The invitation to tender for the setting-up of an
'industrial relations observatory' in the Community
comprising twelve national correspondents and a central
unit was published in Official Journal No C 99, 19 April

1990.

2. The Honourable Member is referred to points 1 and
2 of the Commission's answer to Written Question
No 1949/90 by Mr de Donnea (').

3. The Commission received eleven tenders, five of
which were examined in great detail. The budgets
proposed varied considerably.

4. The invitation to tender failed to produce a tenderer
meeting all the requirements of the proposed monitoring
body, especially as regards the quality of the national
correspondents and the flexibility of the central unit.

5. Commission departments thereupon set about
recruiting national correspondents on their own initiative
and, at the same time, selected by direct agreement the
central unit, the function of which is to coordinate the
work of the national correspondents, to organize and
process the information they provide, and to supply
general or specific summaries in line with the changing
requirements of the social dialogue.

An eight months' contract for the provision of services,
renewable for three one-year periods, was concluded with
the Association d'Etudes des Relations Industrielles en

Europe (EURI).

The information provided by the monitoring body will be
disseminated to the two sides of industry, among others,
in order to improve mutual knowledge with an eye to the
gradual convergence of national collective bargaining
systems.

How this should be done is currently being considered by
Commission departments.

(') OJNoC70, 18.3.1991, p. 26.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2697/90

by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin (LDR)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(4 December 1990)_

(91/C 136/28)

_Subject:_ Right of association for serving members of
armed forces

How can the Council implement Article 8 of
resolution 903 on the right of serving members of armed
forces of all ranks in all the member countries to create

specific associations?

Answer

_(22 March 1991)_

It is not for the Council to comment on the

implementation of resolutions of the Parliamentary
Assembly of the Council of Europe such as resolution 903
(1988) on the right of association of serving members of
armed forces.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2714/90

by Mr Carlos Pimenta (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 December 1990)_

(91/C 136/29)

_Subject:_ Protection of wildlife habitats in French Guiana

Does the Commission possess a list of bird species in need
of special habitat protection measures in French Guiana?

If so, will it make this list available to Parliament?

No C 136/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 5. 91

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(25 February 1991)_

The Commission is not aware of the existence of an

official list of French Guinean bird species needing special
habitat protection. Legal protection of the French
Guyanese forest is important as this is the last large area
of widely undisturbed Amazonian-Guyanese forest.
Among the some 600 bird species who inhabit it, the
following ones make part of the ICBP list of worldwide
threatened species:

Crested eagle
Harpy Eagle
Grey-bellied Hawk
Long-tailed Potoo
Rufous Potoo

Sooty Barbthroat
Fiery-tailed Awlbill
Bearded Tachuri

Rufous-brown Solitaire

_Morphus quianansis_
_Harpia harpya_
_Accipiter poliogaster_
_Nyctibius aethereus_
_Nyctibius bracteatus_
_Threnetes niger_
_Avocettula reciurvirostris_

_Polystictus pecto ralis_
_Myadestes leucogenys_

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2720/90

by Mr Gianfranco Amendola, Mr Enrico Falqui and Mr
Virginio Bettini (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(10 December 1990)_

(91/C136/30)

_Subject:_ Non-compliance with Directive 85/337/EEC in
connection with the authorization of the

projected Bologna-Florence trans-Appenine
relief road

Under Directive 85/337/EEC (') of 27 June 1985 on the
assessment of the effects of certain public and private
projects on the environment, environmental impact
surveys must be carried out in respect of motorways and
express roads (Annex I, paragraph 7).

Directive 85/337/EEC has been incorporated into Italian
legislation by Article 6 of Law No 349/86 as implemented
by Presidential Decree No 377/88 and supplementary
regulations.

In December 1989 the Tuscany regional government
authorized the signing of the contract for the
development of the Bologna-Florence trans-Appenine
motorway link, involving the construction of a relief road.

On 11 October 1990 the Emilia Romagna regional
government gave its agreement in principle to the signing
of the contract by those responsible.

No environmental impact survey was carried out in
respect of this project and environmental factors were
given only general consideration by a special ministerial
committee on 3 July 1987.

In its conclusions (pages 8—9) the committee observes
that this does not constitute an environmental impact
survey because of its restricted scope, the absence of any
overall impact survey and the limited nature of the
analyses carried out and of the study as a whole.

The project in question, involving the construction of a
50-kilometre section on a route already used for the
transport of 25 million tonnes of goods, resulting in all
types of pollution, will have a very serious impact on the
environment.

Does the Commission therefore intend to initiate

infringement proceedings as provided for under the
Treaty?

(') OJNoL175,5. 7. 1985, p. 40.

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(29 January 1991)_

The Commission was unaware of the situation to which

the Written Question refers. It will bring the matter up
with the Italian authorities as soon as possible.

The Commission would be grateful if the Honourable
Members could forward it any further information
relevant to the case.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2741/90

by Mrs Maartje van Putten (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(10 December 1990)_

(91/C 136/31)

_Subject:_ Trade relations between the Member States and
overseas territories

What differences apply to exports and trade between
Member States and between Member States and overseas

territories?

To what does the Council attribute any differences and
according to what time-scale and by what means does it
intend to eliminate them, in the light of Article 132 (12) of
the EEC Treaty?

Answer

_(22 March 1991),_

Articles 3 (k) and 131 to 136 of the Treaty, and in
particular Article 132 referred to by the Honourable

_27._ 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 136/17

Member, define the objectives of association with the
overseas countries and territories and the measures to be

taken to achieve them. Hitherto, the Community has
acted on these provisions in the following way:

— following the expiry of the Implementing Convention
on the Association of the OCT with the Community
annexed to the Treaty of Rome, the arrangements
applying to those OCT which have not become
independent have been set down at five-yearly
intervals since 1964 by means of Council Decisions
adopted on the basis of the relevant provisions of the
Treaty of Rome, specifically Article 136;

— in practical terms, the content of those arrangements
and their evolution followed the arrangements
applicable first to the AASM and later to the ACP
States.

The Decision of 30 June 1986 on the association of the

OCT with the Community, which expired on 28 February
1990, has been provisionally extended. The Council has
recently received a proposal from the Commission
concerning the future arrangements to apply to the OCT,
and the European Parliament will be asked to deliver an
Opinion on the proposal. The Council will assess the
Commission proposal on the basis, in particular, of the
relevant Articles of the Treaty.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2747/90

by Mr Pedro Canavarro (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(10 December 1990)_

(91/C 136/32)

_Subject:_ Implementation of the directive on the education
of the children of migrant workers in certain
Member States

In its second report on the implementation of
Directive 77/486/EEC (') on the education of the
children of migrant workers (COM(88) 787 final) the
Commission points out that several Member States
(Belgium, Greece, Ireland and Italy) are not implementing
or are only partially implementing this directive. The
Commission has apparently not taken any steps to enforce
the implementation of Community law by the Member
States.

Does the Commission still consider that the

implementation of this directive is vital for establishing
the free movement of persons?

Is it aware that its inactivity in this area has created the
danger that in the longer term it may become politically
impossible to implement this directive?

Does the Commission anticipate using the powers
conferred on it by Article 169 of the Treaty, or does it

propose to hold talks with the Member States in question
to persuade them of the need to implement this directive?

(') OJ No L 199, 6. 8. 1977, p. 32.

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(4 March 1991)_

The Commission continues to regard Directive
77/486/EEC as an important instrument for bringing
about the free movement of persons.

It should be borne in mind, however, that this Directive
relates only to the children of migrant workers who
are nationals of a Member State. It does not purport to
solve the schooling problems of the children of
non-Community migrant workers.

Issues relating to the education of immigrant children
should be seen in the broader context of general policies
on the integration of immigrants, which are the subject of
an ongoing debate in the Community.

As regards Directive 77/486/EEC, the Commission has
contacted those Member States which have so far failed to

adopt the measures needed to ensure its satisfactory
application. Is has asked them to provide it with an
information that might affect the assessment made in the
report COM(88) 787 final. It will be having bilateral
discussions to ensure that the directive is properly
implemented.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2765/90

by Mr Yves Verwaerde (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(10 December 1990)_

(91/C 136/33)

_Subject:_ Energy and the environment

Following the work carried out on the environmental
effects of various energy systems, in order to make a
serious study of their consequences possible, should not
an investigation of the total economic costs of
implementing each of these energy sources be undertaken
as a matter of urgency by the Commission?

Answer given by Mr Pandolfi
on behalf of the Commission

_(28 January 1991)_

As part of the Joule research programme
(1989—1992) ('), the Commission recently completed a

No C 136/18 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 5. 91

wide-ranging study of technological options for
reducing emissions of CO2, based on the use of
the European technical and economic model
EFOM-ENVIRONMENT. In the light of the study's
findings a detailed analysis of the cost and potential of the
technological options or of measures of an organizational
nature (especially in the field of transport) is now
under way. It should identify any obstacles to the
implementation of options and measures of particular
value in reducing emissions of CO2 and indicate the cost
of financing policies to overcome such obstacles. The first
results are expected in June 1991.

O OJNoL98, 11.4. 1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2766/90

by Mr Yves Verwaerde (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(10 December 1990)_

(91/C 136/34)

_Subject:_ Community policy on television

The European Economic Interest Grouping (EEIG)
'Vision 1250' was officially set up on 11 July in Brussels;
this is a private entity which will no doubt be working in
close cooperation with the Eureka secretariat.

What role does the Commission intend to play in helping
to establish a system to enable these two organizations,
which are both of direct relevance for Community policy,
to work together?

Answer given by Mr Pandolfi
on behalf of the Commission

_(28 January 1991)_

Vision 1250 was set up in July 1990 at the suggestion of
the Commission, in the form of a European Economic
Interest Grouping (EEIG). The contract was drawn up in
consultation with the firms taking part in the Eureka 95
programme (specialized research and development
programme on high-definition television) and with the
broadcasters, the producers and the organizations
responsible for transmission. The contract provides for
coordination with the Eureka programme and for a broad
exchange of views between the various partners.

of the Eureka 95 Directorate. Some of the other

companies taking part, such as the BBC and RAI, are also
involved in Eureka.

The Commission is a member of the Eureka 95 Advisory
Board and also chairs the Committee of Sponsors of the
EEIG. At the moment, the members of the Committee
include five Member States which are taking part in
Eureka 95 (France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and
the United Kingdom). The role of the Committee of
Sponsors is to facilitate coordination with the activities
being carried out in the Member States, and to convey to
the EEIG the broad outlines of Community policy on
HDTV as drawn up by the governments of the Member
States.

The degree of overlap between the various committees
and boards should make for fruitful collaboration

between the research and technological development
activities being carried out under Eureka 95 and the task
of producing and promoting European standards which
has been assigned to Vision 1250.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2789/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(13 December 1990)_

(91/C 136/35)

_Subject:_ Agreements on double taxation between the
Federal Republic of Germany and its partners in
the Community

Following the German Democratic Republic's merging
with the Federal Republic on 3 October, the two countries
now constitute a single state under international law.

The Federal Republic of Germany and several other
Member States of the European Community are linked by
a fiscal agreement preventing double taxation.

As far as Belgium, for example, is concerned, the
territorial field of application of the convention of 11
April 1967 between the Kingdom of Belgium and the
Federal Republic on the prevention of double taxation is,
by virtue of Article 3 (1), first subparagraph thereof,
limited in principle to the territory covered by the Basic
Law as far as the Federal Republic is concerned.

According to unofficial sources, it nevertheless seems that

exchange of views between the various partners.

following their unification on 3 October this year, the two
German states intend to propose to their partners that the

The Chairman of the Eureka 95 Directorate attends Federal Republic's conventions be extended to the whole
meetings of the Vision 1250 board as an observer. of unified Germany and the application of the German

Democratic Republic's conventions be cancelled.

In addition, four of the main firms participating in Vision
1250 (Bosch, Nokia, Philips and Thomson) are members How is the Council dealing with this situation?

The Chairman of the Eureka 95 Directorate attends

meetings of the Vision 1250 board as an observer.

27. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 136/19

Answer

_(22 March 1991)_

International agreements on double taxation are
concluded by the Member States alone. It is therefore not
for the Council to comment on the possible adaptation of
the 1967 convention between the Federal Republic and
Belgium following the unification of Germany.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2798/90

by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini (NI)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 December 1990)_

(91/C 136/36)

_Subject:_ Measures in favour of the disabled in the
Community

To what extent have the individual Member States

incorporated and applied EEC directives in favour of the
disabled, which include provision for the adaptation of
buildings to make life easier for them?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(8 March 1991)_

Article 15 of Council Directive 89/391/EEC of 12 June

1989 (') on the introduction of measures to encourage
improvements in the safety and health of workers at work
lays down that 'particularly sensitive risk groups must be
protected against the dangers which specifically affect
them'.

More particularly, Council Directive 89/654/EEC of 30
November 1989 ( [2] ) concerning the minimum safety and
health requirements for the workplace prescribes for
workplaces used for the first time after 31 December 1991
(Article 3 and Annex I, point 20) and for workplaces
already in use before 1 January 1993 (Article 4 and
Annex II, point 15) that 'workplaces must be organized to
take account of handicapped workers, if necessary. This
provision applies in particular to the doors, passageways,
staircases, showers, washbasins, lavoratories and
workstations used or occupied directly by handicapped
persons'.

The two aforementioned Directives have to be put into
effect by 31 December 1992 at the latest. The Commission
has not as yet received any communication from the
Member States on progress in incorporating the
Directives in national law.

O OJNoL183,29.6. 1989.
O OJNoL393, 30. 12. 1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2816/90

by Mrs Hiltrad Breyer (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 December 1990)_

(91/C 136/37)

_Subject:_ High-speed trains — freight transport

To what extent do plans for high-speed trains respond to
the need to create capacity for freight transport by rail?
Does the Commission think that high-speed trains and
freight transport are compatible?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(8 March 1991)_

The creation of high-speed lines results in a direct
increase in the railways' freight-carrying capacity.

When new lines are opened exclusively for passenger
trains, existing lines are relieved of the need to carry a
large proportion of rail passengers and this greatly
increases the freight-carrying capacity.

This is also true of new lines designed to carry both
freight and passengers.

Modernized track poses particular operating problems
since the aim is to run both high-speed trains and slower
freight trains, but overall capacity and therefore the
proportion of that capacity available for freight is not
affected.

There is a clear trend towards designing high-speed trains
specially for the carriage of light freight and parcels, an
example being the service on the new Paris—Lyon route
which the French postal services use daily.

At its meeting of 5 December 1990 the Commission
adopted the report of the High-Level Working Party on
the High-Speed Network. Section 8 of the report
discusses the effect of the high-speed network on freight
transport and enlarges on the points made above.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2846/90

by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(17 December 1990)_

(91/C 136/38)

_Subject:_ Policies on the integration of immigrants

Is the Council considering some specific legislative
proposal concerning the convergence of national policies
on integration in the areas of education, culture and
housing? What are the obstacles to such convergence?

No C 136/20 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 5. 91

Answer

_(22 March 1991)_

It is not for the Council to take initiatives in the areas

referred to by the Honourable Member.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2852/90

by Mr James Elles (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(17 December 1990)_

(91/C 136/39)

_Subject:_ Fraud

What action has the Commission taken to spend the
allocation in the 1990 budget for anti-fraud measures?
Does the Commission intend to take any new initiatives to
ensure that the occurrence of fraud is reduced within the

EC budget to the minimum possible?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(26 February 1991)_

The budget for 1990 is the first to contain a substantial
and significant increase in appropriations earmarked

for anti-fraud measures. The allocation of these

appropriations to the various budget headings is in line
with the priorities set by the Commission.

Virtually all (95%) of the allocation of over ECU 70
million provided for by the budgetary authority to finance
the anti-fraud programme in 1990 has been assigned to
strengthening the operational departments in the Member
States and setting up the monitoring facilities or
instruments needed at national level to ensure the

proper management of a number of common market
organizations under the CAP.

The table below shows the operations to
appropriations were assigned by budget heading.

fhich

Heading

Unit to coordinate action

against fraud

Controls, studies,
analyses

Over 95 % of the commitment appropriations under the
various headings were used, with the exception of item
B 2980, where only ECU 3 million were committed
because certain essential supporting regulations had
not been adopted by the Commission in the time
allowed.

In reply to the Honourable Member's second question,
the Commission would assure him that anti-fraud

measures are still one of its major priority concerns. It is
firmly resolved to continue the policy set out in its
programme, and it undertakes to spare no effort to
protect the Community's financial interests.

Operations financed

— Mission expenses
— Meetings
— Seminars

— Strengthening controls in the Member States
— Application Regulation (EEC) No 4045/89
— External audits

— Simplication working party (high-level)

— VAT study
— Own recources seminar

— Administrative penalties study
— Initiatives on protection of the Commission's
financial interests

— Missions outside Community

— Operating and computerization expenses
— Training seminars

Part

A

A

Chapter
Article

3530

3531

27. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 136/21

Heading

Computerized customs
network for fraud

prevention

Coordination of Customs

inspections

Measures to combat

fraud affecting the
EAGGF Guarantee

Section

Measures to control

and combat fraud

Operations financed

- SCENT

MATTHAEUS programme

New measures:

— Regulation (EEC) No 283/72
— Export refunds
— 'Customs' export surveillance department
— Horizontal control department

— Vineyard register
— Olive oil agency
— Quality control in Greece

contract without penalty and payments made to purchase
timeshares should be suitable safeguarded.

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(13 February 1991)_

The Commission has recently transmitted to the Council
a proposal for a directive on unfair terms in consumer
contracts ('). This contains a provision relating to
timeshare contracts, to the effect that any such contract
which does not provide for the consumer purchaser to
'cool off within seven days, shall be treated as unfair.

The Economic and Social Committee and the Council's

Consumer Group have already begun their examination
of this proposal for a directive. Parliament is planning its
own examination for January 1991. It is hoped to make
rapid progress with all these discussions during the first
quarter of 1991.

Later in 1991 there will be an open conference in Brussels,
organized by the Commission, for analysis of the
consumer's problems in purchasing immovable property
in another Member State than his own, and this will also
cover timeshare purchasing.

O OJNoC243, 28.9. 1990.

Part

A

A

B

B

Chapter
Article

3540

3550

2980

3820

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2873/90

by Mr Lyndon Harrison (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(3_ _January 1991)_

(91/C 136/40)

_Subject:_ Timeshare properties

Could the Commission state whether any European
Community legislation is envisaged for regulating and/or
harmonizing the laws concerning timeshare properties?

In view of the cross-border nature of timeshare purchases
is it not important to have Community law in this area to
protect European Community citizens from any possible
misinterpretation or abuse of contract?

For example, Community law should ensure that
consumers are provided with clear and understandable
information concerning title, purchasers' interest, price,
resort calendar, financial protection, owners' association,
description of resort, maintenance, exchange rental
and resale and withdrawal from contract. Failure to

provide such information should render the contract
voidable.

Provision should also be given for a cooling-off period to
enable purchasers to reasonably withdraw from their

No C 136/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 5. 91

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2874/90

by Mr Stephen Hughes (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(3_ _January 1991)_

(91/C 136/41)

_Subject:_ Disposal of coal waste, tailings and solid waste

Has the Commission conducted any research into or does
it hold any information on alternative methods of
disposal of coal waste (tailings and solid waste) in
Member States and the alternative uses to which such

waste is put?

Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 February 1991)_

In the framework of the ECSC Technical Coal Research

Programme the Community has for many years given
financial support to research in the Member States on the
processing and utilization of mine waste and coal
combustion residues. This research has been and is

being carried out principally in the Community's
coal-producing countries, and is concerned with the
safe disposal of spoil, tailings, ash and flue gas
desulphurization residues or the conversion of such
substances into materials for the civil engineering and
construction industries.

Some work on ash utilization has also been carried out in

the context of recent EEC-funded energy R&D
programmes in the field of utilization of solid fuels
(1985—1988) (') and support has been given through
the EEC Energy Demonstration Programme to
industrial-scale projects relating to the conversion of fly
ash and flue gas desulphurization residues into materials
for the building industry.

O OJ No L 83, 25. 3. 1985.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2881/90

by Mr Gianfranco Amendola (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(3_ _January 1991)_

(91/C 136/42)

_Subject:_ Non-compliance with the EEC Directive on
environmental impact assessments in connection
with the Rho-Monza express road crossing the
Santo Eusebio agricultural park in the province
of Milan

Under Directive 85/337/EEC ( [x] ) of 27 June 1985,
environmental impact assessments must be carried out in
respect of all projected motorways and express roads
(Point 7 of Annex I).

Directive 85/337/EEC has been incorporated into Italian
legislation under Article 6 of Law 349/86 as implemented
by prime Ministerial Decree No 377/88 and
supplementary provisions.

In July 1990 work on the Rho-Monza express road was
commenced in the municipality of Cinisello Balsamo
(Milan) by the Serravalle-Milan-Ponte Chiasso
motorway company under Law 205/89.

The list annexed to the decree law does not refer to this

motorway section or indicate that any environmental
impact assessment has been carried out.

Does the Commission intend to initiate proceedings for
infringement of the Treaty?

O OJ No L 175, 5. 7. 1985, p. 40.

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(28 February 1991)_

The Commission was unaware of the situation to which

the Honourable Member refers.

It will bring the matter up with the Italian authorities as
soon as possible.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2894/90

by Mr Carles-Alfred Gasoliba i Bohm (LDR)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(3_ _January 1991)_

(91/C 136/43)

_Subject:_ Inclusion of Catalan in the LINGUA programme

In preparation for the revision of the LINGUA
programme two years after its entry into force, and in
accordance with the statement recently made by the
Spanish Minister for Education and Science, Mr Javier
Solana, in favour of including Catalan in the programme,
how does the Council intend to incorporate Catalan in the
LINGUA programme?

Answer

_(22 March 1991)_

In accordance with the Decision establishing the
LINGUA programme (Article 13), the Commission must
submit a report to the Council at the end of 1991 enabling

27. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 136/23

the Council to assess the experience acquired during the
programme's implementation; this report may be
accompanied, if appropriate, by a proposal to adapt it.

Consequently, the Council is not conducting an interim
examination of the LINGUA programme at this stage.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2899/90

by Mr Didier Anger (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(3_ _January 1991)_

(91/C 136/44)

_Subject:_ Victims of loans for the purchase of 'low-cost'
housing

In the late seventies and early eighties the practice of
providing loans subject to progressively increasing
repayments to enable people on low incomes to buy their
own homes gave an initial boost to employment in the
building sector.

During that period of galloping inflation (14% in France)
these loans, for which repayments were low at the start,
acted as an incentive. However, while the repayments
continued to rise inflation and wage increases slowed
down and individual purchasers have got into inextricable
difficulties and in some cases their monthly repayments
would now exceed their total earnings.

Moreover, groups such as the Groupement Maison
Familiale (Family Homes Group), subsidiaries of these
groups such as Construction et Amenagement pour la
Region Parisienne et les Provinces (Construction and
Planning for the Paris Region and the Provinces) have
sometimes been able to make sales yielding profits well
above legally authorized levels. Some of these subsidiaries
such as Fico-France (a finance company for
supplementary loans) and life assurance companies have
exploited the purchasers. Some building firms connected
with the abovementioned companies have now gone out
of business.

These are not isolated practices, but have been run on an
organized basis.

Links have been established between some of these firms

and certain political parties.

Does the Commission of the European Communities
have any plans to:

1. set up a committee of enquiry on the purchase of
low-cost housing over the last 15 years, not only in
France but also elsewhere in Europe;

2. call for severe sentences for those found guilty of
fraud and for justice for the unfortunate purchasers of
this type of housing.

3. persuade the countries concerned to ensure that the
loans granted in the late seventies and the early
eighties on this basis are fully renegotiated by the
banks concerned taking inflation into account under
the supervision of the government authorities?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(26 February 1991)_

House buying and disputes relating to it are matters for
the Member States.

However, in its campaign to combat social exclusion, the
Commission has set in train a number of activities to

improve the public's knowledge of national housing
policies.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2902/90

by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(3_ _January 1991)_

(91/C 136/45)

_Subject:_ Time taken to deal with applications to the
European Social Fund

What is the average time taken by the administration of
the European Social Fund to deal with an application
after the papers have been forwarded by the national
authorities concerned?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(19 February 1991)_

In accordance with Article 9 (3) of Regulation (EEC)
No 4255/88 ( [x] ), the Member States forwarded to the
Commission by 31 August 1989 all applications for
assistance for operations to be implemented in 1990. The
applications for assistance were duly sent to the ESF
departments, using the forms provided for in Article 7(1)
of Regulation (EEC) No 4255/88, but this was done
before the Community Support Frameworks (CSFs) had
been produced. The Member States therefore based
themselves on the plans presented for the various
objectives.

Once the CSFs had been approved, the Member States
had to send the Commission revised programmes and
applications for assistance.

No C 136/24 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 5. 91

The average time taken to deal with 'single fund'
programmes for which the Social Fund was lead manager
was three months. This covered:

— scrutiny of programmes,

— requests to Member States for further particulars,

— correction of programmes,

— data input into the computerized system,

— validation of the programme as regards:

— estimated costs in relation to standard costs,

— financing, etc.

— consultation of other Commission departments
concerned,

— preparation of approval decisions,

— Commission decision,

— notification of Member States,

— financial operations (commitments and advance
payments).

For 'multifund' programmes the time taken was six
months.

In a bid to simplify internal procedures the Commission
decided on 5 December 1990, for any form of operation
covered by the CSFs, to speed up the processing with
procedures being applied concurrently by the lead
department, the associated department and the competent
authorities designated by the Member States.

O OJNoL374, 31.12.1988.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2916/90

by Mrs Maartje van Putten (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(3_ _January 1991)_

(91 /C 136/46)

_Subject:_ Human rights violations in Papua New Guinea

Is the Commission aware of reports from Amnesty
International and other human rights organizations
claiming that gross violations of human rights have taken
place on the Island of Bougainville, for which the armed
forces, in particular, are responsible and that there are
alleged to have been at least 19 extrajudicial executions
and dozens of cases of torture, including journalists,
doctors and politicians?

What steps does the Commission propose to take under
the recently concluded Lome IV Convention, and in
particular Article 55 thereof, on respect for human rights?

Is it prepared to maintain the necessary reserve in
development in relations with Papua New Guinea as long
as these violations continue?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(14 February 1991)_

A situation of civil war gradually developed between early
1989 and March 1990 on the Island of Bougainville where
the national government faced armed opposition from the
Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA).

As has frequently happened elsewhere, not only has the
country's economic and social development been
seriously affected, but there were also reported violations
of human rights.

The Commission deplores that this should have happened
and is continuing to closely follow events in contact with
other donors. The situation has stabilized for the moment

and negotiations are currently under way to find a
peaceful solution to the conflict.

The Commission hopes that civil peace will return to
Bougainville and will do all it can to assist the civil
population which has suffered during this period of
political turmoil. The situation is being monitored
carefully and special vigilance is being exerted in the
implementation of current aid programmes. The Lome IV
National Indicative Programme for PNG will
incorporate, as for all ACPs, a specific reference to
Article 5 of the Lome IV Convention.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2930/90

by Mr Sergio Ribeiro (CG)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(11 January 1991)_

(91/C 136/47)

_Subject:_ Council of Industry Ministers meeting on 26
November 1990 — aid to shipbuilding

The Council proposal for a Seventh Directive on aid to
shipbuilding to replace the Sixth Directive is clearly
intended to terminate the concessions contained therein

by deleting Article 9, thereby ending the transitional
period for the two most recent members of the
Community, Spain and Portugal.

However, this move was countered by the Commission,
which proposed a derogation in respect of the former
GDR, a proposal which was criticized in a report by Mr

_27._ 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 136/25

Speciale adopted at a recent sitting of the European
Parliament.

The press release issued after the 1 450th meeting of the
Council of Industry Ministers notifies approval of the
substance of the Seventh Directive, stating that Spain, as a
new Member State will be granted exemptions for a
period of one year, as will Greece, and that the Council
and the Commission have agreed to consider the request
of the German Government for transitional arrangements
in respect of the territory of the former GDR.

Does this mean that the temporary exemptions are to be
ended only in respect of Portugal?

What position was adopted by the Portuguese Minister at
this Council meeting.

Answer

_(22 April 1991)_

The seventh Directive on aid to shipbuilding which the
Council approved on 26 November and finally adopted
on 21 December 1990 does indeed contain no derogations
for Portugal.

It was considered that the situation in the Portuguese
shipbuilding sector did not require an extension of the
transitional arrangement granted during the period of
application of the sixth Directive, namely from 1987 to
1990, especially since Portugal used the exemption system
for only one shipyard during that period.

However, to cater for all eventualities, Portugal has
reserved the right, by means of a statement made at the
Council meeting on 26 November 1990, to request
specific transitional measures should market conditions,
by virtue of the derogations provided for in the Directive,
cause a serious economic situation for Portuguese
shipyards, particularly those which have recently been
restructured.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2963/90

by Mr Hemmo Muntingh (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(11 January 1991)_

(91/C 136/48)

_Subject:_ Responsibility for the environment in the
Spanish Government

1. Is it true that, of all the Member States, Spain is the
only one whose Cabinet includes neither a Minister nor a
State Secretary for the Environment?

2. Does the Council take a favourable or unfavourable

view of this exceptional situation?

3. Does not the Council consider that an

environmental portfolio should be created as soon as
possible to ensure that, in Spain also, more attention is
paid to environmental matters?

Answer

_(22 March 1991)_

The Honourable Member is asked to address his question
to the competent authorities of the Member State
concerned.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2965/90

by Mr Jannis Sakellariou (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(11 January 1991)_

(91/C 136/49)

_Subject:_ Memorandum from the self-styled President of
the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to the
President-in-Office of the Council of the

European Community

1. Is Mr Rauf Denktash, the self-styled President of
the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus known to
the Council of the European Community?

2. Did the Council receive the memorandum from Mr

Rauf R. Denktash to the Foreign Minister of the Republic
of Italy, Mr G. de Michelis, in his capacity as Presidentin-Office of the Council of the European Community?

3. What action does the Council intend to take in

response to this memorandum, or has it already taken
action?

Answer

_(22 March 1991)_

The Council is unaware of the memorandum to which the

Honourable Member refers.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2967/90

by Mr Paul Staes (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(18 January 1991)_

(91/C 136/50)

_Subject:_ Infringements of Directive 80/778/EEC

The Commission has instituted proceedings against
Belgium, Denmark, the Federal Republic of Germany and

No C 136/26 Official Journal of the European Communities _27._ 5. 91

the United Kingdom for failure to implement fully the
provisions of Directive 80/778/EEC (') in their national
legislation. What stage has been reached by these
proceedings?

The Commission has instituted proceedings against
Belgium, Italy and the United Kingdom for failure to
implement Directive 80/778/EEC correctly. Can the
Commission say what stage these proceedings have
reached?

Belgium has since appealed against this decision, referring
to Article 10 of Directive 80/778/EEC, which provides
for derogations in the event of emergencies. The
Commission then took the view that the requested
derogation was an infringement of the Directive and
instituted proceedings accordingly.

Can the Commission say what stage these proceedings
have reached?

(') OJNoL229, 30. 8. 1980, p. 11.

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(28 February 1991)_

Denmark

The proceedings against Denmark concerned the
incorporation into national law of Article 9 of the
Directive. Denmark agreed to amend its national
implementing provisions and the Commission dropped
the matter. At the present time, therefore, there are no
proceedings against Denmark.

Germany

In the case of Germany, the Commission has referred the
matter to the Court of Justice, as it is of the opinion that
the national implementing provisions do not incorporate
the Community provisions correctly into national law. A
number of contentious issues were resolved following the
recent amendment of the German provisions which came
into force on 1 January 1991. However, some substantial
differences still remain.

The Commission initiated proceedings for a second time
under Article 169 in one case where a local authority
authorized a derogation from the provisions of the
Directive even though the requirements laid down in
Articles 9 and 10 of the Directive were not met.

Belgium

With regard to Belgium, the Court delivered a judgment
in case C 42/89 on 5 July 1990. In this judgment, the
Court decided that Belgium had failed to meet its
obligations under the Treaty by allowing the region of
Wallonia to authorize the maximum admissible

concentrations laid down in Annex I to the Directive to be

exceeded, and that private wells were not subject to the
conditions laid down in the Directive.

The decision of 2 July 1990 _(Moniteur beige 7._ 8. 1990,
p. 15408) authorizing the maximum admissible
concentrations contained in Annex I to the Directive to be

exceeded and, more specifically, those for atrazine and
simazine, resulted in a similar situation in the region of
Flanders. In view of the recent publication of this
decision, these proceedings are still in their initial stages.
Other proceedings are in progress for incorrect
application of the Directive.

United Kingdom

The Commission initiated proceedings against the United
Kingdom for incorrect application of the Directive, in
particular for the excessive quantity of nitrates, lead and
other substances. This case is currently being considered
by the Court of Justice. Other proceedings concern the
overstepping of the maximum authorized concentrations
in several areas.

Italy

In Italy's case, the Court delivered a judgment in 1988 in
the context of preliminary ruling proceedings initiated by
the Pretura Unificata of Turin. The judgment concerns
the interpretation of the scope of Article 10 (1) of the
Directive.

Proceedings have been initiated because Italian laws do
not comply fully with the Directive and, as a result,
pesticide concentrations exceeding the levels allowed in
the Directive are authorized in some regions.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2992/90

by Mr Jose Barros Moura (CG)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(18 January 1991)_

(91/C 136/51)

_Subject:_ Schooling of children of Portuguese migrant
workers in Luxembourg

Leaving aside the differences between the organization of
the curriculum and teaching in various communes, the
children of Portuguese migrant workers in Luxembourg
are, except in some rare instances, highly disadvantaged
as regards education.

Basic subjects (such as mathematics) are taught in French
and German and many pupils opt for the former. These
linguistic problems are compounded by the use of
Luxembourgish in schools. By contrast, Portuguese is
almost always an extracurricular subject taught outside
normal school hours, despite the fact that Portuguese is
certainly the second most widely spoken language in
Luxembourg.

27. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 136/27

As a result, the children of migrant workers do very badly
at school and are almost totally excluded from university
education: they have thus no option but to take
unqualified work.

This situation, for which the Luxembourgish authorities
are partially responsible, constitutes a serious barrier to
the principle of the free movement of workers in violation
of Council Directive 77/486/EEC (') on the schooling of
the children of migrant workers.

What measures can the Commission take to put an end to
this injustice suffered by the children of Portuguese
migrant workers?

(') OJNoL199,6. 8. 1977, p. 32.

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(1 March 1991)_

The Commission is closely monitoring the
implementation of Directive 77/486/EEC in the Member
States. In its second report on the subject ('), it examined
the transposition of Community law into national law by
the Member States. Copies of the report are being sent
direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's

Secretariat.

As regards the children of Portuguese migrant workers in
Luxembourg, the Commission is providing support,
within the Luxembourg education system, for a pilot
project offering solutions for some of the problems
referred to by the Honourable Member, notably those
concerning the teaching of mathematics in German and
the teaching of Portuguese as an extracurricular subject.

The final year of the project has just started, and possible
follow-ups are now being discussed by the promoters and
the Luxembourg authorities to ensure optimum
exploitation of the results of the project.

(') COM(88) 787 final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3000/90

by Mr Hugh McMahon (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(18 January 1991)_

(91/C 136/52)

_Subject:_ European Social Fund payments

Can the Commission provide the following information
regarding payments from the European Social Fund for

1990?

1. How much of the ESF had been paid to all Member
States for objective 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 regions by 30
November 1990?

2. Can the Commission say how much of these funds are
allocated to:

(a) national training agencies,

(b) voluntary organizations,

(c) local authorities,

(d) others in each Member State?

3. Can the Commission specify the dates on which
payments are distributed to each Member State?

4. Can the Commission say how many representations it
has received from each Member State about delays in
payments from the European Social Fund and what
action it has taken or will take to avoid a repetition of
the disaster of 1990?

Answer given by Miss Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(28 February 1991)_

1. See table below.

2. Following the reform of the structural Funds,
the project-based approach has been replaced by a
programme-based system. Whereas, before the reform,
the national and regional authorities submitted
applications to the Commission for assistance for
individual projects, they now have to submit operational
programmes, i.e. coherent, multiannual packages, as a
basis for Community funding. The Commission does not
know, therefore, who the final beneficiaries of the

assistance are.

3. Payments are normally made to the Member States
one month after the programmes have been approved by
Commission decision.

4. The Commission is aware of the delays which
affected ESF payments in 1990, but would stress that not
all of these are caused by the payment system as such. The
majority of complaints are prompted by problems with
the adoption procedures and the implementation of the
operational programmes, for which the Member States
are also partly responsible. The effect of these problems
has been to delay the first advance payments.

The circumstances which gave rise to the delays are
unlikely to persist after 1990 because the operational
programmes, which were approved by the Commission in
1990 as soon as they had been vetted, were multiannual
programmes. There is therefore no risk of the same
difficulties and the same delays occurring again in the
future.

No C 136/28 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 5. 91

Payments in 1990

_(million_ _ECU)_

Objectives

Country

2

6,874

20,445

0,490

30,232

41,204

15,118

6,555

97,129

218,047

3—4

30,799

114,434

26,160

111,590

226,754

105,507

1,665

34,966

274,574

926,449

5

0,837

0,200

1,968

3,005

Total

37,673

135,716

26,850

238,592

424,881

300,323

272,875

216,878

1,665

41,521

147,344

418,118

2 262,436

Belgium

Germany

Denmark

Greece

Spain

France

Italy

Ireland

Luxembourg

Netherlands

Portugal

United Kingdom

TOTAL

1

238,592

283,059

30,397

152,250

216,878

147,344

46,415

1 114,935

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3015/90

by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(18 January 1991)_

(91/C 136/53)

_Subject:_ Emergency medical aid — training of ambulance
staff

Training conditions for ambulance staff responsible for
administering emergency medical aid vary greatly from
one Community country to another. Are there not
grounds for applying Article 128 of the EEC Treaty
(common vocational training policy) if consistent
standards of emergency medical aid are to be achieved
throughout the Community?

Answer

_(22 March 1991)_

Any initiatives in the field referred to by the Honourable
Member are for the Commission to take.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3030/90

by Mr Madron Seligman (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(28 January 1991)_

(91/C 136/54)

_Subject:_ Unreasonable interpretation of social security
law

A constituent of mine, a certified accountant, suffered a
massive stroke on 13 August 1988 and was hospitalized

for five weeks. At first he was paralysed and unable to
speak. When discharged on 27 September 1988 to
convalesce, he was still handicapped, but much improved.
He submitted a social security claim on 27 October in
respect of the period from 13 August. The claim was
rejected on grounds of late submission, notwithstanding
his doctor's confirmation in writing of the facts stated
above.

Various anonymous 'adjudicators' continued to reject his
claim and finally the Minister of State for Social Security
and the Disabled explained (February 1989) that the law
required claims to be submitted within one month from
the day from which benefit was claimed. Where a patient
required hospitalization, the claim had to be submitted
within the shorter of the following two periods:

— 13 weeks from entering hospital, or

— 3 weeks from date of being discharged from hospital.

My constituent met the former, but not the latter
deadline.

To deprive a claimant because he was too ill to claim or,
when convalescing, submitted a claim as little as a month
after leaving hospital, thereby missing arbitrary deadlines,
seems to make a mockery of the principle of social
security insurance.

This interpretation by the authorities in the UK is no
longer a purely domestic matter. In view of the
Commission's latest measures with the single market in
mind, any citizen of the Community could be prejudiced
by such a narrow and unsympathetic interpretation of the

27. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 136/29

law. What action does the Commission consider is

appropriate to protect citizens such as my constituent?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(25 February 1991)_

As far as social security legislation is concerned there is, at
present, no Community legislation which could be
invoked in the matter being referred to by the
Honourable Member.

The Community is currently developing, by means of a
recommendation of the Council, 'a strategy for achieving
the convergence of the objectives pursued by the various
governments so as to determine how and under what
conditions differences in the system can be prevented
from placing a brake of free movement' ( [1] ).

(') Communication from the Commission concerning its Action
Programme relating to the implementation of the
Community Charter of basic social rights for workers
(COM(89) 568 final).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3054/90

by Mr Miguel Arias Cafiete (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(28 January 1991)_

(91/C 136/55)

_Subject:_ Utilization of funds entered against Item 9531 in
the 1990 budget

Funds for support for front-line States and SADCC
Member States were entered against Item 9531 of the
1990 budget.

The accompanying remarks stated that this appropriation
was intended to finance support actions designed to
counteract the destabilization measures undertaken by
the South African Government and to contribute to the

support of the post-emergency needs of displaced persons
in the region.

In view of this, can the Commission give a breakdown of
the programmes financed in 1990 by this budget item,
specifying the appropriations earmarked for each?

Can it specify the states or organizations which received
this aid, indicating the amounts earmarked for each?

What information does the Commission have concerning
the extent to which these funds have been used by their
recipients for the purposes laid down in the budget?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(26 February 1991)_

The ECU 15 million appropriation entered against
heading 9531 of the 1990 budget, 'Support for front-line
States and SADCC Member States', was used as follows:

ECU 7 938 125, i. e. 52,9% of the appropriation, was
allocated to 12 projects for persons displaced as a
result of the destabilization measures. The operations
are aimed at providing the people concerned with all
their basic needs, and also at gathering together
orphans and children separated from their families in
order to provide them with an education;

ECU 4 018 775, i.e. 26,8% of the appropriation, was
allocated to 9 health projects, with particular emphasis
on care for people suffering from burns and
disabilities and also on rehabilitation measures;

ECU 3 043 100, i.e. 20,3% of the appropriation, was
used for 10 training and education projects, covering
programmes of awards for refugees from the SADCC
countries affected by the destabilization activities and
also programmes to foster dialogue between the
communities in the region.

In the vast majority of cases the aid was implemented by
European NGOs. On the basis of the information
available to it, the Commission has every reason to believe
that the funds described above are being put to use for the
purposes specified in the budget.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 5/91

by Mr Francesco Speroni (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 February 1991)_

(91/C 136/56)

_Subject:_ Ban on school trips within the Community for
Italian pupils

The Italian Education Ministry prohibits most pupils
from taking part in school trips outside Italy.

Since this restriction applies to travel within the EC, it
appears to be contrary to the spirit of Community
membership.

No C 136/30 Official Journal of the European Communities _27._ 5. 91

Does the Commission intend to make representations to
the Italian government with a view to abolishing this
restriction?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(8 March 1991)_

The Italian authorities have informed the Commission

that their decision to restrict authorizations for school

trips outside Italy was taken on grounds of safety.

Following a number of road accidents, the Italian
Ministry for Education published circular No 133 on 15
May 1990 limiting school trips abroad to pupils in their
last year of secondary education and recommended that
preference be given to travel in Community countries.

These measures were adopted for safety reasons and are
in no way contrary to the spirit of Community
membership.

The Italian authorities have stated they are prepared to
reconsider the restrictions in due course.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 8/91

by Mr Henry Chabert (RDE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 February 1991)_

(91/C 136/57)

_Subject:_ Community activities and funds for the
Rhone-Alpes Region

Can the Commission state the percentage of the total aid
received by France in the 1980—1990 period under all
Community activities and Funds (ESF, EAGGF, ERDF,
EIB, ECSC, and so on) which was destined for the
Rhone-Alpes Region and for each of its departments?

Answer given by Mr Christophersen
on behalf of the Commission

_(8_ _April 1991)_

In view of the length of its answer, which includes a
number of tables, the Commission is sending it direct to
the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 31/91

by Mr Antonio Gutierrez Diaz (GUE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 February 1991)_

(91/C 136/58)

_Subject:_ Implementation of the Structural Funds in 1990
(Spain, Objective 1)

Can the Commission give details, for each of the
Spanish Objective 1 regions, of the Structural Fund
appropriations committed, paid and cancelled during the
1990 financial year?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(10 April 1991)_

In view of the length of its answer, which includes a
number of tables, the Commission is sending it direct to
the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 68/91

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(6 February 1991)_

(91/C 136/59)

_Subject:_ Fatal wounding of a secondary school teacher

There have been incidents throughout Greece in recent
months following the occupation of secondary schools by
pupils.

Instead of showing understanding of the pupils' problems
and engaging in dialogue, the government of Mr
Mitsotakis has taken a high-handed approach in
suppressing democratic advances and the constitutional
rights safeguarding democratic citizens and trade union
organizations. At the same time, it has encouraged its
youth organization to form hit squads using neo-fascist
methods to restrain the strikers.

As a result, innocent citizens were attacked in the city of
Patras and a teacher was fatally wounded.

What steps does the Commission intend to takes in
response to such practices, which infringe the social rights

27. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 136/31

of citizens with the full connivance of the Greek

Government and the police authorities and which strike a
deadly blow against democracy, not only in Greece but
throughout the Community as a whole?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(20 February 1991)_

It is not for the Commission to take measures in response
to the tragic event referred to by the Honourable
Member.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 93/91

by Mr Proinsias De Rossa (CG)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(6 February 1991)_

(91/C 136/60)

_Subject:_ Imposition of duty on aspartame sweetener
imports

Will the Commission explain the background and reasons
for the decision of 29 November 1990 to impose a
provisional duty on aspartame sweetener imported into
the EC, and will it also state when and under what
circumstances it is planned to review the imposition of this
provisional duty?

Answer given by Mr Andriessen
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 March 1991)_

The background and reasons for the imposition of the
provisional anti-dumping duty on imports of aspartame
originating in the United States and in Japan are set out in
Commission Regulation (EEC) No 3421/90 of 26
November 1990 ('). The Commission has carried out an
investigation in the US and in Japan. This investigation
revealed very high dumping margins and substantial
injury caused to the Community industry by the dumped
imports. All parties concerned have had the opportunity
to comment on the provisional duty; the essential facts
and considerations on which the Commission has based

its decision have been disclosed to the parties. The
decision as to whether definitive measures have to be

imposed will be taken in due course.

(') OJNoL330, 29. 11. 1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 96/91

by Mr Proinsias De Rossa (CG)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(6 February 1991)_

(91/C 136/61)

_Subject:_ Recognition of time spent in custody awaiting
extradition

With reference to the Council of Europe recommendation
No R(86) 13 of 16 September 1986 to the effect that 'time
spent in custody pending extradition should be deducted
from the sentence in the same manner as the time spent in
custody awaiting trial', has the Community give any
consideration to how this recommendation might be
implemented by the Member States?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(7 March 1991)_

The recommendation referred to by the Honourable
Member deals with the application in practice of the 1957
European Convention on Extradition, which was
concluded under the aegis of the Council of Europe.

The Commission does not intend to look into the actual

implementation of legal instruments in matters such as
this which are the responsibility of other international
bodies.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 115/91

by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(11 February 1991)_

(91/C 136/62)

_Subject:_ Community support for epidemiology

The policy on epidemiology — studying the relationship
between lifestyle and the prevention of illness — would
seem essential if we are to advise possible level of public
health within the Community. This policy would need
medical data broken down by population groupings by
social category and by region. It is a prime example of
how Community action should be more effective than the
sum of national policies.

Has the Council considered this aspect of preventive
medicine or does it intend to do so?

Answer

_(22 March 1991)_

The Council and Member States consider prevention to
be of prime importance in the area of public health, as is

No C 136/32 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 5. 91

demonstrated increasingly clearly by the choice of topics
covered and the content of decisions taken.

The Council and Member States are in particular aware of
the importance of having available for this purpose
reliable and comparable epidemiological data. Moreover,
they have already on various occasions concerned
themselves with this aspect in a concrete and specific
manner, particularly in the framework of measures
against Aids, drugs, cancer and toxicology, _inter alia._

In general terms, however, it should be pointed out that
this is an extremely wide-ranging and complex task which
requires close collaboration between the Commission and
the Member States, between the latter and with
international organizations, in particular the WHO.

It is therefore a long and exacting task which the Council
and the Member States are assisting in furthering, within
the framework of their respective powers.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 134/91

by Mr Louis Lauga (RDE)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(11 February 1991)_

(91/C 136/63)

_Subject:_ European centre for coordinating methods of
bio-substitution

The Luxembourg Health Minister has expressed the wish
for the first European centre for coordinating methods of
bio-substitution to be set up in Luxembourg.

What is the position of the EEC Member States on this
European research programme?

Are substitution methods the subject of serious research
which will eventually enable them to be incorporated into
medical and pharmaceutical programmes?

Answer

_(22 March 1991)_

The Council has not been informed of the initiative

referred to by the Honourable Member. The proposal for
a Decision concerning a specific RTD programme in the
field of bio-medicine and health submitted to the Council

by the Commission, on which the European Parliament
delivered its Opinion on 12 December 1990, does not
cover research into bio-substitution.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 225/91

by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(18 February 1991)_

(91/C 136/64)

_Subject:_ Change in the status of the Consultative Council
of Local and Regional Authorities

What view does the Council take of the proposal made by
the Bureau of the Assembly of European Regions (AER)
at its meeting on 6 September 1990 in Rome to give the
Consultative Council of Local and Regional Authorities
the status of a genuine consultative committee, similar to
the Economic and Social Committee, a proposal which is
similar to that recently approved by the European
Parliament?

Answer

_(22 April 1991)_

The Consultative Council of Local and Regional
Authorities was set up by a Commission Decision ('). It is
therefore for the Commission — in accordance with its

powers — to make any changes to the composition or
duties of that Council.

However, a change such as that referred to by the
Honourable Member would require amendment of the
Treaties.

Moreover, the possibility of setting up a Regional Council
has been raised at the Intergovernmental Conference on
Political Union.

O Decision of 24 June 1988 (OJ No L 247, 16. 9. 1988).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 240/91

by Mr David Bowe (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 March 1991)_

(91/C 136/65)

_Subject:_ Migrant workers

What measures has the Commission taken to ensure that

migrant workers in the European Community are not
exploited by unscrupulous employers?

What measures has the Commission taken to give the
same protection to migrant workers as to indigenous
workers in Community countries?

27. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 136/33

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 March 1991)_

Migrant workers who are nationals of Member States
enjoy equal treatment as required by the Treaty of Rome
and the Community's secondary legislation confirmed by
the rulings of the European Court of Justice. The
Commission is prepared to look into any practice in the
working world which fails to observe this principle.

As regards migrant workers who are nationals of
non-member countries, the Commission has made its
view quite clear in the course of debates in Parliament. It
recalls also the position set out in its 'Guidelines for a
Community Policy on Migration' ('); the recent report on
'Policies on Immigration and the Social Integration of
Migrants in the European Community' ( [2] ); a number of
agreements between the Community and other countries
which include an undertaking to refrain from
discrimination on the basis of nationality as regards terms
of employment and remuneration; and the Community
Charter of the Fundamental Social Rights of Workers, in
which Member States pledge themselves 'to guarantee
that workers from non-member countries . . . resident in a

Member State are able to enjoy, as regards their . . .
working conditions, treatment comparable to that
enjoyed by workers who are nationals of the Member
State concerned' and state that 'to ensure equal treatment,
it is important to combat every form of discrimination'.

(') COM(85) 48 final.
O SEC(90) 1813 final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 283/91

by Mrs Christa Randzio-Plath (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(4 March 1991)_

(91/C 136/66)

_Subject:_ EC embargo on Iraq

According to press reports, the embargo imposed by the
EC on 9 August 1990 by Council Regulation (EEC)
No 2340/90 O and tightened up in November 1990 has
not been fully observed. This may be partly due to the fact
that the sanctions set out in the regulation did not have
sufficient deterrent effect.

1. Is the Council aware of any violations of the embargo?
How many? By whom? How is cooperation in this
field conducted between the Member States?

2. Has the Council received any notification from
Member States or third countries of any such
violations ? What sort of violations ?

3. What sanctions have been taken or are proposed by
the Council and/or the Member States, and how does

the Commission assess their effect?

4. On the basis of its own observations, what view does
the Council take of the effects of an embargo?

O OJNoL213,9. 8. 1990, p. 1.

Answer

_(22 April 1991)_

1. It is the responsibility of the Commission to ensure
the effective implementation of Council Regulation
(EEC) No 2340/90 of 8 August 1990 preventing.trade by
the Community as regards Iraq and Kuwait and of
Council Regulation (EEC) No 3155/90 of 29 October
1990 extending and amending the above Regulation. In
this context the Commission has also drawn up
explanatory notes to facilitate the uniform
implementation by national administrations of the rules
relating to the embargo. To date the Commission has not
informed the Council of any cases of failure to comply
with these rules.

2. Nor have any details relating to possible violations
of the embargo emerged from the exchanges of
information which take place from time to time, on an
informal basis, between experts from the Member States
and the Commission, both within the Council and at the

Commission.

3. The Regulations in question are binding in their
entirety and directly applicable in all Member States; thus
any violation of the bans which they impose comes under
the legislation of the Member State(s) affected by the
infringement and leads to the penalties, including criminal
penalties, laid down by the legislation in question.

4. In view of the foregoing, the Council has not had to
comment on the effects of the embargo.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 299/91

by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(4 March 1991)_

(91/C 136/67)

_Subject:_ Misappropriation of international aid to
Colombia

According to a report from the American organization
'American watch', some of the international aid sent to
Colombia is going to sectors of Colombian society which
are responsible for serious human rights violations.

No C 136/34 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 5. 91

What measures are in force to monitor aid from the

European Community, particularly aid intended to help
combat the drugs trade, and to ensure that it does not
suffer a similar fate?

Answer

_(22 April 1991)_

It is in the first instance for the Commission, as
administrator of Community aid, to take appropriate
measures to ensure that such aid is in fact used for the

intended purpose. As this question has also been
addressed to the Commission, the Honourable Member is
invited to refer to the Commission's reply.

In addition, the Council has requested the Commission
to keep it regularly informed of the results achieved in
the implementation of the Community response to
Colombia's special cooperation plant to combat drugs,
and it will pay particular attention to the aspects to which
the Honourable Member refers. Finally, the Council
would remind the Honourable Member that every year
the Commission sends the European Parliament and the
Council a report on the implementation of financial and
technical aid to the developing countries of Latin America
and Asia.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 335/91

by Mr Kenneth Collins (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(4 March 1991)_

(91/C 136/68)

_Subject:_ Secret agreements reached in Council

In the press release published by the Council secretariat
following the Environment Council of 20/21 December
1990, no mention whatsoever is made of the commitment
given by the Commission to review the operation of
certain aspects of the existing directive on the protection
of wild birds (House of Lords Hansard, Written answers,
15 January 1991). According to the statement made in the
House of Lords in the United Kingdom, the Commission
agreed at Council to look at the provisions in the directive
that impede action against certain pest species.

In view of the Council's commitment to democracy and
the rule of law, does it consider it appropriate to provide
policy direction to the Commission in secret.

Answer

_(22 April 1991)_

Press Releases issued by the General Secretariat of the
Council following Council meetings should in principle
give a brief summary of the outcome of its deliberations

on items formally included on the agenda of the meeting,
which alone may form the subject of a Council decision.

The assessment as to whether or not reference should also

be made to questions raised under 'Other business' —
which may not form the subject of formal Council
Decisions — depends on the importance of the issue
raised, its interest to the public at large, reactions within
the Council and the Press Release drafters' perception of
those aspects.

In the case in point, the absence of information on the
commitment to which the Honourable Member refers

stems from such assessment. Moreover, the Commission
has its own press and information services for informing
the public, should it consider it necessary, of
commitments it has entered into in the Council at certain

delegations's request.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 351/91

by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(7 March 1991)_

(91/C 136/69)

_Subject:_ Restructuring of the Member States' customs
administrations

The advent of free movement within the Community will
reduce the number of customs formalities at internal

frontiers, a prospect which has raised concern amongst
the staff of the relevant public administrations.

Can the Council state what plans the various Member
States have for dealing with this situation? In particular,
have all or any of the Member States made a precise
assessment of the impact which the new state of affairs
will have on employment levels, and is any restructuring
planned?

Answer

_(23 April 1991)_

There is no requirement for the Council to be kept
informed of Member States' intentions as to the

management of customs personnel in the run-up to the
large single market.

However, in general terms, the Member States are
perfectly well aware of the fact that completion of the
single market will bring about changes in the way that
customs services carry out their duties, as can be seen
from the declaration made on 8 October 1990 by the
representatives of the governments of the Member States,
meeting within the Council, on the continuing role of

27. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 136/35

customs services after 1992, published in Official Journal
No C262, 17 October 1990, page 3. The declaration
refers to the work of a Mutual Assistance Group known
under the name of 'MAG 92' set up to promote close
cooperation between Member States' customs services
and enhance their effectiveness. The MAG 92 delegates
are focusing on the general issue of customs problems
resulting from completion of the internal market.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 373/91

by Mrs Dorothee Piermont (ARC)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(7 March 1991)_

(91/C 136/70)

_Subject:_ Implementation of Parliament's resolution of 13
September 1982 on war toys

On 13 September 1982 the European Parliament adopted
a resolution calling for comprehensive measures to limit
and, in the long term, prevent the circulation and
production of war toys ('). The resolution called for a ban
on the advertising of war toys, the replacement of war
toys with toys which develop an awareness of the
importance of peace and a ban on the production of
replica rifles and pistols.

1. What steps has the Council taken to implement this
resolution?

2. If the Council has not yet taken any steps in this
direction, what measures does it intend to take to
implement this resolution?

O OJNoC267, 11.10. 1982, p. 14.

Answer

_(22 April 1991)_

The Council has not to date received any proposal from
the Commission on the matter to which the Honourable

Member refers.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 375/91

by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(7 March 1991)_

(91/C 136/71)

_Subject:_ Transport for elderly people whose mobility is
limited

In Decision 91/94/EEC (*) the Council calls for a series
of measures to assist the elderly.

Nobody would dispute the importance of providing
public transport for the elderly to enable them to
participate fully in society. Will the Council consider
measures to ensure that public transport meet the needs of
disabled elderly persons whose mobility is limited?

O OJNoL28,2.2.1991, p. 29.

Answer

_(22 April 1991)_

The problem raised by the Honourable Member is an
important one, as the Council is well aware. Accordingly,
the Council will devote special care to the scrutiny of any
proposal that the Commission may submit on the subject.

The Council would draw the Honourable Member's

attention to the discussions held at the European
Conference of Ministers of Transport with this end in
view.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 384/91

by Mr Jeannou Lacaze (LDR)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(7 March 1991)_

(91/C 136/72)

_Subject:_ Community assistance to Jordan

In view of the importance of ensuring that Jordan remains
capable of maintaining its independence, of playing its
part in enforcing the UN embargo against Iraq and in
receiving refugees from Iraq and Kuwait, what political
and economic assistance will the Council consider

providing for the Jordanian Government?

Answer

_(22 March 1991)_

Acting in the spirit of the United Nations' Security
Council Resolutions, and after consultation with the
European Parliament, on 4 December 1990 the Council
adopted a Regulation on financial aid for the countries
most directly affected by the Gulf crisis, which provides
for a sum of ECU 500 million, to be taken from the
Community budget for 1991 and to be shared among
three countries, including Jordan.

In addition, the Community and the Member States have
given substantial humanitarian aid of nearly ECU 100
million for the reception in Jordan and repatriation of a
large number of refugees from Iraq and Kuwait.

No C 136/36 Official Journal of the European Communities 27. 5. 91

WRITTEN QUESTION No 419/91

by Mrs Winifred Ewing (ARC)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(11 March 1991)_

(91/C 136/73)

_Subject:_ Welfare regulations for calves and pigs

With regard to the proposed welfare regulations to
improve the lives of calves and pigs, is it true that the
Agriculture Ministers are attempting to have these
converted into directives instead of regulations and also
to extend the period of adoption to the year 2000. If so,
will they immediately reconsider this position and
maintain the animal welfare position as adopted by the
European Parliament?

Answer

_(22 April 1991)_

The proposals for Council Regulations concerning
minimum standards for the protection of calves and pigs
kept in intensive farming systems, which are submitted by
the Commission on 23 June 1989 and amended on 6 June

1990 further to the European Parliament's opinion, are
still under Council scrutiny. As a result, no aspect of the
proposals has yet been settled, including the legal form of
the instruments and how long existing installations will
continue to be allowed; the Council will take into
consideration the European Parliament's opinion when
deciding on the proposals before it.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 462/91

by Mrs Mary Banotti (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 March 1991)_

(91/C 136/74)

_Subject:_ The cot death syndrome

The cot death syndrome is one of the greatest causes of
infant death in the EC. Is the Commission presently
funding any research into this problem and would it be
prepared to fund specific research projects in the future?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(5_ _April 1991)_

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to

its answer to Written Question No 2622/90 by Mrs
Oddy 0).

O OJNoC85,28.3. 1991.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 661/91

by Mr Henry Saby (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(16 April 1991)_

(91/C 136/75)

_Subject:_ European Community Mediterranean policy

1. Would the Council explain the reasons, and its
motives, for not consulting the European Parliament on
the Communication from the Commission to the Council

entitled 'Redirecting the Community's Mediterranean
Policy; Proposals for the period 1992-96' (SEC (90) 812
final)?

2. What policy initiatives are envisaged by the Council
in relation to the developing countries of the
Mediterranean region, beyond the revision of existing
protocols?

3. What policy is envisaged by the Council, more
specifically, in relation to immigration into the
Community by nationals of the developing countries of
the Mediterranean region?

Answer

_(22 April 1991)_

1. Consultation of the Parliament by the Council is not
expressly provided for in the case of communications
which do not have a specific legal basis. In the second half
of last year, the President-in-Office of the Council
nevertheless fully briefed the relevant Committees of the
Parliament on the progress of the Council's discussion on
the Commission communication on redirecting the
Community's Mediterranean policy.

2. In accordance with the request by the European
Council in Rome in December that discussions be

concluded" as soon as possible, the Council has since
arrived at an overall agreement on the various aspects of a
new-look Mediterranean policy, which may be outlined
as follows:

The overall allocations for the period from 1992 to 1996
will amount to ECU 4 405 million, including ECU 2 375
million for the 4th Financial Protocols with the Maghreb
countries and Israel and ECU 2 030 million as horizontal

financial cooperation.

The Financial Protocols — for which the Council has

adopted negotiating directives — will include the
following budget appropriations for the Maghreb and
Mashreq countries: ECU 775 million in earmarked
appropriations and ECU 300 million as support for
economic reforms. An amount of ECU 1 300 million has

been set for EIB loans.

'Horizontal' financial cooperation, under which the
Community will unilateral provide increased support for
the period from 1992 to 1996 for regional projects, in

^ ^ 1 Official journal of the European Communities ^ O C I ^ D B ^

particularinthefieldof the environment, will havean
allocation of ECH^^O million in hud^et appropriations
and the E1B will he asked to provide non^Rrotocol loans
up toaceilin^ofECtll^OO million.

The improvement of trade arrangements with the
countries concerned will involvemn particulars

^ more rapid tariffdismantlin^hy the Community for
a^riculturalproducts coveredhy the additional and
supplementary protocols, which will he completed on
t ] a n u a r y t ^ ^ instead o f t ] a n u a r y l ^ ^

^ and an annual increase of^^o during the period from
1 ^ ^ to P ^ in the tariff quotas and reference
quantities set in the additional and supplementary
protocols, except in the case of certain sensitive
products forwhich the increase will he^^o.

In the content ofanewdook mediterranean policy,the
Council has adoptedastatement in which the Community
emphasises inparticularthefundamentalimportanceit
attaches to the ohservation of human rights and the
furtherance of democraticvalues.

Another statement refers to the importance which the
Council and the Commission attaches to arrangements
hein^ adopted for the mediterranean with ^e^ard to the
transportandtreatmentof hazardous wastes, following
the example of Lome IV.

^. The Council is moreover of the opinion that the
package of measures which will he implemented under the
newlook mediterranean policy will contrihute to the
economic and social development of the countries
concerned and shall therefore indirectly reduce
emigration to the Community of nationals of those
mediterranean countries.