Source: EURLEX
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^ ^ ^ / * / * • # *| " T " _%_ ISSN 0378-6986
# Orhcial Journal coo

/% i . . Volume 34
##### or the European Communities 21 May [ mi ]

###### English edition Information and Notices

Notice N o Contents p age

I _Information_

European Parliament

_Written Questions with_ _answer_

9 1 / C 130/01 N o 997/89 by M r Gianfranco Amendola to the Commission

Subject: Damage to the environment and human health caused by the 'Stoppani' industrial plant
in Arenzano-Rogoredo (Genoa) — Italy 1

9 1 / C 130/02 N o 998/89 by M r Gianfranco Amendola to the Commission

Subject: Application of the principle that the polluter should pay in the case of the Stoppani
factory in Arenzano-Cogoleto (Genoa) — Italy 1

91 / C 130/03 N o 999/89 by M r Gianfranco Amendola to the Commission

Subject: Failure to apply Directive 81/502/EEC in the case of the Stoppani plant in
Arenzano-Cogoleto (Genoa) — Italy 1

Supplementary joint answer to Written Questions Nos 997/89, 998/89 and 999/89 2

9 1 / C 130/04 N o 1088/89 by M r James Ford to the Commission

Subject: Mergers in the military industrial sector 2

91 / C 130/05 N o 217/90 by M r James Ford to the Commission

Subject: Business classification of horse-riding centres (Supplementary answer) 3

9 1 / C 130/06 N o 339/90 by M r Miguel Arias Cafiete to the Commission

Subject: Reference prices for frozen fishery products 3

9 1 / C 130/07 N o 868/90 by M r GijsdeVries to the Commission

Subject: Ethnic minorities and the MEDIA Programme 3

9 1 / C 130/08 N o 934/90 by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark to the Commission

Subject: The elderly 4

9 1 / C 130/09 N o 1478/90 by M r Dieter Rogalla to the Commission

Subject: Language teaching for broader sections of the population 4

2 (Continued overleaf)

Notice No

91/C130/10

91/C130/11

91/C130/12

91/C130/13

91/C130/14

91/C130/15

91/C130/16

91/C130/17

91/C130/18

91/C130/19

91/C130/20

91/C130/21

91/C130/22

91/C130/23

91/C130/24

91/C130/25

91/C130/26

Contents (continued) Page

No 1606/90 by Mr Francois-Xavier de Donnea to the Commission

Subject: Housing policy 4

No 1709/90 by Lord O'Hagan to the Commission

Subject: Secondary picketing 5

No 1715/90 by Mr Mauro Chiabrando to the Commission

Subject: Use of the Mont Cenis pass between France and Italy 5

No 1738/90 by Mr Elio Di Rupo to the Commission

Subject: Taxation of disablement pensions 6

No 1806/90 by Mr Kenneth Stewart to the Commission

Subject: Redundancies at Eric Bemrose, Aintree Liverpool England, due to changing policies by
News International Newspapers Limited 7

No 1818/90 by Mr John Bird to the Commission

Subject: Age discrimination 7

No 1905/90 by Mr Ben Fayot to the Commission

Subject: Recognition of degrees of disablement in the various Community countries 8

No 2001 /90 by Mr Leo Tindemans to the Commission

Subject: American proposal for a treaty between the USA and the EEC 8

No 2150/90 by Mrs Michele Alliot-Marie to the Commission

Subject: Increase in the compulsory compensatory premium for sheep farmers in mountainous
regions 9

No 2170/90 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission

Subject: Fast food packaging and environmental protection 10

No 2201/90 by Mr Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission

Subject: Failure to allow the EETAA (Greek Local Government and Local Development
Corporation) to take part in Community programmes 10

No 2211/90 by Mrs Ursula Schleicher to the Commission

Subject: Investment incentives in the canning industry 11

No 2213/90 by Mrs Ursula Schleicher to the Commission

Subject: Consumer protection with regard to the grading of chickens 11

No 2288/90 by Mrs Caroline Jackson to the Commission

Subject: Amendment of Annex I to Directive 79/409/EEC — Irrigation in Spain 12

No 2438/90 by Mr Carlos Pimenta to the Commission

Subject: Irrigation projects in Spain 12

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 2288/90 and 2438/90 13

No 2354/90 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to the Commission

Subject: Council Regulation (EEC) No 170/83 13

No 2386/90 by Mr Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission

Subject: Gibraltar, following reform of the Structural Funds 13

Notice N o Contents (continued)

9 1 / C 1 3 0 / 2 7

9 1 / C 1 3 0 / 2 8

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9 1 / C 1 3 0 / 3 0

9 1 / C 1 3 0 / 3 1

9 1 / C 1 3 0 / 3 2

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9 1 / C 1 3 0 / 3 4

9 1 / C 1 3 0 / 3 5

9 1 / C 1 3 0 / 3 6

9 1 / C 1 3 0 / 3 7

9 1 / C 1 3 0 / 3 8

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9 1 / C 1 3 0 / 4 1

9 1 / C 1 3 0 / 4 2

9 1 / C 1 3 0 / 4 3

9 1 / C 1 3 0 / 4 4

N o 2388/90 by M r Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission

Subject: Community action in Gibraltar under the ERDF 14

N o 2401/90 by M r Jean-Pierre Raffarin to the Commission

Subject: Modernization of sheep markets 14

N o 2417/90 by M r Gianfranco Amendola, M r Paul Lannoye and M r Gerard

Monnier-Besombes to the Commission

Subject: Commission funding for the Globe-EC organization 14

N o 2418/90 by M r Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission

Subject: Supply of information of programmes financed under Council Regulation (EEC) No
4028/86 15

N o 2427/90 by M r Ernest Glinne to the Commission

Subject: Implementation of Council directives on gas cylinders 16

N o 2433/90 by M r Ernest Glinne to the Council

Subject: Medical training and torture 17

N o 2442/90 by M r Gerardo Fernandez-Albor to the Commission

Subject: Non-participation of ERDF in regional industrial development 17

N o 2449/90 by M r Gianfranco Amendola to the Commission

Subject: Project commissioned by the Community in Liguria — Italy 18

N o 2458/90 by M r Mihail Papayannakis and M r Cesare de Piccoli to the

Commission

Subject: Car insurance 19

N o 2459/90 by M r Luigi Vertemati to the Commission

Subject: Tax incentives for environmental protection 19

N o 2466/90 by M r Giuseppe Mottola to the Commission

Subject: Directive on the conservation of wild birds 20

N o 2470/90 by M r Miguel Arias Canete to the Commission

Subject: Implementation of the EEC—Morocco fisheries agreement 20

N o 2479/90 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission

Subject: Protection of correspondence course students 21

N o 2488/90 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission

Subject: Predicted cuts in farm subsidies 21

N o 2502/90 by M r Dimitrios Dessylas to the Commission

Subject: Interference by the Greek Government in the running of the Greek Organization for
Local Development and Local Government (EETAA) 22

N o 2503/90 by M r Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission

Subject: Community cultural policy 22

N o 2521/90 by M r Filippos Pierros to the Commission

Subject: IMPs in western Greece and the Peloponnese 23

N o 2530/90 by M r Neil Blaney to the Commission

Subject: Changed outlook for renewable energy sources 23

(Continued overleaf)

Notice No Contents (continued)

91/C130/45

91/C130/46

91/C130/47

91/C130/48

91/C130/49

91/C130/50

91/C130/51

91/C130/52

91/C130/53

91/C130/54

91/C130/55

91/C130/56

91/C130/57

91/C130/58

91/C130/59

91/C130/60

91/C130/61

No 2531/90 by Mr Neil Blaney to the Commission

Subject: Prospects for the Elsbeth automobile engine 24

No 2555/90 by Mr Jose Vazquez Fouz to the Commission

Subject: Implementation of the STRIDE programme 24

No 2567/90 by Mr Paul Staes to the Commission
Subject: The peace process in Central America 25

No 2568/90 by Mrs Anita Pollack to the Commission
Subject: Illegal dolphin fishing in the Mediterranean 26

No 2569/90 by Mr Gerhard Schmid to the Commission
Subject: Health hazards to children in the playground 26

No 2596/90 by Mr Gianfranco Amendola, Mr Paul Lannoye and Mr Gerard
Mohnier-Besombes to the Commission

Subject: Space debris 27

No 2620/90 by Mrs Marie Jose Denys to the Commission
Subject: Harmonization of rules relating to camper vans 27

No 2666/90 by Mrs Mechtild Rothe to the Commission
Subject: Compliance with environmental protection regulations in connection with the
manufacture of pharmaceutical products 28

No 2708/90 by Mr Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission
Subject: Collapse of the register of medicines in Spain 28

No 2710/90 by Mr Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission
Subject: Spanish Government aid to the Nestle company and the 'Derivados Lacteos y
Alimenticios' company in Castilla-La Mancha 28

No 2712/90 by Mr Carlos Pimenta to the Commission

Subject: Access to information on the environment 29

No 2717/90 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin to the Commission
Subject: European coastal policy 29

No 2722/90 by Mr Gianfranco Amendola and Mr Enrico Falqui to the Commission

Subject: Chromium pollution in the province of Ancona (Italy) and request for measures to
protect the environment and public health under the 'Envireg' project 29

No 2752/90 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission
Subject: Electrical energy of nuclear origin 30

No 2767/90 by Mr Madron Seligman to the Commission

Subject: Hostilities in Sri Lanka 30

No 2807/90 by Mr Gerhard Schmid to the Commission
Subject: European Blue Flag for clean beach resorts and marinas 31

No 2826/90 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission
Subject: Increasing importance of direct investment in economic relations between Europe and
Latin America 31

Notice N o Contents (continued) Page

9 1 / C 130/62 N o 2835/90 by M r Didier Anger to the Commission

Subject: Future of thalassotherapy in the EEC 32

9 1 / C 130/63 N o 2844/90 by M r Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru to the Council

Subject: Demographic policy 33

9 1 / C 130/64 N o 2886/90 by M r Franco Iacono to the Council

Subject: Lack of transport facilities in the south of Italy 33

9 1 / C 130/65 N o 2889/90 by M r Gerhard Schmid to the Commission

Subject: Snuff 34

91 / C 130/66 N o 2905/90 by Mrs Maartje van Putten to the Council

Subject: Treatment of conscientious objectors in Greece 34

9 1 / C 130/67 N o 2931 /90 by M r Sergio Ribeiro to the Council

Subject: Council of Industry Ministers — 26 November 1990 — GAIT and textiles 35

9 1 / C 130/68 N o 2989/90 by the following members: Janssen van Raay, Pronk, Verhagen and Peijs

to the Commission

Subject: Social policy in Europe 35

91 / C 130/69 N o 3031 /90 by M r Richard Simmonds to the Commission

Subject: Community fraud 36

91 / C 130/70 N o 3051 /90 by M r Virginio Bettini to the Commission

Subject: Contamination of the Po (Italy) by Cesium 137 36

9 1 / C 130/71 N o 17/91 by M r Herman Verbeek to the Council

Subject: Abolition of hen batteries in the European Community 37

91 / C 130/72 N o 46/91 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission

Subject: List of activities covered by Article 55 (2) of the EEC Treaty 37

91 / C 130/73 N o 47/91 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Council

Subject: List of activities connected with the exercise of official authority 37

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 46/91 and 47/91 37

91 / C 130/74 N o 110/91 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Council

Subject: Nuclear accident and drinking water 38

9 1 / C 1 3 0 / 7 5 N o 112/91 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Council

Subject: Nuclear installations and drinking water supplies 38

9 1 / C 130/76 N o 114/91 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Council

Subject: Prevention of occupational disease 39

9 1 / C 130/77 N o 135/91 by M r John Cushnahan to the Council

Subject: Tourism policy 40

9 1 / C 130/78 N o 136/91 by M r James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Progress in implementing legislation under the Single Act 40

(Continued overleaf)

Notice No Contents (continued) Page

91/C 130/79 No 157/91 by Mrs Claire Joanny to the Council
Subject: Effects of Community policy on cultural life and cultural diversity 40

91/C 130/80 No 196/91 by Mr Diego de los Santos Lopez to the Council
Subject: Tax-free zones 41

91/C 130/81 No 216/91 by Mr Louis Lauga to the Council
Subject: Herring fishing 41

91/C 130/82 No 217/91 by Mr Juan Ramirez Heredia to the Council

Subject: National consultative Committee for the Romany Community in France 42

91/C 130/83 No 284/91 by Mr James Ford to the Council
Subject: Telecommunications for employees of the Institutions 42

91/C 130/84 No 448/91 by Mrs Marlene Lenz to the Council
Subject: Situation in Central America and Cuba 42

21. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 130/1

I

_(Information)_

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

WRITTEN QUESTION No 997/89 WRITTEN QUESTION No 998/89

by Mr Gianfranco Amendola (V) by Mr Gianfranco Amendola (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities

_(18 December 1989)_ _(18 December 1989)_

(91/C 130/01) (91/C 130/02)

_Subject:_ Damage to the environment and human health
caused by the 'Stoppani' industrial plant in
Arenzano-Rogoredo (Genoa) — Italy

The Stoppani company, which produces chromium salts,
has caused serious damage to the surrounding marine
environment and, in all probability, an increase in the
incidence of lung tumours. The firm has violated Italian
Law No 319/76 and incurred many judicial and
administrative sanctions and has violated Presidential

Decree No 915/82 implementing three Community
Directives on waste.

In Regional Council Decison No 6929 of 30 December
1986, the Liguria Region described the industrial area in
question as posing a serious threat to the countryside and
the environment and, in Decision No 4357 of 14 October
1986, is stated that the Stoppani company had failed to
assume its responsibilities with regard to the management
and safety of the waste it had discharged;

1. Does the Commission not consider that the extent of

the damage caused by this industrial processing makes
it necessary to close down the plant?

2. Does the Commission not consider that the damage
caused is so serious that a reclamation scheme is

required for the whole area?

3. Will the Commission take steps to implement the
above proposals?

_Subject:_ Application of the principle that the polluter
should pay in the case of the Stoppani factory in
Arenzano-Cogoleto (Genoa) — Italy

In view of the serious damage to the environment caused
by chromium processing by the Stoppani company in
Arenzano-Cogoleto (Genoa) in Italy, and the Italian
State's failure to take the compensation measures
provided for in Article 18 of Italian Law No 349/86, how
does the Commission intend to ensure that the

Community's fundamental principle that the polluter
should pay, as laid down in Article 130r (2) of the EEC
Treaty is actually applied?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 999/89

by Mr Gianfranco Amendola (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(18 December 198 9)_

(91/C 130/03)

_Subject:_ Failure to apply Directive 81/502/EEC in the
case of the Stoppani plant in Arenzano-Cogoleto
(Genoa) — Italy

The Stoppani company, which produces chromium salts
and 200 tonnes of waste a day, including hexavalent
chromium, was not included by the Italian State among

No C 130/2 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 5. 91

the high-risk companies, as provided for in EEC Directive
82/501/EEC ('), although is was included in the list based
on the survey carried out by the Italian Civil Defence
Department in 1985.

1. Does the Commission not consider that, by omitting
the Stoppani company from the list of high-risk
undertakings, Italy failed to comply with Council
Directive 82/501 /EEC of 24 June 1982?

2. What measures does the Commission intend to take to

ensure the Italy complies with the provisions of
Directive 82/501/EEC?

(') OJ No L 230, 5. 8. 1982, p. 1.

Supplementary joint answer to Written Questions

Nos 997/89, 998/89 and 999/89

given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(10 August 1990)_

The Commission has taken note of the Honourable

Member's observations.

A request for information has been sent to the Italian
authorities. The Commission has not yet received any
reply. The Commission therefore reserves the right to
initiate a procedure within the meaning of Article 169 of
the EEC Treaty.

The Commission would be grateful if the Honourable
Member could provide any additional information on the
infringement, in the case in question, of the provisions of
Community law, in particular Directives 82/501/EEC ('),
76/464/EEC ( [2] ) and 78/319/EEC ( [3] ).

(') OJ No L 230, 5. 8.1982, p. 1.
O OJNoL129, 18.5.1976, p. 23.
( [3] ) OJ No L 84, 31. 3. 1978, p. 43.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1088/89

by Mr James Ford (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(19 December 1989)_

(91/C 130/04)

_Subject:_ Mergers in the military industrial sector

In view of the Vice-President of the Commission's

comment (made in April 1989 with regard to the takeover

of Plessey by GEC and Siemens) that governments cannot
'just mutter the word defence and escape from the
implications of the Treaty', how does the Commission
interpret the legal basis of the Treaty of Rome with regard
to mergers in the military industrial sector?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan
on behalf of the Commission

_(16 May 1990)_

Pursuant to Article 223 (1) (b) of the EEC Treaty, any
Member State may take such measures as it considers
necessary for the protection of the essential interests of its
security which are connected with the production of or
trade in arms, munitions and war material; such measures
shall not adversely affect the conditions of competition in
the common market regarding products which are not
intended for specifically military purposes.

This provision clearly relates to State measures. It can
only be invoked by Member States and not by private or
public undertakings. For this reason, only mergers which
are imposed or encouraged by the government of a
Member State can benefit from the exemption under
Article 223 (1) (b) of the Treaty.

However, State intervention must be justified in the sense
that the measures in relation to the merger are necessary
for reasons of national security which are connected with
the production of/or trade in arms, munitions and war
materials. This means that Article 223 can only justify
measures in relation to the merger which concern such
production or trade. It should further be noted that
although Article 223 of the EEC Treaty refers to the
opinion of the Member States, it does not create a
possibility of unlimited unilateral derogation from the
Treaty, since Article 225 of the EEC Treaty allows
judicial control over the exercise of the derogation in
Article 223.

Where and in so far as the merger extends to industrial or
commercial activities of a civil nature, it is subject to the
full application of Community law in general and of its
competition rules in particular. The Commission has then
to ensure that the conditions of competition will not be
adversely affected in the markets of those products which
are not intended for specifically military purposes.

A similar approach is taken by Council Regulation (EEC)
No 4064/89 of 21 December 1989 on the control of

concentrations between undertakings ('). Article 21 (3)
reserves to Member States the power to take appropriate
measures to protect legitimate interests other than those
pursued by the Regulation — including public security —
provided that such measures are compatible with the
general principles and other provisions of Community
law. A Member State can therefore prohibit a merger
which does not raise problems as to its compatibility with

21. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 130/3

the common market under the competition rules, in order
to safeguard legitimate national interests of public
security, of which defence matters are an important

aspect.

(') OJ No L 395, 30. 12. 1989, p. 1.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 217/90

by Mr James Ford (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(14 February 1990)_

(91/C 130/05)

_Subject:_ Business classification of horse-riding centres

Can the Commission give, by Member State, details of
whether equestrian centres are classified as commercial
premises or agricultural premises?

Supplementary answer given by Mr Christophersen
on behalf of the Commission

_(3 December 1990)_

Further to its answer of 4 May 1990 (*), the Commission
is now in a position to provide the following additional
information.

For statistical purposes, the Community's and the
Member States' nomenclatures of economic activities

classify equestrian centres and their premises under
recreational services and other cultural services.

The nomenclatures of economic activities may however
be used by the Member States' governments to make
classifications by economic activity other than those
prescribed for statistical purposes.

O OJNoC28,4. 2. 1991.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 339/90

by Mr Miguel Arias Canete (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(21 February 1990)_

(91/C 130/06)

_Subject:_ Reference prices for frozen fishery products

Can the Commission say why frozen fishery products are
imported into the Community on a large scale below the
reference price, given that such imports seriously harm
Community producers of frozen products?

Answer by given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(29 November 1990)_

The Honourable Member's question probably refers to
certain imports into the Community of frozen squid at
relatively low prices.

After a thorough examination of the situation arising as a
result of these imports, in the light of the criteria and
conditions laid down in Articles 21 and 24 of Regulation
(EEC) No 3796/81 (') and taking into consideration the
Community's international undertakings within GAIT,
the Commission considered it justified to adopt a
safeguard measure making it compulsory to observe the
reference price for imports of frozen squid of the genus
Illex and of the species Ommastrephes for the period
5 July 1990 to 30 June 1991 (Regulation (EEC) No
1915/90 O

O OJ No L 379, 31. 12.1981, p. 1.
O OJ No L 173, 5. 7.1990, p. 25.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 868/90

by Mr Gijs de Vries (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(9 April 1990)_

(91/C 130/07)

_Subject:_ Ethnic minorities and the MEDIA Programme

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
has recommended that representatives of the media be
encouraged 'to facilitate access to the media for the most
important associations of migrants and ethnic minorities
. . .' (Recommendation 1089 (1988), paragraph 21.IX.B).

Is the Commission prepared to initiate contacts with
representative associations of migrants and ethnic
minorities in order to ensure a more adequate
participation of migrants and ethnic groups in each of the
MEDIA Programme's projects and pilot schemes?

Answer given by Mr Dondelinger
on behalf of the Commission

_(7 June 1990)_

The Media programme is specifically addressed to
professionals in the European audiovisual industry,
regardless of their links with particular associations and
naturally without any ethnic distinctions.

More particularly, the Babel Fund (one of the Media
projects) is intended to support dubbing and subtitling of
audiovisual works to facilitate the dissemination, for

No C 130/4 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 5. 91

example, of works produced in less widely used
languages. Assistance from the Fund is not confined to
the official Community languages but is available for all
languages used in Europe.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 934/90

by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(17 April 1990)_

(91/C 130/08)

_Subject:_ The elderly

Could the Commission prepare a multilingual booklet to
inform elderly people throughout the Community of the
conditions that apply if they should settle in an EEC
Member State other than their own?

Today, there are many people who wish to retire in
countries other than their own within the EEC, but they
are not always aware of the conditions applying.

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(29 May 1990)_

At present, information of relevance to people wishing to
retire in Member States other than their own is available

in the following Commission publications:

— 'Guide concerning Community Regulations on Social
Security' (Chapter III and Part II)

— 'Citizens of Europe', notably 'Rights of Workers',
'Social Security in General' and 'Social Security of
Guestworkers'.

The following further developments in this field are
envisaged:

— A 'Guide for the Elderly', setting out the special
conditions and reductions to which the over-sixties

are entitled, based on information to be supplied by
Member States in line with the Commission

Recommendation of 10 May 1989 on the European
Over Sixties' card (');

— A European Database which will centralize
information on issues of interest to elderly people, as
proposed in the Commission's Communication on the
Elderly of 28 March 1990 ( [2] ).

O OJNoL144, 27. 5. 1989.
O COM(90) 80 final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1478/90

by Mr Dieter Rogalla (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 June 1990)_

(91/C 130/09)

_Subject:_ Language teaching for broader sections of the
population

1. Is the Commission aware of the facilities offered by
the 'Volkshochschulen' (adult education centres) in the
Federal Republic of Germany, particularly in respect of
language teaching?

2. Is the Commission aware that these adult education

centres are less professionally-oriented than universities
and technical training centres and are more directed
towards housewives, pensioners and young people?

3. Does the Commission agree that the above
categories must also be offered the language instruction
necessary for the creation of a People's Europe?

4. Is the Commission willing to include broad sections
of the population in its language programmes and, when
allocating funds to the Member States, to instruct them
accordingly?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(11 September 1990)_

1 to 3. Yes.

4. The Commission will consider what further action

should be taken at Community level (beyond that already
provided for under the Lingua Programme) at the end of
1991, when it makes the interim report to the Council
and Parliament required by Article 13 of the Lingua
Programme.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1606/90

by Mr Francois-Xavier de Donnea (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(2_ _July 1990)_

(91/C 130/10)

_Subject:_ Housing policy

The European Housing Conference held on 7 and 8 May
1990 at the instigation of the Committee of Family
Organizations in the European Communities (COFACE)
put forward four proposals:

— that certain aspects of housing policy, such as the
introduction of quality and safety standards, should
be handled at European level;

— that the Commission should be involved in compiling
harmonized housing-related data;

21. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 130/5

that the provision of information and protection for
families which have taken out loans should be ensured

by Community Directives;

that, as part of the process of liberalizing the capital
market, new arrangements should be introduced for
financing housing policy measures.

1. What applicable Community legislation is in force?

2. Does the Commission propose to act on these
proposals?

Answer given by Miss Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(7 September 1990)_

The Commission gave its support to the European
Housing Conference held in Brussels on 7 and 8 May
1990 by the Committee of Family Organizations in the
European Communities (COFACE).

The Commission would point out that it has no powers in
the field of housing with the exception of _ad hoc_ measures
in connection with coalminers and steelworkers, migrant
workers, the disabled, and freedom of movement for
workers. It is nevertheless examining the problems facing
consumers who by real estate in another Member State.

The Commission has also had to consider a number of

technical and highly specific questions relating to certain
aspects of housing policy, in particular:

— Council Directive 89/106/EEC of 21 December 1988

on the approximation of the laws, regulations and
administrative provisions of the Member States
relating to construction projects _(_ _[l]_ _),_ which is to be
implemented by 27 June 1991; this requires
construction works, including both buildings and civil
engineering works, to conform to essential
requirements relating to the safety of persons,
domestic animals and property, and a great many
harmonized standards will have to be introduced

throughout the Community to ensure that the
construction products used in such works meet these
saftey requirements;

— the proposal of February 1985 for a Council Directive
on the freedom of establishment and freedom to
supply services in the field of mortgage credit ( [2] );

— the preparation of future initiatives on mortgage
lending and consumer information, which could have
a bearing on house purchase.

The Commission will certainly take account of
COFACE's suggestions when drawing up specific action
programmes, which might include the type of study called

for by the Honourable Member, for the different areas of
Community activity.

(') OJNoL40, 11.2. 1989, p. 12,
O OJNoC 161, 19.6. 1987, p. 4.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1709/90

by Lord O'Hagan (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5_ _July 1990)_

(91/C 130/11)

_Subject:_ Secondary picketing

There is wide variation in national legislation which
affects secondary picketing during industrial disputes.

1. Could the Commission now summarise the present
state of legislation in each member country of the
European Community?

2. How far are such matters affected by the Treaty of
Rome?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(11 September 1990)_

Subject to the obligations arising under national
regulations and collective agreements, the right to strike is
included in the Community Charter of the Fundamental
Social Rights of Workers. The responsibility for
implementing this, as stated in the Commission's Action
Programme, rests with Member States in accordance with
their national traditions and policies.

As regards Member States national legislation concerning
rules for strikes, the Honourable Member should refer to
the comparative study on rules governing working
conditions in the Member States (').

O SEC(89)1137.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1715/90

by Mr Mauro Chiabrando (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5_ _July 1990)_

(91/C 130/12)

_Subject:_ Use of the Mont Cenis pass between France and
Italy

Is the Commission aware of the ban of 19 April 1990 by
the Mayor of Lanslebourg Mont-Cenis, prohibiting

No C 130/6 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 5. 91

goods vehicles with a total authorized weight exceeding
7,5 tonnes from passing through his commune?

Is the Commission aware that the ban does not apply to
local goods vehicles or passenger transport and that the
ban has effectively blocked use of the Mont Cenis pass
without any available alternative that is free of charge? As
a result, vehicles weighing more than 7,5 tonnes must
travel via R.N. 566 and the Frejus tunnel, paying a toll.

This constitutes serious discrimination against
international goods transport in relation to local and
passenger transport.

It should also be pointed out that the transport of
low-cost goods is particularly affected, such as
manufactured timber products, as payment of tolls in the
tunnel means extra costs, as compared with their value.

Is this ban by the Mayor of Lanslebourg Mont-Cenis legal
under Community rules, which seek to encourage
and liberalize transport and discourage the Member
States from introducing discriminatory and restrictive
regulations?

Is the Commission willing to intervene with the French
Government to get the ban by the Mayor of Lanslebourg
Mont-Cenis lifted as soon as possible?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(16 November 1990)_

The Commission has taken notice of the traffic situation

in Lanslebourg as described by the Honourable Member.

An interdiction of heavy lorries as imposed by this local
authority can be justified for environmental and road
safety reasons if alternative routes for these lorries are
available, as is the case.

The situation as described by the Honourable Member is
not discriminatory as regards nationality since all passing
lorries are affected, irrespective of their nationality. The
admittance of local traffic for delivery and passenger
transport is not prohibited, for obvious economic reasons.

Given the above considerations, the Commission has no
intention of intervening unless additional information
provides new elements that indicate discriminatory
aspects.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1738/90

by Mr Elio Di Rupo (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(12 July 1990)_

(91/C 130/13)

_Subject:_ Taxation of disablement pensions

Until 1983 disablement pensions awarded to miners by
the Belgian State in the case of occupational accidents and
diseases amounted to 1 % of their loss of wages with a
ceiling of Bfrs 791 640 per 1 % of disablement. A decision
taken by the Belgian Government of the time acting with
special powers which entered into force in 1983
considerably changed the basis of calculating the above
pension exclusively to the detriment of the recipients.

Will the Commission explain the current arrangements
governing disablement pensions and the method of
calculating these pensions used in the various Member
States of the Community?

Will it state whether the various Member States consider

this pension as a further taxable salary or as a non-taxable
alternative income?

Will it state whether Belgium which includes disablement
pensions in calculating rates of taxation is violating
Article 48 (2) of the EEC Treaty which requires 'the
abolition of any discrimination based on nationality
between workers of the Member States as regards
employment, remuneration and other conditions of work
and employment'?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(11 September 1990)_

The main- features of the general social security
arrangements are set out in the Comparative Tables of the
Social Security Systems; the 15th edition describes the
situation at 1 July 1988. The booklet contains a chapter on
industrial injuries and occupational diseases but no details
of how benefits provided under these arrangements are
treated from the point of view of tax.

The Commission does not see how the taxation of social

security benefits could be regarded as discrimination
within the meaning of Article 48 (2) of the EEC Treaty.
Such a tax would affect all workers living in the State in
question and there would therefore be no discrimination
on grounds of nationality.

21. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 130/7

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1806/90

by Mr Kenneth Stewart (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 July 1990)_

(91/C 130/14)

_Subject:_ Redundancies at Eric Bemrose, Aintree
Liverpool England, due to changing policies by
News International Newspapers Limited

Is the Commissioner aware that the loss of a further 412

jobs is impending at Eric Bemrose, Printers, on
Merseyside, due to a policy change by News International
Newspapers Limited, this being a highly deprived area,
with a very high unemployment rate, and bearing in mind
that the workforce has already been cut down in excess of
800 workers in the last three years?

That News International's proposals include a News Print
Outlet at Knowsley, approximately 10 minutes away from
the Eric Bemrose Plant, which will cater for a labour force
of 350 jobs? That if the workforce were transferred would
reduce the hardship for many of the Bemrose workers?

There is also a conscious understanding that negotiations
are in progress with News International and a company in
East Germany, where labour costs are far lower than in
the UK and obviously profits would be higher. Bearing in
mind that Eric Bemrose has made profits of over 20
million in the past three years for the parent company,
News International.

In view of the foregoing circumstances and a possible
breach of the Community competition policy, will the
Commissioner investigate this situation and take any
necessary action required? Would he also request the
company to reconsider its redundancy proposals?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(10 September 1990)_

The Commission is not aware of News International

Newspapers Limited decisions leading to a loss of 412
jobs at Eric Bemrose Printers, on Merseyside.

However, if those decisions were to be taken and, as a
consequence thereof, collective dismissals effected
UK regulations implementing Council Directive
75/129/EEC O on collective redundancies would apply
and the management of Eric Bemrose would have to
inform and consult workers' representatives 'with a view
of reaching an agreement' on the proposed dismissals
which could not take effect earlier than 30 days after the
notification in writing to the competent public authorities
of the projected redundancies.

Furthermore, the Commission Action Programme
relating to the implementation of the Community Charter
of basic social rights for workers forsees the revision of
Council Directive 75/129/EEC with a view to fully
covering situations in- 'cases where the decision
concerning collective redundancies is taken by a
decision-making centre or by an undertaking located in
another Member State'.

O OJNoL48,22. 2. 1975, p. 29.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1818/90

by Mr John Bird (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 July 1990)_

(91/C 130/15)

_Subject:_ Age discrimination

Is the Commission aware of the apparently widespread
practice within the Community, of discrimination against
applications for employment on the grounds of age? This
is a particular problem to those in the age bracket 50 + .

Does the Commission agree that this is not only unfair
and unjust, but a waste of valuable and much needed
human resources?

What plans does the Commission have to ensure that age
discrimination is eradicated throughout the Community?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(11 September 1990)_

The Commission is aware of the special problems faced
by older people looking for employment. The
Commission also recognizes that, while recruitment
criteria based on age may lead to unfairness and waste,
the problem is complex and is not subject to simple
solution.

The Commission, in its Communication on the elderly ('),
underlines the positive contribution which older people
can make to society. In the context of the measures
proposed at the foot of this Communication, the
Commission may be in a position to support the efforts of
organizations which are addressing at Community level
the particular problems of older people looking for
employment.

O COM(90)80.

No C 130/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 5. 91

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1905/90

by Mr Ben Fayot (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(2_ _August 1990)_

(91/C 130/16)

_Subject:_ Recognition of degrees of disablement in the
various Community countries

Cases have occurred in which a frontier-zone worker has

been recognized by the authorities in one country as being
seriously disabled (up to 80%) and, therefore, unfit for
work, whereas the relevant authorities in a neighbouring
country declare the same worker to be fit for work and do
not accept the verdict of 'disabled'.

Does the Commission not consider that, to ensure the
mobility of frontier-zone workers there should exist a
system of equivalence enabling disability recognized in
one country to be accepted in all the other EC countries?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(7 September 1990)_

As the Court of Justice has often pointed out ('), the
purpose of Regulations (EEC) No 1408/71 and (EEC)
No 574/72 O, based on Article 51 of the EEC Treaty, is
not to harmonize the various social security systems in the
Community but to coordinate them. It is therefore for the
individual Member States to define the concept of
invalidity and the conditions for granting a disability
allowance, and as a result it is quite possible for someone
who has worked, either as an employee or in a
self-employed capacity, in two different Member States,
to be entitled to a disability allowance under the
legislation of one of these States but not the other.

To speed up payment of invalidity pensions by eliminating
discrepancies in the assessment of the degree of invalidity
of the worker concerned, Article 40 (4) of Regulation
(EEC) No 1408/71 provides that a decision taken by an
institution of one Member State regarding the degree of
invalidity of a claimant is binding on the institution of any
other Member State concerned if the concordance

between the legislations of these States on conditions
relating to degree of invalidity is acknowledged in
Annex V.

When Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 was originally
adopted, Annex IV (which became Annex V in 1981)
covered the legislation of four Member States, since
special features of the legislation in Germany (two levels
of disability) and the Netherlands (entitlement beginning
at as little as 15% disability) meant that those two
countries could not be included in the concordance tables.

On enlargement of the Community in 1973, 1981 and
1986, the inclusion of the legislation of the new Member
States in Annex IV (or V) was held over for a later date.
This was also the case when the Regulations were
extended to cover self-employed workers in 1982.

The Commission accordingly feels that the time has come
to look into the possibility of drawing up new
concordance tables covering as many systems as possible,
which could then be adopted by all the Member States.

The national legislations are being studied to examine the
practical possibilities of finding a solution to which the
Member States can all agree. The preparatory work will
take some time, as there are many different schemes
(some Member States have more than one) of very varied
types.

(') Cases 2/67 de Moor [1967] ECR 197; 9/67 Colditz [1967]
ECR 229; 27/71 Keller [1971] ECR 885; 140/73 Mancuso

[1973] ECR 1449; 50/75 Massonet [1975] ECR 1473; 100/78
Rossi [1979] ECR 831; 733/79 Laterza [1980] ECR 1915;
807/79 Gravina [1980] ECR 2205; and 41/84 Pinna [1986]
ECR1.

O Consolidated version: _O]_ No L 230, 22. 8. 1983. Last
amended by Regulation (EEC) No 2332/89: OJ No L 224,
2.8. 1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2001/90

by Mr Leo Tindemans (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1990)_

(91/C 130/17)

_Subject:_ American proposal for a treaty between the USA
and the EEC

The speech made by the American Secretary of State,
J. Baker, in December 1989 in Berlin had a world-wide
impact. He proposed that a treaty be concluded between
the USA and the EEC as a basis for future relations.

The speech was particularly gratifying since the same
proposal was already contained in the 'Tindemans
Report' on European Union published in December 1975.
Over the last 15 years, however, no satisfactory results
have been achieved, since proposals along these lines have
been rejected either by the USA or the European
Community.

Now that a specific proposal has been made:

1. Does the American proposal concern the Commission
alone, or should it also be considered in European
Political Cooperation?

21. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 130/9

2. Has the Commission already replied to the Baker
proposal? I am not aware of any official answer having
been given.

3. Has the Commission already commenced negotiations
on the Baker proposal? If so, what progress has been
made to date?

4. Are the political aspects of the Baker proposal being
considered by the Commission or in EPC? What
conclusions have been drawn?

5. If the matter has not yet been considered by the
Commission or in EPC, what is the reason for this
delay?

Answer given by Mr Andriessen
on behalf of the Commission

_(10 January 1991)_

Secretary Baker, in his Berlin speech, called for a
reinforcement of transatlantic relations, possibly through
a treaty between the US and the Community. Two days
later (15 December 1989), at the conclusion of the
Commission-US Ministerial meeting chaired by President
Delors and Secretary Baker, a joint declaration was issued
which reaffirmed the importance that both sides attached
to EC-US relations and declared their intent to further

strengthen their relationship.

The practical steps taken to translate this intention into
practice are set out in the Commission's reply to Written
Question No 1113/90 by Mr Vandemeulebroucke (') and
can be summarised as an intensification of contacts at all

levels plus a conscious effort to develop cooperation in
areas of common interest and to resolve or forestall major
trade problems. EPC-US contacts have also been
intensified both at the level of Ministers and at the level of

officials.

At the same time, following the Dublin European Council
of 25/26 June 1990, the idea of a Transatlantic

Declaration has been under consideration.

Given the prospects of institutional reform within the EC
following the two intergovernmental conferences at the
end of the year, there has been a consensus on both sides
of the Atlantic that the EC-US dialogue should, for the
present, be reinforced on a de facto, ad hoc basis rather
than through a formal treaty.

O OJNoC94, 11.4. 1991, p. 13.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2150/90

by Mrs Michele Alliot-Marie (RDE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 September 1990)_

(91/C 130/18)

_Subject:_ Increase in the compulsory compensatory
premium for sheep farmers in mountainous
regions

Article 5 (3) of Regulation (EEC) No 3013/89 ( [l] ) of
25 September 1989 stipulates that the amount of the
compulsory compensatory premium for milk herds shall
represent 70 % of the premium for eligible ewes.

Sheep farming in the Basque country and the Beam
displays certain specific characteristics. There are many
more milk herds than herds reared for meat. Milk-sheep
rearers produce light lambs adapted to mountain life and,
because of the need to sell more milk, they are sold at an
average carcase weight of 12 kg, putting them in the light
lamb category. Milk yields are low (average 7 000 litres)
and additional sales as meat, which are vital to boost very
modest incomes, may account for between 30 and 50 % of
a farmer's total output.

As a result of these characteristics and the mixed nature of

their sheep production, the Basque country and the Beam
are the only regions of France which are penalized by
these compensation arrangements.

What measures does the Commission plan to take to
adjust the amount of and the arrangements for the
compulsory compensatory premium to take account of
this particular type of sheep farming which is subject to
certain environmental constraints?

0) OJNoL289, 7. 10. 1989, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(10 January 1991)_

The system of premiums established by Council
Regulation (EEC) No 3013/89 (on the common
organization of the market in sheepmeat and goatmeat)
covers mixed and specialist dairy farming/marketing
systems. The Regulation provides for a 30% reduction in
the premium in mixed and dairy systems because the
production coefficient for lamb meat in such cases is
lower than in systems producing heavy lambs. The market
price for lamb and the income structure of producers in
the two production systems are also different.

Regulation (EEC) No 3013/89, however, lays down that
producers marketing sheep's milk or sheep's milk
products may also receive the premium at 100% (without
reduction), if at least 40% of the lambs born on the
holding are fattened as heavy carcases (25 kg live weight)

No C 130/10 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 5. 91

either on the farm itself or off the farm after sale of

the lambs to a specialized fattening establishment
(cooperative or other).

In view of the above, the Commission is unable to take
any other special measures.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2170/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 September 1990)_

(91/C 130/19)

_Subject:_ Fast food packaging and environmental
protection

In response to vigorous objections to the expansion of his
company's operations, recently expressed in the Federal
Republic of Germany, Mr Walter Rettenweber,
Managing Director of McDonald's Corporation,
Germany, announced that a budget of approximately
$950 000 would be earmarked by the company for the
protection of the environment, which was being
repeatedly polluted by the scattering of plastic or
expanded polystyrene packaging, which would now be
replaced by recycled paper.

Similar undertakings have been given by fast food chains
in the United States.

What is the Commission's attitude to the problem of
protecting the environment not just in Germany but
throughout the Community?

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

_(5 February 1991)_

The fact that companies such as the McDonald's
Corporation are making efforts to use less-noxious
packaging can only be considered as worthy of

encouragement.

At Community level, a draft regulation on 'eco-labelling'
is being finalized and will be transmitted shortly.

The Commission will shortly by examining all aspects of
packaging in detail with a view to determining what action
should be taken as a matter of priority.

As with the McDonald's initiative, the Commission is of
the opinion that everyone involved, from the consumer of
the producer of the packaging, including the distributor,
must play a part if such actions are to be really effective.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2201/90

by Mr Mihail Papayannakis (GUE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 October 1991)_

(91/C 130/20)

_Subject:_ Failure to allow the EETAA (Greek Local
Government and Local Development
Corporation) to take part in Community

programmes

The EETAA (Greek Local Government and Local
Development Corporation), which was founded in 1985
following a unanimous decision by the Greek Parliament
and on the initiative of the Greek local authorities and

their central body, has up to now taken part in the
implementation of local government programmes,
namely:

1. the IMP for Attica: the EETAA is the body
responsible for implementing two actions under
sub-programme 2 (tertiary sector), Measure 1
(vocational training);

2. IMPs for western Greece and the Peloponnese,
Macedonia and Thrace, Central and eastern Greece
and Crete: the EETAA is the body responsible for
implementing Measure 3 of the 'implementation'
sub-programmes of these IMPs;

3. technical assistance: the EETAA has organized a
number of seminars.

More recently, despite the fact that the Commission
had sent the funds to which the EETAA was

entitled, under documents 34761/MP/1805/3.8.90 and
34393/MP/1716/30.7.90, the deputy Minister for
Economic Affairs gave orders for the money belonging to
the EETAA to remain in a temporary bank account at the
Bank of Greece pending further notification. The
EETAA, it should be noted, had sent all the required
progress reports on its activities.

At the same time, under Article 76 of Development Law
No 1982/9 recently adopted by the Greek Parliament, the
Ministry of the Interior is attempting to interfere with the
EETAA's share capital, the membership of its board of
directors and in its operations, in flagrant contravention
of three fundamental Articles (25, 29 and 42) of Directive
77/91/EEC on public limited liability companies ( [x] ).

The EETAA submitted a proposal for the financing of a
training centre for local government employees under the
Community Support Framework for Greece. The
proposal was approved, initially, but later 'disappeared'
from the text of the proposal eventually submitted to DG
5 of the Commission.

Has the Commission been informed by the Greek
Government why it is hindering EETAA operations?
Does it intend to intervene to ensure that the Greek

Government complies with Directive 77/91/EEC and

21. 5. 91 Official Journal of the

with the conditions of implementation for Community
programmes jointly agreed between Greece and the
Commission?

O OJNoL26,31. 1.1977,p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(18 January 1991)_

The Commission has noted the delays in payments to the
development company EETAA and has taken the matter
up with relevant Greek authorities.

As far as the respect of Community law is concerned, the
Commission, after studying the text of the view that this
provision may constitute an infringement to Articles 25
and 29 of Directive 77/91/EEC, on public limited
companies. Further information is being asked from the
Greek Government so as to better assess the case.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2211/90

by Mrs Ursula Schleicher (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 October 1990)_

(91/C 130/21)

_Subject:_ Investment incentives in the canning industry

EC funds from the Regional Fund are largely directed at
the southern countries of the European Community.
According to the information I have, they are partly used
to establish and develop the canning industry there.

1. Does the Commission have information on the use of

EC funds for investment incentives for the canning
industry in the Member States? If so, can it please give
a breakdown of such incentives by country?

2. Is it aware of distortions of competition in this sector
in the Member States resulting from targeted
investment incentives in certain regions and/or
countries?

3. Is it aware of the fears expressed by workers in some
countries that their firms will have to close down

because of the distortions of competition resulting
from such investment incentives in other countries?

:an Communities No C 130/11

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(22 January 1991)_

1. The Commission is sending direct to the
Honourable Member and to the Secretariat of Parliament

a table with a breakdown by Member State of the projects
in favour of the canning sector financed by the ERDF
between 1975 and 1989.

2. When granting Community aid the Commission
ensures that competition conditions are not distorted.

3. The Commission is not of the view that its

investment assistance to particular sectors and regions
provokes job losses elsewhere.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2213/90

by Mrs Ursula Schleicher (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 October 1990)_

(91/C 130/22)

_Subject:_ Consumer protection with regard to the grading
of chickens

Chickens are graded for the consumer according to
quality (and thus price).

1. Do all Member States of the European Community
employ a grading system for chickens?

2. Are the criteria employed for grading the same in all
Member States?

3. To which grade in the various Member States are
chickens assigned which have been subjected to the
'water bath' treatment? (Please list by country)

4. In which countries is the 'spray cooling process'
employed?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(9 January 1991)_

1 and 2. Official grading of chickens is not yet
common practice in all Member States. The rules in
operation in Germany, Denmark, France and the
Netherlands are largely similar in respect of grading
according to meat and weight category. These systems
largely meet the recommendations of the UN's Economic

No C 130/12 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 5. 91

Commission for Europe. Two other countries (Greece
and Spain) have consumer grading linked to poultry meat
hygiene. The Commission knows of no official grading
systems in the other countries.

In an attempt to harmonize these differing conditions in
the individual Member States, partly with a view to the
1993 internal market, the Council adopted Regulation
(EEC) No 1906/90 on marketing standards for
poultrymeat (') in June 1990. These common standards
will apply with effect from 1 July 1991, but there are still a
number of detailed rules to be laid down by the
Commission _inter alia_ on consumer grading.

3. Water-cooled chickens are not generally subject to
any special grading, except in the Federal Republic of
Germany, where frozen or deep-frozen chickens can only
be given Class A grade if they have not been water-cooled.

4. The 'spray cooling process', in which water is
sprayed in the cold air cooling medium in order to
increase cooling and maintain a degree of surface
moisture, is currently used in poultry slaughterhouses in
the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark.

O OJ No L 173, 6. 7. 1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2288/90

by Mrs Caroline Jackson (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(15 October 1990)_

(91/C 130/23)

_Subject:_ Amendment of Annex I to Directive
79/409/EEC — Irrigation in Spain

In its answer to my Oral Question No H-330/89 ('), the
Commission stated that a proposal for the amendment
of Annex I to Directive 79/409/EEC ( [2] ) to include
endangered bird species in Spain and Portugal would be
presented to the Adaptation Committee at its next
meeting. How many such meetings have taken place since
then, has this now been discussed and how advanced is
the resulting proposal?

The Spanish Ministry of Public Works is proposing
large-scale irrigation projects that would significantly
affect the habitats of a number of bird species, including
several that are not currently of Annex I to Directive
79/409/EEC — such as the Spanish Imperial Eagle,
Aquila adalberti and the Blackwinged kite, Elanus
caeruleus.

1. Will the Commission, as a matter of the utmost
urgency, now ensure that Annex I to Directive
79/409/EEC is amended to include all Spanish and
Portuguese species in need of habitat protection
measures?

2. Will the Commission further ensure that no

Community funding is provided for the irrigation
projects referred to above without thorough and
satisfactory environmental impact assessment?

O Debates of the European Parliament No 3-383 (November

1989).
O OJ No L 103,25.4. 1979, p. 1.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2438/90

by Mr Carlos Pimenta (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 November 1990)_

(91/C 130/24)

_Subject:_ Irrigation projects in Spain

The Spanish Ministry of Public Works is proposing
irrigation projects in the basins of the Duero and Tejo
rivers that will affect many areas of outstanding
importance for the conservation of birds.

1. Is the Commission aware that these plans could affect
5 sites already designated as Special Protection Areas
(SPAs) under Directive 79/409/EEC (') on the
conservation of wild birds and a total of 21 sites that

qualify for such protection but have not yet been
designated by the Spanish authorities or are only
partly covered by SPAs?

2. Is the Commission further aware that:

(a) Spain has over 50 % of the world population of
_Otis tarda,_ a species that is threatened on a global
scale, and that the 21 sites referred to above hold
approximately 70 % of the Spanish population of
his bird?

(b) Spain is a world stronghold for _Aegypius_
_monachus,_ with some 96 % of the EC population;
one of the above sites has on third of this total;

(c) other species threatened by these plans include
_Tetrax tetrax, Grus grus, Aquila adalberti, Elanus_
_caeruleus, Pterocles alchata, Pterocles orientalis,_
_Gyps fulvus, Ciconia ciconia, Ciconia nigra, Falco_
_naumanii_ and _Circuspygargus_ _?_

3. In view of the exceptional environmental importance
of these areas, will the Commission ensure that all
payment is suspended in respect of any applications

21. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 130/13

for Community funding already received for these
plans and that satisfactory environmental impact
assessments are required before any financial support
is provided;

O OJ No L 103, 25.4. 1979, p. 1.

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 2288/90

and 2438/90

given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(17 January 1991)_

1. At it is well aware of the importance of Spain for
rare and endangered bird species, the Commission has
examined possible overlapping between the planned sites
for the irrigation projects proposed under EAGGF
operational programmes and the special protection areas
designated under Article 4 of Directive 79/409/EEC on
the conservation of wild birds and other areas identified

as being sites of importance to the Community.

2. The Commission is paying careful attention to the
question of funding for the irrigation projects, and would
inform the Honourable Member that in specific cases the
programmes proposed by the Spanish authorities have
been modified, after examination of their potential
environmental impact^ in order to minimize this impact.

3. The Commission therefore considers that, in the
form approved by the Commission, these Spanish
irrigation programmes will comply with environmental
requirements, and in particular the Community
legislation concerned. However, it will pay particular
attention to this aspect when monitoring the
implementation of the programmes.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2354/90

by Mrs Winifred Ewing (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(18 October 1990)_

(91/C 130/25)

_Subject:_ Council Regulation (EEC) No 170/83

Will the Commission state whether or not Council

Regulation (EEC) No 170/83 (») of 25 January 1983 has
been officially translated into all the working languages
of the European Community?

If not, will the Commission state which language versions
are not available, and will the Commission urgently check
the accuracy of any unofficial translations which are

circulating internally in the Commission (notably any
unofficial translations of Article 8)?

O OJNoL24,27. 1.1983, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(14 January 1991)_

The Commission confirms that Regulation (EEC) No
170/83 was published on 27 January 1983 in the Official
Journal No L 24 in seven Community languages and in
1985 in Spanish and Portuguese in the special edition of
the Official Jounal under the heading '04. Pesca'.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2386/90

by Mr Jose Valverde Lopez (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(25 October 1990)_

(91/C 130/26)

_Subject:_ Gibraltar, following reform of the Structural
Funds

As a result of Structural Fund reform, a set of objectives
have been defined which involve setting up various
Community support frameworks. In the context of these
objectives, what action is to be taken in Gibraltar?

Answer given by Mr Christophersen
on behalf of the Commission

_(4 January 1991)_

Under the reform of the Structural Funds, Gibraltar is not
currently eligible under the regional development
Objectives (Objectives 1, 2 and 5 (b)) (').

As far as Objectives 3 and 4, which are horizontal
measures, are concerned, the Honourable Member is
referred to the answer to his Written Question No
2387/90 on the Social Fund.

In the case of Objective 5 (a), a horizontal agricultural
measure, Article 28 of the Act of Accession of the United
Kingdom to the Community provides that Community
rules on agriculture and fisheries do not apply to the
territory of Gibraltar.

The United Kingdom authorities recently submitted an
application for ERDF finance for a pilot project in
Gibraltar (under Article 10 of the ERDF Regulation) ( [2] ).

(') Article 9 (6) and (7), framework Regulation (EEC) No

2052/88 —OJ No L 185, 15.7. 1988.
( [2] ) Regulation (EEC) No 4254/88 - OJ No L 374, 31.12. 1988.

No C 130/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 5. 91

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2388/90

by Mr Jose Valverde Lopez (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(25 October 1990)_

(91/C 130/27)

_Subject:_ Community action in Gibraltar under the ERDF

What investment in Gibraltar under the ERDF has been

planned and approved by the Community?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(19 December 1990)_

The Government of Gibraltar has applied for
co-financing of a pilot project under Article 10 of
Regulation (EEC) No 4254/88 concerning the ERDF (').
The Commission is currently examining the proposal.

(*) OJNoL374,31.12. 1988.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2401/90

by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(25 October 1990)_

(91/C 130/28)

_Subject:_ Modernization of sheep markets

In response to the difficulties being faced by a number of
stockbreeders, particularly in the sheep sector, certain
communities, for example Vasles in the Deux-Sevres
department, are planning measures for the modernization
of weekly markets, the creation of a lamb centre and the
establishment of an international sheep breed institute.

Given the interest of these projects for sheep-breeding, is
the Commission willing to provide funding for such
initiatives?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(7 December 1990)_

Under Council Regulation (EEC) No 355/77 of 15
February 1977 ('), aids have been granted for investments
concerning the marketing and processing of agricultural
products. Certain projects concerned the modernization
or transfer of livestock markets. They were part of a

specific programme drawn up by the Member State
concerned and approved by the Commission.

A project has been submitted to the Commission
concerning the construction of a sheep market at Vasles,
but it does not fulfil the conditions of the specific
programme in question.

In future, this type of aid will continue to be granted
under the new Council Regulation (EEC) No 866/90 of
29 March 1990 on improving the conditions in which
agricultural products are processed and marketed ( [2] ).

The other investments (lamb centre and international
sheep breed institute) do not appear to fall within the
scope of the Regulation.

Under Article 8 of Council Regulation (EEC) No
4256/88 of 19 December 1988 ( [3] ), funds can be granted
for pilot or demonstration projets. If the abovementioned
investments fulfil the conditions laid down in that Article,
the Commission could examine any applications it
receives.

O OJ No L 51, 23. 2. 1977.
O OJ No L 91, 6. 4. 1990.
O OJNoL374,31.12. 1988.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2417/90

by Mr Gianfranco Amendola, Mr Paul Lannoye and
Mr Gerard Monnier-Besombes (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 November 1990)_

(91/C 130/29)

_Subject:_ Commission funding for the Globe-EC
organization

Appropriations earmarked for European environmental
organizations (Item 6621) are awarded on condition that
these organizations are open to all citizens and, in
general, do not exceed 30 % of the total cost.

However, the Commission has provided ECU 100 000
(Doc. PE 144.134) by way of funding for Globe-EC,
covering all estimated expenditure by this organization
for 1990, despite the fact that its organization and
membership is limited to members of the European
Parliament. Moreover, the funding also covers Globe-EC
contributions to Globe-International, which is made up of
Globe-EC, Globe-US and Globe-Japan. Globe US has
received $ 5 000 from Waste Management.

1. Do the criteria for the granting of such funding
take account of the principles, work done and

21. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 130/15

the representativeness of the environmental
organizations concerned?

2. Can the Commission give a list of organizations which
have received funding to date and the amounts
accorded annually, by organization, compared with
the total expenditure incurred by these organizations.

3. How does the Commission justify the level of funding
to Globe-EC and for an organization consisting solely
of Members of Parliament?

4. Does not the Commission consider it inconsistent

with its environmental policy to fund organizations
associated with a body receiving funding from Waste
Management, which is well known in connection with
damage caused to the environment?

5. Does not the Commission consider that it should table

a proposal for a decision setting out criteria for the
funding of European environmental organizations in
order to guarantee that the measures are implemented
in a fair, transparent and uniform manner?

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

_(12 February 1991)_

1. The subsidy of ECU 100 000 for Globe was
committed as part of the appropriations available under
Item B6630 (and not B6621). This item is intended to
provide financial support for actions aimed at promoting
general awareness of the environment, and not subsidies
for the operating appropriations of European
environment organizations as is the case with item B6621.
With regard to the proportion of financing mentioned by
the Honourable Members, no such provision is made
under Item 6630.

The financial commitment to Globe is a partial financing
of an awareness campaign in Europe conducted by Globe.
It is, therefore, covered by the comments and criteria for
the granting of such subsidies under Item 6630.

2. Since this is a commitment under Item B6630 for

specific actions and not for the financing of
organizations, the question does not apply.

3. The granting of appropriations under Item B6630
can be carried out for any action which is likely to have a
widespread, worthwhile impact; the make-up of the
promoting body has no role in this respect.

According to Article 3 of the Agreement between Globe
and the Commission, the subsidy amounts to ECU
100 000 or 58% of total expenditure whichever is the
lower. In its draft budget of 20 December 1989, Globe
provided for a total campaign cost of ECU 173 438.

4. The Commission is not aware of a contribution of

5 000 dollars by Waste Management to Globe-US. The
campaign receiving funds from the Commission is limited
to Europe and to Globe-Europe; the Commission is
unable to see any connection between a contribution to
Globe-US and the European campaign.

5. In recent years, the Commission has always
discussed the contents and aims of Items 6621 and 6630

fully with the European Parliament, in particular as part
of the annual budget procedure. It has never had
the impression that the European Parliament has called
into question the proper, transparent and uniform
management of these two budget items, which are
managed strictly within the framework given by the
budget authority when the annual budget is approved.
This also applies to the case raised by the Honorable
Members. The Commission would, in addition, point out
that in the answer given to Written Question No 2425/88
from Mr Garriga Polledo (*) it provided detailed
descriptions of the principles and criteria which guide it in
this choice of actions for financial support under budget
Items 6621 and 6630.

(') OJNoC270,23. 10. 1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2418/90

by Mr Mihail Papayannakis (GUE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 November 1990)_

(91/C 130/30)

_Subject:_ Supply of information of programmes financed
under Council Regulation (EEC) No 4028/86

According to certain members of the public in the
European Community, neither the Greek authorities nor
the Commission have, despite repeated requests, provided
information on aquaculture projects being financed in
Greece under Council Regulation (EEC) No 4028/86 (').

Should not this information normally be provided by the
Greek authorities under Article 32 of Regulation (EEC)
No 4253/88? If it is not possible to obtain information
about Community financing in this way, would the
Commission be able to provide such information and is
it willing to do so? More specifically, would the
Commission provide details (exact location and nature of
the work) for the 17 aquaculture projects being funded
for 1990—1991 under Regulation (EEC) No 4028/86
( O J N o C l 2 3, 19.5. 1990, p. 3)?

- O OJNoL376, 31.12. 1986, p. 7.

No C 130/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 5. 91

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(25 January 1991)_

A total of 17 aquaculture projects in Greece were financed
under Regulation (EEC) No 4028/86 from the first 1990
tranche.

The Commission is sending direct to the Honourable
Member and to the Secretariat of Parliament a table

showing the geographical location of these projects and
the type of investment contemplated.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2427/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 November 1990)_

(91/C 130/31)

_Subject:_ Implementation of Council directives on gas
cylinders

A derogation has just been granted in respect of the
Council Directives on seamless steel gas cylinders,
seamless aluminium alloy and non-alloy gas cylinders and
welded non-alloy steel gas cylinders which entered into
force by the Royal Decree, of 12 June 1989.

A Ministerial Decree published in the _Moniteur Beige_ on
27 September 1990 meets the demands for a derogation
made by the Federation of Belgian Chemical Industries
which took particular exception to Articles 10 (1), 10 (2)
and 11 (1) of the Royal Decree in question. The
undertakings concerned are authorized to fill
foreign-made EC-type gas cylinders which do not meet
the requirements of this decree and to import such gas
cylinders.

The gas cylinders imported under this derogation may not
be refilled in Belgium and must be re-exported after
emptying.

Will the Commission say:

1. whether it is satisfied with the assumption that the
bottles are of the type used in the EC and the
restrictions regarding intended users and the
conditions of use;

2. whether other countries have adopted — or are
adopting — a similar derogation;

3. whether it was involved in revising the Council
directives in question in Belgium;

4. whether the users and the population concerned will
continue to be covered by the safeguards the directives
were intended to provide?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(4 February 1991)_

The Community Directives on gas cylinders (') and the
framework Directive ( [2] ) specify the requirements which
EC-type cylinders must satisfy before they can be placed
on the market.

Application of these Directives is 'optional' as, in addition
to the legislation transposing the Community Directives
in national law, Member States may have different
regulations on the design and manufacture of gas
cylinders, which is the aspect covered by the Community
instruments. By contrast, the above Directives do not
cover the conditions of use of such cylinders.

The following conclusions can therefore be drawn:

1. Gas cylinders are assumed to be of the EC-approved
type if they bear the marks provided for by the specific
Directives.

Member States may, with due respect for the Treaty,
lay down national provisions concerning in particular
the use of these cylinders.

2. The Commission has no knowledge of whether other
Member States have made similar derogations
regarding conditions of use.

3. In view of their optional nature, the Commission is
not involved in the national work on transposing the
Community Directives or in preparing the
derogations.

4. As this concerns statutory provisions not covered by
the Community Directives, it is the responsibility of
the Member State to determine the level of safety it
considers necessary and adequate and to ensure that
this is observed in the interest of protecting users and
their families.

However, should this prove insufficient to meet the
required safety standard, proposals may be made for
appropriate measures to harmonize conditions of use.
In addition, a review of the optional nature of the
Directives on the design and manufacture of gas
cylinders has already begun.

O 84/525/EEC, 84/526/EEC and 84/527/EEC, OJ No L 300,

19.11. 1984.
O 76/767/EEC, OJ No L 262, 27. 9. 1976.

21. 5. 91 Official Journal of the

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2433/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(7 November 1990)_

(91/C 130/32)

_Subject:_ Medical training and torture

Research by the torture victims' rehabilitation centre in
Copenhagen shows that an increasing number of doctors
are taking part in torture sessions.

It is because of doctors' involvement that these practices
are able to spread throughout the world at their present
level of efficiency. The director of the torture
rehabilitation centre, Mrs Inge Genefke, thinks that the
Madrid declaration is of fundamental importance in
combating this scourge. The declaration, which was
adopted by the Twelve a year ago, recommends that the
Member States teach trainee doctors how to resist

pressure to act in a manner contrary to medical ethics.

Will the Council answer the following questions:

Which Member States have already complied with the
declaration;

What measures have already been taken to speed up the
introduction of this training;

Is there inter-university cooperation between the Twelve
to harmonize this training?

Answer

_(10 April 1991)_

1. The Council can only confirm, as it has already done
on many occasions in this forum, that it is deeply
committed to the observance of human rights.

However, the Council would remind the Honourable
Member that human rights observance and related issues
are essentially the responsibility of the individual Member
States, which must comply with the international
commitments they have entered into.

2. All the EEC Member States have ratified the United

Nations Convention against torture and other cruel,
inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, which
entered into force in June 1987. Article 10 of that

Convention provides that:

'1. Each State Party shall ensure that education and
information regarding the prohibition against torture
are fully included in the training of law enforcement
personnel, civil or military, medical personnel, public

European Communities No C 130/17

officials and other persons who may be involved in
the custody, interrogation or treatment of any
individual subjected to any form of arrest, detention
or imprisonment.

2. Each State Party shall include this prohibition in the
rules or instructions issued in regard to the duties and
functions of any such persons.'

Furthermore, Member States are required to provide
the United Nations Committee against Torture with
regular information on progress made pursuant to the
said Article 10 of the United Nations Convention.

3. The Madrid Declaration contains a set of

recommendations relating to doctors, medical ethics
and torture. It was adopted in November 1989 by the
Standing Committee of Doctors of the EEC, an
international body representing the twelve national
medical associations of the Member States.

As regards the application of this Declaration in the
Member States, it is not the role of the Council to
comment in an area outside Community jurisdiction.

4. Within the Communities, harmonization of the
training of medical personnel is covered by several
Directives, implementation of which is constantly
monitored by Advisory Committees.

It would of course be for the Commission to propose
any new initiatives on the subject.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2442/90

by Mr Gerardo Fernandez-Albor (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 November 1990)_

(91/C 130/33)

_Subject:_ Non-participation of ERDF in regional
industrial development

Industrial development in certain Community Member
States in the Mediterranean basin is largely reliant on
European Community support through the ERDF, in
addition to national aids and regional incentives, for new
industries to consolidate their industrial development.

However, in many cases, applications under the heading
of 'regional incentives', for launching aid to promote
industrial development, for example in Spain, fail to
secure an ERDF contribution to supplement national
contributions.

No C 130/18 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 5. 91

In the specific case of Spain, can the Commission say why
no ERDF contributions are paid for the development of
industries which receive national launching aid under the
heading of 'regional incentives'?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(9 January 1991)_

Regional aid permitted by the Commission under Articles
92 and 93 of the EEC Treaty can be part-financed by the
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) at the
request of the Member States.

The financing plan for the CSF for the Objective 1
regions of Spain, which is based on the specific priorities
chosen in the context of the partnership, contains sections
entitled 'Support for industry, business services and crafts
sector' and 'Support for investment in tourism' qualifying
for total ERDF assistance of ECU 767,6 million.

The financing plan for the CSF for the Objective 2
areas in Spain contains a specific priority entitled
'Establishment and development of productive activities'
which is to receive a contribution from the ERDF of ECU

85,10 million.

Lastly, the financing plan for the CSF for the Objective 5
(b) areas in Spain contains a specific priority entitled
'Diversification of economic activity and improvement of
basic support infrastructure' which provides for an ERDF
contribution of ECU 61,1 million.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2449/90

by Mr Gianfranco Amendola (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 November 1990)_

(91/C 130/34)

_Subject:_ Project commissioned by the Community in
Liguria — Italy

Through the Ligurian Regional Council it has been
learned that a confidential industrial project has been
commissioned by the European Community.

This project is concerned with processes for neutralizing
toxic substances at the Ansaldo company, which will be
situated in the new extension of the Genova-Voltri port.

1. Is this true and, if so, what is the exact nature of the
project and what are the reasons for it?

2. If such a project does exist, how is compliance with the
Community waste directive to be guaranteed?

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

_(31 January 1991)_

1. The Commission would confirm the information

received by the Honourable Member through the
Ligurian Regional Council.

Under the MEDSPA programme, the Commission is
helping to finance (26,92% of the total) a pilot project
undertaken by Ansaldo SpA to treat port sludge by way of
neutralization. This process consists essentially of
'incorporating' the waste (sludge) in a matrix which is
resistant to the chemical and physical actions of the
outside environment, thus making it durable and usable as
a building and manufacturing product (slabs for bridges,
flooring for the chemical industry, concrete for dykes,
etc.). The final result, should the experiment be a success,
would render innocuous to the environment a material

containing various toxic and hazardous substances which
up to a short time ago were discharged into the open sea.

The regulations currently in force in Italy now ban this
practice. Thus the fate of this sludge, which is extracted so
as to keep port entrances accessible to ships, remains
unsolved. The experiment in progress could provide a
non-polluting solution to the problem, which a large
number of ports in the Community have to face.

It does not therefore concern products from the Ansaldo
company in particular, but a whole range of activities
relating to ports and naval shipyards in the area.

As regards industrial secrecy, the Commission
understands that this involves solely the cement matrices
made to incorporate the sludge and the additive which is
introduced into the mass to neutralize it. These processes
could give rise to applications for patents.

2. Port sludge is not subject to specific Community
regulations. However, elimination of this sludge must
comply with the provisions of Council Directive
78/319/EEC on toxic and hazardous waste (').

The aim of the project mentioned above is to demonstrate
that, when suitably neutralized, sludge can be used as a
secondary raw material in certain constructional
engineering sectors.

O OJ No L 84, 31. 3. 1978.

21. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 130/19

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2458/90

by Mr Mihail Papayannakis and Mr Cesare de Piccoli
(GUE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 November 1990)_

(91/C 130/35)

_Subject:_ Car insurance

People travelling from Greece to other European
countries in their own cars complain that many if not all
Greek insurance companies add a hand-written clause to
their car insurance policies excluding liability for theft in
Italy (and Yugoslavia) even if the insured person takes out
supplementary insurance for theft in general, in addition
to the standard third party policy.

Does the Commission consider that the clause itself and,
in particular, the way in which it is added to the printed
insurance policy is legal? To what extent does it comply
with the letter and spirit of the single market?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan
on behalf of the Commission

_(1 February 1991)_

Even though under Community Directives 73/329/EEC
(first non-life Directive) (') and 88/357/EEC (second
non-life Directive) ( [2] ) Member States' authorities are
allowed to control insurance tariffs for branch 3

(loss/damage to motor vehicles), the Greek authorities
have informed the Commission that no such control is

currently effected and tariffs are freely fixed. There are
therefore, a priori, no commercial reasons why the Greek
insurance companies should be unwilling to cover the risk
involved at the appropriate premium.

It is not clear from the question whether all Greek
insurance companies exclude liability for theft in Italy
from their car insurance policies, thus, in practice, leaving
the consumer no way of getting such an insurance in
Greece, and potentially constituting an obstacle to the
free movement of goods and people and limiting
competition. If this were the case, there might be a need
for action by the Greek authorities, and perhaps even by
the Commission, if there was evidence of collusion. The
Commission is seeking more information.

The clause mentioned in the question is not in itself
illegal, since there is freedom of contract in Greece
between insurer and insured in the area of liability for
theft. An insurance company cannot be forced to insure a
certain risk.

The fact that a clause is hand-written does not in itself

make the stipulation illegal provided, of course, that it is
communicated to the insured, and accepted in advance.

O OJNoL228, 16. 8.1973.
O OJ No L 172, 4. 7. 1988.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2459/90

by Mr Luigi Vertemati (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 November 1990)_

(91/C 130/36)

_Subject:_ Tax incentives for environmental protection

Among the many issues which the Italian Presidency has
undertaken to review and define more closely, both
within the Treaties and by means of Community
legislation, environmental policy has received particular
attention.

On 22 September 1990 the minister responsible, Mr
Giorgio Ruffolo, convened an informal summit meeting
of Community Environment Ministers to consider the
matter in more specific detail.

Can the Commission inform Parliament of the subjects
discussed at the summit and the conclusions drawn?

What ideas emerged concerning the introduction of
financial incentives to encourage environmental policy in
the Community and the need for the rapid introduction of
operational instruments (European Environment Agency
and European Fund for the Environment) ?

What position was adopted by the Environment Ministers
on possible amendments to the Treaties in respect of
Community environmental policy?

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

_(18 January 1991)_

The Council meeting on the environment held on 29 and
30 October endorsed the ideas of the informal Council

meeting in Rome concerning economic and fiscal
instruments.

In its conclusions the Council stressed the usefulness of

economic and fiscal instruments as a means of increasing
the effectiveness of action to protect the environment. It is
also agreed that the possibility of Community action in

No C 130/20 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 5. 91

this area should be examined. It considered that the

following areas call for specific attention:

— climatic change (greenhouse gases);

— solid waste;

— environmental considerations in the context of other

Community policies;

— water pollution.

The Commission is preparing concrete proposals relating
to climatic change and general guidelines for solid waste.

The Council has adopted the Regulation establishing the
European Environment Agency, and the Commission
hopes that the competent bodies will decide where it is to
have its seat as soon as possible.

The question of amendments to the Treaties will be
discussed at the Intergovernmental Conference on
Political Union.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2466/90

by Mr Giuseppe Mottola (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 November 1990)_

(91/C 130/37)

_Subject:_ Directive on the conservation of wild birds

With regard to the problem of the hunting of migratory
birds,

1. is the Commission aware of the practical difficulties
involved in the application of Directive
79/409/EEC (') in the Member States;

2. in particular, is the Commission aware of the
problems of interpretation raised by Article 7 of the
directive, which outlaws the hunting of migratory
birds during their return to their rearing grounds;

3. does the Commission consider it acceptable for the
species covered by Article 7 to be decided by the court;

4. is the Commission willing to aid the national
administrations in the determination of the open and
close seasons?

O OJ No L 103, 25. 4. 1979, p. 1.

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

_(17 January 1991)_

1 and 2. As part of its work to monitor the application
of Community law, the Commission is currently
examining the situation and the problems of
interpretation which arise.

3. The species which may be hunted are defined in
Annex II to Directive 79/409/EEC (Article 7) and it is not
therefore the responsibility of the courts to decide.

4. The Commission is always willing to help national
administrations find solutions to the technical and

scientific problems arising from the application of
Directive 79/409/EEC.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2470/90

by Mr Miguel Arias Caflete (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 November 1990)_

(91/C 130/38)

_Subject:_ Implementation of the EEC-Morocco fisheries

agreement

In view of the provision included in the EEC-Morocco
fisheries agreement to the effect that the protocol thereto
shall be valid from 1 March 1988 to 29 February 1992,
and given that this protocol has now been in force for
more than half its period of validity, can the Commission

state:

— to what extent the protocol has actually been applied
_vis-a-vis_ the various, catch possibilities (regarding, for
the northern zone: trawlers, seiners, long liners and
sponge fishing; for the southern zone: seiners,
small-scale fishing, cephalopods, trawlers and long
liners; and for both zones: tuna vessels);

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

— what results have been obtained by the scientific
programmes for research into fisheries resources and
the improvement of the management of fisheries
resources and the control of their exploitation;

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

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

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(18 January 1991)_

In view of the need to safeguard the position of the
Community during negotiations, the Commission is
unable to give detailed information on the utilization of
fisheries agreements.

21. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 130/21

In general, utilization of the Agreement with Morocco
may by regarded so far as quite satisfactory.

Spain currently holds the majority of licences issued
under the Agreement; other countries holding licences are
Portugal and France.

The funds used to finance scientific programmes are paid
directly to the Ministry of Maritime Fishing. They are
used to develop research into fisheries questions and
improve the management of resources.

As part of this work, in September and October 1990 the
Moroccan authorities organized research into the stock
of cephalopods with the cooperation of Community
experts.

Most of the appropriations allocated to study grants have
been used (including convertible study grants to cover the
costs of attending international meetings). These grants
enable Moroccan nationals both to attend study courses
in Europe on various matters concerning fisheries and to
take part in practical training on board ship.

Some problems have been experienced by Community
fishermen, particularly when Morocco introduced a new
fisheries code.

The Commission requested an extraordinary meeting of
the Joint Committee provided for in Article 10 of the
fisheries agreement between the Communty and
Morocco. The Joint Committee met in Rabat on 19 and 20

March 1990 and permitted both parties to improve the
administrative procedures to be followed when
Community vessels are boarded.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2479/90

by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 November 1990)_

(91/C 130/39)

_Subject:_ Protection of correspondence course students

The freedom to provide services throughout the
Community will allow expansion in the market for
correspondence courses provided by private agencies.

Many Community citizens may find themselves unable to
judge the quality of the courses offered to them or how to
avail themselves of possible means of redress.

Has the Commission looked into this problem? Is there
any way of preventing advertisers from using the word
'European' as a means of luring new students?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(13 February 1991)_

At Council's request the Commission is proceeding with a
development plan in the field of distance education and
training, and plans to present the Council with a relevant
Decision next year (1991). In designing this, the
Commission is fully aware of the problems mentioned by
the Honourable Member and is carefully considering
ways of dealing with them. As 'educational quality' is a
main issue for education and training systems in the
Community, the topic is currently being discussed in the
Council's Education Committee.

So far as the end user of education and training systems is
concerned, and on the eve of the single market, the
Commission's view is that national governments should
be the first to adopt and apply relevant legislation
concerning quality control for the providers of education
and training services, within their national frontiers. The
Commission for its part, being very sensitive to matters
related to consumers' protection, will seek to ensure that
this quality control is achieved at Community level,
including the possibility of establishing a data base on the
distance education and training providers in Europe. In
the meantime, the Commission will aim to promote good
practices in distance education and training via its future
activities in the field.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2488/90

by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini (NI)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 November 1990)_

(91/C 130/40)

_Subject:_ Predicted cuts in farm subsidies

In view of the Commission proposal to reduce farm
subsidies by 30% between 1986 to 1996, it should be
pointed out that, since 1986, the reductions have already
reached 20%, resulting in drastic losses for the 10 million
farmers of the Community.

If the present system should collapse, it will be necessary
to pay unemployment benefit instead of farm subsidies.
Can the Commission therefore draw up without delay
measures to assess the impact on the sector of the planned
cuts, and a programme of accompanying measures to
ensure that the cuts, if they are really inevitable, first and
foremost affect the products which are most in surplus?

No C 130/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 5. 91

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(8 January 1991)_

The proposal to reduce farm subsidies by 30 %, presented
by the Commission, was adopted by the Council on
6 November 1990.

Since this reduction refers to the level of support granted
in 1986, the additional reduction to be achieved over the
period 1991 — 1996 is less than 30 % for all those sectors in
which reductions have already been made since 1986.

In view of the fact that the reduction in subsidies may
affect farm incomes, the Commission has undertaken to
present without delay concrete proposals to guarantee
farmers a viable future. The approach adopted involves,
in particular, guaranteeing the competitiveness of
European agriculture, ensuring appropriate levels of
income support and strengthening structural support with
the emphasis on those categories of producers or regions
which will have most difficulty in adjusting to the new
situation.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2502/90

by Mr Dimitrios Dessylas (CG)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 November 1990)_

(91/C 130/41)

_Subject:_ Interference by the Greek Government in the
running of the Greek Organization for Local
Development and Local Government (EETAA)

Recently the Greek press and in particular local
government representatives and staff have been greatly
concerned by government interference in respect of
the share capital, administrative board and general
management of the Greek Organization for Local
Development and Local Government (EETAA). More
specifically Article 76 of Law 1982/90 and Decision No
52666/6-8-90 by the Minister of the Interior effectively
puts paid to any notion of independence for the EETAA
and sets out to impose on it full direct government
control, thereby violating the constitutional guidelines
concerning local authorities and Community Law
(Articles 25, 29 and 42 of Directive 77/91/EEC (') on
public limited companies). The EETAA employs
approximately 90 members of staff (local government
experts, administrative and scientific staff), who are
justifiably very anxious concerning the future of this
organization and their jobs. The EETAA would play an
increasingly important role in providing expert advice

for local authorities if it finally came under the control
of local authorities and rid itself of Government

supervision.

In view of this, what measures will the Commission take
and what immediate representations will it make to the
Greek authorities (Government, Ministry of the Interior)
concerning this infringement of Community law, in order
to safeguard the independence of the EETAA?

(') OJNoL26, 31. 1.1977,p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(19 February 1991)_

After studying the text of Article 76 of Law 1982/90, the
Commission is of the view that this provision may
constitute an infringement of Articles 25 and 29 of
Directive 77/91/EEC _(_ _[l]_ _)_ on public companies limited by
shares. Further information has been requested from the
Greek Government so as to better assess the case.

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member

to its answer to Written Question No 2201/90 by
Mr Papayannakis ( [2] ) on the same subject.

(') OJNoL26,31. 1.1977.
( [2] ) See page 10 of this Official Journal.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2503/90

by Mr Mihail Papayannakis (GUE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 November 1990)_

(91/C 130/42)

_Subject:_ Community cultural policy

_To Vima,_ a respected Greek newspaper, published an
article on 23 September 1990 criticizing the luxury
'Diogenes Palace' which was constructed in Athens with
Integrated Mediterranean Programme (IMP) funds and
intended as a special multipurpose cultural centre (for
conferences, cultural events, etc.). However, the interior
of this multi-storey building has remained half-finished
and empty while the basement has been turned into an
extremely lucrative nightclub, whose connections with
culture in any acceptance of the term are highly dubious.
The newspaper suggested that this was a matter for the
Public Prosecutor's Office.

1. Are these incredible allegations true and did a purely
commercial enterprise, on the pretext of being
cultural, receive IMP funding?

21. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 130/23

2. If so, what general acceptance of culture lay behind
this financing?

This question is of particular significance in the case of
Athens where similar undertakings, attracted by high and
largely untaxed profits are multiplying and can lay claim
to similar 'need' for funding, while investment for cultural
purposes is drying up for lack of funds.

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(25 January 1991)_

According to the information available to the
Commission, the project mentioned in the question was
not financed by the Integrated Mediterranean
Programmes. Should the Honourable Member have
information to the contrary, the Commission services
would be grateful to have it made available to them so that
they may take the matter up with the relevant Greek
authorities.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2521/90

by Mr Filippos Pierros (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 November 1990)_

(91/C 130/43)

_Subject:_ IMPs in western Greece and the Peloponnese

Will the Commission say how the Integrated
Mediterranean Programme (IMP) is progressing in
respect of western Greece and the Peloponnese and in
particular indicate what proportion of the funds is being
taken up by both the public and private sector. If possible,
can the Commission also indicate the percentage of the
appropriations made available under this Community
initiative which have been used?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(24 January 1991)_

The Commission has the honour to give to the
Honourable Member the following figures for the IMP
of western Greece — Peloponnese.

1. Total of expenditure for the whole IMP
(1986—1992): ECU 658,3 million

Expenditure till 30 June 1990: ECU 251,9 million

Percentage of total expenditure covered by the
programme: 38 %

2. Expenditure for public investments (1986—1992):
ECU 497,1 million

Expenditure at 30 June 1990: ECU 204,5 million

Percentage of total expenditure covered by this
measure: 41 %

3. Expenditure for private investments (1986—1992):
ECU 161,2 million

Expenditure at 30 June 1990: ECU 47,4 million

Percentage of total expenditure covered by this
measure: 29 %

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2530/90

by Mr Neil Blaney (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 November 1990)_

(91/C 130/44)

_Subject:_ Changed outlook for renewable energy sources

If the market price of oil were to remain at its present
level, what would be the implications in terms of increased
competitiveness for renewable energy sources?

Has the Commission examined, in the light of the present
situation, the possibility of speeding up work on
renewable energy sources? If not, will it do so and make a
statement to the European Parliament on the first possible
occasion about the conclusions it has reached?

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

_(4_ _January 1991)_

The recent increase in the price of oil products will
doubtless help to improve the competitiveness of new
energy sources on the energy market. However, this more
favourable situation must not be overestimated. The

Commission would refer in this instance to its analysis of
the state of the world oil market which it passed on to the
European Parliament on 11 October 1990 ('). In that
survey the Commission stressed the extreme short-term
volatility of crude oil and oil product prices. It also briefly
described the Commission's aims in this area, one of
which was effectively to promote greater energy
efficiency and alternative energy sources.

Well before the events taking place in the Gulf, the
Commission had decided to embark upon a study of
economic development and trends as regards renewable
energy sources up to the year 2010. This research will be
carried out in 1991. The Commission will turn the results

No C 130/24 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 5. 91

and conclusions of that study to account in order to guide
the work that needs to be done on renewable energy
sources in the years to come. In the meantime the
Commission will continue to promote renewable energy
technologies as part of its R, D & D programmes and in
particular the THERMIE programme (promotion of
energy technologies in Europe).

(') Debates of the European Parliament No 3-394 (October
1990).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2531/90

byMrNeilBlaney(ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 November 1990)_

(91/C 130/45)

_Subject:_ Prospects for the Elsbeth automobile engine

Is the Commission aware of the potential of the Elsbeth
automobile engine? Can it confirm that this engine, which
can run on any kind of vegetable oil (flax, rape seed,
sunflower oil, etc.) and is oil-cooled,

1. is more efficient than current engines using petrol or
dieseloil?

2. would, if marketed, help to reduce pollution and limit
the 'greenhouse effect'?

3. has reached the prototype stage ?

In view of the rising price of oil, will the Commission
investigate the situation as regards industrial development
of the Elsbeth engine and do whatever it can to ensure
that it comes on the market?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(29 January 1991)_

1. The Commission was informed a few years ago of
the advances in diesel technology which paved the way for
the development of multi-fuel engines like the Elsbeth
engine. Engines of this type are series-produced for
military vehicles in particular. It should be possible to
adapt them to private cars without any technical problems
for the automobile industry. The Commission considers
that the industry will probably be in a position to
manufacture such engines once it is sure that sufficient
quantities of fuels such as rape seed oil will be
permanently available on the market.

2. On 2 February 1990 the Commission submitted a
proposal for a Directive introducing severe European

emission standards for all private cars ('). The primary
objective is to develop clean technologies and bring them
onto the market, bearing in mind the role played by
pollutants emitted from motor vehicles in formation of
the gases to blame for the greenhouse effect.

The efficiency ratings of engines powered by vegetable
oils must be comparable with the performance of engines
powered by conventional fuels. Total CO2 emissions
(during production and use of the fuels) are at least the
same as for diesel fuels, although, theoretically, the CO2
is recycled by the crops.

3. The Commission's 1986-1989 energy demonstration
programme provided financial support for a project to
adapt engines to rape seed oil. The circles concerned
showed considerable interest in this opportunity to test
whether it was economic to produce an oil for multi-fuel
engines from rape seed.

Alongside the Commission's long-term research
programmes, the automobile industry is conducting its
own programme to develop engines responding to the
demands of the market and to the problems posed by
fuels. A number of technical problems remain to be solved
before unprocessed vegetable oils such as rape seed oil can
be used. On the other hand processing the oils to make
them fit fur use (such as esterification) is uneconomic at

present.

Production costs will have to be cut by one third for
vegetable oils to be competitive by around 2005.

O OJNoC81,30.3. 1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2555/90

by Mr Jose Vazquez Fouz (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 November 1990)_

(91/C 130/46)

_Subject:_ Implementation of the STRIDE programme

The STRIDE programme includes a number of ambitious
objectives concerning the least-favoured regions. Its
budget, while not excessive, appears to be sufficient for its
allotted tasks.

How much of the programme will be devoted to fisheries
research?

What projects are there for collaboration between the
private fisheries sector and the research centres covered
by the programme?

Have any measures been planned for Gallicia?

21. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 130/25

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(16 January 1991)_

The Stride Programme aims to strengthen the research,
technological and innovatory capacity of less-developed
regions and more particularly promote linkages between
private industry and technology centres that are included
in the operational programmes.

Stride initiatives in Galicia relating to fisheries would
depend on the existence of proposals being put forward
from national or regional authorities that comply with the
abovementioned objectives.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2567/90

by Mr Paul Staes (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(20 November 1990)_

(91/C 130/47)

_Subject:_ The peace process in Central America

The political and social cards in Central America have
been thoroughly shuffled by a series of elections and talks
between opposing forces.

What contribution does the Commission believe it can

make towards the peace process in Central America?

Does the Commission believe the EC should play a
political role as international guarantor of the
implementation of agreements between the governments
of Central America and the guerillas?

Does the Commission believe that economic efforts

should be geared towards the indigenous Central
American market rather than towards exports?

Does the Commission believe that cancelling debts is the
only sensible response to the pressing needs of the Central
American region and that the quincentenary of 1492 is the
ideal opportunity for doing so?

Does the Commission believe that the question of
refugees and guaranteed safe repatriation in Central
America should be high on the agenda of the peace
process and that the scandal of the death squads is closely
linked to this matter?

Is the Commission prepared to include in the 1991 budget
adequate appropriations to meet these needs and
priorities?

Answer given by Mr Matutes
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 February 1991)_

As the Honourable Member notes, last year saw a number
of positive developments in Central America. In
particular, four countries in the region held democratic
elections which allowed an orderly and peaceful change
of government.

The dialogue which the Community has conducted for a
number of years with Central America (the San Jose
dialogue) has certainly contributed to promoting peace
and reconciliation in the region. The Commission
therefore considers it essential to continue this policy.

The Commission also deems it essential to intensify
cooperation with the region because of the close link
between its economic development and its political
stability. Cooperation should be geared first and foremost
to mobilizing the internal resources of the region itself. In
pursuing such cooperation, the Commission promotes
regional projects in particular and indeed aims to boost
the economic integration of the countries of Central
America so that they can improve their competitive
position on the international market.

The Community's contribution to setting up a regional
payment system should further that aim as it is tied to
dismantling internal barriers to trade. At their meeting in
Antigua in June, the Central American Presidents took
account of these commitments in their deliberations on

updating the regions' integration strategy.

Against this background, the Commission believes that
Central American countries which are making serious
efforts to promote economic recovery should benefit
from the measures provided for as part of the
international debt strategy. This strategy is of course still
evolving, as evidenced by recent North American
initiatives. Some Member States have taken additional

measures to help Latin American countries along the lines
suggested by the Honourable Member.

The Commission considers that the scheme for refugees
in Central America is crucial to the success of the peace
process and that it is the duty of the international
community to give it a high priority. With the return last
year of a large number of refugees to their region of
origin the Commission has made an appreciable financial
contribution, committing over ECU 20 million in 1990
from the various existing budget headings for schemes to
help refugees, displaced persons and returnees in Central
America.

In its 1991 draft budget the Commission has provided the
resources to pursue and intensify cooperation with
Central America.

No C 130/26 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 5. 91

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2568/90

by Mrs Anita Pollack (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(20 November 1990)_

(91/C 130/48)

_Subject:_ Illegal dolphin fishing in the Mediterranean

Is the Commission aware of the evidence from the Whale

Club of the World about illegal fishing of and trading
in meat from dolphins caught off shore in the
Mediterranean by driftnet fishing, and what action can it
take:

1. to pressure the governments of Member States to,
bring about stricter law enforcement, and

2. to research an alarm system which can be used by
fishing vessels using intensive methods to help
dolphins locate the presence of these nets and thereby
to avoid them?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(4 February 1991)_

1. The Commission is aware of the report by the Whale
Club of the World on illegal trade in dolphins referred to
by the Honourable Member.

Certain Mediterranean Member States have adopted laws
on the fishing of dolphins and the drifting gill-nets
referred to by the Honourable Member. All Community
Member States are contracting parties to the Convention
on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural
Habitats, approved on behalf of the Community by a
Council Decision of 3 December 1981 ( [1] ). The
Convention prohibits the use of this type of net and treats
dolphins as a strictly protected species.

Within its sphere of competence the Commission
monitors the application by the Member States of the
provisions applicable to dolphins.

In 1988 the Commission proposed a Council Directive on
the protection of natural and semi-natural habitats and of
wild fauna and flora ( [2] ). Article 12 of the proposed
Directive would require the Member States to take the
requisite measures to prohibit:

(a) all forms of taking, capture and deliberate
destruction, injury or killing; and

(b) the keeping and sale of specimens taken from the
wild. This prohibition applies to the species listed in
Annex II to the proposed Directive, including all
species of whale.

The Commission has sent the Council a discussion
paper ( [3] ) proposing common arrangements for fishing in
the Mediterranean, including a common policy for the
conservation and management of Mediterranean fishery
resources. The document proposes a conservation model
based on fishing gear rather than catch limits: there would
be a progressive reduction in the use of towed gear and
gear which damages the marine environment, including
certain forms of drift-net which, when used to fish certain
migratory species, can cause the death of marine
mammals.

2. For two years the Commission has funded a research
project on the use of acoustic apparatus to protect
dolphins from nets. The results are very encouraging. The
Commission intends to continue to fund this programme,
since further work is needed before commercially viable
apparatus can be produced.

O OJNoL38, 10.2. 1982.
O OJ No C 247, 21. 9. 1988.
O SEC(90)1136final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2569/90

by Mr Gerhard Schmid (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(20 November 1990)_

(91/C 130/49)

_Subject:_ Health hazards to children in the playground

Extensive scientific surveys carried out in the Federal
Republic of Germany have shown that one playground in
four is contaminated with environmental pollutants.

1. Is the Commission aware of this survey?

2. Have EC standards been introduced for playgrounds
comparable to those contained in the bathing water
directive?

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

_(17 January 1991)_

1. The Commission is unaware of the survey referred
to by the Honourable Member.

2. There is no Community standard in this area.

21. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 130/27

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2596/90

by Mr Gianfranco Amendola, Mr Paul Lannoye
and Mr Gerard Monnier-Besombes (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(20 November 1990)_

(91/C 130/50)

_Subject:_ Space debris

According to a report by the American OTA (Office of
Technology Assessment) there are about 6 645 wrecked
spacecraft in space and if the number continues to
increase at the present rate, by between 2000 and 2010 the
use of low-level orbits around the Earth will have become

too dangerous.

These wrecks travel at a speed of 22 000 mph and may (as
has already happened) cause damage to satellites or injure
astronauts. There are also thousands of other very small
pieces of debris, numbering between 20 and 70 thousand,
which are also extremely dangerous.

1. Can the Commission say whether it intends to draft
proposals to tackle and solve the problem of debris in
space and, if so, what these proposals would be?

2. Can the Commission say whether it intends to
promote an international campaign for collaboration
in a joint effort to clean up space?

Answer given by Mr Pandolfi
on behalf of the Commission

_(21 January 1991)_

Indeed the increasing population of man-made
Earth-orbiting objects, which are not active functioning
satellites, is causing growing concern. Several
international organizations have focused their attention
on space debris, e.g. COPUOS, the Committee on the
Peaceful Uses of Outer Space of the United Nations;
COSPAR, the Committee on Space Research of the
International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU); IAF,
the International Astronautical Federation; IAU, the
International Astronomical Union; ITU, the
International Telecommunication Union as a specialized
agency of the United Nations. Furthermore there are
working groups on space debris in the United States and
Europe under the auspices of NASA and ESA
respectively.

Any effective debris control policy must be based upon
international consensus and be founded upon
international and national law. Of the five international

space treaties, three provide for very general outlines as
regards the prevention of pollution of outer space: the
Outer Space Treaty entered into force on 10 October

1967, the Liability Convention entered into force on
1 September 1972 and the Registration Convention
entered into force on 15 September 1976.

The European Space Agency as well as its Member States,
ratified these treaties, which means that they are
undertaken to adhere to the provisions of these treaties.
Recently ESA installed a special Space Debris Advisory
Group. Given this framework, European initiatives for
proposals to resolve the problem of space debris or for
cleaning the environment of the Earth are expected to
come from ESA, with whom the Commission is in close

contact.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2620/90

by Mrs Marie Jose Denys (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(23 November 1990)_

(91/C 130/51)

_Subject:_ Harmonization of rules relating to camper vans

Will the Commission harmonize the various rules on the

definition of and parking rights for camper vans in the
Member States, with a view to the completion of the
internal market in 1992 and in connection with the free

movement of goods, services, capital and, in particular,
persons?

The situation in the various Member States is so different

in respect of both the relevant texts (legislative texts and
regulations) and the definition of the term 'camper van'
that a Community directive is needed to clarify the
situation in respect of this increasingly popular form of
tourism.

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 February 1991)_

As part of the general review of Directive 70/156/EEC (')
with a view to the completion of a single type-approval
system for motor vehicles and their trailers, the
definitions of vehicle categories are also under review.
This concerns _inter alia_ motor homes, camper vans and
similar items.

The proposal should be submitted to the Council under
Article 100 A - EEC in early 1991.

As far as parking rights of such vehicles are concerned,
this is a matter of competence for the national of local
authorities.

O OJNoL42, 23.2. 1970.

No C 130/28 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 5. 91

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2666/90

by Mrs Mechtild Rothe (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(23 November 1990)_

(91/C 130/52)

_Subject:_ Compliance with environmental protection
regulations in connection with the manufacture
of pharmaceutical products

The French chemical combine Rhone-Poulenc-Sante,
which has its headquarters in Paris, proposes to merge
with Rorer Group Inc., a pharmaceutical concern with
headquarters in Fort Washington, Pa., in the US, which
_inter alia_ operates subsidiary plants in the Federal
Republic of Germany. After the merger, it is planned to
relocate the entire production operation from Bielefeld to
France.

One way in which environmental protection aspects are
taken into account in the Bielefeld production process
consists in separating-off the aluminium waste product,
through water treatment, for subsequent disposal, i.e. it
does not enter the sewage network.

Are there special Community rules governing the disposal
of waste products from pharmaceutical-production
processes?

If so,

— what are they?

— does the Commission have information on compliance
with these rules in the Federal Republic of Germany
and France?

If this area is not governed by Community rules, what is
the Commission's assessment of the standard of the

relevant environmental legislation in the Federal Republic
of Germany and France?

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

_(22 January 1991)_

Certain wastes from pharmaceutical production can be
regarded as dangerous under Directive 78/319/EEC (').
This Directive, like Directive 75/442/EEC on waste ( [2] ),
oblige the competent authorities of the Member States to
ensure that waste disposal does not endanger man or the
environment. Both Germany and France have introduced
waste management systems in line with the provisions of
these Directives.

(') OJNoL84, 31.3. 1978.
O OJNoL194,25.7. 1975.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2708/90

by Mr Jose Valverde Lopez (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 December 1990)_

(91/C 130/53)

_Subject:_ Collapse of the register of medicines in Spain

In recent years the Spanish Government has been using
the tactic of blocking the authorization of medicines as a
way of pressurizing the pharmaceutical industry in
negotiations. This approach, which is far from proper
administrative practice in a law-abiding country and
contrary to Community law, is at least potentially, a
source of discrimination or comparable action. At present,
more than three thousand applications are being blocked.
What measures has the Commission taken and what

measures will the Commission continue to take to deal

with this matter?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(23 January 1991)_

The Commission is aware of the difficulties the Spanish
authorities are currently facing in transposing the whole
body of Community pharmaceuticals legislation into
Spanish law. However, no company or association has so
far confirmed the circumstances deplored by the
Honourable Member.

With regard to medicinal products subject to Community
procedures for the coordination of national registration,
the Commission's departments have not found any
significant anomaly in the acceptance by Spain of the
opinions of the Committee for Proprietary Medicinal
Products set up by Directive 75/319/EEC ( [x] ).

O OJ No L 147, 9. 6. 1975.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2710/90

by Mr Jose Valverde Lopez (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 December 1990)_

(91/C 130/54)

_Subject:_ Spanish Government aid to the Nestle company
and the 'Derivados Lacteos y Alimenticios'
company in Castilla-La Mancha

The Commission wrote to the Spanish Government on
2 June 1990 regarding state aid grants N277/89 and

21. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 130/29

N278/89 O to Nestle and Derivados Lacteos y
Alimenticios in Castilla-La Mancha, in accordance with
the procedure laid down in Article 93 (2) of the EEC
Treaty.

Given that the month's notice has expired, what is the
present state of this case and were these grants indeed
paid from EAGGF funds?

O OJNoC 135,2.6. 1990, p. 4.

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(24 January 1991)_

The Commission is carefully studying this file and will
take a decision upon it in the near future.

The aids involved are financed only with national funds
with no involvement of EAGGF funds.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2712/90

by Mr Carlos Pimenta (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 December 1990)_

(91/C 130/55)

_Subject:_ Access to information on the environment

Now that Directive 90/313/EEC (') on the freedom of
access to information on the environment has been

adopted by the Council, does the Commission have any
plans to bring forward a proposal making similar
provision for the disclosure of information relating to the
environment by the Commission itself?

If not, why not?

O OJNoL158,23.6. 1990, p. 56.

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

_(18 January 1991)_

As the directive on the freedom of access to information

on the environment was adopted by the Council on 7 June
1990 (') it is intended that an appropriate proposal will be
drawn up in order to extend to the Commission the
principles applied through that directive.

O OJNoL 158,23.6. 1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2717/90

by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 December 1990)_

(91/C 130/56)

_Subject:_ European coastal policy

Following the initiative taken by the Council in drawing
up a directive with the aim of creating a European coastal
policy, could the Commission specify what progress has
been made with the texts which relate, on this question, to
the protection of the coastline and to the integrated
management of coastal zones?

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

_(12 February 1991)_

The Commission is currently preparing a communication
to the Council on the development, planning and
management of coastal areas.

The Council will use this in order to assess the suitability
of a Community legal instrument aimed, in particular, at
the protection and integrated developments of coastal

areas.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2722/90

by Mr Gianfranco Amendola and Mr Enrico Falqui (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(10_ _December._ _1990)_

(91/C 130/57)

_Subject:_ Chromium pollution in the province of Ancona
(Italy) and request for measures to protect the
environment and public health under the
'Envireg' project

An emergency situation has occurred in the municipality
of Jesi (Ancona) affecting the environment and public
health caused by 20 years of pollution resulting from the
dumping of chromium by the Monsano RCD company.

Samples of water have been shown to contain 22 parts per
million of chromium, that is to say 440 times higher than
the legal limit in Italy of 50 parts per billion.

The civil defence authorities were forced to intervene in
1987 and the pollution has continued to spread.

Both the Marche regional government and the Italian
Ministry of the Environment are calling for the inclusion
of this area in those receiving funding from the
Community 'Envireg' project.

No C 130/30 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 5. 91

Will the Commission include this area, which is one of the
most badly polluted by chromium in the world, in those
receiving aid under the 'Envireg' environmental
protection and recovery project?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(21 January 1991)_

The areas eligible under the Envireg programme are listed
in the Notice to the Member States laying down
guidelines for operational programmes within the
framework of a Community initiative concerning the
environment (').

Measures to control the management of toxic and
hazardous industrial waste are confined to the Objective 1
regions.

Since the problem referred to in the question does not
relate to an Objective 1 region, the Commission regrets
that it cannot be considered under Envireg.

O OJNoC 115,8.5. 1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2752/90

by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(10 December 1990)_

(91/C 130/58)

_Subject:_ Electrical energy of nuclear origin

On _20_ August 1990 the German daily _Frankfurter_
_Allgemeine Zeitung_ featured a short article on a survey
carried out recently in the United States, according to
which a majority of US citizens — including 18 % of those
who regard themselves as ecologists — were in favour of
electrical energy of nuclear origin.

As changes in the views of the US public on this
controversial subject are clearly relevant to Europe, can
the Commission supplement the information given in the
newspaper article?

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

_(18 January 1991)_

The Commission's departments are observing with great
interest the shifts in public opinion concerning the
peaceful use of nuclear energy in both the United States
and Europe that have been identified by various public
opinion surveys.

The Commission carries out regular public opinion
surveys on energy and in particular nuclear matters
through Eurobarometer and then publishes the results.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2767/90

by Mr Madron Seligman (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 December 1990)_

(91/C 130/59)

_Subject:_ Hostilities in Sri Lanka

The European Communities have expressed concern at
what amounts to civil war in Sri Lanka, by and large
supporting the Government in its endeavour to control
the 'rebels', but urging restraint and respect for human
rights.

Conflicting reports are reaching Europe: for instance _The_
_Times_ reported (2 November 1990) that more than 45 000
Muslims have fled from the island of Mannar under

threat from Tamil rebels. At the same time the

International Secretariat of the Liberation Tigers of
Tamil Eelam have sent me a number of press releases
alleging serious atrocities on the part of the Government's

troops.

Apart from military clashes, civilians are said to have been
killed and their homes destroyed as part of a
long-standing policy of replacing the population of the
traditional Tamil homelands with Sinhalese. It is stated

that whole villages are devastated and civilian targets
including refugee camps have been bombarded from the
air.

Terrorism is to be deplored, but so is genocide. Before
attempting to pass judgment, we should be in possession
of the facts. Can the Commission take steps, as a matter of
urgency, to ascertain the facts ?

Answer given by Mr Matutes
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 February 1991)_

The Commission is together with the Member States
following the situation concerning human rights in Sri
Lanka closely.

The latest information received from the Member States

Embassies in Colombo is that the Community demarches
are being taken very seriously by the Government of Sri
Lanka, and that the Government has set-up a task force
to deal with allegations of violations, request for
information, enquiries and provide answers.

21. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 130/31

Further the United Nations subcommittee on

Disappearances and Human Rights is invited to visit Sri
Lanka in February 1991 to ascertain the facts.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2807/90

by Mr Gerhard Schmid (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 December 1990)_

(91/C 130/60)

_Subject:_ European Blue Flag for clean beach resorts and
marinas

The Commission is joint sponsor with the Hague-based
Foundation for Environmental Education of the

European Blue Flag, an award for beach resorts and
marinas.

1. By what criteria are the resorts and marinas selected
and assessed?

2. How many Mediterranean resorts have won the
award to date, and which are the resorts concerned?

3. Which resorts have municipal sewage plants using
biological and chemical as well as mechanical
processes? Do separate purification plants exist for
industrial effluent?

4. If water samples are taken:

Who takes the samples?

Who analyses the samples?

When are the samples taken?

How far from the beach are they taken?

Are water samples taken once only, or is the
monitoring continuous? If the latter is the case, who is
the authority responsible?

5. How has the Commission chosen to define the term

'beach'?

6. Is the disposal of sewage from the chemical toilets of
motor homes on camp sites taken into account for the
purposes of this environmental campaign? If so, in
what way?

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

_(14 February 1991)_

In its answer to Written Question No 1752/90 ('), the
Commission pointed out that it did not itself manage the
European Blue Flag campaign, being simply responsible
for providing financial sunport, helping to draft the
criteria for the awards and being represented on the jury.

The criteria for the awards are listed in the brochure

which the Commission is sending direct to the
Honourable Member and to the Secretariat of the

European Parliament. This list also contains the names of
the beaches to which a Blue Flag has been awarded.

Information on water quality is collected and transmitted
by the national bodies responsible for application of
Directive 76/160/EEC on the quality of bathing
waters ( [2] ).

O OJNoC312, 12. 12. 1990.
O OJ No L 31, 5. 2. 1976.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2826/90

by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(17 December 1990)_

(91/C 130/61)

_Subject:_ Increasing importance of direct investment in
economic relations between Europe and Latin
America

There is evidence that in 1989 direct foreign investment in
Latin America by private concerns, in particular
from Europe, increased considerably and altered the
downward trend apparent since the early eighties. This
could be yet another example of the frequent modern
phenomenon of companies acting ahead of governments.
Can the Commission confirm these facts and provide
a breakdown of figures showing the respective
contributions of each of the Member States?

Answer given by Mr Matutes
on behalf of the Commission

_(19 February 1991)_

Traditionally, Latin America has received about half of all
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows going to
developing countries. This proportion has declined
somewhat in recent years, as a result of the uncertainties
created by the debt crises and the decline in the return on
capital resulting from the economic contraction in Latin
America (according to the OECD, the rate of return on
US firms' investments in Latin America dropped from
19% in 1980 to 2,4% in 1983 but rose again to 10% by
1985).

Statistics on recent trends in Foreign Direct Investment in
Latin America are scarce and not always reliable. The
most recent figures usually refer to 1987 or 1988.

The available figures indicate an increase, _vis-a-vis_ the
mid-1970s and early 1980s, in the stock levels of FDI in
Latin America, originating not only from some EC
Member States but also from the US and Japan. This is
shown in Table I below.

No C 130/32 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 5. 91

Indeed, the data on FDI flows seem to suggest that, while
the relative importance of EC flows increased in the
mid-1980s at the expense of the US, the trend has now
been reversed and in 1987, the last year for which figures
are available, FDI flows from the EC were dwarfed by
those from the US and Japan as shown in Table II below.

Nevertheless, the situation is not the same in all
Latin American countries. The European presence has
increased in some countries (namely Brazil, Mexico and
Venezuela) and declined in others (Bolivia, Chile and
Colombia), as shown in Table III below.

As foreign investment is primarily determined by relative
rates of profit, present and future FDI flows have and will
depend, largely, on two factors working in opposite
directions. On one hand, European investment in Latin
America is likely to increase as political stability takes
roots in the region and as the countries in the area
continue their structural adjustment policies and the
rationalization of their economies. On the other hand, as
the Eastern European countries begin their structural
transformations and their markets expand, some
European investors might find it easier and more
profitable to invest there rather than in Latin America.

TABLE I

Outward FDI stocks in Latin America

_(million_ _$US)_

TABLE III

Importance of accumulated EC direct investments

in selected Latin America countries

(Total EC investments as _%_ of total FDI stock)

40,6

36,3

11,2

18,4

10,6

18,7

13,5

14,6

Recent figures

% Year

Argentina

Brazil

Bolivia

Chile

Colombia*

Mexico

Peru

Venezuela*

Earlier

%

34,8

30,6

14,3

27,8

14,5

12,3

14,0

11,2

figures

Year

1976

1977

1977

1983

1978

1977

1971

1981

1977-1986

1988

1989

1988

1988

1989

1988

1987

1987

n.a.

7,6

3,9

55,8

25,2

Origin

Netherlands

Germany

Italy

USA

Japan

1984

4,1

5,7

n.a.

49,7

13,0

1976

1,5

n.a.

n. a.

22,2

2,9

1980

5,1

5,7

n.a.

43,5

6,2

_Source:_ Economists Advisory Group, Report on Foreign Direct
Investment, London, 1990, Table 2.13, citing figures
from UNCTC.

TABLE II

Relative importance of EC (5), USA and Japan as origin of
FDI follows to Latin America

1987

6,8

45,9

47,2

1984

41,4

29,2

29,4

1980

26,7

66,7

6,6

Origin

EG (5)*

USA

Japan

1975

1,6

89,8

8,5

1982

17,6

42,8

39,6

- EC (5) includes Denmark, France, Germany, Italy and the UK.

_Source:_ Economists Advisory Group, Report on Foreign Direct
Investment, London, 1990, Table 2.12, citing figures
from UNCTC.

- Excluding the oil sector.

_Source:_ IRELA, A Test of Partnership, Vol. C, Table 91, mimeo,
Madrid, 1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2835/90

by Mr Didier Anger (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(17 December 1990)_

(91/C 130/62)

_Subject:_ Future of thalassotherapy in the EEC

In the last few years, there has been an unprecedented
surge in medical rehabilitation and, more generally,
thalassotherapy, and incompetent or unscrupulous
organizations or individuals have sometimes turned this
to their own advantage.

This gives rise to questions concerning the marine
environment and public health and economic factors.

Has the Commission envisaged introducing official
recognition for this type of treatment, harmonizing health
standards (laying down quality requirements in respect of
the seawater used, the treatment given, the premises
provided, the waste discharged etc.) and harmonizing the
required level of competence of practitioners within the
European Community, in preparation for the opening of
borders on 1 January 1993?

Answer given by Miss Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(19 February 1991)_

At present, the Commission does not have sufficient
information to enable it to assess the effectiveness of

thalassotherapy or to consider harmonization of health
standards.

21. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 130/33

No such action is planned in the Commission's Work
Programme.

Directive 89/48/EEC on a general system for the
recognition of higher education diplomas awarded on
completion of professional education and training of at
least three years' duration, adopted by the Council
on 21 December 1988, may apply to professional
thalassotherapists ( [1] ).

This directive is a general one and, in contrast to
previous 'sectoral' directives, is not therefore restricted to
any particular occupation or group of occupations;
moreover, it deliberately does not make any provision for
prior coordination of training. If professional
thalassotherapists are not covered by this directive, they
may be by the directive on a second general system for the
recognition of professional education and training which
complements Directive 89/48/EEC, still at the proposal
stage and currently being discussed by the Council ( [2] ).

O OJNoLl9, 24. 1.1989.
( [2] ) OJ No C 263, 16. 10. 1989; OJ No C 217, 1. 9. 1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2844/90

by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(17 December 1990)_

(91/C 130/63)

_Subject:_ Demographic policy

Is it possible, under present conditions, to establish a
framework for demographic action in the Community?
What would be the advantages and disadvantages of
doing so?

Answer

_(27 March 1991)_

The Council is aware of the important consequences of
population trends on life in society and on the economic
and social situation of certain Community Member
States.

It re-examined this issue at its meeting (Labour and
Social Affairs) on 18 December 1990 on the basis of
a communication from the Presidency entitled
'Demographic problems'.

This communication stresses the major implications of
population trends for the organization of life in society
and for the economic and social situation of certain

Community Member States. It raises, in particular,
the question of immigration from the southern
Mediterranean and Eastern Europe, population decline

and family policies, the population and the state of crisis
in general old-age pension schemes.

However, it behoves the Commission, with its right of
initiative, to submit a proposal to the Council for an
action programme in this area, if appropriate.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2886/90

by Mr Franco Iacono (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(3 January 1991)_

(91/C 130/64)

_Subject:_ Lack of transport facilities in the south of Italy

Full European integration depends on restoring the
balance between north and south. As far as Italy is
concerned, this is rendered difficult by the poor transport
facilities in the Mezzogiorno. There is no inter-city rail
link between Naples and Rome; Naples and the
Mezzogiorno are excluded from all strategies conceived
at Mediterranean or European level; Naples as yet has
neither an international airport or an interport.
Investments, even those from the Community, either are
insufficient or take a long time to show any results. This
prevents basic resources such as the sea, tourism and
important cultural sites from being used to further
employment and development, thus blatantly going
against the policy of the Italian Government and the
Community of devoting fresh attention to the
Mezzogiorno.

In view of the above, can the President of the Council of
EC Transport Ministers say what initiatives the Italian
Presidency has taken to relieve an untenable situation and
create the major infrastructure so badly needed in the
Italian Mezzogiorno, what resources have been
earmarked for this purpose and what time-scale is
involved?

How do investments planned for the north and for the
south compare?

Answer

_(27 March 1991)_

In the context of the common transport policy the
Council adopted Regulation (EEC) No 3359/90 of
_20_ November 1990 for an action programme in the field
of transport infrastructure with a view to the completion
of an integrated transport market in 1992 (').

The Regulation comprised a multiannual action
programme (1990 to 1992) with a budget allocation

No C 130/34 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 5. 91

amounting to ECU 60 million in 1990, ECU 118 million
in 1991 and an estimated ECU 150 million in 1992.

The major infrastructure projects provided for in Article 3
of the Regulation include the following three projects
which could also benefit Italy:

— a contribution to the high-speed rail network
Seville—Madrid—Barcelona—Lyons—Turin—Milan—Venice and from there to Tarvisio and Trieste;

— the Alpine transit route (Brenner route);

— a contribution to the combined transport network of
Community interest.

There are, however, other Community instruments for
financing transport infrastructues:

—
_loans granted_ _by the_ _European Investment Bank_ _(EIB)_
(all regions which can receive State aid are in principle
eligible for EIB loans for regional development);

— _subsidies from_ _the_ _European Regional Development Fund_
_(ERDF),_ the Mezzogiorno being one of the regions
covered by Objective No 1 (promotion of the
development and the structural adjustment of regions
whose development is lagging behind);

— _subsidies_ _and_ _loans under_ _the_ _Integrated Mediterranean_
_Programmes (IMPs),_ the whole of the Mezzogiorno
being one of the areas benefiting from the IMPs.

(') OJNoL326, 24. 11.1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2889/90

by Mr Gerhard Schmid (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(3_ _January_ _1991)_

(91/C 130/65)

_Subject:_ Snuff

Is it true that in American English the word 'snuff is used
to mean chewing tobacco, and are the Commission's
criticisms of snuff derived from American sources?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(20 February_ _1991)_

The Commission adopted on 14 November a proposal
for a Council Directive amending Directive 89/622/EEC
concerning the labelling of tobacco products ('). In this

proposal, a ban on oral moist snuff tobacco products is
included.

Smokeless tobacco products can be found in the following
forms: chewing tobacco and snuff. Snuff can be dry (nasal
use) and moist (oral use).

Chewing tobacco and snuff are products with a long
tradition of manufacture and use. These products are in
steady decline currently used in a small scale among the
elderly.

Moist snuff, on the other hand, is a new form of
smokeless tobacco recently promoted in western Europe
particularly among young people.

The Commission services examined the scientific data

produced by the prominent and international scientific
institutions. All are unanimous in concluding that moist
snuff tobacco has dangerous consequences on human
health.

These products consist wholly or mainly of tobacco in
fine cut ground or particulate form with a high moisture
content. It exists in loose form and in portions tea-bags
and mini bags. The process of using it is called 'snuff
dipping'. The user places a small pinch of snuff between
gum and cheek where it comes into contact with the oral
tissues.

The Member States most concerned with the marketing
of this new product (Ireland and United Kingdom) had
already adopted legislation to ban it.

0 COM(90)538.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2905/90

by Mrs Maartje van Putten (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(3 January_ _1991)_

(91/C 130/66)

_Subject:_ Treatment of conscientious objectors in Greece

Is the Council aware of the unacceptable way in which
conscientious objectors are treated in Greece, especially
the Jehovah's Witnesses?

What steps does the Council intend to take to improve the
lot of these people, having regard to Parliament's earlier
questions and statements on this subject?

Is the Council aware of the memorandum by the 260
conscientious objectors in the Avlona prison? Is it
prepared to take account of this memorandum in its
reply?

21. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 130/35

Answer

_(27 March 1991)_

The Council is grateful to the Honourable Member for
the information she has brought to its attention, but
would point out that respect for human rights is primarily
the responsibility of individual Member States, which
have a duty to comply with the international obligations
they have entered into, especially as regards the European
Convention of Human Rights.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2931/90

by Mr Sergio Ribeiro (CG)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(11 January 1991)_

(91/C 130/67)

_Subject:_ Council of Industry Ministers — 26 November
1990 — GATT and textiles

Following the meeting of the Council of Industry
Ministers on 26 November 1990, the Portuguese
Minister, referring to the impact of the Uruguay Round
on industry and, more specifically, on the textile sector,
said that Portugal would be granted a transitional period
of 15 years in connection with the liberalization of world
trade in textile products, the strengthening of GATT rules
and mechanisms and the institutionalization of effective

monitoring arrangements and that the document
approved by the Council took account of Portugal's main
demands.

Since no reference was made to the textile sector in the

Council press release, does this mean that the latter is
saying too little or that the Portuguese Minister said too
much?

Answer

_(10 April 1991)_

The Council would point out that the Community
proposals on the integration of textiles into the GATT are
based on the assumption that GATT rules and disciplines
can be strengthened, including the opening up of markets,
in such a way that they provide a basis for this integration.

An adequate mechanism to ensure a parallelism between
the process of phasing out restrictions and the application
of strengthened GATT rules and disciplines should also
be instituted and the Community has put forward
proposals for such an organizational framework which
would render the transition process credible and effective.

At its meeting on 26 November 1990, the Council invited
the Commission to continue its activities and to ensure

that the results of the Uruguay Round were not
prejudicial to European industry. At that meeting the
Council also noted a statement by Vice-President
Bangemann concerning the impact of the Uruguay Round
on European industry. He particularly stressed how
important it was for the Community, as the largest trading
power, that the negotiations should be successful and
appealed to all the partners taking part to do their utmost
to ensure their success.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2989/90

by the following members: Janssen van Raay, Pronk,
Verhagen and Peijs (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(18 January 1991)_

(91/C 130/68)

_Subject:_ Social policy in Europe

It is a constant objective of the European Parliament
to put into practice European social policy as an
accompaniment to the achievement of the internal
market, including consultation of workers, measures for
the elderly and special care for the disabled as a minimum
objective.

Is the Commission aware that Mr W. Dik, Chairman of
the Post Office Management Board, purposely avoids
consulting the Central and Sectoral Post Office Works
Councils and publicly makes insensitive jokes about the
disabled and the elderly?

Is it not singularly tasteless on the part of the
chauffeur-driven Head of the Post Office to trivialize and

ridicule the problems now faced by the disabled and the
old who are required to get about on foot, particularly
with regard to the Year of the Disabled (1990) and the
coming Year of the Elderly?

Does the Commission agree that such public statements
are in total contradiction with the social charter and its

action programme in the social sector and that they are
compromising the completion of the internal market in
the telecommunications sector?

Is the Commission prepared to take this matter up with
the Netherland's Government?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(28 February 1991)_

It is not the habit of the Commission to react on

statements or positions taken by private persons, even not
if these are issues which are quite important for the
Commission. It is even more difficult to react if the

No C 130/36 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 5. 91

Commission is informed only by hearsay of these
positions. Therefore also in this case the Commission,will
not take up the situation with the Dutch Government.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3031/90

by Mr Richard Simmonds (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

            _(28 January 1991)_

(91/C 130/69)

_Subject:_ Community fraud

Will the Commission publish a list of those regions and
Member States where the greatest amount of fraud has
been perpetrated against Community funds in the last
10 years?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(28 February 1991)_

Information on the cases of fraud and irregularities
detected in the Member States is available in the annual

report to the Council and Parliament on work done and
progress achieved in combating fraud in 1989 ('). A new
report for 1990 is to be published shortly, once it has been
adopted by the Commission.

With regard to cases of fraud and irregularities relating to
EAGGF expenditure which have been reported to the
Commission, the Honourable Member will find a
retrospective analysis of the information received and
tables giving a breakdown of the figures by Member State
in the Commission's annual financial reports to the
Council and Parliament on the EAGGF Guarantee
Section ( [2] ).

0) SEC(90) 156 final.
O For 1989, the Nineteenth Financial Report, COM(90) 397
final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3051/90

by Mr Virginio Bettini (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(28 January 1991)_

(91/C 130/70)

_Subject:_ Contamination of the Po (Italy) by Cesium 137

Between May 1989 and March 1990 radioactivity levels
measured in the Po river near the island of Serafini rose to

10 curies and was found to have been caused by
undertakings melting down scrap metal imported from
Eastern Europe and marketed by the Austrian
undertaking Almeta in Vienna. What measures has the
Commission taken to monitor trade in contaminated

scrap metal between Austria and Lombardy and what
information does it have concerning contamination of
this scrap by radioactivity and by toxic and harmful
substances?

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

_(21 February 1991)_

The Commission is informed that the unexpected
presence of radioactive substances, in particular Cesium
137, in scrap metal sent to Italian firms for recycling,
created a situation which had to be monitored by the
competent Italian authorities as regards the radiation
protection of the workers concerned and members of the
public.

Council Directive 90/836/Euratom, laying down the
basic safety standards for the health protection of the
general public and workers against the dangers of
ionizing radiation ('), imposes on Member States the
setting up of a system of notification/authorization of all
activities involving radioactive substances. Within this
framework the competent national authorities keep a
check on the radioactive substances throughout their life
in order to prevent the occurrence of events such as the
one referred to by the Honourable Member.

As regards waste material imported from third countries,
Council Directive 84/631/EEC of 6 December 1984 on

the supervision and control within the European
Community of the transfrontier shipment of hazardous
waste, as amended by Council Directive 86/279/EEC ( [2] ),
imposes a system of notification and prior authorization
for each transfrontier shipment of hazardous waste. A
Commission proposal, which requires analogous
measures as regards shipments of radioactive waste, has
recently been submitted to the Council ( [3] ). One of the
aims of such measures is to enable the competent
authorities of the states concerned to require additional
characterization of the waste material to be shipped,
should they consider inadequate or incorrect the
documentation submitted by the holder of the waste.

O OJNoL246, 17.9. 1980 and OJ No L 265, 5. 10. 1984.
O OJNoL326, 13. 12. 1984 and OJ No L 181, 4. 7. 1986.
O OJ No C 210, 23.8.1990.

21. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 130/37

WRITTEN QUESTION No 17/91

by Mr Herman Verbeek (V)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(1 February 1991)_

(91/C 130/71)

_Subject:_ Abolition of hen batteries in the European
Community

1. Does the Council know about the report by the
Danish Ethical Council for Farm Animals which comes to

the conclusion that the use of battery cages should be
discontinued in the European Community within the next
10 years ?

2. Does the Council agree that battery cages go against
the rights and needs of chickens, and human decency
demands that they should be abolished.

3. Does the Council agree that because of the
implications for competition the issue of battery cages can
be settled only at Community level?

4. Is the Council willing to adopt measures in the near
future to bring about the abolition of battery cages within
10 years at the latest, as the Ethical Council recommends?

Answer

_(27 March 1991)_

In 1986 the Council adopted Directive 86/113/EEC
(currently Directive 88/166/EEC) laying down minimum
standards for the protection of laying hens kept in battery
cages. Article 9 of that Directive stipulates that before
1 January 1993, the Commission is to submit a report on
scientific developments regarding the welfare of hens
under various systems of rearing, accompanied by any
appropriate proposals for adjusting the Directive.

At its meeting on 27 November 1990 the Council received
a memorandum from the Danish Government on the use

of battery hens for egg production, in which reference
was made to a statement issued on 17 October 1990 by the
Danish Ethical Council for Farm Animals.

At the same meeting, the Commission said that work was
in hand on the report it was to draw up, accompanied by
any appropriate proposals, and assured the Council that it
would be submitted as soon as possible.

The Council will therefore consider the Commission

report and any accompanying proposals.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 46/91

by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 February 1991)_

(91/C 130/72)

_Subject:_ List of activities covered by Article 55 (2) of the
EEC Treaty

Has the Council made use of the provision of Article 55
(2) of the EEC Treaty entitling it to exempt certain
activities from the application of the principle of freedom
of establishment? If so, which activities are they?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 47/91

by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(1 February 1991)_

(91/C 130/73)

_Subject:_ List of activities connected with the exercise of
official authority

Does the Council have a list of activities connected with

the exercise of official authority within the meaning of
Article 55 of the EEC Treaty?

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 46/91 and 47/91
put by Mrs Dury

_(27 March 1991)_

The Council has not received any proposal from the
Commission based on the second paragraph of Article 55
of the Treaty establishing the EEC.

It is for the Commission first of all, under its right of
initiative, to _assess_ which activities are involved and, if
appropriate, list them.

In its judgment of 21 June 1974 in Case 2/74 (Reyners v.
Belgium) _(_ _[l]_ _),_ the Court of Justice stated that, in the
absence of any Directive issued under Article 57 for the
purpose of harmonizing national provisions relating to a
given activity, the possible application of the first
paragraph of Article 55 must be considered separately in
connection with each Member State. Emphasizing the
Community character of the limits imposed by Article 55
on the exceptions permitted to the principle of freedom of
establishment, the Court stressed the need, when
considering such cases, to avoid the effectiveness of the
Treaty being defeated by unilateral provisions of the
Member States.

It concluded that the exception to freedom of
establishment provided for by the first paragraph of

No C 130/38 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 5. 91

Article 55 must be restricted to those of the activities

referred to in Article 52 which in themselves involve a

direct and specific connection with the exercise of official
authority.

O Reports of Cases before the Court, Vol. 1974, pp. 654/655.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 110/91

to the Council of the European Communities

_(11 February_ _1991)_

(91/C 130/74)

_Subject:_ Nuclear accident and drinking water

An accident occurring in a nuclear power station or group
of power stations might produce radioactivity seriously
polluting water resources in the Community. Do the
water companies who collect and distribute water to the
population have regular contact with the operators of
nuclear installations so that they might be immediately
informed of any accident and have developed adequate
emergency measures?

Answer

_(27 March_ _1991)_

1. In general, the Council is aware of the problems
arising with regard to" the exchange of information,
particularly in the event of radiological emergency or a
nuclear accident.

It has in that connection adopted

— Directive 89/618/Euratom of 27 November 1989 on

informing the general public about health protection
measures to be taken in the event of a radiological

emergency (');

— a Decision approving the conclusion by the
Community as such of the Convention on Early
Notification of a Nuclear Accident ( [2] );

— Decision 87/600/Euratom on Community
arrangements for the early exchange of information in
the event of a radiological emergency ( [3] ), which is
designed to supplement the abovementioned
Convention to take account of the provisions of the
Euratom Treaty.

2. Regarding the problems involved in a possible
radioactive contamination of water, the relevant
Community provisions to be complied with are those laid
down in Chapter III of the Euratom Treaty, with
particular reference to Articles 30 to 32 (basic standards

on the protection of the health of workers and the general
public against the dangers arising from ionizing
radiation) ("), 33 and 35 to 38 ( [5] ).

3. As to the specific question put by the Honourable
Member, the Council is unable to comment on the scope
of such an exchange of information between
bodies/institutions in the Member States.

It is the Commission's responsibility to ensure that the
relevant Community provisions are applied, while the
Member States are required to take all appropriate
measures to ensure that the obligations arising from those
provisions are fulfilled.

O OJNoL357,7.12.1989, p. 4.
O Conclusion (deposit of instrument of acceptance or approval)
will take place under Article 102 of the Euratom Treaty once
all the Member States concerned have notified the
Commission that the Convention has become applicable in
accordance with the provisions of their respective National
laws.
O OJNoL371,30. 12. 1987, p. 76.
( [4] ) Lastly, Directive 80/836/Euratom of 15 July 1980 (OJ No
L246, 17. 9. 1980, p. 1) as amended by Directive
84/467/Euratom of 3 September 1984 (OJ No L 265, 5. 10.
1984, p. 4).
( [5] ) Article 36 provides _inter alia_ that information concerning the
continuous monitoring of the level of radioactivity in the air,
water and soil shall be periodically communicated to the
Commission by the appropriate authorities of each Member
State.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 112/91

by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(11 February_ _1991)_

(91/C 130/75)

_Subject:_ Nuclear installations and drinking water supplies

Various studies have shown that even in normal

operation, nuclear power stations and processing plants
can have harmful effects on the environment by polluting
water resources used by water companies to supply the
population. Has the Community taken steps to study this
specific problems and find solutions to it?

Answer

_(27 March_ _1991)_

1. The Council has long been aware of the importance
of protecting water and on 4 May 1976 adopted a
Directive on pollution caused by certain dangerous
substances discharged into the aquatic environment of the
Community (').

21. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 130/39

Under this Directive, Member States have to take the
appropriate steps to eliminate or reduce pollution of
inland surface water, internal coastal waters and ground
water by the dangerous substances in the Annex to the
Directive.

2. In addition, being aware of the need to take effects
on the environment into account at the earliest possible
stage in all the technical planning and decision-making
processes, the Council adopted on 27 June 1985 the
Directive on the assessment of the effects of certain public
and private projects on the environment ( [2] ).

This Directive provides for the implementation of
procedures for impact studies, including consultation of
the public.

Under Article 2 of the Directive, Member States have to
adopt the measures necessary to ensure that, before
consent is given, projects likely to have significant effects
on the environment by virtue of their nature, size or
location are made subject to an assessment with regard to
their effects.

Under Article 4, projects of the classes listed in Annex I to
the Directive, which covers projects concerning nuclear
power stations, are subject to this assessment.

This Article also lays down that projects of the classes
listed in Annex II, which covers projects concerning
radioactive waste installations, are also subject to such an
assessment where Member States consider that their

characteristics so require.

Information obtained from this assessment must be taken

into consideration under the authorization procedure.

3. As for the environmental effects which the operation
of nuclear plants may have in radiological terms, Chapter
III of the Euratom Treaty defines the framework for the
measures to be taken in the context of the protection of
health against dangers arising from ionizing radiation.
Such protection is also provided by means of continuous
monitoring of the level of radioactivity in the air, water
and soil ( [3] ).

In addition, Articles 37 and 38 of the same Treaty govern
questions concerning respectively any plan for the
disposal of radioactive waste in whatever form; they cover
_inter alia_ recommendations made by the Commission to
the Member States with regard to the level of radioactivity
in the air, water and soil.

4. Anxious to implement rapidly appropriate health
measures as regards radiation, the Council adopted on
2 February 1959 Directives laying down the basic
radiation protection standards in the Community which,
at regular intervals, are revised in the light of
developments in scientific knowledge ( [4] ).

5. In the light of the above, the Council considers that
currently the relevant Community provisions fully satisfy
requirements regarding protection of the water resources
mentioned by the Honourable Member against dangers
of ionizing radiation.

Moreover, it is for the Commission to ensure that these
Community provisions are put into effect, the Member
States being required to take all appropriate steps to
ensure that the obligations arising from those provisions
are carried out.

6. Finally, the Council, aware of the risks which could
arise from a nuclear accident or any other case of
radiological emergency — and without prejudice to the
provisions governing the specific case of the
post-Chernobyl situation — adopted Regulation
(Euratom) No 3954/87 ( [5] ) laying down maximum
permitted levels of radioactive contamination, as
amended by Regulation (Euratom) No 2218/89 ( [6] ).

The latter Regulation which, as regards the
abovementioned cases, lays down _inter alia_ such levels for
liquid foodstuffs, states that those levels are to be
calculated taking into account consumption of tap-water
and that the same levels should be applied to drinking
water supplies at the discretion of competent authorities
in Member States.

O OJNoL129, 18.5. 1976.
O OJ No L 175, 5. 7. 1985.
O See in particular Articles 35 and 36.
(") Most recently, Council Directive 80/836/Euratom of 15 July
1980 (OJ No L 246, 17. 9. 1980, p. 1) as amended by Council
Directive 84 467/Euratom of 3 September 1984 (OJ No
L265, 5. 10. 1984, p. 4).
0 OJNoL371,30. 12. 1987, p. 11.
0) OJ No L 211,22. 7. 1989, p. 1.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 114/91

by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(11 February 1991)_

(91/C 130/76)

_Subject:_ Prevention of occupational disease

At a time when European powers in respect of industrial
safety and health are being consolidated, specific research
at Community level is needed to initiate preventive
measures against occupational disease. Plus for example,
back complaints which particularly affect drivers of motor
driven vehicles as a result of the vibration, are the same
whether the victim is a German, Belgian or British driver.

No C 130/40 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 5. 91

Coordinated studies should be carried out in order to

reach preventive solutions.

Has the Community taken any action for this purpose. If
so, what are the details and if not, why not?

Answer

_(10 April 1991)_

In implementing Article 118a of the EEC Treaty, the
Council, has already adopted, further to the framework
Directive of 12 June 1989, several specific Directives
proposed by the Commission concerning the safety and
health of workers at the workplace.

It is for the Commission, if it considers it necessary, to
carry out the research referred to by the Honourable
Member, in collaboration with the Member States, and to
submit a proposal concerning the protection of drivers of
motor vehicles suffering from back complaints as a result
of vibration.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 135/91

by Mr John Cushnahan (PPE)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(11 February 1991)_

(91/C 130/77)

_Subject:_ Tourism policy

In view of the economic importance of tourism to
many peripheral regions of the Community, will
the Luxembourg Presidency propose to the
Intergovernmental Conference on Economic and
Monetary Union that a common policy on tourism be
included in any new Treaty provisions?

Answer

_(27 March 1991)_

A proposal along the lines mentioned by the Honourable
Member has been submitted to the Intergovernmental
Conference and will be discussed shortly.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 136/91

by Mr James Nicholson (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11 February 1991)_

(91/C 130/78)

_Subject:_ Progress in implementing legislation under the
Single Act

Could the Commission inform the House how many
regulations and Directives have to date been agreed under

the Single Act and how many of these have been
processed by each of the national parliaments?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(26 March 1991)_

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to
answer the Honourable Member's questions.

It will inform him of its findings as soon as possible.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 157/91

by Mrs Claire Joanny (V)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(20 February 1991)_

(91/C 130/79)

_Subject:_ Effects of Community policy on cultural life and
cultural diversity

The European Community's activities in the economic
sector have a major impact on all aspect of the lives of
European citizens.

Has the Council ever taken into account explicitly the
unwitting effects that certain Community measures have
on the cultural life of European regions and states, for
example, greater standardization? Does it intend to
undertake further measures, for example to carry out
studies on this matter?

What effects has it noted so far?

More especially, what does it think of the danger of
standardization of cultures and the increasing trend
towards centralism in the cultural field?

Does it consider that such standardization has already
taken place? If so, to which specific fields does this apply?

Answer

_(10 April 1991)_

The Council is aware that the great richness of European
culture derives from the diversity of its sources and that
centralism and standardization should therefore be

avoided.

According to the report by the ad hoc Committee on a
People's Europe, approved by the European Council

21. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 130/41

(Milan, 28 and 29 June 1985). 'The languages spoken in
the Community form an essential part of its cultural
heritage and contribute to its richness and diversity.' The
LINGUA programme established by the Council
Decision of 28 July 1989 placed considerable emphasis on
encouraging competence in the least widely used and least
taught official Community languages.

The Resolution of the Council and of the Ministers

responsible for cultural affairs, meeting within the
Council on 9 November 1987 on the promotion of
translation of important works of European culture gave
priority to translations from minority European
languages.

As regards the audiovisual industry, the Council Directive
of 3 October 1989 concerning the pursuit of television
broadcasting activities and the Council Decision of
21 December 1990 on the Media programme reflect in
several places the Community legislator's resolve to
promote measures to encourage richness in the diversity
of European culture and to give special attention to
countries in Europe with smaller audiovisual production
capacities and/or with a limited geographical and
linguistic area.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 196/91

by Mr Diego de los Santos Lopez (ARC)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(20 February 1991)_

(91/C 130/80)

_Subject:_ Tax-free zones

In some areas of the Community there exist so-called
'tax-free zones', in which certain business undertakings,
including those in the tourist industry, are exempt from
corporation tax. In the Commission's view, this state of
affairs is compatible with a common market and the zones
in question therefore receive the appropriate Community
authorization.

Has the Council received any request from the Spanish
Government for authorization to set up such zones on
Spanish territory? If so, on what grounds has the Council
refused to grant this authorization?

Answer

_(10 April 1991)_

The Council has yet to receive any exemption request of
the kind referred to by the Honourable Member.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 216/91

by Mr Louis Lauga (RDE)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(18 February 1991)_

(91/C 130/81)

_Subject:_ Herring fishing

Can the Council given any information on the stage
reached in drawing up Community regulations on young
herring fishing?

Can the Council also clearly state the position of the
Netherlands on this important matter?

Answer

_(27 March 1991)_

1. The question raised by the Honourable Member
applies in particular with regard to by-catches of
juvenile herring in sprat (mixed-clupeoid) fisheries in the
Skagerrak/Kattegat region.

2. In response to a request from the Fisheries Council
in December 1988 the Commission submitted a report to
the Council on this matter in November 1989.

3. The report concluded that the only additional
conservation measure to be contemplated was the phasing
out of this fishery.

4. The report was examined in December 1989 by the
Council's subordinate bodies, in which a majority of
delegations concluded that further consideration was
needed before this problem could be solved in view of the
serious socio-economic implications, which were indeed
referred to in the Commission report.

5. In the meantime, following consultations with
Norway and Sweden, the Council has introduced a
phased reduction arrangement for this fishery, with the
TAC being reduced by 15 000 tonnes a year:

1989: 80 000 tonnes

1990: 65 000 tonnes

For 1991 the proposal will be that the TAC be reduced to
50 000 tonnes.

6. The minimum mesh size has been increased to

32 mm for 1990 and 1991.

7. Regarding the Honourable Member's second
question, it is not for the Council to indicate the positions
taken by the various delegations within the Council.

No C 130/42 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 5. 91

WRITTEN QUESTION No 217/91

by Mr Juan Ramirez Heredia (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(18 February 1991)_

(91/C 130/82)

_Subject:_ National consultative Committee for the
Romany Community in France

On 10 February 1988, a National Consultative Committee
for the Romany community in France was set up by order
(Arret) of the French Minister for the Interior, at that
time Mr Charles Pasqua. This order was published in the
Official Journal of the French Republic on 21 February
1988.

The 'Union des Tziganes et Voyageurs de France'
informs me that this Committee has neyer met, and there
is no record of it having done any work on behalf of
French Romanies.

Can the Council provide a report on the activities of this
Committee since it was set up? If not, what are the reasons
for the Committee's inactivity?

Answer

_(27 March 1991)_

The question which the Honourable Member asks is a
matter for the competent authorities of the Member State
concerned, and should be addressed to them.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 284/91

by Mr James Ford (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(4 March 1991)_

(91/C 130/83)

_Subject:_ Telecommunications for employees of the
Institutions

Would the Council not agree that the inability of the City
of Brussels to expand the telephone exchange to meet the
increasing demand for lines is a great handicap to
non-Belgians and Parliamentary officials from recently
acceded Member States in particular? Is there currently
some representation being made to the Belgian
Government by the Council to rectify the obviously
detrimental effect to working conditions for employees of
the Institutions in Brussels?

Answer

_(27 March 1991)_

The General Secretariat of the Council has not, for its
part, experienced the difficulties that the Honourable
Member of Parliament mentions. Moreover, in its contact
with the RTT the Council Secretariat has always received
a satisfactory degree of service.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 448/91

by Mrs Marlene Lenz (PPE)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(19 March 1991)_

(91/C 130/84)

_Subject:_ Situation in Central America and Cuba

1. Can the Council describe its specific initiatives and
future commitments to encourage democratization,
respect for human rights, regional integration, economic
and social development, protection of the environment,
training, research and regional and international trade in
the Central American region?

2. Can the Council review progress in political
cooperation to date, with particular regard to the San Jose
process and the cooperation agreement with the Central
American countries?

3. Does not the Council think that the consolidation of

democracy and economic recovery in Nicaragua and
Panama should be assisted as a matter of urgency, in view
of their particularly calamitous economic situation?

4. In what ways is the Council thinking of supporting
the creation and activities on the Central Amercian

Parliament?

5. Is the Council considering some form of
cooperation with Cuba, to assist the development of full
democracy in Cuba?

Answer

_(26 March 1991)_

1. The political and economic dialogue which the
Community took steps to initiate with the countries of
Central America in 1984, as well as the 1985 Cooperation
Agreement, are rooted in the conviction that there are
close links between economic and social development,
democracy and peace.

2. The results of this initiative have on the whole been

positive.

Politically speaking, the successive San Jose Conferences
have enabled the Community and its Member States to
provide their support and encouragement to the Central

21. 5. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 130/43

American Governments' efforts at regional peace and
national reconciliation.

The Community is delighted that these countries are
continuing the Esquipulas peace process within which the
links between and social economic and social

development, democracy and peace are recognized in full.

The Community has also welcomed the exemplary
conduct of the elections in Nicaragua a year ago, which
was an encouraging sign for neighbouring countries
where the dialogue between the government and
opposition forces is still in a delicate stage. The recent
elections in Guatemala should also help to consolidate the
national dialogue between political forces.

It is clear, nevertheless, that, despite the Esquipulas
framework agreements and the specific progress which
has been booked, these efforts have not always led to
stability based upon democracy and a state of law, respect
for human rights and encouragement of social justice
within the region as a whole.

That is why the Community places great importance on
the San Jose Conference in Managua (San Jose VII) on 18
and 19 March. It is our intention, in that privileged
context, to examine together with our Central American
partners and Panama all the political issues which our
common objectives entail. The Community will continue
to give every possible impetus to positive developments in
the region in the future.

As far as economic and social development is concerned,
the Community has substantially stepped up its
co-operation. This has meant that financial assistance has
practically tripled since 1984 (more than ECU 116 million
in 1990).

Particular emphasis has been placed on projects of a
regional nature and on support for strengthening the
process of economic integration in Central America. In
1989 almost one-third of Community aid went to this
kind of measure which also clearly encourages dialogue
and cooperation within the region.

The multilateral payments system which was set up with
Community help began operating in 1990 and is the
cornerstone of the process of economic integration as
defined at the presidential summit in Antigua and
confirmed at the summit in Puntarenas. The recently
approved project for a special Honduras/Nicaragua fund
will enable these two least-developed economies in the

region to speed up their industrialization, boost their
export earnings and thereby participate on better terms in
the regional payments system.

Cooperation has also been extended to many areas: health
care (in particular the refurbishment of the San Tomas
hospital in Panama), fisheries, tourism, training, the
environment, etc.

The Community is also supporting efforts to consolidate
the structures of the Central American Bank for

Economic Integration and its development towards the
financing of productive investment projects. This support
had taken the form in particular of technical assistance
and a decision to deposit the special fund for
Honduras/Nicaragua as a Fideicomiso (Trust Fund) with
this bank.

A special contribution of ECU 22 million was devoted in
1990 to measures to facilitate the return and resettlement

of refugees, returnees and displaced persons in the region.
This contribution was part of the follow-up to the
International Conference on Central American Refugees.

Finally, the Council welcomes the European Parliament's
initiative in giving the budget a heading enabling support
to be provided for measures to strengthen democracy in
Central America and it hopes in particular that the
Central American Parliament may finally be able to begin
work.

3. This brief account, which is clearly far from
exhaustive, illustrates both the scope of Community
action as well as its main lines.

Nevertheless, this account should not camouflage the fact
that the region's very difficult economic situation
deteriorated noticeably in 1990 as a result of the Gulf
crisis and the increase in prices of imported oil on which
the region depends almost exclusively.

The Council remains resolved to continue and step up its
support for its Central American partners, and the
decisions taken recently, particularly to increase financial
resources for the countries of Asia and Latin America,
should give us the means to do so.

The San Jose VII Conference will provide an opportunity
to assess both the economic and political situations in the
region and to work out guidelines for continuing
cooperation.

4. Finally, on the question of Cuba, developing
cooperation with that country is something which
depends upon how the political situation evolves.

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L'EMPLOI EN EUROPE 1990

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UN ESPACE SOCIAL EUROPEEN A L'HORIZON 1992

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