Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

"i T "l 0378-6986
# Official Journal C 306

# Volume 37
##### of the European Communities 31 oc «*«««

English edition Information and Notices

Notice No Contents p age

I Information

European Parliament

Written Questions with answer

94 / C 306 / 01 E-863 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : The environment of Distomo 1

94 / C 306 / 02 E-8 86 / 93 by Marie-Jose Denys to the Commission
Subject : Identification and automatic location of ships by satellite 1

94 / C 306 / 03 E-906 / 93 by Heribert Barrera i Costa to the Commission
Subject : Aid for Objective 2 areas 2

94 / C 306 / 04 E - 1157 / 93 by Florus Wijsenbeek to the Commission
Subject : Driving bans in 1993 2

94 / C 306 / 05 E-l 187 / 93 by Mary Banotti to the Commission
Subject : EC research on cot deaths 3

94 / C 306 / 06 E-l 326 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : The survival of European forests 3

94 / C 306 / 07 E-l 334 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Drift nets 4

94 / C 306 / 08 E-1381 / 93 by Bryan Cassidy to the Commission
Subject : Notices of open competition : EUR / D / 24, EUR / D / 25, COM / D / 754 and COM / D / 755 4

94 / C 306 / 09 E-l 496 / 93 by Maxime Verhagen to the Commission
Subject : ERDF subsidies for the modernization of Bierset Airport ( Liege ) 5

2 ( Continued overleaf )

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E-1497 / 93 by Maxime Verhagen to the Commission
Subject : ERDF subsidies for the modernization of Bierset Airport ( Liege )

E-1498 / 93 by Maxime Verhagen to the Commission
Subject : ERDF subsidies for the modernization of Bierset Airport ( Liege )

E-1499 / 93 by Maxime Verhagen to the Commission
Subject : ERDF subsidies for the modernization of Bierset Airport ( Liege )

E-l 592 / 93 by Maxime Verhagen to the Commission
Subject : ERDF subsidies for the Bierset ( Liege ) and Maastricht Airports

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1496 / 93, E-1497 / 93, E-1498 / 93, E-1499 / 93 and

E-1592 / 93

E-1616 / 93 by Yves Verwaerde to the Commission
Subject : Trainees completing their studies

E-1620 / 93 by Yves Verwaerde to the Commission
Subject : Trainees completing their studies

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1616 / 93 and E-1620 / 93

E-1691 / 93 by Teresa Domingo Segarra to the Commission
Subject : Plant belonging to the Total undertaking in the port of Valencia ( Spain )

E-l 837 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission

Subject : Workers ' charter

E-l 876 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Transport of radioactive substances in Greece

E - 1947 / 93 by Carmen Díez de Rivera Icaza to the Commission
Subject : Commission officials and the extent to which they can represent the institution

E-2 196 / 93 by Juan Ramirez Heredia to the Commission
Subject : Programmes in support of the gypsy community

E-2197 / 93 by Nel van Dijk to the Commission
Subject : Monitoring of State aids in the form of cheap energy contracts : the case of Solvay
Chemie

E-2198 / 93 by Nel van Dijk to the Commission
Subject : Institution of proceedings against the Netherlands under Article 130r in connection with
subsidies to the firm of Solvay Chemie, Herten-Roermond ( NL ), which are incompatible with the
principles of sustainable growth

E-2 19 9 / 9 3 by Nel van Dijk to the Commission
Subject : Unauthorized Netherlands State aid to Solvay Chemie, Herten-Roermond ( Articles 92
and 93 )

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2197 / 93, E-2198 / 93 and E-2199 / 93

Contents ( continued ) Page

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94 / C 306 / 24 E-2346 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Ill-treatment of minors 11

94 / C 306 / 25 E-2486 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Additional compulsory nuclear safety requirements 11

94 / C 306 / 26 E-2496 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Formation of a ' Land Register Organization ' and ' Food Organization ' in Greece .... 11

94 / C 306 / 27 E-2500 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Abolition of restrictions on the transport of meat in Greece 12

94 / C 306 / 28 E-2520 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Creation in Europe of a flexible European network of museums and archives 12

94 / C 306 / 29 E-2521 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Promotion of structural cooperation between cultural organizations 12

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2520 / 93 and E-2521 / 93 12

94 / C 306 / 30 E-2602 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Protection of crews on vessels flying flags of convenience 13

94 / C 306 / 31 E-2612 / 93 by Jose Torres Couto to the Commission
Subject : Revision of the convergence criteria 13

94 / C 306 / 32 E-2664 / 93 by Yves Verwaerde to the Commission
Subject : Sub-contracting by the Commission 's Translation Service 14

94 / C 306 / 33 E-3071 / 93 by Cristiana Muscardini, Giuseppe Rauti, Antonio Mazzone, Marco Panella,
Johanna-Christina Grund, Emil Schlee, Virginio Bettini, Karl Partsch, Enrico Falqui,

David Morris, Hiltrud Breyer, Paul Staes, Gianfranco Amendola, Mary Banotti, Gepa
Maibaum, Klaus-Peter Köhler, Yvan Blot, Roberto Barzanti, Arie Oostlander,
Jean-Pierre Raffin, Michael Elliott, Marco Taradash, Francesco Guidolin and Bruno

Boissiere to the Commission

Subject : Entertainment using animals 14

94 / C 306 / 34 E-4081 / 93 by Enrique Sapena Granell and José Vazquez Fouz to the Commission
Subject : Nafta and the European Community 15

94 / C 306 / 35 E-l / 94 by Carlos Perreau de Pinninck Domenech to the Commission
Subject : Subsidies for the production and broadcasting of programmes via high-definition
systems 15

94 / C 306 / 36 E-2 / 94 by Carlos Perreau de Pinninck Domenech to the Commission
Subject : Funding for training programmes for young unemployed people 16

94 / C 306 / 37 E-9 / 94 by Paul Howell to the Commission
Subject : Europol 16

94 / C 306 / 38 E-10 / 94 by Anthony Wilson to the Commission
Subject : Travel concessions for senior citizens 17

( Continued overleaf )

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94 / C 306 / 39 E - 14 / 94 by Pierre Bernard-Reymond to the Commission
Subject : Harmonization of administrative formalities 17

94 / C 306 / 40 E-22 / 94 by Carmen Díez - de Rivera Icaza to the Commission
Subject : Commission officials and the extent to which they can represent the institution 18

94 / C 306 / 41 E-23 / 94 by Christopher Jackson to the Commission
Subject : Meat inspection 18

94 / C 306 / 42 E-32 / 94 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission
Subject : Greater competitiveness of certain non-Community countries over certain Community
Member States 19

94 / C 306 / 43 E-34 / 94 by Robert Delorozoy to the Commission
Subject : Delay in adopting the Twelfth VAT Directive 20

94 / C 306 / 44 E-35 / 94 by Robert Delorozoy to the Commission
Subject : Iodine deficiency 20

94 / C 306 / 45 E-59 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Restoration of the historic castles of Hydra 21

94 / C 306 / 46 E-l 05 / 94 by Filippos Pierros to the Commission
Subject : Review of Greece 's convergence programme 21

94 / C 306 / 47 E-125 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Measures to preserve the catacombs on the island of Milos 21

94 / C 306 / 48 E-148 / 94 by Neil Blaney to the Commission
Subject : Labelling of smoked salmon 22

94 / C 306 / 49 E-l 64 / 94 by Robert Delorozoy to the Commission
Subject : Cooperation between the Twelve on VAT 22

94 / C 306 / 50 E-l 72 / 94 by Thomas Megahy to the Commission
Subject : Social protection for citizens of the European Union 23

94 / C 306 / 51 E-l 73 / 94 by Christine Crawley to the Commission
Subject : Border between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic 23

94 / C 306 / 52 E-179 / 94 by Henry McCubbin to the Commission
Subject : Scrapping of de-commissioned fishing vessels 24

94 / C 306 / 53 E-l 83 / 94 by Jean-Claude Martinez to the Commission
Subject : The turnover for French agriculture 24

94 / C 306 / 54 E-l 90 / 94 by Virginio Bettini to the Commission
Subject : Appointment of the members of the consultative forum on the environment 24

94 / C 306 / 55 E-202 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Effect of Nafta on Community countries 25

94 / C 306 / 56 E-224 / 94 by Anita Pollack to the Commission
Subject : Business and the internal market 25

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

94 / C 306 / 57 E-252 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Drawing-up and promotion of a charter to improve the quality of life of citizens ....

94 / C 306 / 58 E-261 / 94 by Sergio Ribeiro to the Commission
Subject : ' Family allowances ' for Portuguese immigrants in Luxembourg

94 / C 306 / 59 E-262 / 94 by Nino Pisoni to the Commission
Subject : Serious concern at the mass distillation planned by the Commission

94 / C 306 / 60 E-269 / 94 by Brigitte Ernst de la Graete to the Commission
Subject : Partnership between ECHO and a US NGO

94 / C 306 / 61 E-272 / 94 by Johanna-Christina Grund to the Commission
Subject : Cloning of human embryos

94 / C 306 / 62 E-274 / 94 by Patricia Rawlings to the Commission
Subject : Civic organizations of South Africa

94 / C 306 / 63 E-284 / 94 by Stephen Hughes to the Commission
Subject : Insurance indemnity

94 / C 306 / 64 E-290 / 94 by Raymonde Dury to the Commission
Subject : Dual Belgian / French nationality

94 / C 306 / 65 E-308 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Compliance with the recommendations on common criteria concerning the adequacy of
social security resources and benefits

94 / C 306 / 66 E-3 11 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Appropriations for vocational training

94 / C 306 / 67 E-3 18 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Teaching of healthy nutrition in schools

94 / C 306 / 68 E-328 / 94 by Christopher Jackson to the Commission
Subject : Public opinion and development aid

94 / C 306 / 69 E-333 / 94 by Christine Crawley to the Commission

Subject : Recycling glass

94 / C 306 / 70 E-351 / 94 by Anita Pollack to the Commission
Subject : Catalytic converters ..

94 / C 306 / 71 E-362 / 94 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : Searches of official representatives of Member States carried out by the German
authorities

94 / C 306 / 72 E-363 / 94 by Pavlos Sarlis to the Commission
Subject : Ban on yessel docking in Spanish port

94 / C 306 / 73 E-414 / 94 by Virginio Bettini to the Commission
Subject : Construction of the Cuneo-Massimini di Cantu motorway link in breach of the provisions
of the Directive on environmental impact assessments

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94 / C 306 / 74 E-415 / 94 by Freddy Blak to the Commission
Subject : EU approves genetically engineered cowpox virus 34

94 / C 306 / 75 E-422 / 94 by Carlos Bru Purón to the Commission
Subject : Private foundations in the EC 35

94 / C 306 / 76 E-454 / 94 by Kirsten Jensen to the Commission
Subject : Dealing with complaints about barriers to trade 35

94 / C 306 / 77 E-455 / 94 by Jean-Paul Heider to the Commission
Subject : Application of the Method of adjusting the remuneration of European Community
staff 36

94 / C 306 / 78 E-460 / 94 by Anita Pollack to the Commission
Subject : Additives in petrol 36

94 / C 306 / 79 E-469 / 94 by Thomas Megahy to the Commission
Subject : National debts of Member States and rates of saving 37

94 / C 306 / 80 E-483 / 94 by John Iversen to the Commission
Subject : Allocation of Objective 2 and Objective 5b funding to municipalities in North Jutland 37

94 / C 306 / 81 E-492 / 94 by Yves Verwaerde to the Commission
Subject : Vocational training record of European officials in 1993 38

94 / C 306 / 82 E-501 / 94 by José Gil-Robles Gil-Delgado to the Commission
Subject : The Euroform Programme and the Autonomous Community of Madrid 38

94 / C 306 / 83 E-5 15 / 94 by Luigi Vertemati to the Commission
Subject : Price of the collected Treaties on European Union 38

94 / C 306 / 84 E-536 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Limiting the number of prison sentences handed down for minor offenses as a means of
combating overcrowding in prisons 39

94 / C 306 / 85 E-588 / 94 by Ernest Glinne to the Commission
Subject : Cardiovascular diseases in women 39

94 / C 306 / 86 E-629 / 94 by Marie-Jose Denys to the Commission
Subject : Electric road vehicles for use in towns 40

94 / C 306 / 87 E-663 / 94 by Jaak Vandermeulebroucke to the Commission
Subject : Official languages used by Eurostat 40

94 / C 306 / 88 E-665 / 94 by Des Geraghty to the Commission
Subject : Activities of retired Commissioners 41

94 / C 306 / 89 E-673 / 94 by Sir James Scott-Hopkins to the Commission
Subject : Increasing the scope of Lingua 41

94 / C 306 / 90 E-688 / 94 by Winifred Ewing to the Commission
Subject : Distance selling Directive 41

( Continued on inside back cover )

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Contents ( continued ) Page

E-707 / 94 by Paul Howell to the Commission
Subject : US / Japanese trade problems : implications for the EU

E-708 / 94 by Christopher Jackson to the Commission
Subject : VAT on tours and travel packages

E-742 / 94 by Jose Vazquez Fouz to the Commission
Subject : Coordination of revenue protection services

E-788 / 94 by Christine Crawley to the Commission
Subject : Distance Selling Directive

E-969 / 94 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : Animal welfare

E-l 137 / 94 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : Ill-treatment and exploitation of greyhounds

Joint answer to Written Questions E-969 / 94 and E-l 137 / 94

E-972 / 94 by Jaak Vandermeulebroucke to the Commission
Subject : Structural Funds

E-981 / 94 by Sir James Scott-Hopkins to the Commission
Subject : Verification of intra-Community trade statistics

E-l 259 / 94 by Panayotis Roumeliotis to the Commission
Subject : Unacceptable remarks by the Director of the Cohesion Fund, J. F. Verstrynge, concerning
the Greek people

E-l 434 / 94 by Francesco Speroni to the Commission
Subject : Measures for SMUs

E-1465 / 94 by Aline Archimbaud to the Commission
Subject : Human rights

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31 . 10 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 306 / 1

I

( Information )

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

WRITTEN QUESTION E-863 / 93

WRITTEN QUESTION E-8 86 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

Kostopoulos ( PSE ) by Marie-José Denys ( PSE )

to the Commission to the Commission

to the Commission

( 26 April 1993 )

( 23 April 1993 )

( 94 / C 306 / 01 ) ( 94 / C 306 / 02 )

Subject : Identification and automatic location of ships by

Subject : The environment of Distomo

The beach of Distomo, the only beach in the Province of
Livadia, is under threat from a terminal for the loading and
unloading of substances such as chalk, kaolin, ashes,
alumina and cement . Given that this plant which is the
property of the Barlo Company poses a threat to the
environment and the quality of life in the region as a whole,
does the Commission intend to take measures to protect the
beach of Distomo, and, if so, what does it have in mind ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 19 November 1993 )

The beach of Distomo is not identified as a bathing area by
the Greek authorities, so Directive 76 / 160 / EEC concerning
the quality of bathing water is not applicable ( 1 ).

satellite

The recent shipping disasters involving the Aegean Sea, off
Spain, and the Braer, off the Shetlands, graphically illustrate
the need for the Community to draw up a policy on safety at
sea, observing the guidelines set out in the Treaty on
European Union .

Technology is now so far advanced that modern VTS
systems could be used in Europe to identify ships and take
their bearings by satellite, wherever in the world they might
happen to be . Such systems would help avert disasters of the
kind referred to above as well as making for more efficient
management of port traffic, be it merchant ships, fishing
vessels, or pleasure craft .

Does the Commission know about these systems ? If so, will
it support the moves to perfect them and give the necessary
encouragement for them to be put into widespread use
throughout the Community, bearing in mind that the United
States and Japan are already working to develop their own
systems ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

Thus, existing Community legislation aimed at protecting on behalf of the
the aquatic environment does not address situations such as
that described by the Honourable Member . ( 22 November 1993 )

on behalf of the Commission

(M OJ No L 31, 5 . 2 . 1976 . The Commission fully agrees with the importance the
Honourable Member suggests land-based and satellite
positioning systems may have for maritime applications,
such as monitoring and traffic management . Already in its

No C 306 / 2 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 10 . 94

communication to the Council, entitled ' The European
Community and Space : Challenges, Opportunities and New
Actions ' 0 ), the Commission noted that the ' emerging
market for positioning services . . . could make an important
contribution to the development of more efficient, safe and
integrated transport systems '.

A study on the ' Assessment of the Potential of Satellite
Navigation Systems and the European Dimension of their
utilization ' is now being carried out by the Commission in
order to identify where Community action could contribute
to removing obstacles to the optimal development and
utilization of satellite navigation systems .

In addition, following the communication on the common
fisheries policy ( 2 ), a study has already been carried out on
the systematic monitoring of fishing activities, using a
satellite-based automatic monitoring system . Based on the
recommendations of this study the Commission is now
implementing pilot . projects of such a system .

The Commission is analyzing satellite systems for the
tracking of vessels with dangerous cargoes to identify the
possible contribution of satellite navigation to improving
safety .

Finally, in its communication 'a Common Policy in Safe
Seas ' the Commission, recognizing the value of vessel traffic
services ( VTS ) ( 3 ) as one of the means to upgrade safety in
shipping, is working together with Member States to
develop integrated VTS-networks in the Community under
the trans-European network plan for VTS .

(!) COM(92 ) 360 final .

( 2 ) SEC(90 ) 2244 final .

( 3 ) COM(93 ) 66 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-906 / 93

by Heribert Barrera i Costa ( ARC )

to the Commission

( 27 April 1993 )

( 94 / C 306 / 03

Subject : Aid for Objective 2 areas

Could the Commission indicate the total amounts received

by the following regions under Objective 2 of the social
funds during the period covered by the first Delors
package ( 1988 — 1993 ): South Yorkshire, Cornwall ­
Devon, Northumberland-Tyne and Wear, Clwyd-Dyfed ­
Gwynedd-Powys, Lincolnshire, Cleveland-Durham,
Gwent-Mid-S-W Glamorgan, Salop-Staffordshire,
Dumfries-Galloway and Strathclyde, Essex and Hereford ­
Worcs-Warwich in the United Kingdom ; Lüneburg and

Trier in Germany ; Friesland, Gelderland, Drenthe and
Overijssel in the Netherlands ; Namur and Luxembourg in
Belgium ; Limousin, Languedoc-Roussillon, Nord-Pas-de Calais, Poitou-Charentes and Midi-Pyrenees in France and
the Basque country, Catalonia, Madrid and Navarre in
Spain ?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

( 29 September 1994 )

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

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1157 / 93

by Florus Wijsenbeek ( ELDR )

to the Commission

( 12 May 1993 )

( 94 / C 306 / 04 )

Subject : Driving bans in 1993

Is the Commission familiar with the report by Koninklijk
Nederlands Verwoer which has been forwarded to

Commissioner Matutes on the unbridled growth of driving
bans and their effect on international road transport ?

Does the Commission not agree that in view of its own
efforts to encourage staggered holidays, the international
carriage of goods by road must not be impeded in its
activities during any period which happens to be a holiday in
some part of the Community ?

Does the Commission not agree that a Directive on this
subject should be drawn up indicating the circumstances in
which Member States may enforce driving bans ?

Does the Commission not feel that if it cannot manage to
limit these bans on driving, it should reserve certain
carriageways for goods traffic during some holiday
periods ?

Answer given by Mr Matutes

on behalf of the Commission

( 11 November 1993 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its
answer to his Written Question No 1317 / 92 ( 1 ).

(!) OJ No C 65, 8 . 3 . 1993 .

31 . 10 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 306 / 3

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 187 / 93

by Mary Banotti ( PPE )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1326 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission to the Commission

( 13 May 1993 )

( 94 / C 306 / 05 )

(3 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 306 / 06 )

Subject : EC research on cot deaths Subject : The survival of European forests

According to recent reports in the UK, following a recent
campaign aimed at advising mothers about the causes of cot
deaths there has been a 55 % drop in cot deaths in the last
year . What research has the EC funded in this area and
would the EC be prepared to fund an EC-wide campaign on
the lines of the UK example, in order to alleviate the problem
of cot deaths which is still the main cause of infant

deaths ?

It is generally accepted that the state of European forests is
continually deteriorating mainly as a result of major
atmospheric pollution and its impact on the quality of soil,
water and the environment in general .

Can the Commission say whether recent information is
available concerning the health of European forests and the
types of trees which have suffered particular damage and
whether proposals have been drawn up to combat pollution,
including strict environmental standards for industrial
activities and motor vehicles ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 19 October 1993 )

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

The Honorary Member is asked to refer to the answers given
by the Commission to Written Question No 2566 / 92 by Mr ( 13 October 1993 )
Raffin (*) and Written Questions Nos 2681 / 92, 2721 / 92
and 2737 / 92 by Mr Cushnahan, Mrs Elmalan and Mr A.
Smith, respectively ( 2 ).

In the Report of the expert group to the Chief Medical
Officer of England and Wales on the sleeping position of
infants and cot death, it is stated that preliminary reports of
interventions which were aimed at changing infant sleeping
practices have now been published . In all of these
interventions a reduction in the prevalence of sleeping on the
front was accompanied by a fall in the incidence of cot
death .

The Commission welcomes these findings but having not
made independent inquiries, it hopes that the UK authorities
will make them more widely known .

With regard to research, no projects on the sudden infant
death syndrome are covered under the Biomed 1
Programme . None of the 808 research proposals received
and being evaluated after the second call for tenders deals
with the syndrome .

(!) OJ No C 99, 7 . 4 . 1993 .

( 2 ) OJ No C 127, 7 . 5 . 1993 .

The Commission is well aware of the problem of forest
decline in the European Community . The Community and
its Member States have been monitoring the condition of
their forests since 1986, in the framework of Council
Regulation ( EEC ) No 3528 / 86 of 21 November 1986 on the
protection p { forests in the Community against atmospheric
pollution (*). The Community wide forest health survey is
carried out annually on a systematic network covering the
entire forest area and including more than 48 000 sample
trees on 2 000 plots . 11 other European countries are
participating in this trans-national survey, bringing the total
number of trees monitored on the pan-European network to
more than 94 000 . The results of this programme have been
published by the Commission, since 1988, in its annual
reports on the condition of forests in Europe . The latest
results reveal that 19,1 % of the trees monitored in the
Community in 1992 had a defoliation of more than 25 %
and were thus considered as damaged . For the total sample,
covering 23 European countries, this figure was 23,5% .
Since the beginning of the inventory, in 1987, there has been
a constant decrease of forest vitality in the Community .

As regards the most common species, cork oak, deciduous
oaks and beech among the broadleaves, and fir and spruce
among the conifers, were the most affected . The most
important probable causes for the observed damage have
been reported to be adverse weather conditions, insects,
fungi, forest fire and atmospheric pollution . In some

No C 306 / 4 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 10 . 94

countries, air pollution is regarded as the essential factor
causing forest damage . Very generally, it is considered as an
important factor leading to the weakening of forest
ecosystems because of impaired nutrient uptake, increased
soil acidification and reduced base elements .

In the years to come, the already existing close cooperation
between the Commission and the International Cooperative
Programme on the Monitoring and Assessment of Air
Pollution Effects on Forests will be intensified . Steps are
currently being taken towards an integral monitoring
system by means of a forest soil survey, foliar analysis,
deposition measurements and increment studies .

The Community has adopted a series of measures aiming to
limit emissions of gaseus pollutants which can have an
environmental impact, including both acid-forming
substances and substances which are involved in the

phenomenon of photochemical pollution . Mention can be
made inter alia of the Directives on large combustion plants,
incinerators and vehicles .

Other measures are being prepared : limitation of the
emissions from fuel storage or distribution facilities or due
to the industrial use of solvents .

As regards air quality, two measures are in progress : on the
one hand, development of the exchange of information on
the quality of ambient air and, on the other hand, the
drafting of a framework Directive which should make it
possible to lay down quality objectives for ambient air for a
larger number of substances and to specify the criteria for
the evaluation of concentrations of these pollutants .

On this basis, the Commission plans to analyse in future
more precisely the links between air quality and the state of
forests .

Greenpeace, the only solution is to impose a general ban on
drift nets . Can the Commission state whether it intends to

look into the possibility of banning the possession and use of
such nets ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 20 October 1993 )

The Commission does not intend to draw up a proposal to
amend Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 3094 / 86 (*) for the
purposes of banning the possession and use of driftnets .
Current rules comply with Resolutions No 44 / 225 and
45 / 197 of the General Assembly of the United Nations on
fishing with large driftnets . Nets with a maximum length of
2,5 km as laid down in Community rules cannot be regarded
as large driftnets . In addition a total ban on driftnets would
create severe problems for a number of small-scale inshore
fisheries where this system is used to catch species other than
tuna and swordfish .

Fisheries inspection is the responsibility of the Member
States . The Italian authorities are therefore responsible for
monitoring the use of driftnets by Italian fishermen .

f 1 ) OJ No L 288, 11 . 10 . 1986 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1381 / 93

by Bryan Cassidy ( PPE )

to the Commission

( ! ) OJ No L 326, 21 . 11 . 1986 . (8 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 306 / 08 )

Subject : Notices of open competition : EUR / D / 24,
EUR / D / 25, COM / D / 754 and COM / D / 755

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 334 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

(3 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 306 / 07 )

Subject : Drift nets

In reply to my Written Question No 2426 / 92 (*), the
Commission replied that ' the information requested is not
yet available '.

In the hope that it is now available, how many United
Kingdom citizens :

1 . were sent details of these competitions,

Drift nets are continuing to destroy all forms of life in the 2 . returned their application forms,
Mediterranean . These nets, which were initially intended for
use in fishing tuna and swordfish, are a deadly trap for many 3 . were permitted to take the open
species of marine life . The environmentalist group
Greenpeace has pointed out that fishing on the high sea in 4 . were successful in being included
the Mediterranean will lead to irreparable damage owing to
failure, particularly on the part of Italian fishermen, to 5 . were not permitted to take
comply with Community legislation . According to because they did not have 'a

3 . were permitted to take the open competition,

4 . were successful in being included on the list,

5 . were not permitted to take the open competition
because they did not have 'a satisfactory knowledge of a

31 . 10 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 306 / 5

second Community language ' as specified in Section 4 of
all notices ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1497 / 93

by Maxime Verhagen ( PPE )

to the Commission

(M OJ No C 86, 26 . 3 . 1993, p . 23 . ( 14 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 306 / 10 )

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission Subject : ERDF subsidies for the modernization of Bierset

( 29 November 1993 ) Airport ( Liege )

1 . This information is not available as records are

not kept on the nationality of those receiving copies of
the Official Journals which contain the notices of
competitions .

2, 3, 4 and 5 . The position is as follows :

Number of

UK citizens

Does the Commission consider that, since cross-border
cooperation is being hampered by EC-subsidized
investment decisions, it can disclaim any responsibility by
arguing that it is the task of the regions themselves to put
cooperation into practice ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1498 / 93

by Maxime Verhagen ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 14 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 306 / 11 )

Subject : ERDF subsidies for the modernization of Bierset

Airport ( Liege )

Has a study been carried out into the possibility of having
two airports ( Maastricht and Bierset ) in the same Euregio
when they are only 38 km apart ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1499 / 93

by Maxime Verhagen ( PPE )

refused

admission

because of a

lack of a

satisfactory
knowledge of

a second

Community

language

Number of

application

forms

returned by
UK citizens

Number of

UK citizens

admitted to

the written

tests

Number of

UK citizens

appearing on

the list of

successful

candidates

EUR / D / 24 43 12 — 1

EUR / D / 25 64 12 3 —

COM / D / 754 24 1 — —

COM / D / 755 25 3 — 2

Total 156 28 3 3

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1496 / 93

by Maxime Verhagen ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 14 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 306 / 09 to the Commission

( 14 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 306 / 12 )

Subject : ERDF subsidies for the modernization of Bierset

Airport ( Liege )

How does the Commission come to the conclusion that the

granting of subsidies does not constitute competing
investments, given that the investment in the Bierset Airport
is intended to adapt it to the needs of freight transport while,
at the same time, the projected construction of the
East-West runway at Maastricht Airport is geared to the
same objective ?

Subject : ERDF subsidies for the modernization of Bierset

Airport ( Liege )

Does the Commission agree that it bears political
responsibility for the granting of subsidies from the
European Regional Development Fund ?

No C 306 / 6 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 10 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1592 / 93

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1616 / 93

and E-1620 / 93

by Maxime Verhagen ( PPE )

to the Commission given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

( 18 June 1993 ) ( 22 October 1993 )
( 94 / C 306 / 13 )

The Honourable Member is referred to the answer given by
Subject : ERDF subsidies for the Bierset ( Liege ) and the Commission to Written Question No 3315 / 92 by Mr
Maastricht Airports Moorhouse ( M.

How does the Commission reach the conclusion that Bierset

( B ) and Maastricht ( NL ) airports are geared to differing
market sectors ?

f 1 ) OJ No C 145, 25 . 5 . 1993 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1691 / 93

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1496 / 93, E-1497 / 93, by Teresa Domingo Segarra ( NI )

E-1498 / 93, E-1499 / 93 and E-1592 / 93

given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

to the Commission

( 28 June 1993 )

( 29 September 1993 ) ( 94 / C 306 / 16 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to

the replies given to oral question H-526 / 93 by Mrs
Oomen-Ruitjen and his own oral question H-527 / 93 during
question time at Parliament 's May 1993 part-session ( J ).

( 1 ) Debates of the European Parliament, No 3-431 ( May 1993 ).

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1616 / 93

by Yves Verwaerde ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 18 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 306 / 14 )

Subject : Trainees completing their studies

Can the Commission give the number and breakdown of
trainees finishing their studies employed in each of the
Commission 's Directorates-General and specialized services
as at 31 December 1992 ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1620 / 93

by Yves Verwaerde ( PPE )

Subject : Plant belonging to the Total undertaking in the

port of Valencia ( Spain )

The Total undertaking is planning to construct plant for the
storage of more than 140 000 cubic metres of highly
dangerous inflammable substances in the port of
Valencia .

According to a report by the Ministry of Public Works
approximately 119 000 local residents within a radius of
less than 2 kilometres would be affected by any of the 21
types of accidents which could occur in plant already
installed in this port which is considered to be the most
dangerous in Spain being situated in a highly seismic

area .

Given that this type of project is included in the annexes to
Council Directive 85 / 337 / EEC (*) on the assessment of the
effects of certain public and private projects on the
environment, it is necessary to comply with this
Directive .

Does the Commission not consider that the provisions of
Council Directive 82 / 501 / EEC ( 2 ) on the major accident
hazards of certain industrial activities ?

What steps can the Commission take to guarantee the
safety of individuals and correct implementation of the
Community Directive on the environment and in particular
Directives 85 / 337 / EEC and 82 / 501 / EEC ?

(!) OJ No L 175, 5 . 7 . 1985, p . 40 .

to the Commission, . ., p .
( 2 ) OJ No L 230, 5 . 8 . 1982, p . 1 .

( 22 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 306 / 15 )

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

Subject : Trainees completing their studies
( 10 November 1993 )

Can the Commission give the number of trainees completing
their studies, by nationality, in each of the Commission
Directorates-General and specialized services in 1992 ?

1 . In accordance with Directive 85 / 337 / EEC on the

assessment of the effects of certain public and private

31 . 10 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 306 / 7

projects on the environment, storage facilities for
petrochemical and chemical products must be assessed
where the competent authorities consider that the project
characteristics so require, e.g. by virtue of their size or
location .

2 . Storage of highly inflammable liquid, if the quantity
stored is 5 000 tonnes or more, is also covered by Council
Directive 82 / 501 / EEC on the major-accident hazards of
certain industrial activities . Moreover, if the quantity
involved is 50 000 tonnes or more special measures must be
taken, such as the presentation of a safety report to the
authorities and the supply of information to the population
concerned .

As for new installations, all the information needed to assess
the potential dangers and the adequacy of the safety
measures must be notified to the authorities within a

reasonable period before the industrial activity

commences .

3 . The information provided by the Honourable
Member does not indicate whether the installation in

question already exists or is merely a project . Nor does it
indicate which measures the Spanish authorities have
adopted or are planning to adopt to reduce the dangers
posed by the installation .

On the basis of the information provided the Commission is
unable to establish the extent to which Spain may have
infringed Community law in this matter . Accordingly, it
cannot request explanatory information from-the Spanish
authorities with reference to the Honourable Member 's

question .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1837 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( IS July 1993 )

( 94 / C 306 / 17 )

Subject : Workers ' charter

Does the Commission consider that a workers ' charter

setting out their basic rights should be adopted since this
might help the national authorities and, in particular,
employers ' organizations and trade unions to minimize
disputes over rights and rights derived therefrom ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 12 October 1993 )

The Heads of State and Government of 11 Member States

adopted the Community Charter of the Fundamental Social

Rights of Workers at the European Council in Strasbourg in
December 1989 . Following the action programme
implementing the Charter, the Commission has presented to
the Council a number of measures in areas such as working
conditions in general and the individual and collective rights
of workers .

The Commission hopes that work on the proposals which
have not yet been adopted by the Council will make rapid

progress .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1876 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( IS July 1993 )

( 94 / C 306 / 18 )

Subject : Transport of radioactive substances in Greece

In view of the recent allegations made in the Greek
parliament by the MPs Mr Beys, Mr Beteniotis, Mr
Kokelidis and Mr Gounatidis that radioactive substances

move freely through Greece and that the competent customs
authorities do not carry out any checks, will the
Commission investigate this matter ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 18 November 1993 )

Under the terms of Council Directive 80 / 836 / Euratom
laying down the basic safety standards for the health
protection of the general public and workers against the
dangers arising from ionizing radiation ( x ), Member States
have to submit any activity which involves a hazard from
ionizing radiation to a system of reporting and
authorization ( Article 3 ). Member States also have to
establish a system of inspection to supervise the application
of the provisions of the Directive ( Article 45 ).

Movements of radioactive substances are also subject to the
requirements of Council Regulation No 1493 / 93 / Euratom
of 8 June 1993 on shipments of radioactive substances
between Member States of the European Community ( 2 ).
This Regulation was introduced especially to allow the
competent authorities in Member States to be informed on
the import of radioactive substances from other Member
States when controls at intra Community borders are no
longer performed .

From l January 1994, shipments of radioactive waste will
be subject to the provisions of Council Directive
92 / 3 / Euratom on the supervision and control of shipments
of radioactive waste between Member States and into and
out of the Community ( 3 ).

Furthermore, radioactive materials that are special fissile
materials, source materials or ores as defined by Article 197

No C 306 / 8 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 10 . 94

of the Euratom Treaty, are also subject to the provisions of Answer given by Mr Delors
Chapter VII ( safeguards ) of the Euratom Treaty . In on behalf of the Commission
addition, the 1980 International Convention on Physical ( 10 December 1993 )
Protection of Nuclear Material applies to these materials .

(!) OJ No L 246, 17 . 9 . 1980 ; OJ No L 265, 6 . 10 . 1984 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 148, 19 . 6 . 1993 .

( 3 ) OJ No L 35, 12 . 2 . 1992 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1947 / 93

by Carmen Diez de Rivera Icaza ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 19 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 306 / 19 )

Subject : Commission officials and the extent to which they

can represent the institution

Recently ( on 26 May 1993 ) events took place on the island
of Minorca ( Spain ) which are hard to justify . They involved
a female official of the Commission who, as the media
reported at length, allegedly acted as a representative of the
Commission, thereby creating expectations which were out
of keeping with her capacity either \ to represent the
Commission or to take action .

In view of the fact that it seems to be easy for certain officials
to claim to have certain jobs, duties and responsibilities even
during their holidays and, in this case, during an election
campaign, with all the confusion this may cause among the
general public and local or regional authorities, can the
Commission say :

1 . Whether officials on their own responsibility and as

individuals are authorized to represent a Community
institution ?

2 . Whether an official may compromise the Commission 's

position in areas which are not under their
responsibility, such as the Cohesion Fund ?

3 . Whether it is usual for such officials to have themselves

introduced at press conferences with the highest
authorities of an island region as belonging to a specific
Directorate-General, in this case DG XI, when in fact
that is not at all true ?

4 . What measures it has at its disposal to prevent incidents

of this kind happening again and thus remedy any kind
of abuse or confusion ?

5 . What steps it will take to remedy the confusion and

abuse caused by this situation on the island of Minorca

( Spain )?

The Honourable Member is referred to the information

which the Commission gave in reply to his oral question on
the same subject put at the meeting of Parliament 's
Committee on the Environment on 3 and 4 June 1993 .

The Commission stated officially that, at that time, the
official in question was no longer working in DG XI, which
she had already left when she visited Minorca .

In March 1993, the official, who was then in DG XI,
provided technical assistance to Lanzarote in the Canary
Islands in support of its campaign to be designated a
biosphere reserve .

In May 1993, when she had left DG XI and was on holiday
in Minorca, the President of the Council of the Island asked
her to provide the same type of technical assistance as she
had provided for Lanzarote . The aim was to make her
technical knowledge in this field available to Minorca . It
should be emphasized that her air fare, hotel expenses, etc .
were entirely borne by her .

Owing to a misunderstanding, the press in Minorca
presented her as a representative of DG XI . At her request,
the President of the Council of Minorca issued a corrected

statement which said that the official was present in a
private capacity to provide the same type of technical
assistance as she had provided for the island of
Lanzarote .

Incidentally, the President of the International Council of
the Unesco Man and Biosphere Programme has written to
thank the President of the European Commission for the
assistance provided by this official .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2196 / 93

by Juan Ramirez Heredia ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 29 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 306 / 20 )

Subject : Programmes in support of the gypsy community

The Commission included in the 1992 budget a heading
authorizing actions and specific programmes in support of
the gypsy community in the EC .

31 . 10 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 306 / 9

Can the Commission specify : the appropriations between the various types of measure
and between the Member States .

1 . to what areas the resources concerned have been

allocated ;

2 . what measures have been implemented ;

3 . the qualitative and quantitative nature of their actual
projects funded ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2197 / 93

by Nel van Dijk ( V )
Answer given by Mr Ruberti to the Commission
on behalf of the Commission

to the Commission

( 29 July 1993 )

( 16 November 1993 )
( 94 / C 306 / 21 )

In 1992, the Commission had funding of ECU 700 000 for
measures to promote the education of the children of gypsies
and travellers .

This was used to :

— promote exchanges of information and experiences

between those involved in this kind of education in the

Member States ;

— develop innovatory projects in the educational systems

of the Member States ;

— establish an information and documentation network

for all those involved in the education of the children of

gypsies and travellers ;

— coordinate and evaluate the measures ;

— disseminate the results .

Under these measures, the Commission supported

— seminars of gypsy experts ;

— seminars for teachers and other educational staff ;

— the development, dissemination and exchange of
teaching material ;

— measures to improve access for gypsy children and

young people to secondary education and vocational
training ;

— measures for developing distance learning for the

children of gypsies and travellers ;

— training for gypsy ' mediators ';

— publications ;

— training schemes and a summer school for young

gypsies .

Subject : Monitoring of State aids in the form of cheap

energy contracts : the case of Solvay Chemie

According to a report in ' De Limburger ' of 29 May 1993,
the Provincial Executive of the Province of Limburg is
calling for an extension of the State aid accorded to the
chemical firm Solvay Chemie in the form of reduced energy
prices .

The Provincial Executive has written to the parliamentary
standing committee on economic affairs claiming that
' foreign competitors pay lower energy prices because other
countries adopt a creative interpretation of the EC rules in
the interests of protecting their industry '.

In answer to Written Question No 16 / 91 ( 1 ), the
Commission states that it is not in a position to establish
what contracts have been concluded in this industry . In
addition, it states that, should the price level be such as to
suggest that the price might include an aid component, the
Commission is empowered to take action .

Under Article 93(1 ) the Commission is required to keep all
systems of aid under constant review .

How can the Commission know, for constant review
purposes, whether firms are receiving aid if it is not in a
position to establish what contracts have been concluded in
that industry for the supply of electricity ?

Is the Commission able to state what forms of ' creative

interpretation ' of the EC rules are in common use in this
sector in the various Member States ?

Has the Commission ever taken action against state aid to
chlorine producers under Article 93(2 )? Can it give reasons
for taking, or not taking, such action, as the case may
be ?

The Commission is sending the Honourable Member and
the Secretariat-General of the European Parliament a list of
the measures it supported and details of the distribution of (!) OJ No C 214, 16 . 8 . 1991, p . 14 .

No C 306 / 10 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 10 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2 198 / 93

by Nel van Dijk ( V )

to the Commission

( 29 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 306 / 22 )

Subject : Institution of proceedings against the Netherlands

under Article 13 Or in connection with subsidies to

the firm of Solvay Chemie, Herten-Roermond

( NL ), which are incompatible with the principles
of sustainable growth

According to a report in De Limburger of 29 May 1993, the
Provincial Executive of the Province of Limburg is calling
for an extension of the State aid accorded to the chemical
firm Solvay Chemie in the form of reduced energy prices .

Does the Commission agree that this aid mesaure by the
Netherlands

— is incompatible with the ' polluter pays ' principle

( Article 130r(2 )),

— conflicts with the letter and the spirit of the Fifth Action

Programme on the Environment,

— conflicts with the principle of internalizing external

costs, and

— is counter-productive in view of the EC 's aim to stabilize

CO2 emissions by the year 2000 ?

Is the Commission prepared to take action pursuant to
Article 130r(3 ), third indent, against this aid on the grounds
that failure to act would involve costs both for the

environment and for the public which is incompatible with
the aims of the Community ?

If not, why not ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2199 / 93

by Nel van Dijk ( V )

to the Commission

( 29 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 306 / 23 )

Subject : Unauthorized Netherlands State aid to Solvay

Chemie, Herten-Roermond ( Articles 92 and 93 )

According to a report in De Limburger of 29 May 1993, the
Provincial Executive of the Province of Limburg is calling
for an extension of the State aid accorded to the chemical

firm Solvay Chemie in the form of reduced energy prices .

Does the Commission agree that the existing ( and planned )
aid measures by the Netherlands are incompatible with
Article 92(1 ) of the EEC Treaty, that the exemptions under
Article 92(2 ) and ( 3 ) do not apply, and that this aid is
incompatible with the Fifth Action Programme on the
Environment and should be banned ?

Is the Commission prepared to take action pursuant to
Article 93(2 ) against The Netherlands ?

If not, why not ?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2197 / 93, E-2198 / 93

and E-2 199 / 93

given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

( 26 November 1993 )

Member States are obliged under Article 93(3 ) EEC Treaty,
to notify any plans to grant or alter aid in sufficient time to
enable the Commission to submit its comments . Member

States may not put aid into effect until the Commission has
approved the measures involved . If the Commission
considers that any plan is not compatible with the common
market having regard to Article 92 EEC Treaty, it initiates
the procedure provided for in Article 93(2 ).

According to Article 93(1 ) EEC Treaty, the Commission
keeps existing aid systems under constant review in
cooperation with the Member States . If the review shows
that the conditions under which aid authorization was

granted have changed, and there is no justification for the
continued approval of the aid scheme in question, the
Commission acts accordingly .

The Commission has dealt with cases under the procedure
provided for in Article 93(2 ) EEC Treaty in respect of aid
proposed or granted by Member States to companies in the
chlorine sector and taken final decisions . These cases
concern Solvay and its subsidiaries : Solvay S.A. / Solvic (*)
and Solvic & Cie SNC / Interox S.A., both in Belgium .

The Commission has no specific information concerning the
contract for electricity supply between the chemical
company Solvay and the electricity supply group . Therefore,
according to normal procedures, the Commission will send
a request for information to the Dutch authorities on this
subject to enable the Commission to assess the measures in
relation to Articles 92 and 93 EEC Treaty . Depending on the
content of the answer of the Dutch authorities the

Commission will apply the appropriate provisions of
Articles 92 — 93 EEC Treaty .

According to Article 130R second paragraph EEC Treaty
environmental protection requirements are a component of
the Community 's other policies . This principle is reflected in

31 . 10 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 306 / 11

the Community guidelines for State aid for environmental
protection, in which the environmental principles of
Article 13 OR have been transformed into operational
criteria for certain exceptions from the general prohibiton of
State aid in cases where environmental benefits clearly
outweigh competition arguments against the aid .

other installations handling radioactive materials in regard
to reactor design, construction, operation,
decommissioning and waste management based on the
principal criteria governing radioactive emissions and the
protection of workers, the population and the environment,
commensurate with the extent of the risk involved ? If so,
when ?

Therefore, even if the examination of the case showed that
aid distorted competition or affected trade between
Member States, the Commission could allow it if there was Answer given by Mr
an environmental justification as required by the guidelines on behalf of
concerned . ( 17 November 1993 )

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

f 1 ) OJ No C 73, 19 . 3 . 1991 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2346 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 306 / 24 )

Subject : Ill-treatment of minors

In view of repeated press reports on the ill-treatment of
children by their parents, does the Commission intend to
take up this matter and submit a Community Directive
safeguarding the right of minors not to be ill-treated and
pushed into crime and to enjoy a full education appropriate
to their age-group ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

As the Honourable Member points out, the legislation on
radiation protection forms the basis for the safety princples
and rules governing the design and operation of nuclear
facilities .

The legislation on radiation protection in the various
Member States is based on the Council Directives

concerning the ' basic standards ... for the protection of the
health of workers and the general public against the dangers
arising from ionizing radiations ' ( Article 30 of the Euratom
Treaty ).

Legislation on the safety of nuclear facilities is drafted at
national level . It is the subject of consultations at
Community level in accordance with the Council
resolutions of 22 July 1975 (*) and 18 June 1992 ( 2 ) on the
technological problems of nuclear safety .

(!) OJ No C 185, 14 . 8 . 1975 .

( 2 ) OJ No C 172, 8 . 7 . 1992 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2496 / 93

( 10 November 1993 ) by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

The Commission 's competence does not extend to the
protection of minors against ill-treatment by their

parents .

It therefore has no plans to propose a Directive on the
subject to the Council .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2486 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 306 / 26

Subject : Formation of a ' Land Register Organization ' and

' Food Organization ' in Greece

At present Greece does not have a ' Food Organization ' or a
' Land Register Organization '. Will the Commission
encourage the formation of these organizations in Greece
and provide a Community contribution for this purpose ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 94 / C 306 / 25 ) ( 17 November 1993 )

Subject : Additional compulsory nuclear safety
requirements

Does the Commission intend to propose additional nuclear
safety requirements for Community nuclear plants and

Following the principle of subsidiarity the Commission has
no intention to participate in the creation of the type of
organization mentioned by the Honourable Member .

No C 306 / 12 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 10 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2521 / 93

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2500 / 93 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2521

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission to the Commission

(1 September 1993 ) (1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 306 / 27 ) ( 94 / C 306 / 29

Subject : Abolition of restrictions on the transport of meat

in Greece

Can the Commission say when the Greek authorities intend
to abolish the restrictions on the transport of meat ( OKLA )
and implement the relevant Community Directives ?

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

Subject : Promotion of structural cooperation between

cultural organizations

Is the Commission supporting measures to promote
structural cooperation between cultural organizations such
as museums and archives, supplement private grants and
encourage exchanges and further professional training for
cultural workers ? What resources are being used for this
purpose ?

( 19 November 1993 ) Joint answer to Written Questions E-2520 / 93

and E-2521 / 93

given by Mr Pinheiro
on behalf of the Commission

In view of the unspecific nature of the Honourable ( 22 November 1993 )
Member 's question and given the volume of legislation on
the transport of meat in the Community, the Commission is
not in a position to give a valid reply .

It would ask the Honourable Member, therefore, to be more
specific in his complaints against Greece, notably as regards
the type of elleged restrictions and the Community
provisions which they infringe .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2520 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 306 / 28 )

Subject : Creation in Europe of a flexible European network

of museums and archives

In view of the fact that cultural works are decisive in

preserving national heritages will the Commission take any
steps to create a flexible European network of museums and
archives which will serve as a deposity for an exchange of
ideas and information with regard to museums and archives
for the development and exchange of common cultural
programmes and training in the cultural professions ?

In accordance with the conclusions on guidelines for
Community cultural action adopted on 12 November
1992 ( x ) by the Ministers for Culture meeting within the
Council the Commission is planning to develop and support
cooperation between cultural institutions, in particular by
promoting non-commercial cultural exchanges .

As part of its cultural action the Commission already
organizes the Kaleidoscope programme, which enables it to
promote cultural cooperation at European level by
supporting specific operations, further training courses and
exchanges, and transnational cooperation projects
developed through networks in many cultural fields
including archives and museums .

Financial support from the Commission tops up private or
public funding already granted to project promoters . The

1993 budget for the Kaleidoscope programme ( charged to
budget heading B3-2001 ) was ECU 2 936 200 .

At present, at the request of the Council, the Commission is
also preparing a communication on the cultural heritage

( both fixed and movable ) for presentation to the Council
and Parliament in 1994 . Information, training and
exchanges of experience will obviously be among the
subjects covered .

Following the resolution adopted by the Ministers for
Culture on 14 November 1991 ( 2 ), a group of experts was
set up to produce a report on archives, the conclusions of
which will be examined by the Council ( Culture ).

31 . 10 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 306 / 13

In the meantime, the Commission has no plans to create a
new network of museums and archives .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2612 / 93

by Jose Torres Couto ( PSE )

to the Commission

(!) OJ No C 336, 19 . 12 . 1992 .

, . . . (1 September 1993 )

( 2 ) OJ No C 314, 1 . 12 . 1991 .

( 94 / C 306 / 31 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2602 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 306 / 30 )

Subject : Protection of crews on vessels flying flags of

convenience

Safety standards on vessels flying flags of convenience are
low and international safety and shipping regulations are
evidently being disregarded with the result that the vessels
concerned are unable to withstand adverse weather

conditions and it is simply a question of time and luck as to
when they founder .

Since vessels flying flags of convenience frequently have
European crew members, what means does the Commission
have to help create conditions designed to prevent maritime
accidents and disasters ?

Answer given by Mr Matutes

on behalf of the Commission

( 23 February 1993 )

The questions raised are dealt with in the Commission 's
communication entitled 'A common policy on safe seas ' sent
to the Council, Parliament and the Economic and Social
Committee (*).

In this communication, the Commission develops and
proposes a set of measures designed to eliminate the
presence of sub-standard ships in the Community and thus
prevent accidents at sea and pollution of the marine
environment .

(M COM(93 ) 66 final .

Subject : Revision of the convergence criteria

The operations of the exchange rate mechanism of the

European Monetary System have recently been
characterized by permanent instability, with very serious
consequences for the economies of the Member States,
especially the less strong ones . This has resulted not only in
the British pound and the lira being forced to leave the ERM,
but also in successive devaluations, as in the recent cases of
the peseta and the escudo . At the same time, there seems to
be no prospect of the monetary authorities introducing any
strategy for coordination and control of the system .

Difficulties are being experienced by the economies of the
four southern countries and Ireland in supporting the
budgetary austerity policies imposed on them by . the
convergence criteria and programmes . It is essential to
stimulate economic recovery in these countries, which will
have to grow at a rate higher than the Community average if
economic and social cohesion is to be achieved .

Nonetheless, most undertakings in these countries,
especially Portugal, are losing competitiveness, while
numerous enterprises risk bankruptcy, which would further
aggravate unemployment .

1 . What measures has the Commission in mind to ensure

the stability of the European Monetary System on the

basis of fulfilment of the proposed calendar, especially
with respect to the introduction of the second stage of
EMU ?

2 . Is the Commission aware of the need to revise the

convergence criteria on the basis of a new calendar and
correction of the proposed macro-economic
objectives ?

Answer given by Mr Christophersen

on behalf of the Commission

( 26 November 1993 )

1 . Responsibility for the operation of the EMS lies
primarily with Member States so that the Commission is not
in a position to take direct measures to guarantee
exchange-rate stability within the system . Nevertheless, the
Commission is conscious of the dangers of monetary
instability, which would jeopardize the achievement of a

No C 306 / 14 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 10 . 94

single market and undermine the prospect of Economic and
Monetary Union . It is essential, therefore, that early and
convincing action be taken to restore stability within the
EMS by reinforcing the credibility of the economic
integration process . In this respect, the Commission remains
committed to the timetable for the creation of EMU,
particularly concerning the preparation of the secondary
legislation necessary for the introduction of Stage II on

1 January 1994 .

2 . It has always been understood that the judgment on
whether a Member State fulfills the conditions for

participation in Stage III of EMU would be based on an
assessment and not on a mechanical application of the
convergence criteria . The Treaty on European Union
provides for flexibility . The convergence criteria, as
formulated, are appropriate . The timetable for the EMU
process, as laid down in the Treaty, must be respected . This
is essential for re-establishing confidence in the ability of the
Community to reap fully the benefits of the internal market
and to overcome the present economic difficulties . The
Commission is of the view that Member States should

conduct their economic policies in line with the principles
set out in Articles 2 and 102a of the Treaty . Later this year,
the Commission will recommend broad guidelines for the
implementation of economic policies in the Member States
and at the Community level .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2664 / 93

by Yves Verwaerde ( PPE )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 306 / 32 )

tests . A call for expressions of interest has been launched
jointly with Parliament, and the successful candidates will
replace the existing pool in 1994 .

A management agreement concerning Eurodicautom was
signed with a sub-contractor in 1992, based on an invitation
to tender organized in 1991 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3071 / 93

by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI ), Giuseppe Rauti ( NI ),
Antonio Mazzone ( NI ), Marco Panella ( ARE ),
Johanna-Christina Grund ( NI ), Emil Schlee ( NI ), Virginio

Bettini ( V ), Karl Partsch ( ELDR ), Enrico Falqui ( V ), David
Morris ( PSE ), Hiltrud Breyer ( V ), Paul Staes ( V ),
Gianfranco Amendola ( V ), Mary Banotti ( PPE ), Gepa
Maibaum ( PSE ), Klaus-Peter Köhler ( DR ), Yvan Blot ( NI ),
Roberto Barzanti ( PSE ), Arie Oostlander ( PPE ), Jean-Pierre
Raffin ( V ), Michael Elliott ( PSE ), Marco Taradash ( NI ),

Francesco Guidolin ( PPE ) and Bruno Boissière ( V )

to the Commission

(5 November 1993 )

( 94 / C 306 / 33 )

Subject : Entertainment using animals

Can the Commission take urgent action and recommend
appropriate legislation to stop the obscene forms of
entertainment which can now be seen in many cities, in
particular in eastern European countries as well as in Spain
and Greece ?

Such ' entertainment ' consists in using bears, monkeys and
other ' trained ' animals, which are publicly displayed under
Subject : Sub-contracting by the Commission 's Translation cruel conditions to provide ' entertainment ' as a tourist

Service attraction .

Will the Commission state whether its Translation Service

sub-contracted work on a normal or exceptional basis
during the 1992 financial year ?

If so, what activities were sub-contracted and what
companies were involved ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

( 10 November 1993 )

The Commission 's Translation Service regularly contracted
out translation work and certain terminological services in

1992 .

2 370 contracts for translation work were concluded with a

pool of translators selected on the basis of demanding skills

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 24 January 1994 )

Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 3626 / 82 on the
implementation in the Community of the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna
and Flora (*) and the proposal for a Regulation to replace
it ( 2 ), contain import restrictions for a great many species .
Imports for primarily commercial purposes of wild
specimens of the species listed in Appendix I to Cites and
Annex C, part 1 to Regulation ( EEC ) No 3626 / 82 are
prohibited and will be for the species listed in Annex A of the
proposed new Regulation .

The use of animals of other species, as well as of captive bred
animals for the purposes referred to by the Honourable

31 . 10 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 306 / 15

Members is not restricted by Community legislation and
falls within the competence of the Member States .

(») OJ No L 384, 31 . 12 . 1982 .

( 2 ) OI No C 26, 3 . 2 . 1992 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4081 / 93

by Enrique Sapena Graneli ( PSE )

and José Vazquez Fouz ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 34

Subject : Nafta and the European Community

The parliaments of the three countries of North America

( Canada, USA and Mexico ) are ratifying a free trade
agreement ( Nafta ) designed to create in the short and
medium-term one of the largest free-trade areas in the
world .

What, in the Commission 's view, are likely to be the main
consequences for future relations between the Community
and each of these three countries ?

What areas or economic sectors in the Community will be
most affected by the implementation of Nafta ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

( 25 February 1994 )

In May 1993 the Commission produced an information
note on the likely effects of the North American Free Trade
Agreement ( Nafta ) (' ), which was transmitted to the
Parliament and Council .

The information note concludes that the net effects of the

Nafta are likely to be positive for the Community, and that,
at the present stage, no major incompatibilities with GATT
rules have been detected, a though certain concerns are
advanced in areas like financial services, rules of origin,
agriculture and intellectual property . The Commission will,
however, continue to monitor the implementation of the
Nafta closely in order to avoid any negative effects on the
Community 's bilateral relations with the three signatory
States .

The Community 's trade and investment relations with
Canada and the US are not expected to be affected
significantly by the Nafta in the short term . Some
Community exports may suffer some displacement on the
US and Canadian markets, but a considerable evolution in

the Mexican structure of production and trade is likely to
take place before this effect is felt, and it will almost certainly
be impossible to identify the impact of Nafta as distinct from
the impact of changes in market structure or overall
international competitiveness .

As far as the Community 's trade relations with Mexico are
concerned, the Community, which is Mexico 's second
largest trading partner and source of direct foreign
investment after the US, has already benefited from the
increased openness and growth in the Mexican economy
over recent years . Even though some displacement of
Community exports by North American products may take
place as tariffs between Nafta partners disappear, it is
expected that the Nafta will permit, in global terms, a
considerable further expansion of trade between the

Community and Mexico . Furthermore, by achieving duty
free access to one of the largest and richest markets in the
world, Mexico will become one of the most attractive
investment destinations for third countries, including the
Community .

For further details on the effects of the Nafta, the
Honourable Member may wish to refer to the Commission 's
information note .

(!) COM(93 ) 188 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l / 94

by Carlos Perreau de Pinninck Domenech ( RDE )

to the Commission

(8 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 35 )

Subject : Subsidies for the production and broadcasting of

programmes via high-definition systems

In 1993 the Community adopted subsidies to the value of
ECU 228 million to promote the production and
broadcasting of programmes via high-definition systems .
However, one third of these funds will be withheld until

1 January 1995 so that countries such as Spain can update
their technology .

Has the Commission taken any practical measures to speed
up the technological development of telecommunications, in
particular of high-definition systems, in Spain ? If so, could it
give details of these measures ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 29 March 1994 )

The Council Decision of 22 July 1993 on an action plan for
the introduction of advanced television services in Europe
was adopted by the Community to ensure the accelerated
development of the market for advanced television services
in the 16:9 format and using 625 or 1 250 scanning
lines .

The objectives are to achieve, by June 1997, a critical mass
of 16:9 television services and a sufficient volume of 16:9
programmes . The Community funding, i.e. ECU 228
million, will cover parts of the additional costs incurred by
broadcasters and programme makers to offset those extra

No C 306 / 16 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 10 . 94

costs of introducing the 16:9 format . A quantity of ECU 68
million has been placed in reserve for allocation after

1 January 1995 and will be dedicated to those markets that
are not fully served in the early stages of the implementation
of the Action Plan .

In practice, the Spanish market will be funded from the
beginning of the implementation of the action plan and will
not wait for the allocation of the quantity placed in

reserve .

Indeed, the public Spanish broadcaster — ' Radio Television
Espanola ' ( RTVE ) — will be receiving Community
financing support to start wide-screen broadcasting this
year . The number of hours of 16:9 services provided for by
RTVE will be 350 hours in 1994, and the transmission
system will be D2-MAC .

of Regulation ( EEC ) No 2082 / 93 now stipulates that
payments must be made within two months from receipt of
an acceptable application .

(!) OJ No L 193, 31 . 7 . 1993 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 374, 31 . 12 . 1988

( 3 ) OJ No L 185, 15 . 7 . 1988 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-9 / 94

by Paul Howell ( PPE )

to the Commission

(8 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 37 )

Subject : Europol
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2 / 94

by Carlos Perreau de Pinninck Domenech ( RDE )

to the Commission

(8 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 36

Subject : Funding for training programmes for young

unemployed people

Many Community training programmes for young
unemployed people are jointly funded by the Member States
or their regions . In some cases, the programmes are
disrupted by delays by the Member States in paying their
share of the funds, or even a failure to pay at all . Does the
Commission monitor the disbursement of national

contributions to such funding ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

(5 April 1994 )

The Commission is aware of the problem raised by the
Honourable Member and, in the context of the reform of the
Structural Funds, has taken the necessary measures vis-a-vis
the Member States, taking into account the partnership and
the individual budgetary and accounting rules applicable to
each of them, to avoid excessive delays in forwarding
Community payments to the final beneficiaries . These
measures were formalised in Council Regulation ( EEC )
No 2082 / 93 of 20 July 1993 (*) amending Regulation ( EEC )
No 4253 / 88 ( 2 ) laying down provisions for implementing
. Regulation ( EEC ) No 2052 / 88 ( 3 ). This now stipulates in

Article 21(5 ) that Member States must ensure that
beneficiaries receive Community payments within three
months of their receipt by the Member States .

The Commission also ensures that its own payments are
made to Member States as quickly as possible . Article 21(1 )

Provisions for Europol are found in the Maastricht Treaty .
These provisions will link European police forces across the
Community .

Will the Commission indicate the timetable and practical
steps which will be taken to achieve this objective ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

(1 March 1994 )

At their meeting in Copenhagen on 2 June, the Trevi
ministers signed an agreement establishing the Europol
Drugs Unit ( EDU ). Under the terms of the agreement, this is
a non-operational team set up to exchange and analyse
information on drug trafficking, the criminal organizations
involved, and money laundering operations involving two
or more Member States .

At the European Council meeting in Brussels on 29 October
the Heads of State and Government, as the representatives
of the Governments of the Member States, agreed by
common accord on The Hague as the headquarters of
Europol and of the EDU . The necessary steps to get the unit
up and running were approved by the Council on
22 December 1993 and it was due to start up officially in
mid-February .

At its meeting in Brussels on 29 October the European
Council also expressed a wish to see the Europol
Convention finalized by October 1994 . It confirmed the
deadline at its meeting on 10 and 11 December . The
Presidency has put forward proposals for the organization
of business to ensure that the deadline is met .

31 . 10 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 306 / 17

WRITTEN QUESTION E-10 / 94

by Anthony Wilson ( PSE )

to the Commission

WRITTEN QUESTION E - 14 / 94

by Pierre Bernard-Reymond ( PPE )

to the Commission

(8 February 1994 ) (8 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 38 ) ( 94 / C 306 / 39

Subject : Harmonization of administrative formalities

Subject : Travel concessions ; for senior citizens

While travelling in Northern Italy, a retired couple from
North Wales were denied an Italian Ministry of Transport
travel concession for use on Lakes Como and Maggiore
despite offering proof of age by means of their British
passports and Senior Citizens ' rail and coach travel
concession cards, because they were not Italian .

Bearing in mind the Year of the Elderly, and the EU
commitment to free movement within the Union, can the

Commission tell me whether it is within the power of
Member States to exclude pensioners on the grounds of
nationality in this way ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 15 April 1994 )

A number of concession schemes for pensioners exist in the
Member States and exclusion from these schemes on the

grounds of nationality is of course not allowed .

In its reply to Written Question No 738 / 93 ( a ) the
Commission stated that it had no plans to introduce a single
document harmonizing the administrative formalities
applicable to a non-European national wishing to establish
himself in a Community Member State .

A proposal to that effect did not appear either in the
programme of work on immigration adopted at the
Maastricht European Council, which is currently under
consideration in the context of inter-governmental
cooperation between the Twelve .

In view of both the Single European Act and the Schengen
Agreements it is surprising that such harmonization has not
been mooted .

It is even more surprising that the Commission did not state
the reasons for its decision in the reply that it gave .

The Commission is, accordingly, requested to provide a
detailed and very explicit reply stating the reasons why it is
not possible to harmonize the administrative formalities for
any non-European national wishing to establish himself in
one of the Member States of the Community .

(!) OJ No C 234, 22 . 8 . 1994, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

On 10 May 1989 the Commission adopted a ( 24 March 1994 )
recommendation on a European over 60s card in order to
improve access to concession for older people, especially
when travelling outside their own country . The objective set by Article 7a of

This recommendation has not yet been implemented by the
Member States, but the Commission is continuing to
encourage Member States to introduce the card .

It is hoped that such a card will lend visibility to the existing
legal situation, which is that discrimination on the basis of
nationality is not permitted .

The objective set by Article 7a of the EC Treaty of a
frontier-free area within which persons may move freely has
an impact on the situation of nationals of non-member
countries . A distinction needs to be made between rules

governing entry into Member States ' territory, residence
conditions and the administrative formalities to which

non-member country nationals are subject . The rules have
been confined to what was strictly necessary for the
implementation of Article 7a .

The Commission 's White Paper on completion of the
internal market accordingly stated that it would suffice to
coordinate existing rules on the status of non-member
country nationals . The Member States agreed, as is clear
from the Palma Document approved by the Madrid
European Council in June 1989 . The free movement

No C 306 / 18 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 10 . 94

the — as a rule — badly informed general public ? An answer
which is to the point would be appreciated .

coordinators considered ( see Annex V to the Document ) the — as a rule — badly informed general
that visa provisions were the only measures that were which is to the point would be
necessary or desirable regarding access to Community
territory . As the previous answer made clear, the work i 1 ) See page 8 of this Official Journal .
programme adopted by the Maastricht European Council
looks no further than eligibility requirements for admission .
That is the main reason why the Commission has made no on Answer behalf given of the by Mr
proposals to the Council along the lines suggested by the
Honourable Member . ( 25 February 1994 )

i 1 ) See page 8 of this Official Journal .

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

Article K.l(3 ) ( immigration ) of the Treaty on European
Union concentrates on ' conditions of entry and movement
by nationals of third countries on the territory of Member
States '. The priority action programme and the work
programme adopted by the Brussels European Council in
December 1993 accordingly envisage the completion of
admissions policy, followed by readmissions, There are no
plans to extend cooperation to the harmonization of
administrative formalities ; the establishment of common
principles comes first .

The Commission shares this approach, inspired by the
subsidiarity principle, which leaves the Member States to
devise their own administrative formalities to give effect to
common principles established at Community level . The
Member States are best placed to determine the means of
implementing them, given their respective administrative,
traditions . And this is the best approach to achieve the
harmonious operation of principles agreed on in the context
of cooperation on justice and home affairs under Title VI of
the Union Treaty .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-22 / 94

by Carmen Diez de Rivera Icaza ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 21 January 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 40 )

Subject : Commission officials and the extent to which they

can represent the institution

Detailed though the answer to the Written Question
E-1947 / 93 (*) is, it does not provide any new information
since it does not actually answer my question . In view of
this, I reiterate my question :

Are there any statutory provisions to prevent officials on
holiday from being manipulated, as seems to have been the
case in the incident in question in Minorca, and from acting
on their own responsibility as if they were on an official
mission, thus creating confusion and disorientation among

The general provisions referred to by the Honourable
Member are laid down in the first paragraph of Article II,
the first and third paragraphs of Article 12 and the first
paragraph of Article 17 of the Staff Regulations of Officials
of the European Communities .

The matter raised in this question was dealt " with in the
answer to Written Question No 1947 / 93 by the Honourable
Member .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-23 / 94

by Christopher Jackson ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 21 January 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 41

Subject : Meat inspection

The answer given by Commissioner Steichen on 19 May

1993 to my Question No 612 / 93 i 1 ) did not deal with point
3 of the question .

1 . Will the Commission therefore provide me with the
evidence of the health grounds that make it essential for
inspection of meat from abattoirs to be carried out by
official veterinarians rather than ' Environmental Health

Officers ' ( EHOs )?

2 . If no evidence is available, will the Commission
reconsider introducing legislation that would permit the
use of EHOs in Britain for meat inspection without the
involvement of official veterinarians ?

3 . Failing that, will the Commission explain why, pursuant
to Article 3b of the Treaty (' the objectives of the
proposed action cannot be sufficiently achieved by the
Member States and can therefore, by reason of the scale
or effects of the proposed action, be better achieved by
the Community ') it is necessary to exclude EHOs ?

(!) OJ No C 288, 25 . 10 . 1993, p . 19 .

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

( 11 February 1994 )

1 . The Commission has studied the education and role of

' environmental health officers ' ( EHO 's ) in the United
Kingdom and recognized that amongst other official
responsibilities for problems of the environment they have a
role to play in relation to food hygiene .

31 . 10 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 306 / 19

In relation to inspection of animals and meat at abbattoirs,
the Commission has taken into account the international

obligations of the Community in the field of animal and
human health, traditional arrangements for trade in the
Community, the safe operation of the single market to
protect human and animal health, the harmonization and
coordination of health protection and inspection measures,
the Community measures in relation to professional
training and qualifications, and the need to ensure the
efficient use of trained manpower . As a result the
Commission has agreed to the approach accepted both
internationally and by all Member States in relation to the
inspection of animals and meat which is that for the relevant
animal and public health inspections and supervision of
hygiene requirements a veterinary qualification is the most
suitable .

However, the Commission has also recognized the need for
effective inter-disciplinary cooperation in the Member
States, in consequence it has supported the possibility for
them to designate other suit able qualified persons to carry
out supervision of hygiene in subsequent processing, subject
to suitable training, qualifications and control .

2 . The Commission is not considering a change of the
system which is functioning both within the Community
and internationally .

3 . The Commission considers that the Community
system is consistent with Article 3 b of the EC Treaty .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-32 / 94

by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE )

to the Commission

(9 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 42 )

Subject : Greater competitiveness of certain non ­
Community countries over certain Community
Member States

A keen observer, the Austrian ambassador to the OECD —
who is also a former Foreign Minister — recently noted that
certain east European countries are causing concern to some
Community Member States . According to Ambassador
Jankowitsch,

' They are also becoming highly competitive with
Mediterranean countries — Spain, Portugal, Greece —
and these countries are worried . Because for some of the

services they perform, like low-cost, low-wage
transformation, east and central European countries are
attracting away investments . For countries like Austria,
Germany and Italy, it 's now much more practical to use
joint ventures in Slovenia, or Hungary — maybe
someday in Romania '. ( International Herald Tribune,
Paris, 9 . 12 . 1993 ).

Do these views match the Commission 's calculations on

relative competitiveness ? If so, could the situation become
worse for countries which are currently members of the
European Union, such as the three referred to by the former
Austrian minister, if and when the next enlargement of the
Community takes place ?

Answer given by Mr Christophersen

on behalf of the Commission

( 18 March 1994 )

The Commission has not itself attempted to calculate the
precise future pattern of trade across sectors in these
countries . At present, it is extremely difficult to do so . In
many cases, reliable information does not exist or is difficult
to obtain . In any event, these countries have not yet
completed the economic transformation they are currently
undertaking . Their trading pattern at the end of this process
is likely to be different from their current pattern of trade, as
it will reflect a changed industrial structure, improved
competitiveness of markets, a renewed stock of physical
capital and overall welfare gains from a better allocation of
resources ( including, crucially, natural resources and
energy ). Thus, although at present their pattern of trade may
be quite close to that of the southern Member States of the
Community ( i.e. largely based on their ability to produce
low-cost, labour-intensive manufactured products ), their
future pattern of trade may be closer to that of the northern
Member States .

The Commission is aware of independent studies which
argue that the longer-term comparative advantage of the
transitional economies of central and eastern Europe lies
more in skill and capital-intensive manufactures . Although
reliable data on human capital endowments are difficult to
find, there is good reason to believe that central and eastern
European countries have a relatively better supply of skilled
and educated labour than southern Member States . Thus, if
future trading patterns reflect relative factor endowments in
these countries, one might expect a pattern of trade which
more closely resembles that of the northern Member States .
Furthermore, it is widely accepted that much of the existing
capital stock in the region is redundant and needs to be
replaced . A newer stock of physical capital will rise the
marginal productivity of labour and so shift the underlying
pattern of comparative advantage towards higher
value-added and more skill-intensive activities . It is difficult

to predict how long this process will take . A key determinant
will be the pace of reform in the transitional economies .

Whatever the pattern of trade that can be expected to
emerge when these countries have completed their
transition to market economies, it is clearly in the interests
of all Member States that the trade of the central and east

European countries should expand . The expansion of trade
will be a critical factor in their economic recovery and in the
completion of economic reform . Success in recovery and
reform will provide the Community with new trade and
investment opportunities in a market of some 100 million
people . Setbacks would put at grave risk the political and
social stability of these countries, and would have serious
repercussions on the Community .

No C 306 / 20 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 10 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-34 / 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-35 / 94

by Robert Delorozoy ( ELDR )

Delorozoy ( ELDR ) by Robert Delorozoy ( ELDR )

to the Commission to the Commission

(9 February 1994 )

to the Commission

(9 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 43 ) ( 94 / C 306 / 44 )

Subject : Delay in adopting the Twelfth VAT Directive Subject : Iodine deficiency

The approximation of taxation in the Member States is a
ne-cessary pre-condition for completion of the internal
market .

However, delays in adopting certain Directives have
resulted in major distortions of competition for certain
economic sectors . In particular, the proposal for a Directive
harmonizing the Member States ' law on expenditure on
which VAT is not deductible ( Twelfth VAT Directive ) has

been blocked since 1984 .

Can the Commission state the reasons for this delay and
provide a calendar for reactivating the process for adoption
of this proposal ?

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener

on behalf of the Commission

( IS March 1994 )

The abolition of fiscal frontiers has resulted in a spate of
legislative work which has centred on the Commission
proposals needed for completion of the internal market . In
that connection, the harmonization of law on expenditure
on which VAT is not deductible, as envisaged in the
proposal for a Twelfth Commission Directive presented to
the Council in January 1983 (*) and amended to take
account of Parliament 's opinion in February 1984 ( 2 ), was
not considered a matter of priority in view of the
implementation of a VAT system retaining, for businesses,
the principle of taxation at destination .

The Commission considers that progress needs to be made
towards greater harmonization of the law on expenditure
on which VAT is not deductible but it is bound by the
choices made by Council Presidencies when deciding on
their work programmes .

Despite the difficulty of reaching unanimous agreement on
this text, as is required for tax matters, the Commission is
still continuing to make every effort to achieve progress .

(!) OJ No C 37, 10 . 2 . 1983 .

( 2 ) OJ No C 56, 29 . 2 . . 1984 .

The International Conference on Nutrition ( Rome,
December 1992 ) revealed that there are numerous parts of
the world, including areas of the Community, where iodine
shortages cause thyroid problems, the most widespread
symptoms being goitre, deaf-muteness and mental
handicaps . The learning difficulties of certain children are
also the result of iodine deficiency .

In most European countries, health authorities have taken
large-scale prevention measures, which involve domestic
consumption of iodine-enriched salt . A survey of current
technical regulations reveals significant variations from one
country to another :

— iodine content varying between 0 and 60 mg / kg ;

— extremely disparate levels of distribution, ranging from

90% of retail salt sales to less than 10% .

Is the Commission considering harmonizing legal provisions
concerning the iodization of salt ?

In this connection, has the Commission established contact
with the relevant authorities, particularly endocrinologists,
who have been insistently calling for such harmonization,
both in publications and at scientific congresses, as a means
of increasing public awareness of the advantages of iodized
salt ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 30 March 1994 )

The Commission participated actively in the International

Conference of Nutrition and is aware of the discussions

concerning iodine . The Scientific Committee for Food in its
recent report on Nutrient and Energy Intakes for the
Community refers also to the existence of Iodine Deficiency
Diseases ( IDD ) in the Member States .

However, the incidence of IDD is not uniform within the
Community nor within Member States, but rather localised
in certain regions .

Salt is just one of the foods and food ingredients that can be
used as a vehicle for increasing iodine consumption . Further

31 . 10 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 306 / 21

the use of iodized foodstuffs is one of the techniques of mass WRITTEN QUESTION
prevention of IDD . Direct and selective administration of by Filippos Pierros ( PPE )
iodine ( pills ) can be an alternative . The choice will depend to the Commission
on the population concerned .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-105 / 94

to the Commission

Given the abovementioned particularities, the Commission
believes that this is an area where measures are best taken at

national or local level .

( 14 January 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 46 )

Subject : Review of Greece 's convergence programme

Accordance to Greek newspaper reports and statements by
government officials, the Greek Government intends to ask
for the Greek economic convergence programme to be
reviewed . Can the Commission confirm this and can it
WRITTEN QUESTION E-59 / 94 clarify which aspects of the programme are to be
reviewed ?

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

(9 February 1994 )
Answer given by Mr Christophersen

( 94 / C 306 / 45 on behalf of the Commission

( 24 February 1994 )

Subject : Restoration of the historic castles of Hydra

Can the Commission provide funding, as the Greek
authorities have requested, for the restoration of the historic
castles on the island of Hydra in Mandraki, above Sfaghia,
and Vlikhos ?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro

on behalf of the Commission

( 24 March 1994 )

The restoration of the old cas : les in Mandraki above Sfaghia
and Vlikhos on the island of Hydra could qualify for
funding as a pilot project for the conservation of European
architectural heritage, provided that a theme relating in
some way to castles is chosen at some time in the future and,
of course, that the Greek authorities submit such a
project .

The Commission would remind the Honourable Member

that a different theme is chosen for the projects each year in
consultation with the Member States ' representatives on the
Committee on Cultural Affairs . The theme chosen for 1994

is historic buildings and sites ; related to entertainment and
the performing arts . For 1995, historic buildings and
religious sites have been chosen .

Under Article 128 of the EC Treaty and in accordance with
the subsidiarity principle, responsibility for preserving
national heritage rests primarily with the Member States .
The role of the Community is to encourage cooperation
between Member States and, if necessary, to support and
supplement their action .

In July 1993 the Ecofin Council invited Member States to
update convergence programmes . In accordance with this
decision it is expected that, where appropriate, Member
States will present revised programmes . The Commission
believes that the Greek authorities intend to present a
revised programme probably in the spring of 1994 . The
contents of the proposed revision are not known to the
Commission .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-125 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 17 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 47 )

Subject : Measures to preserve the catacombs on the island

of Milos

The catacombs on the island of Milos were built in

approximately 30 AD and are a unique monument, both in
Greece and in south-east Europe in general . Given that these
catacombs have been badly damaged, what measures can
the Commission take to preserve them ?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro

on behalf of the Commission

( 28 March 1994 )

Under Article 128 of the EC Treaty and in accordance with
the subsidiarity principle, responsibility for preserving
national heritage rests primarily with the Member States .

No C 306 / 22 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 10 . 94

The role of the Community is to encourage cooperation
between Member States and, if necessary, to support and
supplement their action .

As part of its initiatives in the cultural field, the Community
supports an annual aid programme for the conservation of
Europe 's architectural heritage . This is organized around a
different theme each year, chosen in consultation with the
Member States meeting in the Cultural Affairs Committee .
The theme for 1995 is religious monuments .

To sum up, responsibility for preserving the catacombs of
Milos rests primarily with the Greek authorities . However,
those in charge of the site can submit a restoration proposal
for selection as one of the pilot conservation projects
mentioned above . Details of the scheme and how to apply
will be published in the Official Journal in October

1994 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-148 / 94

by Neil Blaney ( ARC )

to the Commission

( 17 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 48 )

Subject : Labelling of smoked salmon

Will the Commission take urgent steps to ensure that both
smoked wild salmon and smoked farm salmon are clearly
labelled as such, so that customers can distinguish between
them ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-164 / 94

by Robert Delorozoy ( ELDR )

to the Commission

( 22 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 49

Subject : Cooperation between the Twelve on VAT

The agreement of 19 October 1992 laid down a number of
rules regarding the VAT rates applicable for trade between
the twelve countries of the European Union .

The agreement also provides, in particular, that VAT will be
paid at the moment of purchase in the selling country from

1 January 1997 .

Despite the introduction of a register, with each undertaking
receiving a VAT number valid throughout the Community,
goods are sometimes not declared to the tax authorities of
the receiving country or are returned to their country of
origin after leaving it without VAT being paid .

Is it possible to asess the scale of the fraud brought about by
such conduct, which creates distortions of competition, and
is there not a risk that it will compromise the
implementation of the provisions of the agreement of

19 October 1992 which provide that, from 1 January 1997,
VAT will be paid in the country of origin of the first
transaction ?

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener

on behalf of the Commission
Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission ( 29 March 1994 )

( IS March 1994 )

According to the information available to the Commission,

The Commission does not intend to propose a modification no significant change has occurred in the nature of incidence
to Directive 79 / 112 / EEC on the labelling of foodstuffs (*), of VAT fraud since the abolition of fiscal frontiers . The
as amended by Directive 93 / 102 / EEC ( 2 ), to make it control mechanisms put in place, which include the
compulsory to give particulars, on the label, of the allocation of VAT identification numbers, from part of an
production methods of such products as poultry or smoked enhanced system of administrative cooperation and mutual
salmon . Such information cannot, in practice, be easily assistance between Member States ' fiscal authorities . In that
verified . context, the Member States and the Commission

continually monitor developments with a view inter alia to

As matters stand, the producer may emphasize on the label detecting any changes in the pattern of fiscal fraud or
the quality of the product as regards farming or production evasion . The Commission considers that in any event, the
practices provided always that the purchaser is not misled, introduction in 1997 of the definitive system of payment of
to a material degree, contrary to the principles laid down in VAT in the Member State of origin is an appropriate answer
Article 2 of the Directive . to the fears of possible frauds related to the exemptions

currently granted to intra-Community supplies even though
(!) OJ No L 33, 8 . 2 . 1979 . these fears have not been borne out in practice .

The Commission does not intend to propose a modification
to Directive 79 / 112 / EEC on the labelling of foodstuffs (*),
as amended by Directive 93 / 102 / EEC ( 2 ), to make it
compulsory to give particulars, on the label, of the
production methods of such products as poultry or smoked
salmon . Such information cannot, in practice, be easily
verified .

As matters stand, the producer may emphasize on the label
the quality of the product as regards farming or production
practices provided always that the purchaser is not misled,
to a material degree, contrary to the principles laid down in
Article 2 of the Directive .

( 2 ) OJ No L 291, 25 . 11 . 1993 .

31 . 10 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 306 / 23

WRITTEN QUESTION E-172 / 94

by Thomas Megahy ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 22 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 50 )

Subject : Social protection for citizens of the European

Union

Reports in the UK press indicate that British building
workers employed on sites in Germany are treated as
self-employed and are thereby denied access to social
benefits and continuity of employment, and that they are
unaware that they have the right to use German
unemployment exchanges . Presuming that this is not an
isolated instance, what plan s does the Commission have to
make a reality of the single labour market by

1 . ensuring that all citizens of the European Union are
given access to the social protection systems of the
Member States in which they are employed,

2 . preventing the use of bogus ' self-employment ' to
circumvent legal requirements, and

3 . generally ensuring equal treatment ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 29 March 1994 )

The Commission would first of all like to remind the

Honourable Member that Community law does not
regulate national social protection or social security
systems . However, in the context of the free movement of
workers, Regulation ( EEC ) No 1408 / 71 on the application
of social security schemes to employed persons, to
self-employed persons and their families moving within the
Community contains provisions on the determination of the
social security legislation applicable .

Under the terms of Article 13(2 ), a person who is employed
or self-employed in the territory of a Member State is, in
principle, subject to the legislation of that State . By way of
exception, Article 14(1 ) states that where an employed
worker is posted by an undertaking to the territory of
another Member State, the legislation of the Member State
where the worker concerned is normally employed shall
apply, subject to precise conditions . Similar rules are laid
down for persons who are normally self-employed in the
territory of a Member State and perform self-employed
work in the territory of another Member State

( Article 14a ).

As regards the problem of whether persons are to be
classified as employed or self-employed, the Commission
points out that the Court oi Justice, in its interpretation of
the Community provisions on the free movement of

workers, has emphasised that the concept of '( employed )
worker ' has a specific Community meaning . The essential
characteristic of an employment relationship is that for a
certain period of time a person performs services for and
under the direction of another person in return for which he
receives remuneration ( see especially the judgment of the
Court of Justice of 21 June 1988 in Case C-197 / 86 ( Brown ),
ECR 1988, page 3205, paragraph 21 ).

As regards the question of whether the person concerned
exercises ' activities ( other than ) as an employee ', the
Commission feels it is necessary to take account of the actual
circumstances in the case in point, i.e. the situation as it
presents itself in the territory of the Member State where the
activities are exercised . In particular, it is important to
establish whether such activities are effectively performed
for and under the direction of another person .

As the reply to this question depends on specific
circumstances, it is first of all essential for the Member State
authorities to establish whether the person concerned is
employed or self-employed, taking account of the case law
of the Court of Justice .

The Commission is aware that classification of persons as
employed or self-employed sometimes poses problems, as
seems to be the case in the situation referred to by the
Honourable Member . It intends to include the matter on the

agenda for a forthcoming meeting of the Administrative
Commission on Social Security for Migrant Workers .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 73 / 94

by Christine Crawley ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 22 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 51 )

Subject : Border between Northern Ireland and the Irish

Republic

What action does the Commission intend to take regarding
the high levels of disruption the residents of the border area
between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic suffer
because of the continual closing-off of many roads in the
area and the consequences for social and economic life of the
local community ?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

( 22 March 1994 )

Decisions concerning the closure of border roads for
security reasons are the responsibility of the national

No C 306 / 24 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 10 . 94

authorities concerned . The Commission is of course

concerned to further cross-border cooperation through the
Interreg Programme and in other ways .

must ensure that deleted vessels are permanently excluded
from fishing in Community waters .

De-commissioned vessels could be used as floating museums
or exported to countries such as Albania or any other third
country provided that these conditions are met . The
refurbishment of vessels exported to third countries or the
training of local crew is outside the scope of Community
structural Regulations .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 79 / 94

by Henry McCubbin ( PSE ) (!) OJ No L 346, 31 . 12 . 1993 .

to the Commission

( 14 January 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 52 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 83 / 94

Subject : Scrapping of de-commissioned fishing vessels

The present de-commissioning scheme being operated in the
United Kingdom calls for all vessels being de-commissioned
to be scrapped . Whilst aware that the Commission has made
it a condition for certain refunds of grants that the vessels
should be scrapped, there are exceptions and, whilst
the need to avoid fraud through the re-entry of
de-commissioned vessels on the EU register is essential,
under what circumstances does the Commission consider

that scrapping is not necessary ?

For instance :

1 . Would the use of a de-commissioned vessel as a floating

museum for sea-manship training be permissible,

or

by Jean-Claude Martinez ( NI )

to the Commission

( 22 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 53 )

Subject : The turnover for French agriculture

Can the Commission provide figures for the total turnover
for French agriculture in 1992 and 1993 plus the agro-food
industry trade surplus for these two years ?

Could it also give a breakdown of these figures by main
product category ?

Answer given by Mr Christophersen

on behalf of the Commission

( 29 April 1994 )
2 . Could they be supplied as aid to countries such as
Albania where they have no fishing fleet as a result of
historical circumstances, and would the vessels first be The Commission is sending directly to the Honourable
refurbished and local crews trained ? Member and to the Secretariat of Parliament a table

containing the information requested .

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 1994 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 90 / 94

by Virginio Bettini ( V )

to the Commission

Article 8 of Regulation ( EC ) No 3699 / 93 ( ) states that
alternatives to the scrapping of de-commissioned vessels

are :

— permanent transfer to a third country, provided such

transfer is not likely to infringe international law or
affect the conservation and management of marine

resources ;

— permanent reassignment of the vessels to uses other than

fishing in Community waters .

The vessels concerned must also be deleted from the

registration lists for fishing vessels and the Member States

( 19 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 54 )

Subject : Appointment of the members of the consultative

forum on the environment

The Commission Decision on the setting-up of a general
consultative committee on the environment was published
in the Official Journal of the European Communities No
L 328 of 29 December 1993 .

On 10 January 1994 we discovered that the members of the
forum had already been appointed .

31 . 10 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 306 / 25

In view of this, can the Commission say :

1 . whether all the parties referred to in the Decision were
informed early enough to allow them to put forward
candidates and, if so, what procedures were used ?

2 . what procedures were used for the appointment of the

Italian members ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

( 22 April 1994 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its

answer to Written Question No 4081 / 93 by Mr Sapena
Granell and Mr Vazquez Fouz ( 1 ).

( ! ) See page 15 of this Official Journal .

( 17 February 1994 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-224 / 94

by Anita Pollack ( PSE )

1 . At the end of 1992, the Council approved the Fifth
Action Programme on the Environment, ' Towards
Sustainability '. As part of the process of implementation of
that Programme, the necessary steps were taken to establish
a General Consultative Forum on the Environment,
intended to bring senior figures from the sectors of
production, the business world, professional associations,
trade unions, regional and local authorities, environmental
protection and consumer organisations, as well as other
sectors of society, together with the Commission .

Shortly after the Council approved this Programme,
therefore, in January 1993, the Commission wrote to a wide
range of organizations at the European level, closely
involved with these sectors, inviting them to put forward the
names of suitable candidates who were eminent in their own

field, but who also possessed vision and understanding of
environmental concerns and the need for their integration
into all aspects of economic and social life . A careful study of
all the recommendations which were received was made and

a list of names drawn up in accordance with the criteria set
out in the Decision setting up the Forum . This list of
members was also approved by the Commission on
7 December 1993 .

2 . These procedures were used to select all members of
the Forum .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-202 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 22 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 55 )

Subject : Effect of Nafta on Community countries

Will the Commission say how it considers Nafta will affect
the countries of the European Union ?

to the Commission

( 24 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 56 )

Subject : Business and the internal market

Is the Commission aware that a survey of 6 400 companies
in the UK undertaken by KPMG has found that :

— More than 5 0 % of companies said cross-border delivery

times have not improved, and

— almost 50 % felt they had not received any benefits from

the single market ?

Most companies experienced problems with red tape, in
particular difficulties in obtaining numbers for VAT and
coping with excessive paperwork .

Is the Commission conducting any sort of review of the
internal market to see if and how it measures up to the
benefits proclaimed in the Ceccini report and how business
has been affected by the internal market ?

Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi

on behalf of the Commission

(8 April 1994 )

The Commission is aware of the survey to which the
Flonourable Member refers, and would make the following
observations :

1 . Although the survey was addressed to 6 400 companies,
only 320 responded . The response rate was small (5 % )
and geographically unrepresentative ( respondents were
concentrated in the south-east of England ).

Only 200 businesses out of those who replied operate
within the international context and are therefore likely
to benefit from the immediate effects of the internal

market . One business out of four operates in the
property and construction sector, which is unlikely to
benefit in the immediate future from the changes
brought by the internal market .

No C 306 / 26 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 10 . 94

2 . Despite the limited level of response, the survey has
some interesting and positive elements :

— it is encouraging, for example, to note that after only

a few months of operation of the internal market,
and in spite of the inevitable delays associated with
the implementation of entirely new working
methods, one business in five finds that delivery
times are more rapid . In certain sectors, such as
wholesale distribution and transport, this
proportion is even higher ( 39 % and 33 %
respectively );

— if it is true that in general almost half of businesses

have not noticed any changes, only one business in a
hundred considers that journey times are actually
less rapid than before 1 January 1993 . What is even
more encouraging is that among those who noted a
decrease in road transport delays, 42 % were able to
observe a decrease in costs in addition to a lessening
of waiting periods .

3 . While according to the sample almost one business in
two has not experienced benefits from the operation of
the internal market, the presentation of this situation,
namely to consider the lack of benefits as a negative
point against the single market is, at the very least,
debatable . An insignificant number of respondents
identified concrete ' disadvantages ' of the internal
market as opposed to ' no change '. Immediate benefits
are clearly there for an important minority of businesses :
a reduction in waiting periods, fees and administrative
formalities . In a period of economic recession, it is
encouraging that a far from negligible percentage of
businesses have thus been able to increase their cash

flow .

4 . As to the question of problems with the fiscal
; authorities, only a very small minority of companies

( 9% ) responded to this question, which suggests that
only a very small number of firms have really
encountered difficulties . It is inaccurate to say that
' most ' companies experienced problems with red tape .
Only one company out of five claims to encounter
problems in this area . This rate decreases to one
company out of ten when it is a matter of increase in
paperwork .

5 . The Commission is undertaking actions, as indicated in

the strategic programme, to review the operation of the
internal market . In particular a study has recently been
conducted with 150 Euro-Info Centres to obtain

impressions of the functioning of the internal market,
particularly for SMEs . Further action will be undertaken
to obtain regular reports from the EIC on this
subject .

The Commission has also started preparing the major
study to be conducted by 1996 on the economic impact
of the internal market .

The Commission has also made a survey of European
citizens to obtain their impression of the functioning of
the internal market .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-252 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 24 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 57 )

Subject : Drawing-up and promotion of a charter to

improve the quality of life of citizens

Does the Commission intend to propose that a charter
aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens of the
European Union be drawn up and promoted ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

(6 April 1994 )

In its Green Paper, ' European Social Policy — Options for
the Union ' ( a ), the Commission discusses the prospect of a
citizens ' charter which would clarify existing rights and
change the present labour-market orientated approach to
these rights to a more general approach geared to
individuals and values common to the Member States .

The Green Paper is a consultation document and its aim is to
encourage broad-based discussion of the Commission 's
proposals . This will enable the Commission to assess
whether it is advisable to introduce its proposal for a
declaration of citizens ' rights .

(M COM(93 ) 551 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-261 / 94

by Sérgio Ribeiro ( GUE )

to the Commission

( 24 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 58 )

Subject : ' Family allowances ' for Portuguese immigrants in

Luxembourg

In 1988, on the basis of the Court of Justice 's finding in
favour of the Italian worker Pinna, the Commission
proposed that ' family allowances ' for immigrant workers
should be paid uniformly in accordance with the
arrangements obtaining in the host country . This proposal

31 . 10 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 306 / 27

was unanimously accepted on the basis of a report by a
member of my political group .

As a result, Portuguese immigrants in France have benefited
from arrangements which backdate payments to 1986 .

These same rules, with their retroactive effects, are not,
however, currently applied in Luxembourg .

Is the Commission aware of this fact ? Given that individual

appeals to the courts should be avoided whenever possible,
what steps can be taken ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 15 April 1994 )

Pursuant to the decisions of the Court of Justice of
the European Communities in this matter ( x ) and the
amendments brought in by Council Regulation ( EEC )
No 3427 / 89 ( 2 ), Article 73 of Council Regulation ( EEC )
No 1408 / 71 ( 3 ) stipulates that an employed or self ­
employed person subject to the legislation of aMember State
shall be entitled, in respect of the members of his family who
are residing in another Member State, to the family benefits
provided for by the legislation of the former State, as if they
were residing in that State .

The Commission has already requested the Luxembourg
authorities to settle certain specific cases in this regard as
soon as possible .

(!) Judgment of 15 January 1986 in Case 14 / 84, Pinna, ECR 1986,

p. 1 ; judgment of 2 March 1989 in Case 359 / 87, Pinna II, ECR

1989, p. 585 ; and judgment of 13 November 1990 in Case
C-99 / 89, Yanez Campoy, ECR 1990, p. 1-4097, ground of
judgment 20 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 331, 16 . 11 . 1989 .

( 3 ) OJ No L 149, 5 . 7 . 1971 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-262 / 94

by Nino Pisoni ( PPE )

to the Commission

(3 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 59 )

Subject : Serious concern at the mass distillation planned by

the Commission

The wine sector is going through a serious crisis and so the
common organization of the market has to be completely

reformed . Measures to restore the balance between supply
and demand are undoubtedly essential .

Last December therefore the Wine Management Committee
proposed mass distillation which will hit Italy particularly
hard, and operators in the sector are doubtful whether the
quantities mentioned are really justified by objective data . A
decision by the deadlines set might well not be accepted and
would be difficult to implement .

( a ) Will the Commission state whether the estimated
quantities mentioned in its initial proposal for table
wines produced in the Community can be confirmed
objectively by production figures and stocks ?

( b ) Would mass distillation under the existing rules not

provide an opportunity for fraud and speculation to the
detriment of wine producers ?

( c ) Does the Commission not consider it advisable and
essential to rethink its initial proposal by making
provision for restoring the balance of the market
without treating the regions of the Union
differently ?

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

( 17 March 1994 )

The Commission is aware that the Community wine
industry is facing a difficult time given the imbalance
between supply and demand for wine .

To offset such difficulties and others, the Commission has
already forwarded a discussion paper to the Council and the
Parliament on the ' Development and future development of
wine-sector policy '. It also intends presenting practical
proposals in the near future in this area with a view to the
reform of the common organization of the market for
wine .

As regards the distillation measures proposed to the
Management Committee for Wine in December 1993, the
Commission wishes to point out that for several wine years,
the following factors have been evident when the forward
estimate for wine has been drawn up :

( a ) under-estimation of quantities of table wine
produced ;

( b ) over-estimation of consumption in the Member
States ;

( c ) excessively generous classification of quality wines ;

( d ) high estimates for quantities for export to non-member

countries ;

( e ) following on from previous points, carry-over stocks
from the preceding wine year very much in excess of the

No C 306 / 28 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 10 . 94

estimates used as a basis when drawing up the forward
estimate for the wine year and the budget forecasts for
the industry ;

( f ) quantities subject to compulsory distillation
under-executed .

On 8 February, the Commission decided on the total
quantity to be distilled and its breakdown between
compulsory distillation and support distillation . The
quantity to be distilled was calculated on the basis of
quantities notified by the Member States for the forecast
supply balance for table wine in the Community .

effective and based on sound economic management . The
American NGO International Orthodox Christian

Charities ( IOCC ) meets those criteria .

Nevertheless, it must be pointed out that ECHO has not so
far entrusted any humanitarian aid operation to a US NGO,
although there is no reason why this should not happen .
Similarly, it should also be pointed out that the US
Government has financed and is still financing projects
carried out by European NGOs .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-272 / 94

by Johanna-Christina Grund ( NI )

to the Commission

WRITTEN QUESTION E-269 / 94 ( 26 January 1994 )

by Brigitte Ernst de la Graete ( V ) ( 94 / C 306 / 61 )

to the Commission

( 24 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 60 )

Subject : Partnership between ECHO and a US NGO

The Commission has signed outline partnership contracts
with NGOs working in the humanitarian field . One of these
is a US NGO called ' International Orthodox Christian

Charities ' ( IOCC ).

Does the Commission normally sign this type of contract
with US NGOs ?

What determined this choice and in what way would it be an
exception to the rule giving preference to European
NGOs ?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 17 March 1994 )

The Commission has recently concluded a large number of
framework partnership contracts for the financing of
humanitarian operations with NGOs and international
organizations working on the field of humanitarian aid .

The Commission has also proved amenable to the idea of
concluding such contracts with NGOs from third countries
if they meet the criteria set out in the framework partnership
contract . Those criteria were drawn up to ensure that
Community-funded humanitarian operations are carried
out by professional partners with substantial experience in
the field and with the necessary human, material and
financial resources to guarantee that the operations are

Subject : Cloning of human embryos

A recent experiment in the USA succeeded in ' cloning '
human embryos, i.e. producing more than one embryo from
the same egg . Experiments of this nature are against the law
in Germany . In its resolution B3-1519 / 93 Parliament called
for a ban on this type of cloning .

What action has the Commission taken hitherto with regard
to the ' cloning ' of human embryos, and what action does it
intend to take ? 

Answer given by Mr Ruberti
on behalf of the Commission

(3 March 1994 )

In line with the Commission 's proposal, the common
position on the ' Fourth Framework Programme of the
European Community activities in the field of research and
technological development and demonstration

( 1994 - — 1998 )' adopted by the Council on 14 January 1994
excludes support to any research which may lead to the
cloning of human embryos .

As far as any further action is concerned, the Commission
would refer the Honourable Member to the position
expressed by the Commission in the plenary debate of the
Parliament on 28 October 1993 .

The Commission would inform the Honourable Member

that with respect to the ethical aspects of human embryo
cloning, the Commission has taken the decision to request
an opinion from its Group of Advisers on Ethical Aspects of
Biotechnology .

31 . 10 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 306 / 29

WRITTEN QUESTION E-274 / 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-284 / 94

Patricia Rawlings ( PPE ) by Stephen Hughes ( PSE )

to the Commission to the Commission

by Patricia Rawlings ( PPE )

( 26 January 1994 )

to the Commission

( 25 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 62 ) ( 94 / C 306 / 63 )

Subject : Civic organizations of South Africa

1 . Is affiliation with Sanco taken into account, in either a
positive or negative fashion, in funding decisions relating to
the civic organizations of South Africa ?

2 . Is it known that Sanco has close connections with

other organizations already receiving EC funds for similar
projects ?

Subject : Insurance indemnity

It has been claimed by a travel agency within my
constituency that, as a result of a requirement of the EC
Directive on travel which came into force in 1993, all
travellers should be adequately insured . It is claimed that the
insurance should include full cover for medical expenses,
loss of money and luggage, and personal liability .

Could the Commission clarify whether individuals

3 . Has any scrutiny been undertaken on the spending of travelling with a tour need to take travel insurance from the
these available funds ? ? If so, how has this been done, and are the results travel accept agent the insurance offering from the package that particular and, if the agent client, that refuses they are to

obliged to sign an insurance indemnity form absolving the
tour operator and travel agent of all possible liabilities
which may arise as a result of the client 's failure to take out
adequate insurance cover ?
Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 22 February 1994 )

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener

on behalf of the Commission

1 . Membership of the South African National Civics
(8 April 1994 )
Organization is not a criterion taken into account for the
funding of South African organizations by the
Commission .

2 . As far as the Commission is aware, Sanco does not
have close links with other organizations receiving support
for comparable projects .

3 . Between 1987 and 1992, the Community 's Special
Programme on South Africa funded a programme, through
the Kagiso Trust, in support of civic associations and advice

centres .

Last year, the Community commissioned an independent
evaluation of the programme . The report of the evaluation is
publicly available .

In the light of the report and of the changing needs of
disadvantaged communities in South Africa, the
Community replaced its funding for civic organizations
specifically, with a programme of support for
community-based organizations in general . This
programme is run by the Kagiso Trust .

Civic and other organizations are free to apply for funds
from the ' CBO support programme '.

Directive 90 / 314 / EEC of 13 June 1990 on package travel,
package holidays and package tours 0 does not require any
specific insurance for travellers . However Article 7 foresees
that the organizer or retailer party to the contract shall
provide sufficient evidence of security for the refund of
money paid over and for the repatriation of the consumer in
the event of insolvency .

The only requirement of the Directive concerning personal
insurance is mentioned in Article 4 . That article requires the
organizer retailer to provide the consumer in writing or any
other appropriate form, with information on the optional
conclusion of an insurance policy to cover the cost of
cancellation by the consumer or the cost of assistance,
including repatriation, in the event of accident or illness .
Such information should be provided in good time before
the start of the journey .

Given that Article 8 of the Directive allows Member States

to adopt more stringent provisions to protect the consumer,
national legislation may cover further aspects than those
mentioned by the Honourable Member .

(M OJ No L 158, 23 . 6 . 1990 .

No C 306 / 30 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 10 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-290 / 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-308 / 94

Raymonde Dury ( PSE ) by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission to the Commission

by Raymonde Dury ( PSE )

( 25 February 1994 )

to the Commission

( 28 February 1994 )

(9 4 / C 306 / 64 ) ( 94 / C 306 / 65 )

Subject : Dual Belgian / French nationality

Under Article 5(1 ) of the Convention reducing the number
of cases involving more than one nationality and dealing
with military service obligation ? in cases involving more
than one nationality, which was adopted in Strasbourg on
6 May 1963 and approved by the Belgian Act of 22 May

1991 ( Moniteur beige of 6 July 1991,p . 15109 ), individuals
who are citizens of two or more contracting countries have
to discharge their military service obligations vis-a-vis one of
the parties only .

Moreover, Article 5 of the Franco-Belgian agreement on
military service, which was signed on 12 October 1962 and
adopted by the Act of 15 July 1964, stipulates that persons
with dual nationality cannot be called up until they reach the
age of 22, except in the event of a request to the contrary by
them .

In line with the interpretation of Belgian law on the
abolition of military service obligations for the 1994 call-up,
the French authorities have sovereign discretion in deciding
whether to regard individuals covered by the Belgian call-up
as having fulfilled or not having fulfilled their military
service obligations .

What is the situation for young people born after 1 January

1976 who hold dual Belgian and French nationality and
reside in Belgium ?

Subject : Compliance with the recommendations on
common criteria concerning the adequacy of social
security resources and benefits

Will the Commission urge the Member States of the
European Union to comply with the Council 's
recommendations of 24 June 1992 on common criteria
concerning the adequacy of social security resources and
benefits ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 15 April 1994 )

In accordance with the Council recommendation of 24 June

1992 ( 1 ) on common criteria concerning sufficient resources
and social assistance in the social protection system, the
Commission is encouraging and organizing, in liaison with
the Member States, the systematic exchange of information
and experiences and continuous evaluation of the national
provisions - adopted . One of its activities in this regard is
preparatory work on a report, scheduled for publication in

1995, on progress to date and problems encountered in
implementing the recommendation .

(M OJ No L 245, 26 . 8 . 1992 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 11 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )
Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi to the Commission

on behalf of the Commission

(5 April 1994 ) ( 28 February 1994 )

94 / C 306 / 66 )

The question of military service obligations in the event of Subject : Appropriations for vocational
dual nationality is outside the competence of the
Commission ; it is regulated by the Convention on the Will the Commission say whether it will
Reduction of Cases of Multiple Nationality and on Military appropriations for vocational training and
Obligations in the event of Multiple Nationality, and by for the next five-year period and, if so, by
bilateral agreements . Community law does provide that
' absence on military service shall not affect the validity of a
residence permit Council Directive 68 / 360 / EEC 0 and
Council Directive 73 / 148 / EEC ( 2 ). Answer given by Mr Ruberti
on behalf of the Commission

Subject : Appropriations for vocational training

Will the Commission say whether it will increase the
appropriations for vocational training and further training
for the next five-year period and, if so, by how much ?

(!) OJ No L 257, 19 . 10 . 1968 . ( 12 April 1994 )

( 2 ) OJ No L 172, 28 . 6 . 1973 .

The Commission has submitted its proposals on the
implementation of a Community vocational training policy

31 . 10 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 306 / 31

from 1995 — 1999, indicating that the indicative budget
would amount to ECU 801,8 million ( a ).

( ! ) COM(93 ) 686 final ' Leonardo da Vinci '.

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 18 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 28 February 1994 )

94 / C 306 / 67

Subject : Teaching of healthy nutrition in schools

Given that dietary habits are formed in childhood and while
children are still at school, will the Commission consider
introducing the teaching of healthy nutrition as a subject in
schools as a way of promoting pupils ' health ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 22 April 1994 )

Under the ' European against Cancer ' programme ( ), health
education activities pursued three main primary prevention
aims : prevention of tobacco consumption, improvement of
diet, and an awareness campaign promoting a global
approach to health protection based on the
recommendations of the European Code against Cancer .

Numerous regional ( 2 ) including one in Crete schools by Dr
A. Kafatos and local activities have been supported in these
three fields, resulting in the creation of networks . The
programme has also provided funding for various European
events ; two European seminars on nutrition education have
been held in Germany ( 1991 ) and Greece ( 1992 ) to promote
exchange of experience and good dietary practice between
Member States . The Commission has also, in its
communication on the framework for action in the field of

public health, put forward the possibility of a programme
on health education and promotion with an emphasis on
nutrition, including education campaigns and training on
nutrition for teachers and health personnel .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-328 / 94

by Christopher Jackson ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 28 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 68 )

Subject : Public opinion and development aid

Page 7 of the explanatory memorandum dated 15 August

1993 attached to the negotiating Directives for the Lome IV
Mid-Term Review states ' Public opinion in the Community
has become less favourable to official development aid,
although humanitarian aid has been spared such
criticism '.

Can the Commission explain the basis for this assertion ?
Which opinion surveys is the Commission referring to and
what were the questions asked ?

Does the Commission have evidence of a trend over time

and to what causes does the Commission attribute this

change ?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 17 March 1994 )

The Commission does not have official opinion survey data
covering the whole of the Community .

Information reaching it, however, from various sources —
articles in the press, letters received by the Commission,
parliamentary debates in some Member States — enables it
to assert that certain criticisms have been expressed in
Europe with regard to the results of official development
assistance . The part played by the developing countries in
administering the aid would appear to be a particular target .
Humanitarian aid, on the other hand, would seem to be
viewed in a positive light .

It is clear that the criticisms are based on the perception that
development assistance has not produced the expected
results, and aid donors accordingly have a duty to make
every effort to improve the results .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-333 / 94

by Christine Crawley ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 26 January 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 69 )

(!) OJ No C 50, 26 . 2 . 1987 ; OJ No L 137, 30 . 5 . 1990 .

I 2 ) COM(93 ) 559 final . Subject : Recycling glass

The benefits of recycling glass are well rehearsed and the
Commission will acknowledge that UK local authorities are

No C 306 / 32 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 10 . 94

significant parties within this process . Is the Commission
aware that in the UK, just two companies, BGR and PLM
Redfearn, handle this process, with BGR holding 70 % of
the market ? Is the Commission further aware that BGR has

recently reduced the price it pays for glass ' cullet ' by 22 %
and that this threatens local authorities ' involvement in glass
recycling schemes which, in turn, threatens these
environmentally beneficial schemes themselves ? What
assistance can the Commission offer to local authorities

wishing to continue and even enhance their involvement ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-351 / 94

by Anita Pollack ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 March 1994 )

94 / C 306 / 70

Subject : Catalytic converters

Does the Commission have any plans to introduce legal
systems for the car manufacturers ' responsibility for
long-term performance of catalytic converters, such as
currently exist in the USA and Sweden ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

(2 March 1994 ) (6 April 1994 )

The Commission recognizes the environmental benefits of
recycling which is fundamental to its waste management
strategy . This may be seen in the proposal for a Council
Directive on packaging and packaging waste which includes
a target range for recycling of 25 % to 45 % by weight of the
totality of packaging materials contained in packaging

waste .

The Commission is aware of the long tradition of recycling
in the glass industry and that recycling is the only recovery
alternative for glass . Glass, in particular, is expected to
continue to contribute substantially to achievement of
targets in the future Directive .

However, the recycling activities of the glass industry have
traditionally been market driven as with other industrial
activities and subject to supply and demand fluctuations .
The present situation of falling prices, described in the
question, results from present market forces and it is up to
the industry to adjust to the new situation as it has done in
the past . The Commission is not entitled to assist the local
authorities in this specific situation on its own initiative but
it does expect that it is a temporary situation which should
not endanger efforts in this important area .

The Commission is aware of the procedures applied in
Sweden and the USA to extent vehicle manufacturers ' and

importers ' liability for whether catalytic converters work
properly to 80 000 km and 160 000 km after the vehicle was
brought into service respectively .

The Commission regards such a measure as a potential
means of reducing emissions of pollutants by road traffic in
the Community .

However, there is no supervisory authority at Community
level and responsibility for quality control lies with the
Member State which granted type approval . Before such a
measure could be applied in the Community significant
changes would have to be made and a legal basis
adopted .

In its proposal for a Directive laying down the maximum
emission levels from new vehicles in 1996 (*) of
23 December 1992 the Commission announced that it

would evaluate such emissions as part of a comprehensive
strategy to reduce emissions of pollutants by road traffic by
the year 2000 .

(M COM(92 ) 572 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-362 / 94

by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI )

to the Commission

Nevertheless, it is clear that interested parties, which
consider that a company occupying a dominant position (1 March 1994 )
abuses or is liable to abuse its dominance particularly ( 94 / C 306 / 71 )
regarding pricing policies, should make their views known
to the Commission by means of a complaint .

( 94 / C 306 / 71 )

Subject : Searches of official representatives of Member

States carried out by the German authorities

The Bavarian and Baden-Wiirttemberg authorities claimed
the right to search Italian Consuls when the latter visited

31 . 10 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 306 / 33

Stammheim prison ( Stuttgart ) and Stadelheim prison
( Munich ) to meet Italian citizens held in those
institutions .

This action is a clear breach of the Vienna Convention,
Articles 33, 40, 43 and 53 and Articles 4, 58, 61, 64 and 71
of which govern diplomatic / consular relations between
individual countries and grant Consuls the right to protect
the interests of their own citizens .

Is the Commission aware of the reasons which led the

German authorities to claim the right to search the
Consuls ?

Does the Commission not consider that such behaviour also

contravenes Community rules, which recognize the
immunity and role of a Consul representing a fellow
Member State ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

( 20 April 1994 )

The matter referred to by the Honourable Member does not
fall within the jurisdiction of the Community .

Answer given by Mr Matutes

on behalf of the Commission

( 30 March 1994 )

The Commission is aware of the refusal by the Spanish
authorities to allow the disembarkation of passengers and
vehicles on the occasion of the inaugural trip of the vessel
' Scirocco ' belonging to the British company Cenargo . Two
complaints were lodged on the basis of Regulation ( EEC )
No 4055 / 86 (*) on this subject in the beginning of 1993 .

An infringement procedure under Article 169 EC Treaty is
currently being processed by the Commission against Spain
for its failure to phase out or adapt a bilateral agreement
with Morocco which contains cargo sharing arrangements
which are not in compliance with Regulation ( EEC )
No 4055 / 86 . The procedures which the Commission
follows in handling infringements are well established : they
are being followed scrupulously in this case and will
continue to be so until a satisfactory outcome is reached .

In parallel with the formal procedure mentioned above, the
Commission has tried to solve this problem through
bilateral contacts with the Spanish authorities and has held
meetings with the parties involved . It has made every effort
to achieve a speedy solution which so far has not been
possible . It will therefore continue to pursue the formal
procedures .

(M OJ No L 378, 31 . 12 . 1986 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4 14 / 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-363 / 94
by Virginio Bettini ( V )

by Pavlos Sarlis ( PPE )
to the Commission

to the Commission
( 17 February 1994 )

(4 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 73 )
( 94 / C 306 / 72 )

Subject : Ban on vessel docking in Spanish port

On 17 May 1993, the ferry ' Scirocco ', owned by the English
company Cenargo Navigation Ltd and flying the British
flag, entered the Spanish port of Almeria only to be refused
permission by the port authorities, with no legal
justification, to dock and disembark passengers and
vehicles .

This ban, illegally imposed by the Spanish authorities and
still in force, is contrary to provisions expressly laid down in
Community legislation and international maritime law to
which Spain is subject .

What action will the Commission take to remedy this

absurd situation and will such action include bringing the
matter before the European Court of Justice ?

Subject : Construction of the Cuneo-Massimini di Cantu

motorway link in breach of the provisions of the
Directive on environmental impact assessments

Under Italian Interministerial Decree No 2277 of 5 April

1991 ( Ministry of Public Works and Economic Planning
and Ministry for the Treasury ), registered with the Audit
Office on 25 August 1 992, the Ministry of Public Works and
ANAS ( National Independent Road Agency ) issued Satap

( Turin - Alessandria-Piacenza Motorway Company ) with a
licence in respect of the combined motorway-dual
carriageway link between Asti and Cuneo .

On 11 May 1989 the ANAS Board of Directors, chaired by
the Minister of Public Works, approved this project ( vote
No 436 ).

Although both these decisions were taken after the entry
into force of the Prime Ministerial decrees implementing

No C 306 / 34 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 10 . 94

Community Directive 85 / 337 / EEC ( ) on Environmental
Impact Assessments, no impact assessment had been carried
out on the project .

The official project document and environmental impact

assessment were published in December 1991 — January

1992 and the Ministry of the Environment only delivered its
opinion on 22 October 1992 . It should be noted that, when
it delivered its opinion, the Environmental Impact
Assessment Committee was totally opposed to the
motorway link between Cuneo and Massimini di Cantu,
and called on the Ministry of Public Works and ANAS to
choose a completely different route for the remaining part of
the Asti-Cuneo road link .

The project has been neither abandoned nor amended ; on
the contrary, the Minister of Public Works is hoping to
obtain the approval of the Prime Minister before 27 March

1994 .

With a view to preventing approval being given to this
project, will the Commission with all due haste approach
the Italian Government, against which infringement
proceedings have already been initiated for failure to
incorporate Annex 2 of Directive 85 / 337 / EEC into national
law ?

(!) OJ No L 175, 5 . 7 . 1985, p . 40 .

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

(6 April 1994 )

Would the Honourable Member please refer to the answer
given by the Commission to his oral question H-73 / 94 at the
February 1994 session during Question Time (*).

(!) Parliamentary Debates, No 3-442 ( February 1994 ).

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4 15 / 94

by Freddy Blak ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 17 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 74

Subject : EU approves genetically engineered cowpox
virus

Is it true that the Commission is warmly recommending
Rabonal V-RG, which is manufactured by Rhone Merieux
in France ? According to articles in Bild am Sonntag and

Ekstra Bladet, this genetically engineered vaccine against
rabies is similar to the cowpox virus and has caused the
death of an 18-year old man . The articles show that Rhone
Merieux did not investigate whether the genetically
engineered virus could be transmitted from animals to
humans, that the German health authorities believed that
Rabonal V-RG should not be used under any circumstances
and that the Danish health authorities have not heard of the

substance .

What powers does the Commission have to recommend
products for use in veterinary or human medicine ?

Did the Commission ' warmly recommend ' the product in
question ?

What does the Commission othwerwise think of the

contents of the attached newspaper article ?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

(6 April 1994 )

The Commission does not recommend medicinal products .
However, the Commission must implement the Community
Regulations with regard to marketing authorization of
medicinal products . In the case evoked by the Honourable
Member, the new rabies vaccine Raboral V-RG is a
medicinal product obtained through r-DNA technology
covered by Council Directive 87 / 22 / EEC ( J ) as well as a
' genetically modified organism ' ( GMO ), thus falling also
under Council Directive 90 / 220 / EEC ( 2 ). The Danish
Agency for Health has received the dossier of Raboral
V-RG .

In accordance with Directive 90 / 220 / EEC, the Commission
adopted on 19 October 1993 Decision 93 / 572 / EEC ( 3 )
giving consent to deliberate release of Raboral V-RG, after a
favourable vote of the relevant Regulatory Committee . The
examination of the dossier for marketing authorization
under Directive 87 / 22 / EEC is currently in progress in the
Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products, in which the
authorities of Member States for the authoritization of

veterinary medicinal products are represented . All Member
States, including Denmark, are thus aware of the existence
of this veterinary medicinal product .

Under Directive 90 / 220 / EEC only the environmental risks
related to the deliberate release of genetically modified
organisms are evaluated and the Commission is obliged to
take a decision . By taking a decision, on the basis of a
favourable opinion from the Committee, the Commission
has fulfilled its obligation under Community legislation and
has not ' warmly recommended ' any product .

(!) OJ No L 15, 17 . 1 . 1987 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 117, 8 . 5 . 1990 .

( 3 ) OJ No L 276, 9 . 11 . 1993 .

31 . 10 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 306 / 35

WRITTEN QUESTION E-422 / 94

by Carlos Bru Purón ( PSE )

to the Commission

(3 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 75 )

Subject : Private foundations in the EC

An excellent report was drawn up on behalf of the European
Parliament by Mr Coimbra Martins on private foundations
in the European Community ( A3-04 19 / 93 ). Does the
Commission not consider that it should draw up a proposal
for a Directive or a regulation on this subject, to complete
the institutionalization of the legal persons dealt with so far,
such as the European company, the European cooperative
and the European association ? In view of the slowness with
which the Council is dealing with these other proposal ^, the
new proposal could be published around the same time ?

Does the Commission not consider that the existence of

minimum rules allowing foundations to exist and operate
without distinction in all the Member States would foster
the non-profit-making purposes of this kind of institution
for the benefit of culture, education and other spheres of
civil society throughout the Community ?

Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi

on behalf of the Commission

( 29 April 1994 )

The Commission warmly welcomes the judicious proposals
made in the report on ' Foundations and Europe ' by Mr
Antonio Coimbra Martins on behalf of the Committee on

Culture, Youth, Education and the Media .

The Parliament has always shown particular sensitivity to
the sector as a whole . In its resolution of 24 January 1991, it
asked the Commission to draw up one or more draft
Regulations on a statute - for a European cooperative society,
mutual undertakings and associations . The Commission has
extended its proposal to foundations .

Foundations have special legal status in most Member
States . Nevertheless, in all the Member States a foundation
is an institution which has been irrevocably attributed
goods, rights and resources for the performance of work of
general interest on a non-profit-making basis .

The Commission made its proposals in December 1991 . At
its part-session of 18 January 1993, the Parliament gave a
broadly favourable opinion and proposed amendments
which were to a large extent included in the version

submitted to the Council by note on 6 July 1993 . The
proposals for the statute are currently before the
Council .

The main effect of the legal arrangement for European
associations put forward by the Commission would be to
allow a European association to be set up by natural persons
who are nationals of two Member States in which they are
resident, or by legal bodies based in different Member States
or by the transformation of a national foundation, without
going through a liquidation procedure, provided the
foundation has its head office and central administration in

the Community and an establishment in a Member State
other than that of its central administration . In the latter

case, the foundation must engage in a genuine transnational
activity .

In areas not covered by the draft Commissipn Regulation,
the legal provisions of national and Community law are
applicable, for instance, as regards :

— worker participation in the decision-making process arid

labour law ;

— tax law ;

— competition law ;

— intellectual, commercial and industrial property law ;

— insolvability and cessation of payments .

The Commission has already brought foundations in
Europe closer together by means of the European
Foundations Centre and makes a major contribution to
activities of benefit to foundations via this Centre .

The statute will, if necessary, allow the creation of a
European foundation which can also work in the cultural
field .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-454 / 94

by Kirsten Jensen ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 18 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 76 )

Subject : Dealing with complaints about barriers to trade

With reference to articles in the Danish newspaper Borsen of
28 January, would the Commission state which body deals
with complaints from exporters in the Member States
encountering barriers to trade operated by other Member
States, the effect of which is to distort competition, and can
it state whether it is satisfied with the action currently taken
by the Community against such barriers to trade, or whether
it might prefer to see responsibility for such matters
transferred to an independent body ?

No C 306 / 36 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 10 . 94

Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi

on behalf of the Commission

( 12 April 1994 )

Companies encountering trade barriers in other Member
States may lodge a complaint with the Commission . The
Commission examines complaints in the light of the relevant
provisions of the EC Treaty, particularly Articles 30 and 34,
which prohibit any quantitive restrictions on imports and
exports and measures having equivalent effect .

Therefore, the Commission strongly encourages Danish
industries facing specific trade barriers within the
Community to complain to the Commission . It is also
advisable that, in order to help the Commission carry out
enquiries as fast as possible, any complaint lodged should
single out the obstacles encountered by the undertakings
and clearly specify, as far as possible, the national
regulations which are at issue .

It should be pointed out moreover that Articles 30 and 34
only concern State measures or measures taken by any
corporation or body which is controlled by the State . Many
of the practices hindering the free movement of goods
within the Community are caused by undertakings
themselves without any involvement of the State .

Finally, it should be recalled that Article 30 EC Treaty has
been recognised as having direct effect by the European
Court of Justice . This line of case law makes it clear that
every citizen or undertaking harmed by a State measure
restricting intra-Community trade is entitled to initiate
proceedings before a national court with a view to obtaining
redress . In any event, administrative authorities and
regulatory bodies are obliged to abide by the rule set out in
Articles 30 and 34 .

It is worth noting that very few Danish undertakings have
lodged complaints with the Commission in relation to
non-tariff barriers caused by other Member States '
legislation . In 1993, less than 2% of the new complaints
submitted to the Commission were lodged by Danish
companies .

several institutes studying the current economic situation in
the European Union, including the IFO in Germany, have
forecast that growth in western Europe will pick up in
1994 ?

Does the Commission not feel it should firmly oppose the
Council 's unremitting efforts — employing the most
fallacious arguments — to dismantle the European civil
service through naked attacks on the salaries and Staff
Regulations of European Community staff ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

( 10 March 1994 )

When the Regulation adjusting the remuneration of the
European Communities ' staff was adopted on 20 December

1993, the Council made the following statement :

' The Council, concerned by the deterioration in the
economic situation in the Community, invites the
Commission to examine whether the conditions for

application of the exception clause provided for in the
detailed rules for adjusting the remuneration of officials
have been fulfilled . That examination should be carried

out by the end of June 1994 .'

The Treaties authorize the Council to ask the Commission

to undertake any studies the Council considers desirable .
But they also leave it to the Commission to initiate
proposals .

The Commission intends to do as the Council asks within

the time allowed, adhering scrupulously to the method for
adjusting remuneration decided by the Council and more
specifically to the provisions of Article 10 of the method .

The Commission will take into account the economic

indicators available and their impact on the remuneration of
civil servants in the Member States .

Also, the Commission has every intention of defending the
European civil service with all the means at its disposal
whenever any attack is made upon it .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-455 / 94

by Jean-Paul Heider ( RDE )

to the Commission

( 18 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 77 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-460 / 94

by Anita Pollack ( PSE )

Subject : Application of the Method of adjusting the

remuneration of European Community staff

Has the Commission been officially ' invited ' by the Council
to examine the possibility of applying the exception clause in
the Method laid down in Article 10 of Annex XI to the Staff

Regulations ?

What action does the Commission intend to take on this

indecent move by the Council — indecent inasmuch as

to the Commission

(7 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 78

Subject : Additives in petrol

Is it the case that the Commission 's Toxicology Committee
has undertaken a study of aromatics in petrol, when will it

31 . 10 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 306 / 37

be available, and will the Commission make its findings
available to Members ?

2 . What is the rate of saving for each Member State,
expressed as a proportion of income ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn Answer given by Mr Christophersen
on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission

( 29 April 1994 ) ( 13 April 1994 )

In 1993, the Toxicology Section of the Scientific Advisory
Committee to examine the toxicity of chemical compounds
decided on its own initiative to give an opinion on certain
important areas of applied toxicology including problems
linked to the total content of aromatics in fuel .

, The Advisory Committee recommended :

— that a study of the technological alternative should be

made

— that an assessment should be made of the risk for public

health of these alternatives

— that the formulation of the new gasolines should be

defined in order to reduce aromatic hydrocarbons and
benzene .

These recommendations will be published and will be
discussed within the Commission in due course and
appropriate measures will, if necessary, be proposed .

At this stage, no other study on the impact of aromatics of
motor fuels has been performed by the Advisory
Committee . A certain amount of data exists which shows

that emissions of these compounds in the atmosphere
should be significantly reduced in the future, notably with
the equipment of all new gasoline cars with catalytic

convertors .

Moreover, the Commission is undertaking an extended
study on the desirable evolution of fuel and engine
technology with a view to a further reduction of
emissions .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-469 / 94

by Thomas Megahy ( PSE )

to the Commission

(7 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 79 )

Subject : National debts of Member States and rates of

saving

1 . What proportion of the national debt of each Member
State is owed to institutions or individuals within the

Member State in question ?

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

containnig the information requested .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-483 / 94

by John Iversen ( V )

to the Commission

( 18 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 80 )

Subject : Allocation of Objective 2 and Objective 5b

funding to municipalities in North Jutland

When the Commission allocated Objective 2 and
Objective 5b funding to the municipalities in North Jutland,
two municipalities, Hjorring and Lokken-Vra, received
nothing .

Will the Commission please explain why these two
municipalities did not receive any of the above funding and
what criteria were used for making the assessment ?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

( 23 March 1994 )

The communes of Hjorring and Lokken-Vra featured as
part of the Danish Objective 2 proposal covering the
northern part of North Jutland . The case for the inclusion of
this area was not conclusive on the basis of the statistical

evidence initially submitted by the Danish authorities, but
the Commission agreed to a detailed examination of the area
at the level of the communes in consultation with the Danish

authorities in order to identify the most seriously affected
parts and / or national priority areas .

In the course of this examination, the Danish authorities
confirmed that Hjorring and Lokken-Vra were less affected
areas in the national context and consequently the two
communes were not retained on the list of areas eligible for
Objective 2 which were proposed by the Commission in
December 1993, the same time as its Objective 5b
proposal .

Subsequently, in January 1994, Lokken-Vra was also
declared to be of lower priority by the Danish authorities

No C 306 / 38 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 10 . 94

when they asked the Commission to examine minor changes
of the 5b list .

Finally, in the meetings in January of both the Advisory
Committee on the Development and Conversion of Regions
and the Management Committee on Agricultural Structures
and Rural Development, the Danish authorities gave their
agreement to the two lists proposed by the Commission .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-492 / 94

by Yves Verwaerde ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 14 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 81

Subject : Vocational training record of European officials in

1993

Can the Commission indicate the number of officials,
broken down by employment category, who received some
form of vocational training in 1993 ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

(4 May 1994 )

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

containing the information requested .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-501 / 94

by José Gil-Robles Gil-Delgado ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 14 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 82 )

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 22 April 1994 )

The Commission is sending the Honourable Member and
the Secretariat-General of the Parliament the list of

Euro form projects in the Autonomous Community of
Madrid with the funding allocated to each project . There
may be others participating in Euroform projects at national
level but the Commission does not have the information at

this stage .

It will not be possible to make a final assessment of the
development of Euroform until the end of the programme —
which has been extended to the end of 1994 . It is progressing
satisfactorily in the Autonomous Community of Madrid at
the moment .

The European Social Fund administration unit in the
Ministry of Labour and Social Security is responsible for
managing Euroform activities .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-515 / 94

by Luigi Vertemati ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 14 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 83 )

Subject : Price of the collected Treaties on European

Union

As the Community 's Office for Official Publications has
recently produced an edition of the collected Treaties
costing ECU 80,

whereas the first edition of the Treaty on European Union
was sold for ECU 9,

whereas, for example, in Italy a publication of this kind with
a similar number of pages sells for a price equivalent to
about ECU 20,

can the Commission say :

on the basis of what criteria the prices of Official
Publications are fixed ;

whether there might not be grounds for considering that a
price of ECU 80 for the collected Treaties is, in fact, too
high, being out of line with the prices of similar publications
in the Member States ?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro

on behalf of the Commission

Subject : The Euroform Programme and the Autonomous on behalf of the

Community of Madrid ( 15 April 1994 )

Community of Madrid

Can the Commission say how the Euroform Programme
was implemented in the Autonomous Community of
Madrid, what funding was allocated and how much has
actually been spent on the programme ?

The Office for Official Publications of the European
Communities does indeed sell an edition of the collected

Treaties for ECU 80 . This is a ' deluxe ' hardback edition

with a thumb index .

31 . 10 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 306 / 39

There is, however, a less expensive paperback edition on the
market, the contents of which are absolutely identical . It
sells for ECU 35, a price which, given the number of
different language versions issued and the size of the print
run, is entirely comparable to the ECU 20 charged for an
equivalent Italian publication referred to by the Honourable
Member .

The selling prices for publications are determined by taking
the cost price of all the different language versions for the
total run . The standard discounts offered to the sales offices

and their agents are also taken into account .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-536 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 14 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 84 )

Subject : Limiting the number of prison sentences handed

down for minor offenses as a means of combating
overcrowding in prisons

Given that most prisons in the European Union Member
States are over-crowded ( since they hold twice the number
of prisoners they were designed for ), does the Commission
agree that it should help combat overcrowding in prisons by
declaring itself in favour of limiting wherever possible the
number of prison sentences handed down for minor
offenses ?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

( 20 April 1994 )

The matter referred to by the Honourable Member does not
fall within the jurisdiction of the Commission .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-588 / 94

by Ernest Glinne ( PSE )

to the Commission

(9 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 85 )

Subject : Cardiovascular diseases in women

In an article published in the Belgian Cardiological
Association 's bulletin in November 1993, Dr Daniel Duprez
of the cardiovascular unit at Ghent University Hospital
stated that studies have shown that women are given less
intensive and less invasive examinations and treatment for

cardiovascular diseases .

This is particularly noticable in the case of women
complaining of thoracic pains . However, the mortality rate
among women who have suffered a myocardium infarction
is higher, even after coronary thrombolysis . Moreover, the
number of women dying in hospital following coronary
angioplasty, arteriectomy and bypass operations is also
considerably higher .

The studies do not reveal whether the higher female
mortality rate is due to physiological factors or whether it is
the result of sub-optimal treatment or delays in providing

treatment .

Dr Duprez stresses that the extent of cardiovascular disease
in women is greatly under-estimated and that most
cardiovascular examinations are carried out on men .

As part of its equal opportunities action programme, could
the Commission carry out an awareness campaign directed
at the public, the medical profession and the authorities
drawing attention to the danger of under-estimating
cardiovascular diseases among women and to the
prevention and treatment of such diseases ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 29 April 1994 )

Commission communication (*) of 24 November 1993 on
the framework for action in the field of public health singles
out the risk factors giving rise to cardiovascular diseases as
an area in which Community actions of health promotion,
education, information and training will be proposed as a
matter of priority . Methods of prevention, including the
raising of public and professional awareness of these risk
factors and any particular circumstances affecting women in
these matters, will be among the elements to be considered
in the relevant proposals . Matters of financing and delivery
of treatment are the responsibility of the Member States .

The proposed public health actions are considered to be a
more appropriate means of dealing with the matters raised
by the Honourable Member than the Community
programme for equal opportunities .

As part of the Community Biomed research programme a
multi-level epidemiological study of coronary heart disease
among European women aged 25 to 64 years started on

1 April 1994 . The project aims among other things to
investigate the outcome of medical management of acute
myocardial infarction among women .

The Commission has not yet supported any studies
particularly designed to develop a policy for women 's health

No C 306 / 40 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 10 . 94

in the Community, but some studies in the area of perinatal
disease have been supported .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-663 / 94

by Jaak Vandermeulebroucke ( ARE )

to the Commission
(!) COM(93 ) 559 final . ( 21 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 87 )

Subject : Official languages used by Eurostat

WRITTEN QUESTION E-629 / 94

by Marie-José Denys ( PSE ) I understand from OJNoC353,31.12.1993, that Eurostat
to the Commission has carried out a study of the regions in the European
Community .

( 21 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 86 )

However, this study has been published only in German,
English and French .

Subject : Electric road vehicles for use in towns

Following adoption of Parliament 's own-initiative report on
electronic road vehicles for use in town ( A3-391 / 92 ) (*), the
Commission 's reply and the adoption in plenary in January
1994 of the report on the common transport policy, what
action will the Commission be taking in response to the
reports on this new mode of urban transport and what
practical measures will it be proposing ?

Given that Eurostat reports to the Commission, I feel that
the Commission has a responsibility for Eurostat .

, Why has the study not been published in all the official
action will the Commission be taking in response to the languages ? Does the Commission not feel that this infringes
reports on this new mode of urban transport and what Regulation No 1 of 1958 (*) ( as currently amended )? Does
practical measures will it be proposing ? the Commission not feel that once again it is contradicting

its own view that no language has primacy ?
(!) OJ No C 42, 15 . 2 . 1993, p . 256 .

(!) OJ No 17, 6 . 10 . 1958, p . 385 .

Answer given by Mr Matutes

on behalf of the Commission

( 16 March 1994 )
Answer given by Mr Christophersen

on behalf of the Commission

(4 May 1994 )
As the Commission indicated before the plenary sitting of
Parliament on 22 January 1993, it has been continuing its
research and technological development activities on
components for electric vehicles and on the impact of
vehicles of this type in a number of European towns . Eurostat did indeed publish in English

In this connection, a Commission document has been
prepared to define the action which should be taken by those
responsible at various levels in the public and private sectors
in order to allow the use of electric or hybrid vehicles in

towns .

Beyond this, the Fourth Framework Programme of
Community research, technological development and
demonstration activities will not only allow further research
on components such as batteries and fuel cells but also hold
out the possibility of demonstrations and evaluations of the
use of electric vehicles in towns .

Eurostat did indeed publish in English, French and German
in 1993 a publication entitled ' Portrait of the Regions '. This
three-volume publication of some 1 000 pages is aimed at
local and regional decision-makers who wish to have a
picture of their region 's position in Europe and see it in the
context of the Community 's regional policy . Given the
amount of text to be translated and the need to complete the
publication within a reasonable time and at reasonable cost,
it was decided to employ the three most commonly used
languages . Eurostat does routinely publish works in the nine
languages . ' Europe in figures ' and ' Basic statistics, 30th
edition ', for example, are available in each language of the
European Union . The regions yearbook is also produced in
three languages but contains a glossary covering the other
languages .

31 . 10 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 306 / 41

QUESTION E-665 / 94 increase ( a ) the scope and ( b ) the availability of services

Des Geraghty ( NI ) offered life ' initiative — particularly ? the ' foreign languages in economic

to the Commission

WRITTEN QUESTION E-665 / 94

by Des Geraghty ( NI )

( 24 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 88 ) Answer given by Mr Ruberti
on behalf of the Commission

(8 April 1994 )
Subject : Activities of retired Commissioners

Having regard to its investigations into Aer Lingus with
regard to State aid and complaints of anti-competitive,
below-cost pricing, will the Commission outline the package
covering compensation and restrictions on engaging in
certain commercial activities which apply to resigning
Commissioners ? What exchanges took place between
Commissioners or Commission officials with former

Commissioner MacSharry — now Executive Chairman of
Ryanair — touching on the subject matters of either of those
investigations, and does the Commission not agree that the
involvement of Mr MacSharry would have constituted an
infringement of the code of conduct governing former staff
of the Commission ?

The Commission is continuing the activities in favour of the
working world in the context of the Lingua Programme in

1994 .

Taking into account the fact that the Lingua Programme
became really operational only in the second half of 1991
and that many of the projects in the field of language
learning in economic life had a duration of more than one
year, the results of many projects are only available now .
The Commission has the intention to concentrate its efforts

on the dissemination of the results, in order to make them
more easily available, for example to SME 's .

The action in this field should be continued and possibly
extend in the context of the Leonardo Programme ( 1 ), the
proposal for which has been adopted by the Commission at
Answer given by Mr Delors the with end the of Council last year and and the which Parliament is presently . being discussed
on behalf of the Commission

( 23 March 1994 ) (!) COM(93 ) 686 final .

The conditions which apply to Commissioners engaging in
activities after their period of office are set out in a note sent
to them on completion of their period of service . A copy is
sent direct to the Honourable Member and to the

Secretariat-General of the Parliament .

As indicated in the reply given to Mr Chabert on 27 October

1993 ( H-982 / 93 ), Mr MacSharry informed the Commission
of his employment by Ryanair . This was not considered
incompatible with the status of Mr MacSharry as a former
Commissioner for agriculture .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-688 / 94

by Winifred Ewing ( ARE )

to the Commission

( 21 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 90 )

Subject : Distance selling Directive

Is it the case that the distance selling Directive will apply new
conditions to reservations of hotel accommodation and
other tourist facilities that are normally reserved in advance ?
If so is the Commission aware of the very considerable
damage this will cause to the tourist industry, particularly in
WRITTEN QUESTION E-673 / 94 remote and peripheral areas ?

by Sir James Scott-Hopkins ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 21 March 1994 ) Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi

( 94 / C 306 / 89 ) on behalf of the Commission

( 27 April 1994 )

Subject : Increasing the scope of Lingua

Following the publication of the recent report
demonstrating the value of the Lingua Programme to
businessmen in particular, does the Commission plan to

The proposal for a Directive concerning contracts
negotiated at distance, amended by the Commission on the
basis of the opinion of the Parliament, did bring a number of
tourism services related to accommodation, transport,
catering and entertainment within its scope . However, as

No C 306 / 42 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 10 . 94

' services with reservations ', it was proposed that they
should be exempted from providing a 7-day period of
withdrawal from the contract .

A compromise text of the proposal, prepared by the Greek
Presidency, is under discussion in the Council . Taking into
account the response from industry and deliberations under
the Belgian Presidency, this text has removed the provision
concerning advance payments and although ' services with
reservations ' are still included in the Directive they have
been exempted from almost half of the measures set down .
This should allay a number of the fears expressed to the
Commission by the tourism industry . The Commission has
consulted widely and will continue to do so, ensuring that
the views of all concerned are considered in the future

elaboration of this Directive .

It is intended that a common position should be adopted at
the Consumer Council of 16 May, and subsequently
presented to the Parliament for a second reading . As the
co-decision procedure applies, Parliament still has an
important role to play in preparing the final text for
adoption .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-707 / 94

by Paul Howell ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 25 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 91 )

Subject : US / Japanese trade problems : implications for the

EU

Could the Commission please comment on the trade
problems between Japan and the US and any implications
these will have on the European Union ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

( 15 March 1994 )

The Community shares the view that a Japanese current
account surplus of 3,1 % of GDP is plainly undesirable in a
global inter-dependent economy . The EU is working
cooperatively with Japan with a view to identifying
market-opening and import promoting measures which can
reduce imbalances . It rejects anything resembling managed
trade, such as the fixing of numerical import targets by

sectors .

The development of any US / Japan trade problems needs to

be closely monitored, as serious friction between these two
partners could seriously affect confidence in the world

economy, both directly and indirectly through threatening
trade flows, increasing trade insecurity and reintroducing
unilateralism into world trade . The Commission has also

formally registered its concern over certain elements of the
US / Japan discussions which could lead to discrimination
against Community exports to Japan .

However, the present situation might offer opportunities for
the Union to press for a substantial reduction of the
Japanese overall balance of payments surplus . Cooperation
with both sides to this end is not excluded in a trilateral

format provided that this is carried out on a basis
compatible with the EU philosophy .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-708 / 94

by Christopher Jackson ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 25 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 92 )

Subject : VAT on tours and travel packages

Companies within the EU which market holidays and tours
which take place within the EU to customers in third
countries suffer a serious VAT disadvantage compared to
their competitors outside the EU who market precisely the
same tour to precisely the same customers . This is because
VAT is charged not only on the tour operators ' profit but
also on the commission which they pay to agents in third
countries . The result is that third country operators can
undercut those within the EU .

1 . Is the Commission aware of this problem, and will it
take steps to propose an amendment to Article 26 of the
Sixth VAT Directive to correct the situation ?

2 . Is the Commission aware that other exports of services,
for example by an EU lawyer giving advice on EC
business to a customer domiciled in a third country, are
VAT-free as an export ?

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener

on behalf of the Commission

( 18 March 1994 )

Complete exemption from VAT in the case referred to by the
Honourable Member would conflict with the general
principle of levying taxation at the point of
consumption .

The Commission is looking into the possibility, however, of
alleviating the tax burden on companies established in the

31 . 10 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 306 / 43

Community by means of measures compatible with the
VAT system . This could result in making allowance when
calculating the margin — for commission paid to package
tour marketing agencies, which could help reduce the tour
operators ' taxable base .

The reason for the arrangements applying to certain
services, e.g. advice given by lawyers to clients established
outside the Community, is that in such cases there is not
normally any consumption within the Community . It
should be noted, however, that under Article 9(3 ) of the
Sixth VAT Directive the Member States have powers to tax
such services where effective use takes place within their
territory, the purpose being to ensure that all forms of final
consumption within the Community are taxed .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-742 / 94

by José Vazquez Fouz ( PSE )

to the Commission

(2 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 93 )

Subject : Coordination of revenue protection services

From time to time, the existence of different services and
many overlapping responsibilities involving the Member
States makes it difficult to score successes in the fight against
the various forms of smuggling in the European Union .
Increasingly obviously, not only must there be greater
coordination but, with a view to the future, this should also
entail joint action under joint authority, since the external
frontiers are common and the need for safeguards is of
universal concern .

Does the Commission agree ?

Can the Commission give an assurance that it intends to
bring about closer coordination between the Member
States ?

Might it be possible in future to have harmonized rules
which ensure that measures taken and objectives pursued
are the same ?

European strategy to tighten upchecks at external borders
undertaken in conjunction with national customs
administrations . Known as Customs 2000 it maps out the
future role of the Community customs service on the basis of
strategic approaches covering the quality of controls,
evaluation of results, identification of objectives and greater
mutual assistance .

The Commission works closely with Member States to
coordinate the work of their authorities . Under the principle
of subsidiarity Member States are primarily responsible for
control and anti-fraud measures, as they are solely
responsible for their internal administrative and judicial
arrangements . Nevertheless, the Commission takes every
opportunity to underline the fact that, in a single market
with no internal frontiers, national customs services are
protecting Community territory .

The Commission can assure the Honourable Member that it

will continue in its efforts to ensure closer coordination

between Member States . One example can be seen in the
proposal which it recently put forward for a Council
Regulation replacing Regulation ( EEC ) No 1468 / 81 on
mutual assistance in the customs and agricultural
fields ( M.

I 1 ) OJ No C 56, 26 . 2 . 1993 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-788 / 94

by Christine Crawley ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 23 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 94 )

Subject : Distance Selling Directive

Would the Commission take steps in their ' Distance Selling '
Directive to safeguard the interests of people with specialist
hobbies, such as model engineering, who rely heavily on the
services of small specialist supply firms ? The hundreds of
thousands of people involved will not be able to order from
these firms if they can only receive goods by cash on delivery
and the firms will find it difficult to operate on an invoicing
basis . Will the Commission also safeguard the ability of
magazines to operate on a ' yearly subscription in advance '
basis ?

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener
on behalf of the Commission

on behalf of the Commission
(6 April 1994 ) ( 25 April 1994 )

The Commission fully shares the Honourable Member 's
view on the need to maintain the momentum on combating
fraud and providing customers and excise protection at
external frontiers . This has been a priority objective of the
Commission for some years and a cornerstone of a

In April 1992 the Commission submitted a proposal for a
Directive on contracts negotiated at a distance . This
proposal did not contain any provisions on financial
guarantees in the event of advance payment by the

consumer .

No C 306 / 44 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 10 . 94

The Economic and Social Committee and the Parliamerft Could it also explain what happens to the animals once their
wanted consumer protection in the event of advance racing career is over ?
payment to be included in the proposed amendment . The
Parliament adopted an amendment by 316 votes to 4 on the
institution of a guarantee fund . Not wishing to go as far as
this, the Commission simply based its amended proposal on

Joint answer to Written Questions E-969 / 94

an existing provision on distance selling in Belgian and and E-l 137 / 94
Portuguese legislation : the consumer may choose not to pay
until the merchandize has been received . given by Mr Paleokrassas

Joint answer to Written Questions E-969 / 94

and E-l 137 / 94

given by Mr Paleokrassas
on behalf of the Commission

This document is now being discussed by the Council . A
common position is expected to be stated in May . It will
then go back to the Parliament, under the joint decision
procedure, for a second reading .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-969 / 94

(5 May 1994 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its
answer to his Written Question No 3071 / 93 ( 1 ).

( 1 ) See page 14 of this Official Journal .

by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-972 / 94

the Commission

by Jaak Vandermeulebroucke ( ARE )
( 12 April 1994 ) to the Commission

to the Commission

to the Commission

( 94 / C 306 / 95 )

Subject : Animal welfare

Large numbers of animals are used in various so-called
sports events . Could the Commission therefore, as a matter
of urgency, draw up a specific Directive to protect all
animals used in sports events, or circus performances,
primarily with a view to ensuring that they are not
slaughtered once such casually unfeeling treatment has been
inflicted on them ?

( 12 April 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 97 )

Subject : Structural Funds

Because of the reform of the Structural Funds, and more
particularly the ESF, various organizations in the social
sector are having to wait a long time for a final decision on
whether they are to receive a subsidy . As a result, these
organizations are already having to give their staff notice of
dismissal in order to avoid running disastrous financial
risks .

Is the Commission aware of these problems ? What measures
will it take to remedy the situation ?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 137 / 94

by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI )

to the Commission

( 30 March 1994 ) Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission
( 94 / C 306 / 96 )

(4 May 1994 )

Subject : Ill-treatment and exploitation of greyhounds

Many greyhounds are raced until they have reached the end
of their strength and then abandoned, in the most fortunate

cases .

Looking beyond general animal welfare problems, could the
Commission submit a communication describing the
methods used to train greyhounds ?

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to

the reply to the oral question H-0048 by Mrs Thyssen,
which it gave during question time at Parliament 's February

1994 part-session ( 1 ).

( 1 ) Debates of the European Parliament No 3-442 ( February
1994 ).

31 . 10 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 306 / 45

WRITTEN QUESTION E-981 / 94

by Sir James Scott-Hopkins ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 12 April 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 98 )

Subject : Verification of intra-Community trade statistics

What is the Commission doing to improve the collection
and verification of intra-Community trade statistics ! 4

Does it agree that this is essential to help create a truly single
market within the EU ?

Answer given by Mr Christophersen

on behalf of the Commission

( 18 April 1994 )

The introduction of the new reporting system, named
Intrastat, has entailed distorsions in the intra-Community
trade series . Flows are underestimated . The distorsions

occur in a period of recession and it is difficult to isolate the
satistical effect of the change of system from the slow-down
of the underlying trends in trade .

It seems that in most Member States the problems observed
are of a transitional nature . Intrastat figures for the months
following the first quarter of 1993 show a catching-up .
Nevertheless there may still be factors which lower the level
of statistical results . Eurostat and the Member States have

started detailed analysis in order to assess the quality of
Intrastat data and cope with possible distortions .

One year after Intrastat came into force, the operators and
authorities are still having to cope with certain difficulties,
which have however been identified and are in course of

resolution . The following are the main problem areas :

— the response rate :

In some Member States, the response rate for the first six
months of 1 993 has been estimated at around 85 % of all
operators, leading to a loss of between 3 and 5 % of the
total value concerned . Considerable resources are

mobilized to improve the coverage rate for small
enterprises, where the main problem seems to lie . Work
is under way to harmonize the methods to estimate the
missing or simplified declarations . Corrections of the
aggregate results have already been transmitted by
several Member States .

— the transmission deadline for declarations :

The main problems are with computerized management
and the availability of the documents ( chiefly invoices )
needed to fill in the declarations . The delays in
transmitting declarations are being reduced .

— the classification of goods :

Many enterprises, especially non-computerized SMEs,
have had problems in classifying products . Efforts are
being made to simplify further the operator tasks
without spoiling the quality of statistics .

— the data processing :

The shortage of time available to the national authorities
for adapting their computer systems has had a negative
impact on both data processing ( leading to delays in the
provision of intra-Community data ) and, indirectly,
extra-Community trade . A Commission Regulation is
currently being prepared to fix deadlines for the
transmission of results to Eurostat . A system has also
been set up to exchange provisional results, at aggregate
level, prior to making detailed figures available .

The Edicom project ( Electronic Data Interchange in
Commerce ) has been developed to improve the technical
framework of the Intrastat system .

The production in due time of reliable and precise
intra-Community trade statistics is necessary for the
achievement of the single market . Therefore, the
Commission and the Member States are striving to reduce
the imperfections revealed in the new Intrastat system .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1259 / 94

by Panayotis Roumeliotis ( PSE )

to the Commission

(7 April 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 99 )

Subject : Unacceptable remarks by the Director of the

Cohesion Fund, J. F. Verstrynge, concerning the
Greek people

It has come to my notice that at a meeting of the Advisory
Committee on Procurements and Contracts on 14 February
1994, the Director of the Cohesion Fund,

( Secretariat-General ), Mr J. F. Verstrynge, supporting a
report by his department on Commission monitoring of
certain transport infrastructure projects in Greece,

No C 306 / 46 Official Journal of the European Communities 31 . 10 . 94

expressed the view that " the Greeks are cheats and thieves
and that they are all used to ' baksheesh ' in their dealings
with the authorities ".

How does the Commission tolerate people in important
positions making unacceptable remarks about an entire
people at official meetings ?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

(6 May 1994 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to
the reply to the oral question H-288 / 94 by Mr Lambrias,
which it gave during Question Time at Parliament 's April

1994 part-session ( 1 ).

( J ) Debates of the Parliament No 3-446 ( April 1994 ).

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1434 / 94

by Francesco Speroni ( NI )

to the Commission

( 29 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 100 )

Subject : Measures for SMUs

Small and medium-sized undertakings are of decisive
importance for economic growth and hence for job creation .
The Union is therefore devoting attention to this sector,
including financial measures .

The multiannual programme which the Council adopted for
the SMEs on 14 June 1993 ( a ) acknowledged that improving
the flow of Community information to the SMEs was a
matter of priority . The network of 210 EuroInfoCentres
located throughout the Member States provides SMEs with
Community information and assistance .

In its resolution of 22 November 1993 on strengthening
the competitiveness of enterprises and developing
employment (■*), the Council requested the Commission and
the Member States to strengthen, within the framework of
enlarged partnerships, the effectiveness, consistency and
visibility of measures to assist SMEs .

As part of the new Regulations concerning the Structural
Funds which were adopted on 20 July 1993, the
Commission, in proposing to the economic and social
partners in Article 4 of Council Regulation ( EEC )
No 2081 / 93 ( 3 ) the idea of enlarged partnerships,
acknowledged the role of the trade organizations, including
those representing SMEs, in the implementation of
Community programmes in order to improve their
effectiveness . It is nevertheless up to the Member States to
appoint these partners . It must also be remembered that
Article 32 of Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 2032 / 93 on the
coordination of the activities of the different Structural

Funds, relating to information and publicity, states that the
body responsible for implementing a measure carried out
with financial assistance from the Community shall make
potential beneficiaries and trade organizations aware of the
opportunities afforded by the measure . The Commission
will shortly adopt the implementing arrangements to be
applied by the Member States for information and publicity,
with specific reference to information for economic circles
and the SMEs in particular .

However, the potential beneficiaries, not least because of
shortcomings on the part of local government, do not
always know about the relevant procedures and
practicalities for gaining access to such measures .

on the part of local government, do not While the Commission is ready — as it always has been — to
know about the relevant procedures and take part in information and working meetings in the
for gaining access to such measures . regions where trade associations of SMEs are involved, it is

clearly vital for these meetings to be organized with every

is particularly so in the case of Italy, would the partner involved in the implementation of Community
be willing to take part in working meetings to programmes and in line with the arrangements on
the Italian regions, in which organizations information and publicity, in order to ensure the
SMUs could also take part and there would be transparency and effectiveness which are essential to allow
to help draw up projects for the revival of the the SMEs in particular to have easier access to these

programmes . The Commission thus welcomes the proposal
by the Honourable Member, which matches the
Commission 's concern to increase the involvement of SMEs

in Community programmes .
Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi

Since this is particularly so in the case of Italy, would the
Commission be willing to take part in working meetings to
be held in the Italian regions, in which organizations
representing SMUs could also take part and there would be
an opportunity to help draw up projects for the revival of the
economy ?

on behalf of the Commission

( 28 April 1994 ) (!) OJ No L 161, 2 . 6 . 1993 .

( 2 ) OJ No C 326, 3 . 12 . 1993 .

( 3 ) OJ No L 193, 31 . 7 . 1993 .
The Commission endeavours to coordinate Community
action on behalf of small and medium-sized enterprises in
order to promote its visibility and thus to make it easier for
the SMEs to have access to the various programmes which
may benefit them .

31 . 10 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 306 / 47

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1465 / 94

by Aline Archimbaud ( V )

to the Commission

(6 April 1994 )

( 94 / C 306 / 101

Subject : Human rights

Mr William Poiteaux, a municipal police officer at
Courbevoie ( France ), was dismissed in March 1990 for
having refused to report persons of North African origin for
the simple reason that they were North Africans and not
because they had committed any offence .

The French Administative Tribunal overturned the decision

to dismiss him but he has not been re-instated .

An appeal was lodged with the Council of State but has not
yet been acted upon .

Does the Commission consider it normal for a Member
State of the European Union, which has signed the European
Convention on Human Rights and, in its Constitution, is an
ardent defender of human rights, to act in such a fashion is
respect of one of its citizens ?

Is the Commission planning any kind of action against the
Member State in question for violation of human rights ?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

( 29 April 1994 )

The matter is not within the Commission 's competence and
it does not propose to take any action of the kind suggested
by the Honourable Member .