Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

# Official Journal ISSN 0378-6986

C 138

Volume 40

### of the European Communities

##### English edition Information and Notices

5 May 1997

Notice No Contents Page

I Information

European Parliament

Written Questions with answer

( 97 /C 138 / 01 ) E - 1796 / 96 by David Bowe to the Council
Subject : Employment in the energy sector 1

( 97 / C 1 38 / 02 ) E - 1 943 / 96 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Council
Subject : BSE and water 1

( 97 / C 138 / 03 ) E-21 38 / 96 by Luciano Vecchi to the Commission
Subject : Requirement in Italy to provide a bank guarantee to benefit from ADAPT, Community initiatives on
employment ( NOW-Horizon-Youthstart ) and the European Social Fund ( Supplementary answer ) 2

( 97 / C 138 / 04 ) E-2197 / 96 by Martin Schulz and Jutta Haug to the Council
Subject : Fuel for Council vehicles at Shell garages 2

( 97 / C 138 / 05 ) E-2404 / 96 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission
Subject : Information on the amount of EC aid granted to the Saarland between January and December 1995
( Supplementary answer ) 3

( 97 / C 138 / 06 ) P-2524 / 96 by Joaquim Miranda to the Council
Subject : Tomato quotas following the adoption of the COM for fruit and vegetables 6

( 97 / C 138 / 07 ) E-2545 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Council
Subject : Environmental protection 7

( 97 / C 138 / 08 ) E-2633 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Council
Subject : Non-governmental organizations and environmental policy 7

( 97 / C 138 / 09 ) E-2736 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Council
Subject : Non-governmental organizations 7

Joint reply to Written Questions E-2545 / 96, E-2633 / 96 and E-2736 / 96 7

( 97 / C 138 / 10 ) E-2568 / 96 by Inigo Mendez de Vigo to the Council
Subject : WTO ministerial meeting 8

( 97 / C 138 / 1 1 ) E-2594 / 96 by Glyn Ford to the Commission
Subject : The letting of holiday homes in Tenerife 8

###### EN

Price : ECU 40 ( Continued overleaf )

Notice No

( 97 / C 138 / 12 )

( 97 / C 138 / 13 )

( 97 / C 138 / 14 )

( 97 / C 138 / 15 )

( 97 / C 138 / 16 )

( 97 / C 138 / 17 )

( 97 / C 138 / 18 )

( 97 / C 138 / 19 )

( 97 / C 138 / 20 )

( 97 / C 138 / 21 )

( 97 / C 138 / 22 )

( 97 / C 138 / 23 )

( 97 / C 138 / 24 )

( 97 / C 138 / 25 )

( 97 / C 138 / 26 )

( 97 / C 138 / 27 )

( 97 / C 138 / 28 )

( 97 / C 138 / 29 )

( 97 / C 138 / 30 )

( 97 / C 138 / 31 )

( 97 / C 138 / 32 )

( 97 / C 138 / 33 )

( 97 / C 138 / 34 )

( 97 / C 138 / 35 )

Contents ( continued ) Page

E-2635 / 96 by Richard Howitt to the Commission
Subject : Tourism — Canary Islands

Supplementary joint reply to Written Questions E-2594 / 96 and E-2635 / 96 .

E-2668 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission

Subject : BSE and Creutzfeld-Jacob disease

P-2692 / 96 by Marilena Marin to the Council

Subject : Memorial Day

E-2748 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission

Subject : The internal market

E-2749 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission

Subject : The internal market

Joint reply to Written Questions E-2748 / 96 and E-2749 / 96

P-2764 / 96 by Angela Billingham to the Council
Subject : Illegal jailing of children in Honduras

E-2800 / 96 by Edgar Schiedermeier to the Council

Subject : European vehicle licence plates

E-2807 / 96 by Gianni Tamino to the Commission
Subject : Friuli-Venezia Giulia regional law to cut excise duty on petrol

E-2835 / 96 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Council
Subject : Safety guarantees for GMO products

E-2868 / 96 by Alex Smith to the Council

Subject : Publication of study on public access to documents

E-2878 / 96 by Nikitas Kaklamanis to the Council

Subject : Nuclear programme in Turkey

E-29 10 / 96 by Salvador Garriga Polledo to the Council

Subject : EDF

E-29 17 / 96 by Giuseppe Rauti to the Commission

Subject : Suffering of animals because of genetic manipulation

E-3007 / 96 by Anita Pollack to the Commission

Subject : ' Oestrogenic ' pesticides

E-30 14 / 96 by Bernard Castagnède to the Council

Subject : Small Caribbean states / WTO panel ( bananas )

E-3022 / 96 by Luciano Vecchi to the Council
Subject : Full accession of Somalia to the Fourth Lomé Convention

E-3025 / 96 by Ulf Holm to the Commission

Subject : Imports of eco-friendly bananas

E-3038 / 96 by Barbara Dührkop Dührkop to the Council
Subject : Protection of the health of British consumers against bovine spongiform encephalopathy

E-3056 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission

Subject : Volume of waste in the Community

E-3059 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Council

Subject : Electricity

E-3060 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission

Subject : Electricity

E-3061 / 96 by Per Stenmarck to the Commission
Subject : Tax-free sales on intra EU ferries

E-3065 / 96 by Phillip Whitehead to the Commission

Subject : Global warming

E-3068 / 96 by Umberto Bossi to the Commission

Subject : Actions to assist children

9

9

9

11

11

11

12

12

13

13

14

15

15

16

17

18

18

19

19

20

21

22

22

23

24

25

26

( 97 / C 138 / 36 ) E-3080 / 96 by Caroline Jackson to the Commission

Subject : Environmental issues in Central and Eastern Europe

###### EN

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

( 97 / C 138 / 37 )

( 97 / C 138 / 38 )

( 97 / C 138 / 39 )

( 97 / C 138 / 40 )

( 97 / C 138 / 41 )

( 97 / C 138 / 42 )

( 97 / C 138 / 43 )

( 97 / C 138 / 44 )

( 97 / C 138 / 45 )

( 97 / C 138 / 46 )

( 97 / C 138 / 47 )

( 97 / C 138 / 48 )

( 97 / C 138 / 49 )

( 97 / C 138 / 50 )

( 97 / C 138 / 51 )

( 97 / C 138 / 52 )

( 97 / C 138 / 53 )

( 97 / C 138 / 54 )

( 97 / C 138 / 55 )

( 97 / C 138 / 56 )

( 97 / C 138 / 57 )

( 97 / C 138 / 58 )

( 97 / C 138 / 59 )

P-3090 / 96 by Jesus Cabezón Alonso to the Council
Subject : Employment and social cohesions : the December 1996 Dublin European Council 27

E-3105 / 96 by Joaquin Sisó Cruellas to the Commission
Subject : Action to assist disadvantaged urban areas 27

E-3112 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission
Subject : Taxes on alcoholic beverages 28

E-3 1 14 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission
Subject : Movement of alcoholic beverages subject to excise duty 28

E-3120 / 96 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission
Subject : Health hazards inherent in glyphosate-resistant soya beans 29

E-3140 / 96 by Florus Wijsenbeek to the Commission
Subject : Training in the transport industry 30

E-3147 / 96 by Fernando Fernandez Martin to the Commission
Subject : Towards sustainable development in the Canaries : environment and water 31

E-3 155 / 96 by Riccardo Garosci to the Commission
Subject : Redundancies at Nestlé Italia 31

E-3 178 / 96 by Sergio Ribeiro to the Commission
Subject : German pensions legislation 32

P-3 1 81 / 96 by Salvador Jove Peres to the Council
Subject : Operation of the aid regime for olive oil 32

E-3 1 83 / 96 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Living conditions of children in Perama 33

E-3 184 / 96 by Susan Waddington to the Commission
Subject : Fireworks 34

E-3189 / 96 by Richard Howitt to the Commission
Subject : Commission funding for a rubbish dump and treatment plant on Western Costa del Sol ( Spain ) 35

E-3221 / 96 by Mihail Papayannakis and Yiannis Roubatis to the Commission
Subject : Illegal land reclamation in the Acheloos delta 35

E-3227 / 96 by Francesco Baldarelli to the Commission
Subject : Explanations concerning the ban on dual medical specialization at Italian universities 37

E-3229 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : The Commission 's tax programme 37

E-3235 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : The Commission 's tax programme 38

E-3236 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : The Commission 's tax programme 38

E-3237 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : The Commission 's tax programme 39

E-3239 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : The Commission 's tax programme 39

Joint reply to Written Questions E-3235 / 96, E-3236 / 96, E-3237 / 96 and E-3239 / 96 39

E-3240 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : The Commission 's tax programme 40

E-3241 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : The Commission 's tax programme 40

E-3244 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Directives on public contracts incorporated by Spain 41

( 97 / C 138 / 60 ) E-3245 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Directives on company law incorporated by Spain 41

###### EN

( Continued overleaf )

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

( 97 / C 138 / 61 )

( 97 / C 138 / 62 )

( 97 / C 138 / 63 )

( 97 / C 138 / 64 )

( 97 / C 138 / 65 )

( 97 / C 138 / 66 )

( 97 / C 138 / 67 )

( 97 / C 138 / 68 )

( 97 / C 138 / 69 )

( 97 / C 138 / 70 )

( 97 / C 138 / 71 )

( 97 / C 138 / 72 )

( 97 / C 138 / 73 )

( 97 / C 138 / 74 )

( 97 / C 138 / 75 )

( 97 / C 138 / 76 )

( 97 / C 138 / 77 )

( 97 / C 138 / 78 )

( 97 / C 138 / 79 )

( 97 / C 138 / 80 )

( 97 / C 138 / 81 )

( 97 / C 138 / 82 )

( 97 / C 138 / 83 )

E-3248 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Commission actions on third-generation insurance 42

E-3250 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Commission actions on company law 42

E-3251 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : European company statute - 43

P-3253 / 96 by Eva Kjer Hansen to the Commission

Subject : Failure of Commission to invoke Article 169 in respect of Directive 92 / 1 17 / EEC on zoonoses and zoonotic
agents ( Salmonellosis ) 43

E-3256 / 96 by Bryan Cassidy to the Commission
Subject : Declassify scrap as waste in EC legislation 44

E-3383 / 96 by Arthur Newens to the Commission
Subject : Energy efficiency of hot water boilers 45

E-33 86 / 96 by Carles - Alfred Gasòliba i Bohm to the Commission
Subject : The visually impaired 45

E-3390 / 96 by Helwin Peter to the Commission
Subject : Disruption of the internal market in pressure vessels 46

E-3391 / 96 by Jan Mulder to the Commission
Subject : Clearance of accounts procedure : increasing the number of staff involved 47

E-3400 / 96 by Herbert Bosch, Fiorella Ghilardotti, Rolf Linkohr, Michele Lindeperg,
Catherine Trautmann and Rinaldo Bontempi to the Commission

Subject : Tenth revision of the old-age and survivor 's pension ( AHV ) in Switzerland and its implications for
cross-frontier workers from neighbouring EU Member States 47

E-3401 / 96 by Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission
Subject : Establishment of works councils 48

E-3402 / 96 by Nikitas Kaklamanis to the Commission
Subject : Coach services between Greece and Albania 49

E-3405 / 96 by Gerardo Fernández-Albor to the Commission
Subject : Creation of a European civilian peace corps 50

E-3408 / 96 by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz to the Commission
Subject : Conservation areas under the wild birds and natural habitats directives 50

E-34 12 / 96 by Spalato Belleré to the Commission
Subject : Plane crash in Indian airspace on 12 November 1996 51

E-34 13 / 96 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission

Subject : Street cleaning services 52

E-34 14 / 96 by Magda Aelvoet to the Commission
Subject : European subsidies for milk 52

E-3423 / 96 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : The Italian Government 's behaviour with regard to the liberalization of the telecommunications sector 53

E-3426 / 96 by Nikitas Kaklamanis to the Commission
Subject : Lorry licences in Greece 54

E-3427 / 96 by Nikitas Kaklamanis to the Commission
Subject : Diabetes and the social dimension of the European Union 55

E-3428 / 96 by Iñigo Mendez de Vigo to the Commission
Subject : Information campaign on the Euro 56

E-3432 / 96 by Guido Podestà to the Commission
Subject : Natural disasters 56

E-3433 / 96 by Guido Podestà to the Commission
Subject : Evaluation of pilot projects for the conservation of the architectural heritage 57

( 97 / C 138 / 84 ) P-3439 / 96 by Hugh McMahon to the Commission

'
Subject : ESF — ' Employment / Horizon in Ireland 58

EN

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

( 97 / C 138 / 85 ) E-3446 / 96 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission

Subject : Cross-border consumer protection

( 97 / C 138 / 86 ) E-3449 / 96 by Jan Mulder to the Commission

Subject : Decisions by the Commission on clearance of accounts — standard corrections

( 97 / C 138 / 87 ) E-3453 / 96 by Gary Titley to the Commission

Subject : Commission staff pension fund

( 97 / C 138 / 88 ) E-3455 / 96 by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas to the Commission

Subject : Information on nutrition

( 97 / C 138 / 89 ) E-3460 / 96 by Jessica Larive to the Commission
Subject : Promotion of books and reading

( 97 / C 138 / 90 ) P-3463 / 96 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject : Regulations to protect the elderly and disabled

( 97 / C 138 / 91 ) E-3474 / 96 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission

Subject : FACTT and liability

( 97 / C 138 / 92 ) E-3475 / 96 by Rolf Linkohr to the Commission

Subject : Waste water treatment plant in the industrial area of Komotini, near Thessaloniki

( 97 / C 138 / 93 ) E-3479 / 96 by Gianni Tamino to the Commission
Subject : Environmental impact assessment of a project for a waste disposal plant at Spresiano ( Treviso )

( 97 / C 138 / 94 ) E-3481 / 96 by Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission

Subject : The death of the Christian leader Pastor Mohammed Bagher Yusefi on 28 September 1996 in Sari ( Iran )

( 97 / C 138 / 95 ) E-3486 / 96 by José Barros Moura to the Commission

Subject : OPRD and Alqueva

( 97 / C 138 / 96 ) E-3487 / 96 by José Barros Moura to the Commission
Subject : Classification of officials at the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction

( 97 / C 138 / 97 ) E-3489 / 96 by Per Gahrton to the Commission

Subject : Salmonella

( 97 / C 138 / 98 ) E-3494 / 96 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission

Subject : Transgenic soya beans

( 97 / C 138 / 99 ) E-3497 / 96 by Robert Evans to the Commission

Subject : Spanish authorities ' delays in returning tax retentions                       

( 97 / C 138 / 100 ) E-3499 / 96 by Laura González Alvarez to the Commission

Subject : Reductions in national aid to the mining industry in Castile and Leon ( Spain )

( 97 / C 138 / 101 ) E-3503 / 96 by Miguel Arias Cañete to the Commission
Subject : FIFG aid in 1994-1999 for the fish preserving industry in Italy, Portugal and France

( 97 / C 138 / 102 ) E-3507 / 96 by Luigi Florio to the Commission

Subject : ' Euro-capons '                       

( 97 / C 138 / 103 ) E-3508 / 96 by Luciano Vecchi to the Commission

Subject : Failure to harmonize the rules governing the issue of fire-resistance certificates for textile products for use
as building materials or finishings in public places

( 97 / C 138 / 104 ) P-35 1 4 / 96 by Niels Kofoed to the Commission

Subject : Council Directive 92 / 66 / EEC introducing Community measures for the control of Newcastle disease .

( 97 / C 138 / 105 ) E-35 1 8 / 96 by Nikitas Kaklamanis to the Commission

Subject : Arbitrary measures by the occupying power in Cyprus

( 97 / C 138 / 106 ) E-3520 / 96 by Edward Kellett-Bowman to the Commission

Subject : Religious freedom in Turkey

( 97 / C 138 / 107 ) E-3525 / 96 by Laura De Esteban Martin to the Commission

Subject : Medical waste

58

59

59

60

61

62

62

63

63

64

65

66

66

67

68

68

70

70

71

72

73

73

74

( 97 / C 138 / 108 ) E-3529 / 96 by Doeke Eisma to the Commission
Subject : The natural habitats directive and the marine environment . . . .- 74

###### EN

( Continued overleaf )

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

( 97 / C 138 / 109 )

( 97 / C 138 / 110 )

( 97 / C 138 / 111 )

( 97 / C 138 / 112 )

( 97 / C 138 / 113 )

( 97 / C 138 / 114 )

( 97 / C 138 / 115 )

( 97 / C 138 / 116 )

( 97 / C 138 / 117 )

( 97 / C 138 / 118 )

( 97 / C 138 / 119 )

( 97 / C 138 / 120 )

( 97 / C 138 / 121 )

( 97 / C 138 / 122 )

( 97 / C 138 / 123 )

( 97 / C 138 / 124 )

( 97 / C 138 / 125 )

( 97 / C 138 / 126 )

( 97 / C 138 / 127 )

( 97 / C 138 / 128 )

( 97 / C 138 / 129 )

( 97 / C 138 / 130 )

( 97 / C 138 / 131 )

( 97 / C 138 / 132 )

P-3532 / 96 by Ulf Holm to the Commission
Subject : Alcopop and the sacred cow of competition 75

E-3535 / 96 by Yannos Kranidiotis to the Commission
Subject : The situation in Myanmar ( Burma ) 76

E-3544 / 96 by Bill Miller to the Commission
Subject : Electronic publishing of the OJ 77

E-3556 / 96 by Yiannis Roubatis to the Commission
Subject : Unreasonable demands of the Turkish Government concerning the MEDA programme 77

E-3562 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : The floods in Tabernes de Valdigna ( Valencia ) 78

E-3565 / 96 by Ulf Holm to the Commission
Subject : Rice smuggling 78

P-3567 / 96 by Eva Kjer Hansen to the Commission
Subject : The Commission 's answer to a question on wholesale infringements of EU directives by Member States in
invitations to tender in respect of public works contracts 79

P-3568 / 96 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Merger between BP and MOBIL 80

P-3569 / 96 by Heidi Hautala to the Commission
Subject : Tax on imported electricity in Finland 81

E-3571 / 96 by Freddy Blak to the Commission
Subject : Road deaths in Europe 81

E-3572 / 96 by Freddy Blak to the Commission
Subject : Special teaching in schools 82

E-3577 / 96 by Spalato Belleré to the Commission
Subject : Preservation of musical conservatories ' library archives 83

E-3578 / 96 by Spalato Belleré to the Commission
Subject : Promotion or revival of typical regional singing traditions 83

E-3581 / 96 by Frederik Willockx to the Commission

Subject : Framework agreement on the provision of technical services to countries in Asia, Latin America and the
Mediterranean region 84

P-3584 / 96 by Jean - Yves Le Gallou to the Commission
Subject : Community funding for the region of Guyana 85

E-3585 / 96 by Hilde Hawlicek to the Commission
Subject : Action 2 of the Kaleidoscope Programme 85

E-3586 / 96 by Hilde Hawlicek to the Commission
Subject : Preparations for the year against racism 86

E-3587 / 96 by Hilde Hawlicek to the Commission
Subject : Development of EU educational and training programmes 87

E-3596 / 96 by Jose Apolinário to the Commission
Subject : Fisheries and the European Social Fund 87

E-3671 / 96 by Anita Pollack to the Commission
Subject : Cosmetic ingredients 88

E-3672 / 96 by Anita Pollack to the Commission
Subject : Study on eco-businesses 88

E-3675 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU-Latin America trade : regaining a leading role 89

E-3676 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU-Latin America trade : EU trade with Mercosur 89

E-3677 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investment in Latin America : action by the Commission 89

( 97 / C 138 / 133 ) E-3678 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Germany and Mercosur 90

###### EN

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

( 97 / C 138 / 134 )

( 91 IC 138 / 135 )

( 91 IC 138 / 136 )

( 91 IC 138 / 137 )

( 91 IC 138 / 138 )

( 91 IC 138 / 139 )

( 91 IC 138 / 140 )

( 91 IC 138 / 141 )

( 91 IC 138 / 142 )

( 91 IC 138 / 143 )

( 91 IC 138 / 144 )

( 97 / C 138 / 145 )

( 91 IC 138 / 146 )

( 97 / C 138 / 147 )

( 97 / C 138 / 148 )

( 97 / C 138 / 149 )

( 97 / C 138 / 150 )

( 97 / C 138 / 151 )

( 97 / C 138 / 152 )

( 97 / C 138 / 153 )

( 97 / C 138 / 154 )

( 97 / C 138 / 155 )

( 97 / C 138 / 156 )

( 97 / C 138 / 157 )

( 97 / C 138 / 158 )

E-3679 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Germany and Mexico 90

E-3680 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Germany and the Andean
Community 90

E-3681 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Germany and Central America 90

E-3682 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Germany and Brazil 91

E-3683 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Austria and Mercosur 91

E-3684 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Austria and Mexico 91

E-3685 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Austria and the Andean Community 9 1

E-3686 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Austria and Central America . . 91

E-3687 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Austria and Brazil 92

E-3688 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Belgium and Mercosur 92

E-3689 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Belgium and Mexico 92

E-3690 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Belgium and the Andean
Community 92

E-3691 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Belgium and Central America . 93

E-3692 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Belgium and Brazil 93

E-3693 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Denmark and Mercosur 93

E-3694 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Denmark and Mexico 93

E-3695 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Denmark and the Andean
Community 93

E-3696 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Denmark and Central America 94

E-3697 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Denmark and Brazil 94

E-3698 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Spain and Mercosur 94

E-3699 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Spain and Mexico 94

E-3700 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Spain and the Andean Community 95

E-3701 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Spain and Central America ... 95

E-3702 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Spain and Brazil 95

E-3703 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Finland and Mercosur 95

( 97 / C 138 / 159 ) E-3704 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Finland and Mexico 95

###### EN

( Continued overleaf )

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

{ 91 IC 138 / 160 )

( 91 IC 138 / 161 )

( 91 IC 138 / 162 )

( 91 IC 138 / 163 )

( 91 IC 138 / 164 )

( 91 IC 138 / 165 )

( 91 IC 138 / 166 )

( 91 IC 138 / 167 )

( 91 IC 138 / 168 )

( 91 IC 138 / 169 )

( 91 IC 138 / 170 )

( 91 IC 138 / 171 )

( 91 IC 138 / 172 )

( 91 IC 138 / 173 )

( 91 IC 138 / 174 )

( 91 IC 138 / 175 )

( 91 IC 138 / 176 )

( 91 IC 138 / 177 )

( 91 IC 138 / 178 )

( 91 IC 138 / 179 )

( 91 IC 138 / 180 )

( 91 IC 138 / 181 )

( 91 IC 138 / 182 )

( 91 IC 138 / 183 )

( 91 IC 138 / 184 )

( 91 IC 138 / 185 )

E-3705 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Finland and the Andean Community

E-3706 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Finland and Central America . .

E-3707 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Finland and Brazil

E-3708 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between France and Mercosur

E-3709 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between France and Mexico

E-37 10 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between France and the Andean Community

E-371 1 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between France and Central America . .

E-37 12 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between France and Brazil

E-3713 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Greece and Mercosur

E-37 14 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Greece and Mexico

E-3715 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Greece and the Andean Community

E-37 16 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Greece and Central America . .

E-37 17 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Greece and Brazil

E-37 1 8 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Ireland and Mercosur

E-3719 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Ireland and Mexico

E-3720 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Ireland and the Andean Community

E-3721 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Ireland and Central America . .

E-3722 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Ireland and Brazil

E-3723 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Italy and Mercosur

E-3724 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Italy and Mexico

E-3725 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Italy and the Andean Community

E-3726 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Italy and Central America ....

E-3727 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Italy and Brazil

E-3728 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Luxembourg and Mercosur . . .

E-3729 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Luxembourg and Mexico

E-3730 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Luxembourg and the Andean
Community

96

96

96

96

97

97

97

97

97

98

98

98

98

99

99

99

99

99

100

100

100

100

101

101

101

Community 101

###### EN

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

( 97 / C 138 / 186 ) E-3731 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Luxembourg and Central America

( 97 / C 138 / 187 ) E-3732 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Luxembourg and Brazil

( 97 / C 138 / 188 ) E-3733 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between the Netherlands and Mercosur .

( 97 / C 138 / 189 ) E-3734 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between the Netherlands and Mexico . .

( 97 / C 138 / 190 ) E-3735 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between the Netherlands and the Andean
Community

( 97 / C 138 / 191 ) E-3736 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between the Netherlands and Central
America

( 97 / C 138 / 192 ) E-3737 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between the Netherlands and Brazil ....

( 97 / C 138 / 193 ) E-3738 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Portugal and Mercosur

( 97 / C 138 / 194 ) E-3739 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Portugal and Mexico

( 97 / C 138 / 195 ) E-3740 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Portugal and the Andean
Community

( 97 / C 138 / 196 ) E-3741 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Portugal and Central America .

( 97 / C 138 / 197 ) E-3742 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Portugal and Brazil

( 97 / C 138 / 198 ) E-3743 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between the United Kingdom and Mercosur

( 97 / C 138 / 199 ) E-3744 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between the United Kingdom and Mexico

( 97 / C 138 / 200 ) E-3745 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between the United Kingdom and the Andean
Community

( 97 / C 138 / 201 ) E-3746 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between the United Kingdom and Central
America

( 97 / C 138 / 202 ) E-3747 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between the United Kingdom and Brazil

( 97 / C 138 / 203 ) E-3748 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Sweden and Mercosur

( 97 / C 138 / 204 ) E-3749 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Sweden and Mexico

( 97 / C 138 / 205 ) E-3750 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Sweden and the Andean Community

( 97 / C 138 / 206 ) E-3751 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Sweden and Central America .

( 97 / C 138 / 207 ) E-3752 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Sweden and Brazil

( 97 / C 138 / 208 ) E-3770 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : HU investments in Latin America : figures for Germany's investments in Mexico

101

102

102

102

102

103

103

103

103

103

104

104

104

104

105

105

105

105

105

106

106

106

106

( 97 / C 138 / 209 ) E-3771 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Germany's investments in Central America 107

EN

( Continued overleaf )

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

( 97 / C 138 / 210 )

( 97 / C 138 / 211 )

( 97 / C 138 / 212 )

( 97 / C 138 / 213 )

( 97 / C 138 / 214 )

( 97 / C 138 / 215 )

( 97 / C 138 / 216 )

( 97 / C 138 / 217 )

( 97 / C 138 / 218 )

( 97 / C 138 / 219 )

( 97 / C 138 / 220 )

( 97 / C 138 / 221 )

( 97 / C 138 / 222 )

( 97 / C 138 / 223 )

( 97 / C 138 / 224 )

( 97 / C 138 / 225 )

( 97 / C 138 / 226 )

( 97 / C 138 / 227 )

( 97 / C 138 / 228 )

( 97 / C 138 / 229 )

( 97 / C 138 / 230 )

( 97 / C 138 / 231 )

( 97 / C 138 / 232 )

E-3772 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Germany 's investments in Brazil

E-3773 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Germany 's investments in the Andean Community

E-3774 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Germany 's investments in Mercosur

E-3775 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Austria 's investments in Mexico

E-3776 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Austria 's investments in Central America

E-3777 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Austria 's investments in Brazil

E-3778 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Austria 's investments in the Andean Community

E-3779 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Austria 's investments in Mercosur

E-3780 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Belgium 's investments in Mexico

E-3781 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Belgium 's investments in Central America

E-3782 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Belgium 's investments in Brazil

E-3783 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Belgium 's investments in the Andean Community

E-3784 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Belgium 's investments in Mercosur

E-3785 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Denmark 's investments in Mexico

E-3786 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Denark 's investments in Central America

E-3787 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Denmark 's investments in Brazil

E-3788 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Denmark 's investments in the Andean Community

E-3789 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Denmark 's investments in Mercosur

E-3790 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Spain 's investments in Mexico

E-3791 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Spain 's investments in Central America

E-3792 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Spain 's investments in Brazil

E-3793 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Spain 's investments in the Andean Community

E-3794 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Spain 's investments in Mercosur

107

107

107

108

108

108

109

109

109

109

110

110

110

111

111

111

111

112

112

112

113

113

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Spain 's investments in Mercosur 113

###### EN

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

( 97 / C 138 / 233 )

( 97 / C 138 / 234 )

( 97 / C 138 / 235 )

( 97 / C 138 / 236 )

( 97 / C 138 / 237 )

( 97 / C 138 / 238 )

( 97 / C 138 / 239 )

( 97 / C 138 / 240 )

( 97 / C 138 / 241 )

( 97 / C 138 / 242 )

( 97 / C 138 / 243 )

( 97 / C 138 / 244 )

( 97 / C 138 / 245 )

( 97 / C 138 / 246 )

( 97 / C 138 / 247 )

( 97 / C 138 / 248 )

( 97 / C 138 / 249 )

( 97 / C 138 / 250 )

( 97 / C 138 / 251 )

( 97 / C 138 / 252 )

E-3795 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Finland 's investments in Mexico 113

E-3796 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Finland 's investments in Central America 114

E-3797 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Finland 's investments in Brazil 114

E-3798 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Finland 's investments in the Andean Community 114

E-3799 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Finland 's investments in Mercosur 115

E-3800 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for France 's investments in Mexico 115

E-3801 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for France 's investments in Central America 115

E-3802 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for France 's investments in Brazil 115

E-3803 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for France 's investments in the Andean Community 116

E-3804 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for France 's investments in Mercosur 116

E-3805 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Greece 's investments in Mexico 116

E-3806 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Greece 's investments in Central America 117

E-3807 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Greece 's investments in Brazil 117

E-3808 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Greece 's investments in the Andean Community 117

E-3809 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Greece 's investments in Mercosur 117

E-38 10 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Ireland 's investments in Mexico 118

E-381 1 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU invesments in Latin America : figures for Ireland 's investments in Central America 118

E-38 12 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Ireland 's investments in Brazil 118

E-38 13 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Ireland 's investments in the Andean Community 119

E-3814 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Ireland 's investments in Mercosur 119

( 97 / C 138 / 253 ) E-38 15 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Italy 's investments in Mexico 119

###### EN

( Continued overleaf )

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

{ 91 IC 138 / 254 )

( 97 / C 138 / 255 )

( 97 / C 138 / 256 )

( 97 / C 138 / 257 )

( 97 / C 138 / 258 )

( 97 / C 138 / 259 )

( 97 / C 138 / 260 )

( 97 / C 138 / 261 )

( 97 / C 138 / 262 )

( 97 / C 138 / 263 )

( 97 / C 138 / 264 )

( 97 / C 138 / 265 )

( 97 / C 138 / 266 )

( 97 / C 138 / 267 )

( 97 / C 138 / 268 )

( 97 / C 138 / 269 )

( 97 / C 138 / 270 )

( 97 / C 138 / 271 )

( 97 / C 138 / 272 )

( 97 / C 138 / 273 )

E-3816 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Italy 's investments in Central America 119

E-38 17 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Italy 's investments in Brazil 120

E-38 18 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Italy 's investments in the Andean Community 120

E-38 19 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Italy 's investments in Mercosur 120

E-3820 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Luxembourg 's investments in Mexico 121

E-3821 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Luxembourg 's investments in Central America 121

E-3822 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Luxembourg 's investments in Brazil 121

E-3823 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Luxembourg 's investments in the Andean Community . 121

E-3824 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Luxembourg 's investments in Mercosur 122

E-3825 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for the Netherlands ' investments in Mexico 122

E-3826 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for the Netherlands ' investments in Central America 1 22

E-3827 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for the Netherlands ' investments in Brazil 123

E-3828 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for the Netherlands ' investments in the Andean Community 1 23

E-3829 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for the Netherlands ' investments in Mercosur 123

E-3830 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Portugal 's investments in Mexico 123

E-383 1 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Portugal 's investments in Central America 124

E-3832 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Portugal 's investments in Brazil 124

E-3833 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Portugal 's investments in the Andean Community 124

E-3834 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Portugal 's investments in Mercosur 125

E-3835 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for the United Kingdom 's investments in Mexico 125

( 97 / C 138 / 274 ) E-3836 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for the United Kingdom 's investments in Central America . 125

###### EN

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

( 97 / C 138 / 275 ) E-3837 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for the United Kingdom's investments in Brazil

( 97 / C 138 / 276 ) E-3838 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for the United Kingdom's investments in the Andean
Community

( 97 / C 138 / 277 ) E-3839 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for the United Kingdom's investments in Mercosur

( 97 / C 138 / 278 ) E-3840 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Sweden's investments in Mexico

( 97 / C 138 / 279 ) E-3841 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Sweden's investments in Central America

( 97 / C 138 / 280 ) E-3842 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Sweden's investments in Brazil

( 97 / C 138 / 281 ) E-3843 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Sweden's investments in the Andean Community

( 97 / C 138 / 282 ) E-3844 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Sweden's investments in Mercosur

( 97 / C 138 / 283 ) E-3848 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Germany in Mexico

( 97 / C 138 / 284 ) E-3849 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Germany in Brazil

( 97 / C 138 / 285 ) E-3850 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Germany in Mercosur

( 97 / C 138 / 286 ) E-3851 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Germany in the Andean Community

( 97 / C 138 / 287 ) E-3852 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Germany in Central America

( 97 / C 138 / 288 ) E-3853 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Austria in Mexico

( 97 / C 138 / 289 ) E-3854 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Austria in Brazil

( 97 / C 138 / 290 ) E-3855 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Austria in Mercosur

( 97 / C 138 / 291 ) E-3856 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Austria in the Andean Community

( 97 / C 138 / 292 ) E-3857 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Austria in Central America

( 97 / C 138 / 293 ) E-3858 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Belgium in Mexico

( 97 / C 138 / 294 ) E-3859 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Belgium in Brazil

( 97 / C 138 / 295 ) E - 3 860 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Belgium in Mercosur

( 97 / C 138 / 296 ) E-3861 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Belgium in the Andean Community

( 97 / C 138 / 297 ) E-3862 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Belgium in Central America

( 97 / C 138 / 298 ) E-3863 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Denmark in Mexico

125

126

126

126

127

127

127

127

128

128

128

129

129

129

129

130

130

130

131

131

131

131

132

132

( 97 / C 138 / 299 ) E-3864 / 96 by José García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Denmark in Brazil 132

EN

( Continued overleaf )

Notice No Contents ( continued )

Page

.. 133

.. 133

.. 133

.. 133

.. 134

.. 134

.. 134

135

.. 135

.. 135

.. 135

.. 136

.. 136

.. 136

.. 137

.. 137

.. 137

137

138

.. 138

.. 138

.. 139

.. 139

.. 139

139

140

( 97 / C 138 / 300 )

( 97 / C 138 / 301 )

( 97 / C 138 / 302 )

( 97 / C 138 / 303 )

( 97 / C 138 / 304 )

( 97 / C 138 / 305 )

( 97 / C 138 / 306 )

( 97 / C 138 / 307 )

( 97 / C 138 / 308 )

( 97 / C 138 / 309 )

( 97 / C 138 / 310 )

( 97 / C 138 / 311 )

( 97 / C 138 / 312 )

( 97 / C 138 / 313 )

( 97 / C 138 / 314 )

( 97 / C 138 / 315 )

( 97 / C 138 / 316 )

( 97 / C 138 / 317 )

( 97 / C 138 / 318 )

( 97 / C 138 / 319 )

( 97 / C 138 / 320 )

( 97 / C 138 / 321 )

( 97 / C 138 / 322 )

( 97 / C 138 / 323 )

( 97 / C 138 / 324 )

( 97 / C 138 / 325 )

E-3865 / 96 by José García García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Lat n America : figures for Denmark in Mercosur

E-3866 / 96 by Jose García García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Lat n America : figures for Denmark in the Andean Community

E-3867 / 96 by Jose García García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Lat n America : figures for Denmark in Central America

E-3880 / 96 by José García

Subject : EU cooperation in Lai

E-3881 / 96 by José García

Subject : EU cooperation in Lai

E-3882 / 96 by José García

Subject : EU cooperation in Lai

E-3883 / 96 by José García

Subject : EU cooperation in Lai

E-3884 / 96 by José García

Subject : EU cooperation in Lai

E-3885 / 96 by José García

Subject : EU cooperation in Lai

E-3886 / 96 by José García

Subject : EU cooperation in Lai

E-3887 / 96 by José García

Subject : EU cooperation in Lai

E-3888 / 96 by José García

Subject : EU cooperation in La

E-3889 / 96 by José García

Subject : EU cooperation in La '

E-3890 / 96 by José García

Subject : EU cooperation in La

E-3868 / 96 by José García

Subject : EU cooperation in Lat

E-3869 / 96 by Jose García

Subject : EU cooperation in Lat

E-3870 / 96 by Jose García

García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

n America : figures for Spain in Mexico

García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

n America : figures for Spain in Brazil

García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Lat n America : figures for Spain in Mercosur

E-3871 / 96 by Jose García García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Lat n America : figures for Spain in the Andean Community

E-3872 / 96 by Jose García García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Lat n America : figures for Spain in Central America

E-3873 / 96 by Jose García García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Lat n America : figures for Finland in Mexico

E-3874 / 96 by José García García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Lat n America : figures for Finland in Brazil

E-3875 / 96 by José García García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Lat n America : figures for Finland in Mercosur

E-3876 / 96 by Jose García García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Lat n America : figures for Finland in the Andean Community

E-3877 / 96 by Jose García García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Lat n America : figures for Finland in Central America

E-3878 / 96 by Jose García García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Lat n America : figures for France in Brazil

E-3879 / 96 by Jose García García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Lat n America : figures for France in Brazil

García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

n America : figures for France in Mercosur

García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

n America : figures for France in the Andean Community

García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

n America : figures for France in Central America

García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

n America : figures for Greece in Mexico

García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

n America : figures for Greece in Brazil

García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

n America : figures for Greece in Mercosur

García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

n America : figures for Greece in the Andean Community

García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

n America : figures for Greece in Central America

García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

n America : figures for Ireland in Mexico

García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

n America : figures for Ireland in Brazil

García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in La n America : figures for Ireland in Mercosur

###### EN

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

( 97 / C 138 / 326 )

( 97 / C 138 / 327 )

( 97 / C 138 / 328 )

( 97 / C 138 / 329 )

( 97 / C 138 / 330 )

( 97 / C 138 / 331 )

( 97 / C 138 / 332 )

( 97 / C 138 / 333 )

( 97 / C 138 / 334 )

( 97 / C 138 / 335 )

( 97 / C 138 / 336 )

( 97 / C 138 / 337 )

( 97 / C 138 / 338 )

( 97 / C 138 / 339 )

( 97 / C 138 / 340 )

( 97 / C 138 / 341 )

( 97 / C 138 / 342 )

( 97 / C 138 / 343 )

( 97 / C 138 / 344 )

( 97 / C 138 / 345 )

( 97 / C 138 / 346 )

( 97 / C 138 / 347 )

( 97 / C 138 / 348 )

( 97 / C 138 / 349 )

( 97 / C 138 / 350 )

E-3891 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Ireland in the Andean Community 1 40

E-3892 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Ireland in Central America 140

E-3893 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Italy in Mexico 141

E-3894 / 96 by Jose ' García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Italy in Brazil 141

E-3895 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Italy in Mercosur 141

E-3896 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Italy in the Andean Community 141

E-3897 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Italy in Central America 142

E-3898 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Luxembourg in Mexico 142

E-3899 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Luxembourg in Brazil 142

E-3900 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Luxembourg in Mercosur 143

E-3901 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Luxembourg in the Andean Community 143

E-3902 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Luxembourg in Central America 143

E-3903 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for the Netherlands in Mexico 143

E-3904 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for the Netherlands in Brazil 144

E-3905 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for the Netherlands in Mercosur 144

E-3906 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for the Netherlands in the Andean Community 144

E-3907 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for the Netherlands in Central America 145

E-3908 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Portugal in Mexico 145

E-3909 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Portugal in Brazil 145

E-39 10 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Portugal in Mercosur 145

E-3911 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Portugal in the Andean Community 146

E-39 12 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Portugal in Central America 146

E-39 13 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for the United Kingdom in Mexico 146

E-39 14 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for the United Kingdom in Brazil 147

E-39 15 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for the United Kingdom in Mercosur 147

( 97 / C 138 / 351 ) E-39 16 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for the United Kingdom in the Andean Community 147

###### EN

( Continued overleaf )

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

147

148

148

148

148

149

149

150

151

152

152

153

154

( 97 / C 138 / 352 )

( 97 / C 138 / 353 )

( 97 / C 138 / 354 )

( 97 / C 138 / 355 )

( 97 / C 138 / 356 )

( 97 / C 138 / 357 )

( 97 / C 138 / 358 )

( 97 / C 138 / 359 )

( 97 / C 138 / 360 )

( 97 / C 138 / 361 )

( 97 / C 138 / 362 )

( 97 / C 138 / 363 )

E-39 17 / 96 by Jose Garcfa-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for the United Kingdom in Central America

E-39 18 / 96 by Jose Garcfa-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Sweden in Mexico

E-39 19 / 96 by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Sweden in Brazil

E-3920 / 96 by Jose Garcfa-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Sweden in Mercosur

E-392 1 / 96 by Jose Garcfa-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Sweden in the Andean Community

E-3922 / 96 by Jose Garcfa-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Sweden in Central America

Joint reply to Written Questions E-3675 / 96, E-3676 / 96, E-3677 / 96, E-3678 / 96,
E-3679 / 96, E-3680 / 96, E-3681 / 96, E-3682 / 96, E-3683 / 96, E-3684 / 96, E-3685 / 96,
E-3686 / 96, E-3687 / 96, E-3688 / 96, E-3689 / 96, E-3690 / 96, E-3691 / 96, E-3692 / 96,
E-3693 / 96, E-3694 / 96, E-3695 / 96, E-3696 / 96, E-3697 / 96, E-3698 / 96, E-3699 / 96,
E-3700 / 96, E-3701 / 96, E-3702 / 96, E-3703 / 96, E-3704 / 96, E-3705 / 96, E-3706 / 96,
E-3707 / 96, E-3708 / 96, E-3709 / 96, E-37 10 / 96, E-371 1 / 96, E-37 12 / 96, E-37 13 / 96,
E-37 14 / 96, E-37 15 / 96, E-37 16 / 96, E-37 17 / 96, E-37 18 / 96, E-37 19 / 96, E-3720 / 96,
E-3721 / 96, E-3722 / 96, E-3723 / 96, E-3724 / 96, E-3725 / 96, E-3726 / 96, E-3727 / 96,
E-3728 / 96, E-3729 / 96, E-3730 / 96, E-373 1 / 96, E-3732 / 96, E-3733 / 96, E-3734 / 96,
E-3735 / 96, E-3736 / 96, E-3737 / 96, E-3738 / 96, E-3739 / 96, E-3740 / 96, E-3741 / 96,
E-3742 / 96, E-3743 / 96, E-3744 / 96, E-3745 / 96, E-3746 / 96, E-3747 / 96, E-3748 / 96,
E-3749 / 96, E-3750 / 96, E-3751 / 96, E-3752 / 96, E-3770 / 96, E-3771 / 96, E-3772 / 96,
E-3773 / 96, E-3774 / 96, E-3775 / 96, E-3776 / 96, E-3777 / 96, E-3778 / 96, E-3779 / 96,
E-3780 / 96, E-3781 / 96, E-3782 / 96, E-3783 / 96, E-3784 / 96, E-3785 / 96, E-3786 / 96,
E-3787 / 96, E-3788 / 96, E-3789 / 96, E-3790 / 96, E-3791 / 96, E-3792 / 96, E-3793 / 96,
E-3794 / 96, E-3795 / 96, E-3796 / 96, E-3797 / 96, E-3798 / 96, E-3799 / 96, E-3 800 / 96,
E-380 1 / 96, E-3802 / 96, E-3803 / 96, E-3804 / 96, E-3805 / 96, E-3806 / 96, E-3807 / 96,
E-3808 / 96, E-3809 / 96, E-3810 / 96, E-381 1 / 96, E-3812 / 96, E-3813 / 96, E-3814 / 96,
E-38 15 / 96, E-381 6 / 96, E-381 7 / 96, E-381 8 / 96, E-381 9 / 96, E-3820 / 96, E-3821 / 96,
E-3822 / 96, E-3823 / 96, E-3824 / 96, E-3825 / 96, E-3826 / 96, E-3827 / 96, E-3828 / 96,
E-3829 / 96, E-3830 / 96, E-3831 / 96, E-3832 / 96, E-3833 / 96, E-3834 / 96, E-3835 / 96,
E-3836 / 96, E-3837 / 96, E-3838 / 96, E-3839 / 96, E-3840 / 96, E-3841 / 96, E-3842 / 96,
E-3843 / 96, E-3844 / 96, E-3848 / 96, E-3849 / 96, E-3850 / 96, E-385 1 / 96, E-3852 / 96,
E-3853 / 96, E-3854 / 96, E-3855 / 96, E-3856 / 96, E-3857 / 96, E-3858 / 96, E-3859 / 96,
E-3860 / 96, E-386 1 / 96, E-3862 / 96, E-3863 / 96, E-3864 / 96, E-3865 / 96, E-3866 / 96,
E-3867 / 96, E-3868 / 96, E-3869 / 96, E-3870 / 96, E-3871 / 96, E-3872 / 96, E-3873 / 96,
E-3874 / 96, E-3875 / 96, E-3876 / 96, E-3877 / 96, E-3878 / 96, E-3879 / 96, E-3880 / 96,
E-388 1 / 96, E-3882 / 96, E-3883 / 96, E-3884 / 96, E-3885 / 96, E-3886 / 96, E-3887 / 96,
E-3888 / 96, E-3889 / 96, E-3890 / 96, E-3891 / 96, E-3892 / 96, E-3893 / 96, E-3894 / 96,
E-3895 / 96, E-3896 / 96, E-3897 / 96, E-3898 / 96, E-3899 / 96, E-3900 / 96, E-3901 / 96,
E-3902 / 96, E-3903 / 96, E-3904 / 96, E-3905 / 96, E-3906 / 96, E-3907 / 96 . E-3908 / 96,
E-3 909 / 96, E-39 10 / 96, E-39 11 / 96, E-39 12 / 96, E-39 13 / 96, E-39 14 / 96, E-39 15 / 96,
E-39 16 / 96, E-39 17 / 96, E-39 18 / 96, E-39 19 / 96, E-3920 / 96, E-392 1 / 96 and E-3922 / 96 ...

E-3756 / 96 by Graham Watson to the Commission

Subject : The Ncala railway

E-3763 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission
Subject : Trans-European data communications networks

E-3765 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission

Subject : Environmental impact

E-3766 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission

Subject : SMEs and the cratt sector

E-3769 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission

Subject : Economic development

P-3845 / 96 by Robert Evans to the Commission

Subject : Sanitary products and VAT

EN

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

( 97 / C 138 / 364 )

( 97 / C 138 / 365 )

( 97 / C 138 / 366 )

( 97 / C 138 / 367 )

( 97 / C 138 / 368 )

( 97 / C 138 / 369 )

( 97 / C 138 / 370 )

( 97 / C 138 / 371 )

( 97 / C 138 / 372 )

( 97 / C 138 / 373 )

( 97 / C 138 / 374 )

( 97 / C 138 / 375 )

( 97 / C 138 / 376 )

( 97 / C 138 / 377 )

( 97 / C 138 / 378 )

( 97 / C 138 / 379 )

( 97 / C 138 / 380 )

( 97 / C 138 / 381 )

( 97 / C 138 / 382 )

( 97 / C 138 / 383 )

( 97 / C 138 / 384 )

( 97 / C 138 / 385 )

P-3846 / 96 by Peter Mombaur to the Commission
Subject : B4-1020 — Budget for 1997 : Transport of radioactive material in the European Union 155

P-3927 / 96 by Fiorella Ghilardotti to the Commission
Subject : Renewal of agreements between the EU and Switzerland — increase in quotas for dried meat 155

E-3933 / 96 by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz to the Commission
Subject : EU funds to Lower Saxony since 1993 156

E-3936 / 96 by Richard Howitt to the Commission
Subject : Financial support for the Colombian peace process 157

E-3937 / 96 by Richard Howitt to the Commission
Subject : Colombian peace process 157

E-3942 / 96 by Richard Howitt to the Commission
Subject : EC Delegation office in Lima, Peru 157

E-3944 / 96 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission
Subject : Leader II programme in Andalucia 158

E-3952 / 96 by Gianni Tamino to the Commission
Subject : Commission veterinary experts 158

E-3959 / 96 by Elly Plooij-van Gorsel to the Commission
Subject : Violation of human rights in Kazakhstan 159

P-3963 / 96 by Xaver Mayer to the Commission
Subject : Minimum size of set-aside areas 159

P-3965 / 96 by Christian Rovsing to the Commission
Subject : Economic damage caused by anti-dumping duties on imports of cotton fabrics 1 60

P-3966 / 96 by Antonio Tajani to the Commission

Subject : Construction of the high-speed rail link in certain districts of Rome and in certain towns in the province of
Frosinone 161

E-3967 / 96 by Katerina Daskalaki to the Commission
Subject : Problems with Mediterranean farm produce 1 62

E-3969 / 96 by Nikitas Kaklamanis to the Commission
Subject : Anti-dumping measures for imports from China 1 62

E-3982 / 96 by Carmen Díez de Rivera Icaza to the Commission
Subject : Sex tourism 163

E-4007 / 96 by Hilde Hawlicek to the Commission
Subject : Use of OECD data on educational matters 164

E-4008 / 96 by Hilde Hawlicek to the Commission
Subject : Cooperation between the Commisssion and the Council of Europe in the field of foreign language teaching 1 65

E-4012 / 96 by Rinaldo Bontempi to the Commission
Subject : Request for an agreement on social security between the European Union and the Principality of Monaco 1 65

P-4016 / 96 by Marianne Thyssen to the Commission
Subject : Amendment of the VAT rate for ornamental plants 166

P-4023 / 96 by Elly Plooij-van Gorsel to the Commission
Subject : Cost to the retail trade of the introduction of the euro 167

E-4027 / 96 by Pedro Marset Campos, María Sornosa Martinez, Laura González Alvarez
and Angela Sierra González to the Commission
Subject : Exploitation of women 's labour in the region of Murcia ( Spain ) 168

E-4028 / 96 by Pedro Marset Campos, Maria Sornosa Martinez, Laura González Alvarez
and Angela Sierra González to the Commission

Subject : Irregularities in social security contributions in the canning and fruit and vegetable industries in the region
of Murcia ( Spain ) 169

( 97 / C 138 / 386 ) E-4038 / 96 by Ernesto Caccavale to the Commission

Subject : Opening of a Commission office in Naples ( Italy ) 169

EN

( Continued overleaf )

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

( 97 / C 138 / 387 ) E-4039 / 96 by José Apolinário to the Commission

Subject : Funds allocated under the LEADER II programme

( 97 / C 138 / 388 ) P-4041 / 96 by Laura González Álvarez to the Commission

Subject : Storms in Asturias, Cantabria and Catalonia ( Spain )

( 97 / C 138 / 389 ) P-4042 / 96 by Luciano Vecchi to the Commission
Subject : Law of the Region of Veneto on travel agencies and tour operators and freedom of movement for citizens

( 97 / C 138 / 390 ) E-4046 / 96 by Edith Miiller to the Commission

Subject : Sanctions under the Lomé Convention

( 97 / C 138 / 391 ) P-4058 / 96 by Marie-Arlette Carlotti to the Commission

Subject : Conflict prevention mechanism in the Mediterranean

( 97 / C 138 / 392 ) P-4059 / 96 by Konstantinos Hatzidakis to the Commission

Subject : Participation of Crete in the Community's Interreg 11 C initiative

( 97 / C 138 / 393 ) P-4130 / 96 by Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission
Subject : Participation of Crete in the Community initiative INTERREG II ' C '

Joint reply to Written Questions P-4059 / 96 and P-4130 / 96

( 97 / C 138 / 394 ) E-4064 / 96 by Thomas Megahy to the Commission

Subject : Occupational pensions and labour mobility

( 97 / C 138 / 395 ) E-4076 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission

Subject : Surveillance and control of communicable diseases

( 97 / C 138 / 396 ) P-4087 / 96 by Fernando Fernández Martín to the Commission
Subject : The map of Europe on the new single currency

( 97 / C 138 / 397 ) E-4089 / 96 by Jutta Haug to the Commission

Subject : EU funding of the Emscher-Lippe region since 1994

( 97 / C 138 / 398 ) E-4096 / 96 by María Sornosa Martinez and Laura González Álvarez to the Commission

Subject : Torture of minors in Bangladesh

( 97 / C 138 / 399 ) E-4102 / 96 by Umberto Bossi to the Commission

Subject : The use of structural funds in the north of Italy

( 97 / C 138 / 400 ) P-4105 / 96 by Rolf Berend to the Commission
Subject : EU support programmes ( culture and education ) for Central and Eastern Europe

( 97 / C 138 / 401 ) P-4106 / 96 by Angela Kokkola to the Commission

Subject : Structural Funds — interim evaluation report

( 97 / C 138 / 402 ) E-41 17 / 96 by David Hallam to the Commission
Subject : HELIOS II Guide on Good Practice

( 97 / C 138 / 403 ) E-41 20 / 96 by Joan Vallvé to the Commission
Subject : Map of Europe on the Euro banknotes

( 97 / C 138 / 404 ) E-4123 / 96 by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas to the Commission
Subject : International Day of the Disabled

( 97 / C 138 / 405 ) E-0028 / 97 by Konstadinos Klironomos to the Commission

Subject : Interreg II C — Mediterranean area

( 97 / C 138 / 406 ) E-0031 / 97 by Magda Aelvoet to the Commission

Subject : Child labour

( 97 / C 138 / 407 ) E-0037 / 97 by Odile Leperre - Verrier to the Commission

Subject : The situation in Burma

( 97 / C 138 / 408 ) P-0050 / 97 by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler to the Commission
Subject : The Commission's position on the Rugmark label

( 97 / C 138 / 409 ) E-0089 / 97 by Allan Macartney to the Commission

Subject : Child labour

170

170

171

172

172

173

173

174

174

174

175

176

176

177

177

178

178

179

179

180

180

181

182

182

( 97 / C 138 / 410 ) P-0100 / 97 by Antonio Tajani to the Commission
Subject : Desecration of Jewish graves in the Prima Porta cemetery, Rome 183

###### EN

( Continued on inside back cover )

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

( 97 / C 138 / 41 1 ) E-0166 / 97 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission
Subject : SMEs 183

( 97 / C 138 / 412 ) P-0207 / 97 by Claude Desama to the Commission
Subject : Use of regional aid for relocation purposes 184

( 97 / C 138 / 413 ) P-0217 / 97 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission
Subject : Labelling of genetically modified soya and maize 1 84

( 97 / C 138 / 414 ) E-0238 / 97 by Gianni Tamino to the Commission
Subject : Controlling the cormorant population of the wetlands of Oristano ( Italy ) 1 85

Corrigenda

( 97 / C 138 / 415 ) Corrigendum to Written Question P - 1977 / 96 by Per Gahrton to the Commission
( OJ C 365 of 4 December 1996 ) 186

###### EN

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 1

I

( Information )

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

( 97 / C 138 / 01 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1796 / 96

by David Bowe ( PSE ) to the Council

(5 July J 996 )

Subject : Employment in the energy sector

Will the Council consider the consequences of the internal market for electricity for employment in the energy
sector at its extraordinary meeting ? If not, can the Council explain why not ?

Reply

( 13 March 1997 )

The main objective of the internal market in electricity, as part of the internal market in general, is to contribute to
growth and increased competitiveness, while respecting public service obligations of electricity companies in the
general economic interest where such obligations exist, having full regard to the relevant provisions of the
Treaty, particularly Article 90 .

The provisions of the Directive on the internal market in electricity should in particular, enable industrial
undertakings which use electricity to obtain competitive bids from producers and thus reduce an important factor
in their costs, which will improve their competitive position vis-a-vis their non European competitors .

The Council can thus confirm that it has indeed considered the effect on employment of the internal market in
electricity and it is confident that improved competitiveness and growth will in turn lead to an overall beneficial
effect on employment .

( 97 / C 138 / 02 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1943 / 96

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) to the Council

( 17 July 1996 )

Subject : BSE and water

1 . Is the Council aware that the BSE pathogen may enter drinking and ground water ?

2 . What action does the Council intend to take to avert the danger of ground water contamination by the
pathogen, especially in regions where knacker 's yards are located ?

3 . How does the Council rate this danger ?

No C 138 / 2 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Reply

( 26 February 1997 )

The Honourable Member is aware that the Council acts on proposals from the Commission, which is advised by a
number of internal scientific committees .

The question of the danger of ground water contamination by the BSE pathogen should therefore be addressed to
the Commission, and the Council notes that the Commission has already replied to this question .

( 97 / C 138 / 03 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2138 / 96

by Luciano Vecchi ( PSE ) to the Commission

(3 August 1996 )

Subject : Requirement in Italy to provide a bank guarantee to benefit from ADAPT, Community initiatives on

employment ( NOW-Horizon-Youthstart ) and the European Social Fund

In Italy, organizations providing training that wish to obtain Community funding for training projects falling
within the scope of the European Social Fund, ADAPT and Community initiatives on employment
( NOW-Horizon-Youthstart ) are required to provide a bank guarantee .

This requirement, which applies only in Italy, causes problems and impossibly high costs for training
organizations and other bodies, particularly if they are non-profit-making organizations .

Is this requirement imposed by Community rules or by the Italian authorities alone ?

Does the Commission consider that it should approach the Italian authorities to change this requirement ?

Supplementary answer
given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 18 February 1997 )

Further to its reply of 9 October 1996 ('), the Commission is now in a position to provide the following
information .

The Commission informs the Honourable Member that the bank guarantee is required by the Italian authorities .
As this matter is entirely the responsibility of the Member State, the Commission is unable to intervene .

(') OJ C 365 . 4.12.1997, p . 85 .

( 97 / C 1 38 / 04 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2197 / 96

by Martin Schulz ( PSE ) and Jutta Haug ( PSE ) to the Council

( 13 August 1996 )

Subject : Fuel for Council vehicles at Shell garages

The inhuman policy of the Nigerian government towards the Ogoni people — a policy made possible only with
the help of the Shell Group — has already been condemned on a number of occasions by the European
Parliament . The governments of a number of European countries have therefore advocated a boycott of Shell .

Do official Council vehicles obtain fuel from Shell garages, or is there any guarantee that the opposite is the
case ?

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 38 / 3

Reply

( 27 February 1997 )

As stated in an earlier reply ('), in response to repeated human rights violations in Nigeria the Council has
adopted a number of common positions imposing sanctions on Nigeria .

With regard to the Honourable Member 's specific question, the Council has never commented on the activities of
any oil company in Nigeria . The obtaining of fuel for official Council vehicles from any particular company is
not at issue .

C ) Written Question No E-3313 / 95, OJ C 137, 8.5.1996 .

( 97 / C 138 / 05 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2404 / 96

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) to the Commission

(6 September 1996 )

Subject : Information on the amount of EC aid granted to the Saarland between January and December 1995

What amounts of Community aid were granted, and for what measures, to the Saarland in 1995 under :

1 . the European Social Fund,

2 . the Fourth Research Framework Programme,

3 . the European Regional Development Fund,

4 . Community programmes in the environment and energy fields,

5 . the EAGGF, Guidance and Guarantee sections,

6 . other Community programmes ?

Supplementary answer
given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

( 23 January 1997 )

Further to its answer of 4 October 1996 ('), the Commission can now give the following information :

1 . European Social Fund ( ESF )

In 1995, the ESF ( without Community initiatives ) made the following payments to the Saarland :

Objective 2 : ECU 5.12 m : SPD ( 2 ) ( 1994-96 )
Objective 3 : ECU 7.13 m : Operational programme ( 1994-99 )
Objective 5b : ECU 0.81m : SPD ( 1994-99 ).

Furthermore, the Saarland has received appropriations under Objective 4 . As the SPD in question is administered
by the Federal Ministry of Labour, the ESF does not know the amount of payments to the different Lander .

2 . Framework programmes for research and technological development :

Total cost of project
Projects ( ECU million )

a ) Impact 2 ( political projects in the information market )
b ) Fourth framework research programme

c ) Innovation

2.40 C )
0.88 ( 2 )

1.86 ( 2 )

No C 138 / 4 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Participation of legal entities ( universities, research centres, businesses ) established in the Saarland under
research contracts signed in 1995 :

Community
Projects contribution to
the project ( ecus )

1 ) Biomedecine and Health 37 500 ( 4 )

2 ) Brite Euram III 149 850 (- 1 )

3 ) Brite Euram III 135 000 O

4 ) Radiological Impact 80 000 o

5 ) Standards, measures and testing 1 3 1 645 O

3 . European Regional Development Fund ( ERDF )

The Structural Funds are committed tor periods of several years . We can therefore only give the figures for the
whole of the 1994-1999 period . The table below shows the projects co-funded by the ERDF in the Saarland .

Million ecus ( 1994 )

Programme

Total Community of which ERDF

contribution

Objective 2 ( 1994-96 ) 49,11 34,38
Objective 5b ( 1994-1999 ) 111.28 44.51
Kon ver II ( 1994-1997 ) 1.24 1,24
Resider I ( 1994-1997 ) 12,90 9,00
Rechar II ( 1994-1997 ) 6,26 4,38
SME ( 1994-1999 ) 1,54 1,54
Urban-Saarbrücken ( 1994-1999 ) 8,00 5,62
Leader II ( 1994-1999 ) 1,82 0,61

The amounts of the Community contribution for the period 1 994-99 will be increased from the appropriations
allocated for the new Objective 2 programme, from the reserves for the programmes for Community initiatives in
industry and from the product of index-linking .

The Saarland will also receive Community funds from the Urban inititative ( Saarbriicken Urban programme with
a Community contribution of ECU 8 million, including ECU 5.6 million from the ERDF ).

The Saarland is also participating in two Interreg programmes, one with France ( Interreg Saarland ­
Lorraine-West Palatinate ), the other with Luxembourg ( Interreg Germany-Luxembourg ). The part of the
Community contribution going to Germany ( ERDF and ESF ) comes to around ECU 9 . 1 million .

4 . Energy policy

In 1 995, a total of ECU 1 00 000 was allocated to the Saarland under the Altener programme ( Saarland chamber of
trade — Saar-Lor-Lux Umweltzentrum des Handwerks, Hohenzollernstr . 47-49, 66117 Saarbriicken, develop ­
ment of training and qualifications for the distribution of renewable energy by small businesses . AL /

151 / 95 / GER . ECU 205 000, including ECU 100 000 from the Community ).

Environment

The projects financed with Life in the Saarland, including the amounts contributed by Life to these projects, are
the following :

Year Project

Intermediate

beneficiary

WIETEK Kunststoff ­

rückgewinnung GmbH
University of the
Saarland

Amount

in ecus

191 365

770 721

1995

1995

Recycling of cables and bundles of cables from the
automobile industry and used cars
Initiative Saar-Lor-Lux for protection of water by
telesurveillance of purification plants

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 5

This list is incomplete as the statistics were not available for the individual Lander .

5 . European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund ( EAGGF ) ( Guidance section )

Community aid granted to the Saarland in 1995 ( in million ecus )

Implementing measure

in the Saarland

Commitment
Payment appropriations
appropriations

I Structural measures

( Cofinanced by EAGGF-Guidance Section )

— Operational programmes Obj . 5b 0,93 0,47

— Operational programmes Obj . 5a
   - Regulation ( EEC ) No 866 / 90 ( 5 ) 0,50 0,25
Processing and marketing of agricultural products
   - Regulation ( EEC ) No 2328 / 91 ( 6 ) (D ( 1 )
Improving agricultural structures
Community initiatives ( Leader 11 ) 0.61 0,18

II Flanking measures — reform of the CAP
( Cofinanced by EAGGF-Guidance Section )

— Regulation ( EEC ) No 2078 / 92 — Environment ( 7 ) ( 2 ) ( 2 )

— Regulation ( EEC ) No 2079 / 92 — Early retirement ( 7 ) ( 3 ) ( 3 )

— Regulation ( EEC ) No 2080 / 92 — Forestry ( 7 ) ( 4 ) ( 4 )

Data available only at the national level for the whole of Germany

( 1 ) Regulation ( EEC ) No 2328 / 91
( 2 ) Regulation ( EEC ) No 2078 / 92 — Environment
( 3 ) Regulation ( EEC ) No 2079 / 92 — Early retirement
( 4 ) Regulation ( EEC ) No 2080 / 92  - Forestry

6 . Other programmes

Training, education, youth

Community funds allocated to the Saarland for 1995 ( ecus )

83,22
223,40

15.70

89,57
223,40

15.70

Youth for Europe 26 518

Leonardo da Vinci 210 000

Socrates 480 078

Enterprise policy

As part of its enterprise policy, the Commission 's contribution was limited in 1995 to setting up a Euro Info
Centre and appointing a member of the BC-Net ( Business cooperation network ) and a BCC ( Business
Cooperation Centre ) contact .

Research and technological development

Tables are being sent directly to the Honourable Member and Parliament 's Secretariat .

(') OJ C 365, 4.12.1997, p . 114 .
(-) SPD : Single Programming Document .
( ) See annex 1 for details .
( 4 ) See annex 2 for details .
P ) OJ L 91, 6.4.1990 .

( 6 ) OJ L 218, 6.8.1991 .

( 7 ) OJ L 215 . 30.7.1992 .

No C 138 / 6 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

( 97 / C 138 / 06 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-2524 / 96

by Joaquim Miranda ( GUE / NGL ) to the Council

( 25 September 1996 )

Subject : Tomato quotas following the adoption of the COM for fruit and vegetables

The Agriculture Council of 22, 23 and 24 July 1996 adopted the COM for fruit and vegetables, which is of
particular importance for the southern countries . For Portugal, mainly because of the size of the tomato
concentrate industry, tomato quotas under this COM, and the method of calculation used to establish them, are of
special significance .

Given the clear discrepancies between statements made by the Portuguese Government on this matter and the
press release issued following the Agriculture Council mentioned above, I should like to request information on
the following points :

1 . What were the actual increases in the total quotas for tomato and tomato concentrate for Portugal ? What
were the figures for the other countries, in particular Spain and Italy ?

2 . When will the new quotas enter into force ?

Reply

( 26 February 1997 )

The Council shares the Honourable Member 's opinion concerning the importance for all the Member States of
the European Community of the reform of the CMO in the sector of fruit and vegetables and products processed
from fruit and vegetables .

With regard to the quota system for granting production aid for products processed from tomatoes, which applies
from the beginning of the 1997 / 1998 marketing year, aid is limited to a volume of processed products
corresponding to a weight of 6 836 262 tonnes of fresh tomatoes, allocated as follows :

Allocation of fresh tomatoes by Member State
and by product groups for the 1997 / 1998 and 1998 / 1999 marketing years

Tinned whole

Tomato

concentrate

peeled

tomatoes

Other

products

TOTAL

France 278 691 51 113 39 804 369 608

Grece 999 415 17 355 32 161 1 048 93 1

Italy 1 758 499 1 090 462 622 824 3 471 785

Spain 664 056 166 609 175 799 1 006 464

Portugal 884 592 10 580 44 302 939 474

Total 4 585 253 1 336 119 914 890 6 836 262

This allocation was the subject of very extensive negotiations at the Council Meeting on 22 to 24 July at which
the decision in principle concerning the reform was taken .

Any statements which may have been made by one or other member of the Council following the negotiations
are not binding upon the Council as such .

After formal approval by the Council at its meeting on 28 and 29 October 1 996, the Regulations entered into
force on the day of their publication (')•

(') OJ L 297, 21.11.1996 .

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 7

( 97 / C 138 / 07 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2545 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Council

(1 October 1996 )

Subject : Environmental protection

The financial support programme is the only aspect of relations between non-governmental organizations
( NGOs ) and the EU institutions to be considered in the Council 's proposal for a Community action programme in
the field of environmental protection .

The environmental organizations operating at European level have long been calling for such cooperation — with
particular regard to participation, information and support — to be placed on an institutional footing, so as to give
practical effect to the principle of cooperation between the players in the field of environmental policy laid down
in the fifth Community action programme on the environment .

Would the Council :

1 . review the appropriations allocated to the support programme, given that the scope of the programme is to be
extended ; and

2 . remove the reference to support for meetings of the consultative forum or other meetings at national and
regional level from the financial statement, given that they do not form part of the activities of NGOs ?

( 97 / C 138 / 08 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2633 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Council

( 10 October 1996 )

Subject : Non-governmental organizations and environmental policy

The proposal for a Council decision on a Community action programme promoting non-governmental
organizations primarily active in the field of environmental protection ( COM(95 ) 0573 ) sets up a five-year
programme ( 1 996     - 1 999 ) aimed at informing and making the general public more aware of the deterioration in the
environment by means of measures carried out by NGOs .

The activities of such organizations have a potential multiplier effect at Community level and involve a wide
range of people at local, national and Community level, thereby helping the Commission in the shaping and
implementation of Community environmental policy .

Can the Council ensure that the field of action will not be confined to informing and involving the population or
preparing studies and documentation ? The programme should also include advice on drawing up Community
provisions and European standards in the sector of environmental protection, including problems relating to
other policies which are relevant to the environment .

( 97 / C 138 / 09 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2736 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Council

( 17 October 1996 )

Subject : Non-governmental organizations

With regard to the proposal for a Council decision on a Community action programme promoting
non-governmental organizations primarily active in the field of environmental protection ( COM(95)573 ) we
consider that the text of the proposal should describe in greater detail the purpose of the support programme,
especially in view of the limited resources available .

Can the Council ensure that the support programme concentrates on the NGOS which operate mainly in the field
of environmental protection at European level and are based in a Member State of the EU ? Support should
concern measures or projects carried out jointly with organizations active at national level .

Joint reply
to Written Questions E-2545 / 96, E-2633 / 96 and E-2736 / 96

( 26 February 1997 )

The Council has recently begun discussing the proposal for a Decision referred to by the Honourable Member .
Discussions in Council are therefore still in the preliminary stages bearing in mind, also, that the European
Parliament has recently delivered its Opinion on the proposal for a Decision and that the Commission will be
submitting a revised proposal shortly .

No C 138 / 8 EN Otticial Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

The Council is, however, fully aware of the important role played by non-governmental organizations in the
implementation of environmental policy, as shown in particular by a number of passages in the 1993 Resolution
concerning the 5th environmental action programme (' ). Morever, the preamble to the proposal for a Decision
itself refers to the 5th action programme insofar as it " recognizes that all relevant actors, the Commission and the
environment organizations included, working in partnership should undertake concerted actions and share
responsibility for achieving the goal of sustainable development ."

(') Resolution of the Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the member States, meeting within the Council, of

1 February 1993 on a Community programme of policy and action in relation to the environment and sustainable development ( OJ C 138,
17.5.1993 ).

( 97 / C 138 / 10 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2568 / 96

by Inigo Mendez de Vigo ( PPE ) to the Council

( 16 October 1996 )

Subject : WTO ministerial meeting

The first ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization ( WTO ) is to be held in December 1996 in
Singapore . This meeting is of great importance for the EU in terms of trade policy and external relations .

Will the Council say whether the Commission has to abide strictly by the mandate it has been given or whether —
as the Commission has requested — it will be allowed a margin for manoeuvre in the negotiations ?

Reply

( 26 February 1997 )

At its meeting ot 28 / 29 October 1996, the Council approved Conclusions which served as the basis for the
European Union 's position on the range of issues in the continuing preparatory process in Geneva for the
Singapore conference .

Throughout the WTO Ministerial Conference in Singapore, the Council had in-depth discussions with regard to
the main issues which had remained open in the preparatory process in Geneva and which were at the centre of
the deliberations of the Conference .

At its meeting on 13 December 1996, the Council examined the final text of the draft WTO Ministerial
Declaration resulting from the negotiating process . It decided to approve the text of the Declaration and to
authorise the Commission to express at the closing Session of the Conference the acceptance of the Declaration
by the European Community and its Member States .

In the overall framework of its delibertaions concerning this Ministerial Declaration the Council furthermore
authorised the Commission to accept on behalf of the Community a Ministerial Declaration on Trade in
Information Technology Products .

( 97 / C 138 / 1 1 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2594 / 96

by Glyn Ford ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 11 October 1996 )

Subject : The letting of holiday homes in Tenerife

Is the Commission aware of new legislation in Tenerife that will prevent foreign owners from letting their
properties to holiday workers ?

Is this not discriminatory and therefore illegal ?

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 9

( 97 / C 138 / 12 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2635 / 96

by Richard Howitt ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 15 October 1996 )

Subject : Tourism — Canary Islands

Is the Commission aware of the new tourism law affecting the letting of properties on the Canary Islands ?

As the law stipulates that properties must no longer be let privately but by government management bodies, does
this not contravene European Union anti-monopoly regulations ?

Supplementary joint answer
to Written Questions E-2594 / 96 and E-2635 / 96
given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(4 December 1996 )

A comprehensive study of the Spanish law 7 / 1995 on tourism has been made in order to assess its compatibility
with the right of establishment and freedom to provide services . In particular, the provisions concerning the
letting of holiday accommodation through a registered tourist agent show that these provisions are not
discriminatory and apply to Spanish owners as well as to owners from other Member States .

These provisions have been laid down with the aim of protecting the tourist as user of services ( article 1 §2 of the
law ), which is equivalent to the protection of the consumer and has been recognized by the Court of justice as an
imperative requirement in the general interest (')•

In the present situation, the accommodation must meet standards concerning, among other things, health,
cleanliness and security . Given the significance of the letting of accommodation in the Canary Islands and
although the new measures may be cumbersome for owners, it appears that these measures are suitable to secure
the attainment of the objective pursued and do not go beyond what is necessary in order to attain it .

Nevertheless, and in accordance with the provisions of the law, the measures will be fully applicable from 20 July

1997 . Therefore, it is only from that date that a complete appraisal of the new system will be possible .

( ) Judgement of 26.2.1991, Case 180 / 89 .

( 97 / C 138 / 13 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2668 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

( 15 October 1996 )

Subject : BSE and Creutzfeld     - Jacob disease

Given that the potential threat of bovine spongiform encephalopathy has not yet been eliminated, it is accepted
that preventive and precautionary measures not based solely on solid scientific proof are required and must be
applied, until definitive answers have been provided to various specific scientific questions .

This being so, would the Commission extend to the whole European Union the system of registering and
identifying individual animals and the ban on feeding animals meat or bone meal made from any other animal,
introduce stricter controls and tighten up the various monitoring and notification systems, particularly in relation
to measures for the destruction of carcasses and the elimination of all waste ?

We believe, in particular, that beef derivatives should not be authorized for use in pharmaceutical or cosmetic
products unless they come from regions in which a monitoring system is operated and no — or only
isolated-incidents, of BSE have been reported .

No C 138 / 10 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 13 January 1997 )

Council Directive 92 / 102 / EEC (') laid down Community rules for the identification and registration of animals .
Experience has shown that these rules have not been satisfactoiily implemented . Accordingly, the Commission
has recently adopted proposals for two Council regulations, one establishing a system for the identification and
registration of bovine animals and the other regarding the labelling of beef and beef products ( 2 ). The aim of these
proposals is to facilitate the rapid identification and tracing of individual bovine animals, and to regulate certain
claims made on labelled beef and beef products .

Other measures have been introduced, or are under discussion . By Decision 94 / 38 1 / EC concerning certain
protection measures with regard to bovine spongiform encephalopathy and the feeding of mammalian derived
protein Q, the Commission introduced a Community-wide ban on the feeding of mammalian protein to
ruminants . Following information on the transmissibility of bovine spongiform encephalopathy ( BSE ) to sheep
by a low oral dose (.5 g of infected material ) and in view of the lack of a totally clear picture of the distribution of
scrapie and BSE in the Community, the Commission, acting on the opinion of the scientific veterinary
committee, is currently discussing with Member States a future Community action to remove from the food and
feed chains all tissues of cattle, sheep and goats which could contain BSE or scrapie infectivity .

In relation to human and veterinary medicines, the Commission ensured that the best scientific advice was
available to the pharmaceutical industry in order to minimise any risk of transmitting agents causing spongiform
encephalopathy via medicinal products . Guidelines were adopted in 1991 by the committee on proprietary
medicinal products ( CVMP ), in respect of veterinary medicines . These guidelines were published by the
Commission in the rules governing medicinal products in the Community and implemented by the
pharmaceutical companies and by the Member States . They include the statement that the use of source materials
from countries where there is a high incidence of BSE is to be avoided .

Following the discovery of cases of a new variant of Creutzfeld     - Jacob disease ( CJD ) in the United Kingdom in

1996, the Commission immediately asked the European medicines evaluation agency ( EMEA ) to consider
whether these guidelines were still scientifically sound . The EMEA opinion, adopted on 16 April 1996,
concluded that implementation of the recommended measures would guarantee that medicinal products
containing bovine tissue marketed in the Member States are safe . Furthermore, the EMEA is keeping this matter
under review so that if and when further information becomes available, additional or revised measures can be
introduced rapidly .

Concerning cosmetic products, Commission Decision 96 / 362 / EC ( 4 ), amending Commission Decision
96 / 239 / EC ( 5 ) on emergency measures to protect against BSE, has specified that ' the United Kingdom shall not
dispatch to other Member States or to third countries materials obtained from bovine animals slaughtered in the
United Kingdom which are destined for use in cosmetic products with the exception of those listed in the Annex ' .
Products in the annex must comply with a series of conditions, including approval of establishments and defined
processing conditions . However, no exports of these products are taking place as no establishments have been
approved, no date has been set and the scientific evidence on the reduction of infectivity in gelatin is being
re-evaluated . Until these matters have been resolved, dispatch of the products referred to in the Annex may not

recommence .

A proposal for a Commission directive aiming to prohibit, at least temporarily, the use of extracts from brain,
spinal cord and eyes of bovine, ovine and caprine origin in cosmetic products is under discussion .

As regards the cosmetic industry, its federation Colipa has officially and regularly stated that they have heeded
all the European and national recommendations on BSE, and argued that, since 1991, cosmetics no longer
contained either ingredients of bovine origin from the contaminated countries nor ingredients classified in
category I by the World health organization .

') OJ L 355, 5.12.1992 .

2 ) OJ C 349, 20.11.1996 .
-') OJ L 172, 7 . 7.1994 .

4 ) OJ L 139, 12 . 6.1996 .

5 ) OJ L 78, 28 . 3.1996 .

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 11

( 97 / C 138 / 14 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-2692 / 96

by Marilena Marin ( UPE ) to the Council

( 10 October 1996 )

Subject : Memorial Day

Having regard to the shocking accounts ot wartime massacres, both recent ( as in former Yugoslavia ) and past
( mass reprisals, crimes perpetrated by Nazis and Stalinists );

whereas such atrocities continue to be a source of discord between peoples but commemorating these dreadful
events should not perpetuate divisions ;

whereas in a Europe whose objectives are integration and cooperation such atrocities should serve as a warning
to us to reinstate a policy of mutual understanding and respect ;

does the Council agree that it should put to the Member States and their representatives the case for introducing a
single Memorial Day on which all the peoples of Europe could commemorate all those who died and suffered in
connection with events of this kind ? The separate ceremonies held to commemorate such events are still a source
of discord, whereas they should be an occasion for harmony and brotherhood .

Reply

( 27 February 1997 )

It is not within the remit of the Council as such to take the initiative suggested by the Honourable Member .

( 97 / C 138 / 15 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2748 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

( 21 October 1996 )

Subject : The internal market

Since 1993 the Commission has published a report on the operation of the internal market at the end of every
year . In its report to the Council and the European Parliament ' The Single Market in 1995 ' it reaches the
conclusion that considerable progress was made in 1995, but that in some specific sectors there are still
problems : continuing technical obstacles, incomplete legislation in key sectors such as taxation and company
law, the non-uniform or excessively bureaucratic application of provisions, the need for a more active
competition policy, in particular in the field of State aid and the liberalization of public utility sectors, requests
for compensatory measures in response to currency turmoil and the issue of public contracts . A particularly
serious problem is the fact that in the context of the single market sufficient account has not yet been taken of the
needs of the general public, who often do not know what opportunities are offered them .

Could the Commission take decisive action over the next three years to ensure the completion of the internal
market, by taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the Intergovernmental Conference and the
establishment of economic and monetary union and using to advantage the last few years remaining before the
forthcoming enlargements ?

( 97 / C 138 / 16 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2749 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

( 21 October 1996 )

Subject : The internal market

I refer to the Report from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament ' The Single Market in

1995 ' ( COM(96 ) 51 ).

In the Member States there is growing awareness of the importance of a properly functioning internal market in
smoothing the way to economic and monetary union, especially for the purposes of strengthening industrial
competitiveness .

No C 138 / 12 HEN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

It is now well-recognized that the internal market means prosperity and improving the quality of life for people
and the opportunities and advantages for businesses .

In its next report on the impact of the internal market can the Commission draw up a timetable for the adoption of
the latest measures required, based on the crucial stage of the completion of EMU, outlining ways of ensuring
that Community convergence overrides national administrative considerations, even if some projects in the long
term may require more time ?

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-2748 / 96 and E-2749 / 96
given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 21 January 1997 )

The Commission 's communication to the Parliament and Council on the impact and effectiveness of the single
market (') proves as pointed out by the Honourable Member that the single market is beginning to deliver the
promised results in terms of better competitiveness and higher levels of job creation . The research shows among
other things, that so far the single market raised the level of employment by between 300.000 and 900.000 more
jobs than there would otherwise have been and produced inflation rates 1 .0 to 1 .5 % lower than they would be
without the single market .

However, the Commission has indeed pointed out that a lot remains to be done and in line with the Honourable
Member 's suggestion it will prepare before the next European Council of Amsterdam a detailed action
programme, with a timetable, to consolidate the initiatives started in 1995 and those that will have been identified
precisely on the basis of the 1996 report .

First and foremost the Commission will pursue the action ' Citizens First ' to inform citizens about their rights in
the single market .

Second the Commission will step up the initiative to simplify and improve the quality of Community law .

Third, the Commission is busy at streamlining its internal procedures to speed up and give more visibility to its
power in the field of infringement of Community law by the Member States . This is very important because the
main responsibility for applying the single market rules lies at national level .

Fourth, at the Community level, further efforts must be made to complete the 1985 agenda in a few key areas
such as abolition of controls on people at the internal borders, taxation and company law .

Finally the Community must use all the instruments available, or to be developed where necessary, under other
Community policies to help the single market work better .

(') COM(96 ) 520 final .

( 97 / C 138 / 17 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-2764 / 96

by Angela Billingham ( PSE ) to the Council

( 10 October 1996 )

Subject : Illegal jailing of children in Honduras

In the light of the recently documented cases of Andreas Portillo Flores and Jose Danillo Arriaga Quentanilla,
both aged 17, would the Council comment on the fact that these juveniles continue to be housed in cells with
adult males in Honduran prisons, contrary both to Article 122 of the Honduran Constitution and the UN
Convention on the Rights of the Child ?

What further pressure could the Council bring to bear on the Honduran authorities to bring a rapid end to this
practice ?

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 13

Reply

( 26 February 1997 )

The Council has not discussed the cases referred to by the Honourable Mrs Billingham . The EU attaches a great
importance to the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms . In this context, the EU considers respect
for human dignity a priority . This is a condition which must be applied in all situations, including in the case of
prisoners and, in particular, in the case of minors . Moreover, in the framework of the renewal of the Sane Jose
dialogue, to which Honduras is a party, the promotion of human rights is considered a fundamental objective
which should guide the EU 's relations with the countries of Central America .

The Council believes that its concern about human rights has helped to bring about change in the past . The
Council will avail of every appropriate opportunity to press for full respect of human rights in Central America,
including Honduras .

( 97 / C 138 / 18 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2800 / 96

by Edgar Schiedermeier ( PPE ) to the Council

( 23 October 1996 )

Subject : European vehicle licence plates

The European vehicle licence plate showing the circle of stars and the nationality sign on a blue background has
existed for some time now . As I understand it, it was the European Union 's intention that the nationality sign on
the European licence plate should replace the oval nationality disc which has hitherto had to be attached to the
vehicle separately .

It appears that some EU Member States continue to insist on the separate nationality disc in addition to the
European licence plate and impose fines for failure to display it .

When is a uniform European arrangement enabling the separate nationality disc to be abandoned likely to be
introduced ?

Reply

( 27 February 1997 )

There are no proposals before the Council on this subject, but it has been informed that the Commission is
currently examining how the problem raised by the Honourable Member can be resolved .

( 97 / C 138 / 19 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2807 / 96

by Gianni Tamino ( V ) to the Commission

( 25 October 1996 )

Subject : Friuli-Venezia Giulia regional law to cut excise duty on petrol

Invoking the provisions of Section 3, paragraphs 15, 16, and 17, of Law No 549 / 95, Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Regional Council has adopted a regional law whereby the forecourt price of petrol charged to persons living in
the region may be reduced by means of a cut of up to Lit 800 in excise duty . The aim is to make petrol purchased
in neighbouring Slovenia less attractive, and the regional authorities are permitted to take such action provided
that they do not infringe the obligations deriving from international agreements, EU legislation, or related rules,
as the above Law No 549 / 95 stipulates . Articles 29, 30, and 32 of the cooperation agreement concluded by the EU
and Slovenia in July 1 993 set out the procedures to be followed by the contracting parties in the event of dumping
or serious deterioration in a regional economic situation . Moreover, preferential quotas have been in force for
years in the region in question, enabling inhabitants of Trieste, Gorizia, and, in some cases, Udine, and those
persons only, to buy petrol at special prices .

No C 138 / 14 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

How does the Commission propose to check the above-mentioned regional law, bearing in mind that the
procedures prescribed by the cooperation agreement and even the rules on competition do not appear to have
been observed ?

Does the Commission believe that, for the same reasons, it should also examine the rules which reduce fuel
prices in the regional provinces specified above ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 13 December 1996 )

Provision is made in Article 32 of Council Decision 93 / 407 / EEC ( the co-operation agreement between the
Community and Slovenia ) (') for the establishment of a co-operation council to consider problems arising from
claims of dumping . As yet, this council has not been set up, although there are plans for the establishment of a
joint committee under the auspices of an interim agreement due to come into force on 1 January 1997 .

However, the procedure outlined in Article 32 of Decision 93 / 407 / EEC is unlikely to be applicable as tax is the
largest single element of the selling price of petrol . It is probable that the situation cited by the Honourable
Member exists due to differences in the relative rates of duty rather than for any other reason .

Excise duties on mineral oils are currrently governed by Council Directive 92 / 81 / EEC ( 2 ) which defines mineral
oils which may be chargeable with excise duty and the circumstances in which their use renders them liable to a
charge, and Council Directive 92 / 82 / EEC ( 2 ) which sets out the minimum rates of duty to be charged . In principle,
only one rate per product should be charged . However, Article 8(4 ) of Directive 92 / 81 / EEC . makes provision for
different rates of duty where there is a need within individual Member States to do so for specific policy reasons .
Italy has requested and been granted several such derogations relating to reductions in rates of fuel duty in the
areas of Val d'Aosta and Gorizia ( 2 ), Udine and Trieste ( 2 ) and Fruili-Venezia Giulia ( 3 ). Their position is therefore
considered to be in compliance with the existing requirements of the Directive .

The Commission has just reviewed all the derogations granted under the above procedure and has presented a
report and recommendations to the Council and to Parliament ( 4 ).

(') OJ L 189, 29.7.1993 .
( 2 ) OJ L 316, 31.10.1992 .
o OJ L 102, 25.4.1996 .
( 4 ) COM(96 ) 549 final .

( 97 /C 138 / 20 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2835 / 96

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) to the Council

( 23 October 1996 )

Subject : Safety guarantees for GMO products

With reference to Directive 90 / 220 / EEC ('), now that we have marketing consents for several GMO products
( soya, rapeseed, chicory for example ) where consent is restricted by special conditions :

1 . How can the Council guarantee that imported soya is not used for cultivation or breeding in the EU in
contravention of the terms of the marketing consent ?

2 . How are the other restrictions to be controlled and by whom ( for example rapeseed limited to non-food use
only )?

3 . If control is to be provided by Member States, how is this to be done and who will supervise compliance
with the monitoring system ?

4 . Will there be compliance reports ?

5 . Will these be made public ?

6 . If there is no national or European control system, what measures are foreseen by the Council ?

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 15

7 . Will the Council support a moratorium on market releases until adequate guarantees of compliance are put
in place ?

8 . How does the Council policy of permitting importation of GMO products with no checks on public health
or environmental well-being in the place of origin fit with their negotiating position on the content of the
proposed Biosafety protocol ?

O OJ L 117, 8.5.1990, p . 15 .

Reply

( 26 February 1997 )

Council Directive 90 / 220 / EEC of 23 April 1990 on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically
modified organisms ( GMOs ) introduced a Community authorization procedure for the placing on the market of
products containing, or consisting of, GMOs, where the intended use of the products involves deliberate release
of the organisms into the environment .

In substance, the Directive lays down a procedure for notifying the competent national authority before :

— deliberately releasing GMOs ;

— placing on the market products containing, or consisting of, GMOs .

Article 1 8 of the Directive provides in particular that Member States shall send to the Commission, at the end of
each year, a brief factual report on the control of the use of all such products placed ont he market and that the
Commission shall send to the European Parliament and the Council, every three years, a report on the control by
the Member States of the products placed on the market .

( 97 / C 138 / 21 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2868 / 96

by Alex Smith ( PSE ) to the Council

(4 November 1996 )

Subject : Publication of study on public access to documents

Why did the Council decide not to publish the study it produced on public access to documents ? Which Member
States supported publication ? What reasons were given by those opposing publication ?

Reply

( 27 February 1997 )

The Honourable Member doubtless refers to the report on the implementation of Council Decision 93 / 73 1 / EC on
public access to Council documents drawn up by the General Secretariat of the Council in the context of the
review of that policy provided for in Article 9 of the Decision .

The report in question may be obtained on request from the General Secretariat 's documentation service .

As soon as the report was communicated to the Member States by the General Secretariat, all requests for access
to this document made by the public under Decision 93 / 73 1 / EC were granted .

( 97 / C 138 / 22 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2878 / 96

by Nikitas Kaklamanis ( UPE ) to the Council

(4 November 1996 )

Subject : Nuclear programme in Turkey

In reply to my previous question, No . E      - 1 784 / 95 ('), to the Commission concerning the nuclear plant at Akkuyu
in Turkey, Commissioner Van den Broek stated that the Turkish Ministry of the Environment would be carrying
out a study on the subject which would take account of the environmental aspects and the safety of the
population . He also assured me that the Commission would be closely monitoring all the relevant developments .

No C 138 / 16 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

The Turkish authorities have reportedly reopened talks with a Canadian company for the construction of nuclear
plants at Akkuyu . These plants will be capable of producing almost pure plutonium, material suitable for the
construction of nuclear bombs . Clearly, such a development creates major risks . Will the Council therefore say :

1 . whether it is aware of this development ?

2 . whether the Turkish authorities have been asked to provide full, clear information of what they intend to do
at Akkuyu ?

3 . whether such measures are consistent with European policy on the use of nuclear power ? and,

4 . what measures it plans to take to prevent such a development which jeopardizes security in the region and
has a destabilizing effect on the whole of Europe ?

(') OJ C 257, 2.10.1995, p . 77 .

Reply

( 27 February 1997 )

The Council has received no information on the developments to which the Honourable Member refers either in
the framework of the exchanges of information between Member States in the CFSP context or in the framework
of its relations with Turkey . With regard to the latter aspect, the Honourable Member should note that for the
moment no cooperation on nuclear safety questions exists between the EU and Turkey . The Resolution adopted
within the EC-Turkey Association Council on 6 March 1995 which covers the broadening of cooperation,
suggested that initiatives be taken in the field of energy, in accordance with the principles of the European
Energy Charter, and in that of the environment with a view to developing and stepping up the campaign to
prevent deterioration of the environment . As yet, no such cooperation has actually begun .

( 97 / C 138 / 23 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2910 / 96

by Salvador Garriga Polledo ( PPE ) to the Council

(4 November 1996 )

Subject : EDF

Does the Council intend to examine the possibility of budgetization of the EDF ( incorporation into the Union
budget ) before the revision of the financial perspectives in 1999 ?

Reply

( 26 February 1997 )

The Council 's position on the budgetization of the EDF was reaffirmed by the Council on 19 and 20 December

1994 and remains unchanged .

At that time, having examined the Commission report on the options and detailed arrangements for budgetizing
the EDF, the Council took the view that the present provisions for financing the EDF should not be altered . This
position amounted only to a confirmation of Declaration No 12 annexed to the Treaty on European Union
concerning the EDF and the judgment of the Court of Justice of 2 March 1994 (') rejecting the Parliament 's
appeal for the annulment of the rules of procedure of the 7th EDF .

The Council is not considering reopening this question at the present time .

(') Case C-3 16 / 91, ECR 1-625 .

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 17

( 97 / C 138 / 24 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2917 / 96

by Giuseppe Rauti ( NI ) to the Commission

(8 November 1996 )

Subject : Suffering of animals because of genetic manipulation

At present, more than 300 patent applications concerning the genetic manipulation of animals are pending before
the European Patents Office in Munich . Most of the applications concern the ' descendants ' of animals and
especially animals or quite simply all mammals in general with the exception of man . The European Union has
been discussing a directive on the legal protection of biotechnological inventions since the first ( 1988 ) proposal
was rejected by Parliament ( on 1 March 1995 ). All the experiments entail terrible suffering for the animals,
which are treated as purely ' biological material ' and not as sensitive living beings that can experience suffering .
There are enormous financial profits to be made in the sector, and this promotes increasing numbers of
genetically modified animals . Does the Commission not therefore intend to take a rapid and drastic stance on the
subject to prevent thousands of defenceless animals from being subjected to further experimentation — with the
suffering that this entails for them and their ' descendants ' — and to prevent the high risk of genetic contamination
and new dangers to human health ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 23 January 1997 )

Some sectors of biomedical research still use animals for experimental purposes in order to understand, prevent
and cure human illnesses which otherwise would be incurable . This may include the use of genetically modified
rodents as models for human illnesses such as Alzheimer 's Disease .

In its new proposal for a Directive on the legal protection of biotechnological inventions, (') the Commission
deals in particular with the case of transgenic animals . Article 9(2)(b ) of the proposal states that, by virtue of
public policy and morality, the following are to be considered unpatentable : ' processes for modifying the genetic
identity of animals which are likely to cause them suffering or physical handicaps without any substantial benefit
to man or animal, and also animals resulting from such processes, whenever the suffering or physical handicaps
inflicted on the animals concerned are disproportionate to the objective pursued .' This wording was proposed at
the time by the Parliament delegation to the conciliation committee convened to discuss the first proposal for a
Directive, which was rejected by Parliament on 1 March 1995 .

It should also be noted that the Commission has consulted its Group of Advisers on the Ethical Implications of
Biotechnology ( GAEIB ) in connection with the genetic modification of animals . The GAEIB issued its opinion
on 21 May 1996 . It states that ' genetic modification of animals may contribute to human well-being and welfare,
but is acceptable only when the aims are ethically justified and when it is carried out under ethical conditions [...];
in view of the consequences this technology may have for the health of humans and animals, for the environment
and society, a policy of great prudence is required [...]. The scope of this policy should apply to the making of
genetically modified animals, the use and care of these animals, the release of these animals [ and ] putting
genetically modified animals and their products onto the market [...]; there should be appropriate and
understandable information for the public about genetic modification of animals and their products [...].'

The Commission takes the view that, by virtue of Council Directive 86 / 609 / EEC ( 2 ) and of the resolution of the
representatives of the Member States ' Governments, meeting within the Council, regarding the protection of
animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes, ( 3 ) experiments carried out on animals for the
purpose of modifying their genetic material should be effected in compliance with the provisions of that
Directive .

As regards risks to human health, Council Directive 90 / 220 / EEC ( 4 ) on the deliberate release into the
environment of genetically modified organisms provides for the risks posed by organisms of this type, including
transgenic animals, to be evaluated .

(') OJ C 296, 8.10.1996 .
( 2 ) OJ L 358, 18.12.1986 .
O OJ C 331, 23.12.1986 .
( 4 ) OJ L 1 17, 8.5.1990 .

No c 138 / 18 ΓΕΝ Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

( 97 / C 138 / 25 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3007 / 96

by Anita Pollack ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 11 November 1996 )

Subject : ' Oestrogenic ' pesticides

What is the response of the Commission to the Worldwide Fund for Nature [ WWF ] call for a phase-out of
pesticides which have endocrine disrupting properties or are known to disturb human or animal reproduction : in
particular permethrin, linuron, lindane and endosulfan ?

Answer given by M. Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 14 January 1 997 )

The phenomenon of endocrine disruption is one of the many things which are investigated when carrying out a
toxicological assessment of a pesticide .

Council Directive 9 1 / 41 4 / EEC (') concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market provides for
the establishment of a positive list of active substances ( Annex I ) which may be authorised by Member States for
incorporation in plant protection products . The first list of 90 existing active substances for review in view of
possible inclusion in the positive list was established by Commission Regulation No3600 / 92 ( 2 ) laying down the
detailed rules for the implementation of the first stage of the programme of work in the Directive and includes the
four active substances cited by the Honourable Member .

The 90 active substances are currently undergoing detailed scientific evaluation to establish whether or not they
fulfil the requirements for inclusion in Annex 1 to the Directive . On the basis of the scientific evaluation the
Commission will in due course decide on possible inclusion in Annex I. Pending such decision, Member States
remain competent to assess, under the provisions of the Directive, the safety of the active substances concerned,
and to grant authorizations for plant protection products containing these substances in accordance with the
general provisions of the Directive .

(') OJ L 230, 18.8.1991 .
(-) OJ L 366, 15.12.1992 .

( 97 / C 138 / 26 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3014 / 96

by Bernard Castagnede ( ARE ) to the Council

(8 November 1996 )

Subject : Small Caribbean states / WTO panel ( bananas )

With the support of Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala and Honduras, The United States have filed a complaint with
the WTO, claiming that the Community import arrangements for bananas are contrary to WTO rules . The WTO
arbitration panel started work on 10 September and should publish its decision in March 1997 . However,
although small states are directly affected by the deliberations of the panel, the panel itself has refused to grant a
full right of participation to the small Caribbean states, giving in to pressure from the United States to prevent the
states concerned from being represented on the panel and thus from defending their interests . Since the first
meeting of the panel, these states have not been able to attend, even as observers . Furthermore, the panel expelled
experts from the Netherlands Antilles from its first meeting, despite the fact that they were officially accredited
by their governments . The small banana producing countries are therefore severely handicapped in their attempts
to defend their vital interests . What steps does the Council feel it should take to redress this imbalance between
small and large countries within the WTO, which is prejudicial to the defence of the Community import
arrangements for bananas ?

Reply

( 26 February 1997 )

With regard to the WTO Panel concerning the Community banana regime, constituted at the request ot Ecuador,
Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and the USA, the Community has every intention and interest in defending its
own rights and the full rights of the ACP banana-producing countries in this dispute .

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 19

As regards the right of certain parties to participate in the Panel proceedings, the Council is not in a position
togive its judgement on WTO procedural matters, but confirms that the interests of all ACP States are duly taken
into account in the preparation by the Community of its defence before the Panel concerning the Community 's
import arrangements for bananas .

( 97 / C 138 / 27 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3022 / 96

by Luciano Vecchi ( PSE ) to the Council

(8 November 1996 )

Subject : Full accession of Somalia to the Fourth Lome Convention

At the recent ACP-EU Council meeting in Western Samoa a resolution was adopted calling on all the interested
parties to make the necessary arrangements for Somalia to be accepted as a full member of the Lome Convention,
a proposal which has also been put forward by the ACP-EU Joint Assembly .

What action has been, or is due to be, taken to achieve this objective ?

Reply

( 27 February 1997 )

Conclusions on Somalia were indeed adopted at the ACP-EU Council of Ministers ' last meeting in Apia . Those
conclusions came in response to a recommendation from the ACP-EU Joint Assembly ; they confirm Somalia 's
political adherence to the Lome Convention, even though the country has been unable, for reasons which are well
known, to ratify the fourth ACP-EU Convention or to sign the Mauritius Agreement amending the Convention .
The ACP-EU Committee of Ambassadors has been instructed to adopt the necessary decisions to enable Somalia
to benefit from the Convention 's provisions through its mechanisms, including those concerning regional

programmes .

When the conclusions were adopted, the Commission gave the ACP-EU Council of Ministers an assurance that,
when allocating the 8th EDF, monies had been set aside to meet Somalia 's needs in due course, in addition to the
rehabilitiation operations already under way . The Commission has since continued its rehabilitiation activities in
Somalia and approved a number of decisions granting humanitarian aid to the country through ECHO .

The conclusions of the ACP-EU Council of Ministers also request the Commission to submit half-yearly reports
to the ACP-EU Committee of Ambassadors on the implementation of specific programmes and projects in
favour of Somalia . They provide that at the next meeting of the ACP-EU Committee of Ambassadors in April

1997, it will take stock of the measures already taken, or likely to be taken to assist Somalia, on the basis of a
report to be submitted by the ACP-EU Committee of Ambassadors .

It should be pointed out that during the recent mid-term review of the Lome Convention, an Article was inserted
( Article 364a ) concerning Somalia 's accession to the Convention, should it apply for membership .

( 97 / C 138 / 28 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3025 / 96

by Ulf Holm ( V ) to the Commission

( 11 November 1996 )

Subject : Imports of eco-friendly bananas

Bananas account for one third of all fruit imported into Sweden . However, banana-growing often poses a risk to
human health and the environment, since conventional cultivation methods use large quantities of control
chemicals which pollute the environment and put plantation workers ' health at risk . Tracts of rainforest are
cleared to make way for banana plantations . In view of this, it is of utmost importance that we buy eco-friendly
bananas .

No C 138 / 20 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Since Sweden joined the EU, opportunities for choosing freely which bananas to import have been limited . For
instance, dollar bananas from large companies such as Chiquita and Del Monte account for 80% of imports,
whilst eco-friendly bananas account for only a few percent .

Will the Commission change the rules on banana imports, so that imports of eco-friendly bananas are exempt
from the quota system or promoted in other ways ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 13 December 1996 )

There are two means of importing bananas into the Community . Firstly, import licences for bananas from
traditional African-Caribbean-Pacific suppliers may be obtained ( subject to an annual maximum ), on
presentation of a special certificate of origin issued by the exporting country . Secondly, imports of bananas from
other third countries, which include all the historic suppliers to the Swedish market such as Panama, Costa Rica,
Colombia, Ecuador and Honduras, are governed by a tariff-quota system . The majority of tariff-quota import
licences are distributed to operators on the basis of past trade in bananas . Thus any Swedish operator who had
been importing eco-friendly bananas prior to Sweden 's accession to the Community should be eligible to receive
import licences to continue the trade . There is no indication that the sources of supply, or the market shares of
companies involved in supplying bananas to Sweden, have changed materially since Sweden joined the
Community .

There are no plans to exempt any bananas from the above import systems . Discriminating between like products
on the basis of their method of production is generally not accepted under World trade organisation ( WTO ) rules,
and therefore changing the management of the tariff-quota as suggested by the Honourable Member would not
appear to be possible .

However, the Commission has undertaken to investigate the potential means of supporting initiatives to market
fair trade bananas within the Community, and it is actively considering how such assistance might most
effectively be provided . Fair trade products respect specified criteria covering both the environmental and social
conditions of production and trade . Thus the Commission has already taken on board the Honourable Member 's
second point .

( 97 / C 138 / 29 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3038 / 96

by Barbara Diihrkop Diihrkop ( PSE ) to the Council

( 14 November 1996 )

Subject : Protection of the health of British consumers against bovine spongiform encephalopathy

Using its powers to protect consumers pursuant to Article 129a of the Treaty, the EU has adopted preventive
measures to forestall any irreparable harm which might be caused by the sale of products derived from British
beef . However, these measures, basically a ban on the export to third countries of such products, cover all EU
consumers except the British .

Why is the Council not also protecting British consumers ?

Does the Council believe that the measures taken by the UK Government to protect British consumers from the
risk of consuming such beef are adequate ?

Does the Council know what the measures taken by the British authorities are ?

Reply

( 26 February 1997 )

Directives 89 / 662 / EEC (') and 90 / 425 / EEC ( 2 ) establish the general framework for carrying out veterinary
checks in trade in certain live animals and animal products . In Articles 9 and 1 0 respectively they set out the rules
to be followed in the event of a threat to animals or human health .

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 21

Under these Directives, it is the Commission ( not the Council ) that has to take safeguard measures in the case of a
serious risk to consumer 's health, and it has to do so with reference to intra-Community trade and exports to third
countries .

The Council therefore has no direct power to adopt preventive measures as understood by the Honourable
Member .

It is for each Member State, and in this case the United Kingdom, to take any necessary measures to protect the
health of its own nationals .

As may be seen from its press releases, the Agriculture Council is kept regularly informed of measures taken by
the United Kingdom, especially in the light of the decisions taken by the European Council in Florence .

(') OJ L 395 . 30.12.1989 .
( : ) OJ L 224, 18.08.1990 .

( 97 / C 138 / 30 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3056 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

( 18 November 1996 )

Subject : Volume of waste in the Community

The OECD reports that the total volume of waste produced in the EU has risen from 1 .7 billion tonnes in 1977 to
2.2 bn tonnes in 1989 . The Commission states that in 1990 the EU produced only 910 million tonnes ; this figure
does not, however, include agricultural and radioactive waste — a serious omission, given that the former
accounts for the largest proportion of total waste and the latter is the most dangerous form of waste and the most
difficult to handle . On the basis of the OECD 's incomplete figures, approximately 800 m tonnes of agricultural
waste was produced in 1990 . The total volume of unclear waste produced has risen from 1 865 tonnes in 1982 to
3 164 tonnes in 1995 .

In view of the truly alarming nature of these figures, would the Commission not agree that it should put forward a
proposal for coordinated action to reduce the volume of such waste ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(4 February 1997 )

The Community waste strategy as reviewed in 1996 (') reports that in 1990 the total amount of waste generated in
the fifteen Member States was about 910 million tonnes, of which 22 million tonnes were hazardous .

This figure does not include data on agricultural waste since the figures available for this waste stream are based
on particularly disparate definitions in Member States, which render it impossible to add the figures to a total for
all waste produced in the Community . The unreliability of the data for agricultural waste also affects the
Organization for economic cooperation and development ( OECD ) figure mentioned by the Honourable Member .

The above general figure on waste does not include radioactive waste . The Community waste strategy itself
excludes this type of waste from its scope . Radioactive waste is covered by a separate strategy ( 2 ) which foresees
a whole range of coordinated actions to be undertaken in order to minimize radioactive waste generation, and to
improve safety of radioactive waste disposal . All these actions are part of the Community plan of action waste
management which started in 1 980 . It is worth noting that this plan requires the Commission to prepare a regular
report on the situation and perspectives of radioactive waste management in the Community . The third report
was published in 1993 ( T ) and the fourth is under preparation .

(') COM(96 ) 399 final .
( 2 ) COM(94 ) 66 final .
O COM(93 ) 88 final .

No C 138 / 22 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

( 97 / C 138 / 31 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3059 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Council

( 14 November 1996 )

Subject : Electricity

The common position of the Council on the proposal for a directive on the internal market in electricity has given
rise to grave concern in that, were the directive to be adopted in its present form, it would have an adverse impact
on employment, equality of treatment for consumers, long-term energy policy, public health and safety, and
standards of service .

Would the Council not agree that, before the text returns to the European Parliament, action should be taken to :

1 . restrict the meaning of the term ' eligible customers ' to cover only customers with an annual consumption
rate of at least 100 kWh, and prevent this threshold from being progressively lowered ;

2 . harmonize fiscal, environmental protection and public health legislation ;

3 . lay down the public service obligations which all energy producers must fulfil ; and

4 . give Member States greater freedom to practise ' positive discrimination ' in favour of alternative and
renewable energy sources ?

Reply

( 27 February 1997 )

1 . With regard to the first question, the Honourable parliamentarian 's attention is drawn to the response of the
Council to Written Question No 1796 / 96 addressed to the Council by Mr D. Bowe ('). In its response, the
Council, inter alia, confirms " that it has indeed considered the effect of the Internal Market in Electricity on
employment and it is confident that improved competitiveness and growth in turn will lead to an overall positive
effect on employment ."

2 . The Council can also confirm that it is preoccupied with the importance of questions related to the
harmonization of fiscal, environmental protection and public health legislation . These matters are, however,
addressed properly in their respective frameworks and the Council therefore believes that it could be counter
productive to incorporate provisions thereof in the Electricity Directive .

3 . As to Public Service Obligations, the Council has incorporated provisions relating thereto in its Common
Position on the Electricty Directive . However, as stated in the Council 's Reasons explaining its Common
Position and in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, the Council considers that these conditions should
be framework conditions . The actual implementation of Public Service Obligations is, in the Council 's opinion,
better done by Member States .

4 . The Council has just received a communication from the Commission ; " Energy for the Future     - Renewable
Sources of Energy, Green Paper for a Community Strategy ". The examination of the Green Paper will be given a
high priority as the Council considers the development of renewable energy sources to be of paramount
importance .

(') See page 1 .

( 97 / C 138 / 32 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3060 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

( 18 November 1996 )

Subject : Electricity

The common position of the Council on the proposal for a directive on the internal market in electricity has given
rise to grave concern in that, were the directive to be adopted in its present form, it would have an adverse impact
on employment, equality of treatment for customers, long-term energy policy, public health and safety, and
standards of service .

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 23

Would the Commission not agree that, before the text returns to the European Parliament, action should be taken

to :

1 . restrict the meaning of the term ' eligible customers ' to cover only customers with an annual consumption
rate of at least 100 kWh, and prevent this threshold from being progressively lowered ;

2 . harmonize fiscal, environmental protection and public health legislation ;

3 . lay down the public service obligations which all energy producers must fulfil ; and

4 . give Member States greater freedom to practise ' positive discrimination ' in favour of alternative and
renewable energy sources ?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

1 . The proposal provides for three stages for the gradual attainment, six years after the implementation of the
Directive, of a level of opening up of the Community electricity market of about 33% . As soon as the Directive
has been implemented, eligible consumers, including those with an annual consumption rate of at least 100 GWh,
will be able to freely conclude electricity contracts . As the proportion of opening up of the market increases, a
larger number of undertakings with lower consumptions will also be able to reap the benefits of this process .

2 . With reference to Article 25 of the Council 's common position, (') the Commission will be presenting a
report on the harmonization measures needed but not related to the provisions of the Directive by the end of the
first year following its entry into force . The Commission 's work is advancing, in particular as regards taxation
and the environment .

3 . In compliance with the principle of subsidiarity, the Directive does not define public service obligations
beyond the few areas referred to in Article 3(2 ) ( security, including security of supply, regularity, quality and
price of supplies and environmental protection ). The situation varies so greatly from one Member State to
another that it is not advisable to have a common definition of public service obligations .

4 . Article 8(3 ) ( transmission system ) and Article 1 1(3 ) ( distribution system ) of the Council 's common position
already authorize a Member State to give priority to generating installations using renewable energy sources or
waste or producing combined heat and power . The principle of subsidiarity behind this approach is justified by
the fact that the situation as regards renewable types of energy varies from one Member State to another . A
broader discussion could be launched in the framework of the Green Paper on the strategy for renewable energy
sources which has now been adopted by the Commission .

(') OJ C 315 . 24.10.1996 .

( 97 / C 138 / 33 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3061 / 96

by Per Stenmarck ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 18 November 1996 )

Subject : Tax-free sales on intra EU ferries

It has been decided that tax-free sales on ferries within the EU are to be abolished in 1999 . This may well be a
logical and correct decision in view of the EU 's open frontiers, but what is missing is any proper analysis of its
impact . Is the Commission prepared to examine various aspects of the impact of abolishing of tax-free sales as it
will affect employment, export industries and the price of goods, tourism etc ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 20 January 1997 )

The decision to abolish tax-free sales within the EU was taken by the Council in 1991 as part of the arrangements
for setting up the internal market . However, it was decided to allow such sales to continue until

No C 138 / 24 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

30 June 1999 so that all the sectors of the economy concerned would have this transitional period of over seven
years in which to adapt gradually to the new situation . This ad hoc measure in support of a particular activity is an
exception to the principles of the internal market .

With particular regard to tax-free sales on ferries, the revenue they provide allow the companies in many cases to
re-balance their operating costs and in certain instances to continue to operate on loss-making routes . It transpires
from the report recently presented by the Commission (') that the control systems for tax-free sales introduced by
the Member States are not operating satisfactorily .

These findings confirm that the Council 's decision was well founded . The Commission is not planning to conduct
a further study in this connection .

The Commission would also recall that, after 30 June 1999, the arrangements for tax-free sales will continue to

apply only to sales made to individuals travelling to third countries . Within the EU sales will be transacted on a

' tax-inclusive ' basis .

(') Report on the vendor control systems applied by the Member States ( COM(96 ) 245 final ).

( 97 / C 138 / 34 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3065 / 96

by Phillip Whitehead ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 18 November 1996 )

Subject : Global warming

A report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has concluded that human activities are causing the
planet to heat up faster than at any time in the last 10 000 years . The ten hottest years in history have all occurred
since 1980, and last year was the hottest ever .

Can the Commission explain what steps are being taken to encourage Member States to reduce or minimize
emissions of global-warming gases by 20% below 1990 levels by 2005, as proposed by the Alliance of Small

Island States ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 16 January 1997 )

The Commission shares the Honourable Member 's concern that human activities are already having an impact
on climate . It endorses the message of the second assessment report of the intergovernmental panel on climate
change that climate change is already with us and the need to take steps to reverse current emission trends .

In order to limit the change of the global climate to what is sustainable, a substantial reduction of global carbon
dioxide ( C0 2 ) emissions and other greenhouse gases is necessary . In this context, the Commission considers it
crucial for the industrialised countries to set legally binding and ambitious reduction objectives under the Berlin
mandate process . This is essential if we are to convince the developing countries to participate in this
development . Their cooperation is vital if we are to have a global solution to this problem . The Community plays
a leading role in this process .

The Community is now in the process of establishing reduction targets for emissions in the post 2000 period . In
the Commission 's view these reduction targets must be substantial as well as credible . Some Member States have

already established ambitious reduction targets for the post 2000 period which should underpin Community
targets .

Reduction targets, however, cannot be divorced from policies and measures which are necessary for the
implementation of such objectives . The Commission in cooperation with the Member States is also in the process
of developing cost-effective and efficient policies and measures, particularly for the energy sector, which, if

5.5.97 EN Official Journal ot the European Communities No C 138 / 25

adopted, would allow substantial reductions to be achieved . Recent Commission initiatives include a
communication on a strategy for renewable energies (') and a strategy for reducing methane emissions ( 2 ). An
exercise with industry is under way with a view to reduce C0 2 emissions from cars .

The Commission intends to develop other proposals within its climate change strategy which could move the
Community in the right direction to address the climate change issue .

(') COM(96 ) 576 .
( 2 ) COM(96 ) 551 .

( 97 / C 138 / 35 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3068 / 96

by Umberto Bossi ( NI ) to the Commission

( 18 November 1996 )

Subject : Actions to assist children

In recent years the Commission has promoted countless measures in the social field to encourage equality of
opportunity for men and women, and to assist the handicapped, the elderly and migrant workers, as well as
measures to combat racism and poverty .

Why is it that the Commission has failed to give special attention to the needs of children ?

Will the Commission also say whether any actions are in progress which focus on this particularly fragile and
vulnerable section of society, which needs to be protected as part of a coherent social protection policy,
particularly in the light of recent crimes committed in the ' Dutroux ' case ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 31 January 1997 )

The concept of the child ( as having automatic status as citizen ) does not appear in primary legislation, including
the EC Treaty, which is why there is no specific legal basis at Community level in this field .

In practice, however, the Commission has, since the adoption of the communication on family policies ('),
implemented various targeted measures intended to increase awareness in the Member States in line with the
conclusions adopted by the Council on 29 September 1989 .

The Commission 's memorandum on the contribution of the European Union to intensifying the fight against
sexual abuse and exploitation of children has been submitted to the Parliament as a discussion paper and presents
the Commission 's ideas on what should be done by the various institutional actors on the basis of the priorities
adopted by the World Congress held in Stockholm in August 1996 .

With the money allocated under this budget heading ( ECU 2 million in 1995 and ECU 2.5 million in 1996 ), the
Commission is able to fund a range of subsidies and cofinancing arrangements such as study projects,
publications, seminars, conferences and symposia . They include both national and Community initiatives and are
coordinated by non-governmental organisations specialising in family policy, regional or local government
departments, charitable associations, or private individuals .

The aim of these targeted measures, which have been implemented on a practical basis since 1989, is to increase
awareness on the part of the Member States, the latter being responsible for policy on child protection, as
provided for by the Council of Europe in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which has been ratified by all
the Member States .

A new budget allocation of ECU 3 million intended specifically for measures to combat violence against
children, adolescents and women was approved by the Parliament in December 1996 .

This increased funding will enable specific preventive and protective measures to be developed for children and
adolescents who are the victims of violence, trafficking and sexual exploitation .

(') Doc . COM(89 ) 363 final .

No C 138 / 26 pÉN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

( 97 / C 138 / 36 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3080 / 96

by Caroline Jackson ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 78 November 1996 )

Subject : Environmental issues in Central and Eastern Europe

Although the Tacis programme has made a significant contribution to nuclear safety issues in the CIS, does the
Commission feel that enough is being done for other aspects of environmental protection in these countries ?

Whilst recognizing that environmental consideration should be taken into account in all aspects of Tacis
programmes, it would seem that the environmental sector itself has not been a high priority for funding — in
marked contrast to the emphasis given to environmental issues under the Phare programme . In view of the
commitment given to environmental issues at the Helsinki Conference of CIS Ministers of the Environment in
June 1996, sponsored by Tacis, would the Commission confirm that there should be a change of policy to give
the environment a higher priority in future Tacis programmes ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

( 24 January 1997 )

The Commission appreciates the Honourable Member 's recognition of the significant contribution the Tacis
programme has made to improve nuclear safety in the Newl Independent States ( NIS ). The Commissi on
considers that other aspects of environmental protection are also benefitting significantly from the Tacis
programme . Since its inception the environment has been taken into account both in the design and the
implementation of the programme . The primary approach has been to integrate environmental concerns
horizontally into all programme sectors .

Through the multi-country programmes and also the national programmes stand-alone environmental projects
have also benefitted from funding . The most prominent examples are the Black Sea and Aral Sea programmes . In
addition, the 1995 and 1996 inter-state environment programmes benefitted from 12 MECU each and include
important projects such as promoting environmental awareness and environmental media . For more detailed
information, the Honourable Member may wish to refer to the documentation provided to Parliament by the
Commission on 12 November 1996 on the occasion of the visit of the member of the Commission responsible for
relations with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union to a joint meeting of the
environment and budget committees concerning the greening of the budget .

The new Tacis Regulation (') provides a reinforced possibility to finance environmental projects . As a result, for
example, the Russian 1996-1999 indicative programme has for the first time identified the environment as a
separate sector of Tacis activity and approximately 7% of the funds for the Russia programme will be allocated to
environmental projects with another 10% going to projects with an environment component .

Within Ukraine, the environment has been introduced as one of the areas of cooperation in the 1996-1999
indicative programme, and is given priority in the 1996 country programming . Stand-alone environmental
projects are planned in the field of legislation, training, environmental awareness and institutional capacity
building .

At the inter-state level, it is expected to enhance the programmes already under way in policy, environmental

awareness and the regional seas . The creation of a new regional environmental centre network in the whole NIS
together with Member States, the United States, Norway and Switzerland is of importance .

(') Council Regulation ( EURATOM, EC ) No 1279 / 96 ot 25 June 1996 concerning the provision of assistance to economic reform and recovery
in the New Independent States and Mongolia — OJ L 165, 4.7.1996

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 27

( 97 / C 138 / 37 WRITTEN QUESTION P-3090 / 96

by Jesus Cabezon Alonso ( PSE ) to the Council

(7 November 1996 )

Subject : Employment and social cohesions : the December 1996 Dublin European Council

The most widely used figures indicate that there are 18 million unemployed in the European Union, and
55 million persons whose incomes are less than half the minimum wage .

Does the Council believe that the combination of market forces and economic and technological change will be
enough to improve these figures, or does it think that the European Union needs to break out of the paralysis
currently affecting its efforts to combat poverty and social exclusion ?

Does it not think that we need once again to place greater stress on active measures in favour of employment ?

What proposals, activities and funding will the Council be promoting to ensure that social equilibrium is not
merely left to the mercy of market forces ?

Reply

( 27 February 1997 )

The Honourable Member will be aware that the problems of unemployment and action for jobs lie at the heart of
the European Council 's priorities and that it has, in this area / set out the route to be followed since its Essen
meeting and in subsequent meetins, in particular in Madrid, Florence and Dublin .

The restimulaton of employment has also been set up as a vital requiremetn by the Commission in the framework
of its Confidence Pact for employment . A joint report on employment has been submitted to the Dublin
European Council after adoption by the Ecofin Council and the Labour and Social Affaris Council on
2 December 1 996 . The report provides a basis for discussion and sets out the paths to be followed for continuing
the actions of the Member States in this area .

( 97 / C 138 / 38 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3105 / 96

by Joaquin Siso Cruellas ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 18 November 1996 )

Subject : Action to assist disadvantaged urban areas

With the aim of boosting job creation in the most disadvantaged urban areas in the EU, the Commission recently
approved a number of provisions, valid for five years, to allow the Member States to provide financial support for
maintaining or creating local enterprises . These measures are particularly targeted at the young unemployed,
unskilled young people and women, in such a way that 1 % of the total population of each Member State could
benefit ; aid can amount to a maximum of ECU 100 000 per job created, and at least 20% is reserved for people
living in the areas receiving the aid .

Can the Commission provide further information on this initiative ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

( 15 January 1997 )

In October 1996 the Commission adopted guidelines on state aid for undertakings in deprived urban areas . It had
become clear that the existing Community competition framework — whether it be the rules governing aid to
small and medium-sized enterprises, aid to employment or regional aid — did not allow the special geographical
and socio-economic situation of these areas to be satisfactorily taken into account . Somd state financial
assistance may, however, be necessary in these areas in order to offset the structural handicaps and certain
additional costs involved in setting up there .

The new guidelines are underpinned by social and economic considerations in that their aim is to help resolve, or
at least alleviate, the different problems ( unemployment, underdevelopment, etc .) facing certain urban areas .
They therefore dovetail with the priorities identified by the White Paper on growth, competitiveness and
employment (') and follow the same logic as the Community 's Urban initiative .

No C 138 / 28 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

In the guidelines, the Commission states that it will give sympathetic consideration to state aid which can
contribute to the regeneration of deprived urban areas, provided that the aid meets certain conditions . In order to
ensure that any such aid is as effective and well-targeted as possible, while preserving the competitive balance
and protecting the common interest, it has laid down conditions regarding the eligibility criteria for the areas
concerned, the recipients of the aid, and the form and intensity of permissible aid . The following conditions can
be mentioned by way of example : the proportion of the total national population covered by such areas should
not normally exceed 1 % ; the aid is to be restricted to small firms ( employing fewer than 50 people ); at least 20%
of the jobs created should be filled by persons living within the deprived area ; and the maximum aid intensity is
26% of the net investment or ECU 10 000 per job created .

The Commission also takes the view that, in many instances, the public assistance will not be caught by the
Community competition rules as trade between Member States will not be affected . It has therefore set out a list
of activities which are traditionally pursued on a local and purely domestic basis and which should therefore lie
outside the scope of the rules .

The full text of the communication is to be published shortly in the Official Journal .

O COM(93 ) 700 .

( 97 / C 138 / 39 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3112 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

( 18 November 1996 )

Subject : Taxes on alcoholic beverages

All the Member States produce spirits, but the position varies greatly from one country to the next as far as still,
sparkling, dessert, and aromatized wines are concerned . Only eight Member States produce the latter beverages
and they differ to a considerable extent in terms of production volumes, consumption, and approaches to
taxation .

Will the Commission therefore issue :

1 . a Directive to control the emergence of alcoholic beverages designed solely to elude or outwit the specific
provisions ;

2 . a Directive whereby new products of the above type would have to be notified to the Community and
national authorities so as to ensure that the behaviour of certain dishonest producers could not jeopardize the
entire tax structure, the result of a hard-won compromise ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 24 January J 997 )

The Commission does not intend to propose a directive to prevent producers of new alcoholic drinks from
lawfully seeking to bring them within tax categories which attract lower levels of taxation . However the
Commission is always prepared to examine the definition of different alcoholic drinks if problems arise and to
make appropriate proposals if it considers them necessary .

The Commission is at present examining with the Member States whether a minimum legislation, in particular
dealing with labelling, should be set up for alcoholic drinks other than wine and beer of an alcoholic strength
between 1.2% and 15% vol .

( 97 / C 138 / 40 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3114 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

( 18 November 1996 )

Subject : Movement of alcoholic beverages subject to excise duty

Because the standard minimum rate has been set at ECU 550, excise duty on spirits has risen considerably in

some countries . In Italy the increase has amounted to as much as Lit 103 000 per hectolitre for each category of
products .

5 . 5 . 97 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 29

Given that the derogation granted to Italy under Directive 92 / 84 / EEC (') has expired and cannot be renewed,
owing to the nature of Community procedures concerning taxation, will the Commission bring the rates into line
with the minimum equivalent value guaranteed in the above Directive and unify them so as to prevent a further
increase being imposed on category II spirits ?

(') OJ L 316, 31.10.1992, p . 29 .

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(9 January 1997 )

According to information available to the Commission, no Member State was in fact forced to increase its
standard rate of excise duty on spirits as a result of the introduction of the ECU 550 minimum rate .

In line with the requirements of Article 8 of Council Directive 92 / 84 / EEC on the approximation of rates of duty
on alcohol and alcoholic beverages, the Commission is currently reviewing the levels of all minimum rates of
excise duty on drinks . It will take the Honourable Member 's point into account in that exercise .

( 97 / C 138 / 41 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3120 / 96

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) to the Commission

( 22 November 1996 )

Subject : Health hazards inherent in glyphosate-resistant soya beans

1 . Is the Commission aware that all the experiments undertaken to reveal the implications for health of
glyphosate-resistant soya beans were carried out without glyphosate being used during the cultivation of the
tested beans ?

2 . Is the Commission aware that the future ' normal ' use of these genetically modified beans has not therefore
been tested ?

3 . Is the Commission aware of the danger of a significant increase in the concentration of phytooestrogens in
pulses when glyphosate is used ?

4 . How can approval be granted without this test having been carried out ?

5 . What conclusions does the Commission draw from this ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 31 January 1997 )

The consent granted to Monsanto Europe by the United Kingdom authorities was for the placing on the market of
this product for ' handling in the environment during import, before and during storage, and before and during its
processing to non-viable products '. The consent did not cover the growing of the soya beans in the Community
since the company did not include this use in its notification .

The effects on human health and the environment from the use of glyphosate on the Monsanto soya beans is not
covered by Directive 90 / 220 / EEC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified
organisms ('), but by other Community legislation . Council Directive 96 / 32 / EC of 21 May 1 996 ( 2 ) has set a
maximum limit of 20 parts per million of glyphosate residues on soya beans . According to the examination
carried out in preparation of this Council Directive, the metabolic fate of glyphosate in tolerant plants is not
significantly different from that in non-tolerant tradional soya varieties .

No C 138 / 30 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Consequently the imported soya beans should not carry glyphosate residues beyond the maximum limit .

(') OJ L 117, 8.5.1990 .
( 2 ) Council Directive 96 / 32 / EC of 21 May 1996 amending Annex II to Directive 76 / 895 / EEC relating to the fixing of maximum levels for
pesticide residues in and on fruit and vegetables and Annex II to Directive 90 / 642 / EEC relating to the fixing of maximum levels for
pesticide residues in and on certain products of plant origin, including fruit and vegetables, and providing for establishment of a list of
maximum levels — L 144, 18.6.1996 .

( 97 / C 138 / 42 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3140 / 96

by Florus Wnsenbeek ( ELDR ) to the Commission

( 22 November 1996 )

Subject : Training in the transport industry

Is the Commission aware that in many Member States of the EU there is now — or there is likely to be — a
shortage of workers in various sectors of the transport industry ?

Is the Commission also aware that this shortage is steadily growing because of an increasing lack of adequately
trained persons in these sectors ?

The technical, logistical and economic requirements throughout the European transport sector are rapidly
increasing, with the result that there is a growing need for training . Future training needs have been analysed and
compared with the participation in existing training schemes . Training efforts in the industry are insufficient to
meet the needs . There must be a quantitative and qualitative improvement in the supply on the labour market for
transport in order to meet the growing need . If the economy of Europe continues to grow at this pace it is
expected that the number of jobs on the transport market within the EU will double in the next twenty years . This
problem was identified and raised a number of years ago by organizations in the industry in several Member
States .

Given the importance of road transport for the economy of Europe ( in terms of distribution and jobs ), does the
Commission not feel that it is a matter of concern that there is a decline in interest amongst young people in jobs
in the road transport sector, and that this is connected, in turn, with the fact that training programmes currently on
offer in transport and logistics are not sufficiently practical in approach ?

If so, does the Commission not think it is a matter of the utmost importance to make every effort, in consultation
with the various employers ' organizations and educational establishments, to improve the match between supply
and demand, possibly in the form of European support programmes ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

The Commission notes the Honourable Member 's views on the shortage of adequately trained staff in the
transport sector .

The role of the Community is to promote social and economic progress by encouraging co-operation between
Member States and by supporting and supplementing their action . Training and employment policies are
primarily a matter for national competence and are determined according to national priorities .

As far as the road transport sector is concerned, it is worth noting that the Federation of transport workers unions
in the European Union ( FST ) recently completed a report, with the support of the Commission, on the training of
drivers . The Commission is studing this report in the context of the preparation of the communication on
vocational training for drivers of heavy goods vehicles, which the Commission intends to present this year . With
regard to the transport of dangerous goods, under the terms of Council Directive, 94 / 55 / EC (') on the
approximation of the laws of the Member States with regard to the'transport of dangerous goods by road, the
training requirements for drivers carrying dangerous goods vehicles are improved and implemented from

1 January 1997 . Training of those other than drivers will be set out formally by 1 January 1999 . Finally, Council

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 31

Directive 96 / 35 / EC ( 2 ) on the appointment and vocational qualification of transport of dangerous goods by road,
rail and inland waterways foresees the appointment of safety advisers in companies transporting dangerous
goods . The advisers have to undergo training and examinations in the field of dangerous goods, after which they
will be issued with a Community type vocational training certificate .

(') OJ L 319, 12.12.1994 .
( 2 ) OJ L 145, 10.6.1996 .

( 97 / C 138 / 43 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3147 / 96

by Fernando Fernandez Martin ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 22 November 1996 )

Subject : Towards sustainable development in the Canaries : environment and water

The Cohesion Fund has a budget of ECU 15 500 million ( from 1992 ) for 1993-1999 . The bulk of the
environmental aid under this fund is destined for measures involving drinking water, urban waste water and

waste .

The Canary Islands are severely deficient with regard to both the environment and waste sewerage . How many
projects has the Community funded in the Canaries region, bearing in mind the structural problems faced in
matters involving water ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

The Commission is sending the data on environmental projects in the Canary Islands adopted to date and
part-financed by the cohesion financial instrument ( CFI ) or the Cohesion Fund directly to the Honourable
Member and to the Secretariat of Parliament :

The projects in question concern :

— reafforestation and erosion control, financed under the CFI ( No 93 / 1 1 / 61 / 012-023 );

— urban waste processing, adopted for 1996 ( No 95 / 1 1 / 61 / 042 );

— desalination plants, adopted for 1996 ( No 96 / 1 1 / 61 / 004 ).

It is also sending the Honourable Member the 1994 and 1995 Annual Reports on the activities of the Cohesion
Fund, Annex 1 of which details the environmental projects part-financed in Spain .

( 97 / C 138 / 44 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3155 / 96

by Riccardo Garosci ( UPE ) to the Commission

( 22 November 1996 )

Subject : Redundancies at Nestle Italia

Nestle Italia is to reduce its existing workforce ( 7100 permanent employees ) by 1500 in the two-year period

1997 / 1998 . 400 of the 1500 staff affected will change from employees to self-employed workers, but there will
be no such option for the remaining 1100 .

The employeees in question all work at the Abbiategrasso factory, which is to be closed down and transferred as

a productive unit to France . As combatting unemployment is one of the European Union 's priorities :

1 . Does the Commission intend to approach Nestle Italia to ensure that the 1100 staff that the firm 's
management have decided are redundant can be reemployed rather than join the ranks of the unemployed ?

2 . Could the Commission envisage providing aid — if necessary, financial aid — to help Nestle Italia weather
this difficult period while saving jobs ?

No C 138 / 32 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5.5.97

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Comission

( 31 January 1997 )

Responsibility for decisions on restructuring and redeployment of activities rests solely with the firms concerned
and with the national authorities, provided they are in conformity with Community rules on competition . The
Commission has no specific arrangements to provide assistance to individual firms in difficulty, and has no
power to influence their decisions concerning restructuring outside its sphere of competence . Help of a more
general nature may be available under the Structural Funds, in partnership with the Member State concerned, for
the purpose of improving the employment situation at national and regional level .

Under its employment aid scheme, Italy has a whole range of preventive and protective instruments for persons
at risk of unemployment, the main ones being the cassa integrazione guadagni ( allowance guaranteeing a
minimum wage to persons threatened with redundancy ), the ' mobility list ' redeployment scheme and the job
creation agreements . These are increasingly being linked to active vocational training measures to assist the
beneficiaries in re-entering the labour market .

( 97 / C 138 / 45 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3178 / 96

by Sergio Ribeiro ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 22 November 1996 )

Subject : German pensions legislation

All workers in the Federal Republic ( including those from other Community countries ) pay insurance
contributions towards the standard retirement pension .

Some time ago they also started paying compulsory contributions for nursing care in their old age
( Pflegeversicherung ). However, current legislation stipulates that this insurance applies only if the worker
concerned remains on German territory, which means that migrant workers lose their right to it if they decide, for
example, to retire to their countries of origin .

Does the Commission believe that this legislation contravenes the right to freedom of movement and infringes
Community legislation ? If so, what does it intend to do to re-establish equality of treatment for those working in
the Federal Republic ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 21 January 1997 )

The Commission is aware of the problem raised by the Honourable Member concerning insurance to cover
old-age nursing care in Germany . The Administrative Commission on Social Security for Migrant Workers has
already given thought to ways of coordinating this new branch of social security . It is not a straightforward issue,
given the complexity of German legislation .

Since the Court of Justice has been asked to give a preliminary ruling in Case C     - 160 / 96 ( Molenaar ) ('), on the
question of whether or not the German system of nursing-care insurance conforms with Community law, the
Commission proposes to await the outcome of this case .

(') OJ C 197, 6.7.1996 .

( 97 / C 138 / 46 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3181 / 96

by Salvador Jove Peres ( GUE / NGL ) to the Council

( 14 November 1996 )

Subject : Operation of the aid regime for olive oil

According to Council Regulation ( EC ) 2261 / 84 ('), the Commission was obliged to submit, by 1 January 1995, a
report on the operation of the aid regime in the olive oil sector . This has not been done . On 25 October 1996 the
European Parliament adopted a resolution ( B4-1 180 / 96 ) calling on the Commission to submit a report .

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 33

1 . Does the Council intend to insist that the Commission submits this report ?

In recent statements concerning the future reform of the COM in olive oil, Commissioner Fischler referred to the
existence of fraud .

2 . In the absence of the report required by Regulation ( CE ) 2261 / 84, to what extent does the Community
consider Commissioner Fischler 's remarks to be justified ? Does the Council not consider that the report on the
operation of the aid regime in the olive oil sector should be submitted before they are taken into consideration ?

It appears that the Commission intends, in its proposal for reform, to set the future support levels for the sector in
relation to the economic support received in the past .

3 . Does the Council not consider that the Commission 's approach could end up legitimizing fraud where it has
existed in the past ?

A large number of jobs depend on olive oil in regions heavily affected by unemployment, and certain changes to
the aid system could remove cultivation incentives and, therefore, cause less people to be employed in the sector .

4 . Does the Council consider that sufficient evidence is available for embarking on a proposal for reform
which could have an adverse impact on employment ?

(') OJ L 208, 3.8.1984, p . 3 .

Reply

( 26 February 1997 )

Although the Council on 20 February 1995, on a proposal from the Commission, made some adjustments of
detail to the production aid regime for olive oil ( Regualtion ( EC ) No 636 / 95 (')), it has not had the opportunity of
examining the general operation of the regime nor any irregularities which may have been noted . It is true that
the report provided for in Article 21 of Regulation ( EEC ) No 2261 / 84 has not to date been submitted by the
Commission .

At the request of the Spanish and Portuguese delegations during its meeting from 28 to 30 October 1996, the
Council discussed the Commission 's intention of submitting a proposal for reform of the common organization
of the olive-oil market . It agreed to ask the Commission to present a paper which analysed and discussed the
current situation in this sector as soon as possible, and in any case before it submitted a reform proposal .

The Council will therefore, when examining any future Commission paper or proposal on the common
organization of the olive-oil market, consider all aspects of the regime 's operation and possible development in
this major area of Community agricultural production .

(') OJ L 67, 25.3.1995 .

( 91 IC 138 / 47 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3183 / 96

by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 22 November 1996 )

Subject : Living conditions of children in Perama

According to the results of a study funded by the European Union under the ' Poverty 3 ' programme and
published in September 1996 in the COFOCE CONFACT journal, the living conditions of the inhabitants of the
Perama region, and in particular the children, are squalid .

1 . What measures will the Commission promote, in cooperation with the Greek Government, to improve the
social conditions of the inhabitants ?

2 . What opportunities are there for utilizing the resources allocated to initiatives to combat social exclusion
under the regional programme for Attica ?

No C 138 / 34 EN Otticial Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 11 February 1997 )

The study referred to by the Honourable Member and published in part in the journal mentioned is merely the
preliminary stage of a multiannual model operation set up under the Poverty III programme .

This operation was focused on Perama, a disadvantaged urban area in which the influx of refugees and
immigrants has led to the emergence of a shanty town without any sanitary or social infrastructure . Intervention
at a number of levels was provided for under the programme . With regard to children and young people,
measures included the creation of an educational assistance centre, a careers guidance programme and a
vocational school for shipyard trades .

The model operation was then extended to include adults with the creation of a job centre, modernisation of
housing, a health service, a programme specifically aimed at helping one-parent families, a children 's day
nursery for mothers working in the Ikonio district, and a literacy programme . The favourable results obtained
have led to activities subsequently being expanded with the active involvement of the population .

At the end of 1993, when the Poverty III programme came to an end, the Commission submitted to the Council a
proposal for a fourth programme to combat exclusion and promote solidarity (')• This proposal, which must be
passed by a unanimous vote, has not yet been adopted by the Council .

Under the multi-fund operational programme for Attica and especially the sub-programme for the development
of human resources, provision has already been made for funding of ECU 17.5 million for the period 1994-99 in
order to finance measures to combat social exclusion .

(') COM(93 ) 435 .

( 97 / C 138 / 48 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3184 / 96

by Susan Waddington ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 22 November 1996 )

Subject : Fireworks

Recent fatal accidents in the UK at professionally organised events involving fireworks have increased public
concern over the safety standards of fireworks constructed in, and imported from third countries . These accidents
have been characterised by the early explosion of devices and clearly point to poor construction standards .

The present lack of a Council Directive setting Community-wide standards means that such potentially
dangerous explosive devices can, once imported into a Member State, be moved freely around the Single Market
and therefore present a danger to consumers in all Member States .

In view of this and growing public concern will the Commission now seek to reopen the debate with the Member
States in order to convinced them that such a specific proposal is necessary to ensure that all consumers in the
Single Market enjoy the same standard of protection, regardless of in which Member State they purchase such
fireworks ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(9 January 1997 )

Free movement within the internal market is a right which benefits goods legally manufactured or marketed in
one of the Member States . Fireworks originating in third countries thus acquire the right to free circulation after
they are marketed in one of the Member States .

In the absence of harmonised rules applicable to these products, Member States are free to apply national rules
aimed at the protection of human life and health, provided that, where such rules are susceptible to restrict trade,
they are nonetheless necessary and adequate to attain their goal of ensuring safety . According to available
information, all Member States do enforce safety regulations in this sector . As a consequence, fireworks
originating in a third country should be controlled as to their safety before they can be marketed in any of the
Member States .

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 35

In the event that safety controls have been omitted, the product would not be considered as having been legally
marketed, and would therefore not be entitled to circulate freely . This implies that the Member State concerned
may lawfully prohibit the sale or use unless satisfactory safety controls have been carried out, even if such
products have previously transited through another Member State .

The Honourable Member should also consider that, although not specifically intended to regulate fireworks,
Directive 92 / 5 9 / EC on general product safety (') contains provisions which may guide national authorities on the
adoption of rules aimed at the prevention of accidents .

(') OJ L 228, 1 1.8.1992 .

( 97 / C 138 / 49 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3189 / 96

by Richard Howitt ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 22 November 1996 )

Subject : Commission funding for a rubbish dump and treatment plant on Western Costa del Sol ( Spain )

Is the Commission funding a rubbish dump and treatment plant for the whole of the Western Costa del Sol only
3.5 kilometres from the village of Casares in Southern Spain, and adjacent to the nature reserve of the Sierra
Bermeja ?

If so, what will be the environmental impact and is the Commission aware of the devastating impact this dump
will have on tourism in the area ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 21 January 1997 )

The Commission confirms that it is funding a rubbish dump and waste plant treatment on the Western Costa del
Sol in Andalucía, near the village of Casares . The eligible cost for this plant is 16 MECU . The European regional
development fund will cofinance 70% of its total cost .

Member States are responsible for the planning and management of waste treatment projects, as well as
determining where such plants can be constructed .

According to information available to the Commission with respect to the solid waste treatment plant planned in
Casares the authority concerned has carried out an environmental impact assessment ( EIA ) in accordance with
Directive 85 / 337 / EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the
environment (')• At this stage, there is no evidence of any particular problem with respect to the environment or
that Community legislation has been infringed .

(') OJ L 175, 5.7.1985 .

( 97 / C 138 / 50 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3221 / 96

by Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE / NGL ) and Yiannis Roubatis ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 28 November 1996 )

Subject : Illegal land reclamation in the Acheloos delta

In the extremely important biotope of the Acheloos delta 100 hectares of land studded with the region 's rare flora
( tamarisk, conifers, cedars, etc .) is being reclaimed wholly illegally . The area of land in question was leased to a
private individual by the commune of Katochi . As long ago as 1991, a complaint was made to the Commission
that land-clearance and land encroachment had started in the commune of Katochi and within the biotope of the
Acheloos delta, and that unauthorized buildings had already been observed in the sea-side district of Dioni in the
commune of Katochi .

No C 138 / 36 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Bearing in mind that :

— the Acheloos delta is a highly protected area under the RAMSAR Treaty, Article 4 of Directive 79 / 409 / EEC (')
and Directive 92 / 43 / EEC (-);

— the Ministry for the Environment, Regional Planning and Public Works has adopted an act requesting the
commune of Katochi to cancel the unlawful lease but that that ministerial decision has not been implemented ;

1 . Has Greece ensured, by legislative means ( presidential decree or ministerial decision ), that the above ­
mentioned region is protected as required by Community legislation ?

2 . Are Directives 79 / 409 / EEC and 92 / 43 / EEC generally implemented, and if not, what steps will the
Commission take to hasten their immediate implementation ?

3 . What steps will the Commission take to ensure that the competent Greek authorities put an end to the
above-mentioned unlawful activities ?

4 . Has the Commission funded, or will it fund, a study on proper and balanced management procedures for the
ecosystem in question in order to conserve this biotope of European importance within the meaning of
Directive 79 / 409 / EEC ?

C ) OJ L 103, 25.4.1979 . p . I.
( 2 ) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p . 7 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 23 January 1997 )

1 . As far as the Commission is aware, ministerial decision 1319 concerning measures to protect the lagoons of
Messolonghi and the Acheloos delta, published in the Greek official journal of 28 September 1993, has already
expired . The Commission is pursuing this case within a more general framework : the inadequate number of
special protection areas ( SPA ) designated by the Greek authorities and inadequate protection of the areas that do
exist .

2 . In its role as guardian of the Treaty, the Commission is responsible for ensuring that all Community
environmental legislation is properly applied . Whenever there are problems concerning the transposition or
application of Commmunity law the matter is brought up with the national authorities concerned .

In this context, the Commission is responsible for ensuring that the two Directives to which the Honourable
Member refers are properly applied in Greece . Greece has been applying Directive 79 / 409 / EEC ( wild birds ) for
over fifteen years . The main problem with this Directive is, as mentioned in the first paragraph, the inadequate
number of special protection areas and inadequate protection for the areas that do exist . The Commission is
working closely with the Greek authorities to remedy the situation . Directive 92 / 43 / EEC ( habitats ) has not yet
been transposed into Greek law . The Commission has brought this matter before the Court of Justice . Greece has
communicated the first part of its national list of candidate sites for the Natura 2000 ecological network . The
Commission is in contact with the Greek authorities to ensure that the list is completed .

3 . As the Honourable Member points out, illegal action has been taken and the Ministry of the Environment
has already intervened . In line with the principle of subsidiarity, the Member State is responsible for putting an
end to illegal acts and ensuring compliance with national law .

4 . Under Regulation ( EEC ) 1872 / 84 (') ( ACE-Biotopes : action to preserve the environment ) the Commission
cofinanced a project entitled ' management programme for the Messolonghi wetlands ' concerning a management
plan for three lagoons created by the Acheloos and Evinos rivers .

The project was considered a success in that it helped raise public awareness as to the advantages of preserving
and protecting the site . This appears to have strengthened the environmental arguments in the debate on the
Acheloos diversion as well .

(') OJ L 176 . 3.7.1984 .

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 37

( 97 / C 138 / 51 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3227 / 96

by Francesco Baldarelli ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 28 November 1996 )

Subject : Explanations concerning the ban on dual medical specialization at Italian universities

Commissioner Monti 's answer to Written Question E-2586 / 96 (') on the ban on dual specialization at Italian
universities says, referring to Council Directive 93 / 16 / EEC ( 2 ), ' consequently, courses of specialization such as
those in radiology or neurology, mentioned in the question and referred to in Article 5(3 ) and Article 7(2 ) of the
Directive, where specific reference is made to Italy, cannot be carried out simultaneously '.

In Italy there is a ban on not only taking two courses of specialization simultaneously, as mentioned in the
directive, but even on taking one after the other . For example, since ' neurorehabilitation ' is not a recognized
discipline in Italy, a doctor wishing to work in this field ( after specializing in neurology ) has to apply to train in
rehabilitation techniques ( or vice versa ).

In the light of Mr Monti 's answer, which explains that the ban only concerns the simultaneous nature of the
training and not the possibility of completing successive courses of specialized study in order to obtain the
necessary professional qualifications, does the Commission not consider that it should use the means at its
disposal to guarantee the correct application of Community law and ensure that Italian doctors have the same
study opportunities as doctors in the other Member States of the EU ?

(') OJ C 60, 26.2.1997, p . 105 .
( 2 ) OJ L 165, 7.7.1993, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 20 January 1997 )

The Commission takes the view that it has no jurisdiction in this matter . Community law does not require
Member States to set up specialized medical training courses .

( 97 / C 138 / 52 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3229 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo v Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 28 November 1996 )

Subject : The Commission 's tax programme

The Commission 's work programme for 1997 ( COM(96)0507 ) states : ' In 1996 the Commission ... launched an
in-depth examination of tax policies in Europe . Practical conclusions will be forthcoming in 1997 . The
Commission will speed up the drafting of guidelines for closer coordination of tax policy in Europe . One of the
main aims will be to reverse the current trend towards imposing compulsory charges and levies on employment .'

However, the list of proposed actions refers, as far as taxation is concerned, only to vehicle tax ( 34 ).

Is there a proposal to adopt the directive on the tax regime for frontier workers ' incomes ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

In 1979 the Commission presented a proposal for a Council Directive concerning the harmonization of income
taxation provisions with respect to freedom of movement for workers within the Community . (') This proposal
provided in particular that the employment income of frontier workers should be subject to tax in the
Member State in which they were resident .

No C 138 / 38 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

In spite of discussions spanning several years, the Council has proved unable to take a decision on this proposal,
since a number of Member States have opposed the principle of frontier workers ' income being taxed in the
Member State of residence . Some frontier workers ' associations have also pointed out that, under this system, the
burden of taxation would in many cases be heavier than at present ( labour flows from Belgium to Luxembourg
and from Denmark to Germany ). Lastly, several Member States have taken the view that the problem of how to
tax non-resident workers in general might be best resolved by bilateral double taxation agreements .

In the light of this situation, the Commission withdrew the 1979 proposal for a Directive in 1992 . Under the
bilateral taxation agreements concluded between Member States, of the thirty cases where there is a common
frontier between two Member States, eighteen provide for the employment income of frontier workers to be
taxed in the Member State of residence and twelve provide for taxation in the Member State of employment .

According to the Commission, if frontier workers are taxed in their Member State of residence, they benefit from
non-discriminatory tax treatment because they are taxed in the same way as other residents . In contrast, frontier
workers who are taxed in a Member State other than that in which they are resident are often subject to a heavier
tax burden than residents of that State ( taxation system for non-residents ).

In response to this situation, in 1993 the Commission presented a recommendation to the Member States
providing for common rules for the taxation of non-residents . ( 2 ) In addition, the Court of Justice has recently laid
down certain principles for the taxation of non-residents in a number of judgments . ( 3 ) On this basis, the
Commission is currently consulting with the Member States with a view to encouraging them to amend their
legislation in the field where necessary . Several Member States, such as Belgium, Denmark, Germany and
Ireland, have already done so .

(') OJ C 21, 26.1.1980 .
(-) Commission recommendation of 21 December 1993 on the taxation ot certain items of income received by non-residents in a Member State
other than that in which they are resident ( OJ L 39, 10.2.1994 ).
(') In particular, Cases C-279 / 93 Finanzamt Koln-Altstadt v Roland Schumacker [ 1995 ] ECR 1-225 and C-80 / 94 Wielockx v Inspecteur der
directe belastingen [ 1995 ] ECR 1-2493 .

( 97 / C 138 / 53 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3235 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 28 November 1996 )

Subject : The Commission 's tax programme

The Commission 's work programme for 1997 ( COM(96)0507 ) states : ' In 1996 the Commission ... launched an
in-depth examination of tax policies in Europe . Practical conclusions will be forthcoming in 1997 . The
Commission will speed up the drafting of guidelines for closer coordination of tax policy in Europe . One of the
main aims will be to reverse the current trend towards imposing compulsory charges and levies on employment .'

However, the list of proposed actions refers, as far as taxation is concerned, only to vehicle tax ( 34 ).

Is there a proposal to exempt value added originating in the transfer of controlling shares which are reinvested
within a specified time ?

( 97 / C 138 / 54 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3236 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 28 November 1996 )

Subject : The Commission 's tax programme

The Commission 's work programme for 1997 ( COM(96)0507 ) states : ' In 1996 the Commission ... launched an
in-depth examination of tax policies in Europe . Practical conclusions will be forthcoming in 1997 . The
Commission will speed up the drafting of guidelines for closer coordination of tax policy in Europe . One of the
main aims will be to reverse the current trend towards imposing compulsory charges and levies on employment .'

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 39

However, the list of proposed actions refers, as far as taxation is concerned, only to vehicle tax ( 34 ).

Is there a proposal to exempt value added originating in the transfer of material assets of a purely nominal nature ?

( 91 iC 138 / 55 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3237 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 28 November 1996 )

Subject : The Commission 's tax programme

The Commission 's work programme for 1997 ( CC)M(96)0507 ) states : ' In 1996 the Commission ... launched an
in-depth examination of tax policies in Europe . Practical conclusions will be forthcoming in 1997 . The
Commission will speed up the drafting of guidelines for closer coordination of tax policy in Europe . One of the
main aims will be to reverse the current trend towards imposing compulsory charges and levies on employment .'

However, the list of proposed actions refers, as far as taxation is concerned, only to vehicle tax ( 34 ).

Is there a proposal to exempt value added originating in the transfer of material assets which are reinvested ?

( 91 IC 138 / 56 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3239 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 28 November 1996 )

Subject : The Commission 's tax programme

The Commission 's work programme for 1997 ( COM(96)0507 ) states : ' In 1996 the Commission ... launched an
in-depth examination of tax policies in Europe . Practical conclusions will be forthcoming in 1997 . The
Commission will speed up the drafting of guidelines for closer coordination of tax policy in Europe . One of the
main aims will be to reverse the current trend towards imposing compulsory charges and levies on employment .'

However, the list of proposed actions refers, as far as taxation is concerned, only to vehicle tax ( 34 ).

Is there a proposal to harmonize the regime governing value added originating in the transfer of material assets ?

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-3235 / 96, E-3236 / 96, E-3237 / 96 and E-3239 / 96

given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

The Commission 's work programme for 1997 contains the initiatives it is planning to take in the course of the

year .

The Commission would inform the Honourable Member that there is no proposal for a Directive on the tax
treatment of capital gains and that it is not currently contemplating any such proposal .

No C 138 / 40 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

( 97 / C 138 / 57 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3240 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 28 November J 996 )

Subject : The Commission 's tax programme

The Commission 's work programme for 1997 ( CC)M(96)0507 ) states : ' In 1996 the Commission ... launched an
in-depth examination of tax policies in Europe . Practical conclusions will be forthcoming in 1997 . The
Commission will speed up the drafting of guidelines for closer coordination of tax policy in Europe . One of the
main aims will be to reverse the current trend towards imposing compulsory charges and levies on employment .'

However, the list of proposed actions refers, as far as taxation is concerned, only to vehicle tax ( 34 ).

Is there a proposal to approximate rates of company tax ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 21 January 1997 )

The Commission 's work programme for 1 997 includes the initiatives the Commission plans to take during the
course of this year .

The Commission will present a proposal for a Directive on a common system of taxation applicable to interest
and royalty payments made between associated companies in different Member States . It does not plan to present
a proposal for a Directive on the approximation of corporation tax systems .

( 97 / C 138 / 58 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3241 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 28 November 1996 )

Subject : The Commission 's tax programme

The Commission 's work programme for 1997 ( COM(96)0507 ) states : ' In 1996 the Commission ... launched an
in-depth examination of tax policies in Europe . Practical conclusions will be forthcoming in 1997 . The
Commission will speed up the drafting of guidelines for closer coordination of tax policy in Europe . One of the
main aims will be to reverse the current trend towards imposing compulsory charges and levies on employment .'

However, the list of proposed actions refers, as far as taxation is concerned, only to vehicle tax ( 34 ).

Is there a proposal to harmonize the regimes governing at-source deduction for interest on loans ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 21 January 1997 )

The Commission 's work programme for 1997 includes only the initiatives the Commission plans to take during
the course of this year .

The Commission presented a proposal for a Directive on a common system of withholding tax on interest
income (') in 1989 . That proposal, which was not adopted by the Council in 1989 owing to the lack of the
required unanimity and which the Commission is continuing to support, is still before the Council .

(') OJ C 141, 7.6.1989 .

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 41

( 97 / C 138 / 59 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3244 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 28 November 1996 )

Subject : Directives on public contracts incorporated by Spain

The Commission 's work programme for 1997 ( CC)M(96)0507 ) admits that the internal market is still incomplete .

The report on the single market in 1995 ( A4-0323 / 96 ) deplores the fact that in certain sensitive sectors the
Commission 's initiatives have not been sufficient to guarantee the adequate incorporation of Community rules,
especially in the areas of public contracts, insurance, intellectual property and company law .

Which directives on public contracts have not been incorporated by Spain ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 31 January 1997 )

As regards award procedures for public contracts, Spain has not yet given notification of the national measures
implementing Directives 90 / 531 / EEC of 17 September 1990 (') and 93 / 38 / EEC of 14 June 1993 ( 2 ) relating to
contract award procedures in the water, energy, transport and telecommunications sectors . The first of these
Directives was concerned solely with works and supply contracts awarded in those sectors and allowed
implementation in Spain to be deferred until 1 January 1996 . The second Directive extended the scope of the first
Directive to services and consolidated all the provisions concerned . The new text also introduces a derogation for
Spain, which is not required to apply its provisions until 1 January 1 997 . However, this is without prejudice to the
obligations incumbent on Spain in connection with the time limit for transposal laid down in Directive
90 / 531 / EEC .

Furthermore, Spain has not yet given notification of the national measures implementing Directive 92 / 1 3 / EEC of
25 February 1992 coordinating the laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the application of
Community rules on the procurement procedures of entities operating in the four sectors mentioned above . It was
required to apply the Directive by the same date as that specified for Directive 90 / 531 / EEC .

The Commission has instituted appropriate infringement proceedings against Spain for failure to communicate
national measures implementing Directive 90 / 531 / EEC . In the case of Directive 92 / 13 / EEC, infringement
proceedings for failure to communicate national implementing measures could be instituted in the second quarter
of 1997 .

(') OJ L 297, 29.10 1990 .
( 2 ) OJ L 199, 9.8.1993 .

( 97 / C 138 / 60 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3245 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 28 November 1990 )

Subject : Directives on company law incorporated by Spain

The Commission 's work programme for 1997 ( COM(96)0507 ) admits that the internal market is still incomplete .

The report on the single market in 1995 ( A4-0323 / 96 ) deplores the fact that in certain sensitive sectors the
Commission 's initiatives have not been sufficient to guarantee the adequate incorporation of Community rules,
especially in the areas of public contracts, insurance, intellectual property and company law .

Which directives on company law have not been incorporated by Spain ?

No C 138 / 42 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 21 January 1997 )

All the directives on company law have been properly transposed by Spain .

( 97 / C 138 / 61 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3248 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Commission actions on third-generation insurance

The Commission 's work programme for 1997 ( COM(96)0507 ) admits that the internal market is still incomplete .

The list of proposed actions includes a reference to an interpretative communication ( 249 ) concerning the
directive on third-generation insurance ( 93 / 49 ).

Does the Commission intend to adopt any other actions to implement the principle of the single market in this
sector ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 21 January 1997 )

The Commission is in the process of drafting a communication on the freedom to supply services and the general
interest in the insurance sector in which it intends to give its interpretation on the application of the provisions of
the Treaty and on the concept of general interest in that sector .

The Commission is also responsible for ensuring that the Community directives on insurance are properly
transposed into national law . In this connection, it has already instituted infringement proceedings under
Article 1 69 of the EC Treaty in respect of certain Member States where some national provisions are in breach of
Community law .

97 / C 138 / 62 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3250 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Commission actions on company law

The Commission 's work programme for 1997 ( COM(96)0507 ) admits that the internal market is still incomplete .

The list of proposed actions includes a reference to an interpretative communication ( 106 ) concerning the
directive on company law .

Does the Commission intend to adopt any other actions to implement the principle of the single market in this
sector ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 21 January 1997 )

The Commission is planning to adopt in 1997 a new proposal for a Tenth Directive on cross-border mergers of
public limited companies to replace its 1985 proposal, (') on which Parliament has not yet given its opinion, and a
Fourteenth Directive concerning the transfer of the registered office of limited companies from one Member
State to another .

(') OJ C 23, 25.1.1985 .

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 43

( 97 / C 138 / 63 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3251 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : European company statute

The Commission 's work programme for 1 997 ( CC)M(96)0507 ) admits that the internal market is still incomplete .

In its report on the single market in 1995 ( A4-0323 / 96 ), Parliament stresses its concern at the slow pace of
progress in the field of company law, compounded by the resistance of the Council, especially as regards the
failure to draw up a European company statute, resulting in significant financial losses to the Union 's enterprises .

What action does the Commission propose to undertake to ensure further progress on adopting the European
company statute ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 21 January 1997 )

The Commission is awaiting Parliament 's opinion and the results of the consultations initiated by it on the basis
of the various options set out in its November 1995 communication on worker information and consultation, (')
before deciding whether it will eventually be possible to secure a decision from the Council on the European
company . In the meantime, with a view to breaking the deadlock in the Council 's work on the European
company, the Commission has set up a high-level expert group on the systems of worker participation in Europe .
This group, which is chaired by Mr Davignon, is due to present its report in the first quarter of 1997 .

(') COM ( 95 ) 547 .

( 97 / C 138 / 64 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3253 / 96

by Eva Kjer Hansen ( ELDR ) to the Commission

( 18 November 1996 )

Subject : Failure of Commission to invoke Article 169 in respect of Directive 92 / 117 / EEC on zoonoses and

zoonotic agents ( Salmonellosis )

With the exceptions of Denmark, Ireland, Finland and Sweden, the Member States have not implemented
Directive 92 / 1 17 / EEC (') which was adopted in 1992 and should have entered into force on 1 January 1994 .

Will the Commission invoke Article 1 69 of the EC Treaty against these Member States ? If so, when does it intend
to send out letters opening this procedure ?

Does it agree that the lack of implementation creates problems for the four Member States that have implemented
the directive, since they risk importing the infection from the other Member States that have not yet made an
effort to comply with the directive which they themselves were jointly responsible for adopting ?

Should it subsequently become necessary, will it exercise its powers under Article 171(2 ) to impose fines on
Member States condemned by the Court of Justice for infringing of EU law ?

(') OJL 62, 15.3.1993, p . 38 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 16 December 1996 )

The large majority of Member States have informed the Commission that they have transposed Council Directive
92 / 117 / EEC into their national legislation . However, the Commission is aware that only the Danish, Irish,
Finnish and Swedish plans for control of salmonella in fowl have been approved ( Commission Decisions
94 / 507 / EC ('), 96 / 389 / EC, 96 / 390 / EC ( 2 ), 96 / 502 / EC ( 3 )). While the Directive is being implemented in other
Member States, plans that have been submitted by them for the control of salmonella in fowl include certain
provisions which are not fully in line with certain technical aspects of the Directive and have not therefore been
approved .

No C 138 / 44 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Infringement proceedings have been initiated against some Member States . However, in the context of the
Commission proposal ( 4 ) amending Directive 92 / 1 17 / EEC concerning measures for protection against specified
zoonoses and specified zoonotic agents in animals and products of animal origin in order to prevent outbreaks of
food-borne infections and intoxications, no further proceedings are currently being prepared . The Parliament was
consulted on the Commission proposal and gave its opinion on 20 September 1996 .

The Commission is aware of the fact that not all Member States have been in a position fully to implement the
provisions of Annex III of the Directive . Therefore the proposal mentioned above provides that the Commission
will, before 1 October 1997, submit a report to the Council and to the Parliament accompanied by appropriate
proposals .

It is only in the case of Denmark that the Community provides financial assistance for the implementation of the
slaughter and destruction measures in poultry breeding flocks . In 1995 no Danish poultry breeding flock was
found positive for salmonella enteritidis or salmonella thyphimurium . The Commission has been informed that
two Danish broiler parent flocks have been found positive for salmonella typhimurium so far this year .

The Commission will continue to keep the various aspects of Directive 92 / 1 1 7 / EEC under review in order to take
further initiatives with regard to its findings and the epidemiological evolution .

(') OJL 203, 6.8.1994 .
( 2 ) OJ L 155, 28.6.1996 .
C ) OJ L 204, 14.8.1996 .

( 4 ) OJ C 13, 18.1.1996 .

( 97 / C 138 / 65 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3256 / 96

by Bryan Cassidy ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Declassify scrap as waste in EC legislation

The secondary raw materials business is being constrained by the huge volume of environmental legislation
being produced by national and international bodies, and is particularly suffering by having to comply with
national legislation intended for waste .

The environmental benefits of recycling in the secondary raw materials industry sector cannot be ensured if the
increasing costs of environmental legislation continue to bite into the margins required to cover the costs of
collection, sorting and treatment . It is therefore of great concern that legislation intended for the waste sector has
been allowed to encroach on the recycling sector .

Parliament has recommended removing scrap from waste legislation in its resolution ( A4-02 13 / 96 ) (') on the
Commission Communication ' Fresh impetus for restructuring the steel industry in the Community '
( COM(94)265           - C4-0060 / 94 ).

Bearing in mind paragraph ' M ' of Parliament 's resolution :

1 . What changes to the Directive 91 / 156 / EEC ( 2 ) does the Commission envisage ?

2 . When will it make these changes to declassify scrap as waste ?

3 . Should no changes to Directive 91 / 156 / EEC be envisaged, is the Commission prepared to clearly define
which materials are covered by ' Secondary Raw Materials ' under Article 3.1b of Directive 91 / 156 / EEC ?

(') OJ C 261, 9.9.1996, p . 149 .
( 2 ) OJ L 78, 26.3.1991, p . 32 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 21 January 1997 )

Since the adoption of Directive 91 / 156 / EEC, discussions on whether or not there is a need to clarify and possibly
amend the definition of waste as laid down in Article 1(a ) of that Directive have been held . Discussions

5 . 5 . 97 P EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 45

on the definition of waste were held with Member States in the context of the technical adaptation committee for
waste legislation . In particular, a specific ad hoc sub group of this committee, set up at the suggestion of the
Commission, held three meetings dedicated to this suject . Subsequently, however, Member States decided,
during a meeting of the committee on 25 January 1995, to halt any activity at Community level and to await
results of discussions on this matter in other fora, because of the fact that no substantial progress had been
achieved . On the basis of the results of the discussions in other fora, it could then be considered whether or not to
re-open the debate at Community level . A decision in this respect has not been taken since the discussions in
other fora, in particular the Organization for economic cooperation and development ( OECD ), have not yet been
finalized .

Therefore, the Commission does not consider it opportune at this stage to give an indication as to whether or not
it would be prepared to amend Directive 75 / 442 / EEC ('), as amended by Directive 91 / 156 / EEC, with a view to
include a definition of secondary raw materials, since it is of the opinion that as long as the discussions with
Member States on this issue have not been finalized it does not have all the necessary elements to take a balanced
decision on the need for such an amendment .

It should be noted, however, that although the notion of secondary raw materials mentioned in Article 3 . 1 ( b)(i ) of
Directive 75 / 442 / EEC is not defined by this Directive, the context of the provision could lead to the conclusion
that secondary raw materials are those materials which come out of a recycling, re-use, reclamation or other
recovery process, while until then the materials would have to be regarded as wastes . Thus, materials which still
have to undergo a recovery operation could in principle not come under the notion of secondary raw materials .

(') OJ L 194 . 25.7.1975 .

( 97 / C 138 / 66 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3383 / 96

by Arthur Newens ( PSE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Energy efficiency of hot water boilers

When is Article 10 of Council Directive 92 / 42 / EEC (') of May 1992, on the energy efficiency required for hot
water boilers fired with liquid or gaseous fuels, which provides for the submission of a report to Parliament and
the Council on the results achieved within three years, to be implemented and why has no such report yet been
produced, despite the fact that this is now more than a year overdue ?

(') OJ L 167, 22.6.1992, p . 17 .

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

The Commission would draw the Honourable Member 's attention to the fact that Article 9(1 ) of the Directive
concerned sets the date of its entry into force as 1 January 1994 .

There has not therefore been any delay in the provision of the said report, which, in accordance with Article 1 0,
will be prepared in 1997, i.e. three years after the Directive 's entry into force .

( 97 / C 138 / 67 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3386 / 96

by Carles-Alfred Gasoliba i Bohm ( ELDR ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : The visually impaired

All citizens of the Union enjoy the right to move freely and to reside anywhere within the territory of the Member
States .

No C 138 / 46 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5.5.97

That right includes guaranteeing persons with a partial or total visual impairment, accompanied by their
guide-dogs, access to all places, buildings, establishments, premises and means of transport which are public or
open to the public .

Does the Commission consider that the regulations currently in force guarantee freedom of movement for the
visually impaired throughout the Union ?

What measures has the Commission proposed or does it intend to propose with the aim of improving the mobility
of the visually impaired, including the questions of transport and access to public buildings ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 30 January 1997 )

The Commission confirms that Article 8a of the EC Treaty stipulates that all citizens of the Union have the right
to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States, subject to the limitations and conditions laid
down in the Treaty and by the measures adopted to give it effect .

As far as accessibility is concerned, the Commission has presented a proposal for a Directive on minimum
requirements to improve the mobility and the safe transport to work of workers with reduced mobility ('), which
has yet to be adopted by the Council due to problems with its legal basis ( Article 1 1 8a ). Pending its adoption, the
Commission has conducted several studies on the accessibility of public buildings or buildings open to the public
and carried out various activities in this area under the Helios II Programme with a view to the possible
presentation of a proposal or communication on this question .

In addition, the Commission is continuing the measures which it listed in its report to the Council concerning the
actions to be taken in the Community regarding the accessibility of transport to persons with reduced
mobility ( 2 ).

(') OJ C 15, 21.1.1992 .
( 2 ) COM ( 93 ) 433 .

( 97 / C 138 / 68 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3390 / 96

by Helwin Peter ( PSE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Disruption of the internal market in pressure vessels

1 . Is the Commission aware that, because of the lack of an ' equivalence clause ' in Belgium, France, the
United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy and Sweden, German producers of pressure vessels ( such as
hydro-pneumatic accumulators, hydraulic diaphragm accumulators and hydraulic steam chambers ) are placed at
a disadvantage when marketing their products in those Member States, and the operation of the internal market is
thereby disrupted ?

2 . What steps has the Commission taken      - or does it intend to take      - to respond to the closure of the markets in
the Member States in question ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

( 22 Januar -y 1997 )

1 . The Commission is aware of the existence in the pressure vessels sector of difficulties concerning the free
movement of goods . It is conscious of the fact that the internal market in this sector has not yet been fully
achieved . However, these difficulties do not exclusively concern German manufacturers but European
manufacturers in general .

2 . The Commission has taken cognisance of complaints lodged against the Member States mentioned by the
Honourable Member . In connection with these, the Commission has asked the national authorities concerned for
an explanation of the alleged lack of mutual recognition . In their replies the Member States emphasize that they
do apply this principle, which normally forms part of the applicable legislation or administrative guidelines . In
practice the complainant faces the difficulty of substantiating the allegation that the authorities do not recognize
the vessels lawfully manufactured or marketed in another Member State . Additional information has therefore
been requested from the complainant . In the absence of concrete elements showing proof of the refusal by the
authorities of the Member State concerned to recognize these products, the Commission will be obliged to shelve
these complaints .

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 47

However, in order to ensure that a single market in the pressure vessels sector is effectively established, the
Commission has proposed a Directive for technical harmonization according to the ' new approach '. (') This
proposal is currently in the conciliation stage between Parliament and the Council as provided for in Article 1 89b
of the EC Treaty . Once this Directive is applicable, the problems highlighted by the Honourable Member will be
solved as all the Member States will have to accept pressure vessels in accordance with the provisions of the
Directive .

(') OJ C 246, 9.9.1993 .

( 97 / C 138 / 69 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3391 / 96

by Jan Mulder ( ELDR ) to the Commission

(5 December J 996 )

Subject : Clearance of accounts procedure : increasing the number of staff involved

Article 206 of the Treaty establishing the EC states that the Commission must take all appropriate steps to act on
the observations in the decisions giving discharge by the European Parliament .

In its resolution on giving discharge to the Commission in respect of the EAGGF clearance of accounts for the

1991 financial year ( Doc.A4-0058 / 96 ) ('), the European Parliament called on the Commission to increase the
strength of the department responsible for the clearance of accounts by 15 posts .

Could the Commission state when this increase will be achieved ?

(') OJ C 141, 13.5.1996, p . 107 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(9 January 1997 )

Since 18 April 1996, when the Parliament adopted its decision on the 1991 discharge and recommended the
allocation of 15 additional staff posts for the clearance of the guarantee section of the European agricultural
guidance and guarantee fund, three new posts have been allocated to the responsible department . These three
posts represented all of the new posts allocated under the 1996 budget to the Directorate-general for agriculture .
In addition, four permanent posts were allocated for the replacement of national expert posts lost under the policy
of transformation of appropriations for external staff .

( 97 / C 138 / 70 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3400 / 96

by Herbert Bösch ( PSE ), Fiorella Ghilardotti ( PSE ), Rolf Linkohr ( PSE ),

Michele Lindeperg ( PSE ), Catherine Trautmann ( PSE )

and Rinaldo Bontempi ( PSE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Tenth revision of the old-age and survivor 's pension ( AHV ) in Switzerland and its implications for

cross-frontier workers from neighbouring EU Member States

When the tenth revision of the AHV enters into force in Switzerland on 1 January 1997, the accompanying
change in the pension scheme will have a sudden and serious impact on cross-frontier workers from
neighbouring EU Member States . Up to now there has been a ' couple 's pension ', calculated without taking the
spouse 's residence into account . This provision is being dropped in the tenth revision . Instead, there will be
educational credits ( until the child reaches 16 ), although they will require residence in Switzerland . The option to
purchase insurance years, in advance or retroactively, is also tied to residence in Switzerland .

This means that although cross-frontier workers from the EU will still have to pay the same AHV contributions
they will in future receive up to 30% less AHV pension .

No C 138 / 48 ΓΕΝ Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

1 . Is the Commission aware of the above revision of the Swiss pension scheme and its impact on
cross-frontier workers from the EU ?

2 . Does it agree that this will lead to unilateral discrimination against EU citizens in the Swiss labour market,
which is entirely at variance with the spirit of the planned bilateral agreement with Switzerland ?

3 . How will the Commission take this issue into account in the current bilateral negotiations with
Switzerland ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

( 27 January 1997 )

Under the tenth revision of the Swiss law on old-age and survivor 's insurance ( AVS ) which came into effect on

1 January 1997, the couple 's pension ( rente pour couple ) is replaced by individual pensions for each spouse . The
law also introduced new credits in respect of time spent raising children .

The Commission will raise the issue of the effects of the new law on frontier workers during its negotiations with
Switzerland on social security for migrant workers which take place in the framework of negotiations to
conclude an agreement on free movement of people . The aim of the discussions on social security is to extend to
Switzerland the Community rules on the coordination of social security schemes for migrant workers contained
in Regulation 1408 / 71 ('). Annex VI of Regulation 1408 / 71 contains special procedures for applying the
legislations of certain Member States . A special rule is already applied in respect of Germany so that a period of
insurance for child-rearing in Germany is valid even for a period during which the employed person concerned
brought up the child in another Member State .

As regards the possibility to purchase insurance years, a similar issue has arisen in relation to the Netherlands
old-age pension scheme . Under Annex VI of Regulation 1408 / 71, the spouse of an employed person covered by
the Dutch legislation, who resides in another Member State, may be authorized to take out voluntary insurance
under the Dutch scheme .

The Commission will examine whether similar rules would be appropriate in relation to Swiss legislation .

(') OJ L 149, 5.7.1971 .

( 97 / C 138 / 71 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3401 / 96

by Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Establishment of works councils

Under Directive 94 / 45 / EC (') on the establishment of works councils in Community-scale undertakings in the
European Union, Member States are obliged to take all the necessary steps enabling them at all times to
guarantee the results imposed by this Directive by 22 September 1996 .

The aim of this Directive is to strengthen workers ' rights as regards information and consultation in
Community-scale undertakings and groups of undertakings .

However, the Directive has not yet been incorporated into Greek law, because the relevant bill has still not been
discussed by the relevant authorities .

Will the Commission say what measures it intends to take to prevail upon the Greek Government to comply with
the Directive on works councils and to incorporate it into Greek law ?

(') OJ L 254, 30.9.1994, p . 64 .

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 31 January 1997 )

The Commission very much welcomes the efforts made by the Member States to implement Directive 94 / 45 / EC .
Following adoption of this Directive, the Commission, at the request of the Council, set up an information and

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 49

consultation working party to provide a forum for joint debate between the Member States on ways of
transposing its provisions into national legislation . The need for such a move was all the more pressing in view of
the transnational impact of the national provisions .

The Commission has been pleased to observe the intensive and fruitful discussions which have taken place
within the working party, the conclusions of which are proving to be of considerable value in ensuring
coordinated implementation in the Member States, essential if the Directive 's provisions are to be fully effective .

To date, seven Member States have formally informed the Commission of the adoption of national implementing
measures . Through the contacts established within the working party, the Commission is regularly kept up to
date with progress in preparing the implementing measures in the other Member States, which in most cases is at
a very advanced stage . On the strength of this information, the Commission has every confidence that transposal
will be completed in the near future .

In the event of failure by Member States to adopt the necessary implementing measures, the Commission will act
on its commitment to guarantee that the Directive has its intended effect, notably via recourse to the procedure set
out in Article 169 of the EC Treaty .

( 97 / C 138 / 72 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3402 / 96

by Nikitas Kaklamanis ( UPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Coach services between Greece and Albania

In January 1991 the Joint Greek      - Albanian Transport Committee in Tirana decided to set up a regular
international coach service between Greece and Albania .

On the basis of law 1 906 / 90, the Greek Railway Company ( OSE ) retains the exclusive right to organise, operate
and exploit international scheduled coach services .

However, it has been alleged that this regulation violates Regulation EEC 684 / 92 (')•

Can the Commission say whether there is any substance to these charges and, if so, what it intends to do about it ?

(') OJ L 74, 20.3.1992 .

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

( 27 January 1997 )

Article 1, paragraph 2 and 3 of Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 684 / 92 of 16 March 1992 on common rules for the
international carriage of passengers by coach and bus (') specifies the relevant Community rules, and states that

' In the event of carriage from a Member State to a third country and vice-versa, this Regulation shall apply to the
part of the journey on the territory of the Member State of picking up or setting down, after conclusion of the
necessary agreement between the Community and the third country concerned . Pending the conclusion of
agreements between the Community and the third countries concerned, this Regulation shall not affect
provisions relating to the carriage referred to in paragraph 2 contained in bilateral agav its concluded by
Member States with those third countries . However, Member States shall endeavour to ada | 1 1 agreements to
ensure compliance with the principle of non-discrimination between Community carriers .

As decided by the Transport Council of 7 and 8 December 1995, present negotiations on international bus
transport between the Community and certain third countries of Central and Eastern Europe only concern
occasional services and do not include Albania . Consequently, in the absence of an agreement concluded
between the Community and Albania on international bus transport, transport services by coach and bus between
Greece and Albania are subject to the rules laid down in the bilateral agreement established between these two
countries .

(') OJ L 74 . 20.3.1992, p . 1 .

No C 138 / 50 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

( 97 / C 138 / 73 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3405 / 96

by Gerardo Fernandez               - Albor ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Creation of a European civilian peace corps

Within the context of a security policy geared towards conflict prevention, it is essential that there should be a
planning body responsible for proposing its definition and the initiatives in application of it . There must also be
civilian and military forces able to take part in peace-keeping or humanitarian aid missions, these being the fields
in which the Union should concentrate its military efforts .

In this connection, Parliament has already expressed the view that, within the framework of a common defence
policy, consideration should be given to establishing a European civilian peace corps to back up humanitarian
actions, facilitate peaceful conflict resolution, prevent the appearance of new conflicts and contribute to the
necessary trust-building exercises .

In the light of the Commission 's powers under the TEU, especially Article J. 8(3 ), does it consider that it could
adopt a position on this subject, and, should this be the case, propose the creation of a European civilian peace
corps with the responsibilities outlined above ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

( 20 January J 997 )

It is not, in the Commission 's view, for it to take the initiative for setting up a European civilian peace corps
under Article J. 8(3 ) of the Treaty on European Union .

However, on the issue of the prevention and peaceful resolution of conflicts raised in the question, the
Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its communication of 6 March 1996 entitled ' The European
Union and the issue of conflicts in Africa : Peace-building, conflict prevention and beyond '. (')

(') SEC(96 ) 332 .

( 97 / C 138 / 74 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3408 / 96

by Undme-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz ( V ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Conservation areas under the wild birds and natural habitats directives

Under the European wild birds and natural habitats directives, 79 / 409 / EEC (') and 92 / 43 / EEC ( 2 ), Member States
are expected to designate conservation areas and notify them to the Commission .

1 . What areas have been notified to the Commission by Germany particularly in the Federal Land of Lower
Saxony under the wild birds directive ?

Can the Commission provide the appropriate lists, showing the precise location, extent and inventory, the date of
notification and the relevant maps ?

2 . What areas have been notified to the Commission by Germany particularly in the Federal Land of Lower
Saxony under the flora and fauna directive ?

Can the Commission provide the appropriate lists, showing the precise location, extent and inventory, the date of
notification and the relevant maps ?

0 )

( 2 )

OJ L 103, 25.4.1979, p . I.
OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p . 7 .

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 51

Answer given by Mrs Bierregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 21 January 1997 )

1 . The Commission regularly produces a report listing all special protection areas ( SPAs ) classified by
Member States and officially notified by them pursuant to Article 4 of the Birds directive 79 / 409 / EEC ( see
answer to written question No 1648 / 96 by Mrs Breyer ). This report contains all SPAs designated by Germany for
each Land . A copy of the relevant pages of this report is sent directly to the Honourable Member and to the
Secretariat general of the Parliament .

Information about the SPAs including names, size and geographical location of the areas as well as a map
showing their location within each Member State is included in these reports . More details concerning the SPAs
may be obtained from the authorities of the Member States .

2 . With the exception of three small sites in Bavaria, no sites of Community importance have been proposed
for Germany . Therefore the Commission suggests requests for further information concerning potential Natura
2000 sites in Niedersachsen be addressed to the German authorities .

The Commission has already started infringement proceedings against Germany for failure to propose a
sufficient number of sites for the Natura 2000 network .

( 97 / C 138 / 75 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3412 / 96

by Spalato Bellere ( NI ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Plane crash in Indian airspace on 12 November 1996

The collision which occurred over India on 12 November 1996 between a Kazakh aircraft and a Saudi Arabian

airliner raises alarming questions of air safety .

It appears that the crash was caused by human error and, more specifically, the fact that the Kazakh pilot was
neither adequately trained in the technical English used in aviation nor sufficiently familiar with the calculations
used to determine the altitude of aircraft in flight .

Would the Commission state :

1 . Whether it is really possible, as we approach the third millennium, that problems and inaccuracies of this
kind are still so prevalent on intercontinental flights that terrible accidents are caused ?

2 . Whether it would be appropriate to issue directives on the subject and to offer to organize seminars on
problems of this kind in third countries, to be proposed in a spirit of international cooperation and in the common
interest ?

Answer given by Mr Kmnock on behalf of the Commission

( 24 January 1997 )

Until the publication of the results of the investigation into the accident which occurred on 12 November 1996
near Delhi, neither the Commission nor anyone else will have sufficient information to draw any conclusions as
to the causes of this tragic collision, and speculation is ill-advised .

Air accidents are clearly sometimes the result of human error . In this respect, the Commission has already
undertaken a number of initiatives which seek to improve understanding of human behaviour in a complex
environment . It also supports European research activities into human factors in aviation .

The Commission draws the Honourable Member 's attention to its recent communication on a Community
aviation safety improvement strategy (') in which it underlined the need to assist third countries in improving
their levels of safety performance . Even before this, the Commission has, for example, supported initiatives to
improve air traffic control in various Caucasian and Central Asian countries . New initiatives in this respect will
be proposed in the near future .

(') SEC(96 ) 1083 .

No C 138 / 52 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5.97

( 97 / C 138 / 76 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3413 / 96

by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Street cleaning services

The cleanliness of our streets has become an increasingly important issue over the last few years in the light of
the wider problem of environmental pollution and public health . In Milan, however, the street cleaning
department is being reduced, causing great inconvenience to the public and huge damage to the tourist industry .
The latest information indicates that the situation is definitely deteriorating, aggravated by the fact that cars
parked in the road on days when streets are due to be cleaned are making them inaccessible to street cleaning
vehicles .

Would the Commission state :

1 . Whether a comparative study exists of street cleaning services in the Member States ?

2 . What legislation applies to such services, both to protect public health by ensuring adequate hygiene and
health standards and to enable street cleaners to carry out their work efficiently ?

Answer given by Mrs Bierregaard on behalf of the Commission

(9 January 1997 )

1 . The Commission is not aware of comparative studies on street-cleaning in the Member States .

2 . All waste is subject to the requirements of Directive 75 / 442 / EEC (') on waste . Member States are required
to take the necessary measures to ensure that waste is recovered or disposed of without endangering human
health and without using processes and methods which could harm the environment . Member States have also to
take the necessary measures to prohibit the abandonment, dumping or uncontrolled disposal of waste . In this
context, safety and hygiene regulations connected with street cleaning are within the competence of Member
States .

(>) OJ L 78, 26.3.1991 .

( 97 / C 138 / 77 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3414 / 96

by Magda Aelvoet ( V ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : European subsidies for milk

I understand that European subsidies are granted for milk processed using certain methods ( including the UHT
method ) in cartons and also in plastic packaging . There are no subsidies for milk in glass containers . If this is the
case it would mean that, strangely, non-reusable forms of packaging are favoured to the detriment of more
environmentally responsible alternatives .

Is it true that under European subsidy provisions milk in cartons and plastic packaging is subsidised and milk in
glass containers is not ? If so, what legislative provisions govern this situation ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 30 January 1997 )

The common organization of the market in milk and milk products does not provide for aid to support drinking
milk except in the context of school milk schemes .

However, in the context of improving agricultural structures, aid can be granted for the processing and marketing
of agricultural and forest products . In such cases, projects adopted for financing must comply in particular with
Decision 94 / 173 / EC of 22 March 1994 on the selection criteria to be adopted for investments for improving the
processing and marketing conditions for agricultural and forestry products (').

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 53

These criteria have been laid down in accordance with Community policies, they translate the general guidelines
for the common agricultural policy, and they apply to all decisions approving investment aid from Community
funds as well as to national aid schemes in line with the Commission 's guidelines for state aid in connection with
investments in the processing and marketing of agricultural products ( 2 ).

The selection criteria mentioned above give priority, among other things, to investment linked to environmental
protection, the prevention of pollution and waste disposal but subject to the exclusions for each sector . In the case
of liquid milk, these exclusions are as follows :

— ' investments concerning the heat treatment of liquid milk to give a long-life product, except in Greece,
Spain, the French overseas departments, Corsica, the Mezzogiorno, Sardinia and Portugal, if there is a
proven shortage of facilities,

— investments relating to quantities of milk exceeding the combined total of the individual reference quantities,
within the framework of the additional levy rules, of producers delivering to the processing plant or
investments resulting in an increase in milk utilization capacity, unless equivalent capacity is abandoned by
the same or another specified undertaking .

The following investments are not concerned by the prohibitions referred to in the preceding indents provided
that they do not lead to an increase in capacity :

— investments to bring establishments into line with Community health standards,

— investments concerning environmental protection .'

In other words, Community legislation contains no provisions limiting aid to certain types of packaging of milk,
either under the common market organization or in the context of improving structures .

(') OJ L 79, 23.3.1994 .
( 2 ) OJ C 29, 2.2.1996 .

( 97 / C 138 / 78 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3423 / 96

by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : The Italian Government 's behaviour with regard to the liberalization of the telecommunications sector

The Italian Government has not met the deadlines for implementing the provisions of Directives 94 / 46 / EC (') of

13 October 1994, 95 / 51 / EC ( 2 ) of 18 October 1995, 96 / 2 / EC ( 3 ) of 16 January 1996 and 96 / 19 / EC ( 4 ) of 13 March
1996 .

It has not yet announced a timetable and arrangements for setting up the telecommunications authority, the
liberalization of the telecommunications sector and the introduction of a single office for the granting of licences .

It has also announced that those competing for the licence to be granted to a third mobile phone operator
( probably using DCS 1800 technology ) will be the Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, owned by the Ministry of the
Treasury, and ENEL, a public electricity corporation, thereby flying in the face of the prescribed liberalization of
the telecommunications sector .

It has launched pilot schemes, on a monopoly basis, in the field of cable broadcasting ( Steam, STET group ) and
DECT protocol telephone services ( Telecom Italia S.p.A ).

Furthermore, it has consistently and repeatedly failed to provide the information requested by supranational
bodies such as the ETO, and has adopted an obstructive attitude to the granting of licences to Community
operators . ^

1 . What steps does the Commission intend to take to persuade the Italian Government to comply with the
deadlines laid down by the directives ?

2 . What action does the Commission intend to take to avoid strengthening the dominant position of Telecom
Italia S.p.A and the creation of new monopolies by public undertakings and to strengthen the free market ?

No C 138 / 54 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

3 . Does the Commission intend to — and, if so, how does it intend to      - urge the Italian Ministry of Post and
Telecommunications to cooperate more actively with European Union bodies and those operating in the
telecommunications sector with a view to implementing the prescribed liberalization ?

(') OJ L 268, 19.10.1994, p . 15 .
0 OJ L 256, 26.10.1995, p . 49 .
0 OJ L 20, 26.1.1996, p . 59 .
0 OJ L 74, 22.3.1996, p . 13 .

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

( 30 January 1977 )

1 . The Commission has drawn the Italian Governments attention on a number of occasions to delays in
transposing Community directives into Italian law . In some cases, it has also initiated infringement proceedings
against Italy under Article 169 of the EC Treaty .

2 . Both Article 86 of the EC Treaty and Italian Law No 287 of 1 0 October 1 990 prohibit the abuse of dominant
positions to eliminate competition . Monitoring of possible abuses of a dominant position by Telecom Italia is the
responsibility not only of the Commission but also of the Autorita garante della concorrenza e del mercato .
Italian courts are also empowered to apply Article 86 of the EC Treaty directly . In its notice of

13 February 1993 (') on cooperation between national courts and the Commission, the Commission emphasized
the advantages to be gained by national courts applying that Article . They are able, for example, to award
damages or impose interim measures more rapidly than the Commission is able to do .

3 . The Commission is in favour of close cooperation with the Italian authorities, and in particular the Ministry
of Posts and Telecommunications . It is in regular contact with the latter . When the various Commission green
papers on the telecommunications sector were drawn up — in the last case on 24 October 1 996 — meetings were
also organized in Brussels with senior representatives of all national ministries and, for those Member States
concerned, of the independent regulatory authorities .

As regards possible refusals to authorize liberalized services, the Commission has received complaints,
particularly concerning satellite communication services ( Directive 94 / 46 / EC ), and is examining them in parallel
with the infringement proceedings initiated against Italy under Article 169 of the EC Treaty for failure to notify it
of national measures implementing that Directive .

0 OJ C 39, 13.2.1993 .

( 97 / C 138 / 79 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3426 / 96

by Nikitas Kaklamams ( UPE ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Lorry licences in Greece

It has been reported in the Greek press that hundreds of individual Greek drivers and Greek transport companies
are facing very serious problems, owing to the very high cost of commercial vehicle licences in Greece : the cost
of licences for ordinary commercial vehicles is Drs. 13 million, while the cost for tankers is Drs. 30 million .

This is a very pressing matter for Greek road hauliers, since in addition to the problem they already face due to
the geographical remoteness of Greece from the other EU countries, they are now having to contend with the
excessive ( compared to other EU countries ) licence fees fixed by the Greek Ministry of Transport .

Is the Commission aware of this matter and, if so, what actions does it intend to take to persuade the Greek
authorities to bring the price of licences in Greece in line with those obtaining in the other EU countries ?

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 55

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

( 29 January 1997 )

The Commission is aware that the Greek authorities make a certain charge for issuing vehicle licences for heavy
goods vehicles .

Council Directive 91 / 439 / EEC of 29 July 1991 on driving licences (') does not seek to harmonize fiscal
provisions on the issuing of driving licences . Applying such provisions is thus a matter for the Member States .

However, the Commission will ask the Greek Government to comment on both the reasons for these national
provisions and their possible consequences for the competitive position of Greek road hauliers .

(') OJ L 237, 24.8.1991 .

( 97 / C 138 / 80 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3427 / 96

by Nikitas Kaklamams ( UPE ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Diabetes and the social dimension of the European Union

In view of the Intergovernmental Conference and Economic and Monetary Union, the European Union is
increasingly giving the impression that it is concerned mainly with the economic aspects of any given initiative
( an impression reinforced by the EU-Turkey Customs Union ), and that it gives scant attention to actions which
would have a positive impact on broad social groups and on its image among the peoples of Europe .

Diabetes is one of the four or five main causes of death in EU countries, and more than nine million persons have
the disease .

Will the Commission say whether it intends to make diabetes one of its main priorities and promote initiatives
aimed at encouraging research and treatment, for example, the establishment of a European centre for diabetes to
coordinate common actions in all the EU Member States ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 31 January 1997 )

The Commission would like to stress that the protection of the health of the Community 's citizens is a paramount
consideration in the formulation and implementation of Community policies and actions .

Although diabetes has not been singled out as the object of a particular public health programme, relevant actions
have been included in the programme on health promotion, information, education and training (').

As regards research, several projects have been funded by the Commission, as part of the research on chronic
diseases ( ageing and age-related diseases ), five within the Biomed I programme, eight within the Biomed II

programme .

(') Decision No 645 / 96 / EC ; OJ L 95, 16.4.1996 .

No C 138 / 56 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

( 97 / C 138 / 81 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3428 / 96

by Inigo Mendez de Vigo ( PPE ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Information campaign on the Euro

In October 1996 the so-called Leclerc Group organized a publicity campaign in which French citizens were able
to acquire 200 products labelled both in French francs and Euros and pay for them in Euros specially issued for
the occasion .

Does the Commission intend to support further information campaigns of this kind ? Have initiatives of this kind
been provided for in the budget for the Euro information campaign ?

Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission

( 24 January 1997 )

The Commission did not provide any financial assistance for the Leclerc publicity campaign . It did though
provide technical support, notably with the drafting of the brochure intended for the public .

The Commission, like Parliament, is convinced that information campaigns should target the public and
consumers as closely as possible in their day-to-day activities . It thus welcomes the interest shown in the Leclerc
campaign by other distributors in France, Belgium, Germany, Italy and elsewhere and will provide them with
similar support .

In the Commission 's view, it is essential to step up public information campaigns now, and not to await the period
immediately preceding the introduction of euro notes and coins before providing the necessary clarification .

( 97 / C 138 / 82 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3432 / 96

by Guido Podesta ( UPE ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Natural disasters

Italy has been badly hit by severe weather conditions during the last few months, which have caused rivers to
overflow their banks, resulting in floods and landslides, causing serious damage to agriculture, animal farming,
water resources and the landscape, housing, businesses and amenities, with rail and road transport disruption,
derailments, power cuts and water supply problems .

The material damage caused each time amounts to hundreds of billions of Lire, in addition to the human
suffering caused by the disasters . These events have hit parts of Italy which have already been affected in the past
by serious flooding, as well as by industrial and economic decline .

Does the Commission not consider it appropriate that systematic measures should be taken in cases of natural
disasters in collaboration with the Government, the regional and local authorities of the areas in which the
disasters have caused most damage, to provide immediate emergency aid to assist the worst-hit areas and help to
repair the damage ?

In any event, comprehensive financial, logistic and technical measures should be adopted and operational
technical and human resources should be provided for the services and facilities designed to prevent disasters or
offer assistance in the event of emergencies or disasters in order effectively to prevent, avoid or substantially
reduce the effects of such disasters, by means of the Regional Development Fund and the Community Initiatives .

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

( 27 January 1997 )

The Commission would remind the Honourable Member that emergency aid to disaster victims was never
granted as a matter of routine, nor was it intended to compensate for damages . This instrument,

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 57

which has been in place since 1977, has only been used in the event of disasters of exceptional scope and gravity
in order to help the worst affected and least well-off European citizens . Moreover, the Commission would remind
the Honourable Member that there were no appropriations for emergency aid in the 1996 budget as Parliament
entered only a token entry for item B4-3400 . A similar entry was made in the 1997 budget .

It should be stressed that the purpose of the Structural Funds is not to provide aid for natural disasters . Their
objectives and scope are set out in the regulations adopted by the Council in December 1988 and revised in July

1993 . (') They relate to the financing of investments and infrastructure in objective 1 regions ( regions whose
development is lagging behind ), objective 2 regions ( regions seriously affected by industrial decline ) and
objective 5b regions ( rural regions ). They can provide assistance only indirectly, for instance where regional
authorities propose that areas hit by severe weather conditions be given priority in the allocation of aid for
infrastructure and investments in economic development .

Research projects on forecasting and preventing floods are under way as part of the specific research programme
on ' Environment and climate '.

With regard to civil protection, the Commission would recall that preventive measures and measures to increase
the degree of preparedness of those primarily responsible for civil protection are among the priorities of the
Community action programme in the field of civil protection on which a proposal for a decision has been
presented to the Council . ( 2 )

However, Parliament has also entered only a token entry for 1997 at budget item B4-3300 ( Community
cooperation on civil protection and environmental emergencies ).

(') OJ L 193, 31.7.1993 .
( 2 ) COM ( 96 ) 219 .

( 97 / C 138 / 83 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3433 / 96

by Guido Podesta ( UPE ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Evaluation of pilot projects for the conservation of the architectural heritage

With reference to my Written Question E-2498 / 96 (') on the final selection of pilot projects for the preservation
of the architectural heritage in the context of the programme which came to an end in the 1995 financial year, I do
not consider that I misunderstood the way in which the projects were assessed and subsequently selected .

The answer I received stated that ' following each member 's commentary, the decision on the projects to be
recommended to the Commission for funding was taken after discussion and consensus among all the members
of the jury ', omitting to say that the comments made by the members of the jury were usually accompanied by a
list of the projects in the order of preference of each Member State .

Furthermore, my question was not answered . Can the Commission therefore say why the comments were never
recorded and why there were no lists in order of preference, in the interests of understanding in accordance with
what criteria and what procedures, following the deliberations of the jury, the list of projects considered worthy
of Community financial support for each Member State and in order of priority was drawn up to assist the
Commission in its final selection ?

(') OJ C 60, 26.2.1997, p . 94 .

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

( 22, January 1997 )

Referring to the selection procedure of architectural heritage restoration pilot projects within the framework of
the 1995 exercice, the Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that on completion of its
deliberations the jury 's report did not concern either individual projects nor projects per Member State . This
report was rather the summary of the jury 's appreciation of the whole exercise in terms of conclusions on the
quality of the totality of projects submitted as well as in terms of comments and observations for its future
development .

No C 138 / 58 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

As to actual selection, there were priority lists drawn up on the basis of the jury 's appreciation, which reflected
the votes received by each Member State 's projects examined and it is these lists that the Commission took into
consideration before it reached the final decision . The justification for every project on these lists was twofold, its
historic, cultural and architectural importance as well as the quality of the technical intervention proposed . In this
sense, projects were presented in an order of descending priority, and the Commission could only support a
limited number of projects following this order of priority and until the very limited financial resources allocated
for this action were totally absorbed .

( 97 / C 138 / 84 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3439 / 96

by Hugh McMahon ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 27 November 1996 )

Subject : ESF — ' Employment / Horizon in Ireland

Can the Commission inform Parliament why there has been, since 1995, a serious reduction in the amount of ESF
assistance for ' Employment / Horizon ' projects and is the Commission aware that the Irish Government has,
according to the Minister of Health, been required to find additional exchequered funding to maintain existing
levels of training for the disabled ?

Will the Commission give an assurance that disabled persons in Ireland and elsewhere in the Union will continue
to have high levels of ESF assistance for employment projects ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 31 January 1997 )

For the programming period 1994 to 1999, 23.79 MECU ( 1996 prices ) of European social fund ( ESF ) and
European regional development fund ( ERDF ) funding has been made available under the Horizon — Disabled
strand of the Employment initiative . This compares to a figure of 9.56 MECU ( 1993 prices ) ESF and ERDF
funding available for Horizon — Disabled in the previous programming period .

In Community support frameworks, programming documents and operational programmes, priority areas for
ESF assistance are agreed in partnership between the Member States and the Commission . In Ireland, 80 % of all
ESF assistance is concentrated in the operational programme for human resource development, agreed in 1994 .
The objective of this programme is to enhance education and skill levels and to improve the employment
prospects of those excluded from the labour market . This programme recognises that in terms of access to the
labour market, people with disabilities face significant disadvantage . As a consequence, 149 MECU ( 1994
prices ) ESF assistance is allocated to the training and development of people with disabilities for the six years

1994 to 1999 . This represents 1% of all ESF assistance available to Ireland, which is a higher proportion than in
other Member States . In addition ERDF assistance is being invested in training infrastructure for people with
disabilities over the same period .

It is entirely the responsibility of the Member State to determine whether additional national funding will be
invested in education and training actions, including those under this programme .

( 97 / C 138 / 85 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3446 / 96

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Cross-border consumer protection

1 . Does the Council support cross-border consumer protection projects ?

2 . Does the Council consider that cross-border consumer protection work should be supported ?

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 59

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

( 20 January 1997 )

1 . The Commission mainly provides financial support for the European consumer information centres, whose
job is to inform and assist consumers when they purchase goods or services from another country . There are at

present twelve centres and nine outstations covering eight Member States .

2 . Such efforts are necessary in order to enable European consumers to make the most of the opportunities
afforded by the single market .

( 97 / C 138 / 86 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3449 / 96

by Jan Mulder ( ELDR ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Decisions by the Commission on clearance of accounts — standard corrections

When, during the accounts clearance procedure, it is not possible to ascertain the exact amount of expenditure not
implemented in accordance with Community law, the Commission has the power to make standard financial
corrections . The maximum rate normally allowed by the Commission for such corrections is 10% of the
implemented expenditure .

Can the Commission provide a list, dating back at least to the 1987 clearance procedure, of cases in which
standard corrections of more than 10% have been carried out ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 16 January 1997 )

During the clearance of European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund ( EAGGF ) accounts cases are
found of shortcomings in the checks made by the Member States to which financial corrections can be difficult to
apply . In such cases, the Commission proposes applying expenditure corrections that do not conform to the
Community legislation adopting standard rates of varying percentages . These standard corrections were applied
for the first time in the 1991 clearance of accounts . Since then, the three categories of standard rate are 2, 5 and

10%, depending on the significance of the shortcoming and the risk of losses to the EAGGF .

The standard corrections apply only to expenditure in the region or administrative area in which the

shortcomings were observed, unless there is evidence that the shortcomings existed in other regions or
throughout the Member State . It should be remembered that the Commission can always reject the expenditure in
its entirety and a larger correction rate may be deemed appropriate in exceptional cases as a result .

Only one standard correction of more than 10% was made in the financial years 1991 and 1992 : 25% for the
cotton sector in Greece in the 1 99 1 clearance of accounts . However, as a result of further enquiries, the rate was
reduced to 10% in the clearance of accounts decision for 1992 .

( 97 / C 138 / 87 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3453 / 96

by Gary Titley ( PSE ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Commission staff pension fund

Could the Commission please give me full details of the operation of the pension fund operated for members of
its staff, i.e. the basis of contributions, how the pension is calculated, the length of service required to qualify for
a pension, etc .?

No C 138 / 60 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

( 27 January J 997 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the Staff Regulations, and in particular Chapter 3
( Pensions ) of Title V ( Emoluments and social security benefits of officials ) and Annex VIII ( Pension scheme ).

It should be pointed out that under the current rules, contrary to those applying to Members of the European
Parliament, there is no provision for a fund for Community staff pensions ; under Article 83 of the Staff
Regulations, benefits paid under the pension scheme are charged to the budget of the Community . Officials
contribute one third of the cost of financing the pension scheme . Since 1 January 1993 this has amounted to
8.25% (') of remuneration ( 6.75% previously ). Staff contributions fully covered and even exceeded pension
expenditure until 1980 . Expenditure has never yet absorbed all the contributions provided for by the Staff
Regulations .

The rate of the pension payable to an official with at least ten years ' service is calculated on the basis of the length
of service in the institutions . The maximum pension is 70% of the last basic salary for an official who has
completed 35 years ' service . The number of pensionable years of service is based mainly on the number of years
of service in the institutions and the transfer of pension rights acquired by reason of work done by the official in a
national system before his entry into service . In addition to retirement pensions, the pension scheme also covers
widows ' and orphans ' pensions . The calculation and level of these types of pension are generally based on the
retirement pension .

Lastly, it should be recalled that Parliament passed a resolution in the course of the 1997 budget procedure
calling on the Commission to submit proposals fully or partly changing the system on 14 January 1998 . The
matter is currently being studied by the Commission .

(') Increase applied as part of the general agreement on the method for adjusting remuneration covering the period 1991 to 2001 .

( 97 /C 138 / 88 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3455 / 96

by Joaquin Siso Cruellas ( PPE ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Information on nutrition

Amongst the general public, nutrition is a subject of ever greater interest, since correct eating habits help achieve
optimum health and operating capacity, quite apart from controlling body weight and improving the individual 's
quality of life . However, the plethora of information available on foodstuffs and their various properties means
that there are certain messages in circulation which being put about which are not entirely correct .

Can the Commission tell me what measures are being taken within the Union to improve nutritional awareness
amongst citizens, and to prevent the dissemination of erroneous ideas on the subject of diet ?

Answer given by Mrs Bomno on behalf of the Commission

( 30 January 1997 )

Existing Community law contains rules designed to ensure that consumers are informed about the nutritional
qualities of foodstuffs . Pursuant to Directive 90 / 496 / EEC on nutrition labelling for foodstuffs ('), nutrition
labelling is compulsory whenever a nutrition claim appears on labelling, in presentation or in advertising, with
the exclusion of generic advertising .

Moreover, Directive 79 / 1 12 / EEC on the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs ( 2 ) provides that the
labelling and methods used must not be such as could mislead the consumer as to the characteristics of the
foodstuff, by attributing to it effects or properties which it does not possess, by suggesting that the foodstuff
possesses special characteristics when in fact all similar foodstuffs possess such characteristics .

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 61

On a more general level, Directive 84 / 450 / EEC on misleading advertising ( 3 ) allows persons or organisations
having a legitimate interest in prohibiting such advertising to bring such advertising before a competent
administrative authority or to take legal action against such advertising . The Commission is currently examining
the possibility of regulating, in the context of this Directive, the problem raised by the use of misleading claims
concerning foodstuffs in particular .

Recently the Commission published a call for tenders for a study on consumers ' current needs in regard to food
labelling . Nutrition information via labelling will be one of the aspects examined in the context of this study .

The Commission also provides financial support to various organisations and associations to implement actions
designed to inform consumers on the quality — notably nutritional — of foodstuffs .

Finally, the Commission would draw the Honourable Member 's attention to the fact that the Community Action
Programme on Health Promotion, Information, Education and Training within the framework for action in the
field of public health ( 1996-2000 ) ( 4 ) provides for examining the role of food and other life-style factors in the
etiology of diseases and informing the public to improve understanding of basic nutritional principles and of new
techniques and methods of presenting and preparing foodstuffs . In this context the Programme of Work for 1997
provides for the definition of recommendations on a healthy diet for Europe .

(') OJ L 276, 6.10.1990 .
( 2 ) OJ L 33, 8.2.1979 .
(-') OJ L 250, 19.9.1984 .
( 4 ) OJ L 95, 16.4.1996 .

( 97 / C 138 / 89 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3460 / 96

by Jessica Larive ( ELDR ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Promotion of books and reading

Is the Commission aware of the activities of the NGO Biblionef, a book bank which is working in the
Netherlands, France and Portugal with the aim of providing new, unused, appropriate books for children aged
0 to 18 worldwide who have no access, or inadequate access, to picture books and reading material ?

Does the Commission agree with the questioner that this initiative is in keeping with the objectives and measures
to improve access to books in society as presented in the Gutenberg programme ( resolution A3-0 159 / 92 ) (') for
the promotion of books and reading ?

If so, is the Commission prepared to give Biblionef structural financial support so that the book bank can develop
into a genuinely European organization ? This would make an important contribution to the promotion of reading .

(') OJ C 42, 15.2.1993, p . 182 .

Answer given by Mr Oreia on behalf of the Commission

( 31 January 1997 )

The Commission is aware of a number of initiatives, in particular, the Biblionef initiative, developed by a variety
of non-governmental organizations ( NGOs ), foundations, associations or bodies to promote books and reading in
Europe .

For instance, to help encourage this type of initiative, the Ariane programme on books and reading, currently at
the final stage of adoption, (') provides for a specific action ( action 2 ) to support cooperation projects carried out
in partnership to promote books and reading and give the public access to them . This action is open to bodies of
the type cited as an example by the Honourable Member . Under the Ariane programme, the granting of structural
aid to cultural bodies is explicitly ruled out .

No C 138 / 62 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

In 1996, before the entry into force of the programme, the Commission launched a pilot project with funds
totalling ECU 986 000 to support projects matching those provided for in Ariane action 2 .

(') OJ C 113, 18.04.1996 .

( 97 / C 138 / 90 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3463 / 96

by Roberta Adgelilli ( NI ) to the Commission

( 29 November 1996 )

Subject : Regulations to protect the elderly and disabled

Latium Regional Council recently adopted a decision concerning initial provisions for public welfare housing in
Latium, regional laws 41 / 93 and 55 / 93 and regional regulation 6.9.94 No 1 ( dated 30 July 1996, protocol
900404 ).

The decision provides that the cost of care for the elderly, the disabled and people with psychiatric illnesses is to
be borne by their families and not the national health service : between 40 and 60%, calculated to be on average
between two and three million a month .

This provision, which also entails a marked reduction in the number of beds available, hits elderly and disabled
people, who are hardly ever able to bear the costs involved, and infringes the rights of the disabled and the
weakest social strata .

Will the Commission ascertain whether this decision conflicts with European Union provisions to protect these
categories bearing in mind, inter alia, the safeguarding of equal opportunities for the disabled, as part of the
Community 's new strategy for them .

Answer given by Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

The new strategy on equal opportunities tor the disabled was adopted on 20 December 1996 by Resolution of the
Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council (').

The resolution does call on the Member States to mainstream the disability perspective into all relevant sectors of
policy formulation . However, the aims set out in this resolution are without prejudice to the right of each Member
State to lay down its own rules and provisions for achieving the said aims .

Moreover, the Council Recommendation of 27 July 1992 on the convergence of social protection objectives and
policies ( 2 ) recommends that Member States should adapt and, where necessary develop their social protection
systems in favour of the elderly, but without prejudice to the powers of the Member States to establish the
principles and organization of their own system .

C ) Resolution 97 IC 12 / 01       - OJ C 12, 13.1.1997 .

( 2 ) Recommendation 92 / 442 / EEC                 - OJ L 245, 26.8.1992 .

( 97 / C 138 / 91 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3474 / 96

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : FACTT and liability

1 . Who is liable for any harm or damage which may occur in connection with experiments under the FACTT
project ?

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 63

2 . Has the Commission concluded an agreement with the firms concerned to make these companies jointly
liable if any harm or damage is done ?

3 . If not, what is the Commission 's view of this indirect subsidy for the firms involved ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 27 January 1997 )

Responsibility for implementing the project lies with the contractors . Article 6.1 of the general conditions ot
contract states that the Commission bears no liability arising from its contribution in the project . Accordingly,
there is no indirect subsidy .

( 91 1 C 138 / 92 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3475 / 96

by Rolf Linkohr ( PSE ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Waste water treatment plant in the industrial area of Komotini, near Thessaloniki

1 . Can the Commission confirm that a waste water treatment plant was built with European Union aid in the
industrial area of Komotini, east of Thessaloniki ?

2 . Is the Commission aware that, despite the existence of a waste water treatment plant in this area, untreated
waste water continues to be produced ?

3 . How does the Commission monitor the use of facilities designed to protect the environment which have
been built with the assistance of European subsidies ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 13 February 1997 )

1 . No waste water treatment plant was built with Community aid in the industrial area of Komotini, in the
region of Thrace .

2 . The Commission is unaware of the production of untreated waste water, despite the presence of a waste
water treatment plant . However, according to Article 3, 4 and 5 of Council Directive 91 / 27 1 / EEC on urban waste
water treatment ('), Member States have until at least 31 December 1998, to provide collection systems and treat
urban waste water .

If such waste water contains dangerous substances as defined in Council Directive 76 / 464 / EEC on pollution
caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into the aquatic environment of the Community ( 2 ), then all
such discharges are required to be authorized .

3 . Member States will be required to monitor discharges from urban waste water treatment plants in
accordance with Annexes IB and ID of Council Directive 9 1 / 271 / EEC and to monitor waters affected by such
discharges . The timetable by which such monitoring will be required to commence will depend on the size of the
population served and the nature of the receiving water .

(') OJ L 135, 30.5.1991 .

( 2 ) OJ L 129, 18.5.1976

( 97 / C 138 / 93 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3479 / 96

by Gianni Tamino ( V ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Environmental impact assessment of a project for a waste disposal plant at Spresiano ( Treviso )

The ' Priula ' consortium is the body responsible for the TV2 ( Treviso 2 ) basin for the disposal of solid urban
waste ( Order No . 785 of the Veneto Regional Council of 28.10.1988 ). This consortium, via the

No C 138 / 64 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

semi-public corporation Contarina S.p.a, put forward a project for the construction of a solid urban waste
treatment plant, producing compost and waste-derived fuel, which was approved on 29 November 1991, at an
estimated cost of Lit 30 billion, in the district of Spresiano . In its Decision No . 6105 of 23 October 1992 the
Veneto Region approved the project, after receiving a favourable opinion from the environment department of
the Regional Technical Committee, based on the environmental compatibility study submitted by Contarina
S.p.a . itself . However, this study distorts the real situation, as demonstrated by the Mayor and Council of
Spresiano . Firstly, the plant is described as being at least 1 .4 km away from the nearest village, but in actual fact it
is only 400 metres from the hamlet of Lovadina (a distance of 500 metres is laid down in the Regional Plan for the
disposal of solid urban waste ). Secondly, there is a motorway approximately 100 metres from the perimeter of
the projected plant ( the minimum distance laid down is 200 metres ). Thirdly, there are a few inhabited houses
about 20 metres away and a group of four inhabited houses about 30 metres away ( the official limit is 100
metres ).

Does the Commission know about this project ?

Does it consider that it complies with Directive 85 / 337 / EEC (') on environmental impact assessment and
Directives 75 / 442 / EEC ( 2 ) and 91 / 156 / EEC ( 3 ) on waste ?

Finally, have Community directives on public tendering procedures been complied with ?

(') OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p . 40 .
(-) OJ L 194, 25.7.1975, p . 39 .
( 3 ) OJ L 78, 26.3.1991, p . 32 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 31 January 1997 )

The Honourable Member 's question highlights discrepancies between certain quantitative data provided in the
environmental impact study and the actual situation . These discrepancies are said to be significant because the
rules applicable at local level lay down different construction limits .

The Commission does not believe, in this individual case, that Directive 85 / 337 / EEC on environmental impact
assessment has been infringed, since there is nothing to suggest that the procedure it lays down has not been
complied with . Instead the erroneous figures contained in the study and identified by the Honourable Member
need to be brought to the attention of a national court .

Finally, as a result of the Honourable Member 's question on compliance with Community Directives on public
contracts, the Commission has checked to see whether a contract notice was published in the Official Journal of
the European Communities .

The Tender Electronic Daily ( TED ) data bank indicates that the company Contarina S.p.a . published two
consecutive contract notices, one on design and implementation work linked to the construction of an urban solid
waste treatment plant and the other on planning work related to the construction of the plant . (')

The Commission cannot identify any factors which could in themselves constitute an infringement of Directive
93 / 37 / EC on the award of public works contracts . ( 2 )

(') OJ S 41, 28.2.1996 .

( : ) OJ L 199, 9.8.1993 .

( 97 / C 138 / 94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-3481 / 96

by Johanna Man-Weggen ( PPE ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : The death of the Christian leader Pastor Mohammed Bagher Yusefi on 28 September 1 996 in Sari ( Iran )

Can the Commission confirm that the Netherlands has asked it to investigate the death of Mohammed Bagher
Yusefi ?

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 65

Answer given by Mr Mann on behalf of the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

The Netherlands has not asked the Commission to investigate the death of Mohammed Bagher Yusefi .

( 97 / C 138 / 95 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3486 / 96

by Jose Barros Moura ( PSE ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : OPRD and Alqueva

Decision C(94)382 of 2 February, as amended by Decision C(95)2459 of 13 November, adopted the Operational
Programme for Regional Development 1994-99 ( OPRD ), which comprises a number of sub-programmes : 1 .
rural and local development ; 2 . regional incentives ; 3 . specific measures including multiple-purpose projects
relating to the Alqueva scheme, in the areas of primary infrastructure and irrigation .

As the Commission and, in particular, Commissioner Wulf-Mathies must be aware, sub-programmes 2 and 3
account for more than half the total of the OPRD and, for various reasons, which can be laid at the door of the
Commission, it has not yet been possible to implement these measures : the support scheme for micro-enterprises
( RIME ) has not yet been adopted and the Alqueva project has inexplicably been frozen .

In the light of the above, it is surprising to read what the Commission / Commissioner say on page 56 of the
Annual Report on the Structural Funds ( COM(96)502 final ), where they seek to blame the Portuguese authorities
— on the ground of the ' innovative nature ' of the OPRD — for the delays in implementation which, ultimately, are
largely due to the freeze imposed by the Commission itself .

Why did the Commission omit any reference to the Alqueva project ( i.e. to the failure to comply with the
decision on Alqueva ) in this context ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 16 January 1997 )

The aid scheme for micro-enterprises ( RIME ) is not pending approval as stated by the Honourable Member, but
was approved and included in the Regional Incentives OPRD by Commission Decision of 13 November 1995,
following its presentation by the Portuguese authorities on 16 May 1995 . The low overall implementation rate of
the OPRD cannot therefore be blamed on a failure by the Commission to approve the RIME .

Nor could this low implementation rate be due to the fact that the major project for Alqueva has not yet been
approved by the Commission . The investments programmed for this project in the OPRD for 1994 and 1995
accounted for only 8% of total investments under the programme .

The Commission therefore continues to believe that the delays in implementing the OPRD are indeed the result
of the innovative and decentralized nature of the programme . This analysis is corroborated by the Portuguese
authorities in their 1 995 report on the implementation of the Community Support Framework, which describes
the difficulties inherent in the special methods for implementing the programme . The Portuguese authorities do
not refer to the Alqueva project in this report .

As regards the overall problems of examining the Alqueva project, the Commission refers the Honourable
Member to its answer to his oral question No H-930 / 96 during the December 1996 session of Parliament . (')

(') Debates of Parliament ( December 1996 ).

No C 138 / 66 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

( 97 / C 138 / 96 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3487 / 96

by Jose Barros Moura ( PSE ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Classification of officials at the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction

Given that the head of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction is a director, which is an
A2 post under the Staff Regulations, why did the Commission propose that the current director occupy an A3
post, which is the status which was attributed to him, with the obvious consequence that all the other staff were

' downgraded ' and the Monitoring Centre ' devalued ' ( by being made equivalent to a ' division ') vis-a-vis similar
agencies in respect of which the Staff Regulations were respected ?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

( 28 January 1997 )

As with the other decentralized Community bodies, the grade of the Director of the European Monitoring Centre
for Drugs and Drug Addiction ( EMCDDA ) is decided by its Management Board, on which Commission
representatives sit alongside representatives of the Member States and two scientists designated by Parliament .

This being the case, the initial grade proposed for the Director of the EMCDDA took into account the relative size
of the Centre in relation to the other bodies . The Commission recalls that several other directors are graded A3 .
Moreover, the Commission feels that such a grade in no way diminishes the status of the agency or the authority
of its director .

( 97 / C 138 / 97 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3489 / 96

by Per Gahrton ( V ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Salmonella

Some time ago the Swedish media revealed that the certificates which have to accompany meat imported into
Sweden and guarantee it free from salmonella, now that border checks may no longer be carried out as a result of
Sweden 's membership of the EU, cannot be relied upon . Salmonella is now again entering the country . Is the
Commission prepared to allow Sweden to reintroduce border checks as an effective barrier to salmonella, or does
it consider that salmonella is part of the price Swedes have to pay for being members of the EU ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

In the context of the Treaty of accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden and following the approval of the
Swedish salmonella control programme, consignments of certain animals and animal products intended for
Sweden are subject to additional guarantees regarding salmonella . These guarantees cover breeding poultry,
laying hens, table eggs, red meat, poultry meat and poultry for slaughter and are laid down in three Commission
decisions ( 95 / 160 / EC, 95 / 1 61 / EC (') and 95 / 168 / EC ( 2 )) and three Council decisions ( 95 / 409 / EC, 95 / 410 / EC and
95 / 41 1 / EC O ).

Sweden recently presented a report to the Commission on the situation following the Commission decisions
mentioned above . This made no mention of any deterioration of the Swedish salmonella situation due to an
inadequacy of the additional guarantees provided in the Community provisions . The Swedish authorities have
not notified any such deterioration on any other occasion .

Sweden is not entitled to reinstate systematical border checks . With the completion of the internal market, checks
are made at the place of origin . The controls at destination of products of animal origin are laid down in

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 67

Council Directive 89 / 662 / EEC ( 4 ) concerning veterinary checks in intra-Community trade with a view to the
completion of the internal market . In particular Article 8 specifies the procedure to be followed if the control
measures at origin are considered inadequate by the Member State of destination .

C ) OJ L 105, 9 . 5.1995 .

( 2 ) OJ L 109, 16 . 5.1995 .
(-) OJ L 243, 11.10.1995 .

( 4 ) OJ L 395, 30.12.1989 .

( 97 / C 138 / 98 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3494 / 96

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Transgenic soya beans

1 . Is the Commission aware that there are large gaps in the documents submitted for risk analysis by
Monsanto to the EU in order to obtain a marketing authorization ?

2 . Was the Commission aware of the following information : ' To focus the analysis on any effects of the
introduced protein, the soya beans from which the seed were derived were not treated with Roundup herbicide '
( ACNFP Review of Glyphosat-tolerant soya beans )?

3 . If so, what is its view of this infringement of Directive 90 / 220 / EEC (') on the release of GMOs ?

4 . If not, what steps is it going to take ?

5 . On the basis of the new information, does it support use of Article 16 of Directive 90 / 220 / EEC by the
Member States ?

(>) OJ L 1 17, 8.5.1990, p . 15 .

Answer given by Mrs Bierregaard on behalf of the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

1 . The Commission is of the opinion that the information submitted by Monsanto Europe with respect to the
placing on the market of genetically modified soya beans was in accordance with the requirements of Directive
90 / 220 / EEC and sufficient for evaluating any potential risks to human health or the environment covered by this
legal instrument .

2 . According to the requirements of Directive 90 / 220 / EEC, in particular those outlined in Annex II B, point
D7, the applicant has the obligation to submit ' information on any toxic or harmful effects on human health and
the environment resulting from the genetic modification '. This obligation was fulfilled by the company .

The effects on human health and the environment from the use of glyphosate on these soya beans is subject to
other Community legislation . Indeed, Council Directive 96 / 32 / EC of 21 May 1996 amending Annex II to
Directive 76 / 895 / EEC relating to the fixing of maximum levels for pesticide residues in and on fruit and
vegetables and Annex II to Directive 90 / 642 / EEC relating to the fixing of maximum levels for pesticide residues
in and on certain products of plant origin, including fruit and vegetables, and providing for the establishment of a
list of maximum levels (') has set a maximum limit of 20 parts per million of glyphosate residues on soya beans .
The analysis carried out in preparation for this Council Directive examined the metabolic fate of glyphosate in
the tolerant varieties and found it to be not significantly different from non-tolerant varieties .

3,4 and 5 . On the basis of the above, the Commission cannot agree with the Honourable Member that in the
case of the Monsanto soya beans an infringement of Directive 90 / 220 / EEC has occurred or that the information
cited constitutes new information providing evidence of a risk to human health or the environment .

(') OJ L 144 . 18.6.1996 .

No C 138 / 68 TEN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

( 97 / C 138 / 99 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3497 / 96

by Robert Evans ( PSE ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Spanish authorities ' delays in returning tax retentions

Is the Commission aware of the practice of the Spanish authorities withholding 10% of the sale price of
immovable property for sales by non-residents in case of Capital Gains Tax ?

Is the Commission also aware of the quite unreasonable, yet common delays that British citizens have faced in
this process ?

One such case is that of one of my constituents, Mr Martin Lewis, who together with associates purchased
3 villas in Tenerife in 1985 and 1986, which were sold in 1993 and 1994 . In each case 10% of the sale price was
withheld .

Despite the Spanish authorities informing me that the return of the monies due should take no more than
7 months, Mr Lewis is still waiting for their return 3 years after the sale of the first villa and 2 years after the sale
of the last . He has also not received an explanation as to the delay or timescale for their return in future .

Would the Commission not agree that this situation breaks both the spirit of the Treaties and European Union
claims to equality of treatment for all its citizens ?

Will the Commission be investigating this seemingly common discriminatory practice of the Spanish authorities
and help Mr Lewis and others reclaim their rightful sums ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

Under Spanish income tax law capital gains are included in taxable income . The capital gain is the difference in
value between purchase and sale . However, in order not to tax inflation-generated gains, the acquisition cost of
tangible assets held for more than one year may be indexed in accordance with annually established revaluation
percentages . For residents the capital gain is included in total income and taxed at rates between 20% and 56%,
while for non-residents a tax rate of 35% is applied .

Furthermore for non-residents there is a 10% withholding at the point of sale, which constitutes a security against
the potential tax liability of the non-resident . This payment can be deducted when filing the return for capital
gains tax . If the amount withheld exceeds the tax payment according to the return, the person is entitled to
reimbursement of the difference .

The Commission has indeed in the past received a number of complaints regarding delays in reimbursement in
cases where the 10% withholding exceeds the tax due according to the capital gains tax return . In many cases of
complaints received by the Commission, the non-reimbursement or long delays were, however, due to the fact
that the non-residents concerned did not present the required return for capital gains tax to the Spanish
authorities .

The Commission is willing to contact the Spanish authorities about cases of excessive delays in reimbursement .
To be able to do this in the case mentioned by the Honourable Member, the Commission would need all relevant
details, especially the tax declaration and the date of submission, so that the evidence can be presented to the
Spanish authorities .

( 97 / C 138 / 100 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3499 / 96

by Laura González Alvarez ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Reductions in national aid to the mining industry in Castile and Leon ( Spain )

The Spanish Government has drawn up a plan the main aim of which is to reduce aid to the coal industry . If this
plan were implemented it would have a dramatic impact on the Region of Castile and Leon, since it will, in the
short term, eliminate 8 000 jobs and many others which depend on the continued existence of the mining
industry, thereby resulting in the collapse of the Leon and Palencia regions, which have no alternative jobs .

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 69

At the end of 1997, the Commission is to publish a communication on the role of solid fuels in energy policy and
ways of preserving their position, taking into account the expiry of the ECSC Treaty in 2002 .

In order to justify the abolition, from 2002, of aid for coal, the Spanish Government is invoking supposed
Community legislation .

Can the Commission confirm or deny the existence of Community legislation prohibiting national aid to the coal
industry ?

Is the Commission aware of the extremely serious economic and social consequences which such cuts will entail
for the mining regions of Castile and Leon ?

How does the Commission expect to preserve the use of solid fuels and ensure that there are no further job losses
and no further economic and social decline in the areas affected, which have no alternative prospects ?

Should the exceptional economic and social conditions which have led to this gradual reduction of mining
activity in the Region of Castile and Leon persist or become more acute, as is likely, could the authorities of this
region continue to grant public aid to the coal industry after 2002 ?

Would the Commission be prepared to cooperate with the authorities of the Region of Castile and Leon in
devising alternative ways of reindustrialising and diversifying the economic activities of this European region,
with the direct involvement of the most knowledgeable sectors of society and, in particular, trade union and
employers ' organizations, chambers of commerce and universities ?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission

( 31 January 1997 )

State aid to the coal industry is prohibited under the ECSC Treaty . Nevertheless, in order to avoid a situation of
extreme crisis and to permit the methodical restructuring of the sector, the Commission has received the
unanimous assent of the Council to derogate from the Treaty and to approve further aid schemes . After 2002, aid
to the coal industry will be subject to the general rules which the Treaties will establish at that point regarding
State aid .

The Commission authorizes State aid to the coal industry in order to improve the competitiveness of
undertakings and, when this is not possible, to facilitate the closure of installations in an orderly way in order to
resolve with greater facility the social and regional problems which result from such closures . Decision
No 3632 / 93 / ECSC establishing Community rules for State aid to the coal industry (') stipulates moreover that
these principles are to be applied in the context of the modernization, rationalization, restructuring and reduction
of activity plans that have been notified to the Commission by the Member States .

When they defined the objectives justifying the granting of aid to the Community coal industry, the Commission
and the Member States did not have in mind maintaining the position of solid fuels nor their role in energy policy,
since supplies are very abundant and diversified on the world market and the risks of supply failures or sudden
price variations were minimal .

The Commission is fully aware of the economic and social difficulties which lead to the gradual loss of jobs in
the mining regions concerned . At the same time, it considers that maintaining for an indeterminate period
activities without any prospect of viability by granting increasingly large amounts of aid does not contribute to
solving their problems . That is why the Commission believes that it is preferable for a progressively larger share
of these efforts and aids to be devoted to reconverting these regions to new activities which will create stable
jobs .

As part of its overall economic and social cohesion policy, the Commission contributes, with the Member States,
to implementing various initiatives aimed at solving the problems of the less developed regions or those which
are seriously affected by industrial crisis .

With regard to this specific case of the region of Castille and Leon, which is classified under Objective No 1, the
Commission is currently cooperating in solving its specific regional problems through various interventions
under the Structural Funds which, for the period 1 989     - 1 993, amounted to a total of ECU 1 1 00 million of global
aid .

With regard to the programming period 1994-1999, the Community support framework for the development and
structural adaptation of Spanish Objective 1 regions ( set up by the Commission in close collaboration with the

No C 138 / 70 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Spanish Government and approved on 28 June 1994 ), provides for a contribution to Castille and Leon from the

Structural Funds and the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance ( FIFG ) estimated at ECU 2 862 million,
plus supplementary aid allocated under Community initiatives such as Rechar II ( approximately ECU 9 million ),
Urban ( ECU 20 million ), Leader ( ECU 53 million ) and other initiatives which are not specifically regional in
nature ( Adapt, Employment, Pesca, small and medium-sized enterprises, Konver II ). Between 1991 and 1996,
moreover, ECSC readaptation aid of a value of ECU 14 million was granted on behalf of 2 773 workers in this
region .

In the light of the experience of restructuring acquired in certain coal-mining regions in the Community, the
Commission is willing to participate in the development of alternatives for reindustrialization and economic
diversification in this region, in the framework of the cooperation procedures established with Member States .

(') OJ L 329 of 30.12.1993 .

( 97 / C 138 / 101 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3503 / 96

by Miguel Arias Canete ( PPE ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : FIFG aid in 1994-1999 for the fish preserving industry in Italy, Portugal and France

Can the Commission provide precise, exhaustive information on the funds granted to these countries ?

In which preserving industries were the funds invested ?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

( 16 January 1997 )

The single programming document for France 's non-Objective 1 regions ( the ' Fisheries ' SPD for Objective 5(a ))
and the SPDs for its Objective 1 regions provide for a grant from the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
of around ECU 59 million in aid for the processing and marketing of fishery and aquaculture products in the
period 1994-99 .

The Commission granted ECU 41 million for the processing and marketing measure in the Italian FIFG
Objective 1 Operational Programmes ( 1 994-99 ) and ECU 28 million to the FIFG Objective 5(a ) OPs for the same

purpose .

These aids are still being granted to the beneficiary enterprises . However, most of these enterprises often have a
range of products and the investments already undertaken relate above all to achieving health standards . It is
therefore not possible at present to establish the types of product involved .

In the case of ( mainland ) Portugal, the Azores and Madeira, a financial contribution of ECU 30 million from the
FIFG is planned to aid the processing and marketing of fishery products in the period 1994-99 .

Since the various operational programmes were implemented, 22 projects have been approved between March

1994 and October 1996 in the canned fish sector, involving a Community contribution of ECU 12 million for the
processing of sardines, tuna, mackerel, anchovies and black scabbardfish .

( 97 / C 138 / 102 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3507 / 96

by Luigi Flono ( UPE ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : ' Euro-capons '

A recent Commission Regulation sets out the distinguishing features of the European capon, that is to say, a male
bird, castrated surgically before reaching sexual maturity and slaughtered when at least 140 days old, 77 days
after the operation .

5,5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 71

Does the Commission consider it essential for the future of Europe that it should concern itself with such
matters ?

Furthermore, if a similar bird were slaughtered when it was 139 days old and, say, just 75 days after being
castrated, what would it have to be called from now on ?

The Commission is requested to reply promptly, bearing in mind that Christmas is approaching .

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 13 January 1997 )

The definition referred to is part of the common marketing standards laid down in Council Regulation ( EEC )
No 1 906 / 90 ('), the purpose of which is to ensure that consumers are given complete and exact information and to
provide a basis for fair competition between operators on the European market in poultrymeat .

The bird described in the Honourable Member 's question will be called a capon until 28 February 1997 . The
name by which it will be known from 1 March 1997 is to be fixed after consultation with the Member States
concerned .

(') OJ L 173, 6.7.1990 .

( 97 / C 138 / 103 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3508 / 96

by Luciano Vecchi ( PSE ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Failure to harmonize the rules governing the issue of fire-resistance certificates for textile products for

use as building materials or finishings in public places

The fact that there are no common rules governing the issue of fire-resistance certificates for textile products for
use as building materials or finishings in public places, or places open to the public, is causing many difficulties
for firms in the sector .

Widely divergent national laws coexist in this sector, and separate, distinct testing and certification procedures
accordingly have to be conducted in respect of the same products, posing manifest obstacles to the free
movement of goods and often entailing prohibitive costs for the companies .

If there were common rules, it is obvious that the internal market and public safety would both benefit, since the
real quality and safety of the textile materials used in the building industry could be ascertained more easily .

Will the Commission exercise its power of legislative initiative in order to propose that common rules be
adopted ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

The textile products the Honourable Member is referring to are covered by Council Directive 89 / 106 / EEC of
21 December 1988 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States
relating to construction products . (')

However, as the Commission stressed in its report on the SLIM ( Simpler Legislation for the Internal Market )
initiative, ( 2 ) the Directive cannot be implemented effectively without harmonized standards . Such standards
have yet to be adopted for these products .

Pending effective technical harmonization, the conditions for placing these products on the market are covered
by the provisions of Article 30 of the EC Treaty, which guarantees the free movement of products, and by the
principles of mutual recognition deriving from that Article .

No C 138 / 72 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

To facilitate mutual recognition, and within the framework of Directive 89 / 106 / EEC, harmonization work is
under way to produce test methods for use at European level . The Commission has already adopted decisions
specifying the parameters to be taken into account in the preparatory standards ( Decision 94 / 611 / EEC

' Euroclasses ', ( 3 ) Decision 96 / 603 / EEC ' Class A products ' ( 4 )). Particular attention is being paid to the principles
of the free movement of products within the internal market, and to the safety characteristics these products must
incorporate .

(') OJ L 40, 11.2.1989 .

( 2 ) COM(96 ) 559 final .
(') OJ L 241, 16.9.1994 .
C ) OJ L 267, 19.10.1996 .

( 97 / C 138 / 104 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3514 / 96

by Niels Kofoed ( ELDR ) to the Commission

(4 December 1996 )

Subject : Council Directive 92 / 66 / EEC introducing Community measures for the control of Newcastle disease

Directive 92 / 66 / EEC (') lays down that in the event of an outbreak of Newcastle disease a protection zone of a
radius of three and a surveillance zone of ten kilometres shall be established .

The directive is however being administered by the Member States in different ways . For example, in Belgium
they operate with a mere 500 metre zone for smaller flocks, a procedure which the veterinarians consider to be
completely justifiable .

Different administrative interpretations in the Member States are producing distortions of competition .

Will the Commission therefore consider relaxing the rules, especially in the case of smaller flocks ?

(') OJ L 260, 5.9.1992, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 20 December 1996 )

Protection and surveillance zones of 3 km and 10 km, apply around outbreaks of Newcastle disease in poultry .
The objective of the zones is not simply to limit spread from the affected premises but also to limit spread from
other affected farms in the locality . The outbreak in a small flock may simply be an indication of a so far
undiagnosed outbreak in a much larger flock several kilometres away . This means that changes of the sort
proposed could only come into effect when comprehensive epidemiological examination in the locality had been
completed which showed that the area was not infected nor at risk of being infected .

The need for such examinations would considerably reduce the benefits of the changes proposed . Consequently
the Commission does not intend to make a proposal automatically to reduce the extent of the protection and
surveillance zones, which after all are designed to protect the health and disease status of the Community as a
whole .

However, it should be noted that a provision already exists in the Directive ( Article 9 paragraph 7 ) which permits
the size or duration of the protection and surveillance zones to be reduced through the standing veterinary
committee procedure on a case by case basis . These provisions have never been used .

In any event, the definition of Newcastle disease is currently under review in the Organisation international des
epizooties ( OIE ). If an acceptable new definition is agreed, a proposal to amend the directive to take account of
this could be appropriate . At that time other amendments could also be considered .

5 . 5 . 97 P EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 73

In the meanwhile, however, the Directive, which came into force only three years ago, remains Community law
and should be fully implemented by all Member States . The Commission does not wish to see an uneven playing
field develop . This could place the trade relationships with third countries in jeopardy . It will therefore continue
to ensure that the Directive is correctly applied by all Member States .

( 97 / C 138 / 105 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3518 / 96

by Nikitas Kaklamanis ( UPE ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Arbitrary measures by the occupying power in Cyprus

The occupying authorities led by Rauf Denktas have informed Eleni Foka, the sole Greek Cypriot teacher living
in the occupied part of the Cypriot Republic and offering her services to Greek-speaking enclaves there, that she
will not be allowed to travel from her village to the non-occupied territory of Cyprus unless she first obtains
identity papers issued by the puppet state .

The intention of the regime is to humiliate the teacher and to legitimize the barbaric regime which, this year
alone, has been responsible for four deaths along the Green Line which divides Cyprus into two .

Will the Commission finally take action, and if so when, to give a clear message to Turkey and the Turkish
Cypriots that arbitrary action of this kind and continued disregard for basic European values such as the freedom
of individuals to travel in their country of birth and residence will no longer be tolerated ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

( 27 January 1997 )

In preparation for the accession of Cyprus, the Commission is continuing its efforts to promote contacts and
dialogue between the two communities . Questions such as that of the Honourable Member are raised in the
context of the contacts with the Turkish Cypriot community, as part of the information strategy underlining the
advantages of the accession of Cyprus to the European Union .

( 97 / C 138 / 106 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3520 / 96

by Edward Kellett-Bowman ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 12 December 1996 )

Subject : Religious freedom in Turkey

On 24 October 1996, Parliament adopted a resolution on religious freedom in Turkey ( B4-1 132 / 96 ).

Will the Commission indicate the steps that it has taken for the restoration of the bomb-damaged Cathedral
Church of St George, for the reopening of the Chalki Theological College and for inventorising religious
monuments in Turkey for restoration and maintenance ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(6 February 1997 )

The Commission is aware of the importance of Parliament 's resolution in which is was called upon ' in
cooperation with the Turkish Government, representatives of religious organizations and UNESCO, to support
initiatives seeking to draw up an inventory of religious monuments and put forward proposals for their
restoration and maintenance '.

From what the Commission has gathered, the Turkish Ministry of Culture is currently drawing up an inventory of
monuments, which should take another year at least . Any restoration schemes would only be undertaken once the
inventory is completed . In any event, there is no provision in the Community budget for resources to finance
such schemes in aid of Turkey .

No C 138 / 74 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Regarding the repairs to the damage to the Patriarchate in Istanbul caused by the bombing on 30 September,
information obtained by the Commission from the Turkish authorities shows that the repair work is finished .

( 97 / C 138 / 107 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3525 / 96

by Laura De Esteban Martin ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 12 December 1996 )

Subject : Medical waste

Can the Commission say what are the legal regulations governing medical waste in the Union, whether a
proposal for a directive has been drawn up on this subject and, if so, when it will be published ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 31 January 1997 )

Between 1991 and 1993 the Commission conducted a study on ' health care waste ' as a priority waste stream . On
the question of what follow-up action is to be taken, the Honourable Member is referred to the answer given by
the Commission to Written Question P-2432 / 96 by Mrs McKenna . (')

(') OJ C 72, 7.3.1997, p . 42 .

( 97 / C 138 / 108 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3529 / 96

by Doeke Eisma ( ELDR ) to the Commission

( 12 December 1996 )

Subject : The natural habitats directive and the marine environment

The Commission, and in particular DG XI, has no clear strategy on the marine environment . Despite the fact that
Directive 92 / 43 / EEC (') on natural habitats applies both to land species and aquatic species, little seems to have
been done about protection of marine species .

1 . Is the Commission prepared to encourage Member States to designate exclusive economic zones under the
Convention on the Law of the Sea, so that jurisdiction can be claimed for these zones for the protection of marine
species and habitats to which the natural habitats directive is applicable ?

2 . Is the Commission prepared to draw up a common programme for the protection of marine species and
habitats for all the Member States ' exclusive economic zones ?

3 . In what way is environmental policy integrated in European fisheries policy ? What objectives are pursued ?
Do they include objectives based on the natural habitats directive ( conservation of biodiversity )? If so, what are
these objectives ?

(') OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p . 7 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

1 and 2 . Directive 92 / 43 / EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora applies to
terrestrial and marine areas . As far as Member States have competence, it applies to

5 . 5 . 97 P EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 75

the exclusive economic zone . However, the marine species and habitats concerned generally have their main
range inside territorial waters .

The Member States are aware of the need to include marine areas in their national list of proposed sites of
Community importance ( SCIs ) under Article 4 of the directive . Indeed four coastal Member States ( Belgium,
Denmark, Greece and United Kingdom ) have already proposed SCIs with substantial marine components .
During future biogeographical meetings, the extent to which SCIs for marine species and habitats have been
sufficiently proposed by Member States will be considered by the Commission .

The Community Life nature fund is being used to support projects concerned with the protection of marine areas
including the 1996 project to develop and promote the necessary conservation measures for United Kingdom
marine sites, as well as earlier projects for nature conservation in the Wadden Sea and the Mediterranean .

3 . Within the common fisheries policy conservation and environmental issues have been integrated to a
certain degree . Article 2 of Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 3760 / 92 of 20 December 1992 stipulates that the
common fisheries policy shall provide for rational and responsible exploitation on a sustainable basis, taking
account of the implications for the marine eco-system . As an example, the Commission proposed to the Council
in 1994 a total prohibition of the use of drift nets . However, this has not yet been supported by Member States .

A communication about fisheries management and nature conservation in the marine environment is currently
under preparation and should soon be forwarded by the Commission to the Council and the Parliament . This
communication will give more comprehensive views on this issue .

( 97 / C 138 / 109 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3532 / 96

by Ulf Holm ( V ) to the Commission

(4 December 1996 )

Subject : Alcopop and the sacred cow of competition

Alcohol consumption by young people is on the increase, especially in Sweden . A new product-type has recently
been put on to the Swedish market, ' alcopop ', which does not taste like spirits but have a high alcohol content . In
view of the damage caused by alcohol, there was agreement in Sweden that this type of beverage was unethical,
as it could lure young people down the path of alcohol . When Sweden became a member of the Union this was
overtaken by the free market prevailing in the EU . The Swedish alcohol monopoly initially declined to import
one of these alcopops, Two Dogs, but was subsequently obliged to do so . It was forced to sell alcopop or
competition would be distorted .

1 . Does the Commission consider that anything can be more sacred than free competition ?

a ) if so, does it believe that this could allow a ban on this type of product ?

b ) if not, does the Commission thereby consider that business profitability is more important than the
health, future and safety of young people ?

2 . Does the Commission consider it reasonable for the EU to worship at the altar of free competition in the
alcohol trade to enable businesses to make money while the Member States have to pay for the damage caused by
alcohol ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 31 January 1997 )

The Commission shares the Honourable Member 's concern about the sale of alcoholic drinks targeted at young
people and the risk that ' alcopops ' may lead to an increase in the excessive consumption of alcohol . There is no
Community-level code on the designation, packaging and marketing of alcoholic lemonades .

No C 138 / 76 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

In accordance with Article 2 of Directive 79 / 1 12 / EEC on the labelling of foodstuffs ('), the labelling must not be
such as could mislead the consumer to a material degree as to the nature of a product . In principle, the labelling of
these products in such a way that they could be confused with non-alcoholic drinks would contravene the
Directive .

The Commission established the combating of alcohol abuse as one of the priorities of the programme of
Community action on health promotion, information, education and training in the field of public health . Projects
designed to achieve this objective are therefore welcome and should be submitted by Member States or
non-governmental organisations .

(') OJ L 33, 8.2.1979 .

( 97 / C 138 / 1 10 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3535 / 96

by Yannos Kranidiotis ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 12 December 1996 )

Subject : The situation in Myanmar ( Burma )

Recently in Myanmar, the leader of the National League for Democracy, Mrs Aung San Suu Kyi, was assaulted
by a group of people while in the company of her supporters . Mrs Aung San Suu Kyi has suffered similar attacks
on several occasions and both she and her supporters have been arrested many times by the Burmese authorities
for their publicly expressed views .

These incidents are not unique in Myanmar . Forced labour, mainly involving adults, has assumed vast
proportions in that country . Human rights organizations report that a large section of the population is forced by
the military to work on public projects on a daily basis .

The Commission wanted to send a delegation to Myanmar to investigate forced labour and the human rights
situation given that the country is a beneficiary of the Community 's generalized system of preferences but the
Burmese authorities would not allow it .

In the light of this situation, why does the Commission not take practical measures to exert pressure on the
government of that country ?

Answer given by Mr Mann on behalf of the Commission

(4 February 1997 )

The Commission would point out that the investigation (') to which the Honourable Member refers was opened
under Article 9 of Council Regulation ( EC ) No 3281 / 94 applying a four-year scheme of generalized tariff
preferences ( GSP ). ( 2 ) This Article provides for a country 's advantages under the GSP to be temporarily
withdrawn if it is found to be practising certain forms of forced labour . It was in the course of this investigation
that the Commission asked the Burmese authorities to cooperate by receiving a commission of enquiry, a request
they chose to decline .

As Article 11(5 ) of Regulation ( EC ) No 3281 / 94 entitles it to do, therefore, the Commission drew up the
investigation report on the basis of the information available and concluded that forced labour was indeed being
practised . As a result, and with no further delay than that implicit in any administrative procedure, it approved, on

18 December 1996, a proposal for a Council Regulation temporarily withdrawing Myanmar 's access to the GSP
for industrial products until the practices in question are eliminated . ( 3 )

(') Opened following a complaint lodged by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions ( ICFTU ) and the European Trade Union
Confederation ( ETUC ); Notice 96 / C 15 / 03, OJ C 15, 20.1.1996 .
O OJ L 348, 31.12.1994 .
O COM ( 96 ) 711 final .

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 77

( 97 / C 138 / 111 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3544 / 96

by Bill Miller ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 12 December 1996 )

Subject : Electronic publishing of the OJ

When will the Commission start to publish the Official Journal of the European Communities free of charge on
the World Wide Web ?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

(5 February 1997 )

The Official Journal of the European Communities is published by the Office for Official Publications of the
European Communities ( Publications Office ) on behalf of all the institutions and bodies .

Since 1 December 1996, the table of contents of each issue of the Official Journal has been available free of
charge on the World Wide Web via the archiving and dissemination system implemented by the Publications
Office on behalf of the institutions .

Customers can then obtain the published texts in the manner they wish ( mail, fax, electronic transmission ). There
are currently no plans for free dissemination .

The texts of the Supplement to the Official Journal are also available on the World Wide Web for subscribers
who prefer to access the Ted database in this way .

( 97 / C 138 / 112 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3556 / 96

by Yiannis Roubatis ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 12 December 1996 )

Subject : Unreasonable demands of the Turkish Government concerning the MEDA programme

The Turkish Foreign Minister has made it plain that his government will not agree to the procedure proposed by
Commissioner Hans Van den Broek for the funding of MEDA programmes . More specifically, the Turkish
Government rejects the Commission 's proposal to give priority to projects for the development of SE Turkey, the
improvement of living standards of the population in that region and the financing of programmes for
organizations promoting democracy and respect for human rights in Turkey .

1 . How will the Commission respond to the Turkish Government ' srefusal to accept the procedure that
Mr Van den Broek pledged the Commission would pursue in respect of the MEDA programmes in Turkey ?

2 . Does Commissioner Van den Broek propose to break the undertaking he gave to Parliament 's Committee on
Foreign Affairs and its Committee on External Economic Relations on this matter ?

3 . How will the Commission respond should the Turkish Government persist with its demand that it alone
should decide which programmes the EU will fund in Turkey ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(4 February 1997 )

The Commission confirms its intention to act in accordance with the statements made by the Member of the
Commission responsible for relations with Turkey to a number of Parliament 's committees, to wit the
Commission ' will concentrate its financing under MEDA in 1997 on programmes and projects in the area of the
consolidation of democracy and the strengthening of human rights and civil society, as well as actions devoted to
meeting the basic needs of the parts of the population most affected by the political situation in the south-east .
The actions will include projects in the fields of housing, health, education, and basic services, such as water, for
municipalities in the south-east and in the areas receiving flows of displaced persons '.

No C 138 / 78 HEN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

This position was reiterated to the Conference of Presidents on 28 November last year, a meeting at which the
Commission was represented by Mr Santer and the Member of the Commission responsible for relations with
Turkey .

( 97 / C 138 / 11 3 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3562 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 12 December 1996 )

Subject : The floods in Tabernes de Valdigna ( Valencia )

The floods in the Valencian town of Tabernes de Valdigna ( Spain ) in September 1996 were a disaster, in both
human and economic terms, for the area .

Does the Commission intend to grant aid for this disaster-hit region ? What type and amount of aid would be
provided ?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

( 29 January 1997 )

The Commission would like to express its full sympathy with the victims of the floods which hit the Valencian
town of Taberne de Valdigna in September 1996 .

The Commission has been informed of the scale of the damage caused by the floods .

Nevertheless the Commission would remind the Honourable Member that Community emergency aid to flood
victims has never been granted as compensation for damage caused . It has only been granted in the past in the
event of disasters of exceptional scope and gravity in order to provide emergency assistance to the worst affected
and least well-off victims .

Moreover, there is only a token entry at the relevant budget item ( B4-3400 ) for 1996 and 1997, which, under
current circumstances, means that it is not possible to consider granting such aid to the victims .

( 91 IC 1 38 / 1 14 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3565 / 96

by Ulf Holm ( V ) to the Commission

( 12 December 1996 )

Subject : Rice smuggling

According to press reports in Sweden, Swedish accession to the EU has been followed by the large-scale
smuggling of rice from non-Community countries into the EU / Sweden, as the EU imposes high duties on rice,
which Sweden did not have before .

Rice is moreover a low-fat and valuable foodstuff by comparison with pasta for example . It is also often imported
from developing countries and increased trade could have a positive effect on our trade relations with several of
them .

1 . Does the Commission have any plans to reduce the present very high duties on rice which encourage
smuggling ?

2 . Does the Commission consider that reducing or abolishing duties could have a positive effect on trade and
on health in the Union ?

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 79

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 28 January 1997 )

Rice is covered by a common organization of the market, one major pillar of which is Community preference .
Abolishing customs duties on rice would mean giving up Community preference altogether . Cases of smuggling
must of course be punished in appropriate ways . Perhaps the Honourable Member can provide more precise
information on this subject .

Although the Community is self-sufficient in rice overall, some qualities of rice ( long     - grain indicas ) have to be
imported, while other qualities ( round-grain japonicas ) are exported elsewhere .

A reduction in import duties has made it possible for indica rice, in particular, from non-member countries to
compete with Community products . This reduction is guaranteed, being foreseen on the one hand in the Uruguay
Round agreement up to the year 2000 and on the other hand in a series of preferential schemes ( overseas
countries and territories, countries of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, Egypt, Bangladesh, basmati rice
accord ).

( 97 / C 138 / 1 15 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3567 / 96

by Eva Kjer Hansen ( ELDR ) to the Commission

(6 December 1996 )

Subject : The Commission 's answer to a question on wholesale infringements of EU directives by Member

States in invitations to tender in respect of public works contracts

It appears from the Commission 's answer to Question H-0776 / 96 (') that complaints concerning failure to
comply with the rules on deadlines are being dealt with . How many complaints has the Commission received and
dealt with ? What conclusions have been drawn from its decisions ? How many complaints have resulted in fresh
invitations to tender or the imposition of fines for infringement of the rules ?

What steps will the Commission take, until the SIMAP pilot project is up and running, to resolve the problem of
the deadlines for requesting tender documents ?

(') Verbatim report of proceedings of the European Parliament, 25 October 1996, p. 24 .

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

During the five-year period from 1992 to 1996, the Commission has received and dealt with eight complaints
concerning failure to comply with the rules on deadlines . Three of these complaints concerned works contracts .

The infringement procedures are continuing in respect of four complaints so it is not possible yet to state what the
outcome will be of those procedures . Two complaints were closed after satisfactory explanations were received
from the Member State . Two others were closed, as appropriate steps had been taken at national level to prevent
similar problems in the future .

As mentioned in the reply the Commission gave to Oral Question H-776 / 96 by Mrs Kjer Hansen during question
time at Parliament 's October part session ('), the problem of deadlines was raised in the Commission 's green
paper adopted on 27 November 1996 ( 2 ) and which should allow the Commission to obtain valuable
contributions concerning possible solutions by 31 March 1997 at the latest .

(') Debates of the Parliament ( October 1996 ).
( : ) COM(96 ) 583 .

No C 138 / 80 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

( 97 / C 138 / 1 16 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3568 / 96

by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

(6 December 1996 )

Subject : Merger between BP and MOBIL

In August 1996 the Commission agreed to the application for a merger between BP and MOBIL in Europe .

It is estimated that in Greece these two companies account for53.5% of the market in lubricants and 33.5% of the
market in petrol . In the light of these figures it is also estimated that, at least in respect of the above markets, these
companies are acquiring a ' dominant ' market position .

Will the Commission say :

1 . Has there been any reaction from the Greek authorities, in accordance with Article 9.2 of Council Regulation
4064 / 89 ('), which states that 'a Member State may inform the Commission . .. that a concentration threatens
to create or to strengthen a dominant position as a result of which effective competition would be
significantly impeded on a market, within that Member State ...'.

2 . Until which date may the Greece make such an announcement to the Commission ?

(') OJ L 395, 30.12.1989, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

On 5 July 1996 the Commission received a notification for the formation of a concentrative joint venture between
British Petroleum ( BP ) and Mobil, which would combine their European activities in the refining and marketing
of fuels and lubricants . On 7 August 1996, after thorough investigation, the Commission concluded that the
operation was not likely to create or strengthen a dominant position and approved the proposed concentration .

In the course of its investigation the Commission put a particular emphasis on the markets for retail motor fuels,
for non-retail diesel, automotive and industrial lubricants in Greece . On each of these markets BP and Mobil
reach a relatively high combined market share of 30-40% in Greece . In this respect, the market shares for
lubricants quoted by the Honourable Member are too high . In addition, it should be pointed out that most product
markets, except for retail motor fuels, are likely to be wider than national . The above market shares therefore
overstate the parties ' position in non-retail diesel, automotive and industrial lubricants .

Both on the market for retail motor fuels and non retail diesel, BP and Mobil will face significant competition
from strong national players ( in particular EKO with a market share of 10-15% and 15-20% respectively ) as well
as from Shell ( 15-20% ) and Texaco ( 5-10% ). As for automotive and industrial lubricants, BP and Mobil also face
strong competitors : notably Shell ( 15-20% and 20-25% respectively ) and EKO ( 5-10% ). In addition, imports can
act as competitive constraints and new Greek entrants can also enter the market . For all these reasons, the
Commission concluded that the proposed concentration was not likely to lead to the creation or strengthening of
a dominant position in these markets in Greece .

During its investigation, the Commission had been in close contact with the Greek competition authority which
fully agreed with the competitive assessment made by the Commission . The Greek authorities have therefore not
requested the referral of this case according to Article 9 of the Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 4064 / 89 on the
control of concentrations between undertakings ('). This Regulation foresees for this request a period of three
weeeks after the receipt of a copy of the notification by the respective Member State . This period ended at the end
of July 1996 .

(') OJ L 395, 30.12.1989, corrected OJ L 257, 21.9.1990 .

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 81

( 97 / C 138 / 117 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3569 / 96

by Heidi Hautala ( V ) to the Commission

(6 December 1996 )

Subject : Tax on imported electricity in Finland

With reference to the Commission 's reply to my question no 83 ( H-0687 / 96 ) (') concerning tax on imported
electricity in Finland, I should like to put some further questions . According to the Commission, Article 95 of the
Union Treaty is being violated in Finland in that imported electricity is taxed more heavily than some
domestically produced electricity . The domestically produced electricity in question is produced using
hydroelectric power, which is taxed at a rate of 0.4 Finnish pennies per kWh, as against 2.2 p / kWh for imported
electricity .

1 . Would the Commission consider it to be in accordance with Article 95 if the rate of taxation of electricity
produced in Finland using hydroelectric power were raised to the same level as applies to imported electricity ?
The principal power sources used for electricity generation — coal, nuclear and hydroelectric — would then be
subject to at least as high a tax-rate as imported electricity .

2 . In Finland, the domestic carbon dioxide tax has been protected precisely by means of the tax on imported
electricity . The government is now proposing that the carbon dioxide tax component — and, more generally,
taxation of electricity consumption — be abandoned, citing as grounds the Commission 's demands . Does the
Commission consider it possible in general for a carbon dioxide tax on electricity production to be retained in
Finland ?

3 . If the carbon dioxide tax on electricity production is abolished in Finland on the grounds that imported
electricity cannot be taxed, does the Commission believe that the situation thereby brought about will represent
progress in efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions throughout EU territory ?

(') Debates of the European Parliament ( September 1996 ).

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 23 January 1997 )

According to the information available to the Commission, Finland will abolish the tax on electricity coming
from other Member States, the carbon tax on electricity production and the taxes on electricity produced in hydro
and nuclear power plants and will replace them by a general excise duty levied on the consumption of electricity .
As regards the electricity taxation, the Commission considers that the Finnish system discriminates against
electricity coming from other Member States, on the basis of the tax rate and the exemptions for the benefit of
electricity produced in Finland .

1 . A system of taxation can be considered to be compatible with Article 95 EC Treaty only if it is so arranged
as to exclude any possibility of products coming from other Member States being taxed more heavily than
domestic products . If this condition is fulfilled, it is up to national authorities to determine on which conditions
and at what level the taxation is applicable .

2 . Current Community legislation allows Member States to tax electricity production and consumption in
whatever way they want provided that their measures do not breach the general provisions of the Treaty . It is
therefore up to Finland to decide whether or not to retain the carbon dioxide tax on electricity production .

3 . The Finnish experience highlights some of the problems a Member State can encounter when applying a
system of taxation of electricity production that differs from other Member States . This does underline the need
for Community rules in this field, which are currently under consideration by the Commission .

( 97 / C 138 / 118 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3571 / 96

by Freddy Blak ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 17 December 1996 )

Subject : Road deaths in Europe

Every year 44,000 people are killed on the roads in Europe . In the Commission 's estimation this is the equivalent
of a medium-sized passenger aircraft crashing in Europe every day .

No C 138 / 82 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Those involved are principally male car drivers under 25 years of age . Every year two million mainly young
people obtain driving licences and about 2000 of them are killed on the roads within a year .

What action is the Commission planning to take in response to this clearly unacceptable situation ?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(7 February J 997 )

The problem of safety of young drivers is of particular importance to the Commission . Council Directive
91 / 439 / EEC of 29 July 1991 on driving licences ('), which entered into force on 1 July 1996, specifies what
knowledge and which aptitudes are required for driving a motor vehicle and establishes minimum requirements
for driving examinations ( theoretical and practical ).

In addition, numerous non-legislative actions have been deployed, initiated or supported by the Commission,
drawing on the funds made available under budget line B2-702 covering transport safety ( e.g. the year of the
young driver and the YES programme on the best young driver of the year ).

Moreover, in the first half of 1997, the Commission intends to submit a communication on a Community
programme on road safety which will pay particular attention to the safety of young drivers . Clearly, much of the
action necessary to achieve reductions in road accidents and the appalling casualties has to be taken by Member
States, in conformity with the principle of subsidiarity .

(') OJ L 237, 24.8.1991 .

( 97 / C 138 / 1 19 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3572 / 96

by Freddy Blak ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 17 December 1996 )

Subject : Special teaching in schools

Denmark has had a steep increase in the number of children referred for extensive special education, in particular
children with serious mental and behavioural problems .

Is it right to assume that the same is true in the other Member States and what steps does the Commission intend
to take to deal with this problem ?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 1997 )

The situation varies greatly from one Member State to another, on account of the differing responses based on the
respective education systems . Although certain Member States opt to place children in special education or even,
in some cases, to exclude them from the school system, generally speaking, in all the Member States where
schooling is compulsory up to at least the age of 16, a solution is sought within mainstream education .

The Commission is at present making plans, in conjunction with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and
Development and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, for a pilot study on
special educational needs with a view to developing instruments for the collection of data providing an
international basis for comparison of pressing problems in this area, entailing case studies and development of
relevant indicators . The results are due to be published in 1998 .

At European level, having regard to the Community competences set out in Articles 126 and 127 of the EC
Treaty, while fully respecting the responsibility of the Member States for the content of teaching and the
organisation of education systems, the Commission strives to foster educational integration and prevention of
exclusion . Thus, the Commission promotes the integration within mainstream education of children with all

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 83

types of handicaps or special educational needs, both under the European programmes Socrates, Leonardo da
Vinci and Youth for Europe III and in the context of the Community programme Helios II for the integration of
disabled people . Moreover, at the Helios II closing seminar in November 1996, the participants adopted the
Luxembourg Charter for the development of schooling for all, outlining principles, strategies and proposals for
achieving the fullest possible educational integration of all children, a copy of which is being sent direct to the
Honourable Member and to the Secretariat of the Parliament .

( 97 / C 138 / 120 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3577 / 96

by Spalato Bellere ( NI ) to the Commission

( 17 December 1996 )

Subject : Preservation of musical conservatories ' library archives

The libraries and archives of some musical conservatories, which have a great historical and cultural tradition

and trained some of the greatest musicians, possess very valuable collections of books and scores, which date
back, in some cases, to before the seventeenth century .

These libraries and archives do not receive any national funding for their conservation and a vast cultural
heritage is therefore destined to crumble away ( in Naples, for example, the Director of the St. Pietro
Conservatory in Maiella had to carry out a local collection in order to protect some scores by outstanding
Neapolitan musicians of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries ).

What can be done by the European Union to preserve this heritage, bearing in mind the MOU ( Memorandum of
Understanding )?

Answer given by Mr Oreia on behalf of the Commission

( 31 January 1997 )

The Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that the preservation of musical conservatories '
library archives, seen as part of the common European cultural heritage, could be considered in the framework of
the Raphael programme, which it is hoped will be adopted in the course of the next few weeks . However, projects
seeking Community funding need to comply with the criteria and rules of eligibility of the calls for proposals,
which will be published in the official journal .

The memorandum of understanding relates to multi-media access to Europe 's cultural heritage, and is concerned
with encouraging museums and other organisations such as art galleries and libraries to set the agenda in the
application of multimedia and information communications technology services in negotiation with commercial
multimedia and telematics industrial concerns in terms of digitising collections and developing databases . The
memorandum of understanding is a signed document committing museums and galleries to digitise their
collections and make them available to the public and committing commercial multimedia publishers to the
principles of open, non discriminatory access and inter-operation of access systems . It is not therefore related to
the preservation of museum collections including archives .

( 97 / C 138 / 121 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3578 / 96

by Spalato Bellere ( NI ) to the Commission

( 17 December 1996 )

Subject : Promotion or revival of typical regional singing traditions

Although the promotion or revival of typical singing traditions in some Member States ( for example the Festival
of Neapolitan Songs ) would seem to be a matter of national concern, we should not overlook the fact that these
events and the activities associated with them create an industry which is a source of employment with, for
example, the revival of the tradition of great musical artists .

What can the European Union do, under the relevant legislation, to restore our heritage of singing traditions ?

No C 138 / 84 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5.5.97

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

The Commission reiterates that it gives effect to Article 128 of the EC Treaty primarily through promotional
measures, eschewing harmonization of the Member States ' laws and regulations on cultural matters in line with
the principle of subsidiarity .

Accordingly, the Community 's Kaleidoscope Programme, adopted on 29 March 1996 ( Decision 719 /
96 / EEC ), (') aims to promote creative activities with a European dimension, contribute to training for artists and
increase Europeans ' awareness of their continent 's different cultures .

Cultural events with a European dimension aimed at promoting singing or any other form of traditional or
regional music are eligible under the Programme, as are events in many other artistic disciplines, provided they
meet the criteria and conditions laid down in the Programme . In particular, they must be joint projects involving
partners from at least three different Member States . Four of the musical joint projects selected in 1996 focused
on traditional or regional music : Rinascita della ' Serenissima capella ducale Venezia ' ( emphasising the role
played by Venetian music in European culture ), Circolazione de musiche e musucisti tra Italia meridionale
( Naples ), Spagna e Francia — secato XVI-XVIII ( an anthropological approach to historical research into
Mediterranean music ), the O'Caraolan Harp and Traditional Music Festival ( Celtic music ) and the Traditional
Arts Partnership ( exchanges for traditional performance artists from various European countries ). The call for
expressions of interest for 1997 has now been published in the Official Journal . ( 2 )

The Commission has, on numerous occasions, drawn attention to the variety and richness of Europe 's invaluable
musical heritage, including its traditional and regional forms . The point was made once again at the recent
conference on music held on 18 and 19 October 1996 in Ennis in Ireland . The conference, attended by
representatives from Parliament, was intended to examine separately the various possibilities for cooperation
that could be developed at Community level in such a way as to promote all aspects of the music industry .

(') OJ L 99, 20.4.1996 .
( 2 ) OJ C 298, 9.10.1996 .

( 97 / C 138 / 122 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3581 / 96

by Fredenk Willockx ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 17 December 1996 )

Subject : Framework agreement on the provision of technical services to countries in Asia, Latin America and

the Mediterranean region

In Official Journal S 149 / 28 of 3 August 1996, an announcement was published pursuant to Council Directive
92 / 50 / EEC (') of 18 June 1992 relating to a framework agreement on the provision of technical services to
countries in Asia, Latin America and the Mediterranean region .

Have framework agreements on the provision of technical services to countries in Asia, Latin America and the
Mediterranean already been concluded in the past ? If so, with what undertakings were such agreements
concluded ?

Have any other framework agreements relating to the provision of other kinds of services to third countries been
concluded in the past ?

(') OJ L 209, 24.7.1992, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission

( 11 February 1997 )

The Commission stresses that these are not framework agreements, but framework contracts for the provision of
technical services to Asian, Latin American and Mediterranean countries .

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 85

Following a tendering procedure (') under Directive 92 / 50 / EEC ', the current framework contracts were signed
for one year from the date of signature with Euragri II, Euronet Consulting, ARCA, A.C.E. and C.E.P.T.

The announcement in the Official Journal ( 2 ) refers to a new invitation to tender for framework contracts ; bids are
currently being examined .

(') OJ C 173, 25.6.1994 .
( : ) OJ S 149, 3.8.1996 .

( 97 / C 138 / 123 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3584 / 96

by Jean                - Yves Le Gallou ( NI ) to the Commission

(6 December 1996 )

Subject : Community funding for the region of Guyana

Can the Commission supply details of the total Community funding for the Guyana region and of the funding for
this region, broken down by objective, under the Structural Funds and the EAGGF Guidance Section ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

The entire territory of French Guiana is eligible under Objective 1 of the Structural Funds ( regions whose
development is lagging behind ).

The Community 's total contribution to French Guiana through the Structural Funds during the 1994-99
programming period is ( in ECU million ):

ERDF (') Guidance EAGGF Section ( 2 ) ESF C ) FIFG ( 4 ) Total

Single programming docu ­
ment ( SPD )

Community initiative pro ­
gramme REGIS II

92.21 27.4 35.8 9.5 164.91

16.3 7.37 4.21 0.5 28.38

Total 108.51 34.77 40.01 10 193.29

(') European Regional Development Fund .
(-) European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund, Guidance Section .
( 3 ) European Social Fund .
( 4 ) Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance .

As in all Objective 1 areas, the ESF allocations for Objectives 3 ( long-term unemployment and integration of
young people and those threatened with exclusion ) and 4 ( adaptation of workers to industrial changes and
changes in production systems ) have been included in the ESF contribution in the Objective 1 SPD .

( 97 / C 138 / 124 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3585 / 96

by Hilde Hawlicek ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 17 December 1996 )

Subject : Action 2 of the Kaleidoscope Programme

In the Kaleidoscope 1996 programme, owing to the ambiguous wording of the request for applications published
in the OJ, and of the application form, many projects were incorrectly submitted for support under Action 2
which really belonged under Action 1 . It was clear that many applicants did not understand the criteria .

No C 138 / 86 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

What criteria was the selection board instructed to apply ? Can the Commission reformulate the criteria for these
actions clearly and unambiguously, so as to prevent incorrect applications being submitted again ?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

(4 February 1997 )

It is true that a large number ot projects presented under Action 2 of the Kaleidoscope programme ( Decision
N°719 / 96 / EC (')) could not be selected . Although no limit is set for Community support under this Action
( unlike Action 1, which had a ceiling of ECU 50 000 or, in certain circumstances, ECU 70 000 per project ), the
institutions deliberately chose, in the decision setting up the programme, to strictly limit the proportion of the
budget allocated to this action ( ECU 601 000 in 1996 ).

In this context, a number of operators wishing to develop ambitious projects ( also in budgetary terms ) put in
applications under Action 2, sometimes not paying careful enough attention to the selection criteria and
conditions . It should be pointed out that the first paragraph of the notice published in the Official Journal for
Action 2 in 1996 made clear that Action 2 was a specific programme applying only to ' significant large-scale
quality projects having a European dimension and major cultural and socio-economic impact '. The second
paragraph further specified the additional conditions which the project must meet in terms of the number of
co-organizers and participants .

Furthermore, despite the Commission 's considerable efforts — in particular, supplying a vade mecum for
applicants attatched to the application form, verbal information, etc ., to explain, point by point, how to meet the
conditions and criteria for each action of the programme, it should also be borne in mind that 1996 was the first
year of implementation of the Kaleidoscope programme . As the programme was only formally adopted at a late
date, it had to be implemented and run for 1996 on a very short timescale . This forced the Commission to limit
the time allowed for applicants to present their projects . The limited amount of time available for applicants to
familiarize themselves with the new conditions of the programme may have been a factor in certain difficulties or
errors on their part, which arose through hasty and superficial reading of the criteria and conditions of the notice
published in the Official Journal .

In order to help prevent any risk of ambiguity and diminish the potential number of errors by applicants in future,
the Commission 's call for applications for the 1997 Kaleidoscope programme, ( 2 ) has an additional paragraph to
call the attention of the project promoters to the selective nature of the programme and the need for them to make
sure that their project corresponds to the objectives of Action 2 . However, the Commission would stress that the
budget for Action 2 in the 1997 Kaleidoscope programme will be very limited, as it was in 1996, with the
consequence that projects presented under Action 2 will be subject to a stringent selection procedure .

(') OJ L 99, 20.4.1996 .
( 2 ) OJ C 298, 9.10.1996 .

( 97 / C 138 / 125 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3586 / 96

by Hilde Hawlicek ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 17 December 1996 )

Subject : Preparations for the year against racism

In the fourth paragraph of its reply to my written question No . E-2644 / 96 ('), the Commission stated that it
planned to issue the organizations involved, by the end of October 1996, with an initial information bulletin
setting out the probable priorities and timetable for the European Year Against Racism .

This was precisely the point of my question . Is the Commission now in a position to provide a Member of the
European Parliament with a copy of this bulletin ?

(') OJ C 60, 26.2.1997, p . 110 .

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 87

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 12 February 1997 )

The Commission is forwarding to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat of the Parliament an initial
information bulletin on the European Year against Racism ( 1997 ).

Additional information will be sent direct to the Honourable Member, whose name has been put on the
circulation list for information about the European Year against Racism .

( 97 / C 138 / 126 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3587 / 96

by Hilde Hawlicek ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 17 December 1996 )

Subject : Development of EU educational and training programmes

If, as it maintains in its answer to my written question No . E-2648 / 96 ('), the Commission considers that general
and vocational training are a priority objective, and that funding for them must be increased, how, and to what
extent, should this funding be increased in order to achieve this objective ?

(') OJ C 60, 26.2.1997, p . 1 10 .

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

(4 February 1997 )

As stated in its answer to the Honourable Member 's written question E-2648 / 96, the Commission considers that
funding needs to be increased for actions in the field of education and vocational training . The annual allocations
are established each year under the budget procedure .

As regards education, in order to increase the 1998 and 1999 allocations for the Socrates programme ( adopted
under the co-decision procedure ), it will first be necessary to revise the total budget adopted for the complete
programme . To this end, the Commission will present, in early 1997, a proposal for a Parliament and Council
Decision amending Decision 819 / 95 / EC of 14.3.1995 establishing the Socrates programme (')•

(') OJ L 87, 20.4.1995 .

( 97 / C 138 / 127 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3596 / 96

by Jose Apolinario ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 17 December 1996 )

Subject : Fisheries and the European Social Fund

Can the Commission give details of the utilization of the European Social Fund as a horizontal fund in the
fisheries sector, if possible indicating the overall amount utilized by each Member State and the type of measures
funded ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 11 February 1997 )

The European Social Fund ( ESF ) is used in the fisheries sector, particularly through the ' Pesca ' Community
initiative on the restructuring of the fisheries sector ( 1994 / 1999 ).

The measures financed under this initiative are those set out in the Commission Communication of 15 June

1994 ('). As regards the ESF, these measures are aimed at preserving and creating jobs, particularly through
improvements in vocational qualifications for fishermen, training for trainers and improved employment
services .

No C 138 / 88 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

This multifund initiative ( financial instrument for fisheries guidance — European Social Fund — ESF ) takes the
form of 13 operational programmes setting out the national priorities of each Member State . The sums allocated
have been communicated to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat-General of the Parliament .

In addition, a number of operational programmes relating to Objective 1 have a component providing for
vocational training for fishermen, with ECU 3.8 million being allocated for this purpose in Germany,
ECU 13.9 million in Spain, ECU 6 million in Ireland, ECU 24.4 million in Italy, ECU 14 million in Portugal and
ECU 1 million ( Objective 6 ) in Sweden ( making total ESF funding ECU 63.1 million ).

(') OJ C 180 . 1.7.1994 .

( 97 / C 138 / 128 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3671 / 96

by Anita Pollack ( PSE ) to the Commission

(3 January 1997 )

Subject : Cosmetic ingredients

Are the products of civets or musk deer currently used as ingredients in products used by the European cosmetics
industry and, if so, will the Commission detail the trade data relating to the imports of products from these
species within the past five years ?

Answer given by Mrs Bomno on behalf of the Commission

(5 February 1997 )

Products of civets or musk deer mentioned in the Honourable Member 's written question refer to musk
compounds which can be extracted from glands of several animal species . Musk fragrances are used by the
fragrance industry and some of them have a natural origin .

Musk deer is a protected species . The European cosmetic, toiletry and perfumery association states that no
extracts or products from musk deer are used in cosmetic products .

Civets or Viverra civetta includes several species, some of which are protected species . On the other hand some
civets species are also bred in farms in Africa . According to the information provided to the Commission, some
gland extracts from civets are used by the fragrance industry which provides fragrances to several industrial
sectors including the cosmetics industry . The extracts come from civets which are not part of the protected
species . The European fragrance industry uses about one tonne of these products a year .

The Commission does not have any data relating specifically to the imports of civets products .

( 97 / C 138 / 129 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3672 / 96

by Anita Pollack ( PSE ) to the Commission

(3 January 1997 )

Subject : Study on eco-businesses

In its response to my Question E-0956 / 96 (') about an environmental technologies forum, the Commission said
that it had commissioned a study on eco-businesses, the results of which would be available in September 1996 .
Where is it ?

(>) OJ C 322 . 28.10.1996, p . 19 .

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 89

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 27 January 1997 )

The draft report of the study commissioned by the Commission on eco-business in the Community was available
in September 1 996 and has been validated since then by the statistical offices of the Member States and by a
group of independent experts . The final report will be available shortly and wil be distributed to all those
interested .

The results indicate that the output of eco-business in the 15 Member States was 90 000 MECU in 1994 and that
employment was 1 million direct jobs plus 1 million indirect jobs ( multiplier effect ). The main sectors were
waste water treatment ( 42% of total ), waste management ( 28% ), air pollution control ( 19% ), noise and vibration
control, contaminated land and water remediation works, and consultancy . The main Member States were
Germany ( 34% of total ), France and the United Kingdom .

( 97 / C 138 / 130 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3675 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(3 January 1997 )

Subject : EU-Latin America trade : regaining a leading role

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that,
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America over the last five years, it has fallen far
behind other countries such as the USA and Japan . While EU trade with the region grew by 49% between 1990
and 1995, that of the USA grew by 136% and that of Japan by 98% .

The EU 's share of Latin America 's total trade fell from 24% in 1990 to 17% in 1995, while the USA 's share
reached 47% in 1995 .

What measures does the Commission plan to take to stimulate trade with Latin America with a view to regaining
Europe 's leading role in the region ?

( 97 / C 138 / 131 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3676 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(3 January 1997 )

Subject : EU-Latin America trade : EU trade with Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that,
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America over the last five years, it has fallen far
behind other countries such as the USA and Japan . While EU trade with the region grew by 49% between 1990
and 1995, that of the USA grew by 136% and that of Japan by 98% .

What is the volume of EU trade with each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 132 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3677 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(3 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investment in Latin America : action by the Commission

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
between 1990 and 1995 the USA overtook Europe as the principal source of investment in Latin America .
Following a marked recovery since 1993, foreign direct investment ( FDI ) passed the 10 billion dollar level in the
first half of the decade . However, Europe contributed less than a quarter of the total .

No C 138 / 90 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

This contrasts sharply with the picture in the late eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor ( 54% ),
followed by the USA ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although FDI was only a quarter of that recorded in the nineties .

What measures does the Commission plan to take to stimulate trade with Latin America with a view to regaining
Europe 's leading role in the region ?

( 97 / C 138 / 133 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3678 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(3 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Germany and Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Germany and each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 134 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3679 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(3 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Germany and Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Germany and Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 135 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3680 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(3 January ' 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Germany and the Andean

Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Germany and each country of the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 136 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3681 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(3 Januan                               - 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Germany and Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Germany and each country of Central America ?

5 . 5 . 97 IEN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 91

( 97 /C 138 / 137 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3682 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(3 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Germany and Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Germany and Brazil ?

( 97 / C 138 / 138 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3683 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(3 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures tor trade between Austria and Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Austria and each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 139 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3684 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(3 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Austria and Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Austria and Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 140 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3685 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(3 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Austria and the Andean

Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Austria and each country of the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 141 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3686 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(3 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Austria and Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years,

No C 138 / 92 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

it still lags far behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin
America increased by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan
98% .

What is the volume of trade between Austria and each country of Central America ?

( 97 / C 138 / 142 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3687 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(3 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Austria and Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Austria and Brazil ?

( 97 / C 138 / 143 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3688 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(3 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Belgium and Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Belgium and each Mercosur country ?

( 97 /C 138 / 144 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3689 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(3 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Belgium and Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Belgium and Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 145 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3690 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(3 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Belgium and the Andean

Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Belgium and each country of the Andean Community ?

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 93

( 97 / C 138 / 146 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3691 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(3 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Belgium and Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Belgium and each country of Central America ?

( 97 / C 138 / 147 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3692 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(3 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures tor trade between Belgium and Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Belgium and Brazil ?

( 91 IC 138 / 148 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3693 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(3 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Denmark and Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Denmark and each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 149 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3694 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(3 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Denmark and Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Denmark and Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 150 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3695 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(3 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Denmark and the Andean

Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that,
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years,

No C 138 / 94 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

it still lags far behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin
America increased by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan
98% .

What is the volume of trade between Denmark and each country of the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 151 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3696 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(3 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Denmark and Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Denmark and each country of Central America ?

( 97 / C 138 / 152 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3697 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(3 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Denmark and Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Denmark and Brazil ?

( 91 IC 138 / 153 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3698 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Spain and Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Spain and each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 154 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3699 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Spain and Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Spain and Mexico ?

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 95

( 97 / C 138 / 155 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3700 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Spain and the Andean

Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What ' is the volume of trade between Spain and each country of the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 156 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3701 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Spain and Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Spain and each country in Central America ?

( 97 / C 138 / 157 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3702 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Spain and Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Spain and Brazil ?

( 97 / C 138 / 158 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3703 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Finland and Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Finland and each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 159 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3704 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Finland and Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years,

No C 138 / 96 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

it still lags far behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin
America increased by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan
98% .

What is the volume of trade between Finland and Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 160 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3705 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Finland and the Andean

Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Finland and each country of the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 161 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3706 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Finland and Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Finland and each country of Central America ?

( 97 / C 138 / 162 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3707 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Finland and Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 1 5 November 1 996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Finland and Brazil ?

( 91IC 138 / 163 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3708 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between France and Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between France and each Mercosur country ?

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 97

( 97 / C 138 / 164 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3709 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures tor trade between France and Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between France and Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 165 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3710 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between France and the Andean

Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between France and each country of the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 166 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3711 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between France and Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between France and each country of Central America ?

( 91 IC 138 / 167 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3712 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between France and Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between France and Brazil ?

( 97 / C 138 / 168 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3713 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Greece and Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years,

No C 1 38 / 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

it still lags far behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin
America increased by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan
98% .

What is the volume of trade between Greece and each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 169 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3714 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

<6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures tor trade between Greece and Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin ' American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Greece and Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 170 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3715 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures tor trade between Greece and the Andean

Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Greece and each country of the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 171 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3716 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Greece and Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Greece and each country of Central America ?

( 97 / C 138 / 172 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-37 1 7 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Greece and Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Greece and Brazil ?

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 99

( 97 / C 138 / 173 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3718 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Ireland and Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Ireland and each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 174 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3719 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures tor trade between Ireland and Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Ireland and Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 175 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3720 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Ireland and the Andean

Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Ireland and each country of the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 176 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3721 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Ireland and Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Ireland and each country of Central America ?

( 97 / C 138 / 177 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3722 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Ireland and Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years,

No C 138 / 100 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

it still lags far behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin
America increased by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan
98% .

What is the volume of trade between Ireland and Brazil ?

( 97 / C 138 / 178 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3723 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Italy and Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Italy and each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 179 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3724 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Italy and Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Italy and Mexico ?

( 91 IC 138 / 180 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3725 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Italy and the Andean Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Italy and each country of the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 181 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3726 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Italy and Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Italy and each country of Central America ?

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 101

( 97 / C 138 / 182 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3727 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marin ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Italy and Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Italy and Brazil ?

( 97 / C 138 / 183 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3728 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — ligures for trade between Luxembourg and Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Luxembourg and each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 184 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3729 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Luxembourg and Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Luxembourg and Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 185 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3730 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Luxembourg and the Andean

Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Luxembourg and each country of the Andean Community .

( 91 /C 138 / 186 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3731 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Luxembourg and Central

America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years,

No C 138 / 102 | EN | Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

it still lags far behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin
America increased by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan
98% .

What is the volume of trade between Luxembourg and each country of Central America ?

( 97 / C 138 / 187 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3732 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures tor trade between Luxembourg and Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Luxembourg and Brazil ?

( 97 / C 138 / 188 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3733 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures tor trade between the Netherlands and Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between the Netherlands and each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 189 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3734 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between the Netherlands and Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between the Netherlands and Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 190 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3735 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between the Netherlands and the Andean

Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between the Netherlands and each country of the Andean Community ?

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 103

{ 91 1 C 138 / 191 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3736 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between the Netherlands and Central

America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between the Netherlands and each country of Central America ?

( 97 / C 138 / 192 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3737 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between the Netherlands and Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between the Netherlands and Brazil ?

( 97 / C 138 / 193 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3738 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures tor trade between Portugal and Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Portugal and each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 194 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3739 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Portugal and Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Portugal and Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 195 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3740 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Portugal and the Andean

Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years,

No C 138 / 104 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

it still lags far behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin
America increased by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan
98% .

What is the volume of trade between Portugal and each country of the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 196 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3741 / 96

by Jose Garcia-MargaUo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Portugal and Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Portugal and each country of Central America ?

( 97 / C 138 / 197 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3742 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Portugal and Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Portugal and Brazil ?

( 97 / C 138 / 198 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3743 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between the United Kingdom and

Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between the United Kingdom and each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 199 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3744 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between the United Kingdom and Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between the United Kingdom and Mexico ?

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 105

( 97 / C 138 / 200 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3745 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between the United Kingdom and the

Andean Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between the United Kingdom and each country of the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 1 38 / 20 1 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3746 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between the United Kingdom and Central

America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between the United Kingdom and each country of Central America ?

( 97 / C 138 / 202 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3747 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between the United Kingdom and Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between the United Kingdom and Brazil ?

( 97 / C 138 / 203 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3748 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 Januarv 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures tor trade between Sweden and Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Sweden and each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 204 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3749 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfll ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures tor trade between Sweden and Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years,

No C 138 / 106 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

it still lags far behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin
America increased by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan
98% .

What is the volume of trade between Sweden and Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 205 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3750 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Sweden and the Andean

Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Sweden and each country of the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 206 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3751 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Sweden and Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Sweden and each country of Central America ?

( 97 / C 138 / 207 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3752 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade between the EU and Latin America — figures for trade between Sweden and Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 shows that
although the European Union has increased its trade with Latin America in the last five years, it still lags far
behind countries such as the United States and Japan . Whilst trade between the EU and Latin America increased
by 49% between 1990 and 1995, the increase for the United States was 136% and for Japan 98% .

What is the volume of trade between Sweden and Brazil ?

( 97 / C 138 / 208 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3770 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Germany 's investments in Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor

( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Germany invests in Mexico ?

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 107

( 97 / C 138 / 209 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3771 / 96

bv Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Germany 's investments in Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Germany invests in each Central American country ?

( 97 / C 1 38 / 2 1 0 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3772 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Germany 's investments in Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Germany invests in Brazil ?

( 97 / C 1 38 / 2 1 1 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3773 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Germany 's investments in the Andean Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor

( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Germany invests in each country in the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 212 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3774 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January J 997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Germany 's investments in Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

No C 138 / 108 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Germany invests in each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 213 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3775 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Austria 's investments in Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 1 5 November 1 996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1 993, exceeded US$ 1 0 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Austria invests in Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 214 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3776 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Austria 's investments in Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Austria invests in each Central American country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 215 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3777 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Austria 's investments in Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Austria invests in Brazil ?

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 109

( 97 / C 138 / 216 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3778 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Austria 's investments in the Andean Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1 993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Austria invests in each country in the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 217 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3779 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Austria 's investments in Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1 993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Austria invests in each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 218 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3780 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Belgium 's investments in Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1 990 and 1 995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1 993, exceeded US$ 1 0 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Belgium invests in Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 219 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3781 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Belgium 's investments in Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

No C 138 / 110 | EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Belgium invests in each Central American country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 220 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3782 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Belgium 's investments in Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000

million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Belgium invests in Brazil ?

( 97 / C 1 38 / 22 1 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3783 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Belgium 's investments in the Andean Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor

( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Belgium invests in each country in the Andean Community ?

{ 91 IC 138 / 222 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3784 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Belgium 's investments in Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1 993, exceeded US$ 1 0 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Belgium invests in each Mercosur country ?

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 11

( 97 / C 138 / 223 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3785 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Denmark 's investments in Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Denmark invests in Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 224 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3786 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Denark 's investments in Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1 993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Denmark invests in each Central American country ?

{ 91 IC 138 / 225 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3787 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Denmark 's investments in Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1 993, exceeded US$ 1 0 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter 1 of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Denmark invests in Brazil ?

( 97 / C 138 / 226 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3788 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures tor Denmark 's investments in the Andean Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

No C 138 / 112 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Denmark invests in each country in the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 227 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3789 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January J 997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Denmark 's investments in Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Denmark invests in each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 228 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3790 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Spain 's investments in Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe      - accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ). followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Spain invests in Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 229 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3791 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Spain 's investments in Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1 990 and 1 995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor

( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Spain invests in each Central American country ?

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 113

( 97 / C 138 / 230 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3792 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Spain 's investments in Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Spain invests in Brazil ?

( 97 / C 1 38 / 23 1 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3793 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Spain 's investments in the Andean Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Spain invests in each country in the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 232 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3794 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Spain 's investments in Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Spain invests in each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 233 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3795 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures tor Finland 's investments in Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

No C 138 / 114 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Finland invests in Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 234 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E,3796 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Finland 's investments in Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1 993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Finland invests in each Central American country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 235 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3797 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Finland 's investments in Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1 993, exceeded US$ 1 0 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Finland invests in Brazil ?

( 91 /C 138 / 236 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3798 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January J 997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Finland 's investments in the Andean Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1 993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Finland invests in each country in the Andean Community ?

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 115

( 97 / C 138 / 237 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3799 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Finland 's investments in Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1 993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Finland invests in each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 238 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3800 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for France 's investments in Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much France invests in Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 239 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3801 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for France 's investments in Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much France invests in each Central American country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 240 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3802 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 Januar y 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : tigures for France 's investments in Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

No C 138 / 116 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much France invests in Brazil ?

( 97 / C 1 38 / 24 1 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3803 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for France 's investments in the Andean Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much France invests in each country in the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 242 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3804 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for France 's investments in Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1 993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much France invests in each Mercosur country ?

( 91 IC 138 / 243 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3805 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Greece 's investments in Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1 990 and 1 995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1 993, exceeded US$ 1 0 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Greece invests in Mexico ?

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 117

( 97 / C 138 / 244 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3806 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997                              

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Greece 's investments in Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Greece invests in each Central American country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 245 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3807 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures tor Greece 's investments in Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor

( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Greece invests in Brazil ?

( 97 / C 138 / 246 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3808 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y MaVfii ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Greece 's investments in the Andean Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Greece invests in the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 247 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3809 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Greece 's investments in Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

No C 138 / 118 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Greece invests in each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 248 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3810 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Ireland 's investments in Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Ireland invests in Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 249 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3811 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU invesments in Latin America : figures for Ireland 's investments in Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Ireland invests in each Central American country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 250 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3812 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Ireland 's investments in Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Ireland invests in Brazil ?

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 119

( 97 / C 138 / 251 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3813 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Ireland 's investments in the Andean Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Ireland invests in each country in the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 252 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3814 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Ireland 's investments in Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Ireland invests in each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 253 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3815 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Italy 's investments in Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Italy invests in Mexico ?

( 91 IC 138 / 254 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3816 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures tor Italy 's investments in Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 1 5 November 1 996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

No C 138 / 120 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Italy invests in each Central American country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 255 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3817 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Italy 's investments in Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Italy invests in Brazil ?

( 91 IC 138 / 256 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3818 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Italy 's investments in the Andean Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1 993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor

( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Italy invests in each country in the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 257 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3819 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Italy 's investments in Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Italy invests in each Mercosur country ?

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 121

( 97 / C 138 / 258 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3820 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures tor Luxembourg 's investments in Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Luxembourg invests in Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 259 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3821 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Luxembourg 's investments in Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Luxembourg invests in each Central American country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 260 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3822 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Luxembourg 's investments in Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor

( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Luxembourg invests in Brazil ?

( 97 / C 1 38 / 26 1 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3823 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures tor Luxembourg 's investments in the Andean Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

No C 138 / 122 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor

( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Luxembourg invests in each country in the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 262 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3824 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Luxembourg 's investments in Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Luxembourg invests in each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 263 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3825 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for the Netherlands ' investments in Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much the Netherlands invests in Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 264 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3826 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for the Netherlands ' investments in Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much the Netherlands invests in each Central American country ?

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 123

( 97 / C 138 / 265 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3827 / 96

by Jose Garda-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for the Netherlands ' investments in Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much the Netherlands invests in Brazil ?

( 97 / C 138 / 266 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3828 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures tor the Netherlands ' investments in the Andean Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1 993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much the Netherlands invests in each country in the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 267 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3829 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures tor the Netherlands ' investments in Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much the Netherlands invests in each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 268 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3830 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures tor Portugal 's investments in Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

No C 138 / 124 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Portugal invests in Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 269 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-383 1 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Portugal 's investments in Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Portugal invests in each Central American country ?

( 91IC 1 38 / 270 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3832 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Portugal 's investments in Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Portugal invests in Brazil ?

( 97 / C 1 38 / 27 1 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3833 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Portugal 's investments in the Andean Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Portugal invests in each country in the Andean Community ?

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 125

( 97 / C 138 / 272 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3834 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures tor Portugal 's investments in Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 1 5 November 1 996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1 993, exceeded US$ 1 0 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Portugal invests in each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 273 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3835 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for the United Kingdom 's investments in Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1 993, exceeded US$ 1 0 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much the United Kingdom invests in Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 274 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3836 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for the United Kingdom 's investments in Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much the United Kingdom invests in each Central American country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 275 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3837 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for the United Kingdom 's investments in Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1 990 and 1 995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

No C 138 / 126 | ~EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the lis ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much the United Kingdom invests in Brazil ?

( 97 / C 138 / 276 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3838 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for the United Kingdom 's investments in the Andean

Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor

( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much the United Kingdom invests in each country in the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 277 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3839 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for the United Kingdom 's investments in Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1 993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor

( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much the United Kingdom invests in each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 278 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3840 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Sweden 's investments in Mexico

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor

( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Sweden invests in Mexico ?

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 127

( 97 / C 138 / 279 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3841 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Sweden 's investments in Central America

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 1 5 November 1 996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Sweden invests in each Central American country ?

( 91 IC 138 / 280 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3842 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Sweden s investments in Brazil

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 1 5 November 1 996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Sweden invests in Brazil ?

( 97 / C 138 / 281 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3843 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Sweden 's investments in the Andean Community

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1 993, exceeded US$ 1 0 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Sweden invests in each country in the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 282 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3844 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU investments in Latin America : figures for Sweden 's investments in Mercosur

A report by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) of 15 November 1996 points out that
between 1990 and 1995 the United States replaced Europe as the main source of investment in Latin America .
The flow of direct foreign investment ( DFI ), which has been clearly recovering since 1993, exceeded US$ 10 000
million in the first five years of this decade . Nevertheless, Europe accounted for less than one quarter of the total .

No C 138 / 128 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

This is in marked contrast to the situation at the end of the eighties, when Europe was clearly the largest investor
( 54% ), followed by the US ( 40% ) and Japan ( 6% ), although total DFI was only one quarter the level of that in the
nineties .

Can the Commission say how much Sweden invests in each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 283 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3848 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Germany in Mexico

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Germany in Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 284 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3849 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Germany in Brazil

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Germany in Brazil ?

( 91 IC 138 / 285 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3850 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Germany in Mercosur

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Germany in each Mercosur country ?

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 129

( 97 / C 138 / 286 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3851 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Germany in the Andean Community

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1 988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Germany in each country of the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 287 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3852 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Germany in Central America

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Germany in each Central American country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 288 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3853 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(# January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Austria in Mexico

A report of 1 5 November 1 996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Austria in Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 289 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3854 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Austria in Brazil

A report of 1 5 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

No C 138 / 130 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Austria in Brazil ?

( 97 / C 138 / 290 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3855 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Austria in Mercosur

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Austria in each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 291 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3856 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Austria in the Andean Community

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Austria in each country of the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 292 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3857 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Austria in Central America

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1 988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Austria in each Central American country ?

5 . 5 . 97 [ EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 131

( 97 / C 138 / 293 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3858 / 96

by José Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Belgium in Mexico

A report of 1 5 November 1 996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Belgium in Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 294 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3859 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Belgium in Brazil

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1 988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12.500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Belgium in Brazil ?

( 97 / C 138 / 295 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3860 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Belgium in Mercosur

A report of 1 5 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Belgium in each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 296 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3861 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Co mm ission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Belgium in the Andean Community

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

No C 138 / 132 TEN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Belgium in each country of the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 297 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3862 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Belgium in Central America

A report of 1 5 November 1 996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.1% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Belgium in each Central American country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 298 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3863 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Denmark in Mexico

A report of 1 5 November 1 996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1 988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Denmark in Mexico ?

                  - ( 97 / C 138 / 299 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3864 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Denmark in Brazil

A report of 1 5 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Denmark in Brazil ?

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 133

( 97 / C 138 / 300 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3865 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Denmark in Mercosur

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Denmark in each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 1 38 / 30 1 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3866 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Denmark in the Andean Community

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Denmark in each country of the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 302 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3867 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Denmark in Central America

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Denmark in each Central American country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 303 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3868 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Spain in Mexico

A report of 1 5 November 1 996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

No C 138 / 134 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Spain in Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 304 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3869 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Spain in Brazil

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1 988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Spain in Brazil ?

( 97 / C 138 / 305 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3870 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Spain in Mercosur

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1 988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Spain in each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 306 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3871 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Spain in the Andean Community

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1 988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Spain in each country of the Andean Community ?

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 135

( 97 / C 138 / 307 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3872 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Spain in Central America

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Spain in each Central American country ?

( 91 IC 138 / 308 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3873 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Finland in Mexico

A report of 1 5 November 1 996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1 988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Finland in Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 309 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3874 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Finland in Brazil

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Finland in Brazil ?

( 97 / C 138 / 31 0 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3875 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Finland in Mercosur

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

No C 138 / 136 | EN | Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Finland in each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 1 38 / 3 1 1 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3876 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Finland in the Andean Community

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Finland in each country of the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 312 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3877 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Finland in Central America

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Finland in each Central American country ?

( 97 / C 1 38 / 3 1 3 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3878 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(8 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for France in Brazil

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level ot the contribution ot France in Mexico ?

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 137

( 97 / C 138 / 314 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3879 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for France in Brazil

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of France in Brazil ?

( 91 IC 138 / 315 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3880 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for France in Mercosur

A report of 1 5 November 1 996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of France in each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 316 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3881 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for France in the Andean Community

A report of 1 5 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of France in each country of the Andean Community ?

( 91IC 138 / 317 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3882 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

. Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for France in Central America

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European    - Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

No C 138 / 138 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of France in each Central American country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 318 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3883 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Greece in Mexico

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Greece in Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 319 WRITTEN QUESTION E-3884 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Greece in Brazil

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Greece in Brazil ?

( 97 / C 138 / 320 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3885 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Greece in Mercosur

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Greece in each Mercosur country ?

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 139

( 97 / C 138 / 321 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3886 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Greece in the Andean Community

A report of 1 5 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Greece in each country of the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 322 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3887 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Greece in Central America

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Greece in each Central American country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 323 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3888 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Ireland in Mexico

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Ireland in Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 324 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3889 / 96

by Jose Garda-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Ireland in Brazil

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

No C. 138 / 140 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Ireland in Brazil ?

( 97 / C 138 / 325 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3890 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Ireland in Mercosur

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Ireland in each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 326 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3891 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Ireland in the Andean Community

A report of 1 5 November 1 996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Ireland in each country of the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 327 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3892 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Ireland in Central America

A report of 1 5 November 1 996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1 988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Ireland in each Central American country ?

5 . 5 . 97 1 EN I Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 141

( 97 / C 138 / 328 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3893 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Italy in Mexico

A report of 1 5 November 1 996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Italy in Mexico ?

( 91 /C 138 / 329 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3894 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marnl ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Italy in Brazil

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Italy in Brazil ?

( 97 / C 138 / 330 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3895 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marf'il ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Italy in Mercosur

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1 988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Italy in each Mercosur country ?

( 91 IC 138 / 331 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3896 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Italy in the Andean Community

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

No C 138 / 142 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Italy in each country of the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 332 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3897 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Italy in Central America

A report of 1 5 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Italy in each Central American country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 333 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3898 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Luxembourg in Mexico

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Luxembourg in Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 334 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3899 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Luxembourg in Brazil

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Luxembourg in Brazil ?

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 143

( 97 / C 138 / 335 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3900 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Luxembourg in Mercosur

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Luxembourg in each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 336 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3901 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Luxembourg in the Andean Community

A report of 1 5 November 1 996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Luxembourg in each country of the Andean Community ?

( 91 IC 138 / 337 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3902 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Luxembourg in Central America

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Luxembourg in each Central American country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 338 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3903 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for the Netherlands in Mexico

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

No C 138 / 144 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of the Netherlands in Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 339 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3904 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for the Netherlands in Brazil

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of the Netherlands in Brazil ?

( 91 IC 138 / 340 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3905 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for the Netherlands in Mercosur

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official      - development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of the Netherlands in each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 341 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3906 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for the Netherlands in the Andean Community

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of the Netherlands in each country of the Andean Community ?

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 145

( 97 / C 138 / 342 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3907 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for the Netherlands in Central America

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of the Netherlands in each Central American country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 343 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3908 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Portugal in Mexico

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Portugal in Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 344 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3909 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Portugal in Brazil

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1 988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Portugal in Brazil ?

( 97 / C 138 / 345 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3910 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Portugal in Mercosur

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

No C 138 / 146 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Portugal in each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 346 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3911 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Portugal in the Andean Community

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Portugal in each country of the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 347 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3912 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Portugal in Central America

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Portugal in each Central American country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 348 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3913 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for the United Kingdom in Mexico

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1 988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of the United Kingdom in Mexico ?

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 147

( 97 / C 138 / 349 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3914 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for the United Kingdom in Brazil

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of the United Kingdom in Brazil ?

( 97 / C 138 / 350 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3915 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for the United Kingdom in Mercosur

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1 988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of the United Kingdom in each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 351 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3916 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for the United Kingdom in the Andean Community

A report of 1 5 November 1 996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1 988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of the United Kingdom in each country of the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 352 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3917 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for the United Kingdom in Central America

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1 988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of the United Kingdom in each Central American country ?

No C 138 / 148 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

( 97 / C 138 / 353 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3918 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Sweden in Mexico

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Sweden in Mexico ?

( 97 / C 138 / 354 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3919 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Sweden in Brazil

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European    - Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1 988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Sweden in Brazil ?

( 97 / C 138 / 355 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3920 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Sweden in Mercosur

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1 988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Sweden in each Mercosur country ?

( 97 / C 138 / 356 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3921 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( JO January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Sweden in the Andean Community

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 149

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Sweden in each country of the Andean Community ?

( 97 / C 138 / 357 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3922 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU cooperation in Latin America : figures for Sweden in Central America

A report of 15 November 1996 by the Institute for European-Latin American Relations ( IRELA ) states that since

1 988 the EU and its Member States have been the main donors of bilateral official development aid ( ODA ) to
Latin America, with a volume considerably higher than the contributions of the US and Japan combined . In 1 995,
the EU contributed 52.7% of aid, Japan 25.4% and the US 17% .

Over the period 1990-1995, Latin America received a total of over US$ 28 300 m in bilateral aid from the
OECD 's Development Assistance Committee : this was more than 50% higher than the figure for the previous
five-year period . The EU 's contribution was US$ 12 500 m ( 44% of the total ).

What is the level of the contribution of Sweden in each Central American country ?

Joint answer to Written Questions
E-3675 / 96, E-3676 / 96, E-3677 / 96, E-3678 / 96, E-3679 / 96, E-3680 / 96, E-3681 / 96, E-3682 / 96,
E-3683 / 96, E-3684 / 96, E-3685 / 96, E-3686 / 96, E-3687 / 96, E-3688 / 96, E-3689 / 96, E-3690 / 96,
E-3691 / 96, E-3692 / 96, E-3693 / 96, E-3694 / 96, E-3695 / 96, E-3696 / 96, E-3697 / 96, E-3698 / 96,
E-3699 / 96, E-3700 / 96, E-3701 / 96, E-3702 / 96, E-3703 / 96, E-3704 / 96, E-3705 / 96, E-3706 / 96,
E-3707 / 96, E-3708 / 96, E-3709 / 96, E-3710 / 96, E-3711 / 96, E-3712 / 96, E-3713 / 96, E-3714 / 96,
E-3715 / 96, E-3716 / 96, E-3717 / 96, E-3718 / 96, E-3719 / 96, E-3720 / 96, E-3721 / 96, E-3722 / 96,
E-3723 / 96, E-3724 / 96, E-3725 / 96, E-3726 / 96, E-3727 / 96, E-3728 / 96, E-3729 / 96, E-3730 / 96,
E-3731 / 96, E-3732 / 96, E-3733 / 96, E-3734 / 96, E-3735 / 96, E-3736 / 96, E-3737 / 96, E-3738 / 96,
E-3739 / 96, E-3740 / 96, E-3741 / 96, E-3742 / 96, E-3743 / 96, E-3744 / 96, E-3745 / 96, E-3746 / 96,
E-3747 / 96, E-3748 / 96, E-3749 / 96, E-3750 / 96, E-3751 / 96, E-3752 / 96, E-3770 / 96, E-3771 / 96,
E-3772 / 96, E-3773 / 96, E-3774 / 96, E-3775 / 96, E-3776 / 96, E-3777 / 96, E-3778 / 96, E-3779 / 96,
E-3780 / 96, E-3781 / 96, E-3782 / 96, E-3783 / 96, E-3784 / 96, E-3785 / 96, E-3786 / 96, E-3787 / 96,
E-3788 / 96, E-3789 / 96, E-3790 / 96, E-3791 / 96, E-3792 / 96, E-3793 / 96, E-3794 / 96, E-3795 / 96,
E-3796 / 96, E-3797 / 96, E-3798 / 96, E-3799 / 96, E-3800 / 96, E-3801 / 96, E-3802 / 96, E-3803 / 96,
E-3804 / 96, E-3805 / 96, E-3806 / 96, E-3807 / 96, E-3808 / 96, E-3809 / 96, E-3810 / 96, E-3811 / 96,
E-3812 / 96, E-3813 / 96, E-3814 / 96, E-3815 / 96, E-3816 / 96, E-3817 / 96, E-3818 / 96, E-3819 / 96,
E-3820 / 96, E-3821 / 96, E-3822 / 96, E-3823 / 96, E-3824 / 96, E-3825 / 96, E-3826 / 96, E-3827 / 96,
E 3828 / 96, E-3829 / 96, E-3830 / 96, E-3831 / 96, E-3832 / 96, E-3833 / 96, E-3834 / 96, E-3835 / 96,
E-3836 / 96, E-3837 / 96, E-3838 / 96, E-3839 / 96, E-3840 / 96, E-3841 / 96, E-3842 / 96, E-3843 / 96,
E-3844 / 96, E-3848 / 96, E-3849 / 96, E-3850 / 96, E-3851 / 96, E-3852 / 96, E-3853 / 96, E-3854 / 96,
E-3855 / 96, E-3856 / 96, E-3857 / 96, E-3858 / 96, E-3859 / 96, E-3860 / 96, E-3861 / 96, E-3862 / 96,

E-3863 / 96, E-3864 / 96, E-3865 / 96, E-3866 / 96, E-3867 / 96, E-3868 / 96, E-3869 / 96, E-3870 / 96,
E-3871 / 96, E-3872 / 96, E-3873 / 96, E-3874 / 96, E-3875 / 96, E-3876 / 96, E-3877 / 96, E-3878 / 96,
E-3879 / 96, E-3880 / 96, E-3881 / 96, E-3882 / 96, E-3883 / 96, E-3884 / 96, E-3885 / 96, E-3886 / 96,
E-3887 / 96, E-3888 / 96, E-3889 / 96, E-3890 / 96, E-3891 / 96, E-3892 / 96, E-3893 / 96, E-3894 / 96,
E-3895 / 96, E-3896 / 96, E-3897 / 96, E-3898 / 96, E-3899 / 96, E-3900 / 96, E-3901 / 96, E-3902 / 96,
E-3903 / 96, E-3904 / 96, E-3905 / 96, E-3906 / 96, E-3907 / 96, E-3908 / 96, E-3909 / 96, E-3910 / 96,
E-3911 / 96, E-3912 / 96, E-39I3 / 96, E-3914 / 96, E-3915 / 96, E-3916 / 96, E-3917 / 96, E-3918 / 96,

E-3919 / 96, E-3920 / 96, E-3921 / 96 and E-3922 / 96
given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission

( 57 yanMary / 997 )

Answers to the Honourable Member 's questions on the volume of trade and investment of each Member State
with Mexico, Brazil, Mercosur, the Andean Community and Central America can be found in data published by
the Commission ( Eurostat ). The publications on trade set out the information by country, not by country groups ;
those concerning investment present the data in aggregated form for regions such as Central America .

No C 138 / 150 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

The Commission is forwarding to the Honourable Member and the Parliament 's Secretariat extracts from recent
publications concerning :

— Member States ' trade with Latin American countries in 1995, the most recent year for which data is
available . Eurostat offers this data in the form of both brochures and electronic medium which can be used to

calculate the aggregates for regions of interest to the user ;

— direct investment between the Member States and certain Latin American countries and regions for 1 994, the
most recent year for which data is available . Figures are available for Mexico, Brazil, Central America, some
Mercosur States and the Andean Community . These can also be consulted on the database, Newcronos .

Data on cooperation is available from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development .

As for measures the Commission might take to encourage trade and investment in Latin America, it is worth
noting that for quite a few years now, the Commission has been carrying out projects aimed mainly at promoting
trade and investment . There are also specific programmes, in particular Al-Invest (a framework programme for
industrial cooperation and for promoting investment in Latin America ) and ECIP ( European Community
International Investment Partners ), which encourage private initiative and promote trade and investment .

( 97 / C 138 / 358 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3756 / 96

by Graham Watson ( ELDR ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : The Ncala railway

The Ncala corridor runs from the Malawi border to the Ncala port in Mozambique . Along the length of the
corridor runs the Ncala railway . In 1990 it was reopened after many years in disrepair due to civil war . The
rehabilitation of that line has been completed with the exception of 77 km of track between Cuamba and Entre
Lagos owing to lack of funds .

Since 1994 the European Union has prevaricated on the issue of providing funds for the restoration of the line and
the continued delaying tactics of the Commission in completion of the project is effectively penalising Malawi
through higher transportation costs .

An EU sponsored study was to take place this year identifying the feasibility of ' an appropriate framework for
the management of the whole corridor '. Until the completion of that study, the Commission has refused to make
a commitment to the Governments of Malawi and Mozambique . Is the Commission now in a position to disclose
the conclusions of that study ?

Does the Commission appreciate that both Malawi and Mozambique are suffering economically because of the
EU 's lack of commitment ?

If it is the intention of the European Union ro help with the restoration of the line, when does the Commission
anticipate the beginning and completion of that project ?

Can the Commission confirm that, in fact, it would be more appropriate for the Governments of Malawi and
Mozambique to open up discussions with other interested parties ( such as the World Bank or USAID ) who have
already helped to fund stretches of the Ncala Line ?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission

( 30 January 1997 )

The Commission continues to be committed to the rehabilitation of the Nacala corridor . Far from prevaricating, it
has consistently expressed its interest in this project while indicating that any decision to finance the final section
is dependant on the establishment of sound management of the corridor . Only on this basis could the
Commission recommend the investment of further public money .

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 151

The restructuring of Mozambican railways has led to delays in the establishment of the terms of reference for a

study on institutional and management questions . These terms of reference have recently been agreed and the
tender for the study should be launched shortly .

The Commission is fully aware of the importance of the Nacala corridor which explains its involvement in the
earlier rehabilitation and its willingness to consider further investment, under appropriate conditions . It wishes to
proceed as quickly as possible, but can only do so with the cooperation of the authorities concerned . To gain time
it will begin revision of technical documents for the works while the institutional study is underway .

As soon as appropriate institutional arrangements for the corridor are agreed, a proposal to finance the works
could be presented . This could be by the end of 1997 .

The World Bank and United States agency for international development did not participate in the earlier phases
of rehabilitation nor have they indicated any wish to finance further work in Mozambique .

( 97 / C 138 / 359 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3763 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Trans-European data communications networks

With reference to the Commission Communication to Parliament and the Council on trans-European data
communications networks between administrations ( COM(93 ) 69 / COD 0493 ) ('), local and regional authorities
must be taken into due consideration in the establishment of networks and the implementation Of trans-European
data communications projects as both information providers and network users . Would the Commission
therefore ensure that priority is given to training and awareness campaigns for users ?

(') OJ C 105, 16.4.1993, p . 10 .

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

( 28 January 1997 )

Within the framework of the interchange of data between administrations ( IDA ) programme, as adopted by the
Council Decision of 6 November 1996 on a Community contribution for telematic interchange of data between
administrations in the Community ( 95 / 468 / EC ) ('), several actions related to the awareness of the users have
been carried out since the beginning of the programme . Amongst the many activities in this domain, an IDA
newsletter is published, on a quarterly basis, and complete and detailed information on the programme is
available both on CD-Rom and on the IDA Internet web site . Furthermore, a conference which involved more
than 400 officials from all Member State administrations was held in Rome on 20-21 June 1996 and a workshop
will take place in Brussels on 26-27 February 1997 .

With regard to the needs of local and regional administrations, the Council Decision focuses primarily on the
interconnection of those national administrations in the Member States which need to exchange data in order to
support the functioning of the internal market . However, the Commission fully recognises the importance of
involving local and regional administrations in the development of trans-european telematic systems . In this
respect, within the IDA programme, a first action, aimed at collecting information concerning national and
regional initiatives relating to telematic networks for public administrations in Member States, will be instigated
at the beginning of 1997 .

This action will be undertaken in close co-ordination with other information society initiatives, in particular the
specific programmes of the fourth framework programme for research, technological development and
demonstration and the development of the trans-European telecommunications networks ( trans-European
network — integrated services digital network and TEN-Telecom guidelines ).

(') OJ L 269, 11.11.1995 .

No C 138 / 152 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

( 97 / C 138 / 360 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3765 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Environmental impact

With reference to the proposal for a Council directive amending Directive 85 / 337 / EEC on the assessment of the
effects of certain public and private projects on the environment ( COM(93 ) 575 / SYN 94078 (')), the Commission
proposal will not harmonize the procedures to a sufficient extent and is not consistent with other documents on
the environment ( in particular the proposal for a directive on reducing and preventing pollution ), the project
assessment measures could increase the differences in treatment and the criteria to be used in the impact studies
are excessively abstract and general . Could the Commission therefore combine the two annexes with the list of
projects and clarify the terminology used in the proposal, particularly as regards the ' screening ' and ' scoping '
procedures ?

(') OJ C 130, 12.5.1994, p . 8 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 28 January 1997 )

The proposal to amend Directive 85 / 337 / EEC (') ( which is in the final stages of adoption after its second reading
at Parliament ) and Council Directive 96 / 61 / EC concerning integrated pollution prevention and control ( 2 ) are two
separate instruments which differ in scope and purpose .

However, since the two Directives are based on the same principle of taking preventive action to protect the
environment and some of their procedures are similar, efforts were made during negotiations on the proposal to
amend Directive 85 / 337 / EEC to ensure that the list of projects in Annex I was to some extent consistent with the
types of project in Directive 96 / 61 / EC and to make it possible for a single procedure to be used to satisfy the
provisions of the two Directives . Directive 96 / 61 / EEC also includes measures to avoid duplication between the
two Directives .

The terms ' screening ' and ' scoping ' are explained in the explanatory memorandum to the Commission 's initial
proposal . In addition the Commission recently published two guides on these two phases of the environmental
impact assessment procedure (' Screening Guide ' and ' Scoping Guide ', also available in Italian ).

(') COM(93 ) 575 final .
( 2 ) OJ L 257, 10.10.1996 .

( 97 / C 138 / 361 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3766 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : SMEs and the craft sector

With reference to the Integrated programme in favour of SMEs and the craft sector ( COM(94 ) 207 fin. / COS
0165 ), local and regional authorities have a crucial role to play in promoting the establishment and development
of SMEs, which is one way of helping regional economies and the employment market to develop . Could the
Commission therefore devote particular attention, in implementing the programme, to the exchange of
experience and information in respect of current programmes and the promotion of support measures ? Since a
Recommendation is too weak an instrument to secure more favourable arrangements for SMEs as regards
taxation, payment schedules and commercial transactions, could the Commission ensure that the resources
earmarked for SMEs are guaranteed and that the procedures for obtaining Community support are simplified ?

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 153

Reply given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

The integrated programme for small and medium-sized enterprises ( SMEs ) and the craft sector adopted in 1 994
was aimed at promoting high employment-intensive growth . Since SMEs can make a substantial contribution to
job creation, European enterprise policy has gradually moved from support for the development of the internal

market to coordination of the Community policies, and even of the national policies, which have an impact on
enterprises .

With this aim in mind, the Council recently adopted the third multiannual programme for SMEs ( 1997-2000 ) (')
and supported the principles of the integrated programme which was updated in 1996 .

In the domains of information, exchange of experience and promotion of supporting measures, the Commission
has created conditions which facilitate the flow of information to enterprises and co-operation not only between
enterprises but also between the various intermediary organisations .

To that end, the Commission has supported a large number of European co-operation projects which involve
especially small businesses, craft enterprises and their intermediaries . It has established, in particular, a number
of information and co-operation networks including the European Information Centres ( EICs ), the Business
Cooperation Centre ( BRE ) and the Business Corporation Network ( BC-Net ), whose development has been
fostered by the various competent organisations in the Member States, in line with the principle of subsidiarity .

The EIC network currently provides a link-up for 228 centres, 5 000 relay points and 1 9 correspondence centres,
thereby covering the whole Community, the European Economic Area and the neighbouring countries in eastern
and southern Europe . The BRE and BC-Net link the Community with 71 and 40 countries respectively with the
aim of promoting partnerships between enterprises . These two networks will eventually be interconnected via a
database to be incorporated into the Enterprise and Europartenariat programmes, which are intended to promote
meetings between entrepreneurs

The adoption of more binding legal instruments, such as directives, is difficult, as is their implementation in
domains subject to national legislation, which include taxation and civil and commercial law . A recommendation
enables the Commission to press ahead with consultations between the Member States on a more flexible basis .

The simplification of administrative procedures is one of the main tasks of Community action in favour of SMEs .
A recommendation is currently at the drafting stage and was presented to the Member States at the end of 1996 .

With a view to ensuring that the resources earmarked for SMEs are guaranteed and that the procedures for
obtaining Community support are simplified, the Commission decided earlier this year to reinforce the resources
of DG XXIII and established a new Directorate for this purpose . Within this Directorate, a new unit is specifically
charged with improving substantially the coordination of Community policy fields concerning SMEs . This
means that the Commission now has a dedicated structure in place to manage the coordination process from
conception of programmes right through to their realisation in the interests of SMEs .

(') Doc . COM(96 ) 591 final .

( 97 / C 138 / 362 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3769 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Economic development

With reference to the proposal for a Council regulation establishing a Cohesion Fund and the proposal for a
Council regulation laying down detailed rules for implementing the regulation establishing a Cohesion Fund
( COM(93 ) 699 / AVC 0943 (')), it is to be hoped that, in every region, the right balance will be found between
projects to be supported in the field of environmental protection and those relating to transport infrastructure .

Would the Commission ensure that the allocation of resources to the Cohesion Fund does not lead to a reduction

in Objective 1 operations for countries which are not eligible for the Fund, and would it consider a greater degree
of flexibility when applying the lower limit of ECU 1 0 m per project ?

(') OJ C 39, 9.2.1994, p . 6 .

No C 138 / 154 | EN I Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 24 January 1997 )

Structural Funds appropriations for Objective 1 and Cohesion Fund appropriations were decided by the
Edinburgh European Council in December 1992 for the 1993-99 period . Two distinct budgets are involved,
between which transfers cannot be made . As a result, the Commission cannot make transfers between the
structural funding for Objective 1 and the Cohesion Fund, nor does it intend to .

The main purpose of the Cohesion Fund is to strengthen economic and social cohesion and reduce the gaps and
development lags in the less favoured Member States . This is achieved in most cases by implementing
large-scale projects at obviously significant cost .

In this context a threshold of ECU 10 million for projects or groups of projects submitted for cohesion funding is
laid down in Regulation ( EC ) No 1 164 / 94 of 16 May 1994 (') establishing the Cohesion Fund, since its aim is to
assist as far as possible large projects .

However, Article 10(3 ) of the Regulation introduces a certain amount of flexibility and stipulates that, although
the total cost of a project or group of projects cannot normally be less than ECU 10 million, in duly justified cases
projects or groups of projects below this threshold may be approved .

The Commission has used the flexibility allowed by the Regulation to combine projects below the
ECU 10 million threshold where the projects or groups of projects are consistent with each other and implement
an obvious strategy . This is especially true in the case of the environment .

Such project combinations must have functional links, involve a particular sector and area and be carried out by
several authorities under a sectoral plan, with the further proviso that a single body is responsible for their
monitoring .

(') OJ L 130, 25.5.1994 .

( 97 / C 138 / 363 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3845 / 96

by Robert Evans ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 11 December 1996 )

Subject : Sanitary products and VAT

Do all European Union Member States impose VAT on sanitary products for women ( sanitary towels and
tampons ), and if so at what rate ?

Are there any plans to change the current situation ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

To the best of the Commission 's knowledge Member States impose value-added tax ( VAT ) on sanitary products
for women at the following rates :

Belgium 21
Denmark 25

Germany 15
Greece 8

Spain 16
France 5.5

Ireland 0

Italy 16
Luxembourg 15
Netherlands 6

Austria 20

Portugal 17
Finland 22

Sweden 25

United Kingdom 17,5

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 155

The current situation will be subject to revision in the context of the introduction of the new common system of
VAT which will address the question of VAT rates harmonisation .

( 97 / C 138 / 364 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3846 / 96

by Peter Mombaur ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 11 December J 996 )

Subject : B4-1020 — Budget for 1997 : Transport of radioactive material in the European Union

Considering the concerns raised by different non-governmental organizations and several Members of the
European Parliament in the various parliamentary committees, which have only just started to discuss the subject
of transport of radioactive material, we have been expecting that some budgetary provisions would be made to
enable the activities of the Commission in this field to be continued beyond 1996 .

However, no such provisions appear to have been made and it is therefore appropriate to ask the Commission the
following question : Which activities in this field will have to be covered in 1997 and what corresponding
estimated budget allocation will probably be needed to fulfil these activities ?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission

( 31 January 1997 )

In 1996, 2 MECU were available on line B4-1020 of the general budget tor the funding of projects in the area of
the safe transport of radioactive material .

Following a call for proposals (') and a selection procedure, the Commission has authorized the allocation of
funds to 18 priority projects amounting to 2 MECU . Because the decisions were taken only in November ­
December 1996, the projects selected will be implemented in the course of 1997 .

However, several more projects considered valuable by the standing working group on transport of radioactive
material ( SWG ) remain on a list of projects which could not be supported in 1 996 due to lack of funds, and which
could be carried out in 1997 subject to appropriations being made available by redeployment within the existing
budgetary restrictions .

(') OJ C 136, 8.5.19% .

( 97 / C 138 / 365 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3927 / 96

by Fiorella Ghilardotti ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 11 December 1996 )

Subject : Renewal of agreements between the EU and Switzerland — increase in quotas for dried meat

Is there any truth in the press reports that, in the negotiations on the renewal of the agreement between the
European Union and Switzerland, the Commission is granting an increase in the Swiss quota for duty-free
imports of dried meat without seeking a corresponding increase in the Community quota for exports to
Switzerland at the same time in order to restore the balance of trade ? What is the Commission securing from the
Swiss in exchange for these concessions ?

Is the Commission aware that by its action it is running the risk of seriously penalising a prized foodstuff of
Community origin, namely bresaola [ dried salt beef ], which is included on the list of products with a protected
geographical indication ( Regulation EEC No . 2081 / 92 (') of 1 July 1996 ), in favour of a non-Community product
of the same type but of inferior quality and selling at a lower price, both on the Swiss market and in the EU ?

Does the Commission not agree that the system of auctioning licences to import bresaola into Switzerland is an
improper means of raising the price of this product and pricing it out of the market ?

(') OJ L 208, 24.7.1992, p . 1 .

No C 138 / 156 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

The draft bilateral agricultural agreement between the Community and Switzerland provides for exemption from
duty for tariff quotas on imports into the Community ( 1 200 tonnes of dried beef ) and on imports into Switzerland
(1 000 tonnes of dried ham, including 480 tonnes of Parma and San Daniele ham and 200 tonnes of dried meat
including 170 tonnes of ' Bresaola ').

In this context, it must be remembered that the Community is already committed under the 1972 bilateral
agreement to import dried meat from Switzerland exempt from the fixed component of the customs duty and
without any quantitative restrictions .

Trends in actual imports are as follows : 730 tonnes in 1993, 811 tonnes in 1994 and 819 tonnes in 1995 . In view
of the above, the draft agreement does not appear to be unbalanced .

With regard to licensing arrangements, according to information from the Swiss authorities these arrangements
concern only the allocation of licences among importers . There is therefore no question of their restricting the
volume of imports nor pricing the product in question out of the market . The Commission has informed the Swiss
authorities that it reserves the right, under the agreement, to apply similar arrangements to imports of dried meat
from Switzerland .

( 97 / C 138 / 366 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3933 / 96

by Undme-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz ( V ) to the Commission

( JO January 1997 )

Subject : EU funds to Lower Saxony since 1993

How much has been paid in Community resources and through which projects and Funds to Lower Saxony :

1 . to promote employment and combat long-term unemployment :

( a ) from the European Regional Development Fund,

( b ) from the European Social Fund,

( c ) from the EAGGF and other EU resources ?

2 . to promote research and development :

( a ) in universities and colleges,

( b ) in the private sector ?

3 . to promote relations and trade with Central and East European countries ?

4 . from the energy and environment programmes ?

5 . from the youth programmes ?

6 . from the education programmes ?

7 . for women's projects ?

8 . for cultural projects ?

9 . What is the EU 's assessment ot the success of the measures ?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

( 24 February 1997 )

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question . It will communicate its findings as

soon as possible .

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 157

( 97 / C 138 / 367 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3936 / 96

by Richard Howitt ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : Financial support for the Colombian peace process

If the Colombian Government is really to implement reintegration programmes into civil society for people from
guerilla groups, it will need EC financial support . What action is being taken by the Commission to ensure this
financial support is available ?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

In response to a request for assistance from the Colombian Government the Commission funded an ECU 204 712
support programme for the reintegration of former guerrillas into civil life in 1995 .

The Commission is prepared to give positive consideration to any further requests for financial support on the
same subject .

( 97 / C 138 / 368 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3937 / 96

by Richard Howitt ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : Colombian peace process

What plans have been made by the Commission to monitor and follow up the implementation of any peace
agreement which is reached within Colombia ?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

As matters stand the Commission has not been approached about monitoring any peace agreement that may be
reached in Colombia .

Obviously, should a peace process ever emerge in that country the Commission would strive, as it has done in
similar situations in Central America, to give it maximum support .

( 97 / C 138 / 369 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3942 / 96

by Richard Howitt ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EC Delegation office in Lima, Peru

Under what authority or mandate does the Head of the Commission Delegation office in Lima use the title of ' EU
Ambassador ', as the Parliament 's recent delegation visits witnessed in correspondence, meetings and visits by
the current postholder in that country ? Do other Heads of Delegation offices adopt this title, and does the
Commission plan any action in this respec ' !

No C 138 / 158 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

The heads of the Commission 's delegations are normally accredited to the head of state with the personal rank
and courtesy title of ambassador . The Commission requires them to refrain from using this title especially in
contacts with Member States and with the institutions of the Community . However, the recognition and use of
this title by the authorities of the host country assists the heads of delegation in their representational tasks .

( 97 / C 138 / 370 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3944 / 96

by Jose Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : Leader II programme in Andalucia

What plans are there for concrete activities and European Union funding under the Leader II programme in
Andalucia ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 31 January 1997 )

The Community s financial contribution to the Leader II programme in Andalusia amounts to ECU 68.8 million
over the period 1994-99, comprising ECU 32.8 million from the European Regional Development Fund,
ECU 3 . 1 million from the European Social Fund and ECU 32.8 million from the European Agricultural Guidance
and Guarantee Fund ( Guidance Section ).

The Community contributions to the various measures under the Leader II programme can be summarized as
follows :

— acquisition of new capacity ECU 312 517

— rural innovation programmes ECU 67 5 1 1 1 97

— transnational cooperation ECU 625 034

— monitoring and assessment ECU 361 252

As regards the Honourable Member 's question about concrete operations under Leader II in Andalusia, the
Commission would like to point out that it does not have detailed information concerning the action plans of each
selected group .

This is because implementation of the Community ' Leader II ' Initiative is based on the principle of subsidiarity
and, accordingly, it is for the national government bodies involved in part-financing the programme ( central,
regional and local authorities ) to examine the projects submitted by applicant groups and to select those local
action groups which are to receive funding under the programme ( 22 groups have been selected in Andalusia ).

( 97 / C 138 / 371 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3952 / 96

by Gianni Tamino ( V ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : Commission veterinary experts

In its reply to Written Question E-l 159 / 96 (') by Mr Teverson, the Commission made the disturbing revelation
that it had only one veterinary expert working in the field of animal welfare and said it was ' ready to employ
further veterinary experts to fulfil its obligations if the necessary budgetary funds are made available '.

What steps have been taken with a view to recruiting and employing all the necessary staff without delay, given
the volume of Community legislation in this sensitive area ?

(') OJ C 345, 15.11.1996 . p . 34 .

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 159

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 17 February 1997 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-937 / 96 by
Mr Spiers (')•

(') OJ C 345, 15.11.1996 .

( 97 / C 138 / 372 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3959 / 96

by Elly Plooij-van Gorsel ( ELDR ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : Violation of human rights in Kazakhstan

1 . Is the Commission aware of the situation in camps for boys in Kazakhstan, as broadcast in the current
affairs programme Netwerk on 24 November 1996 in the Netherlands ?

2 . Can the Commission verify whether the situation is still the same as when the programme was broadcast ?

3 . If so, what action will the Commission undertake to ensure that human rights are respected in Kazakhstan ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(6 February 1997 )

1 . The Commission is aware of conditions in camps for young offenders in a number of the New Independent
States, as broadcast in the Dutch current affairs programme ' Netwerk ' on 24 November last year .

2 . The Commission has tried to find out whether there has been any improvement in the conditions described
by the programme . According to a UN expert who visited the camp late last year, conditions have improved to
the extent that the camp 's population is down from 500 to 100 boys, dangerous criminals have been transferred
and a training programme has been set up .

3 . The Commission is working to improve respect for human rights in Kazakhstan through TACIS
' democracy ' programmes implemented with non-governmental organizations : two projects are being carried out
under the 1994 budget and five under the 1995 budget .

( 97 / C 138 / 373 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3963 / 96

by Xaver Mayer ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 13 December 1996 )

Subject : Minimum size ol set-aside areas

The Community legal provisions on the minimum size of set-aside areas to be observed have, up to now,
contained an exemption provision allowing areas smaller than 0.3 hectares to be set aside provided they were
individual fields .

Why was this exemption abolished when it has been possible to apply it for four years ?

Why was it abolished, although the fact that an individual field is smaller than 0.3 hectares basically implies that
it is surrounded by permanent physical boundaries ?

Is the Commission aware that in areas where agriculture has a small field structure this provision can cause major
problems in coping with set aside and why does the Commission not take account of these facts ?

No C 138 / 160 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Answer given by M. Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 15 January 1997 )

Community legislation does not provide for the set aside of cadastral plots ( Flurstiick)with an area of less than
0.3 hectare . Set-aside must cover an entire plot of at least 0.3 hectare and smaller areas can be taken into
consideration only if they are plots with fixed boundaries such as walls, hedges and water courses ( see Article

3(1 ) of Regulation ( EC ) No 762 / 94 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation ( EEC )
No 1765 / 92 with regard to the set-aside scheme )(')    

The practice in two Member States of treading cadastral plots ( Flurstiick ) like plots with permanent physical
limits was tolerated in the early years of the reform although they did not fit the definition of a plot used in the
rules . The practice is no longer tolerated for inspection reasons .

The Commission believes that refusal to accept this practice will not create serious problems of adjustment since
it is large producers who are subject to the obligation to set-aside land . If the plots in question area set aside it
will, in view of their small size, most often be under the voluntary scheme, and then in order to benefit from the
premium without seriously contributing to the objective of set-aside, which is to controle production .

(') OJ L 90, 7.4.1994 .

( 97 / C 138 / 374 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3965 / 96

by Christian Rovsing ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 13 December 1996 )

Subject : Economic damage caused by anti-dumping duties on imports of cotton fabrics

The Commission has, with effect from 21 November 1996, introduced a temporary anti-dumping duty of
between 1 8% and 36% on imports of unprocessed cotton fabric from a number of third countries . However, this
will significantly impair the competitiveness of sections of the European textile industry which are involved in
design, product development and finishing activities by which cotton fabric is transformed into various types of
furnishing fabric or cloth for use in the clothing industry . In view of this, will the Commission state whether it is
aware of the economic damage caused by this duty and its negative impact on manufacturing and employment in
the European processing industry and whether it intends as soon as possible to include an analysis of the duty 's
impact on innovative sections of Europe 's textile industry in its overall assessment of the Community 's interests
in the textile sector ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

During the anti-dumping proceeding on unbleached cotton, the Commission has received many letters and
submissions pointing out not only the negative consequences of anti-dumping measures for downstream
industries, but also their positive effects on supplier industries .

The Commission is currently carrying out an extensive survey of the cotton textile industry to analyze
systematically whether the continuation of the recently introduced anti-dumping duties on unbleached cotton
fabrics is in the overall interest of the Community . A questionnaire has been sent to all known companies and
associations that may have an interest in the matter .

The answers to this questionnaire will ensure that the views of the hundreds of companies, from all parts of the
cotton textile production chain and from all parts of the Community, are effectively taken into account prior to a
decision on the need for definitive measures .

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 161

( 97 / C 138 / 375 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3966 / 96

by Antonio Tajani ( UPE ) to the Commission

(J 3 December 1996 )

Subject : Construction of the high-speed rail link in certain districts of Rome and in certain towns in the province

of Frosinone

Construction of the high-speed rail link, which will cut across a number of regions in Italy, is now under way .
Initial work on the Rome-Naples section in the districts of La Rustica, Tor Sapienza and Casal Bertone in Rome
and in a number of towns in the province of Frosinone has massively inconvenienced the local population . Under
the scheme, the rail link will also run alongside buildings which are occupied .

Will the Commission say :

1 . How it proposes to protect the health of the local population against noise and environmental pollution ?

2 . How it will enforce Community regulations on health protection ?

3 . What the minimum distance should be, in its opinion, between the railway line and housing which was built
before the rail-link was begun and is occupied ?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

( 24 January J 997 )

In general, the main responsibility for protection of the local population concerned rests with Member States and
in this case, therefore the Italian authorities . The Commission has a role in ensuring that Community law       - where
it exists         - is correctly applied and enforced . With respect to the three specific issues raised by the Honourable
Member :

1 . The Commission aims to improve citizens ' health and environmental protection through the application of
Community law .

This includes Directive 85 / 337 / EEC (') on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on
the environment . Further, in Article 8 of Decision 1692 / 96 / EC ( 2 ) on the development of the Trans-european
network, Member States committed themselves to take into account environmental protection when planning or
developing infrastructure projects .

Community law on environmental noise has essentially consisted of maximum emission levels for motor
vehicles and phasing out aircraft which do not comply with established noise limits . There is no Community
legal provision in force on train noise emissions . However, the problem of noise from high speed rail is
addressed by Council Directive 96 / 48 / EC of 23 July 1996 on interoperability on the high speed network ( 3 ). This
states that ' operation of the trans-european high speed rail network must remain within the statutory noise
nuisance limits ' which will be discussed in the framework of the committee established by the Directive .

The Commission 's green paper on the future noise policy ( 4 ), identifies further actions that could be undertaken
in order to reduce the noise emission from transport modes .

2 . The Commission takes all the appropriate measures to require Member States to respect the provisions of
Community law . The Honourable Member is invited to consult the Commission 's annual report on the
subject ( 5 ).

3 . Only national legislation in each Member State relates to this issue . There are currently no defined
Community standards relating to the proximity of rail lines and housing .

(') OJ L 175, 5.7.1995 .
( 2 ) OJ L 228, 9.9.1996 .
(<) OJ L 235, 17.9.1996 .
C ) COM(96 ) 540 final .
P ) OJ C 303, 14.10.1996 .

No C 138 / 162 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

( 97 / C 138 / 376 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3967 / 96

by Katerina Daskalaki ( UPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : Problems with Mediterranean farm produce

The mass demonstrations of Greek farmers are a direct consequence of the regulations introduced to reform the
markets for Mediterranean produce — tobacco, cotton, rice, fruit and vegetables — after May 1992 and of the
impact of the Commission 's proposals on a number of other agricultural products of importance in the
Mediterranean such as oil, wine etc .

In view of the fact that appropriations for agriculture in the Community budget are constantly being reduced —
indeed, the cutbacks for 1997 were drastic — and given the likelihood that sooner or later there will be similar
reactions in the other southern Member States of the Union growing Mediterranean produce, what measures will
the Commission take to deal effectively with the situation that has been created in Greece and to avoid a
repetition in the other southern European countries ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(5 February 1997 )

The Commission understands the Honourable Member 's concern over the farmers ' demonstrations in Greece .

The common agricultural policy ( CAP ) is an important element in the formation of agricultural income but other
factors help determine both it and more generally farmers ' living and working conditions in any Member State :
implementation of the CAP at national level, notably of the structural instruments for modernising agriculture,
other policies for which competence is national, notably social and fiscal policies, the capacity of producers to
organise themselves through cooperatives and lastly the financing conditions applied to agriculture through the
banking network .

Official income figures ( Eurostat ) show an improvement in the last few years in Greece as in most other Member
States : + 9.2% in 1994 and + 3.2% in 1995, in real terms per person employed in agriculture . It is true that the
provisional figure for 1 996 shows a slight fall of 2 . 1 % . The reasons for this are to be sought in short-term factors,
unfavourable for cereals and cotton ( poor yields ) but favourable for fruit and vegetables and olive oil .

Since 1992 the Community has been reforming its common market organisations ( CMOs ), a continuing process
responding to the wishes of the Member States, in particular the southern ones . So far the results have been on the
whole favourable as regards both market situation and income trend, notably for cereals and tobacco, which are
of particular relevance to Greece . It is still too soon to judge the impact of reform of certain CMOs ( fruit and
vegetables ) and others are still to be reformed ( wine, olive oil ).

It is not true to say that budget appropriations for agriculture are constantly being reduced . Since 1992 the budget
of the Guarantee Section of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund has risen by almost

10 billion ecus . The trend has been :

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997

31.12 34.59 32.97 36.90 39.07 40.81

The Commission will continue its close monitoring of the situation in Greece . For this purpose it is in constant
contact with the Greek Government .

( 97 / C 138 / 377 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3969 / 96

by Nikitas Kaklamanis ( UPE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Anti-dumping measures for imports from China

The European Committee of National Federations of the Leather, Travel Goods and Allied Industries ( CEDIM )
has lodged an appeal with the Commission ( DG I ) for anti-dumping measures in respect of four articles from

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 163

China ( men 's and women 's handbags, school bags and wallets ). Studies have revealed that goods from that
country are being sold at below cost price (' dumping ').

The Committee maintains that imposing quotas on these goods, for as long as possible, would greatly relieve the
industry in the Member States and prevent further job losses .

To illustrate the point, in Greece alone between 1992 and 1995, 3000 people lost their jobs and 336 businesses
closed down .

Has the Commission investigated this matter and what measures will it take to ensure the survival of leather
goods manufacturers and their workers ?

Answer given Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission

( 10 February 1997 )

The Commission is currently investigating allegations of injurious dumping concerning imports into the
Community of luggage, travel goods, briefcases, schoolbags and handbags originating in the People 's Republic
of China, as a result of complaints presented by the Community industry ( Cedim ) ('). A thorough investigation of
the existence of dumping, injury and the possible causal link existing between them is being conducted .
Furthermore, the Commission is also examining the various interests at stake in order to determine whether the
Community interest calls for intervention as envisaged in Article 2 1 of Council Regulation ( EC ) No 384 / 96 ( 2 ) on
protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Community . In this respect,
continuity of the leathergoods industry as well as employment in the sector are elements which are taken into
account in the examination of Community interest .

It should also be noted that any definitive decision on the imposition of anti-dumping measures is taken by the
Council, acting by simple majority of Member States on the basis of a proposal from the Commission, as
provided in Article 9 ( 4 ) of Council Regulation ( EC ) No 384 / 96 .

Furthermore it is worth mentioning that, as a consequence of the graduation mechanism introduced by the
Community scheme of generalised tariff preferences ( GSP ), since 1 January 1997 the People 's Republic of China
has lost 50% of the preferential margin on all leather articles and as from 1 January 1998 these items will have to
pay the full rate of the customs duty .

C ) Comité europeen des industries de la maroquinerie .

( 2 ) OJ L 56 . 6.3.1996 .

( 97 / C 138 / 378 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3982 / 96

by Carmen Diez de Rivera Icaza ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Sex tourism

Will the Commission 's forthcoming White Paper on tourism contain specific proposals and initiatives to prevent
as far as possible the scandal of sex tourism ?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission

(4 February 1997 )

The Commission has recently adopted and transmitted to the Parliament a communication (') on combatting
child sex tourism . This communication provides a reference framework for Community action to combat child
sex tourism, placing it in a medium and long term perspective, with the emphasis on a limited number of targeted
objectives .

The comprehensive set of proposals for action included in the communication are designed to help deter and
punish child sex abusers, stem the flow of sex tourists from the Member States, help to combat sex tourism in
third countries and encourage Member States to take a united stand against child sex tourism .

No C 138 / 164 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

The approach set out is based on reinforcement of consultation and concertation, involving the Member States,
the tourism industry and the non-governmental organizations principally concerned .

The Commission is confident that this communication will allow the Member States to reaffirm their willingness
and ability to combat child sex tourism and to cooperate in the introduction of practical measures to deal with the
problem . It envisages the establishment of an indicative timetable and rolling plan for the launching of actions
together with a review of progress .

(') Doc . COM ( 96 ) 547 final .

( 97 / C 138 / 379 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4007 / 96

by Hilde Hawlicek ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Use of OECD data on educational matters

Annex I to the White Paper ' Teaching and Learning — Towards the Learning Society ' ( COM ( 95 ) 590 ) includes
a very limited amount ( less than three pages ) of facts and figures drawn from OECD documents from the

1991 / 1992 period .

The introduction to the White Paper promises a comparative analysis of education policies in the various
Member States .

As a comparative exercise of that kind would be very useful, would the Commission answer the following two
questions :

1 . Why does the White Paper not use the OECD data available to outline the individual countries ' special
features, compare them and identify exemplary aspects of the various Member States ' respective education
policies ?

2 . Does the Commission 's DG XXII draw on the OECD 's regularly updated data on education for its own
work ?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

( 13 February 1997 )

1 . The white paper Teaching and learning — towards the learning society ' aimed to discuss the role of
education and training in the society on a more fundamental level . Thus, the tables containing educational data
and examples of good practice cited in the white paper were to illustrate some of the more important aspects of
European education and training policy rather than to develop a systematic approach to comparison and good
practice, which although very important, would have been beyond the scope of the white paper . However, the
Commission considers that such a systematic approach is essential for the development of European education
and training policy . Thorough and consistent analysis of the different systems in Member States has long been a
focus of its work . The Commission has published a compendium ' Vocational training . Innovation and diversity
in dialogue . Practices between social partners ' ( May 1996 ) and is currently working on a systematic comparison
leading to a report on implementing the Council Recommendation on access to continuing vocational training to
be submitted to the Parliament in 1977 .

2 . The Commission uses the educational data issued by the Organization for economic cooperation and
development ( OECD ) on a regular basis, as well as data from other sources regarded as sufficiently up-to-date
and reliable so as to ensure maximum homogeneity and comparability . OECD data are a major source of the
periodical ' Key data on education in the European Union ' published regularly by the Commission ( Eurydice
programme ).

5.5.97 EN Otficial Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 165

( 97 / C 138 / 380 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4008 / 96

by Hilde Hawlicek ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Cooperation between the Commisssion and the Council of Europe in the field of foreign language

teaching

During the seminars held by the Commission on the five objectives of the White Paper on ' Teaching and
Learning — Towards the Learning Society ' ( COM ( 95)590 ), experts who had been invited to address the
meetings referred to the experience and know-how of the Council of Europe in the field of foreign languages and
foreign language learning . At the same time they accused the Commission of making insufficient use of that
expertise .

Did the Commission draw on Council of Europe materials and experience in the field of languages and language
learning when drawing up the White Paper ?

How have the Commission and the Council of Europe worked together in the field of languages and language
learning up to now ? Have there been joint projects or examples of cooperation ? Are there any contacts between
officials to avoid crossed wires ?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

( 17 February 1997 )

The Commission and the Council of Europe have maintained an ongoing exchange of information on their
activities in this field ( mainly the Community 's Lingua programme, now incorporated into Socrates, and the
Council of Europe 's series of ' modern languages ' projects ). Of particular note in this regard is the cooperation on
drawing up a common reference framework for language qualifications and the participation of Commission
staff in workshops organised by the Council of Europe .

The European Centre for Modern Languages in Graz, set up in 1 994 under the auspices of the Council of Europe,
is planning, in close collaboration with the Commission, to hold a conference on ' teaching and learning modern
languages in Central and Eastern Europe '. The purpose of this conference, scheduled for February 1997, is to
impress upon Europe 's citizens the importance of learning modern languages, and to provide a forum for an
exchange of views with the Central and Eastern European countries on language teaching / learning policies both
there and in the Community .

The Commission will also attend the final conference of the Council of Europe 's ' modern languages ' project,

scheduled for 15-18 April 1997 .

For the purposes of drafting the White Paper, the Commission took into account all existing experience in the
field of language learning / teaching .

( 97 / C 138 / 381 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4012 / 96

by Rinaldo Bontempi ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Request for an agreement on social security between the European Union and the Principality of

Monaco

There are many cases of European Union citizens working in the Principality of Monaco, who have regularly
paid social insurance contributions whilst they worked but are refused unemployment benefit when their job
comes to an end . This is because the Principality of Monaco considers that the benefit should be paid by the
country of residence .

In actual fact the cause of these problems is that there is no agreement on social security between the European
Union and the Principality of Monaco . This prevents application of the Community coordinating rules referred to
in Regulation ( EEC ) 1408 / 71 (')■

Can the Commission therefore say whether it intends to propose the conclusion of a cooperation or association
agreement, including arrangements in the social sector, between the European Union and the Principality of
Monaco, to facilitate the application of the Community coordinating rules laid down in Regulation 1408 / 71 ?

(') OJ C 325 . 10.12.1992 . p . 1 .

No C 138 / 166 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5.5.97

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 11 February 1997 )

The Commission is well aware of this problem . An increasing number of Community nationals are experiencing
difficulties in obtaining unemployment or health-care benefits when they move to Monaco . The Community
citizens find it surprising that Community rules do not apply in the Principality of Monaco, considering its
geographical location .

The Commission is therefore looking into the possibility of drawing up an agreement along the same lines as for
the Republic of San Marino . Since, however, such a proposal would not be concerned only with social security,
the Commission must assess the implications for all the areas covered .

( 97 / C 138 / 382 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-4016 / 96

by Marianne Thyssen ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 18 December 1996 )

Subject : Amendment of the VAT rate for ornamental plants

On 25 June 1996, the Council of Ministers adopted Council Directive 96 / 42 / ECC ) amending Directive
77 / 388 / EEC ( 2 ) on the common system of value added tax, thereby giving Member States the option of applying
a reduced rate of VAT to supplies of live plants and other products from the floricultural sector .

This option has led to a situation in those Member States where the reduced VAT rate is applied where the simple
supply of flowers and plants is subject to a reduced VAT rate, while the supply of flowers and plants as part of the
provision of services, specifically in the case of garden construction, not regarded as a commercial activity
separate from the provision of services, is therefore subject to the standard VAT rate .

1 . Does not the Commission feel that this gives rise to a situation where the providers of a service that
involves the supply of plants and flowers are at a competitive disadvantage compared with those who simply
supply plants and flowers ?

2 . Does not the Commission feel that this rule will encourage the black economy or at least discourage
consumers from calling in professional service providers ?

3 . Would it not be appropriate to make the supply of products subject to its own VAT rate when it is part and
parcel of the provision of services ?

(') OJ L 170, 9.7.1996, p . 34 .
( 2 ) OJ L 145, 13.6.1977 . p . I.

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 14 February 1997 )

1 . In the Commission 's opinion the supply of services is always distinct from the supply of goods, regardless
whether or not the supplies take place in the same field of business activity . In this sense direct distortions of
competition between the sale of ornamental plants in a shop and garden constructions can arise only to a limited
extent . The fundamental problem of VAT-induced distortions of competition will be addressed in the framework
of the new common system of VAT for which the Commission put forward a work programme in July 1996 (').
One of the essential characteristics of VAT is its neutrality concerning conditions of competition . Maintaining
the possibility of applying too many different rates under the new system would endanger this neutrality .

2 . The Commission is mindful that the VAT mechanism does not always function particularly well in sectors
which have few deductible VAT inputs and where most of the customers are private individuals without a right
of deduction . Applying a high VAT rate to such sectors may under specific circumstances indeed tend to
encourage recourse to non-declaration .. This is an important general problem of current taxation systems . As far
as VAT is concerned the problem will certainly be considered in the Commission 's proposals for the new VAT

system .

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 167

3 . As to the application of different VAT rates to the supply of goods effected in the framework of an overall
supply of services, it is a basic principle of applying VAT to check whether or not it is really possible to
distinguish the various components of a supply . If the supply of a service prevails over the supply of goods,
which in turn is inseparably linked to this very service, the whole operation is conclusively treated as one single
supply . In other words this means that where goods or services of different kind are supplied to customers in a
single transaction by the same person they should be treated as separate supplies for VAT purposes unless one
product or service is so predominant as to constitute the real substance of the transaction . In assessing the
substance of the transaction it is necessary to have regard to the perception of consumers and to external evidence
such as the identification of separate items in the contract or other documents associated with the transaction .

(') COM(% ) 328 .

{ 91 1 C 138 / 383 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-4023 / 96

by Elly Plooij-van Gorsel ( ELDR ) to the Commission

( 18 December 1996 )

Subject : Cost to the retail trade of the introduction ot the euro

The introduction of the euro is going to cost the retail trade a great deal of money . In the Netherlands alone, the
cost of introducing the new currency is estimated at 2 billion Dutch guilders . The cost is so high because the
Committee for the Introduction of the Euro is insisting on a six-month period during which the euro and the old
currency may be used alongside each other . A lengthy transitional period also has the major disadvantage that
mistakes may be made in shops when prices are being converted . In addition, articles must be priced in two
currencies .

1 . Is the Commission aware of these problems with which the retail trade will have to cope ?

2 . Is the Commission prepared to reduce the period during which the euro and the old currency may be used
alongside each other ? If not, why not ?

3 . Is the Commission aware that the date for the introduction of the euro — 1 January 2002 — is unfavourable
for many retail traders ? It will be difficult for them to prepare for the introduction of the euro during the busy
holiday months prior to its introduction . What is more, January is usually the month when many customers come
in to exchange unwanted gifts . Retail traders are also under extra pressure because the sales begin in January,
when lots of items must be marked down .

4 . Is the Commission prepared to cooperate in the selection of a different date for the introduction of the euro,
for example 4 February 2002 ?

5 . The transition to the euromay also proceed more smoothly if payment by electronic means is introduced on
a large scale in the European Union . What is the Commission doing to encourage the use of payment by
electronic means ?

Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission

(6 February 1997 )

Through discussions with the representatives of the retail trade, the Commission is aware of the problems being
encountered by the sector in connection with the introduction of the euro .

No decision to shorten phase C of the Madrid scenario has been taken . In May 1997 the Commission will hold a
conference to examine this matter in depth . Representatives of the retail trade will be among those present .

The Commission has taken note of the problems that the date of introduction of 1 January 2002 will pose for the
retail trade . In most Member States, however, the financial year begins on 1 January, with the result that a
changeover on that date would simplify matters in the accounting field . This problem too will be on the agenda of
the conference .

Lastly, the Commission agrees with the Honourable Member that encouraging the use of payment by electronic
means is bound to facilitate the transition to the euro .

No C 138 / 168 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

( 97 / C 138 / 384 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4027 / 96

by Pedro Marset Campos ( GUE / NGL ), Mana Sornosa Martínez ( GUE / NGL ),
Laura González Alvarez ( GUE / NGL ) and Angela Sierra González ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Exploitation of women 's labour in the region of Murcia ( Spain )

A report by sociology experts has provoked a scandal regarding the working conditions suffered by women in
certain sectors of the canning and fruit and vegetable industries in the region of Murcia ( Spain ), focusing on the
insecurity and harsh working conditions experienced by this group .

The report also reveals the existence of serious irregularities in social security contributions, unreliable contracts
and exploitation of women 's labour reminiscent of other eras .

The report details complaints by workers at the pressures under which they work, saying how they are forced to
take drugs, tranquillizers and soft drinks to offset the physical discomfort produced by working under these
conditions without the rest periods necessary for maintaining a constant rate of production .

Given that this situation is a violation of human rights, workers ' rights, women 's rights and the plan of action
concerning non-discrimination against women signed by all the Member States, will the Commission say :

1 . whether it is aware of this situation ?

2 . what measures it intends to take to enforce Conujiunity legislation on protection of workers ' health ?

3 . what type of measures it considers necessary to improve the working conditions in this and other sectors ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 10 February 1997 )

1 . The report to which the Honourable Members refer has not been sent to the Commission, which is
nevertheless aware of the situation in the Spanish region of Murcia .

2, 3 . Insofar as the women concerned are workers within the meaning of Article 3 of Directive 89 / 391 / EEC (')
on improvements in the safety and health of workers at work, it is up to their employer to evaluate all risks to
health and safety in accordance with Article 6(3)(a ) of the Directive as transposed by the ley de prevention de los
riesgos laborales . Following this evaluation, the employer must take preventive measures and adopt appropriate
working and production methods .

Under Article 4(2 ) of the above-mentioned Directive, the Member States are responsible for ensuring adequate
controls and supervision as regards the implementation of these measures . It is therefore up to the competent
institution at national level — in this case the Spanish Labour Inspectorate — to check that national measures for
the implementation of the Directive are being complied with by employers .

The Commission would remind the Honourable Members that, within the framework of its responsibilities, it
will for its part ensure that secondary legislation is transposed properly and effectively by the Member States . In
cases where any problems arise as regards national transposition measures, the Commission will if necessary
institute infringement proceedings as provided for in Article 169 of the EC Treaty .

(') OJ L 183, 29.6.1989 .

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 169

( 97 / C 138 / 385 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4028 / 96

by Pedro Marset Campos ( GUE / NGL ), María Sornosa Martinez ( GUE / NGL ),
Laura González Alvarez ( GUE / NGL ) and Angela Sierra González ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Irregularities in social security contributions in the canning and fruit and vegetable industries in the

region of Murcia ( Spain )

A report drawn up by experts and covered widely by the media has revealed irregularities in the system for
paying social security contributions by various firms in the canning and fruit and vegetable industries in the
region of Murcia ( Spain ).

The report makes it clear that this situation is not an isolated incident and irregularities are occurring on a large
scale, affecting in particular female workers employed for the most part in sectors where job insecurity is rife .

Few complaints are made to the authorities about the conditions suffered by these workers because they are
afraid of losing their jobs, as evidenced by the dismissal of one female worker who complained about conditions .

Since this situation is a violation of human rights, workers ' rights, women 's rights and the action plan for
non-discrimination against women signed by all Member States, will the Commission say :

1 . whether it is aware of this situation ?

2 . whether it considers that a full enquiry should be conducted by the Spanish authorities in order to remedy
these irregularities ?

3 . what measures it intends to take to ensure that the Spanish authorities guarantee the jobs of workers who
complain about these irregularities ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 11 February 1997 )

1, 3 . The Honourable Members ' attention is drawn to the Commission 's answer to their written question No
E-4027 / 96 (').

2 . The Commission regrets that it does not have sufficient information at its disposal to be able to reply to this
question .

(') See page 168 .

( 97 / C 138 / 386 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4038 / 96

by Ernesto Caccavale ( UPE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Opening of a Commission office in Naples ( Italy )

There are two Commission offices in Italy covering the north and the centre of the country . The south is not
covered and it is a well known fact that it has always had considerable difficulties in obtaining information about
the Community despite being an area which qualifies for a large amount of Community funding .

Attention has already been drawn in the past to the need for a Community reference point to meet the
requirements of the south, and requests have been made on several occasions to open a Commission office in
Naples .

Given that the process of restructuring DG X is currently under way, what is the Commission doing to deal with
these longstanding requests ? If it has not so far taken them into account, can it study this request more closely,
bearing in mind at all events the financial situation ?

No C 138 / 170 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

( 17 February 1997 )

The Commission keeps under constant review its policy of decentralization in order to ensure the availability of

information throughout the Community .

In the context of restructuring of the Directorate general, for information, culture and audiovisual media to which
the Honourable Member refers, it is the Commission 's intention to re-examine the role of its representations in
the Member States including the feasibility, given the current budgetary climate particularly in relation to human
resources, of opening an office in Naples in 1998 . In this respect, the Commission will take account of its
previous decisions regarding the creation of regional offices .

( 97 / C 138 / 387 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4039 / 96

by Jose Apolinario ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Funds allocated under the LEADER II programme

What is the current position regarding implementation of the LEADER II programme ? What amounts have been
allocated and on what dates were they transferred ? If there have been any delays in transferring these amounts,
what are the reasons ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 29 January 1997 )

The LEADER programme II was approved by the Commission on 29 March 1995 for the period 1994-99, with
Community part-financing of ECU 117.6 million .

So far, financial transfers have been as follows :

1st advance 1994 EAGGF (') Guidance Section ECU 362 500 in May 1995
1st advance 1994 ERDF ( 2 ) ECU 31 500 in May 1995
2nd advance 1994 EAGGF Guidance Section ECU 217 500 in January 1996
2nd advance 1994 ERDF ECU 18 900 in February 1996
1st advance 1995 EAGGF Guidance Section ECU 2 974 000 in January 1996
1st advance 1995 ERDF ECU 1 744 000 in February 1996
2nd advance 1995 EAGGF Guidance Section ECU 1 784 400 in August 1996
2nd advance 1995 ERDF ECU 1 064 400 in November 1996

1st advance 1996 ESF (- 1 ) ECU 259 000 in February 1996 .

The requests for payment submitted by the Member States have always been honoured by the Commission
within the deadlines set by the Structural Fund coordination regulation .

(') European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund .
( : ) European Regional Development Fund .

( ! ) European Social Fund .

( 97 / C 138 / 388 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-4041 / 96

by Laura González Alvarez ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Storms in Asturias, Cantabria and Catalonia ( Spain )

The storms of 6 and 7 December 1 996 in Asturias, Cantabria and Catalonia ( Spain ) caused substantial damage to
both public and private property, estimated at approximately Ptas 5000 m in the Autonomous Community of
Cantabria and at several hundred million pesetas in those of Asturias and Catalonia .

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 171

The Government of Cantabria, at an extraordinary meeting of 9 December 1996, agreed to ask the Spanish
Cabinet to adopt a decree-law providing for urgent action to alleviate the damage caused by the storm in the
region, which, for the regional road network and water network alone, is, according to a preliminary estimate,
over Ptas 1 100 m, suggesting an overall figure of about Ptas 5000 m .

Can the Commission, as a matter of urgency, provide for aid to be supplied to the persons and municipalities
affected and draw up, together with the Spanish authorities, a plan for the rehabilitation of the areas affected and
the reconstruction of infrastructures, buildings and agricultural and stockbreeding installations ?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

( 29 January 1997 )

The Commission would like to express its full sympathy with the Spanish people hit by the storms in Asturias,
Cantabria and Catalonia in December 1 996 .

As there is only a token entry at budget item B4-3400 for 1997, Community emergency aid for victims of storms
cannot be considered under current circumstances . Naturally, the Commission, as is its practice, is ready to
examine any request for action sent to it by the Spanish authorities .

Moreover, the Commission would remind the Honourable Member that this aid is not compensation for damage .
It is intended as a mark of Community solidarity with its citizens who have been severely hit by a disaster of
exceptional scope and gravity .

( 97 / C 138 / 389 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-4042 / 96

by Luciano Vecchi ( PSE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Law of the Region of Veneto on travel agencies and tour operators and freedom of movement for

citizens

The Veneto Regional Council ( in Italy ) recently approved a law introducing new regulations for travel agencies,
tour operators and other organisations operating in the sector . Article 4 of the law lays down rules which are a
blatant violation of the principle of freedom of movement for citizens .

Under this law, national associations which also operate in the tourist sector can only provide tourist services to
members who have at least two months ' membership .

This would prevent citizens from other Member States from benefitting, in the Region of Veneto, from services
normally available in any other European country and in all the other regions of Italy, for example the
international student pass or Youth Hostel Association membership .

The Italian Government has referred the law back to the Regional Council but it could be readopted .

What is the Commission 's position on this aspect of the Region of Veneto ' s new law ? Will it take steps to protect
freedom of movement for citizens from the effects of this law ?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission

( 17 February 1997 )

The Commission is aware of the issue raised by the Honourable MembeY and has commenced an examination of
the possible implications insofar as Community law is concerned .

No C 138 / 172 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

( 97 / C 138 / 390 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4046 / 96

by Edith Miiller ( V ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Sanctions under the Lome Convention

In the new version of Article 5 of the Lome IV Convention, respect for human rights and upholding the principles
of democracy and the rule of law are essential elements of the Convention .

The Agreement revising the Convention introduces Article 366a which, in the event of failure to fulfil an
obligation in respect of one of the essential elements referred to in Article 5, permits sanctions — the last resort
being full suspension of application of the Convention . The procedure and the deadlines are also set out in
Article 366a .

A proposal was made early in 1996 to increase the effectiveness of the Article 366a procedure . This would
involve the Member States of the EU requesting the Council of the EU to take whatever measures might be
appropriate pursuant to Article 366a .

A final decision on this Commission proposal on the internal procedures to be adopted by the Council of the EU
and the European Parliament on implementing sanctions under the Lome Convention has not yet been taken .

When is this decision likely to be taken ?

What form will it take ?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission

( 14 February 1997 )

The proposal for a decision relating to the procedure for implementing Article 366a of the fourth Lome
Convention was discussed in the Council in spring 1 996 . Despite headway made, the unanimous agreement and
consent of all the representatives has not been secured .

At this stage, then, it is impossible to establish when the decision will be taken .

( 97 / C 138 / 391 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-4058 / 96

by Marie-Arlette Carlotti ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : Conflict prevention mechanism in the Mediterranean

Of the three pillars of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership, the one concerning political and security partnership
does not seem to have benefited from the same progress as the other two .

Attacks in France during 1995 and — apparently — the further attack in December 1996 arise from exports of a
new form of terrorism that is threatening European territory .

1 . What progress has been made on political and security issues under the Euro-Mediterranean partnership ?

2 . In view of the plans to create ' an area of peace and stability in the Mediterranean ' as set out in the Barcelona
Declaration, is there not a need to set up a conflict prevention and arms limitation mechanism ?

Answer given by Mr Mann on behalf of the Commission

( 30 January 1997 )

Political and security issues have a special place in the follow-up to the Euro-Mediterranean Conference, held at
Barcelona in November 1995 . Five meetings of the senior officials tasked with the related dialogue took place in

1996 ; particularly satisfactory progress was made with this dialogue along three avenues :

— confidence-building measures were approved ( the formation of a network of political and security
correspondents ; preparation of inventories in the civil rights and disarmament fields ; starting a Euro ­
Mediterranean network of defence institutes ; the planned introduction of machinery for political and military
leaders to exchange views ; the current development of a system for civil and military cooperation in the
event of a disaster in the region );

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 173

— an action plan, covering six fields, is now under discussion ( strengthening of democracy, preventive
diplomacy, confidence-building and security measures, disarmament, terrorism and organized crime );

— a Euro-Mediterranean charter for peace and stability is in preparation . This will consist of institutional
arrangements for dialogue and crisis prevention and is the main object of the political and security
component of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership .

In the present political context of the Mediterranean region the dialogue allows discussion among and progress
by the 27 Euro-Mediterranean partners on the issues of conflict prevention and arms limitation . The development
of specific mechanisms is also under discussion .

( 97 / C 138 / 392 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-4059 / 96

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : Participation of Crete in the Community 's Interreg II C initiative

The intergovernmental meeting which took place in Brussels on 3 and 4 July 1996 to draw up inter-regional
cooperation programmes for the new Community Interreg II C initiative included among the various
geographical areas a programme for the ' Mediterranean area ' incorporating Spain, Italy, France, Greece,
Portugal, Cyprus and Malta . This was a particularly welcome development as it furthered cooperation in the
Mediterranean and encouraged a joint approach to the many problems that the Mediterranean countries have in

common .

Since then, however, there have been certain developments which appear to negate this prospect . In particular, a
number of Member States are pursuing various measures to fragment the ' Mediterranean area ' and replace it with
a programme of cooperation incorporating regions in the Alps and the western Mediterranean . The result of such
a strategy would undoubtedly be to exclude the regions of northern Italy, Greece, including Crete, and Cyprus
and Malta from the program .

Since such a development would directly undermine economic and social cohesion in the Mediterranean basin
and future prospects for the unity of regional planning in the Mediterranean, will the Commission say whether it
is satisfied or not with such a scenario and, if it is dissatisfied with the prospect, what measures will it take to
avert it ?

( 97 / C 138 / 393 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-4130 / 96

by Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Participation of Crete in the Community initiative INTERREG II ' C '

When drawing up the interregional cooperation programmes for the new Community initiative INTER ­
REG II ' C ' at the Intergovernmental Conference held in Brussels on 3 and 4 July 1996, a programme for . the

' Mediterranean area ' was included among the various geographical regions . Spain, Italy, France, Greece,
Portugal and also Cyprus and Malta will take part in that programme .

This was a particularly positive outcome as it increased the extent of inter-Mediterranean cooperation and
encouraged a common approach to tackling the many problems faced by those countries . However, in the wake
of certain developments, it appears that the opposite is true . For example, some countries are taking steps to bring
about the fragmentation of the ' Mediterranean area ' and its partial replacement by a cooperation programme
which would include Alpine and Western Mediterranean regions . Such a move would certainly result in the
regions of southern Italy, Greece ( including Crete ), Cyprus and Malta being excluded from the programme in
question .

Given that this would have adverse repercussions for the economic and social cohesion of the Mediterranean
basin and does not augur well for the future of regional unity in the Mediterranean, can the Commission state
whether it agrees or disagrees with this approach and, in the latter case, what steps it intends to take to prevent
such developments ?

No C 138 / 174 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Joint answer

to Written Questions P-4059 / 96 and P-4 130 / 96
given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(5 February 1997 )

The potential areas for transnational cooperation under the Community Initiative Interreg II C which were
identified at the launch seminar held on 3 and 4 July 1996 were only indicative . These designations were not
binding either for the Commission or for the Member States concerned, as was pointed out at the seminar . The
Commission subsequently invited the Member States to submit letters of intent expressing their readiness to
develop joint operational programmes for each area .

A joint letter of intent from Spain, France and Italy was received by the Commission at the beginning of October

1996, in which these Member States express their intention of preparing an operational programme together for
the ' Western Mediterranean and Alpes maritimes ' . At the meeting of the management committee for Community
Initiatives held in Brussels on 17 October 1996, the Greek delegation expressed its wish to join this cooperation
project, a wish to which the Spanish, French and Italian delegations said they were open . The Greek authorities
had also written to the Commission to signal their interest in taking part in a project in the Mediterranean . The
Commission supported this Greek request and wrote on 6 November 1996 to the three Member States concerned
underlining the value of developing a broad spatial vision across the whole Mediterranean basin and the need to
base this on an agreement among the potential partners in a given area .

According to the latest information available to the Commission ( since a draft operational programme has not yet
been received from the Member States concerned ), it would seem that Greece is also to take part in broader
cooperation in the Mediterranean together with Spain, France and Italy as well as possibly other non-member
countries . This cooperation would cover at least the development of a spatial vision for the region as a whole .
However, it is not the intention that all the regions in an area should take part in all the activities under every

programme .

( 97 / C 138 / 394 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4064 / 96

by Thomas Megahy ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Occupational pensions and labour mobility

What action does the Commission intend to take to bring about the implementation of recommendations ( by the
panel of experts on removing barriers to labour mobility ) to improve the portability of occupational pensions ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 10 February 1997 )

The Commission is presently considering what action is appropriate in the light of the recommendations of the
Veil group on the safeguarding of occupational pension rights of workers who make use of their right to free
movement . It should be able to present a concrete legislative proposal in the next few months .

( 97 / C 138 / 395 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4076 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Surveillance and control of communicable diseases

The Commission proposal set out in COM(96)0078 final (') falls within the sphere of joint jurisdiction of the
Community and the Member States, and is aimed at creating a network for the epidemiological surveillance and
control of communicable diseases in the European Community . Owing to the full participation of the Member
States in its organization and implementation, the network should make it possible to achieve mutual cooperation
and coordination in the compilation, processing and exchange of the information needed to prevent and control
communicable diseases . This Community action therefore focuses on disease prevention and complies with the
principle of subsidiarity and the requirement of proportionality .

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 175

As far as ' control ' is concerned, can the Commission ensure that this is interpreted in a preventive sense, i.e.
through the laying down of common guidelines and the convergence and harmonization of preventive measures
for communicable diseases ?

(') OJ C 123, 26.4.1996, p . 10 .

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(6 February 1997 )

Article 2 of the proposal for a Parliament and Council decision creating a network for the epidemiological
surveillance and control of communicable diseases in the Community ( ] ), provides a definition of the term
control, which includes the preventive dimension to which the Honourable Member refers . The Parliament, in its
opinion on the first reading of the proposal on 1 1 November 1996, agreed with the formulation put forward by
the Commission .

(') OJ C 123 of 26.4.1996 .

( 97 / C 138 / 396 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-4087 / 96

by Fernando Fernandez Martin ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : The map of Europe on the new single currency

At the recent European summit in Dublin ending the Irish presidency the proposed design for the new currency,
the euro, was presented to the public in its various denominations . The design incorporates a map of Europe
showing the various countries making up the Union, according to reports throughout the European press,
including of course the press in Spain .

According to these reports the map does not show the archipelago of the Canary Islands, although other
European islands are visible . This has caused an outcry in Spanish public opinion, particularly in the Canary
Islands, which is politically, socially and culturally sensitive to such matters .

Is the Commission aware of the repercussions and serious problems to which this omission may give rise ? What
does it propose to do to rectify and prevent them ?

Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission

( 11 February 1997 )

The Commission is aware of the fact that the Canary Islands, as well as other islands which are part of the
Community, do not appear in the map of Europe which is part of the design of the euro notes .

This issue was raised by the Spanish authorities at the European Council in Dublin . They have also addressed
their concerns to the European monetary institute ( EMI ) which is the institution responsible for the definition and
issuance of euro notes . In the process of preparing the design for the print tests, the EMI together with the
winning artist, will include missing islands as far as it is technically possible .

It may be noted that the map of Europe included in the design is an artistic expression of Europe in the
geographical sense . It has to be understood as a symbolic representation of Europe, and it does not intend to be
the map of the Member States of the Community .

No C 138 / 176 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

( 97 / C 138 / 397 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4089 / 96

by Jutta Haug ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : EU funding of the Emscher-Lippe region since 1 994

1 . How much EU funding has been channelled to the Emscher-Lippe region since 1994 ?

2 . Through which projects and funds has this funding been provided to the region ?

3 . What projects have been carried out in the following specific fields, and how much funding was provided
for them :

( a ) cultural projects

( b ) women's projects

( c ) combating long-term unemployment

( d ) promoting employment

( e ) youth

( f ) education

( g ) environment ?

4 . What is the Commission 's assessment of the success of these measures ?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

( 25 February 1997 )

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question . It will communicate its findings as
soon as possible .

( 97 /C 138 / 398 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4096 / 96

by María Sornosa Martínez ( GUE / NGL )
and Laura González Alvarez ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Torture of minors in Bangladesh

Media reports have described the situation of two children in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, who have been
chained to a piece of wood for several months as a punishment for truancy . The police authorities have stated that
this punishment cannot be annulled, since the parents have given their approval .

This is not an isolated incident, since the maltreatment of minors, rape without punishment due to the application
of Islamic law and the use of child labour occur with alarming frequency both in Bangladesh and in many other
countries .

Bearing in mind the steps taken by the European Parliament in support of the rights of minors and improving
their quality of life, can the Commission instigate any measures to be taken by the Member States to exert
pressure on those countries whose law violates human rights and the rights of the child in order to prevent such
practices from continuing ?

What measures would be appropriate ?

Could the Commission carry out and distribute a study on the treatment of minors in developing countries,
specifying both the legislation to which they are subject and the laws which protect them and what measures
would help to resolve the problem of the violation of their rights ?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission

(6 February 1997 )

In the view of the Commission the two cases cited by the Honourable Member are extreme . It cannot be said that
the maltreatment of children is religiously sanctioned or is permitted by law . Bangladesh is not a

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 177

fundamentalist country and Sharia law is not imposed by any civil authority . The low status of children is
essentially due to poverty, illiteracy and lack of democratic institutions to monitor parents ' accountability to
society .

The Commission is working at the root of the problems mentioned above, and poverty alleviation is one of the
main objectives of current Community cooperation strategy . Piecemeal measures, based on isolated events, may
not have any substantially positive effect nor will they be appropriate, considering the other priorities in the

country .

( 97 / C 138 / 399 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4102 / 96

by Umberto Bossi ( NI ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : The use of structural funds in the north of Italy

On several occasions the Commission has urged the Italian state to use the European structural funds properly
and in compliance with the time-limits involved .

Can the Commission provide a breakdown of the utilization of the structural funds in the Italian regions of
Lombardy, Piedmont, Liguria, the Veneto, Tuscany and Friuli as regards Objectives 2, 3, 4 and 5b ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 28 February 1997 )

The Commission is sending direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament 's Secretariat a table containing
the information requested .

( 97 / C 138 / 400 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-4105 / 96

by Rolf Berend ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : EU support programmes ( culture and education ) for Central and Eastern Europe

1 . In which EU support programmes in the field of education and culture do the countries of Central and
Eastern Europe currently participate ?

2 . To what extent may Phare funds be used to co-finance EU support programmes ?

3 . How would the EU 's support activities change if Central and Eastern European countries were not regarded
as ' foreign countries ' in the period up to accession ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(6 February 1997 )

The association agreements and relevant additional protocols signed with the Central and Eastern European
countries provide for their participation in Community programmes with a legal basis .

The Socrates, Leonardo da Vinci, Youth for Europe II, Kaleidoscope, Media II and Ariane and Raphael ( once
adopted ) programmes will be accessible to these countries when the formalities have been completed within the
Association Councils .

No C 138 / 178 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

Consequently, as soon as the respective Association Councils set the exact terms and conditions ( their financial
contribution in particular ) for their participation, these countries will be able to participate in these programmes
on an equal footing with the Member States . They will have to contribute national funds, but will be able to apply
for a contribution from the Phare programme ( up to 10% of each country 's indicative programme ). They are able
to choose both the programmes in which they would like to participate, and how they would like to finance their
participation and use the Phare grant .

The Central and Eastern European countries qualify for the Phare programme as long as they are not members of
the Union .

( 97 / C 138 / 401 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-4106 / 96

by Angela Kokkola ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : Structural Funds — interim evaluation report

In view of the impending revision of the regulations on the Structural Funds, and in order for the European
Parliament to be in the best possible position to give its opinion thereon, can the Commission provide a brief
summary of the progress to date of the CSF and DOCUP, given that it has not yet drawn up the interim evaluation
report in accordance with Article 16 of Regulation ( EEC ) No 2081 / 93 (')?

(') OJ L 193, 31.7.1993, p . 5 .

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 31 January 1997 )

Pursuant to Article 16 of the Regulation mentioned by the Honourable Member the Commission on 6 November

1996 adopted, and immediately sent to Parliament, a report on economic and social cohesion (')• The main points
of the report have already been presented to Parliament in October and a detailed presentation of its content was
given in November .

Chapters 5, 6 and 7 in particular on the report will provide the Honourable Member with the desired information .
A document prepared by the Commission to accompany it gives detailed information extracted from the
assessments made for each Member State .

(') COM(96 ) 542 final .

( 97 / C 138 / 402 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4117 / 96

by David Hallam ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : HELIOS II Guide on Good Practice

Can the Commission confirm that the HELIOS II Guide on Good Practice, published on 3 December 1996, will
not be available on braille or on tape, due to cost considerations ?

Will the Commission reflect and consider that this decision may send out the wrong signals across the European
Union in regard to standards of service which should be offered to European citizens who live and work with
disabilities ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(6 February 1997 )

The Helios II European Guide to Good Practice is available in 1 1 languages in a printed version which takes
account of the needs of visually impaired readers . Versions on diskette are also obtainable on request from the
Commission, as are Helioscope magazine, the Helios-Flash bulletin and all other official Commission
documents in this field . This facility makes it possible, with specially adapted computer equipment, to read the
publications in braille or listen to an audio version .

In addition, the Commission intends to publish the concluding documents for the Helios II programme on
CD-ROM in the available languages in order to make the results of the action programme transparent and
accessible to anyone who is interested . The relevant documents, and particularly the Helios II Guide to Good
Practice, are therefore also available to the blind and visually impaired .

5 . 5 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 179

( 97 / C 138 / 403 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4120 / 96

by Joan Vallve ( ELDR ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Map of Europe on the Euro banknotes

At the recent Dublin Summit of 1 3 December 1 996, the various designs for the Euro banknote were presented,
featuring a silhouette of the map of Europe . The Balearic Islands appeared on none of them .

The surface area of the Balearic Islands is over 5000 km 2 ; Majorca, the largest island, has a surface area of
3640 km 2 . Given the scale used for this map of Europe, the Balearic Islands ought to be on it .

The fact that they have been missed out has caused understandable perplexity amongst the inhabitants of the
islands . Can the Commission assure us that on the final version of the Euro banknote, a map of the whole Europe
will feature, complete with the Balearic Islands ?

Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission

( 17 February 1997 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-4087 / 96 by
Mr Fernandez Martin (')•

(') See page 175 .

( 97 / C 138 / 404 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4123 / 96

by Joaquin Siso Cruellas ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : International Day of the Disabled

3 December 1996 was the International Day of the Disabled . Many of the bodies which are active on behalf of the
disabled would like to see the institutions more involved in their daily activities .

Can the Commission inform me as to the various lines of action taken by the European Union with a view to
achieving the full integration of disabled persons into modern European society ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 11 February 1997 )

The Honourable Member is asked to refer to the Commission 's communication of 30 July 1996 on equality of
opportunity for people with disabilities — a new European Community disability strategy ('). This document
describes various Community-level avenues of approach advocated by the Commission with a view to
promoting the integration of disabled people . Moreover, the Council and the representatives of the governments
of the Member States meeting within the Council adopted, on 20 December 1996, a resolution on equality of
opportunity for people with disabilities ( 2 ).

(') COM(96 ) 406 final .
( 2 ) OJ C 12, 13.1.1997 .

No C 138 / 180 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

( 97 / C 138 / 405 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0028 / 97

by Konstadinos Klironomos ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

Subject : Interreg II C — Mediterranean area

The intergovernmental working meeting held on 3 and 4 July 1996 included among the geographical areas
eligible for funding a ' Mediterranean area ' comprising Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Portugal, Malta and Cyprus .

Since then, certain countries have drawn up texts and ' declarations of intent ' which are totally contrary both to
the generally accepted principles of Mediterranean policy and to the decisions taken at Brussels . The countries
concerned have replaced the ' Mediterranean area ' with an ' Alps-Western Mediterranean area ' which does not
cover the southern section of the Mediterranean basin and, therefore, excludes the countries and regions of the
southern Mediterranean . This scheme would, for example, rule out cooperation between Greece and the
Mediterranean European countries under the Community 's Interreg II C initiative .

The issues involved here could have extremely serious implications by jeopardizing the policy of economic and
social cohesion itself as well as European regional planning . Can the Commission, therefore, confirm the facts
outlined above, which would create a split in the single Mediterranean area and, if so, what measures will it take
to ensure genuine cohesion of Community policies ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 18 February 1997 )

The Honourable Member is referred to the Commission 's answers to Written Questions P-4059 / 96 from
Mr Hatzidakis and P-4 130 / 96 from Mr Papayannakis (')•

(') See page 173 .

( 97 / C 138 / 406 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0031 / 97

by Magda Aelvoet ( V ) to the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

Subject : Child labour

On 19 November 1996 the head of unit for Pakistan at the Commission gave a very critical evaluation of the

' rugmark ' initiative on a fair trade certification system for rugs produced without child labour . ( So far this
initiative has been put into place in India and Nepal ). This position seems to be in contradiction with the positive
comment on ' rugmark ' in the communication of the Commission on the social clause .

What is the opinion of the Commission on the demand by Dutch development organizations, as well as Unicef
and the Federation of Trade Unions, that import duties for rugmark carpets and fair trade products should be
reduced to zero ?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission

( 18 February 1997 )

The problem of verification, i.e. ensuring that products bearing the Rugmark label had indeed been manufactured
without the use of child labour, was identified at an early stage in the development of the Rugmark initiative and
has not yet been resolved .

The Commission does not consider that the reference to the Rugmark foundation in its communication to the
Council on the trading system and internationally recognised labour standards (') contradicts this view .

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 181

Under current World trade organisation rules it would not be possible to reduce bound import duties on an erga
omnes basis for specific items identified by a particular brand, mark or fair trade label like Rugmark .

However, the Community 's revised scheme of tariff preferences ( 2 ) provides that additional preferences ( more
reduced preferential rates of duty ) may be granted, as from 1 January 1998, to beneficiary countries which
respect the standards of certain International labour organisation conventions, including convention 138 relating
to child labour ( Minimum age for admission to employment ). In due time the Commission wil submit a proposal
for a Council decision on the scope of such additional preferences and their application . In preparing this
proposal, the experience of Rugmark will certainly be borne in mind .

(') COM(96 ) 402 .

( : ) Council Regulation ( EC ) No 3281 / 94 . 19.12.1994, OJ L 348 . 31.12.1994 .

( 97 / C 138 / 407 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0037 / 97

by Odile Leperre-Verner ( ARE ) to the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

Subject : The situation in Burma

In view of the deterioration of the situation in Burma, to which Parliament has repeatedly drawn attention, can the
Commission state what action it has taken on the resolution adopted by Parliament in October 1996
( B4          - 1105 / 96 )?

What steps has it taken to prevent the dictatorship imposed by the military junta from becoming even more
draconian ?

What action does it intend to take with a view to ensuring that Burma does not become an ASEAN member until
it has moved back towards democracy ?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission

( 10 February 1997 )

Since the adoption of the Resolution of the Parliament in October 1996 the Commission has finalized the
generalized system of preferences ( GSP ) investigation into forced labour in Burma and adopted, on 1 8 December

1996, a proposal for a Council regulation to withdraw GSP benefits for industrial products from Burma (') until
the use of forced labour ceases in Burma . The Council is at present examining the Commission proposal .

In the meantime the original plaintiffs have submitted a new request with regard to the extension of the outcome
of the investigation to agricultural products, since the Council Regulation on GSP in respect of certain
agricultural products originating in developing countries ( 2 ) came into force on 1 January 1997 .

With regard to possible measures to be taken against a deterioration of the situation in Burma, the Commission
recalls that it participates actively in the ' critical dialogue ' with Burma, but has no means itself to take any

measure .

It is the exclusive responsibility of the Association of South-East Asian nations to decide upon its membership .

(') COM(96 ) 711 .
( : ) OJ L 160 . 29.6.1996 .

No C 138 / 182 ΓΕΝ Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

( 97 / C 138 / 408 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0050 / 97

by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler ( V ) to the Commission

( 15 January J 997 )

Subject : The Commission 's position on the Rugmark label

About a year ago, the Commission ( DG IB ) refused to support the Rugmark label for carpets manufactured
without the use of child labour, arguing that European carpet importers did not support the scheme .

The Rugmark label was also rejected during EP committee meetings, in an unusually forthright manner, by the
head of the unit responsible for Pakistan .

However, the Commission 's communication of July 1996 on the trading system and internationally recognized
labour standards ( COM(96)0402 ) commended the Rugmark Foundation 's award of social certificates .

Has the Commission now changed its mind about the Rugmark label ?

The Rugmark label is funded by well-known European NGOs . Does the EU actively support other initiatives
aimed at eradicating child labour, for instance the carpet importers ' ' Care and Fair ' labelling scheme ?

Answer given by Mr Mann on behalf of the Commission

(4 February 1997 )

The Commission has declined to given financial support to the Rugmark initiative because it is not convinced at
this stage that the verification procedures in the countries where the scheme operates do ensure that rugs bearing
this, or other so-called fair trade labels, are made without the use of child labour .

That the Rugmark foundation is mentioned in the Commission 's communication on ' the trading system and
internationnally recognised labour standards ' ('), does not imply that the Commission 's views on this have
changed .
The Commission is currently preparing a development aid project in collaboration with the International labour
organisation ( ILO ) which will supplement the ILO 's efforts in Pakistan within the scope of its international
programme for the elimination of child labour .

(') COM(96 ) 402 final .

( 97 / C 138 / 409 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0089 / 97

by Allan Macartney ( ARE ) to the Commission

( 29 January 1997 )

Subject : Child labour

At its meetings of October and November 1996, Parliament 's Committee on Development and Cooperation
discussed the issue of child labour in Asia with representatives of Rugmark and the head of unit of the
Commission .

Can the Commission now say whether it expects to support the rehabilitation of children who are working in
carpet factories ( and other industries ) and, if so, how it intends to achieve this goal ?

Answer given by Mr Mann on behalf of the Commission

( 24 February 1997 )

The Honourable Member is referred to the Commission 's answers to Written Questions E-31 / 97 from
Mrs Aelvoet (') and P-50 / 97 from Mr Kreissl-Dörfler ( 2 ).

(') See page 180 .
( 2 ) See page 182 .

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 183

( 97 / C 138 / 410 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0100 / 97

by Antonio Tajani ( UPE ) to the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

Subject : Desecration of Jewish graves in the Prima Porta cemetery, Rome

On Sunday, 29 December 1996 a group of fanatics desecrated Jewish graves at the Prima Porta cemetery in
Rome .

— What new steps will the Commission take to combat racism and on what cultural ventures will it embark in
order to ensure that the culture in which young Europeans grow up is informed not by religious and racial
intolerance, but by solidarity and respect for others ?

— Will the Commission provide Community funds to finance the above ventures ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(6 February 1997 )

On the Commission 's initiative, it was proposed to the Council that 1997 be designated European Year against
Racism . On 23 July 1996, the Council and the representatives of the governments of the Member States meeting
within the Council adopted a resolution (') setting out the objectives for the Year .

The Commission also adopted a communication on racism on 13 December 1995 ( 2 ). In section 2.3.4, concerned
with preventing racist behaviour and violence, the Commission states its intention of continuing, through various
programmes ( Youth for Europe, Youth Information Action Plan, Cities ' Anti-Racism Project ), to promote the
development and implementation of strategies to combat racism among young people and reduce their
inclination to resort to violence ( racist violence in particular ), and to provide opportunities for young people to
take initiatives of their own, develop a sense of civic awareness and responsibility, to enjoy cultural diversity and
sharpen their understanding of the intellectual absurdity of racism .

Budget heading B3-4114, covering measures to combat racism, xenophobia and anti-semitism, is intended to
provide funding for innovative measures carried out by non-governmental organisations working to combat
racism, and measures aimed at promoting solidarity among all members of society .

The Community programmes Socrates and Youth for Europe are underpinned by the common aims of educating
people to be active and responsible citizens and promoting tolerance and solidarity, thereby preventing racist and
xenophobic behaviour . The introduction of these programmes paved the way for a large number of projects to be
launched with these specific aims in mind .

In the context of the European Year against Racism, the Commission is to take steps to make the potential
beneficiaries of the Socrates, Leonardo da Vinci and Youth for Europe programmes more aware of the
opportunities for cooperation at European level in the respective fields of education, training and youth, and to
reinforce the value of these programmes as instruments for social integration and prevention of racism and
xenophobia .

O OJ C 237, 15.8.1996 .
(-) COM(95 ) 653 final .

( 97 / C 138 / 411 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0166 / 97

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

Subject : SMEs

It is small and medium-sized enterprises which are currently creating the largest number of jobs .

The new multiannual programme for SMEs proposed by the Commission was to be adopted by the end of 1996 .
The measures in the programme included the simplification of the regulatory framework, the improvement of the
financial environment and greater access for SMEs to research, innovation and training .

No C 138 / 184 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5.5.97

The programme was announced at the tripartite conference on employment held in Rome in June 1996 .

Was the programme adopted by the promised date ?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission

( 17 February 1997 )

The new multiannual programme for small and medium sized entreprises in the Community was adopted by the
Council on 9 December 1996 (') following agreement by the Industry Council of 14 November 1996 on an
indicative financial reference amount of 1.27 MECU for the programme .

(') Decision 97 / 15 / EC          - OJ L 6, 10.1.1997 .

( 91 IC 138 / 412 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0207 / 97

by Claude Desama ( PSE ) to the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

Subject : Use of regional aid for relocation purposes

Boston Scientific Europe, an undertaking located in the Objective 2 area ' Meuse — Vesdre ', is shortly to be
transferred to Ireland, and notably to the region of Galway, an Objective 1 area . This move will result in job
losses and social problems, and also calls into question the very mechanisms of the European single market and
of the aid granted by the Commission .

This case of relocation clearly demonstrates serious flaws in the European system of aid which encourages
competition between regions in decline, and shows the urgent need to address this situation .

Does the Commission intend to take swift action in this matter, for example by banning the relocation of any
undertaking located in one ERDF area to another eligible area which is more attractive ( for instance, the transfer
from an Objective 2 area to an Objective 1 area )?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 25 February 1997 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the reply it gave to Oral Question H     - 17 / 97 by

MrMonfils during question time at Parliament 's February 1997 part-session (').

(') Debates of the Parliament ( February 1997 ).

( 97 / C 138 / 413 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0217 / 97

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) to the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

Subject : Labelling of genetically modified soya and maize

1 . Will the recently adopted novel food regulation be applied to Ciba Geigy 's genetically modified maize,
which has already been approved for marketing and cultivation within the EU ?

2 . If not, what is the Commission 's view of the legal situation where two transgenic useful plants and
thousands of novel foods are not covered by the novel foods regulation ?

3 . If the genetically modified maize and soya are not covered by the novel food regulation, does the
Commission agree that in this case national labelling of the genetically modified organisms is possible, since this
question was deliberately left open in directive 90 / 220 / EEC (')?

(') OJ L 1 17, 8.5.1990, p . 15 .

5.5.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 138 / 185

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

( 27 February 1997 )

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

( 91 /C 1 38 / 4 1 4 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0238 / 97

by Gianni Tamino ( V ) to the Commission

(7 February 1997 )

Subject : Controlling the cormorant population of the wetlands of Oristano ( Italy )

The wetlands in the Oristano area are of great economic value and are considered to be of such international
naturalistic interest that they are included in the Ramsar Convention, in view of the numbers of bird species
found there in the various months of the year . In particular there are 1 6 000 cormorants ( according to the IVRAM
census of 1995 ). In the area a considerable number of damaging public works are being carried out ( some of them
funded by the EU ), large amounts of untreated urban waste are discharged and chemicals used in agriculture are
washed into the wetlands by rainwater . This pollution is upsetting the environmental balance and causing a
drastic reduction in the number of fish .

Fishermen are complaining that fish worth billions of Lire are being lost and they blame the cormorant
population . The Region of Sardinia has accepted this theory ( as a result of pressure from fishermen and certain
local authorities ) and has issued a decree authorizing the killing of cormorants . Between 4 000 and 5 000 birds
were killed under the ' supervision ' of the IFS ( the National Wildlife Institute ) and the Forestry Service in 1995
and the slaughter has been ' limited ' to around 600 birds in 1 996 . These decrees by the Regional authorities allow
the shooting of cormorants in the open hunting season in all the wetlands of Oristano, even those where there are
protected species, which means that migratory species may suffer . Furthermore, the cormorants in the Sardinian
wetlands themselves count as migratory species .

Does the Commission not consider that it would be more effective to take measures to reduce the environmental

damage suffered by the Oristano wetlands by setting up a protected area, reducing the amount of building work
carried out, diverting the polluting effluent, etc .?

Does it not consider the slaughter of such a large number of migratory birds to be a contravention of the
European directives on the conservation of wildlife ( Directives 79 / 409 / EEC (') and 91 / 244 / EEC ( 2 ) and
subsequent amendments ) and the conservation of wetlands ?

(') OJ L 103, 25.4.1979, p . 1 .
(-') OJ L 115, 8.5.1991, p . 41 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 28 February 1997 )

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question . It will communicate its findings as
soon as possible .

No C 138 / 186 ΓΕΝ Official Journal of the European Communities 5 . 5 . 97

CORRIGENDA

( 97 / C 138 / 415 ) Corrigendum to Written Question P-1977 / 96

by Per Gahrton to the Commission

( Official Journal of the European Communities No C 365 of 4 December 1996 )

Page 58, in the answer to Written Question P     - 1977 / 96, the last paragraph reads as follows :

The Commission wishes to stress, however, that this problem will no longer arise under the new VAT arrangements, which are
based on the principle of taxation at origin . Under this system, the tax will be deducted by the person liable who will set it off
against the amount of the tax payable, independently of where the deductible tax was paid . The whole specific refund
procedure laid down by the 8th VAT Directive will therefore lapse .