Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

ISSN 0378-6986
# Official Journal C 66

Volume 39

### of the European Communities

###### Information and Notices

English edition

4 March 1996

Notice No Contents p age

I Information

European Parliament

Written Questions with answer

96 / C 66 / 01 E-2885 / 94 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : The vegetable trade and fair competition in the region of Attica ( Supplementary
answer ) 1

96 / C 66 / 02 E-5 17 / 95 by Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission
Subject : Fire in an oil refinery at Perama — infringement of the ' Seveso ' Directive ( Supplementary
answer ) 1

96 / C 66 / 03 E-1631 / 95 by Markus Ferber to the Commission
Subject : EU support for research ( Supplementary answer ) 2

96 / C 66 / 04 E - 1899 / 95 by Nel van Dijk, Maartje van Putten and Doeke Eisma to the
Commission

Subject : Incompatibility of the projected Betuwe route with the bird conservation Directive 3

96 / C 66 / 05 E-1929 / 9 5 by Peter Crampton to the Council
Subject : Immigration and asylum in the EU : information 4

96 / C 66 / 06 E-1984 / 95 by Nel van Dijk to the Commission
Subject : Distortion of competition as a result of aid provided by The Hague City Council

( Supplementary answer ) 4

96 / C 66 / 07 E-2 157 / 95 by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler to the Commission
Subject : The Hidrovia project 5

96 / C 66 / 08 E-2 169 / 95 by Florus Wijsenbeek to the Commission
Subject : Air transport charges 6

96 / C 66 / 09 E-21 86 / 95 by Ursula Schleicher to the Commission
Subject : European water pollution control — consistent lists of substances — transparency 6

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Price : ECU 19,50 ( Continued overleaf )

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Contents ( continued ) Page

E-2 187 / 95 by Ursula Schleicher to the Commission
Subject : European water pollution control — risk assessment

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2186 / 95 and E-218 7 / 95

E-2 194 / 95 by Ursula Schleicher to the Commission

'
Subject : European water pollution control — key concept of ' best available technologies
( BAT )

E-2 195 / 95 by Ursula Schleicher to the Commission

'
Subject : European water pollution control — definition of ' best available technologies ( BAT )

E-2207 / 95 by Ursula Schleicher to the Commission
Subject : European water pollution control : Devolving tasks onto Member States ; lack of material
guidelines

E-230 5 / 95 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission
Subject : Ozone

E-23 18 / 95 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso and Juan Colino Salamanca to the
Commission

Subject : Failure at school

P-2407 / 95 by Raimondo Fassa to the Commission
Subject : Aid to the Christian minority in the Middle East

E-2438 / 95 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission
Subject : Geographical scope of the Euratom Treaty

E-2453 / 95 by Maartje van Putten to the Commission
Subject : Cover strips for chillers and freezers used by small businesses

P-2470 / 95 by Luciana Castellina to the Commission
Subject : Paraguay : EU project in the Chaco

E-2482 / 95 by James Moorhouse to the Council
Subject : Summaries of meetings of the European Council

E-2484 / 95 by Winfried Menrad to the Council
Subject : Provisions to monitor compliance of technical facilities and equipment with the Law on
building regulations, as regards the manufacture of lightning conductors

E-2491 / 95 by Jannis Sakellariou to the Commission
Subject : Discrimination against EU citizens in the purchase of immoveable property in South
Tirol

E-2526 / 95 by Elly Plooij-van Gorsel to the Commission
Subject : Harmonization of registration of motor vessels, particularly high-speed self-propelled
water vehicles, in the EU

E-2546 / 95 by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler to the Commission
Subject : Food aid for Rwanda and Burundi

E-2558 / 95 by Joaquin Sisó Cruellas to the Commission
Subject : Alcohol and fatal accidents in the European Union

E-2600 / 95 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso and Juan Colino Salamanca to the
Commission

Subject : Alcohol consumption and traffic accidents

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2558 / 95 and E-2600 / 95

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96 / C 66 / 27 E-2 599 / 95 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso and Juan Colino Salamanca to the
Commission

Subject : The CAP and desertification 17

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E-26 16 / 95 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission
Subject : Safety of passenger vessels 17

96 / C 66 / 29 P-2648 / 95 by Herbert Bosch to the Commission

Subject : Aids to agriculture 18

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E-2673 / 95 by Josu Imaz San Miguel to the Commission
Subject : Liberalization of the energy market 19

E-267 5 / 95 by Nicole Fontaine to the Commission
Subject : Rules governing transport in the context of local excursions during twin town visits 20

E-2680 / 95 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : EU-Turkey customs union and impact on vulnerable industries such as textiles ..... 20

E-268 9 / 95 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission
Subject : Incorporation into Spanish law of the Directive relating to insurance against civil liability
in respect of the use of motor vehicles 21

E-2 695 / 95 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission
Subject : Incorporation into Spanish law of the Directive relating to the coordination of procedures
for the award of public service contracts 21

E-2 696 / 95 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission
Subject : Incorporation into Spanish law of the Directive on the coordination of the provisions
relating to direct life assurance 22

E-2698 / 95 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission
Subject : Incorporation into Spanish law of the Directive concerning the list of substances referred
to in Article 13 of Directive 67 / 548 / EEC 22

E-270 5 / 95 by Inigo Mendez de Vigo to the Commission
Subject : Suspension of fishing in Mauritanian waters 22

E-2710 / 95 by Stephen Hughes to the Commission
Subject : By-pass at Gateshead, England 23

E-2711 / 95 by Stephen Hughes to the Commission
Subject : ERDF support — United Kingdom 23

E-271 5 / 95 by Gerardo Fernandez - Albor to the Commission
Subject : Aid from the European Union to combat the ' caulerpa taxifolia ' seaweed 24

E-271 8 / 95 by Luigi Moretti to the Commission

Subject : European Commission programme to promote sport 25

E-2723 / 95 by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Torrential rain and hailstorms in Valencia 25

E-2729 / 95 by Christoph Konrad to the Commission
Subject : Expiry of the ECSC Treaty 26

E-2738 / 95 by Robert Sturdy, Giles Chichester and Bryan Cassidy to the
Commission

Subject : EU ban on DMD — spanner in works for rural development ? 27

( Continued overleaf )

Notice No Contents ( continued )

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E-2753 / 95 by Luigi Moretti to the Commission
Subject : Publicizing Community programmes and support projects 27

P-2765 / 95 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission
Subject : Use of research appropriations 28

E-2775 / 95 by Joaquin Sisó Cruellas to the Commission
Subject : European foundation for research into the coal and steel industries 29

E-27 96 / 95 by Bernie Malone to the Commission
Subject : Funding for integrated education programmes for children with mental and physical
disabilities 29

E-2797 / 95 by Imelda Read to the Commission
Subject : Age limits 30

E-2801 / 95 by Wolfgang Nußbaumer to the Commission
Subject : Internal market in energy 30

E-2804 / 95 by Ursula Schleicher to the Commission
Subject : Directives 92 / 73 / EEC and 92 / 74 / EEC on homeopathic medicinal products and veterinary
homeopathic medicinal products 31

E-28 14 / 95 by Edouard des Places to the Commission
Subject : Promotion of wool production in the European Union 32

E-2831 / 95 by Mathias Reichhold to the Commission
Subject : Payment of EU funds subsidies to Austria still outstanding for 1995 32

E-2857 / 95 by Michl Ebner to the Commission
Subject : Use of display boards to advertise EU funding of building projects 33

E-2869 / 95 by Otto von Habsburg to the Commission
Subject : Payment for Phare programme consultants 34

E-288 9 / 95 by Jorge Hernandez Mollar to the Commission
Subject : Regis II Community Initiative Programme 34

E-2890 / 95 by Jorge Hernandez Mollar to the Commission
Subject : Specific option plans for the most-remote regions 35

E-2895 / 95 by Jacques Donnay to the Commission
Subject : Delays in implementing the Leader initiative 35

E-28 99 / 95 by Konstantinos Hatzidakis to the Commission
Subject : Restructuring programme for olive production in Greece 36

E-2903 / 95 by Giacomo Santini to the Commission
Subject : Support for NGOs working in the West Nile region in Uganda 36

E-2908 / 95 by Richard Howitt and Maartje van Putten to the Commission
Subject : Use of leghold traps 37

E-2910 / 95 by Manuela Frutos Gama to the Commission
Subject : Competitions : equal opportunities 37

E-29 11 / 95 by Manuela Frutos Gama to the Commission
Subject : Advisory Committee on Appointments : equal opportunities 38

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

96 / C 66 / 64 E-29 12 / 95 by Manuela Frutos Gama to the Commission
Subject : Senior administrators : equal opportunities 38

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E-29 13 / 95 by Manuela Frutos Gama to the Commission
Subject : Heads of unit at the Commission ? 38

E-2914 / 95 by Manuela Frutos Gama to the Commission
Subject : Appointments to A1 and A2 posts : equal opportunities 39

E-29 15 / 95 by Jan Sonneveld and Bartho Pronk to the Commission
Subject : Local farmers excluded from supplying fresh beef to the largest supermarket chain in the

Netherlands 39

96 / C 66 / 68 E-2920 / 95 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Fishing in the Aegean Sea 40

96 / C 66 / 69 E-2928 / 95 by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission
Subject : Trans-European Networks 40

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E-2929 / 95 by Peter Skinner to the Commission
Subject : Sale of ' Green Card ' insurance in the UK to motorists travelling abroad 41

E-2943 / 95 by Mathias Reichhold to the Commission
Subject : EU initiative concerning border areas — Interreg 2 41

E-2944 / 95 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission
Subject : rBST use in Polish cattle farms 42

E-294 5 / 95 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission
Subject : Genetically engineered organisms in the sales production of Polish breweries 42

E-2951 / 95 by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler to the Commission
Subject : Conclusion of an agreement on the supply of cereals to Armenia 43

E-2 955 / 95 by Jannis Sakellariou to the Commission
Subject : Human rights violations in the People 's Republic of China 43

E-2962 / 95 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Free-trade agreement with Turkey in respect of steel products 44

E-2966 / 95 by Mercedes De la Merced Monge to the Commission
Subject : Committee of the Regions — establishment plan 45

E-2972 / 95 by Inigo Mendez de Vigo to the Commission
Subject : Increased quota for Moroccan tomatoes 45

E-2973 / 95 by Inigo Mendez de Vigo to the Commission
Subject : Allocation of Structural Funds 45

E-2974 / 95 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission
Subject : Nuclear power station in Jaragúa, Cuba 46

P-2983 / 95 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission
Subject : Tacis programmes for central Asia and Mongolia 46

( Continued overleaf )

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

96 / C 66 / 82 E-2988 / 95 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Failure to implement a policy for the provision of rural tourist facilities in remote areas of
Greece 47

96 / C 66 / 83 E-2996 / 95 by Mark Killilea to the Commission
Subject : Tacis Democracy Programme and the disabled 47

96 / C 66 / 84 E-2998 / 95 by Marie-Paule Kestelijn-Sierens and Jan Mulder to the Commission
Subject : European aid to Spanish glasshouse horticulturalists 48

96 / C 66 / 85 E-2 999 / 95 by Leen van der Waal to the Commission
Subject : Extending the export season for Moroccan fruit and vegetables 48

96 / C 66 / 86 E-3000 / 95 by Doeke Eisma to the Commission
Subject : Commission grant of ECU 2 million to the Netherlands for regional planning pilot
projects 49

96 / C 66 / 87 E-30 10 / 95 by Amedo Amadeo to the Commission
Subject : Human rights 50

96 / C 66 / 88 E-30 19 / 95 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission
Subject : Classification of defraudment of the EU budget as an offence 50

96 / C 66 / 89 P-3031 / 95 by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz to the Commission
Subject : Start-up of the Bulgarian nuclear power station at Kozloduy 51

96 / C 66 / 90 E-3035 / 95 by Wolfgang Nußbaumer to the Commission
Subject : EU — US trade relations 51

96 / C 66 / 91 E-3042 / 95 by Joaquin Sisó Cruellas to the Commission
Subject : Nuclear safety 52

96 / C 66 / 92 E-3043 / 95 by Joaquin Sisó Cruellas to the Commission
Subject : The European ceramic industry 52

96 / C 66 / 93 E-3044 / 95 by Joaquin Sisó Cruellas to the Commission
Subject : The European leather industry 53

96 / C 66 / 94 E-3046 / 95 by Ben Fayot to the Commission
Subject : European Union construction project in Geneva 53

96 / C 66 / 95 P-3052 / 95 by Maartje van Putten to the Commission
Subject : Revision of the chocolate Directive 54

96 / C 66 / 96 P-3053 / 95 by Mair Morgan to the Commission
Subject : Staffing for the ' Youth for Europe III ' Programme 55

96 / C 66 / 97 E-3067 / 95 by Christoph Konrad to the Commission
Subject : Structure and remit of the military arm of the CFSP 55

96 / C 66 / 98 E-3075 / 95 by Jose Apolinário to the Commission
Subject : Financial support for producers ' organizations in the apiculture sector 56

96 / C 66 / 99 E-3084 / 95 by Mathias Reichhold to the Commission
Subject : Approval of State subsidies for the agricultural sector 56

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Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

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E-3089 / 95 by Giles Chichester to the Commission
Subject : Infringements of EU agricultural policy 56

P-3110 / 95 by Sergio Ribeiro to the Commission
Subject : Negotiations with Morocco and the Portuguese canning industry 57

E-3 114 / 95 by James Moorhouse to the Commission
Subject : Wild fur caught in leghold traps 58

E-3 119 / 95 by Gastone Parigi and Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : Role of European information centres 58

E-3 120 / 95 by Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission
Subject : Human rights situation in Equatorial Guinea 59

P-3 124 / 95 by Per Stenmarck to the Commission

Subject : Fraud 60

E-3 128 / 95 by Ian White to the Commission
Subject : Health Advice for Travellers 60

E-3 135 / 95 by Claude Desama to the Commission
Subject : Application of Regulation ( EEC ) No 2454 / 93 — Articles 273 ( 2 ) and 278 ( 3 ) 61

E-3 136 / 95 by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission
Subject : Distortion of competition 61

P-3 141 / 95 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission
Subject : On the conclusions of the CPMP ad hoc working party on contraceptive pills containing
destoden or desogestrel 62

E-3 150 / 95 by Maartje van Putten to the Commission
Subject : ' Integrated Watershed Management in Doon Valley ' Project ( ALA / 90 / 14 ) 63

E-3 160 / 95 by Giuseppe Rauti to the Commission
Subject : Import of footwear from China and the East 63

E-3168 / 95 by Susan Waddington to the Commission
Subject : Public health policy — Post-Polio Syndrome 64

E-3 170 / 95 by Susan Waddington to the Commission
Subject : Safety standards — caravan sites 64

E-3 173 / 95 by Arthur Newens to the Commission

Subject : Aid projects in Indonesia 65

P -3 180 / 95 by Jorge Hernandez Mollar to the Commission
Subject : Stage reached on the report called for in the resolution on a coherent employment
strategy 65

E -3 182 / 95 by Glyn Ford to the Commission
Subject : Register of Commissioners ' interests 66

E -3 184 / 95 by Arthur Newens to the Commission
Subject : Impact of the Schengen Information System on the freedom of movement of third-country
nationals in the European Union 66

( Continued overleaf )

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

96 / C 66 / 118 E-3 185 / 95 by Arthur Newens to the Commission
Subject : Schengen Implementation Agreement and the free movement of third-country
nationals 66

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3 184 / 95 and E-3 185 / 95 67

96 / C 66 / 119 E-3234 / 95 by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler to the Commission
Subject : Influencing the Western Sahara conflict 67

96 / C 66 / 120 E-3235 / 95 by Glyn Ford to the Commission
Subject : Sanctions against Iraq 67

96 / C 66 / 121 P-3245 / 95 by Hugh McMahon to the Commission
Subject : Discrimination against foreign lecturers at the University of Verona and elsewhere in
Italy 68

96 / C 66 / 122 E-3248 / 95 by Angela Billingham to the Commission
Subject : Human rights in China 68

96 / C 66 / 123 E-3256 / 95 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission
Subject : Road accidents 69

96 / C 66 / 124 E-3258 / 95 by Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission
Subject : Disappearance of money at the Central Bank of Kenya 69

96 / C 66 / 125 E-3262 / 95 by Christine Oddy to the Commission
Subject : MG Gas Products ( part of the Hoechst Group ) 70

96 / C 66 / 126 E-3267 / 95 by Inigo Mendez de Vigo to the Commission
Subject : Elections in Haiti 70

96 / C 66 / 127 E-3277 / 95 by Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission
Subject : Discrepancies in mode of address of men and women 70

96 / C 66 / 128 P-3292 / 95 by Danielle Darras to the Commission
Subject : The Metaleurop company : anti-dumping procedure 71

96 / C 66 / 129 P-3293 / 95 by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz to the Commission
Subject : Mochovce Nuclear Power Station 71

96 / C 66 / 130 P-3295 / 95 by Jose Escudero to the Commission
Subject : The teaching of classical languages 72

96 / C 66 / 131 P-3298 / 95 by Jose Apolinário to the Commission
Subject : Structural Funds in Portugal ( 1995 ) 72

96 / C 66 / 132 E-3300 / 95 by Christine Crawley to the Commission
Subject : Standardization of payment terms 72

96 / C 66 / 133 P-3333 / 95 by Reimer Böge to the Commission
Subject : Limits on subsidized exports of farm products 73

96 / C 66 / 134 E-3439 / 95 by Jose Escudero to the Commission
Subject : Second language at school-leaving certificate level 74

96 / C 66 / 135 P-3446 / 95 by Helena Torres Marques to the Commission
Subject : Alzheimer's disease 74

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( Continued on inside back cover )

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

96 / C 66 / 136 P-3447 / 95 by Riccardo Garosci to the Commission
Subject : Directive on the labelling of prices on foodstuffs and other products 74

96 / C 66 / 137 P-3448 / 95 by Joan Colom i Naval to the Commission
Subject : Setting up of new observatories for SMEs 76

96 / C 66 / 138 P-3479 / 95 by Peter Skinner to the Commission
Subject : Safe manning numbers and hours at work on ships, in terms of both health and safety of
workers and safety at sea 76

96 / C 66 / 139 P-3482 / 95 by Francisca Sauquillo Pérez del Arco to the Commission
Subject : Institute for Relations between Europe and Latin America ( IRELA ) 77

96 / C 66 / 140 E-3609 / 95 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission
Subject : Community subsidies to associations, NGOs and various bodies 77

96 / C 66 / 141 E-363 9 / 95 by Concepció Ferrer to the Commission
Subject : 1994 food-aid programme for those most in need 78

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4 . 3 . 96 1 EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 1

I

( Information )

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2885 / 94 Supplementary answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission
by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE / NGL )

to the Commission ( 11 December 1995 )

( 16 January 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 01 ) The Honourable Member will recall that the Commission
has previously sought information from the Greek
authorities on how the wholesale trade in potatoes, onions
and garlic operates in the Attica region .

Subject : The vegetable trade and fair competition in the

region of Attica

Marketing Regulation No 10 adopted by the Ministry of
Commerce on 3 November 1994 forbids the sale of

potatoes, garlic and onions in the region of Attica outside
the Athens Central Vegetable Market . However, a ' closed
shop ' has delivered in that market ; for example, none of the
vacant stands has been auctioned off in the last three years .
This is preventing new businesses, cooperatives and farmers
from breaking into this lucrative trade and is hindering the
development of fair competition .

1 . How does the Commission intend to ensure that the

abovementioned Marketing Regulation, which is
preventing new businesses from breaking into the
vegetables market and consequently affecting fair
competition, is repealed ?

2 . Does it intend to look into the legality and application of
the Ministry of Commerce 's Decision A2-8730 of
6 August 1990 concerning the Athens Central Vegetable
Market, which provides around 4 million consumers
with vegetables, so as to remove those legal obstacles
which are hindering fair competition in the vegetables
market ?

On the basis of the information supplied by the Greek
authorities, the Commission considers that the wholesale
trade in Attica in the vegetables concerned does not infringe
the relevant Community legislation in force .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-5 17 / 95

by Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE / NGL )

to the Commission

( 27 February 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 02 )

Subject : Fire in an oil refinery at Perama — infringement of

the ' Seveso ' Directive

On 7 February 1995, a fire broke out at the EL-Petrol plant
in Perama, an area of Attica, crowded with such
installations, without any form of separation from
residential areas . Perama is geographically hemmed in
between mountain and sea and has only one access road to
the rest of the Athens area and hence only one escape route
in an emergency . All available information indicates that the
fire was caused by the outdated plant and infrastructures

No C 66 / 2 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

and the malfunctioning of the plant 's, in any case
inadequate, surveillance procedures and alarms .

In view of this, can the Commission indicate :

1 . whether the installations situated in Perama are covered

by the provisions of the ' Seveso ' Directive,

2 . whether the provisions of this Directive have been
applied in the Perama area,

3 . whether any further action has been taken on the

intention, expressed by the Commission, in reply to one
of my earlier questions, concerning the Petrola accident
to bring action against Greece before the European
Court of Justice for failure to implement the ' Seveso '
Directive, particularly since the gravity of this continued
omission has now been highlighted by the Perama
' accident '.

4 . whether it intends to take firmer action to ensure that

the Directive is applied to all areas containing dangerous
plant, and Perama in particular, especially in view of the
Bowe report, currently under consideration by the
European Parliament, calling for the provisions of the
directive to be tightened up to include land-use plans
which could involve the compulsory removal of such
plant and consultations with the local authorities on the
matter ?

Supplementary answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard

on behalf of the Commission

Therefore, the specific provisions of this Directive on
notification, internal emergency planning ( Article 5 ),
external emergency planning ( Article 7 ), do not apply .
These facilities fall only under the general provisions of
Articles 3 and 4 .

3 . The Commission has been in contact with the Greek

authorities after the accident in 1992 . During this period
the Greek authorities have taken significant steps to
comply with the provisions of the Seveso Directive .
These concern specifically the external emergency plans
and the provision of information to the public .

4 . After the adoption by the Parliament of its opinion on
first reading on the proposal for a Council Directive on
the control of major-accident hazards involving
dangerous substances ( 2 ) ( Bowe report ) and the political
agreement on a common position reached by Council on
23 June 1995, the Commission, in cooperation with the
Member States authorities, has already started work on
the implementation of the draft Directive . One
important aspect of this work concerns land-use
planning, included for the first time in the provisions of
the text . The Commission will work closely with the
Member States in order to ensure a consistent

implementation throughout the Community .

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

( 2 ) COM(94 ) 4 .

( 15 November 1995 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1631 / 95

by Markus Ferber ( PPE )

Further to the Commission reply of 2 May 1995 and after
discussions with the Greek authorities, the Commission
informs the Honourable Member as follows :

1 . The fire occurred on 7 February 1995 in the El Petrol
storage facilities at Perama and not in an oil refinery .
These facilities do not fall under Article 5 of the Seveso

Directive ( Council Directive 82 / 501 / EEC of 24 June

1 982 on the major-accident hazards of certain industrial
activities ( 1 )) given their total storage capacity, and a
notification is not required . However, the Greek
authorities have decided to request the manufacturer to
meet the requirements of Articles 3 and 4 of the
abovementioned Directive taking into account, in
particular, the high density of hazardous establishments
( BP, Total and Shell storage facilities ) in the vicinity of El
Petrol . Thus the ' manufacturer is required to prove . . .
that he has identified existing major-accident hazards,
adopted the appropriate safety measures, and provided
the persons working on the site with information,
training and equipment in order to ensure their safety '

( Article 4 of the Seveso Directive ).

2 . According to the information provided by the Greek
authorities, none of the storage facilities of BP, Total,
Shell and El Petrol at Perama fall under Article 5 of the

Seveso Directive given their total storage capacity .

to the Commission

( 12 June 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 03 )

Subject : EU support for research

Can the Commission provide the following information on
EU funding for research and development ( R&D ) in the
period 1992 — 1994 :

1 . What funds were granted to the individual Member

States of the Community for R&D in 1992, 1993 and

1994 ?

2 . What level of R&D funding, and for what projects, was

granted to Germany in this period ?

3 . In the same period, what R&D funds, broken down by
type of contractor ( universities, research institutes,
SMEs and large industry etc .), were granted to the
individual German Lander ?

4 . How many applications were there for R&D funding in

1995, broken down by type of programme and EU
Member State ?

4 . 3 . 96 1 EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 3

5 . What proportion of applicants for R&D funds in 1995
in the Community and in Germany are SMEs ?

Supplementary answer given by Mrs Cresson

on behalf of the Commission

( 30 October 1995 )

The answer has been sent directly to the Honourable
Member and the Secretariat-General of Parliament in view

of its size and the large number of Tables in it .

The information given is taken from a number of different
databases . There is no centralized computer system from
which a chart showing all research programmes can be
obtained .

line through the adjacent Rijnstrangen area ( in the form of
an M-line ) as part of the Betuwe route ( Government
statement of 21 April, Lower House, 1994 — 1995, 22589,
No 71 ). The A15 motorway may be extended eastward
parallel to the railway line .

The Rijnstrangen, a wetland and sanctuary, form part of the
De Gelderse Poort nature development area, which is itself
part of the European Network of protection areas . The
Rijnstrangen area is inhabited by over 120 species of birds,
26 of which figure on the Red List of endangered and
vulnerable species in the Netherlands . The bitterns in the
area account for 9,1 % of the total in the Netherlands, the
black terns for 3,7 % . This is equivalent to more than 1 % of
the North-West European population of both species . Little
bitterns, spotted crakes, corn crakes, common terns,
kingfishers, marsh harriers and blue-throats also breed in
the Rijnstrangen area . Five per cent of the Bewick 's swans in
North-West Europe overwinter here ( 1 ). As all the species
referred to are listed in Annex I to Directive 79 / 409 / EEC ( 2 )
on the conservation of wild birds, they enjoy special
protection .

A breakdown of research funds by Member States is likely to protection .
be confusing . Community research and technological
development ( RTD ) funds are awarded not to Member
States or regional or local authorities, but to businesses, The planned bridge over the Pannerdensch Canal, the
universities and research centres established in the railway line through the Rijnstrangen area and the extension
Community which carry out the selected RTD projects in of the A15 that is being contemplated will result in

considerable noise nuisance for the avifauna and create a

return for a share of the Community funding . This kind of
breakdown will also not provide any indication of the actual physical barrier between nesting and feeding grounds, thus
benefits of Community research and development having an adverse effect on the habitat of the vulnerable
programmes to businesses, universities or other species named above .
organizations in the Member States . The principal
advantage of participating in the programmes is that each Does the construction of this section of the Betuwe route
partner has access to all the results of the project in which it and the A15 above ground not therefore contravene the bird
is involved, whatever its financial contribution or the conservation Directive ?
Community funding it receives . Another important
advantage is that participation leads to the creation and
development of research structures at European level, e.g. If so, what representations will the Commission make to the
networks . A national breakdown of figures can therefore at Netherlands Government with a view to preserving the
best only give an approximate indication of the degree of ornithological value of the Rijnstrangen area for Europe ?
interest and the level of participation of nationals of the
Member States in individual specific programmes . (') Data on 1989 — 1994, obtained from Vogelwerkgroep Arnhem

The planned bridge over the Pannerdensch Canal, the
railway line through the Rijnstrangen area and the extension
of the A15 that is being contemplated will result in
considerable noise nuisance for the avifauna and create a

physical barrier between nesting and feeding grounds, thus
having an adverse effect on the habitat of the vulnerable
species named above .

Does the construction of this section of the Betuwe route

and the A15 above ground not therefore contravene the bird
conservation Directive ?

If so, what representations will the Commission make to the
Netherlands Government with a view to preserving the
ornithological value of the Rijnstrangen area for Europe ?

e.o .

( 2 ) OJ No L 103, 25 . 4 . 1979, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 899 / 95 on behalf of the Commission
by Nel van Dijk ( V ), Maartje van Putten ( PSE ) and

(6 October 1995 )
Doeke Eisma ( ELDR )

to the Commission

(3 July 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 04 )

Subject : Incompatibility of the projected Betuwe route with

the bird conservation Directive

The Netherlands Government has decided to construct a

railway bridge over the Pannerdensch Canal and a railway

The Commission is aware of the importance of the
Rijnstrangen for the bittern, botaurus stellaris, a species
listed in Annex I to Directive 79 / 409 / EEC on the

conservation of wild birds, which requires Member States to
take special conservation measures concerning its habitat
including designation of special protection areas ( SPA ). The
site is also important for the natterjack, bufo calamita,
listed in Annex IV to Directive 92 / 43 / EEC (^ and the
conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora,
and therefore subject to strict protection measures .

No C 66 / 4 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

According to information available to the Commission, the Answer
Oude Rijnstrangen itself does not qualify for SPA ( 15 January 1996 )
designation for the other bird species mentioned by the
Honourable Members . These species occur in the Gelderse
Poort of which the Oude Rijnstrangen forms a part .

Answer

The Commission wrote to the Dutch authorities to ask for

information about the proposed construction of the
Betuwelijn through this area and the measures envisaged to
comply with the obligations under these Directives and
under Directive 85 / 337 / EEC ( 2 ) on the assessment of the
effects of certain public and private projects on the
environment .

The Dutch authorities answered that a decision on the

Betuwelijn will soon be taken by their government and will
be discussed in the Dutch Parliament . According to the
Dutch authorities the exact route of the railway and the
local adaptations to meet the environmental problems will
not be evident before the conclusion of this discussion . Nor

is it possible at this moment to go into the specific measures
that will be taken to comply with the abovementioned
Directives . Information on these measures will be sent to the

Commission as soon as possible .

í 1 ) OJ No L 206, 22 . 7 . 1992 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 175, 5 . 7 . 1985 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1929 / 9 5

by Peter Crampton ( PSE )

to the Council

1 . Article 18 ( 4 ) of the Council 's Rules of Procedure
provides that conventions drawn up by the Council under
Title VI of the Treaty on European Union are to be
published in the Official Journal of the European
Communities .

2 . Pursuant to Article 1 8 ( 3 ) of the Rules of Procedure the
decision to publish other acts under Title VI of the Treaty is
to be taken in each case, when the said acts are adopted .
Thus, the joint action concerning travel facilities for school
pupils from third countries resident in a Member State has
been published in the Official Journal of the European
Communities ( 1 ).

3 . In addition, the texts of a number of resolutions,
recommendations and conclusions on immigration have
been attached to Council Secretariat press releases following
their adoption ( see Annex XI A to the Council report on the
functioning of the Treaty on European Union ).

4 . Lastly, the Council ( Justice and Home Affairs ) of
23 November 1995 gave its approval for a whole series of
acts and other texts on asylum and immigration which have
already been adopted to be published in the Official Journal
of the European Communities .

(') OJ No L 327, 19 . 12 . 1994, p . 1 .

( 10 July 1995 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1984 / 95

( 96 / C 66 / 05 ) by Nel van Dijk ( V )

to the Commission

(8 July 1995 )

Subject : Immigration and asylum in the EU : information ( 96 / C 66 / 06 )

There is no obligation in the EC Treaty for matters relating
to immigration and asylum dealt with under the Third Pillar
by way of resolutions, recommendations, decisions, joint
actions or joint positions to be published in the Official
Journal of the European Communities either before
adoption by the Ministers or afterwards .

Given that Member States have been adopting these acts
both intergovernmentally and now under the Third Pillar
since at least 1990 and none have been officially published,
will the Council please consider producing a full list of what
has been adopted and what steps have been taken either to
publish or to make available to the public, copies of these
documents which are supposed to form the principles of
European immigration and asylum policy ?

Subject : Distortion of competition as a result of aid

provided by The Hague City Council

Is the Commission aware of the level of the cash subsidy
which The Hague City Council used to persuade the
American company Software Support Inc . to site its first
European facility in The Hague rather than Leiden (*)?

Does that subsidy amount to Fl 500 000, including Fl
250 000 from The Hague City Council 's coffers ?

Has it been notified to the Commission in accordance with

Article 93 ( 3 ) of the EC Treaty ?

4 . 3 . 96 I EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 5

Does it constitute competition-distorting State aid within
the meaning of Article 92 ( 1 ) of the EC Treaty ?

Will the Commission take steps, in accordance with
Article 93 ( 2 ) of the EC Treaty, to ensure that the subsidy is
suspended, prohibited or paid back ?

(') NRC Handelsblad, 15 June 1995 .

Supplementary answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

( 23 November 1995 )

In response to the Honourable Member 's question
concerning the alleged aid given by The Hague City Council
to Software Support Inc ., the Commission sought
clarification from the Dutch authorities .

It transpires from the facts communicated by the Dutch
authorities that the aid, which totals F1 250 000 and not F1
500 000, has not yet been granted but is only at the planning
stage . The Dutch authorities have undertaken to notify the
Commission of the aid in good time so that, in accordance
with Article 93 ( 3 ) of the EC Treaty, it can give its decision
before the aid is granted .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2157 / 95

by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler ( V )

to the Commission

( 28 July 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 07 )

Subject : The Hidrovia project

What progress has been made with the environmental
impact assessments, referred to in various Commission
documents, for the Hidrovia project in the Mercosur
countries ? In which countries are they being carried out ?

On which agreements with the CIH ( Comite
Intergovernamental da Hidrovia ) are they based ? What
implications will the results of the assessments have for

( a ) implementation of the project and

( b ) the EU 's continued involvement in the project ?

On what criteria and scientific research relating to
environmental impact and sustainable development are the
assessments based ?

What results or interim results are available as regards the
acceleration of water flow as a result of river straightening

and the impact on riverside areas and the neighbouring
eco-system in general ?

Have alternatives to the Hidrovia project been assessed, or
are such assessments planned ?

Is contact maintained, on an informal or institutional basis,
with Mercosur 's REMA working party ( Reunion
espezializada de Medio Ambiente ) as regards the Hidrovia
project and environmental issues generally ?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 12 October 1995 )

The Community ( and some Member States in particular )
has more inland waterways than any other region in the
world, many of them artificial ; they underlay the first
industrial revolution and our economic and social

development .

In view of this know-how, the Rio del Plata basin countries
turned to the Commission with a request for assistance with
their project for developing the natural waterway consisting
of the Parana-Paraguay River system, which already exists
and has been in use since time immemorial .

They also turned to other institutions, specifically the World
Bank, United Nations Development Programme and
the Inter - American Development Bank ( IBD ). The
last-mentioned has undertaken to carry out the
environmental impact study ( EIS ).

— The EIS began in April and is due to last for 18

months .

— The countries concerned are the four Mercosur

countries and Bolivia .

— The Commission is invited to attend the monthly

meetings of the Hidrovia Committee through the
Delegation at Montevideo ; it has raised the possibility of
taking part in these studies, in particular the viability and
institutional organization studies and ( at a later stage )
the training study .

— Liaison with REMA ( the Environment Working Party )

does not take place at this stage, but there will be
provision for it in the future cooperation agreement
between the Community and the Mercosur countries .

— For information on other technical matters the

Honourable Member is referred to the terms of

reference, or if necessary the IBD, which is responsible
for carrying out the environmental impact study .

The terms of reference for the environmental impact study
which the IBD is now conducting are being sent direct to the
Honourable Member and to the Secretariat of

Parliament .

No C 66 / 6 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2 169 / 95

by Florus Wijsenbeek ( ELDR )

to the Commission

( 28 July 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 08 )

Subject : Air transport charges

Is the Commission aware that the European Air Shippers
Association has complained about the prices, punctuality
and other aspects of the service provided by air carriers ?

Is it aware that prices are determined by means of
assessments concluded amongst the air carriers and
I AT A ?

Is it also aware that, whilst American carriers ' freight
charges are substantially lower, European carriers ' error
margins and delay factors are much higher ?

What view does it take of the EASC 's intention to raise the

issue of air freight charges in the context of the GATT ?

What steps does it propose to take in order to resolve these
problems and make European airlines more competitive ?

At present, tariffs for the carriage of goods by air are neither
covered by the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade

( GATT ), nor by the GATS Agreement ( General Agreement
on Trade in Services ).

However, in the review process of the latter agreement,
which is envisaged five years after its entry into force, it may
well be possible to raise this subject .

Recently, the attention of the Commission has been drawn
to the level of tariffs set by airlines through consultations
and to the fact that the percentage of European freight
transport actually giving rise to interlining agreements —
which was in principle the objective pursued by these
consultations — is very low . The Commission has therefore
decided to start consultations with a view to possible
abolition of the exemption for tariff consultation on freight
transport by air .

At the same time the Commission has requested from the
Council Directives to negotiate an aviation agreement
between the Community and the United States, which
includes air cargo . The agreement envisaged is designed to
create equitable opportunities for fair competition and so
lead to lower prices for the carriage of air cargo .

(') OJ No L 155, 26 . 6 . 1993 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2 186 / 95

by Ursula Schleicher ( PPE )
Answer given by Mr Kinnock to the Commission

on behalf of the Commission

( 23 October 1995 ) ( 28 July 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 09 )

The Commission has regular contacts with the European air
shippers association and is informed of the concerns of this
association over the level of service and the rates for the

carriage of cargo by air .

The Commission is also fully informed about the role and
function of the International Air Transport Association

( IATA ) in the consultations between carriers on cargo
tariffs . In fact the Commission has made a thorough
investigation of the situation and has decided that under
certain conditions such consultations have substantial

positive effects for consumers and therefore should be
exempted from the application of Article 85.1 of the EC
Treaty . It therefore granted a group exemption by adopting
Commission Regulation ( EEC ) No 1617 / 93 ( J ).

The competitive situation for air freight is very complex . In
the opinion of the Commission it is not possible to state
categorically that European air carriers in general offer a
service for air freight which is inferior to that of United
States air carriers . Indeed it is reasonable to say that in some
aspects European air carriers are at the forefront of the air
freight market .

Subject : European water pollution control — consistent

lists of substances — transparency

The various Community Directives contains lists of
substances and lists of industrial plants or processes which
are regarded as particularly hazardous to the environment .
Those lists vary according to Directive ( 76 / 464 / EEC (*),
IPPC, Seveso, drinking water / groundwater Directive ). That
may be technically warranted in individual cases ; as a rule,
however, this suggests a problem of a lack of technical and
organizational coordination . In particular in the IPPC
Directive, a number of additions or corrections have been
made to existing provisions, e.g. the provision of
information on BAT standards compared with reporting
obligations and corresponding proposed questionnaires
with details on emission or BAT standards, arrangements
for access to information compared with Directive
90 / 313 / EEC ( 2 ) on freedom of access to information on the
environment .

1 . Does not the Commission also believe that the relevant

lists of substances and origins, i.e. lists of industries,
need to be better coordinated in the various EU

Directives ?

4 . 3 . 96 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 7

2 . Should not environmental protection requirements be
better coordinated by regulating certain substances and
activities ?

4 . Are not consistent lists of substances in the various

Directives a compelling precondition for transposition
and effective supervision in the Member States ?

3 . Might not clarification be obtained by means, if 5 . In the Commission 's view, what scope is there for
necessary, of a feasibility study within the meaning of improving the approach taken in connection with water
the Fifth Environmental Action Programme as to what pollution control involving the protracted procedure for
requirements are made in this regard by the various setting limit values for each substance ?
Directives and as to better ways and means of
coordinating and simplifying European law on the 0 ) OJ No L 188, 16 . 7 . 1984, p . 20 .
environment ?

(!) OJ No L 129, 18 . 5 . 1976, p . 23 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 158, 23 . 6 . 1990, p . 56 .
Joint answer to Written Questions

E-2 186 / 95 and E-2187 / 95

given by Mrs Bjerregaard
on behalf of the Commission

(8 November 1995 )
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2187 / 95

by Ursula Schleicher ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 28 July 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 10 )

Subject : European water pollution control — risk

assessment

Ultimately, the IPPC Directive has evolved from the air
Directive 84 / 360 / EEC ('), into which, euphemistically
speaking, parts of the water Directive 76 / 464 / EEC were
incorporated . It is a moot point whether the Directives are
geared more to branches of industry or to substances .
Regrettably, in fact, emission standards have been
developed, and adopted by the Council, for few branches of
industry . While the 1976 Directive provides criteria for the
classification of hazardous substances, i.e. their toxicity,
persistence and bio-accumulability, the IPPC Directive
contains no criteria at all for the selection for the substances

referred to the emission of which is to be avoided or scaled

down . EU legislation on chemicals, however, has already
introduced risk assessment and risk management ; this has
also been introduced into the draft text amending the 1976
Directive . The Commission had furthermore undertaken to

submit an appropriate assessment procedure for the 1995
conference on the protection of the North Sea, which was to
form the basis for updating the corresponding lists of
substances in EU law on water resources .

1 . Must not the IPPC Directive in particular specify the
conditions / criteria for selecting and extending lists of
substances ?

2 . What should be the criteria for incorporating substances

to those   - lists ?

3 . Must those criteria not logically be developed on the

basis of a risk analysis and risk management in parallel
with legislation on chemicals ?

The proposed integrated pollution prevention and control
( IPPC ) Directive ( ! ) has a comprehensive indicative list of
families of substances . This list is therefore not by nature
exclusive . The application of the precautionary principle as
embodied in the draft IPPC Directive requires a priori
control by best efforts . In order to improve efficiency of the
permitting procedure, emission limit values may be
supplemented or replaced by equivalent parameters of
technical measures .

The condition for consistent lists of substances in various

Directives presupposes that substances act in the same
manner in all environmental media, physically, chemically
and biochemically . Since this is the exception rather than the
rule, to ensure effective targeting of priorities within the
aims of each Directive, it is inevitable that differences in lists
will occur . This does not, however, rule out the requirement
for, nor suggest a lack of, both technical and organizational
coordination amongst the Directives when developing
priorities .

The approach adopted in the proposed IPPC Directive, as
exemplified in its Article 8, provides a means to broaden and
hence improve upon the single substance approach in that it
addresses pollution from the point of view of the industry or
process . Emission limit values may be set for groups,
families or categories of substances or may be supplemented
or replaced by equivalent parameters or technical

measures .

The Commission made it clear at the Edinburgh European

Council of 1992 that it would examine environmental law

to determine the effectiveness of coordination and the

means of simplification . This is an ongoing process .

(!) COM(93 ) 423 final — OJ No C 31 1,17 . 11 . 1993, ( as amended

by COM(95 ) 88 final — OJ No C 165, 1 . 7 . 1995 ).

No C 66 / 8 | EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

QUESTION E-2 194 / 95 viability and other considerations such as cost and benefit

Schleicher ( PPE ) results from the fact that any pollution control measures, as

the Commission required in the EC Treaty, must take sensible account of the

costs and advantages of action .
( 28 July 1995 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2 194 / 95

by Ursula Schleicher ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 96 / C 66 / 11 ) (>) COM(95 ) 88 — OJ No C 165, 1 . 7 . 1995, amending COM(93 )

423 — OJ No C 311, 17 . 11 . 1993 .

Subject : European water pollution control — key concept

of ' best available technologies ' ( BAT )

The proposed IPPC Directive seeks to give tangible
expression to the vague legal concepts and standard clauses
for ' best available technologies ' or ' best available technical
means ' in Directives 84 / 360 / EEC ( ] ) and 76 / 464 / EEC ( 2 )
and hence to provide a minimum framework for the
Member States for the development of their own emission
standards or limit values in connection with plant licensing
procedures themselves . The discussions currently taking
place in Council working parties and in the relevant quarters
reveal that a number of Member States regard their different
opinions as being borne out by the definition of BAT in
the IPPC proposal . Evidently, the definition of BAT is
inadequate ; in particular it does not state who should and
may define what are the best available technologies .

1 . Who should define the best available technology :
engineering bodies, legislative authorities or authorizing
authorities ?

2 . Does not the current definition in the IPPC Directive mix

up two different things : on the one hand the description
of an advanced state of the art and balancing this with
other concerns, e.g. reasonableness and economic
acceptability for the applicant too ?

( ! ) OJ No L 188, 16 . 7 . 1984, p . 20 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 129, 18 . 5 . 1976, p . 23 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard

on behalf of the Commission

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2195 / 95

by Ursula Schleicher ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 28 July 1995 )

96 / C 66 / 12

Subject : European water pollution control — definition of

' best available technologies ' ( BAT )

1 . Can the BAT definition opted for in the IPPC
Directive, which derives from international conventions on
water pollution control, be taken over in EU legislation as it
stands, or should not its content and legal effect be verified
in order to clarify what defines a technical standard and
what determines the extent to which it can be taken into

account, and the conditions for doing so, i.e. what the scope
is for balanced consideration ?

2 . If we must assume that there is a difference between

' new technologies ' and ' best available technologies ' for
emission reduction at industrial plants in Europe, does
not the Commission also seek a risk that European
environmental law will encourage environmental dumping,
and, in its view, what role should competition questions and
questions of equality of opportunity play for European
industry in particular in the area of the environment,
especially in the context of Article 130s of the Treaty ?

( 26 October 1995 ) Answer on behalf of given by the Mrs Commission Bjerregaard

Under the draft integrated pollution prevention and control
( IPPC ) Directive (*), best available technologies ( BAT ) for a
particular sector or process are identified according to their
compatibility with the definition of BAT in the Directive —
they are not themselves defined . The exchange of
information on BAT under Article 15.2 of the Directive will

elaborate the application of the definition for individual
sectors, and authorities will take into account this, and all
other relevant factors listed in Annex IV of the Directive, in
setting emission limit values for particular installations .

The definition of BAT takes account of economic viability
but not of anything corresponding to ' economic
acceptability for the applicant '. The inclusion of economic

( 30 October 1995 )

1 . The draft integrated pollution prevention and control
( IPPC ) Directive (*) provides for an exchange of information
on best available technologies ( BAT ) which will provide the
necessary forum for discussion of the application of the
generalized concept of BAT to particular sectors and
subsectors .

2 . The aim of all Community environmental policy is to
ensure full protection of the environment across the
Community . There is thus no risk of any competitive
advantage being gained by industry of a particular Member
State or region at the expense of the environment . The role
of competition questions and of equality of opportunity, in

4 . 3 . 96 I EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 9

the environment as in other areas, is and will continue to be
determined by the relevant provisions of the EC Treaty .

(') COM(95 ) 88 — OJ No C 165, 1 . 7 . 1995, amending COM(93 )

423 — OJ No C 311, 17 . 11 . 1993 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2207 / 95

by Ursula Schleicher ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 28 July 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 13 )

Subject : European water pollution control : Devolving tasks

onto Member States ; lack of material guidelines

The proposal for a modification of the drinking water
Directive, the new Directive on the ecological quality of
water and the IPPC Directive are indicative of a new

approach by the Commission : laying down guidelines for
qualitative requirements such as ' ecological quality of
water ' or ' use of best available technology '. However, the
Commission does not indicate any material standards, i.e.
specific limit values or measurable quality standards . These
are left to the Member States or, when the latter take no
action, to the local body responsible for licensing .

1 . Does the Commission not feel that this new approach —
which consists largely of delegating guidelines on
standards to the Member States — might lead to new,
non-harmonized requirements for the licensing of
industrial plant or other plant ?

2 . What information does the Commission have about the

acceptance of what are merely verbal requirements, e.g.
on the part of the local authorities, agriculture, the
industries affected and environmental protection
organizations ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard

on behalf of the Commission

( 6 November 1995 )

1 . The Commission adopted the approach of the
proposal for a Council Directive concerning integrated
pollution prevention and control ( IPPC ) ( ! ), which requires
an assessment of the best pollution control solution for the
environment as a whole at the level of the individual plant,
because it considered this a more appropriate and adaptable
system of industrial pollution control for the installations
concerned than the setting of emission limit values at
European level . The draft Directive not only provides
guidelines on the choice of best available technology ( BAT )

but provides for an information exchange on the subject .
This thorough exchange of views between Member States
concerning the broad level of effort on which emission
controls will be based will enable the full exploration of the
concept of BAT as applied to a particular sector . The

Commission expects that such a system will provide the
most flexible and appropriate protection from large-scale
industrial pollution .

2 . With regard to the verbal description of ' good
ecological quality ' in the proposed ecological quality of
water Directive ( 2 ), Article 3 of the proposal authorizes
the Commission to establish technical specifications for
the determination of ecological water quality, i.e. a
classification scheme . These specifications will ensure inter
alia the comparability of monitoring data and the
determinations of ecological water quality . In addition,
Article 5 requires Member States to set specific ' operational
targets ' for achieving good ecological quality . The question
about the acceptance of ' mere verbal requirements ' is
therefore not relevant because there will be a formal

classification system for the determination of ecological
water quality and a series of specific operational targets .

( 1 ) COM(93 ) 423 final — OJ No C 3 1 1, 1 7 . 1 1 . 1 993, ( as amended

by COM(95 ) 88 final — OJ No C 165, 1 . 7 . 1995 ).

( 2 ) COM(93 ) 680 final — OJ No C 222, 10 . 8 . 1994 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2305 / 95

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V )

to the Commission

(1 September 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 14 )

Subject : Ozone

1 . The UNEP report on onzone-depleting substances
makes it clear that a cap of 1 %, instead of the EU 's current
2,6 %, would be sufficient . Why is the EU not committed to
a cap reduction, in this case ?

2 . Why is the EU not adopting a much more stringent
phaseout date for HCFCs, in order to send a strong
message ?

3 . The US has made a commitment to phase out methyl
bromide production and consumption by 2001 . The EU will
reduce its use by 25 % by 1998 . Why is the EU-position so
weak, rather than following the examples set by the US ?

No C 66 / 10 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

4 . UNEP has reported that developing ( Article 5 ) WRITTEN QUESTION
countries have the capacity to produce their own CFCs . by Jesús Cabezón Alonso (
Why, therefore, is the EU allowing European production of Juan Colino Salamanca (
these ozone-depleting substances, whose use is now ended in to the Commission
Europe, to continue ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-23 18 / 95

by Jesús Cabezón Alonso ( PSE ) and

Juan Colino Salamanca ( PSE )

(1 September 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 15 )

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard

on behalf of the Commission

Subject : Failure at school
(1 December 1995 )

1 and 2 . By adopting a cap of 2% and 2015 as the
deadline for phasing out hydrochlorofluorocarbons

( HCFCs ) as a Community position to be argued in Vienna at
the seventh meeting of the parties to the Montreal protocol
on substances that deplete the ozone layer ( 28 November to
7 December 1995 ), the Council meeting of 6 October 1995
not only went further than the current Montreal protocol

( cap of 3,1 % and phaseout of HCFCs by 2030 ), but also
the current Council Regulation ( EC ) No 3093 / 94 of
25 December 1994 on substances that deplete the ozone
layer ( j ) ( cap of 2,6% and phaseout by 2015 ).

3 . As regards methyl bromide, on 6 October 1995 the
Council adopted a common position for the forthcoming
negotiations in Vienna . Production and consumption of
methyl bromide should thus be cut by 25 % by 1998 and
50% by 2005 in relation to 1991 production and
consumption . The Council has not decided on a date for
eliminating this pesticide, however .

The Community nevertheless recognizes the ultimate
objective of eliminating methyl bromide emissions taking
account of economic and technical factors . Thus there is

nothing to prevent the Community from negotiating such a
phaseout date with the other parties to the Montreal
protocol .

4 . A ban on Community production of
chlorofluorocarbons ( CFCs ) for export to developing
countries would not have a particularly beneficial effect on
the ozone layer . Indeed, if such a ban were to be introduced
in the Community only, the other producing countries in the
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

( OECD ) or outside the OECD could be tempted to increase
their market share by exporting more to other developing
countries .

Does the Commission intend to take any action to evaluate
failure at school in the various EU Member States, to analyse
its causes and to correct or prevent its consequences ?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson

on behalf of the Commission

(3 October 1995 )

The Commission has taken a large number of measures
relating to school failure in the context of Community-level
cooperation, including research, pilot projects and studies .
The results were published in 1 994 under the title ' Measures
to combat failure at school : a challenge for the construction
of Europe ' ( Eurydice ). This publication takes stor '
available scientific knowledge on the subject of t .
failure and summarises its causes .

The Member of the Commission responsible for education
is intending to introduce a priority measure relating
to second-chance education as part of the Socrates
programme . This will necessarily involve teaching methods
largely based on new technologies which, when it comes to
teaching young people steeped in the culture of visual media,
are much more suitable than book-based methods .

The idea of undertaking such an activity at European level
is based on the fact that a change of scenery from an
environment in which young people feel inferior is in itself a
powerful factor in social reintegration . This idea was
developed in a contribution to the annual conference of the
European society for Engineering Education .

The priority for the protection of the ozone layer is therefore
a rapid and complete phaseout of all CFC production and
consumption in the developing countries . This is currently
planned for 2010 . The Honourable Commission Members is sending and to this the Secretariat-General document directly to of the the

European Parliament .
(!) OJ No L 333, 22 . 12 . 1994 .

4 . 3 . 96 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 11

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2407 / 95

by Raimondo Fassa ( ELDR )

to the Commission

(1 September 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 16 )

Subject : Aid to the Christian minority in the Middle

East

A number of inter-denominational NGOs are working to
provide social amenities and training programmes in
Lebanon for the local Christian population, but
unfortunately the Commission does not seem interested in
or able to support these initiatives .

Since in 1914 Christians made up 25 % of the population in
the Middle East, falling to 19 % in 1945, whilst today they
account for barely 8 % of the total population of these
countries, i.e. more than 8 million people, can the
Commission say whether and how it intends to promote
support for the Christian minority in the Middle East ?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on . behalf of the Commission

( 25 September 1995 )

The Commission is aware of the remarkable work that

inter-denominational NGOs are doing in Lebanon and is
providing them with substantial backing . The Commission
has, for example, provided ECU 16,6 million from the
Community 's resources to co-finance 232 social projects
with European and Lebanese NGOs .

There are, in addition to this, projects financed entirely by
the Commission that are implicitly social and
inter-denominational, such as — to cite but a few examples
from the last two years — grants of ECU 19 million for the
reconstruction of primary and secondary schools, ECU 1 1
million to help displaced persons and ECU 2 million to
combat drugs .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2438 / 95

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V )

to the Commission

(1 September 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 17 )

Subject : Geographical scope of the Euratom Treaty

1 . Is the Commission aware that the geographical scope
of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy

Community as defined in Article 198 differs in principle
from that of the Treaty establishing the European
Community as defined in Article 227 thereof ?

2 . Is the Commission aware that the geographical scope
of the Euratom Treaty as defined in the first paragraph of its
Article 198 is larger and, in principle, encompasses all
non-European territories of a Member State ?

3 . Is the Commission aware that, pursuant to Article
232 ( 2 ) of the EC Treaty, the provisions of the Euratom
Treaty — including, therefore, the first paragraph of
Article 198 thereof — are not affected by differently worded
provisions of the EC Treaty — including, therefore,
Article 227 thereof ?

4 . Is the Commission aware that at a distance of only 800
to 1 000 km from France 's test area on the Mururoa Atoll

lies an inhabited territory of another Member State —
Pitcairn Island — to which the provisions of the Euratom
Treaty apply pursuant to subparagraph ( c ) of the third
paragraph of Article 198 in conjunction with Annex IV of
the Treaty establishing the European Community ?

5 . Is the Commission further aware of the occurrence

during an earlier ' particularly dangerous experiment ' on the
Mururoa Atoll in the summer of 1979 of an accident the

effects of which were felt 1 500 km away ?

Answer given by Mr Santer
on behalf of the Commission

( 30 November 1995 )

The Commission is fully aware of the difference in
geographical scope of the Euratom and EC Treaties . Unlike
the EC Treaty ( Article 227 ), the Euratom Treaty applies to
the French overseas Departments, and consequently to
French Polynesia, and to the UK territory of Pitcairn, which
lies some 800 km from Mururoa Atoll ( Article 198 of the
Euratom Treaty and Annex IV to the EC Treaty ).

The Commission is aware of a hydraulic event in 1979,
which caused partial flooding of the Mururoa Atoll and was
detectable at appreciably greater distances . This event has
been attributed to a landslip on the flank of the atoll . Other
similar events of much less significance occurred over the
period 1977 to 1980 . The 1979 event was caused by nuclear
test activities as acknowledged in a monograph published by
the French CEA ( Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique ).
Shortly before that event a weapoon had been detonated at a
depth of 987 m rather than at the anticipated depth of 1 100
m as a result of technical difficulties . According to the
information available these difficulties have not recurred,
the techniques used having been reviewed and perfected
prior to any further tests .

No C 66 / 12 f EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2453 / 95

by Maartje van Putten ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 September 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 18 )

Subject : Cover strips for chillers and freezers used by small

businesses

1 . Is the Commission aware of the opportunities for
cutting by 20 — 40 % the energy consumed by chillers and
freezers used in small businesses, e.g. supermarkets, with the
aid of ' cover strips '?

2 . Is it aware that research shows that the strips not only
save a considerable amount of energy but also improve
temperature control in the appliance, thus having a

beneficial effect on product hygiene and public health ?

3 . Can it report on results ( in terms of energy savings,
hygiene and consumer reaction ) in the United Kingdom,
where the use of cover strips is widespread because of strict
controls to enforce correct temperatures in such
appliances ?

4 . Can it state how the Member States monitor

compliance with European standards for enforcing correct
temperatures in such equipment, and what their findings
are ?

decides how the products should be displayed, with little or
no thought to the energy consumption . If covers are
prevented by the merchandisers ' requirements, the use of
night covers would be strongly recommended .

2 . The Commission is also aware that a covered

refrigeration system allows a better temperature control of
the cabinet which is very important for food hygiene .

3 . The provisions recently adopted in the United
Kingdom for temperature control have just come into force
and it is too early to report on the results .

4 . Directive 89 / 397 / EEC on the official control of
foodstuffs (') requires food control officials in each Member
State to carry out inspections of food premises, the sampling
and analysis of foods and other controls in order to establish
compliance with both Community and national foodstuffs
legislation .

At the moment the temperature in retail display cabinets is
subject to national requirements so far as chilled foods are
concerned, and, so far as quick frozen foods are concerned,
to rules originating in Directive 89 / 108 / EEC on quick frozen
foodstuffs ( 2 ).

Under Article 14 of Directive 89 / 397 / EEC the Commission

may make recommendations for a programme of food
controls . In 1995 such a recommendation ( 3 ) was made
assessing the temperatures of frozen foods in the retail
sector . Under the 1996 programme the temperatures of
chilled foods in the same sector should be assessed .

5 . Does the Commission see a case for making the use by
small businesses of cover strips for cooling and freezing
appliances compulsory, or otherwise promoting their use, in The temperature control of food is one means of preventing
the interest of energy saving and public health ? the growth of certain micro-organisms . Low temperature

storage can help contribute to the overall safety of food
where the food has also been prepared and stored under
hygienic conditions in line with the various hygiene
Directives .

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis

on behalf of the Commission

( 19 October 1995 ) The hygiene of foodstuffs Directive 93 / 43 / EEC which
covers the retail sector does not specify storage temperatures
but provides for these to be considered at a European level
for specific foods . The Commission is currently looking at

is aware of the possible energy this issue both within the framework of its scientific work
refrigeration systems, in particular and the hygiene working group of the standing committee

for foodstuffs .

1 . The Commission is aware of the possible energy
savings in commercial refrigeration systems, in particular
those used in supermarkets and food retail shops . With
regard to supermarket and retail display cases most
companies use vertical display cases for chilled food and
chest freezers for frozen food . However there is also a

tendency to use vertical frozen food display cases which are
less efficient . Research suggests that the use of covers in
vertical display can reduce energy consumption by 50% .
The best covers would be strip curtains, while glass doors
which are used in many supermarkets tend to be less
efficient, because they have to be heated to prevent
condensation . Generally it is the merchandiser which

5 . The Commission does not plan to render compulsory
the use of covers in food shops, because, due to the
subsidiarity principle and different national situations, such
measures are best left to individual Member States . The

Commission will study in detail which measures could be
used to encourage the use of covers for food shop
refrigerators and in general the use of more efficient
commercial refrigerators . These measures could include

4 . 3 . 96 1 EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 13

information campaigns, energy audits, charter and pledge
programmes and would be implemented in collaboration
with Member States, national and local energy agencies and
utilities . They could also be carried out with the assistance of
the SAVE and PACE programmes for the rational use of
energy and electricity .

(>) OJ No L 186, 30 . 6 . 1989 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 40, 11 . 2 . 1989 .
(■') OJ No L 65, 23 . 3 . 1995 .

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2470 / 95

by Luciana Castellina ( GUE / NGL )

to the Commission

(1 September 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 19 )

Subject : Paraguay : EU project in the Chaco

In September 1994 the ALA Committee approved a
proposal from the Commission for a project for sustainable
development and protection of the indigenous communities
in the Chaco . Approval was given on condition that the first
phase of the project would be devoted to consulting the
indigenous populations and establishing what their land
requirements were .

Given that Indian land rights are recognized in Paraguay 's
constitution and that Paraguay has ratified ILO Convention

169 on the rights of indigenous populations, does the
Commission intend to exert pressure on the Government of
Paraguay so that it respects its laws and constitution ? For
example, does it envisage withholding final approval of the
project unless actual financial provisions for the restoration
of Indian land in the Chaco region are made in the budget
for 1996 ?

1 . Institutionalized political dialogue between the EU and
Latin America covers issues such as marginalization and
social exclusion ( in both these parts of the world ), with
special emphasis on the most disadvantaged sections of
society .

In the final declaration ( Paris, 17 March 1995 ), foreign
ministers from the Rio Group and EU expressed their
determination

' to protect the rights of native communities and their
cultural heritage in the context of the national
development of their respective countries '.

2 . As part of its national development, Paraguay submitted
an aid application to the Community for a sustainable
development project in Chaco, including :

— aid for sustainable development coupled with land

redistribution and the government award of land
ownership rights ;

— support for a wide biodiversity ecosystem through

the development of three large natural parks
covering some 1 100 000 hectares ;

— special aid for the most disadvantaged such as

' landless peasants ' and native Paraguayan
communities .

The project was finally given the go ahead by the

Commission on 12 October last year after approval by
the ALA Committee the month before . On an Italian

suggestion, the project will be split into two parts once
the technical assistance side has been arranged .

The first part, lasting 18 months, will be spent preparing
a detailed programme of activities together with NGOs
working in the region and other relevant bodies such as
the national institute for the development of indigenous
peoples .

Account will also be taken of the experience and
previous cooperation activities of certain Member States
such as Germany ( GTZ ), Spain and Italy . The detailed
Answer given by Mr Marin activity programme will be submitted to the ALA
on behalf of the Commission Committee .

( 11 October 1995 )

3 . Land redistribution and the government granting of
ownership rights are specified in the financing
Paraguay is a sovereign and active member of Mercosur, agreement .
which, since its return to democracy, has enjoyed close
cooperation ties with the EU, developed under the third
generation framework agreement . The agreement includes a
human rights clause and cooperation centres on political
dialogue and economic and social development .

No C 66 / 14 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2482 / 95

by James Moorhouse ( PPE )

to the Council

( 13 September 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 20 )

Subject : Summaries of meetings of the European Council

1 . Could the Council confirm that its General Secretariat
keeps a summary record of all interventions at meetings of
the European Council ( Heads of State and Governments ),
through the so-called ' note-takers ' present in the room ?

2 . Could the Council indicate where in the Council

Secretariat such records are kept, who has access to them
and what criteria are applied by the Secretariat in granting
access to them ?

3 . Could the Council indicate whether it intends to make

such records available to the public, after a suitable time
delay, either by depositing them with the EU archive at the
European University Institute or by some other means ?

4 . Could the Council state whether it would consider
that the unauthorized publication of such a record by a third
party would contravene any law, European or national, and,
if so, which law ?

Answer

( 15 January 1996 )

1 to 4 . No record is drawn up of interventions made
during meetings of the European Council . Only
handwritten notes are taken by officials of the General
Secretariat of the Council who are present in the room . The
notes are used to help the Presidency of the European
Council in drawing up its conclusions and are not typed up
or kept .

Regulation on construction experts — BauSVO ), the
manufacturers of lightning conductors are prohibited from
carrying out regular checks as ' recognized experts ' on
equipment they have installed themselves . They are
compelled to leave these contractual services to independent
companies, which means that the manufacturers are
being restricted in the exercise of their professional
activity . Manufacturers of lightning conductors in
Baden-Wiirttemberg have claimed that non-German
companies are not subject to this restriction .

1 . Are companies with a head office in an EU Member
State other than Germany permitted, notwithstanding
the legal situation for businesses established locally, to
carry out regular checks on equipment they have
installed e.g. in Baden-Wiirttemberg, by invoking the
principle of free movement of goods and services ?

2 . Does not EU law appear to need correction, so that
companies established in Germany, like other
companies, are as in the past normally allowed to check
equipment they have installed in the building sector ?

Answer

( 15 January 1996 )

The Council has not been informed of the provisions
governing monitoring of the installation of lightning
conductors in Baden-Wiirttemberg mentioned by the
Honourable Member . In this connection, the Council would
remind him that the free movement of goods in the
construction sector is governed by Directive 89 / 106 / EEC
relating to construction products and that, if
implementation problems should arise, it would be for the
Commission to take the necessary measures, acting in its
capacity as guardian of the Treaties .

To date the Council has received no proposals to amend the
abovementioned Directive ; neither have any proposals been
forwarded to it regarding freedom to provide services in the
construction sector .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2491 / 95

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2484 / 95
by Jannis Sakellariou ( PSE )

by Winfried Menrad ( PPE ) to the Commission

to the Council
( 11 September 1995 )

( 13 September 1995 ) ( 96 / C 66 / 22 )
( 96 / C 66 / 21

Subject : Provisions to monitor compliance of technical

facilities and equipment with the Law on building
regulations, as regards the manufacture of
lightning conductors

Under a law of the Land of Baden-Wiirttemberg as a federal
State of the Federal Republic of Germany ( the 1986

Subject : Discrimination against EU citizens in the purchase

of immoveable property in South Tirol

Is the Commission aware that when purchasing immoveable
property in Italy, particularly South Tirol, nationals of other
EU countries are subject to special taxes which Italian
nationals are not required to pay, such as residence
taxes ?

4 . 3 . 96 I EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 15

Is the Commission also aware that citizens of other EU

States have to pay a higher deposit or a higher fee for certain
infrastructure services such as telephone connections ?

Does the Commission consider this state of affairs to be

lawful ?

If so, what is the legal basis for it ?

If not, what does the Commission intend to do about it ?

Answer given by Mr Monti
on behalf of the Commission

( 16 November 1995 )

The Commission is aware that a tourist tax ( imposta di
soggiorno nelle ville, appartamenti ed alloggi in genere ) is
charged in the region concerned .

According to the information available to the Commission,
the tax is payable by persons staying in a municipality
temporarily as tourists without being resident there . Since
the tax is also payable by Italian nationals, the Commission
cannot regard it as infringing the provisions on
non-discrimination contained in the EC Treaty .

Besides, the levying of such taxes is a mattter for the
Member States themselves and it is not planned to
undertake any harmonization in this area .

The Commission has no information on whether nationals

of other Member States have to pay a higher deposit in the
region concerned for connection to infrastructure
services .

If the Honourable Member is able to provide precise
information on this matter, the Commission is prepared to
examine it to see whether the situation is compatible with
Community law .

2 . Is the Commission aware that in the Netherlands, for
example, foreign registration certificates for such water
vehicles ( including water-scooters ) are invalid and that a
European citizen who uses such a vehicle to enter the
Netherlands from another Member State must then

purchase a registration certificate from the appropriate
Dutch authorities ?

3 . Would it be simpler for European citizens if the
registration of a water vehicle were recognized throughout
the European Union ?

4 . Would the interests of tourism in general, and more
particularly the economic interests of areas with extensive
surface waters which attract tourists, be served by
harmonization of regulations on the registration of water
vehicles ?

5 . Is it desirable to draft a European Directive on
harmonization of registration of motor vessels in order to
eliminate obstacles to the free movement of persons within
the EU ?

6 . Will the Commission draft such a Directive and if so,
how soon ?

Answer given by Mr Monti
on behalf of the Commission

( 22 November 1995 )

The Commission is aware of the advantages for areas with
extensive potential for tourism based on water sports of
developing leisure activities involving the use of
high-powered craft ( in particular water scooters ).

It does not have any information on the disparities
mentioned by the Honourable Member between Member
States ' rules on the registration of powered craft . Neither
does it intend to put forward a proposal for a Directive
harmonizing those rules . It would though stress that, since
the registration rules have not been harmonized at
Community level, the Member States are free to adopt their
own rules, on condition that they comply with the relevant
provisions of the EC Treaty as interpreted by the Court of
Justice, and in particular Articles 30 to 36, which relate to

the free movement of goods in the single market .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2526 / 95

by Elly Plooii-van Gorsel ( ELDR )

to the Commission

( 15 September 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 23 )

Subject : Harmonization of registration of motor vessels,

particularly high-speed self-propelled water
vehicles, in the EU

1 . Is the Commission aware of the differences in

legislation in the Member States with regard to the
registration of motor vessels, particularly high-speed
self-propelled water vehicles ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2546 / 95

by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler ( V )

to the Commission

( 20 September 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 24

Subject : Food aid for Rwanda and Burundi

According to an Agence Europe report dated 3 August 1995
the Commission is providing food aid worth ECU 25 million

No C 66 / 16 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

for Rwanda and Burundi, with the aim of contributing to
the return of refugees to Rwanda and the resumption of
normal life in Burundi .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2558 / 95

by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 22 September 1995 )

What food is being made available ? 96 / C 66 / 25 )

Where ( country or region ) and what prices was this food
purchased / is this food being purchased ?

Are seeds and / or agricultural tools also being made
available ?

If so, where and at what prices were they / are they being
purchased ?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino

on behalf of the Commission

(8 November 1995 )

The Decision to which the Honourable Member refers

concerning an allocation of ECU 25 million is a
humanitarian aid Decision, adopted on 25 July 1995 in
support of Rwandan and Burundian refugees, returnees and
displaced persons in the Grands Lacs region .

This Decision does not concern food aid, but rather the
financing of basic necessities ( water, health care and health
products ) for the Rwandan and Burundian population via
agencies such as the Office of the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees, the International Committee of
the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross
and Red Crescent Societies and various non-governmental
organizations . Aid will be provided in Rwanda to resettle
refugees in their places of origin and in Burundi to reinforce
support measures for resettling displaced Tutsis and
dispersed Hutus, together with medical assistance, health
care and the supply of small-scale reconstruction
equipment .

Food requirements in Rwanda and Burundi are covered by a
Decision of 1 March 1995 providing for the allocation of
ECU 16,5 million for the purchase of food products and for
auxiliary aid in the form of seeds, tools, fertilizers and
technical assistance . One-third of this aid is allocated to

Burundi and two-thirds to Rwanda . The aim of the Decision

is to help ensure that the region is adequately supplied until
the end of February 1996 .

Subject : Alcohol and fatal accidents in the European

Union

A study carried out by the European Transport Safety
Council shows that alcohol causes 22 % of fatal accidents

recorded in the European Union and some 19 % of accidents
involving injuries, although only around 5 % of drivers drive
under the influence of alcohol . The Transport Safety
Council stresses that the Union and the Member States

should take steps to end the problems caused by alcohol and
proposes inter alia that the maximum legal concentration of
alcohol in the blood should be 0,5 g in all the Union Member
States, that a legal framework should be introduced
allowing for the standard use of alcohol testing devices and
that apparatus preventing drivers from driving if they are
over the alcohol limit should be developed and fitted in
vehicles .

Can the Commission give its views on these proposals and
state whether it has looked or intends to look into the

possibility of implementing them ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2600 / 95

by Jesús Cabezón Alonso ( PSE ) and

Juan Colino Salamanca ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 27 September 1995 )

96 / C 66 / 26

Subject : Alcohol consumption and traffic accidents

Bearing in mind the links between alcohol consumption and
traffic accidents, does the Commission plan to adopt any
measures to establish a common maximum alcohol limit in

all the European Member States ( for example 0,5 mg / ml ),
while continuing to respect those national laws under which
alcohol limits are even lower, and at the same time establish
a lower rate for young people ?

Joint answer to Written Questions

E-2558 / 95 and E-2600 / 95

given by Mr Kinnock
on behalf of the Commission

( 19 October 1995 )

The Commission has proposed a Community-wide
maximum legal concentration of alcohol in the blood of

4 . 3 . 96 I EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 17

0,5 g / litre ( ). The Council has not re-examined the proposal
since 1989 .

With the backing in the high-level working party of
representatives of the Governments of the Member States,
the Commission has set up a working party to put forward
recommendations on drinking and driving and on the
adverse effects of drugs and some medicinal products on
driver behaviour ( more information, public awareness
campaigns, legislation, regulations, checks ( including
equipment ), penalties, rehabilitation ).

A report is due by the end of 1995, on the basis of which the
Commission will consider what action to take in accordance

with the principle of subsidiarity .

(') COM(88 ) 707 final ( OJ No C 25, 31 . 1 . 1989 ), amended by

COM(89 ) 640 final ( OJ No C 11, 17 . 1 . 1990 ).

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2599 / 95
by Jesús Cabezón Alonso ( PSE ) and

Juan Colino Salamanca ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 27 September 1995 ) '

( 96 / C 66 / 27 )

Subject : The CAP and desertification

The CAP provides incentives for giving up production of
certain surplus crops .

Has the Commission carried out any study making it
possible to assess whether or not this policy is exacerbating
the process of desertification in some regions in Spain, since
production is often abandoned on dry, sloping land or
unproductive soil even though ceasing to cultivate such land
leads to problems such as soil degradation and erosion ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission

( 26 October 1995 )

The Commission has no specific study available at present
into the effect of the set-aside policy — giving up the
cultivation of crops which are in surplus — on
desertification in certain regions of Spain .

There are several research projects in progress, however,
which are financed by the Community and related to this

issue, in particular projects under the AIR programme on
the links between agricultural policy and the Community 's
agricultural area . Another research project, this one under
the Camar programme, deals with the interaction between
agriculture, the local economy and the landscape in
Mediterranean areas with the aim of proposing
economically and environmentally sustainable systems .

As part of the research programme for 1994 — 1998 one of
the selected subjects is that of adjusting methods and
systems of agricultural production to the new conditions
created by the reform of the common agricultural policy

( CAP ), making a determined effort to develop an
environmentally and economically sustainable form of
farming with greater regard for the environment, and
developing the tools for analysis and control which are
essential to managers and decision-makers in agriculture .
Clearly, the Commission intends to use the results of all
these research projects, once they become available, in
formulating agricultural policy .

Set-aside already takes account of its impact on regional
development and the environment, although its main aims
are to bring markets back into balance and maintain
producers ' income . A fair geographical distribution of
supply reduction is one of the features of the present CAP ;
as regards the environment, Community rules require
producers who are giving up production to maintain the
land in such a way that erosion and environmental
degradation do not occur .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2616 / 95

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI )

to the Commission

(2 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 28 )

Subject : Safety of passenger vessels

The Commission proposal on the safety of roll-on, roll-off
passenger vessels concerns the compulsory application of
the international code of safety management on board ship
and pollution prevention, bringing forward application to

1 July 1996, instead of 1 July 1998 as previously
stipulated .

While this initiative is to be welcomed in the light of recent
serious accidents involving passenger ships, will the
Commission ensure that any derogation to compliance by
1 July 1996 is reserved for extremely rare and well-justified
cases ? Before accepting conformity documents and safety
management certificates issued by classification bodies
not belonging to the European Union, is it not to be
recommended that the Member States ' authorities make

No C 66 / 18 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

sure that the bodies which issue such documents require
standards of conformity equivalent to their own ?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock

on behalf of the Commission

( 26 October 1995 )

Member States ' obligations under the future Council
Regulation on the safety management of ro-ro passenger
vessels ( 1 ), and in particular Article 5 ( 6 ) of the Regulation,
ensure that third countries will comply with international
standards ( ISM code ).

If a third country approaches a classification body for the
issue of ISM certificates, this body must have recourse to the
services of an approved body in accordance with the
provisions of Directive 94 / 57 / EC ( 2 ). It is for the Member
States and the Commission to ensure that the bodies

recognized at European level provide the necessary
guarantees to ensure certification of proper quality in
accordance with international standards .

Derogations from the date on which the Regulation
becomes applicable are clearly stated in the Regulation and a
time limit is imposed on them .

(') The Council 's common position on the amended proposal for a

Council Regulation ( COM(95 ) 286 final ) was given on
28 September 1995 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 319, 12 . 12 . 1994 .

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2648 / 95

by Herbert Bosch ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 21 September 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 29 )

Subject : Aids to agriculture

Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission

( 30 October 1995 )

1 . Austria has already submitted the following
agricultural aid applications for approval :

— Austrian programme to promote environmentally
friendly, extensive agriculture which protects nature

( OPUL );

— Lower Austria regional eco-points programme ;

— Directive on the grant of the compensatory allowance in

less-favoured areas and national measures ;

— special Directive on aid for investment in agriculture

( part-financed and national measures );

— special Directive on aid towards expenditure on staff

and materials ( Services Directive ) ( part-financed and
national measures );

— plan for the structural improvement of processing

and marketing conditions for agricultural products
( Regulation ( EEC ) No 866 / 90 ) ( J );

— seven single programming documents for Objective

5(b );

— one single programming document for Objective 1 ;

— - eight programmes for the Leader II Community
initiative ;

— one afforestation programme under Regulation ( EEC )

No 2080 / 92

2 . The Commission has given the following approvals :

— by Commission Decision of 17 February 1995 on the

delimitation of Objective 5(b ) areas ;

— on 29 March 1995 on the Council Directive on the

Community list of less-favoured areas within the
meaning of Directive 75 / 268 / EEC in Austria ;

Pursuant to Article 143(d ) of the Treaty of Accession — on 7 June 1995 the ÔPUL environmental
of Austria to the European Communities, Austria can programme ;
only grant aid to agriculture subject to Commission
authorization . Austrian farmers have been waiting for this — Commission Regulation ( EC ) No 1755 / 95 of 19 July
aid for some time, and are growing increasingly impatient . 1995 on producer organizations ;
Public opinion considers that Brussels is at fault . I should
therefore like to ask : — on 20 July 1995 the afforestation under

— Commission Regulation ( EC ) No 1755 / 95 of 19 July

1995 on producer organizations ;

1 . What proposals for aid grants has Austria already
submitted for authorization ?

2 . What aid has been authorized by the Commission, and

when ?

3 . Why has the Commission not yet authorized certain
Austrian proposals for aids ?

— on 20 July 1995 the afforestation programme under

Regulation ( EEC ) No 2082 / 92 ;

— in early October 1995 the Objective 1 programme ;

— the Objective 5(b ) programmes submitted are expected

to be adopted in November 1995

— most measures of the Services Directive were approved

on 4 October 1995 .

4 . 3 . 96 1 EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 19

3 . The Commission attaches great importance to
processing the Austrian programmes . The programmes
introduce the structural regulations and the agricultural
policy flanking measures in Austria for the first time . They
are correspondingly comprehensive and detailed and call for
careful examination . For this the Commission requires
additional information and is in close contact with the

Austrian authorities . This considerably affects the timetable
for approval of the remaining programmes . The
Commission, however, expects that the great majority of the
programmes not yet approved can be adopted by the end of
the year .

Since completion of the electricity market is of importance
to the competitiveness of European industry and job
creation, will the Commission invoke Article 90 of the
Treaty in order to create an internal energy market and will
it take action in respect of the laws of the Member States
which work against this market liberalization ?

for approval of the remaining programmes . The Does the Commission include amongst the laws which
Commission, however, expects that the great majority of the frustrate the objective of creating an internal energy market
programmes not yet approved can be adopted by the end of the Spanish law on the organization of the national
the year . electricity system, which provides for a unified operating

system which passes on the industry and consumers the
costs of its own inefficiency and prevents private companies
(') OJ No L 91, 6 . 4 . 1990 . in the sector from competing freely in the electricity
market ?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis

on behalf of the Commission
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2673 / 95

by Josu Imaz San Miguel ( PPE )

to the Commission

(4 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 30 )

Subject : Liberalization of the energy market

At the Council of Energy Ministers meeting in June, various
conclusions were reached concerning the liberalization of
the electricity market and the Committee on Permanent
Representatives was instructed to continue the work on the
basis of those conclusions .

Commission representatives have expressed their
satisfaction with the agreements reached, although they
acknowledge them to be rather vague . In any event it will not
be possible before December to judge whether or not the
final agreement is an adequate response to the need to
liberalize the sector .

The Commission remains adamant regarding the need to
liberalize the energy market, despite the fact that some of the
Member States are invoking the principles of ' security of
supply ' and ' better customer service ' as a way of preventing
the liberalization of their markets, whereas what they are
actually doing is concealing the inefficiency of the system
and of the public companies which operate it by means of
uncompetitive costs which are passed on both to industry
and to consumers .

If the Council of Energy Ministers does not reach a
satisfactory agreement by December as regards the
liberalization of the electricity market, will the Commission
take action to break up monopolies and withdraw exclusive
rights in the gas and electricity market on the basis of the
powers granted to it under the Treaty on European
Union ?

( 15 November 1995 )

The Commission maintains the point of view that energy
needs to be part of the internal market as described in
Article 7 A of the EC Treaty and that especially electricity
and natural gas markets need to be liberalized . Within this
process of liberalization the security of supply and the
respect of public service obligations need to be ensured . The
Commission 's amended proposals concerning common
rules for the internal market in electricity and in natural
gas O reflect this basic position . However it will not accept
arguments based on security of supply or the respect of
public service obligations as a pretext for the prevention of
increased competition .

In parallel to the negotiations in the Council about the
abovementioned proposals the Commission has already
brought before the Court of Justice the continuing import
and export monopolies on electricity and natural gas .

As regards the negotiations for the adoption of a Directive
concerning common rules for the internal market in
electricity the Commission is doing everything possible to
assist the Energy Council to adopt a common position at its
meeting on 14 December in line with the provisions of the
EC Treaty . If there is no progress in the Council negotiations
the Commission will have to take the necessary measures on
the basis of the powers it has under the EC Treaty .

Concerning the Spanish electricity regulatory framework

( Law No 40 / 1994 of 30 December 1994 ), the Commission
would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to his
Written Question E-533 / 95 ( 2 ).

0 ) COM(93 ) 643 final .

( 2 ) OJ No C 222, 28 . 8 . 1995 .

No C 66 / 20 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2675 / 95

by Nicole Fontaine ( PPE )

to the Commission

(4 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 31 )

Subject : Rules governing transport in the context of local

excursions during twin town visits

Article 12, ' Local excursions ', of Regulation ( EEC )
No 684 / 92 (') of 16 March 1992 on common rules for the
international carriage of passengers by coach and bus states
that occasional international services ' intended for

non-resident passengers previously carried by the same
carrier . . . must be carried out with the same vehicle or

another vehicle from the same carrier or group of
carriers '.

Therefore, if a coach excursion is organized during a twin
town visit, the visiting group must use the vehicle which
carried it on its international journey .

Normally, the visiting group is accompanied by members of
the host town twinning committee, which means that a
second vehicle must be hired locally . As the idea of twinning
suggests, visitors and hosts will obviously wish to occupy
the two vehicles without being segregated according to
nationality . But, according to the letter of the above
Regulation, the guests would have to stay in their own coach
and the hosts in the other .

be carried out with the same vehicle or another vehicle from

the same carrier or group of carriers .

Article 3 of Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 2454 / 92 of
23 July 1992 laying down the conditions under which
non-resident carriers may operate national road passenger
transport services within a Member State ('), however,
states that until 31 December 1995 permission to operate
cabotage transport operations in the form of non-regular
services is restricted to closed-door-tours . After that date all

cabotage transport operations are authorized for all
non-regular services .

If national transport services carried out in the framework
of twin town visits fulfil the requirements for ' closed-door
tours ', i.e. services whereby the same vehicle is used to carry
the same group of passengers along the entire route,
passengers do not have to be segregated according to place
of residence or because they were previously transported
from another Member State . These services are exempt from
authorization and are carried out simply under cover of the
certificate and journey form provided in Annexes I and II to
Regulation ( EEC ) No 2454 / 92 .

( 1 ) OJ No L 251, 29 . 8 . 1992 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2680 / 95

by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE / NGL )

How can this measure be explained and applied without
to the Commission
negating the object of twinning, which is, moreover,
encouraged and supported by the Community institutions ? (4 October 1995 )
Can the Commission change this annoying detail of the ( 96 / C 66 / 32 )
Regulation ?

(4 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 32 )

(') OJ No L 74, 20 . 3 . 1992, p . 1 .
Subject : EU-Turkey customs union and impact on
vulnerable industries such as textiles

Answer given by Mr Kinnock

on behalf of the Commission

( 27 October 1995 )

Article 12 of Regulation ( EEC ) No 684 / 92 of 16 March

1992 on common rules for the international carriage of
passengers by coach and bus does allow national transport
services to be carried out by non-resident carriers subject to
certain conditions . These services are intended for

non-resident passengers previously carried by the same
carrier on an international occasional service or an

international shuttle service with accommodation and must

The Council has already reached agreement with the
Turkish authorities on a draft text on customs union which

is awaiting approval by Parliament . We are all aware that
the customs union with Turkey will have a significant
impact on certain vulnerable industries in the European
Union, particularly textiles .

What measures is the Commission taking to ensure that,
while Turkey is enjoying the full benefits of its relations with
the European Union, it also complies with the related social,
environmental and other obligations ? Has the Commission
studied and assessed the situation ? What initiatives has it

taken ? Are producers ' organizations in the EU textiles
industry in agreement ?

4 . 3 . 96 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 21

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

Answer given by Mr Monti
on behalf of the Commission

(5 December 1995 ) ( 28 November 1995 )

In a joint declaration on the customs union negotiations
with Turkey the Council and the Commission undertook to

study the implications for Greece of the new trade
arrangements and if necessary to propose appropriate
measures to deal with any problems .

Spain did not notify the Commission of measures
incorporating the Directive in question into national law .
The Commission accordingly instituted infringement
proceedings against Spain in 1993 pursuant to Article 169
of the EC Treaty and referred the matter to the Court of
Justice in March 1995 ('). The Court has not yet given a

ruling in this case .

The Commission also specifically promised that its ( 1 ) Case C-95-55 .
proposals would take account of the problems and interests
of the Community 's textiles and clothing industry .

In order to prevent distortions arising on the Community
market once the textile arrangements expire, the
Community has stated, in a declaration on Article 6 of the
draft Customs Union Decision, that

' arrangements for trade in textile and clothing products
will expire as soon as it is determined that Turkey has
effectively implemented the measures for which the
adoption is required under this decision, regarding
intellectual, industrial and commercial property,
competition, including the measures regarding public
aid, and that T urkey has put into operation, according to
the multilateral rules presently in force, the measures
necessary for the alignment of its textile policy with that
of the Community in the textile sector '.

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2695 / 95

by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE )

to the Commission

(4 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 34 )

Subject : Incorporation into Spanish law of the Directive

relating to the coordination of procedures for the
award of public service contracts

Could the Commission say whether or not the Spanish
Government has complied with Directive 92 / 50 / EEC ( j )
relating to the coordination of procedures for the award of
public service contracts ?

(M OJ No L 209, 24 . 7 . 1992, p . 1 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2689 / 95 on Answer behalf given of the by Commission Mr Monti

by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE )

( 23 November 1995 )
to the Commission

(4 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 33 )

Subject : Incorporation into Spanish law of the Directive

relating to insurance against civil liability in respect
of the use of motor vehicles

Could the Commission say whether or not the Spanish
Government has complied with Directive 90 / 232 / EEC ( J )
concerning insurance against civil liability in respect of the

use of motor vehicles ?

(») OJ No L 129, 19 . 5 . 1990, p . 33 .

Spain notified the Commission in June 1995 of the measures
incorporating the Directive into national law ( Law 13 / 1995
of 18 May on the award of contracts by public bodies ).

The Commission has therefore terminated infringement
proceedings instituted against Spain for failure to notify
these measures and is currently examining whether the
aforementioned Law complies with the Directive .

That aside, the Commission has, on several occasions,
detected infringements that are prejudicial to the
implementation in practice of Community law on public

procurement .

No C 66 / 22 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2696 / 95

last June (' Real Decrete 363 / 1995 ' of 10 March 1995
published in the Spanish Official, BOE No 133 of 5 June

by José Valverde Lôpez ( PPE )

1995 ). The control of the conformity of this text is
to the Commission
underway .

(4 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 35 )

Subject : Incorporation into Spanish law of the Directive on

the coordination of the provisions relating to direct
life assurance

Could the Commission say whether or not the Spanish
Government has complied with Directive 92 / 96 / EEC (')
concerning the coordination of the provisions relating to
direct life assurance ?

(') OJ No L 360, 9 . 12 . 1992, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Monti
on behalf of the Commission

( 24 December 1995 )

Spain has not yet notified the Commission of measures
transposing the Directive in question into Spanish law . In
this context, the Commission commenced infringement
proceedings against Spain in 1994 for failure to notify
national implementing measures . If this infringement is not
brought to an end, it will shortly refer the matter to the
Court of Justice .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2698 / 95

by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE )

to the Commission

(4 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 36 )

Subject : Incorporation into Spanish law of the Directive

concerning the list of substances referred to in
Article 13 of Directive 67 / 548 / EEC

Could the Commission say whether or not the Spanish
Government has complied with Directive 93 / 90 / EEC ( J )
concerning the list of substances referred to in Article 13 of
Directive 67 / 548 / EEC ?

( ! ) OJ No L 277, 10 . 11 . 1993, p . 33 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard

on behalf of the Commission

( 29 November 1995 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2705 / 95

by Inigo Méndez de Vigo ( PPE )

to the Commission

(6 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 37 )

Subject : Suspension of fishing in Mauritanian waters

The Commission has indicated that it is willing to consider a
possible suspension of fishing operations by the European
fleet in Mauritanian waters .

Has the Commission considered the consequences that such
a decision would have for the Spanish fleet, which would be
the hardest hit, bearing in mind the situation in which it
already finds itself in view of the lack of an agreement on this
matter with Morocco ? Does the Commission plan to grant
aid to Spanish fishermen if the decision to suspend fishing is
ultimately adopted ?

Answer given by Mr Bonino
on behalf of the Commission

( 11 December 1995 )

The Honourable Member is kindly requested to refer to the
Commission 's answer to Written Question E-2552 / 95 by
Mrs Fraga Estevez ( ] ).

Article 14 of Regulation ( EEC ) No 3699 / 93 ( 2 ) provides for
compensation for periods of temporary cessation of fishing
activity, but only where these are caused by unforeseen and
non-repetitive events . With regard to the provision of aid to
Spanish fishermen, the temporary suspension of fishing in
Mauritanian waters is a biological respite measure which is
necessary to enable fish stocks to recover . Since these
periods of biological respite are either planned or
foreseeable, they should properly be included by shipowners
in their forward planning of fishing operations . In any case,
as the Agreement has been extended by a month to
compensate for the suspension occasioned by the
suspension of activities in question, the period during which
shipowners may engage in fishing will not be reduced and
will not therefore involve a loss of earnings . Under these
circumstances, there are no grounds for the costs incurred to
be covered by Community funds .

(M OJ No C 51, 21 . 2 . 1996, p . 22 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 346, 31 . 12 . 1993 .
The Spanish Government notified the Commission of the
national implementation measures of Directive 93 / 90 / EEC

4 . 3 . 96 I HN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 23

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2710 / 95

by Stephen Hughes ( PSE )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2711 / 95

by Stephen Hughes ( PSE )

to the Commission to the Commission

(6 October 1995 ) (6 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 38 ) ( 96 / C 66 / 39 )

Subject : By-pass at Gateshead, England

With regard to the proposed by-pass at Gateshead ( AIM ) in
the North-East of England, would the Commission please
confirm that :

1 . European Union monies are to be used in its
construction ;

2 . an appropriate environmental impact assessment has
been both tabled and inspected ;

3 . it is satisfied as to the need for such an extension of this

road and that the British authorities have given proper
consideration to the proposed alternatives ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies

on behalf of the Commission

Subject : ERDF support — United Kingdom

Can the Commission provide detailed information as to the
aid granted to the UK under the ERDF between 1989 and

1994, which was not included in the Community Support
Framework and in Community initiatives, if possible
specifying which bodies benefited, the sums involved and a
brief description of the project concerned ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies

on behalf of the Commission

(1 December 1995 ) (1 December 1995 )

The financing of trunk road infrastructure is not eligible for
assistance under the European Structural Funds
programmes currently available to North-East England .
There is therefore no grant assistance from such funds
proposed for the construction of the A1(M ) by-pass at
Gateshead ; no assistance is foreseen either from the TEN
budget line .

By virtue of Article 4.2 of Directive 85 / 337 / EEC ( J ) on the
environmental assessment of certain public and private
projects, it is the Member State which decides, having regard
to the nature, size or location of a project, whether or not
projects of this type ( Annex II of the Directive ) should be
subject to an environmental assessment in the meaning of
the Directive . Equally, it is for the Member State to decide in
what manner any examination of appropriate alternatives
to the project or its component elements should be
conducted .

The aid granted to the United Kingdom from the European
Regional Development Fund between 1989 and 1994 other
than under the Community support frameworks and the
Community initiatives, is shown in the table below .

For studies, evaluations and conferences co-financed under
Article 7 of Regulation ( EEC ) No 4254 / 88 (*), it is not
possible to identify the specific United Kingdom element of
expenditure since the actions concerned cover several
Member States .

what manner any examination of appropriate alternatives The Commission cannot specify which specific bodies
to the project or its component elements should be benefited from these actions since it is the Member State
conducted . which designates the final beneficiaries in particular

cases .

(') OJ No L 175, 5 . 7 . 1985 .

0 ) OJ No L 374, 31 . 12 . 1988 .

No C 66 / 24 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

in million
Year Action Description ECU

1989 Non-quota shipbuilding Specific Community regional development measure contributing to
overcoming constraints on the development of new economic activities in
certain zones adversely affected by restructuring of the shipbuilding
industry . 4,71

1989 Non-quota textiles Specific Community regional development measure contributing to
overcoming constraints on the development of new economic activities in
certain zones adversely affected by restructuring of the textile and clothing
industry . 21,821

1990 Non-quota fish Specific Community regional development measure contributing to the
development of new economic activities in certain zones affected by the
implementation of the Community fisheries policy . 8,672

1990 Pilot project London Covers Brixton, Tower Hamlets, Deptford, Finsbury Park, Central Hackney,
Kings Cross and Southwark . The actions are geared to fostering economic
development in housing areas by converting garages to workshops and
developing training opportunities . 5,1

1990 Pilot project Gibraltar As a small town of 30 000 previously heavily dependent on work in navel
shipyards, Gibraltar has problems in developing manufacturing industry and
providing services such as waste disposal . The project involves taking an
integrated approach to reconversion of a former ship repair building for
multi-function purposes . 2,8

1991 Pilot project Belfast The project was to reconcile economic development of the harbour area with
the environmental protection of a site considered to be one of the most
important bird sanctuaries in Europe with the possibility of applying the
lessons to 38 other estuaries in Europe . 3,357

1991 Pilot project Stoke The project in the Gladstone / St James area was to rehabilitate an industrial area
based on one industry ( ceramics ) linking training and cultural heritage to
industrial rehabilitation . The concept is to provide a centre of excellence
concentrating on design and enterprise linked to the industrial heritage of the
area . 2

1992 Pilot project Paisley Creation of a high-quality multi-function community centre as a nucleus for
re-integrating a marginalized housing estate into the economic mainstream of
the region . 1,95

1993 Non-quota textiles Specific Community regional development measure contributing to
overcoming constraints on the development of new economic activities in
certain zones adversely affected by restructuring of the textile and clothing
industry . 7,75

Total 58,16

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2715 / 95

by Gerardo Fernandez-Albor ( PPE )

to the Commission

(6 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 40 )

Subject : Aid from the European Union to combat the

' caulerpa taxi folia ' seaweed

In a recent report drawn up under the United Nations plan
for the environment, it was stated that the area covered by
the tropical seaweed known as ' caulerpa taxifolia ' has
increased 500 times in the last five years . The report warns

that unless measures are taken by the year 2000 the situation
will become uncontrollable .

Because of its rapid growth-rate and the lack of organisms
which eat it, this seaweed, although harmless to human
beings, displaces other species, thereby reducing resources
on the seabed by up to 75 % . According to experts, the only
way to prevent the weed from spreading is to detect it as
early as possible and eradicate it by hand .

In view of the enormous importance of conserving marine
resources and preserving the environmental balance, which
is of obvious significance for the habitat of fish in the
Mediterranean, what contribution has the Community
made to the eradication of this weed and what steps has it

4 . 3 . 96 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 25

taken to mitigate the grave impact it is having on the
resources of the seabed of ' Mare Nostrum '?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard

on behalf of the Commission

(1 December 1995 )

In 1992 the Commission, acting through the LIFE financial
instrument, co-financed an international project to study
the spread of caulerpa taxifolia in the Mediterranean . The
project involved French, Spanish and Italian teams .

This led to a initial international workshop in Nice on 17
and 18 January 1994, which looked at analyses by the
leading scientific authorities in the field . A report was drawn
up and published by GIS Poseidonie Marseille at the Luminy
science and technology park .

In 1995, in view of the encouraging results of the previous
project, the Commission decided to grant further LIFE
funding for an operation to improve the monitoring of the
spread of caulerpa taxifolia in the Mediterranean .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2718 / 95

Answer given by Mr Oreja
on behalf of the Commission

( 23 November 1995 )

The Honourable Member is referring to the Eurathlon
programme, for which the final selection was made in May

1995 .

The lists of selected projects were available on 27 June 1995
and the Commission sent out more than 300 lists to

interested parties . All persons concerned, whether selected
or not, were informed of the results .

Since then the Commission has published the new Eurathlon
programme for 1996 and has notified all interested parties
by sending them the text published in the Official
Journal ( 1 ). The new programme provides clarifications on

criteria which were adapted in the light of experience and
comments made by the interested parties and the general
public .

The Commission is sending the press release in which details
of the final selection were published and a copy of the
Eurathlon programme direct to the Honourable Member
and to Parliament 's Secretariat .

(') OJ No C 262, 7 . 10 . 1995 .

by Luigi Moretti ( ELDR )
to the Commission WRITTEN QUESTION E-2723 / 95
by José García-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE )

(6 October 1995 )

to the Commission

(6 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 41 )

( 96 / C 66 / 42 )

Subject : European Commission programme to promote

sport

Last October, on the basis of the recommendations and
proposals in the White Paper on Growth, Competitiveness
and Employment, the European Commission drew up the
Eurathlon programme to promote sports projects and
programmes on a European scale .

In accordance with the principles of transparency, the
Commission undertook to select projects on the basis of
precise and objective criteria and to provide adequate
publicity on the initiatives selected for subsidy .

Can the Commission explain why the list of projects selected
has still not been published ?

Does the Commission agree that it would be useful to
inform the participants who were not selected, and the
public, of the criteria used to select projects, before the new
programme for 1996 is published ?

Subject : Torrential rain and hailstorms in Valencia

During the latter part of August and the beginning of
September this year, Valencia suffered several hailstorms,
which caused losses estimated at Ptas 15 000 million to the

region 's agriculture .

Does the Commission have any plans to grant aid in
compensation for these losses ? If so, what is the intended
amount and when will it be payable ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission

( 11 December 1995 )

Emergency aid to sections of the Community population
suffering as a result of disasters is granted by the

No C 66 / 26 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

Commission in cases involving large-scale events having an
exceptional impact on the life of the people concerned, as a
token of humanitarian solidarity and a practical expression
of the Union 's closeness to its citizens .

The case referred to by the Honourable Member, however,
concerns the effects of an exceptional occurrence on the
productive capacity of the area affected . The Commission
has no plans to provide compensation for the losses
resulting from the torrential rain and hailstorms .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2729 / 95

by Christoph Konrad ( PPE )

to the Commission

(6 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 43

Subject : Expiry of the ECSC Treaty

1 . What form will the European legal framework for the
steel industry take when the ECSC Treaty expires ?

2 . What can be done to ensure that the Commission is

able in future to monitor fair conditions of competition ?

3 . Is it possible to use the residue of ECSC funds in such a
way that it has an influence on future developments ?

4 . How can the central and eastern European steel
industry be brought closer to that of the European
Union ?

These questions, which were also discussed in the
memorandum adopted on 28 June 1995 by the ECSC
Consultative Committee on matters connected with the
expiry of the ECSC Treaty ( 2 ), are being examined by the
Commission in preparation for the 1996 Intergovernmental
Conference, which could pave the way either for the early
deletion of certain provisions of the ECSC Treaty or for the
incorporation of other provisions in the unified treaty,
marking a step in the direction of the consolidation of the
Treaties advocated by the Commission ( Report on the
operation of the Treaty on European Union ) ( 3 ).

2 . The rules on competition set out in the ECSC Treaty

( Articles 65 and 66 ) should continue to apply until the
expiry of the Treaty . Thereafter the steel industry will be
subject to the same rules as the other sectors of industry,
which will mean, among other things, the abolition of the
special ECSC pricing arrangements ( Articles 60 to 64 ) and
the automatic application of the EC Treaty rules on
non-discrimination on grounds of nationality ( Article 7 ),
freedom of movement ( Articles 30 to 36 ) and competition

( Articles 85 to 94 and Regulation ( EEC ) No
4064 / 89 ) ( 4 ).

The EC Treaty contains specific provisions prohibiting
agreements and concerted practices or abuse of a dominant
position which have as their object or effect the restriction of
competition and which may affect trade between Member
States . These rules are intended to introduce or maintain fair

trading conditions between companies as referred to by the
Honourable Member .

State aids to the steel industry will be governed by
Articles 92 and 93 of the EC Treaty following the expiry of
the ECSC Treaty in 2002 . However, in view of the history
and special needs of the sector, and to avoid a sudden change
in the existing control mechanisms, strict specific rules must
continue to apply in the form either of guidelines laid down

Answer given by Mr Santer
on behalf of the Commission by the Commission or of a Council Regulation .

( 11 December 1995 )

1 . The Commission adopted a position on the future of
the ECSC Treaty in its communication to the Council and
Parliament of 15 March 1991 ( J ). It felt that the 2002
deadline should be kept and the ground prepared for the
transition to the EC Treaty . Since then, other decisions have
been taken on the budgetary and financial aspects of, ECSC
activities . A number of questions nevertheless remain to be
settled, such as guarantees for borrowings still to be covered
after 2002, or the use to be made of ECSC reserves after that
date . Also in this communication, the Commission declared
that if the occasion arose, certain provisions of the ECSC
Treaty, and in particular Articles 71 to 75 on external trade,
and 60 et seq . on prices, should be repealed, so that the
corresponding rules of the EC Treaty would become
applicable early . Similarly, the Commission considered that
some provisions, in particular those concerned with
financial or social matters, could be integrated into the EC
Treaty if necessary .

3 . The Commission is looking very carefully into the
question of the use to be made of any ECSC funds which
may be left over after the Treaty has expired . It will state its
views once it has obtained the necessary information and
opinions .

4 . The Commission is currently studying the question of
how to bring the central and eastern European steel industry
closer to that of the Community, to which it attaches great
importance . The Commission would also point out that the
Europe agreements in force stipulate in a protocol that the
countries concerned may exceptionally ( during the first five
years after the entry into force of the Agreement ) ' grant
public aid for restructuring purposes leading to the viability
of the benefiting firms and aiming at a global reduction of
capacity . . provided that the amount and intensity of such
aid are strictly limited to what is absolutely necessary in
order to reach these goals and that they are progressively

4 . 3 . 96 I EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 27

reduced ' ( Article 8 of Protocol 2 on products covered by the Is the Commission willing to propose the inclusion of
ECSC Treaty, Europe agreement with Hungary ) ( 5 ). gamebirds in the ' feed additives ' Directive 70 / 524 / EEC

which still permits the use of DMD as an in-feed
(') SEC(91 ) 407 final . prophylactic for turkeys and guinea fowl ?

( 2 ) OJ No C 206, 11 . 8 . 1995 .

( 3 ) SEC(95 ) 731 final . (») OJ No L 174, 26 . 7 . 1995, p . 20 .

( 4 ) OJ No L 395, 30 . 12 . 1989 . ( 2 ) OJ No L 224, 18 . 8 . 1990, p . 1 .

( 5 ) OJ No L 347, 31 . 12 . 1993 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission

( 11 December 1995 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2738 / 95

by Robert Sturdy ( PPE ), Giles Chichester ( PPE ) and

Cassidy ( PPE ) The Commission has not received any official request or

the necessary documents required under the provisions

Commission of Directive 70 / 524 / EEC concerning additives in

October 1995 ) feedingstuffs (*) for an extension of the appropriate

authorization to cover the use of dimetridazole in
( 96 / C 66 / 44 )
feedingstuffs intended for gamebirds .

Bryan Cassidy ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 12 October 1995 )

Subject : EU ban on DMD — spanner in works for rural

development ?

Commission Regulation 1798 / 95 / EEC ( ! ) of 25 July 1995
adds Dimetridazole ( DMD ) to Annex IV to Council
Regulation 2377 / 90 / EEC ( 2 ) of 26 June 1990 ' laying down a
Community procedure for the establishment of maximum
residue limits of veterinary medicinal products in foodstuffs
of animal origin '.

Listing DMD in this Annex, entitled ' Lists of
pharmacologically active substances for which no
maximum residue levels can be fixed ', effectively means a
complete ban on the administration of this substance to
food-producing animals .

DMD is indispensable to the rearing of gamebirds

( pheasants, partridges ) in the UK as there is no other
licensed drug on the market yet which can effectively
combat the highly contagious protozoal diseases
histomoniasis and hexamatiasis to which gamebirds such as
pheasant and partridge are susceptible .

The gamebird rearing industry represents an important part
of the rural economy in the EU, providing significant
numbers of part-time jobs in the rearing and hunting
seasons and of full-time jobs all year round !

The availability of reared game is an important incentive for
landowners and shoot organizers to manage and conserve
habitats suitable for holding reared and wild game with
obvious benefits for all wildlife .

Gamebirds reared for shooting are not produced for
immediate consumption, as several weeks / months elapse
between the administration of the drug and possible
shooting . Therefore, the public health risk of any DMD
residue occurring in shot gamebirds is virtually nil !

i 1 ) OJ No L 270, 14 . 12 . 1970 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2753 / 95

by Luigi Moretti ( ELDR )

to the Commission

( 12 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 45 )

Subject : Publicizing Community programmes and support

projects

The Commission is now in the habit of publishing
invitations to tender, programmes and support projects on
the Internet rather than in the Official Journal of the
European Communities . The deadlines for submitting
applications have also been reduced ( from 30 to 15 days ),
making it impossible for applicants to draw up a minimum
programme in time . Two examples of this are the support
project for twinning schemes between European museums
and the Cultural Itinerary through Europe programme .

Can the Commission explain why the abovementioned
programmes were not published in the Official Journal ?

Does the Commission consider that the 15 - day deadline
( with effect from the date of publishing the invitation to
tender ) is sufficient for the submission of applications ?

Does the Commission consider this to be in line with its
Decision 94 / 90 / EEC of 8 February 1994 ( x )?

(') OJ No L 46, 18 . 2 . 1994, p . 58 .

No C 66 / 28 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

Answer given by Mr Oreja
on behalf of the Commission

( 19 December 1995 )

The Commission would inform the Honourable Member

that support for twinning programmes between museums
was a concerted action . The Commission implemented this
measure on the basis of a budgetary remark from Parliament
following a meeeting of European museum directors and the
directors in Member States ' government departments
responsible for museums . The Council 's Cultural Affairs
Committee was also informed of this measure, organized in
conjunction with all departments concerned .

A call for an expression of interest was published on 20 July .
The deadline for the submission of applications was set at
30 September 1995, that is to say, almost two and a half
months after the publication date to take the holiday period
into account .

The call for an expression of interest was communicated :

— to those attending the meeting of museum directors and

the Ministers for Culture of the Member States ;

— to the permanent representations of the Member States

to the European Communities ;

— through NEMO ( Network of European museum
organization );

— to the people on the Commission 's mailing list ;

— on request, in writing or by telephone ; and

— on the Internet .

45 letters were sent out in July 1995 to ascertain whether
universities would be interested in the ' Cultural Itinerary
through Europe ' project which has not been put
finalized .

In order to see what the response would be from other
professional circles, the call for an expression of interest was
published on the Internet . This information on Internet is
not a specific offer for the provision of services, but rather a
measure to gauge interest in the project .

Lastly, the Commission would inform the Honourable
Member that Decision No 94 / 90 / EEC of 8 February 1994
on public access to documents is not, in its opinion,
applicable in this case . The sole aim of this Decision, which
is part of the measures taken by the Commission to make its
work more transparent and to bring it closer to the people, is
to provide easier access to internal Commission documents,
i.e. documents not intended for publication, to persons
requesting them . This policy supplements Commission
initiatives under its information and communications

policy . The documents referred to by the Honourable
Member were not intended for publication .

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2765 / 95

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V )

to the Commission

(3 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 46 )

Subject : Use of research appropriations

1 . Can the Commission guarantee that the 7 % increase
in the research budget arising from the accession of the new
Member States will be used within the research programmes
decided on ?

2 . Can the Commission provide a detailed breakdown of
the distribution of the additional research

appropriations ?

3 . Will the Commission fulfil its claim to transparency
and make this additional allocation of appropriations
public ?

4 . Can the Commission guarantee that these additional
research appropriations will not be awarded to the task
forces ?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson

on behalf of the Commission

(3 November 1995 )

The Commission 's proposals ( Proposal for a Decision of the
Parliament and of the Council adapting Decision
No 1110 / 94 / EC concerning the fourth framework
programme of the European Community activities in the
field of research and technological development and
demonstration ( 1994 to 1998 ) following the accession to
the European Union of the Republic of Austria, the Republic
of Finland and the Kingdom of Sweden and proposal for a
Council Decision adapting Decision No 94 / 268 / Euratom
concerning a framework programme of Community
activities in the field of research and training for the
European Atomic Energy Community ( 1994 to 1998 )
following the accession to the European Union of the
Republic of Austria, the Republic of Finland and the
Kingdom of Sweden ) ( l ) for the adaptation of the fourth
framework programme are currently before the Parliament
and the Council . They should be adopted respectively in
co-decision between the Parliament and the Council and by
the Council after the usual consultation of Parliament .

However, the Commission 's view is clearly stated in its
proposal, namely that the decisions are essentially the
technical adjustments needed to address the financial
consequences of enlargement, while maintaining the
objectives and preserving the balance between the scientific
and technical priorities decided when the framework
programme was adopted . The funds should therefore be

4 . 3 . 96 I HN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 29

utilized in accordance with the indicative breakdown

already established under the specific programmes and with
the principles of transparency and equality of treatment in
the selection of research projects .

As regards the task forces, the Commission has similarly
made it clear that they operate within the legal framework of
the Decisions establishing and implementing the framework
programme, and that they have as a primary purpose the
objective of better focusing any relevant research efforts
under the specific programmes . The recommendations of
the task forces should be finalized in the near future .

(') COM(95 ) 145 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2775 / 95

by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 12 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 47 )

Subject : European foundation for research into the coal

and steel industries

With a view to the expiry of the ECSC Treaty in 2002, the
European Confederation of Iron and Steel Industries

( Eurofer ) has informed the Commission of its support for
the creation of a European foundation for research into the
coal and steel industries . According to Eurofer, there is a
need to continue the system of specific sectoral research,
based on cooperation between research institutes and
undertakings in the coal and steel industries, as well as the
equitable use of ECSC financial reserves .

What is the Commission 's position regarding the creation of
a European foundation for research into the coal and steel
industries and what proposals does it have with a view to the
expiry of the ECSC Treaty ?

Answer given by Mr Santer
on behalf of the Commission

( 15 December 1995 )

The Eurofer initiative, to which the Flonourable Member
refers, is merely the last of a series of measures relating to the
matter in question, which have appeared with slight
differences over the past few years . Parliament, itself, has
dealt with the matter many times, most recently in the report
on the draft ECSC budget for 1996 . At short time ago, a
proposal along these lines was put to the Permanent
Representatives Committee . Just recently, in a
memorandum on aspects of the expiry of the ECSC Treaty,
the ECSC Consultative Committee recommended, among
other things, that a financial mechanism be established, for
example, a foundation for Community research in the coal
and steel sector .

The Commission is studying very carefully the use of any
remaining ECSC financial reserves after the expiry of the
Treaty . It will adopt a position once it has received the
necessary information and opinions .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2796 / 95

by Bernie Malone ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 16 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 48 )

Subject : Funding for integrated education programmes for

children with mental and physical disabilities

Given the moves in most EU Member States towards

facilitating integrated schooling for children and young
adults with mental and physical disabilities, are there any
programmes in place to assist integrated schooling for these
pupils ?

If there are no such programmes in place, could the
Commission make a statement on its policy in this regard,
indicating whether it intends addressing this issue in the near
future ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

(3 November 1995 )

The Council Decision of 25 February 1993 ( ) established a
third Community action programme to assist disabled
people ( Helios II 1993 to 1996 ). Among its aims is the
exchange of information and experience on questions
common to Member States ' educational systems .

The Member States agreed to 180 exchange and
information activities in the field of education, taking into
account, amongst other things, the quality of their
programmes . Seminars, study visits and training sessions are
organized on the basis of annual working themes which
cover all levels of education ( pre-primary school to adult
education ) and pedagogical aspects in educational
integration .

The limited budget of the programme does not allow a wider
participation, but the results of the work will be widely
disseminated by means of reports summarizing the work
done in the education sector as well as a guide of good
practice .

Furthermore, the new Community programmes in
education ( Socrates ) ( 2 ), training ( Leonardo ) ( 3 ) and youth

( Youth for Europe III ) ( 2 ) also state that priority will be

No C 66 / 30 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

given to the particular target groups, namely women,
disadvantaged groups and disabled people . This is clearly
indicated not only in the official text of the decisions, but
also in the documents pertaining to their implementation,
such as the guide and vademecum .

These target groups must be taken into account in a very
precise and explicit way in the activity reports as well as in
the annual evaluation concerning all the actions foreseen in
the Socrates programme .

0 ) OJ No L 56, 9 . 3 . 1993 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 87, 20 . 4 . 1995 .

( 3 ) OJ No L 340, 24 . 12 . 1994 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2797 / 95

by Imelda Read ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 16 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 49 )

or military service . The age limit may be raised by a
maximum of five years in all .

It may be noted that in spring 1995 the Commission
organized competitions for the new Member States to
recruit young officials . On the Finnish and Swedish reserve
lists over half of the candidates are women in the case of the

A8 competition and 40 % in the case of the A 7 / 6
competition .

The Commission is of course following the discussion on the
age limit and considering the various factors relating to it .
The age limit is due to be discussed at talks between the
Community institutions scheduled for the end of the

year .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2801 / 95

by Wolfgang Nufibaumer ( NI )

to the Commission

Subject : Age limits ( 16 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 50 )
Has the Commission given any further consideration to the
question of age limits for positions within the European
institutions ?

Subject : Internal market in energy

Answer given by Mr Liikanen

on behalf of the Commission

( 30 November 1995 )

The Staff Regulations require the Commission, when
recruiting, to treat nationals of all Member States equally
and to ensure the broadest possible geographical balance .
The age limit has had a positive effect on achieving this
objective .

A second central objective is to promote participation by
women in competitions . Experience has shown that the age
limit does not prevent women from taking part in
competitions . On the contrary, it has the opposite effect,
because women become more reluctant to move as they get
older .

Since recruitment policy must take account of these special
factors, the Commission 's practice is not comparable to
national administrations or private sector businesses .

Commission officials are promoted on the basis of
experience and length of service . For this reason the age limit
for young officials entering the service is 32 at the starting
grade ( A8 ) and 35 at grade A7 / 6 . The age limit may be raised
to take account of physical handicap or periods of childcare

According to the Commission White Paper on growth,
competitiveness and employment, the Commission is
planning to introduce an internal market in energy as part of
the trans-European networks . The Commission takes the
view that this entails abolishing exclusive import and export
rights, transport monopolies and closed pipelines and
transmission lines ; the Commission is also planning a
thorough re-examination of the proposal regarding
third-party access to the network, since this would restrict
the ownership rights of private undertakings and the
proposal would thus constitute an obstacle to investment .
The Commission further considers that introducing the
internal market in energy requires investment amounting to
ECU 13 billion, distributed among eight major projects .
This would include establishing expanded electricity
interconnections between Germany and Austria . The
Vorarlberger Illwerke ( hydro-electric power stations ),
which export a large proportion of electricity to Germany,
and the Vorarlberger Kraftwerke ( hydro-electric power
stations ), which supply energy to the Vorarlberg, are of key
importance to the western part of Austria .

1 . What practical measures does the Commission plan to

take in order to prevent third-party access to energy
networks as referred to in the White Paper ?

2 . Has the Commission already laid down a timetable for
abolishing exclusive import and export rights ?

4 . 3 . 96 I EN j Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 31

3 . If so, what implications will the abolition of exclusive
import and export rights have for state-owned energy
suppliers ?

implications will the abolition of exclusive by the establishment of the internal market for electricity, in
export rights have for state-owned energy as far as the trade is based on long-term contracts . As the

Directive for the internal market in electricity has not yet
been agreed on ( J ), there is no clarity yet about which of the

implications will the planned electricity two models Austria will choose . What is clear, however, is
between Germany and Austria have for that the Vorarlberger Illwerke will have to provide access by
Illwerke, which export a large third parties to eligible customers linked to its electricity grid
of electricity to Germany ? under certain objective conditions, but that on the other

hand it can supply and sell electricity to any potential eligible
customer within the internal market as well . Once the

internal market for electricity is established Vorarlberger
Illwerke will have the possibility to benefit from the
Answer given by Mr Papoutsis opportunities offered to it by the competitive market .

4 . What implications will the planned electricity
interconnection between Germany and Austria have for
the Vorarlberger Illwerke, which export a large
proportion of electricity to Germany ?

on behalf of the Commission

( 16 November 1995 ) (M COM(93 ) 643 .

1 . The Commission does not intend to impede
third-party access to energy networks . In the white paper on
growth, competitiveness and employment of 1993 the
Commission undertook to re-examine its 1992 proposal
regarding third-party access and the internal market for
electricity . This proposal introduced the concept of
regulatory or obligatory third-party access ( TPA ) to energy
networks . The Commission, however, modified its
approach from regulatory TPA into negotiated access to
networks, basing itself on a number of amendments
proposed by the Parliament in its opinion in first reading of
November 1993, which objected to the obligatory nature of
this concept . The amended proposal for the internal market
in electricity was adopted by the Commission in December

1993 and has been the subject of discussions in the Council
since the beginning of 1994 . During the Council meetings
under the German and French Presidencies ( 29 November

1 994 and 1 June 1995 ) political agreements were reached on
a number of important elements . However, the issue of
network access is still not solved . Although new concepts for
network access have been introduced, like the so-called
single buyer system, the Commission continues to propose
the approach of negotiated third-party access .

2 . The Commission has already taken action with regard
to the abolition of remaining import and export monopolies
for electricity and natural gas . It brought the matter before
the Court of Justice in June 1994 under Article 169 of the
EC Treaty, because it is convinced that by maintaining their
national legislation restricting the import and export of
electricity, five Member States have failed to fulfil their
obligations pursuant to Articles 30, 34 and 37 of the EC
Treaty .

3 . A Community wide market without internal frontiers
will provide for a more flexible and diversified energy
supply . Improving competitiveness will enable all market
participants in the energy sector to enjoy the benefits of a
more competitive energy market including freedom of
choice and reduced price disparities beetween Member
States .

4 . For decades there has been an intensive exchange of
electricity between the Vorarlberger Illwerke and several
German undertakings ( EVS, RWE ). This will not be affected

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2804 / 95

by Ursula Schleicher ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 16 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 51 )

Subject : Directives 92 / 73 / EEC and 92 / 74 / EEC on
homeopathic medicinal products and veterinary
homeopathic medicinal products

The Commission is to submit a report on the
implementation and application of Directives 92 / 73 / EEC

( Amended proposal for a European Parliament and Council
Directive concerning common rules for the internal market
in electricity ) ( J ) and 92 / 74 / EEC ( 2 ) on homeopathic
medicinal products and homeopathic veterinary medicinal
products by the end of 1995 .

1 . Have the Directives been transposed on time in all the
Member States of the European Union ?

2 . Has the Commission received communications from the

Member States on their application and any difficulties
which may have arisen in practice, in particular in
relation to Article 7 ( 1 ) of Directive 92 / 74 / EEC ?

3 . Will the Commission submit its report on time ?

(M OJ No L 297, 13 . 10 . 1992, p . 8 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 297, 13 . 10 . 1992, p . 12 .

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 30 November 1995 )

1 . By 31 October 1995, eight Member States had still not
informed the Commission of the national measures taken to

comply with Directive 92 / 73 / EEC and seven Member States
had not done so in the case of Directive 92 / 74 / EEC . The

deadline for transposing these two Directives was

No C 66 / 32 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

31 December 1993 . As a result, the Commission has
initiated infringement procedures for failure to notify, in
accordance with Article 169 of the EC Treaty .

It should be noted, however, that failure to transpose these
two Directives is not harming the interests of the operators
concerned, since these Directives do not affect products
which were on the market before they entered into force .
What is more, both Directives expressly state that a Member

State which does not establish a special, simplified
registration procedure must, by 31 December 1995 at the
latest, allow the use in its territory of homeopathic medicinal
products registered by other Member States .

2 . The Commission has received several requests from
Member States to clarify the meaning of Article 7 ( 1 ) of
Directive 92 / 73 / EEC . The Commission has indicated that

this provision must be interpreted to mean that the
simplified registration procedure is applicable only to
medicinal products with a degree of dilution equivalent to at
least 1 part per 10 000 of the mother tincture . Thus, this is a
general condition applicable to all homeopathic products . In
addition, when the product contains an active principle
whose presence in an allopathic medicinal product results in
the obligation to produce a doctor 's prescription, the
product can only be the subject of a simplified registration
procedure if it does not contain more than 1 / 1 00th of that
substance . For these products, therefore, the criterion
applied is the one which requires the greater degree of
dilution . This interpretation was confirmed by the
Pharmaceutical Committee at its 32nd meeting held on
29 November 1993 .

3 . Given the delay in transposing Directives 92 / 73 / EEC
and 92 / 74 / EEC by the Member States, the Commission will
not be able to present its report on the application of these
Directives within the time period stipulated . It is intending
to present its report to the Council and Parliament in the
second half of 1996 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2814 / 95

by Edouard des Places ( EDN )

to the Commission

( 16 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 52 )

Wool, a non-food product, could not be part of the COM in
sheepmeat and goatmeat .

Can the Commission foresee the implementation of
structural measures aimed at promoting the improvement
and the organization of this production ( under animal
products : Annex II, Chapter 5, 05.15 to the Treaty of Rome )

in order to encourage a judicious use of wool from European
sheep stocks ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission

(5 December 1995 )

The Commission has no plans to introduce structural
measures along the lines indicated by the Honourable
Member .

In this connection the Commission notes that wool is not

classified in Chapter 5 of the Combined Nomenclature but
in Chapter 51 . The provisions of the Treaty relating to
agricultural products are not applicable to products in
Chapter 51 and consequently do not apply to wool .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2831 / 95

by Mathias Reichhold ( NI )

to the Commission

( 18 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 53 )

Subject : Payment of EU funds subsidies to Austria still

outstanding for, 1 995

Austria 's farmers are anxiously awaiting payment of vital
EU subsidies .

It is therefore extremely important for them to know exactly
when the EU will make the payments transfers to
Austria .

Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission

Subject : Promotion of wool production in the European

Union ( 30 November 1995 )

Union

The European Union has a sheep population of 98 million ;
this livestock contributes to the upkeep of rural areas in the
most deprived regions of the Union .

Wool, a natural non-food product and potential raw
material for industry and craft trades, is not subject to any
upgrading ; today, the selling price for wool does not even
cover the cost of shearing paid by the sheep farmers .

The principal Community aids of concern to Austrian
producers include the aids payable in respect of the areas
sown to certain arable crops, including set-aside, the
premiums payable in the animal sector and the amounts
payable in the context of the accompanying measures . These
measures are financed from the appropriations in the
European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund

( EAGGF ) Guarantee Section of the budget .

4 . 3 . 96 I EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 33

Within the time limits laid down by the Community
Regulations and subject to the completion of the necessary
control measures, the payment of the various aids and
premiums to producers is a matter for the national
authorities . The resulting expenditure incurred by the
Member State is declared each month to the Commission for

subsequent reimbursement by the EAGGF .

According to the Community Regulations concerned, the
aids requested by producers for eligible areas sown to
cereals, proteins and linseeds and for set-aside, in respect of
the 1995 / 96 marketing year, are to be paid to producers by
the national authorities during the period 16 October 1995
to 31 December 1995 . For the eligible areas sown to oilseeds
for 1995 / 96, an advance of 50 % of the aid is payable, at the
request of producers, before 30 September 1995 . The
balance of the definitive amount of the aid should normally
be paid before 31 March 1996 .

In the beef sector, the Community Regulations provide that
for eligible requests submitted during the 1995 calendar
year, an advance of 60 % of the amount of the suckler-cow
premium is payable as from 1 November 1995, with the
balance of the premium to be paid after the completion of
controls and no later than 30 June 1996 . Similarly, in
respect of eligible requests submitted during 1995 for the
special premium for male bovine animals, an advance of
80 % of the premium is payable as from 16 October 1995,
with the balance of the premium to be paid by 30 June

1996 .

For sheep, and provided that the necessary controls have
been completed, Member States have been authorized, since
July 1995, to pay two advances, each of 30%, on the

estimated amount of the 1995 premium for eligible ewes
and goats, as well as an advance of 90% of the special
premium payable on eligible sheep and goats in
less-favoured areas . The balance of the definitive amounts of

the 1995 premiums in the sheep and goat sector are to be
paid no later than 15 October 1996 .

For the accompanying measures, which are co-financed by
the Community and by Member States and for which the
Act of Accession provided for an EAGGF-financed amount
of ECU 175 million to be paid in Austria in 1995,
programmes covering agri-environmental measures and
forestry were submitted by the Austrian authorities in the
early part of 1995 and were subsequently approved by the
Commission . However, as has been the case for all Member
States, administrative and technical difficulties have meant
that the payment of the amounts involved to producers has
been slower than originally envisaged .

For Austria, it is currently envisaged that the first significant
payments under the accompanying measures will commence
towards the end of the 1995 calendar year . Given that the
expenditures by Austria on the accompanying measures
originally foreseen for the 1995 financial year will now
occur after 15 October 19 95 and therefore within the 1996

financial year, the Commission will ensure that the
necessary budgetary appropriations are available to cover
the Community 's financial contribution .

In respect of the use of the budgetary appropriations in the
Structural Funds for Austrian agriculture including

Objective 5a measures, in particular compensatory
allowances for less-favoured areas, as well as Objectives 1
and 5b measures the Commission would refer the

Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question
P-2985 / 95 by Mrs Crepaz (').

(') OJ No C 56, 26 . 2 . 1996, p . 56 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2857 / 95

by Michl Ebner ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 18 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 54

Subject : Use of display boards to advertise EU funding of

building projects

In all the EU Member States, major projects, particularly
public works, receive European Union funding and support .
In every case, the names of the clients and contractors must
be indicated on display boards . It has been suggested that
the public should also be informed if the project is receiving
EU funding . This could be done most effectively in situ, that
is to say by putting up a special board at the relevant
sites .

Do rules already exist concerning the public display of
information concerning the amount and nature of EU
funding ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies

on behalf of the Commission

( 28 November 1995 )

The arrangements for publicizing measures financed by
the Structural Funds are provided for in Article 32 of
Regulation ( EEC ) No 4253 / 88, as amended ( ! ), which
required the Commission to lay down detailed information
and publicity arrangements for assistance from the Funds
and the financial instrument for fisheries guidance
( FIFG ).

These arrangements are set out in Commission Decision

94 / 342 / EC of 31 May 1994 concerning information and
publicity measures to be carried out by the Member States
concerning assistance from the Structural Funds and the
FIFG ( 2 ).

The Decision requires that Member States to erect
billboards at the site of infrastructure projects involving an
investment of more than ECU 1 million in the case of the

Structural Funds and ECU 500 000 in the case of the FIFG,
and to announce that projects have been co-financed by the

No C 66 / 34 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

Community . The Decision also specifies how billboards are
to be laid out . The Member States may provide additionally
information, but there are no provisions binding them to
specify the amount of Community funding .

t 1 ) OJ No L 193, 31 . 7 . 1993 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 152, 18 . 6 . 1994 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2869 / 95

by Otto von Habsburg ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 21 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 55 )

Subject : Payment for Phare programme consultants

The answer to my question E-2 125 / 94 (') was far from
satisfactory, and the number of complaints on this subject is
mounting .

Will the Commission therefore state whether it is prepared
to provide specific figures instead of making general
statements ?

If not, what are the reasons for its obvious attempt to
withhold the necessary data from Parliament ?

How many staff are employed full - and part-time as part of
the Phare programme in Hungary, and exactly how are they
paid for their work ?

How many freelance consultants are still employed in
Hungary as part of the Phare programme and what is the
total amount of fees paid to them ?

case of local consultants originating in Phare countries who
do not have international experience and, therefore, cannot
be assimilated to western consultants .

As to the human resources in Hungary involved in the
development of the relations of the Community with this
associated country, including the implementation of Phare,
the Commission delegation in Budapest is staffed with
nine permanent officials and 19 local agents, all of
them remunerated out of the administrative part of
the Community 's annual budget . Furthermore, the
decentralised implementation of Phare is ensured by 15
programme management units ( PMUs ) which cover all
sectors of intervention and are politically subordinated to
the corresponding ministries and official institutions in
Hungary . These PMUs are staffed by about 100 employees
of whom 40 % are civil servants paid out of the national
budget and 60 % local staff recruited from the private sector
and paid with the funds of the programmes . The annual cost
of this local staff amounts to ECU 120 000 .

Furthermore, it is estimated that nearly 230 man-years of
external consultancy are mobilized on average every year by
Phare, not only to give support and advice to the PMUs and
other official institutions in Hungary, but mainly to provide
direct input to almost 30 programmes which are annually
subject to implementation in this country . The estimated
annual cost in terms of fees of this external consultancy
amounts to ECU 20 million .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2889 / 95

by Jorge Hernandez Mollar ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 21 October 1995 )

96 / C 66 / 56 )
0 ) OJ No C 300, 13 . 11 . 1995, p . 47 .

Subject : Regis II Community Initiative Programme

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

( 24 November 1995 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its

answer to his Written Question E-2125 / 95 where it was
indicated that the level of fees paid to Phare consultants is in
general the result of competitive tenders .

It is the Commission practice not to disclose the actual level
of fees paid in order to preserve the highest degree of
competitiveness in the procurement of services .

On an indicative basis however, it can be reported that
average fees paid to western consultants in the framework of
Phare, for all sectors of intervention taken together, range
from ECU 300 / day for a junior to ECU 1 000 / day for a
partner . This range is from ECU 50 to ECU 200 / day in

Can the Commission say why the Regis II Community
Initiative Programme ( for the most remote regions ) does not
apply to Melilla ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies

on behalf of the Commission

(7 December 1995 )

The Regis II Community Initiative applies to the French
overseas departments, the Canary Islands, the Azores and
Madeira, classified as most remote regions . Melilla,
however, does receive considerable financial aid from the
Community, from the Structural Funds ( under the Melilla
and Medio Ambiente operational programmes and the

4 . 3 . 96 I EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 35

Interreg Spain-Morocco and Envireg Community
Initiatives ) and the Cohesion Fund .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2890 / 95

by Jorge Hernandez Mollar ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 21 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 57 )

Subject : Specific option plans for the most-remote
regions

Among the Commission 's services there is an
inter-departmental group for the most-remote and isolated
areas of the European Union .

The areas under the responsibility of this service include the
French overseas departments and territories, the Canary
Islands, the Azores, Ceuta and Melilla . For all these areas
except Ceuta and Melilla, specific option plans have been
adopted to alleviate the difficulties for their optimum
economic and social development within the EU which are
caused by their structural deficiencies . Thus, the Poseidom,
Poseican, Poseima etc . programmes have been approved .
Why has the Commission not yet drawn up a specific option
plan for Melilla ?

Answer given by Mr Santer
on behalf of the Commission

(8 December 1995 )

The aim of the Poseidom, Poseican and Poseima
programmes is to see that application of Community
policies takes account of the specific features and
disadvantages of the most-remote regions arising from their
great distance from the centre, their insularity, their small
size, their difficult relief and climates . These programmes,
which symbolize the Community 's solidarity with its
most-remote regions, serve as a reference framework for the
application of common policies in these regions, which have
made the difficult choice to integrate fully and entirely into
the Community .

While Ceuta and Melilla have some characteristics in

common with the most remote regions such as the Overseas
Departments, the Canary Islands, the Azores and Madeira,
their legal status, whereby a number of common policies are
not applied to them, distinguishes them from the most
remote regions which are covered by the Posei programmes .
This special status is comparable to that which applied to
the Canary Islands until 1991 . The Commission would

remind the Honourable Member that the proposal for a
Council Decision establishing a programme of options
specific to the remote and insular nature of the Canary
Islands ( Poseican ) was prepared by the Commission, at the
same time as the proposal for a Council Regulation on the
application of the provisions of Community law to the
Canary Islands, at the request of Spain under Article 25 ( 4 )
of the Accession Treaty, in order to further integrate the
Canary Islands into the Community . To-date the
Commission has not received a similar request for Ceuta
and Melilla .

Naturally, the Commission is keeping a close watch on any
other matter which could arise in connection with relations

between Ceuta and Melilla and the Community .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2895 / 95

by Jacques Donnay ( UPE )

to the Commission

( 26 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 58 )

Subject : Delays in implementing the Leader initiative

The implementation of the Leader I Community Initiative
and preparations for Leader II have created real
partnerships between the political, social and economic
operators in areas frequently experiencing difficulties .

This programme is one of the best illustrations of the
practical benefits which Europe can provide for its people,
and there is no doubt that it is helping to bring the European
Union closer to its citizens .

However, although the French proposals for operational
programmes were submitted to the Commission 's services
more than a year ago, many programmes have still not been
adopted . The resulting uncertainty has brought the local
politicians and operators to a standstill .

Can the Commission explain the reason for the delays, and
give details of the measures it intends to take to make up for
them and mitigate the consequences ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission

( 16 November 1995 )

The Commission is acutely aware that the implementation
of the Community 's Leader II initiative must give rise to
innovative schemes carried out directly by local public and

No C 66 / 36 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

private agencies in all areas of rural activity . In order to
uphold the principles on which the initiative is founded, the
Commission must be sure that the content of proposals
submitted by a Member State is in line with the notice to the
Member States laying down guidelines for Leader II ( 1 ). It is,
moreover, vital that guarantees be provided as to the quality
of the partnership responsible for drafting the programme
proposal . In the light of these criteria, the Commission has
been able to approve nine operational programmes in
France .

Procedures are under way for the adoption of a further five
programmes . As for the rest, the Commission is not yet able
to assume responsibility for the quality of the programmes
or partnerships on the strength of the documents submitted,
which will have to be significantly improved by the national
and regional authorities .

(') OJ No C 180, 1 . 7 . 1994 .

the restructuring of olive growing with a view to improving
the quality of olive oil . It also confirms that the measures
included in the operational programme in question were
modified and the programme 's duration extended to ensure
that operations started in 1993 and related payments would
be finalized under the 1989 / 1993 CSF . The entitlements of

those who subscribed to the programme are, accordingly,
fully safeguarded .

The Commission takes the view, moreover, that the reasons
for the absence of a Greek proposal under the 1994 — 1999
CSF are probably that the results of this programme were
rather poor during the earlier period and that prudence has
subsequently to be exercised in such cases when new
applications for aid from the Structural Funds are drawn

up .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2903 / 95

by Giacomo Santini ( UPE )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2899 / 95 to the Commission

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis ( PPE ) ( 26 October 1995 )

to the Commission ( 96 / C 66 / 60 )

( 26 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 59 )
Subject : Support for NGOs working in the West Nile

region in Uganda

Subject : Restructuring programme for olive production in

Greece

During the first Community Support Framework, an
operational programme for the ' restructuring of olive
growing with a view to improving the quality of olive oil '
was carried out in Greece ( 1993 / 94 ) in the prefectures of
Rethymnon, Heraklion, Chania, Lesbos, Samos and Evvia .
The programme, which provided for substantial aid to
growers, aimed to replace the ' common olive ' with the
' Koroniki ' variety .

In view of the need to continue the programme, can the
Commission confirm that it was not included in the second

CSF because the Greek authorities failed to submit a

proposal to this effect ?

There is a constant mass influx of thousands of refugees
from neighbouring Rwanda into the West Nile region of
Uganda ( 200 000 people are currently camping out in the
region and more are coming in all the time ).

The situation has been exacerbated by the lack of water and
the problems of obtaining water, food and medical supplies .
Given the credibility of the various NGOs operating in this
region ( including the Trento ACAV ) and the importance of
their work, which is being carried out by both technical staff
and volunteers, in coping with the emergency, can the
Commission explain why on earth there have been major
delays in releasing the funds earmarked for supporting the
activities of these organizations ?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission
on behalf of the Commission (8 December 1995 )
( 29 November 1995 )

The Commission confirms that the Greek authorities failed

to request the inclusion in the 1994 — 1999 Community
Support Framework ( CSF ) of continued application of the
measures adopted under the 1989 — 1993 CSF concerning

The Commission is keeping a close watch on the
humanitarian situation in northern Uganda and the Horn of
Africa . It is not the situation in Rwanda but the continuing
war in southern Sudan that has caused some 350 000

refugees to flood into this part of Uganda .

4 . 3 . 96 I EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 37

To meet considerable humanitarian needs in north-west

Uganda the Community has this year financed eight
programmes at a total cost of about ECU 4 million . These
projects involve the drilling of wells, medical care, support
for medical feeding centres, the supply of household kits,
blankets, plastic sheeting, road works to facilitate refugees '
access to the sites, the construction of latrines and the use of
sanitary products .

This integrated programme is being carried out by the
UNHCR, the IFRC and non-governmental organizations .

ACAV, the organization to which the Honourable Member
refers, is not one of the Commission 's partners in the
integrated programme under way in north-western Uganda,
so the Commission does not know the reasons for the delays
in the release of funds referred to in the question .

There are reckoned to be 4 000 Rwandan refugees in other
regions of Uganda, whose needs are being met by the
UNHCR, partly with Community financing .

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

(1 December 1995 )

The Commission has requested from the Canadian
authorities precise figures on the economic impact which a
ban would have on indigenous people, but has not received
such an assessment .

The International Organization for Standardization ( ISO )
was expected to have established international humane
trapping standards, as required by the second option in
Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 3254 / 91 of 4 November
1991 prohibiting the use of leghold traps in the Community
and the introduction into the Community of pelts and
manufactured goods of certain wild animal species
originating in countries which catch them by means of
leghold traps or trapping methods which do not meet
international humane trapping standards ( J ). However, the
ISO process has so far made little progress . Canada, United
States and the Commission have therefore agreed to explore
ways to develop humane trapping standards, and have
established a working group with this aim . The Commission
will continue to participate actively in the efforts of the
working group .

(') OJ No L 308, 9 . 11 . 1991 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2908 / 95 WRITTEN QUESTION E-2910 / 95
by Richard Howitt ( PSE ) and Maartje van Putten ( PSE ) by Manuela Frutos Gama ( PSE )

to the Commission
to the Commission

( 26 October 1995 ) ( 26 October 1995 )

( 961 C 66 / 61 ) ( 96 / C 66 / 62 )

Subject : Competitions : equal opportunities

Subject : Use of leghold traps In the A6, A7 and A8 competitions held in 1991, 1992, 1993
and 1994, how many women were there on the juries for the
written and oral tests ? Can the Commission provide a
With respect, and without prejudice to the ban on imported detailed answer ?
furs from Canada in protest against the leghold trap, due to
come into force on 1 January 1996, will the Commission
undertake an independent study on the social and economic
consequences for the Indigenous Peoples of Canada ? Answer given by Mr Liikanen

on behalf of the Commission

( 11 December 1995 )
Does the Commission agree that such a study could inform
the debate on this issue, which is characterized by wildly
different claims by interest groups, and a failure to achieve During the period 1991 — 1994, the Commission organized
a clear agreement by the International Standards eight competitions at A7 / A6 and A8 levels . 85 members
Organization ? were nominated for the selection boards, of whom 16 were

women, i.e. 19% . The selection boards have the same
composition at the written and oral stage .

Does the Commission agree that such a study could inform
the EU 's negotiations should the ban become subject to a
challenge under the WTO by the Canadian Government ?

Board members are normally nominated from grades above
the level of the competition . In 1994 the proportion of

No C 66 / 38 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

women in the A1 to A5 grades at the Commission was What is the ratio of women to men in A3 posts ( broken

10% . down by directorates-general / other services )?

In the period 1992 — 1994, four competitions were
organized for linguistic staff at the LA7 and LA8 grades .
35 % of board members were women . In 1995, six A7 / A6
and A8 competitions were organized for the recruitment of
citizens from Sweden, Finland and Austria . 34% of
selection board members for these competitions were

women .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2911 / 95

by Manuela Frutos Gama ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 26 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 63 )

Subject : Advisory Committee on Appointments : equal

opportunities

How many members does the Advisory Committee on
Appointments have, and what proportion of these are
women ?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen

on behalf of the Commission

( 12 December 1995 )

There were 31 women in A3 posts in the Commission on
27 September 1995, when there were 440 men . Women thus
occupy 6,58 % of A3 posts . A table setting out the position
at 27 September 1995 as regards women and men in Grade
A3 in the Commission 's various departments will be sent
direct to the Honourable Member and Parliament 's

Secretariat .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2913 / 95

by Manuela Frutos Gama ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 26 October 1995 )

96 / C 66 / 65

Answer given by Mr Liikanen

on behalf of the Commission

( 11 December 1995 ) Subject : Heads of unit at the Commission ?

The Advisory Committee on Appointments consists of three
standing members ( the Secretary-General, the
Director-General for Personnel and Administration of the

Chef de cabinet of the Member with responsibility for
Personnel and Administration ), three full members and
three alternate members . One of the three full members is a

woman, who is currently the only woman Director-General
in the Commission . Thus the ratio women to men is 1

to 6 .

How many women are currently employed as heads
of unit at the Commission ( broken down by
directorates-general / other services ) ?

What is the ratio of women to men in head of unit posts

( broken down by director ates-general / other services )?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen

on behalf of the Commission

( 12 December 1995 )
WRITTEN QUESTION E-29 12 / 95

by Manuela Frutos Gama ( PSE )

to the Commission

There were 79 women heads of unit in the Commission on

( 26 October 1995 ) 27 September 1995, when there were 605 men . Women thus

( 96 / C 66 / 64 ) represent 13,05 % of a total of 684 Heads of Unit . A table

setting out the position at 29 September 1995 as regards
men and women heads of unit in the various departments
Subject : Senior administrators : equal opportunities will be sent direct to the Honourable Member and
Parliament 's Secretariat .

( 26 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 64 )

How many women currently occupy A3 posts at the
Commission ( broken down by directorates-general / other
services )?

4 . 3 . 96 I KN I Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 39

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2914 / 95

by Manuela Frutos Gama ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 26 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 66

Subject : Appointments to A1 and A2 posts : equal
opportunities

In view of the lack of women in the most senior posts ( A1
and A2 ) at the Commission, can the Commission suggest
that the Member States, especially those which have recently
joined the EU, propose situable candidates for those
posts ?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen

on behalf of the Commission

( 14 December 1995 )

Since the Member States are not asked to propose
candidates for Grade A1 and A2 posts, the Commission
cannot suggest that they put forward women for these posts .
Grade A1 and A2 posts are often filled through internal
promotion . Where no internal applicant is considered fully
satisfactory, the Commission may look for applicants from
the outside by making informal contacts, among others,
with the Member States .

The new Member States have been informed of the Grade

A1 and A2 posts to be filled by their nationals so that they
can circulate this information . For the Honourable

Member 's information, the general recruitment procedure is
still underway . At this point in time, the Commission has
appointed one woman to a Grade A1 post and two women
to Grade A2 posts .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2915 / 95

by Jan Sonneveld ( PPE ) and Bartho Pronk ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 26 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 67 )

Subject : Local farmers excluded from supplying fresh beef

to the largest supermarket chain in the
Netherlands

The Agrarisch Dagblad of 7 and 10 October 1995 contained
reports to the effect that Albert Heijn, the largest Dutch
supermarket chain, has decided to stop buying fresh Dutch
beef altogether and instead to concentrate almost
exclusively on buying in Greenfields beef from Northern
Ireland . According to the reports, Greenfield animals are
kept in Northern Ireland on farms participating in the
Farmers ' Quality Assurance Scheme .

1 . Is the Commission aware ot these reports ?

2 . Has the Commission been notified of this cooperation
arrangement ?

3 . Is the British Government involved in sales of beef under

the Farmers ' Quality Assurance Scheme ?

4 . Does the Commission believe that supermarkets with a
very large share of the market should enter into
long-term arrangements, with national suppliers '
organizations, which specify that the product may
originate in only one region of the European Union, or
does this constitute infringement of EU rules on
competition or on government aid ?

5 . Does the Commission feel that Albert Heijn 's exclusive
supply agreements are covered by the description in
point 4 ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission

(6 December 1995 )

1 . No .

2 . The Commission has not received notification of any
agreements concerning the purchase of beef by the Albert
Heijn chain of supermarkets .

3 . The Commission is not aware of the extent of any
government involvement in the quality assurance scheme . It
will therefore make appropriate enquiries with the United
Kingdom authorities .

4 and 5 . As the Commission is not aware of the details of

any agreements concerning the purchase of beef by the
Albert Heijn chain of supermarkets, it cannot make any
Assessment of any such agreements for their compatibility
with the competition rules of the EC Treaty . In general, if a
retailer decides unilaterally to purchase beef from specific
farmers only, such a decision is not likely to infringe the
competition rules . Exclusive distribution agreements and
exclusive purchasing agreements, which under certain
circumstances may fall within the prohibition contained
in Article 85 ( 1 ) EC Treaty, are compatible with the
common market if they meet the conditions of the group
exemptions laid down in Commission Regulations ( EEC )
No 1983 / 83 ( l ) or ( EEC ) No 1984 / 83 I 1 ).

(') OJ No L 173, 30 . 6 . 1983 .

No C 66 / 40 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2920 / 95

by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE / NGL )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2928 / 95

Alavanos ( GUE / NGL ) by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARE )

to the Commission to the Commission

( 26 October 1995 )

to the Commission

( 26 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 68 ) ( 96 / C 66 / 69 )

Subject : Fishing in the Aegean Sea Subject : Trans-European Networks

Greek trawlers are allowed to fish in the Aegean Sea for eight
months of the year ( there is a closed season between June
and September ). However, trawlers from the Turkish coast
fish all the year round, including during the reproductive
period and this has serious consequences for fish stocks in
the Aegean .

Given that the Turkish Black Sea fishing fleet has been
transferred to the Aegean, owing to the dramatic fall in fish
stocks, will the Commission say what measures it intends to
take, in connection notably with the Customs Union with
Turkey, with a view to ensuring that that country also
respects the arrangements governing Greek island
fisheries ?

In its reply to my question E-l 964 / 95 (*) the Commission
says that only infrastructure is included, but that there is no
aid for services .

Does not the Commission feel that this subtle distinction

may tend to distort competition, given that the Channel
project can use the TEN Guidelines ? For example, the
London-Channel Tunnel link has been included . However,
there is no mention of an improved link between London
and Ramsgate to connect with the ferry to Ostende and
subsequently to an existing network .

(') OJ No C 270, 16 . 10 . 1995, p . 67 .

Answer given by Mr Kinnock

on behalf of the Commission
Answer on behalf given of the Commission by Mrs Bonino (1 December 1995 )

( 29 November 1995 )

Greek legislation places a number of restrictions on the use
of fishing gear and applies only to Greek territorial waters,
to which fishing vessels of other nationalities do not have

access .

The Commission has, however, been seeking for a number
of years to introduce common arrangements concerning the
management and conservation of Mediterranean resources,
whereby States which benefit in whatever way from
Mediterranean biological resources, undertake to cooperate
with a view to ensuring the protection and development of
the region 's fishery resources .

The first step was the diplomatic conference on fishery
management in the Mediterranean held in Crete in
December 1994 . The second stage will involve practical
application to the principles adopted in Crete and, to this
end, the Commission is planning a second diplomatic
conference during 1996 .

Hence, it is in the framework of such a meeting that rules
restricting fishing effort should be adopted rather than in the
context of the customs union between the Community and
Turkey, which applies only to industrial products .

As already mentioned in reply to Written Question
E-l 964 / 95 the Commission can confirm that the guidelines
for the trans-European transport network concern
transport infrastructure and not services .

It is conceivable that in some cases Community support for
certain infrastructures would have an effect on competition
between modes of transport . In principle the TENs budget
line is available to support any mode of transport . However,
the European Council has set a priority for certain projects
within the multimodal guidelines that it considers of
particular benefit to the Union, the major proportion of
which concern rail and combined transport .

As far as the particular case raised by the Honourable
Member is concerned, it is forecast that a large number of
people travelling between the United Kingdom and
destinations in Belgium and beyond will benefit from
completion of the Channel Tunnel rail link . The British
authorities have sought support for this project from the
TEN-T budget, and it also features as one of the priority
projects agreed at Essen .

Since the rail line between London and Ramsgate also forms
part of the TEN-T network as currently defined, the British
authorities could, if they thought it appropriate, also seek
financial support from the Community for this line .

4 . 3 . 96 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 41

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2929 / 95

by Peter Skinner ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 27 October 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 70 )

Subject : Sale of ' Green Card ' insurance in the UK to

motorists travelling abroad

What is the legal position under European Community law
concerning the sale of ' Green Card ' insurance in the UK for
motorists travelling abroad ? Considering that EU law
forbids barriers to trade and travel, is it not illegal for this
extra charge to be imposed upon UK motorists when they
travel abroad ? If this is the case, what will the Commission
do to remedy any inconsistency with Community law ?

The Commission raised this matter in 1994 with the United

Kingdom authorities which acknowledged that the practice
of issuing a green card as evidence that third-party cover had
been extended was incorrect and confirmed that the

insurance industry had already been approached in this
matter . The Commission is aware that insurance companies
in the United Kingdom are still charging drivers extra for
green cards and that this matter has therefore not yet been
settled . The Commission consequently will again approach
the British authorities in the near future .

( 1 ) OJ No L 103, 2 . 5 . 1972 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 129, 19 . 5 . 1990 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2943 / 95

by Mathias Reichhold ( NI )

to the Commission

(9 November 1995 )
Answer given by Mr Monti
on behalf of the Commission ( 96 / C 66 / 71 )

( 24 November 1995 )

Subject : EU initiative concerning border areas —
Interreg 2

Council Directive 72 / 166 / EEC of 24 April 1972 ( ) ( the
green card Directive ) made it possible to stop third-party
insurance checks on vehicles registered in one Member State
entering another Member State . Thus the production of
proof of third-party civil liability insurance ( green card ) by
Union citizens when crossing intra-Community borders is
no longer required .

The Directive furthermore lays down that each Member
State must ensure that vehicles based there have third-party
insurance, and that the contract of insurance also covers any
loss or injury caused in the territory of other Member
States .

The Commission subsequently became aware that in a
number of Member States motorists who had no intention

of taking their vehicle abroad and who therefore did not
wish to pay for Community-wide cover, could take out
third-party insurance limited to the national territory .

Directive 90 / 232 / EEC of May 14 ( 2 ), 1990 relating to
insurance against motor vehicle liability removes any
uncertainty concerning the interpretation of Directive
72 / 166 / EEC by obliging Member States to ensure that all
compulsory insurance policies against motor vehicle
liability cover the entire Community, on the basis of a single
premium . Community insurance companies are thus not
allowed to charge drivers extra for green cards, nor may they
require that policy holders have to apply for a green card to
be covered for third-party civil liability when they want to
go abroad .

The project ' Via Auguste ' was submitted in summer 1995 . It
includes a cheese walk along the high Alpine pastures
between Italy and Carinthia .

Has this programme already been approved, and to what
extent is EU aid being made available ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies

on behalf of the Commission

(8 December 1995 )

The Commission expects to adopt in the near future the
Interreg II Italy — Austria programme 1994 — 1999 . It
foresees a Community contribution from the Structural
Funds of ECU 4,43 million for Austria and ECU 7,1 million
for Italy .

The programme includes a proposed measure concerning
the exploitation and promotion of the common historical
and cultural heritage of the border regions concerned, which
will involve projects relating to historical and cultural
itineraries . However, no details are yet available about the
individual projects which may be selected for finance when
the programme is in operation .

No C 66 / 42 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2944 / 95

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2945 / 95

Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) by Hiltrud Breyer ( V )

to the Commission to the Commission

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V )

(9 November 1995 )

to the Commission

(9 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 72 ) ( 96 / C 66 / 73 )

Subject : rBST use in Polish cattle farms

1 . What significance does the rBST moratorium of the
European Union have in the association process of Poland
and the Czech Republic ?

2 . To what extent is rBST used in the Czech Republic and
Poland ?

3 . Is the Polish rBST market supplied through Monsanto
and is the same infrastructure used as in supplying the
American market, i.e. manufacture in Austria and
packaging in the Netherlands ?

4 . In cases where question 3 applies, what precautions
have been taken to exclude illegal diversion of rBST on
supply channels through the EU ?

5 . Is there any information on the effects on health of
rBST on the dairy cattle of the countries concerned ?

6 . Which industries using rBST in Poland and the Czech
Republic export milk, milk products, meat or livestock from
rBST-treated cattle farms in the EU ?

7 . How does the Commission assess rBST use in the

associated states ?

8 . What consequences are expected for Polish producers,
most of whom are small farmers, if undertakings nearer the
market can increase their production by using rBST ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission

(8 December 1995 )

Council Decision 94 / 936 / EC ( ) of 20 December 1994
concerning bovine somatotrophin ( BST ) prohibits the
placing on the market of BST in the Member States, and the
administration on their territory of BST to dairy cows by
any means whatsoever .

According to the information available to the Commission,
the distribution and use of BST is not authorized in either

Poland or the Czech Republic . The Commission does not
have information concerning possible irregular distribution,
use or controls in these countries . In the course of its

ongoing dialogue and contacts with the associated
countries, it will endeavour to clarify the situation .

0 ) OJ No L 366, 31 . 12 . 1994 .

Subject : Genetically engineered organisms in the sales

production of Polish breweries

1 . What breweries in the European Union have bought
shares in or taken over firms in the Polish brewing
industry ?

2 . Which of these breweries use genetic engineering
techniques ?

3 . To what extent do Polish subsidiaries use genetic
engineering techniques which are not permitted in sales
production in the EU ?

4 . Does any such subsidiary market its products within
EU territory ?

5 . What standards must be complied with if genetically
engineered strains cross the border of the EU for research
and production purposes ?

6 . How does the Commission assess the use of genetic
engineering in sales production of breweries, and what risks
are seen therein ?

7 . How is the substitution of raw materials from

agricultural production assessed ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

( 14 December 1995 )

1 . Information on investments by Community breweries
in third countries such as Poland is not reported to the
Commission .

2 . The use of production methods involving genetically
modified micro-organisms in contained facilities, such as the
production and use of genetically modified yeast in the
manufacture of beer, is governed by the provisions of
Directive 90 / 219 / EEC ( a ). An authorization is granted by
the Member States, which communicate to the Commission
only a global number of authorizations given, and do not
provide detailed information on individual companies .

Products which contain viable genetically modified
organisms must obtain an authorization pursuant to
Directive 90 / 220 / EEC ( ! ) prior to their placing on the
market . The Commission has not received any such
application for beer containing living modified
micro-organisms .

3 . The techniques of production used by Polish breweries
are not known to the Commission .

4 . 3 . 96 I KN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 43

4 . Just 190 tonnes of beer from Poland were imported
into the Community . However, these statistics do not give
any information on the breweries which produced the
imported beer nor about the different technologies used .

5 . Any imported strains would be subject to the same
requirements as those produced in the Community .

6 . Brewing is traditionally based on fermentation with
the aid of micro-organisms . The Commission has not been
notified of any commercial use of genetically modified
micro-organisms in beer brewing, so no risk assessment is
available .

7 . Since malted cereals have to be used in brewing, there
is no substitution of agricultural raw materials .

The total food-aid package consists of funding for :

— the delivery of food items on grant terms to recipient

governments for onward sale to the population,

— the proper monitoring of the delivery, storage and

distribution and the collection of the counterpart fund

( as in the previous operation ),

— the provision of agricultural inputs ( including seeds and

fertilizer ) again on grant terms for onward sale to
farmers,

— substantial technical assistance to agriculture,

— programme monitoring and transport assistance .

As all counterpart funds will be used to assist the
development and restructuring of the agricultural sector, the
( ! ) OJ No L 117, 8 . 5 . 1990 . technical assistance component will complement the whole

operation and has two major objectives :

— satisfactory utilization of the counterpart fund in the

agricultural sector,

— policy development to facilitate agriculture and related

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2951 / 95 sectors .

by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler ( V )

to the Commission

(9 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 74 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2955 / 95

Subject : Conclusion of an agreement on the supply of

cereals to Armenia

According to a report in ' Agence Europe ' on 5 October

1995, the EU and Armenia have concluded an agreement on
the supply of 160 000 tonnes of cereals .

Are these supplies of cereals accompanied by structural
programmes to promote agriculture ?

If so, what do these programmes comprise ?

If not, why not ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

( 30 November 1995 )

The approval of the 1995 / 96 food-aid operation

( ECU 197 million ) to the five recipient States ( Armenia,
Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan ) was
conditional upon substantial measures towards the
restructuring of the agricultural sector . Additional details
are combined in a document sent direct to the Honourable

Member and to the Parliament 's Secretariat .

by Jannis Sakellariou ( PSE )

to the Commission

(9 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 75 )

Subject : Human rights violations in the People 's Republic

of China

On 6 — 9 October 1995 the EU-China Joint Committee held
a meeting in Brussels pursuant to Article 15 of the 1985
trade and cooperation agreement .

At this meeting :

1 . Did the Commission raise the difficult question of the
repeated and continuing human rights violations in
Tibet ?

2 . If so, which specific cases were discussed ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

( 12 December 1995 )

The Commission has repeatedly drawn attention to the
importance it attaches to the respect of human rights and

No C 66 / 44 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

other fundamental freedoms . The Commission 's July
communication to the Council on the Community 's
long-term policy on China emphasizes the need for
constructive commitment in this regard . On the occasion of
the visit of the Chinese minister of foreign trade to Brussels
for the annual Community-China Joint Committee, the
Commission took the opportunity to express the
Community 's concern about this matter . The violation of
human rights in Tibet was specifically mentioned . It would
be counter-productive to make public the details of such
exchanges .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2962 / 95

by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE / NGL )

to the Commission

(9 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 76 )

Subject : Free-trade agreement with Turkey in respect of

steel products

The Commission has reached agreement with the Turkish

Government on a free-trade agreement in respect of steel
products, some provisions of which have greatly alarmed
the European Independent Steelworks Association ( EISA ).
The discrimination in favour of Turkey in respect of bars, by
small undertakings, and not in plate, produced by giant
Community steelmakers, might be the source of serious
damage to small Community steelmakers, especially in a
Community country neighbouring Turkey such as Greece,
to which transport costs are low .

1 . Why is Turkey being given the opportunity to retain
duties on steel rod and bar for a three-year period while
Community countries like Greece are removing theirs
on T urkish products ? Why, on the other hand, is T urkey
being obliged to remove its duties on sheet and plate
steel ?

2 . Why does Article 7 contain a two-year period during
which Turkey will not apply the rules on unfair
competition, putting the small-scale Community steel
industry at a disadvantage ? Why is not Turkey
immediately subject to the Community rules on
competition ?

3 . Why will Turkey be allowed for five years to grant State
aid for restructuring, while in the countries of the
European Union such schemes have to be linked to
reductions in overall production capacity ?

4 . Does the Commission intend to deal with the Free-T rade

Agreement on Steel Products at the same time as the
Agreement on the Customs Union, pursuant to
Article 24 of the World Trade Organization ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

( 21 December 1995 )

1 . The Community has a considerable trade surplus with
T urkey in steel products . Levels of protection for T urkey are
high ( up to 35% ) while the duties applicable to European
Coal and Steel Community ( ECSC ) products in the
Community are low ( on average 5% ). The proposed
agreement negotiated with Turkey would effect the
immediate removal of all duties and other charges from the
date it enters into force for some 95 % of the Community 's
exports of ECSC products to Turkey . For the remaining,
mainly long, products the relevant duties will be reduced to
half for the first year following the date of entry into force of
the agreement, to a quarter for the second and third years
and to zero thereafter . The Commission considers that this

result is satisfactory in overall terms and also offers a
concession in respect of long products .

2 . Article 7 of the agreement is drafted in similar terms to
the corresponding provisions in the agreements with the
countries of central and eastern Europe . By its terms Turkey
accepts that from the entry into force of the agreement
practices contrary to Community law in the field of
competition and State aids are incompatible with the
agreement . The two-year period is designed to allow
implementing rules to be adopted for such obligations, but
does not suspend them in any way . In the event of failure to
respect these provisions the agreement will allow the
Community to take appropriate measures .

3 . The terms of Article 8 recognise the particular
circumstances of the Turkish steel industry, namely that
there is a considerable imbalance in the form of a large
production of long products and a small production of flat
products, rather than structural over-capacity . The terms of
Article 8 will therefore allow exceptional aid for
restructuring subject to the strict criteria set out therein on
condition that there is no overall increase of capacity .

4 . The Commission envisages that the new relations with
Turkey represented by the customs union and the agreement
in respect of ECSC products will be notified in due course
to the World Trade Organization in conformity with
Article XXIV of the GATT .

4 . 3 . 96 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 45

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2966 / 95 Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission
by Mercedes De la Merced Monge ( PPE )

to the Commission (5 December 1995 )

(9 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 77 )

Subject : Committee of the Regions — establishment plan

In view of the prevailing confusion as to the position, and
even structure, of the Committee 's administrative body, will
the Commission provide a detailed establishment plan of the
Committee of the Regions ?

Will it also provide the names, nationalities and
administrative functions of all the people who form part of
the establishment ?

The Commission is very much aware of the Community
market situation regarding tomatoes and has taken the
interest of Community producers fully into account in its
efforts to achieve a balanced agreement with Morocco .

The compromise reached means that Morocco will be able
to maintain its traditional volume of exports but will not be
allowed to go beyond this level . Community producers will
continue to receive satisfactory protection, particularly
through the fixing of an entry price for 20 December to
31 March, a period when Community production is without
the benefit of any protection since the reference price did not

­
apply

Furthermore, Community imports within the quota will be
closely monitored, as was the case under the agreement
covering the period 1 January to 31 March 1995, thereby
Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies ensuring proper implementation of the agreement .

on behalf of the Commission

(1 December 1995 )

The Commission will transmit the particulars requested by
the Honourable Member direct to her once it has received a WRITTEN QUESTION
reply to its request for information from the Committee of by Inigo Méndez de Vigo
the Regions . to the Commission

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2973 / 95

by Inigo Méndez de Vigo ( PPE )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2972 / 95

by Inigo Mendez de Vigo ( PPE )

to the Commission

(9 November 1995 )

96 / C 66 / 78 )

Subject : Increased quota for Moroccan tomatoes

The Commission has indicated its agreement to a further
increase in the amount of tomatoes imported from
Morocco . Morocco has requested a quota of
200 000 tonnes per year, in addition to its current quota of

130 000 tonnes, for which it pays a tariff of ECU 560 per
tonne, a substantial reduction in relation to the GATT
agreements, which set an entry price of ECU 920 .

Is the Commission aware of the damage which increasing
the Moroccan quota will do to tomato producers in the
Canary Islands, where this sector employs more than
50 000 people ?

(9 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 79 )

Subject : Allocation of Structural Funds

The Commission recently decided on the allocation of
Structural Fund reserves up to 1999 .

Can the Commission say what criteria it followed in
allocating funds to the Resider ( restructuring of steel
industry areas ) and Pesca programmes, and in distributing
this aid ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies

on behalf of the Commission

(7 December 1995 )

The Commission awarded a single allocation for all four
industrial restructuring initiatives ( Konver, Rechar, Resider
and Retex ), which together received 16% of the total
reserve in 1994 and 23 % or ECU 380 million in 1995 . It is

up to each Member State to decide how much each initiative
receives in light of the prevailing national situation .
ECU 30 million from the reserve was allocated to Pesca .

No C 66 / 46 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

As in 1994, the share of the total allocation given to
individual Member States depended on their degree of
eligibility for the various fields covered by each initiative . As
regards funding reductions, certain adjustments were made
to avoid the award of negligible amounts, especially for
Pesca, which would make consistent planning difficult .

In sharing out total reserve funding between the Member
States, the Commission also took account of the decisions of
the Edinburgh European Council in order to keep in step
with the quota for Objective 1 regions and the total level of
funding for the four Member States covered by the Cohesion
Fund ( Portugal, Greece, Ireland and Spain ).

concerning cooperation with Cuba . It has not received any
request to take part in initiatives in connection with the
Jaragua power plant, which is still under construction .

Cuba is a member of the IAEA ( International Atomic Energy
Agency ), the specialized UN Agency dealing with nuclear
energy . Within its framework, Cuba has signed safeguard
agreements and the agency 's inspectors visit the country
each year .

In addition to the above, in April 1995 Cuba signed the
Treaty of Tlatelolco on peaceful uses of nuclear energy .

(M COM(95 ) 306 .

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2983 / 95

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2974 / 95
by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE )

by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE )
to the Commission

to the Commission
(1 November 1995 )

(9 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 81 )
( 96 / C 66 / 80 )

Subject : Nuclear power station in Jaragua, Cuba

In view of the Commission 's intention to strengthen
relations between the Union and Cuba, could it investigate
the current state of the Jaragua nuclear power plant, which
is half-built in Cienfuegos, Cuba ? It would be particularly
interesting to know whether the Russian Federation will
reinstate the generous financial aid which was cut off when
the USSR broke up, and whether measures are envisaged to
ensure that safety standards meet those required in the

West .

Subject : Tacis programmes for central Asia and
Mongolia

On Wednesday 1 1 October 1995, the Commission adopted
21 Tacis projects and a number of inter-regional projects

( Agence Europe, 12 . 10 . 95 ).

Could the Commission give details of the projects which
concern, in part or in whole, the five countries of central
Asia and Mongolia ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

(8 December 1995 )
Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 18 December 1995 ) The article in Agence Europe of 12 October 1995 to which
the Honourable Member refers concerns a Commission

Decision regarding the Phare and Tacis programme for the
promotion and reinforcement of democracy in beneficiary

resolutions on the countries .

In view of recent Parliament reports and resolutions on the
situation in Cuba, on 28 June last year the Commission
presented a communication to the Council and Parliament
entitled ' Relations between the European Union and
Cuba ' ( ] ). The communication proposed a dialogue which
would enable the future framework for relations with Cuba

to be established, bearing in mind changes taking place in
the country in terms of economic and institutional
reforms .

Up to now, cooperation with Cuba has focused on
humanitarian and food aid and on projects carried out
through NGOs . The Commission does not have any
information on the Russian Federation 's intentions

The Tacis democracy programme is used every six months
to finance projects submitted to promote democracy in the
former Soviet Union and in Mongolia . It is run jointly with
the Phare democracy programme for central Europe .

In October 1995 the Commission approved 53 projects as
part of this programme, of which about half were for the
former Soviet Union . Of the latter, five were for projects in
central Asia and Mongolia . This reflects the relatively low
level of involvement of non-governmental organizations

( NGO ) in that region . The Commission, both through the
delegation of the Commission in Kazakhstan, and also

4 . 3 . 96 1 EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 47

through the Tacis democracy programme, is seeking to
increase the level of NGO involvement and hopes thus that
the number of democracy programme activities in that
region will increase .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2988 / 95

by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE / NGL )

to the Commission

(9 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 82 )

Subject : Failure to implement a policy for the provision of

rural tourist facilities in remote areas of Greece

Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 2328 / 91 (*) provides for aid
schemes for farmers in remote areas wishing to add extra
rooms to their premises for rent to tourists .

From the conclusions of a meeting held to discuss ways of
developing the Ikaria-Fournoi district of the Department of
Samos, it emerged that, under a decision by the Ministry of
Agriculture ( No 427124 of 24 . 11 . 94, appearing in Official
Gazette No 925B of 14 . 12 . 94 ), the Greek authorities have
imposed extremely strict criteria for approval of the
addition of such rooms, resulting in a total loss of interest in
the aid scheme among farmers on the island of Ikaria, in
view of the increased bureaucracy involved and the required
initial outlay on surveys, travel and what have now become
high-risk investments . Whereas 25 such rural tourist
initiatives were previously approved, following the
ministerial decision, no new applications have been
submitted .

1 . What representations will the Commission make to the

Greek authorities with a view to facilitating the
implementation of Regulation ( EEC ) No 2328 / 91 in
remote island areas such as Ikaria, for which the
Regulation was principally intended ?

2 . Would it be willing to support the creation of a national
network to process applications from farmers and
facilitate the implementation of the above Regulation in
remote islands such as Ikaria ?

(!) OJ No L 218, 6 . 8.1991, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission

( 29 November 1995 )

Following the favourable opinion delivered by the
Committee on Agricultural Structures and Rural
Development on 27 January this year, the Commission

approved ( ) the Greek Government 's interdepartmental
decision No 148 of 30 November 1994 concerning aid for
investment by farmers pursuant to Council Regulation

( EEC ) No 2328 / 91 and Regulation ( EEC ) No 2019 / 93
dealing more specifically with islands in the Aegean .

In order to meet more effectively the difficulties of smaller
islands in the Aegean, the maximum level of official aid was
raised to 55 % of the investment and to 65 % in the case of

young farmers .

The upper limit for investment eligible for aid in respect of
farm-based tourist operations is Dr 35 million per holding
( equivalent to some ECU 120 000 ). This is in itself an
appreciable amount . The Council, however, decided to raise
the ceiling to ECU 180 000, equivalent to some
Dr 50 million .

Accordingly, subject to the availability of budget funds and
provided that socio-economic imperatives so warrant, the
Greek authorities are free to propose to the Commission
that the ceiling authorized hitherto in Greece generally and,
where appropriate, in the Aegean islands in particular, be
uprated .

(M Decision 95 / 562 / EC of 28 March 1995 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2996 / 95

by Mark Killilea ( UPE )

to the Commission

( 13 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 83 )

Subject : Tacis Democracy Programme and the disabled

It is an accepted fact that the majority of disabled people in
society live on the poverty line . Given the extent of economic
upheaval in former Russia, and the complete breakdown of
former social structures and supports, it must also be
accepted that disabled people living there are among the
most disadvantaged in society today .

Given that disability equates with poverty, can the
Commission state its position, and also the position of its
office responsible for the Tacis Democracy Programme,
when dealing with applications received from NGOs
seeking to assist the disabled and disadvantaged in former
Russia, now the Commonwealth of Independent States ?

Does it not consider that such applications would be among
the most important it would receive, given what it wishes to
achieve in the CIS ?

Does it intend to facilitate NGOs and other organizations
who put forward strong, feasible proposals in this
regard ?

If not, will it give the reasons why ?

No C 66 / 48 I EN ! Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

( 11 December 1995 )

The purpose of the interventions of the Commission in the
former Soviet Union is to assist the smooth transition to a

market economy in a democratic society .

The objective of the Tacis democracy programme is to
improve the quality of society from the point of view of
democracy, and to this end support is given in relation to
parliamentary practice and to the building of the institutions
of a healthy plural society .

Applications from non-governmental organizations
( NGOs ) dealing with the disabled and disadvantaged, if
their projects are designed to further the objectives of the
Tacis democracy programme, would be considered . Where
those applications are strong and feasible as well as
furthering the objectives of the programme, they would
have good chances of being accepted .

At present, only about one in seven applications under the
Tacis democracy programme include proposals in favour of
the disabled and disadvantaged .

Programmes of the Commission other than the Tacis
democracy programme are also concerned with the
disabled . Mainstream Tacis projects have supported reform
of social protection, while the Tacis Lien programme is
particularly concerned with the co-financing of NGO
projects which help the poor and the vulnerable in the
former Soviet Union .

In view of the characteristics of the programme to
restructure the tomato sector submitted by the Spanish
authorities and the constraints of Community legislation
on agricultural structures, the Commission did not
accept the Spanish application for Community
funding .'

We are disappointed at this incomplete answer .

1 . In particular, does it apply to all programmes involving
EU funds for co-financing in the horticultural sector ?

2 . Does the Spanish Government provide the horticultural
sector with any other form of aid which would stand in
the way of ordinary competition ?

( ] ) OJ No C 270, 16 . 10 . 1995, p . 70 .

( 2 ) OJ No C 270, 16 . 10 . 1995, p . 62 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission

( 11 December 1995 )

1 . The Commission 's answer of 25 July, quoted in the
Honourable Members ' question, concerns only the
programme for restructuring the tomato sector in Spain .

However, Community contributions to the financing of
structural measures for various agricultural products, under
operational programmes for the Objective 1 regions of
Spain, are subject to the Commission 's approval of the
relevant aid arrangements .

2 . So far as the Commission is aware there are no support
measures in the horticultural sector in Spain that stand in the
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2998 / 95 way of competition .

by Marie-Paule Kestelijn-Sierens ( ELDR ) and

Jan Mulder ( ELDR )

to the Commission

( 13 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 84 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2999 / 95

by Leen van der Waal ( EDN )

Subject : European aid to Spanish glasshouse
horticulturalists

On 16 August 1995 the Commission referred, in answer
to Written Question E-2077 / 95 (') by Marie-Paule
Kestelijn-Sierens ( ELDR ) and Jan Mulder ( ELDR ), to its
answer of 25 July 1995 to Written Question E-1878 / 95 ( 2 )
by Jan Sonneveld ( PPE ) in which it said :

' The Commission was notified on 7 October 1994 of a

programme to restructure the Spanish tomato sector
with a view to obtaining Community funding under the
operational programmes for certain Objective 1 regions
of Spain .

to the Commission

( 13 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 85 )

Subject : Extending the export season for Moroccan fruit

and vegetables

According to the Reformatorisch Dagblad of 14 October

1995 the draft cooperation agreement between Morocco
and the EU offers Morocco greater access to the EU market
for vegetables, fruit and cut flowers in exchange for
concessions to Spanish fishermen .

4 . 3 . 96 I hn i Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 49

1 . Can the Commission confirm the accuracy of this
report ?

2 . If so, can it give further details of this more generous
access to the market ?

3 . Does the Commission agree that a further opening up of
the market in the fruit and vegetable sector will have a
detrimental effect on products whose prices are already
too low, such as tomatoes where the entry prices will be
cut quite drastically ?

4 . Does the Commission share my analysis that European
producers are not in any way responsible for the
fisheries conflict between the EU and Morocco and that

therefore they should not be victimized in any way for
it ?

5 . Is the Commission prepared to do what it can to prevent
extra competition from Moroccan fruit and vegetables
on the EU market ?

6 . If, despite all the efforts, it should prove impossible to
prevent greater access to the market for Moroccan
products, what measures is the Commission planning to
take to restrict the loss of earnings for producers
suffering from what is already a saturated tomato
market ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission

( 14 December 1995 )

In the negotiations with Morocco on the future
arrangements for imports of fruit, vegetables and cut
flowers, the Commission was fully mindful of the situation
on the Community market and aimed for a balanced
agreement which would do justice to the interests of
Community producers .

For tomatoes a compromise was agreed allowing Morocco
to maintain traditional trade flows in full but offering
nothing in excess of that level, and ensuring that
Community producers continue to receive adequate
protection . One way of doing this was to set an entry price
for 20 December — 31 March, a period during which
Community producers used not to be protected as the
reference price regime did not apply .

As was the case under the arrangements valid from

1 January to 31 March this year, imports under the quota
will be subject to strict surveillance to ensure that the
agreement is applied correctly .

The concession for cut flowers has been raised to

3 000 tonnes, subject to a system of minimum import prices,
plus a further 2 000 tonnes for tropical flowers . All these
duty-free imports are subject to an import schedule so that
the concession is valid only from 15 October to 14 May of
each year ( or 31 May in the case of carnations ). Being
confined to the winter, such imports are unlikely to affect

Community producers ' earnings and disrupt the
Community market .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3000 / 95

by Doeke Eisma ( ELDR )

to the Commission

( 13 November 1995 )

96 / C 66 / 86 )

Subject : Commission grant of ECU 2 million to the

Netherlands for regional planning pilot projects

Shortly after the floods early this year in the Netherlands
it appeared that the Commission did not have sufficient
funds available to make a contribution towards the

cost of strengthening dykes, although Commissioner
Wulf-Mathies made available ECU 2 million for regional
planning pilot projects .

Can the Commission indicate the results of these

projects ?

Is the recent grant of aid a result of this, and will the'projects
financed in this way be subject to environmental impact
reports ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies

on behalf of the Commission

(5 December 1995 )

The Commission did indeed set aside ECU 2 million under

Article 10 of Regulation ( EEC ) No 4254 / 88, as amended ( J ),
to help with flood control measures in the Meuse and Rhine
basins .

The money is to be used to part-finance study programmes
being carried out for the interdepartmental working party
set up by the ministries responsible for development
planning in the five Member States concerned ( Belgium,
France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands ).

However, at the last meeting of the working party, held in
Namur on 29 September, it was not found possible to
present a sufficiently detailed programme in time for the
ECU 2 million to be committed in 1995 . The programme is
due to be presented in the next few months, and the money
will therefore be committed early in 1996 .

It will consist of preliminary studies designed to identify
suitable measures which could be adopted or recommended
jointly by the relevant development planning authorities,

No C 66 / 50 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

including building restrictions and the reclamation of
natural flood channels .

This work should not be confused with the operational
programmes to be funded under the new Interreg II C
Community Initiative, though these will not comprise any
major infrastructure projects and are therefore unlikely to
require environmental impact assessments under national
legislation applying Directive 85 / 337 / EEC ( 2 ) or its
subsequent amendments . Needless to say, an environmental
impact study would be carried out if this were to prove

necessary .

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

( 2 ) OJ No L 175, 5 . 7 . 1985 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3010 / 95

by Amedo Amadeo ( NI )

to the Commission

( 13 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 87 )

Subject : Human rights

According to recent press reports, teams of UN monitors
have uncovered evidence of possible mass killings in
Krajina . The slaughter apparently occurred in the village of
Varivolde, close to the town of Knin, until this summer a
Serb stronghold .

Following the lightning attack by the Croats, over 150 000
Serbs fled in a mass exodus, leaving behind just a few
thousand elderly people, and it would seem that some 15 of
the latter were the victims of the ' Varivolde massacre '.

The Commission has always stressed respect for human
rights, the protection of minorities and the guarantee of
fundamental freedoms in its dealings with the Croat
authorities . During talks with them on 23 October in New
York, the Commission voiced concern over ' Operation
Storm '. It was told by the Croat authorities that inquiries
were under way and that those responsible for the killings
would be brought to trial .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3019 / 95

by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 13 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 88 )

Subject : Classification of defraudment of the EU budget as

an offence

On 1 July 1995 a new law came into force in Spain on
defraudment of social security and other public funds

( Organic Law 6 / 1995 of 29 June ).

Examination of the law reveals that defraudment of the

European Union budget is not classified as an offence,
contrary to what was provided for in the draft law ; only the
budgets of the State, the autonomous regions and the
various kinds of local authority can be regarded as the
' victims ' of such an offence .

Can the Commission give its views on the fact that the law in
question, on defraudment of public funds, does not apply to
defraudment of the European Union budget ?

Can the Commission supply further details of the incident ? Answer given by Mrs Gradin
What steps will it take vis-a-vis the Zagreb Government ? on behalf of the Commission

( 21 December 1995 )

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

( 11 December 1995 )

The Commission does know about the incident in Krajina to
which the Honourable Member refers . It has received

detailed reports from a number of sources including the
mission of Community and UN observers and is aware of
the gravity of the affair .

When the Croat offensive on Krajina was announced, the
EU decided on 4 August to suspend negotiations on a
cooperation agreement with Croatia and activities under the
Phare programme . All links in these two areas have
therefore now been broken off .

The Commission is aware that amendments to the existing
legislation have been adopted in Spain, since this was
mentioned in the report submitted by Spain in response to
the request by the Essen Council .

It is true that the Organic Law 6 / 1995 amending the
criminal code does not mention the financial interests of the

Community . However, the new criminal code incorporates
in Articles 306 and 309 a specific offence of fraud against
the Community budget ( Organic Law 10 / 1995 ).

The Commission wishes to point out that the Convention
on the protection of the financial interests of the
Community, which was signed in July 1995, has now to be
ratified by all the Member States . This convention clearly

4 . 3 . 96 I fc-N | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 51

intends to ensure that Member States do sanction fraud to reverse the decision to restart unit 1 and to have the

committed against the financial interests of the Community . necessary technical sampling and testing performed .
The Commission hopes that Spain soon will ratify this
convention .

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3031 / 95

by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz ( V )

to the Commission

(9 November 1995 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3035 / 95

by Wolfgang Nufibaumer ( NI )

to the Commission

( 15 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 89 ) ( 96 / C 66 / 90 )

Subject : Start-up of the Bulgarian nuclear power station at Subject : EU — US trade relations

Kozloduy

The Bulgarian Government has decided to restart the
nuclear power station at Kozloduy, which is in desperately
poor condition .

1 . What amount of Community resources has so far

flowed to Bulgaria in connection with the Kozloduy
nuclear power station ?

( a ) Under what programmes / budget headings has this
support been provided ?

( b ) What objectives were sought in granting these

funds ?

2 . What specific steps does the Commission plan to take in

the hope that the irresponsibly dangerous restarting of
the Kozloduy power station may yet be prevented ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

(8 December 1995 )

1 . Up to now, approximately ECU 32 million have been
committed directly by the Commission to improve the safety
of the Kozloduy nuclear power plant ( NPP ). Moreover, the
Community has made a contribution to the nuclear safety
account managed by the European Bank for Reconstruction
and Development . The nuclear safety account is presently
implementing a project for the Kozloduy NPP ( budget —
ECU 24 million ), in particular for units 3 and 4 .

( a ) The grants have been funded via the Phare national
programme for nuclear safety in Bulgaria, and through
the Phare regional programme for nuclear safety .

( b ) The report issued by the International Atomic Energy

Agency of Vienna in 1993 acknowledged that
significant safety improvements had been reached
in Kozloduy thanks to the assistance of the
Community .

2 . The Commission is in continued political and
technical dialogue with the Bulgarian Government aiming

In accordance with Super 301 legislation, the US Trade
Representative, Mr Mickey Kantor, has submitted to
Congress his annual report on trade barriers, which lists
practices which might in future be termed priority practices
with a view to triggering retaliation by the US
Administration .

With regard to the EU the report observes inter alia that
the EU Member States continue to apply discriminatory
practices in connection with the awarding of contracts in the
telecommunications sector . According to the report, this
means that the sanctions introduced against the EU in 1993
will remain in force and will be extended to the three new

Member States ( Austria, Finland and Sweden ).

In contrast to many other States — and in spite of trade
totalling ECU 190 billion — the EU still has no bilateral
framework treaty with the US . A meeting is to take place
between the 15 EU Heads of State or Government and

President Clinton at the forthcoming EU Summit in Madrid,
when discussions are scheduled on the negotiation of a
bilateral treaty and, subsequently, the creation of a
transatlantic economic area .

Is it the Commission 's aim, as part of negotiations on a
bilateral EU — US Treaty, to achieve full liberalization of
trade in the telecommunications and agricultural sectors ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

( 22 December 1995 )

The Community — United States summit that took place in
Madrid on 3 December 1995, adopted a political statement .
' The new transatlantic agenda ', together with a detailed
joint Community — United States action plan . These provide
inter alia for a joint study on ways of facilitating trade in
goods and services and further reducing or eliminating tariff
and non-tariff barriers . There is also a commitment to

No C 66 / 52 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

explore, in preparation for the World Trade Organization

( WTO ) Singapore ministerial meeting, the possibility of
agreeing a mutually satisfactory package of tariff reductions
on industrial products and to consider which, if any,
Uruguay Round obligations on tariffs can be implemented
on an accelerated basis .

The summit conclusions state the intention to expand and
develop the bilateral information society dialogue, in order
to further common understanding of global issues implying
access to information services .

While the sanctions cited by the Honourable Member do
indeed remain in force, they do not cause any significant
harm to the European industry according to European
industry sources .

As far as telecommunications services are concerned, the
Commission is currently conducting negotiations in the
WTO seeking a multilateral solution with comprehensive
commitments from all interested WTO partners about
market access and national treatment under the General

Agreement on Trade in Services ( GATS ). The extension of
the GATS disciplines to cover commitments in the
telecommunications services area, including ' basic ' voice
telephony is a priority for the Community which goes in
parallel with its calendar for internal Community
liberalization by 1998 .

Finally, there is no present intention to conclude a bilateral
treaty with the United States .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3042 / 95

by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 15 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 91 )

Subject : Nuclear safety

In the context of the Community programme for technical
assistance to the countries of central and eastern Europe

( Phare ) a European consortium of nuclear safety bodies
drew up and forwarded to the Bulgarian Government a
report which claims that the Kozloduy nuclear power
station is unsafe and that in the present circumstances to
bring its No 1 reactor back into operation, as is apparently
planned, would constitute a considerable risk . The main
adverse factors mentioned in the report are the actual
characteristics of the containment vessel ( its age, small
diameter, high content of impurities, etc .) and the
uncertainties regarding the methods used to assess the
condition of the reactor after 17 years in operation .

Can the Commission say whether the Kozloduy nuclear
reactor has come into operation again or whether it will do
so soon ? If so, does it intend to bring any pressure to bear to
ensure its closure until such time as the reactor meets the

safety requirements ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

( 12 December 1995 )

The Bulgarian nuclear regulatory authorities gave
permission for reactor No 1 at the Kozloduy nuclear power
station to be brought back into operation on 4 October

1995 . The reactor is now in operation .

The Commission has repeatedly made representations to the
Bulgarian authorities at all levels in order to try and
convince them of the need to carry out the tests
recommended by the European consortium of nuclear safety
bodies . Following the restart of the reactor, the Commission
has been maintaining contacts with the Bulgarian
authorities in the hope of securing an early shutdown of the
reactor so that the tests may be carried out .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3043 / 95

by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 15 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 92

Subject : The European ceramic industry

The Liaison Bureau of Ceramic Industries of the Common

Market ( Cerame-Unie ) has asked the Commission and the
Council to take retaliatory trade measures against Poland in
order to make it abolish its present certification system
which, according to Cerame-Unie, is a protectionist measure
which means that all ceramic products imported by Poland
must pass a certification test in order to be allowed onto the
market .

Are the conclusions reached by the Commission in favour or
against the request made by Cerame-Unie ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

( 18 December 1995 )

The Commission is fully aware of the concerns of the liaison
office of the European ceramic industry about the new
Polish certification system, which applies not only to
ceramics but also to a large number of other industrial
products . The Commission has been following this matter
very closely in order to find appropriate solutions .

4 . 3 . 96 I HN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 53

Indeed, at the Commission 's request, high level
consultations with the Polish authorities on the Polish

certification system have taken place . Moreover, the
Commission raised the matter in June within the
Association Committee and in July within the Association
Council, in the framework of the Europe Agreement . In two
further meetings, one held in August and another in
October, the Commission discussed with the Polish
authorities adjustments to be introduced in the Polish
certification system, including the field of ceramics, so as to
avoid trade impairments .

As a result of those discussions, the Polish authorities have
now agreed to eliminate a number of ceramic products from
the list of products subject to obligatory certification in
Poland . They are also willing to limit to specific utilizations

( such as health service premises, collective restaurants or
agrifood processing plants ) . the obligatory certification of
the remaining ceramic products .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3044 / 95

by Joaquín Sisó Cruellas ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 15 November 1995 )

{ 96 / C 66 / 93 )

Subject : The European leather industry

The Confederation of the EEC Tanning industry ( Cotance )
has expressed concern at the threat of a shortage of raw
materials in this sector, owing to the restrictions imposed by
certain third countries in order to reduce their exports of
leather and skins . In a communique Cotance calls for the
adoption of measures to safeguard the Union 's raw
materials, unless European tanners can be guaranteed access
to third countries ' resources on a reciprocal basis, since at
present the Union 's raw materials are accessible to all
international operators .

In view of this situation, can the Commission say whether it
has given consideration to adopting the safeguard measures
called for by the European leather industry ?

As recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization
and by other bodies with expertise in this sector, there is in
reality a global shortage of raw hides . One result of this
situation is that several third countries have introduced

restrictions upon the export of their own raw hides which
can lead to problems of double pricing and which
exacerbate the global shortage .

The Commission and Member States have actively opposed
all such measures and these problems have been raised
directly with those countries concerned . The most advanced
of these cases concerns Poland where the inability to find a
negotiated solution has led the Community to initiate the
dispute settlement procedure foreseen under the provisions
of the Europe Agreement .

However, it should be noted that export restrictions are
among many factors responsible for the shortage of raw
materials — such as changes in livestock management and
the fact that there is a decreasing demand for red meat in
many developed countries ( as a consequence herd sizes have
been decreasing ). It should also be noted that most major
overseas sources for European imports of raw hides do not
impose any export restrictions .

The Community does not presently maintain export
restrictions on industrial products for economic reasons and
considering the above circumstances there is a risk that to do
so for raw hides could be counter-productive . It might lead
to the introduction of similar measures by additional third
countries and undermine the Community 's negotiating
position with countries which already have introduced such
measures . Under these circumstances the Commission has

no plans to propose safeguard measures on the export of
raw hides .

However, where negotiated solutions cannot be found, the
Commission is determined to use the available multilateral

and bilateral dispute settlement procedures and will
continue to work in close cooperation with European
industry to remove restrictions in third markets .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3046 / 95

by Ben Fayot ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 15 November 1995 )

96 / C 66 / 94 )
Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

(3 January 1996 ) Subject : European Union construction project in Geneva

The Commission is fully aware of the difficulties which a
shortage of raw material is causing the European tanning
industry .

The European Union is involved in a building project in
Geneva which has aroused considerable opposition among
sections of the public, particularly as regards the chosen
site .

No C 66 / 54 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

Exactly what offices does the European Union require in
Geneva ?

If the building project goes ahead, how much will the
European Union have to pay for it ?

Why has the European Union consented to the selection of a
site earmarked by law for housing rather than a site which
might have been better located or less expensive ?

Is it true that the developer with whom the European Union
is in contact intends to render his Foyer Secheron property
more lucrative by building offices there for which he could
obtain planning permission only on condition that at least
70 % of the building area was intended for use by the
Community institutions ?

What is the situation with regard to the ' Maison Europa '
which has been a factor in the controversy over the Secheron
site for years ?

The Council is considering the possibility of occupying
offices and meeting rooms in this building and the
Commission awaits its decision . The parties ' interest in all
moving into the building arises out of the internal design and
layout of the complex where offices are arranged around the
meeting rooms intended for use by the Council in
Geneva .

The developer has made those Member States who do not
own their Geneva premises offers regarding moving into the
building .

The National Council of the Swiss Confederation and the

Canton of Geneva have expressed interest at the political
level in the project being carried out but have not yet been
able to remove all the legal and administrative obstacles that
have to be overcome before a building permit can be
granted . This is because local residents have appealed
against the project .

The developer wants a contract guaranteeing that the parties
will move into the projected building before starting work .
However, for the reason given above ( the administrative
proceedings ), and because it still awaits the Council 's

given by Mr Van den Broek Decision, the Commission has not yet signed the

of the Commission contract .

( IS December 1995 )

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

On 29 June 1992 the Commission sent the Council and

Parliament a communication on the construction in Geneva

of a building to house all the diplomatic missions of the
Member States, the Commission and the Council ( [ ).

Coreper examined the communication on 22 July that year
and decided to await the conclusions of a meeting of
property experts which had been scheduled as part of the
work of the Working Group on Administrative Affairs

( Political Cooperation ). Parliament 's Committee on
Budgets ( whose rapporteur was Mrs Theato ) examined the
matter at its 22 September meeting the same year . The
Working Group on Administrative Affairs examined the
pre-feasibility study on 21 and 22 September 1992, and the
Political Committee considered it on 6 and 13 November .

All these discussions led to the conclusion that the project
was politically appropriate but that, for reasons relating to
the budget, immediate construction could not be
considered .

When, subsequently, the Commission, the Council and
some Member States had to resolve the problem of office
space in Geneva, they again contacted political and property
circles there . The result was a fundamental recasting of the
project . It would no longer be a question of the Commission
acting as project leader and having a single building put up
to house all the parties, but of a private developer offering
office space which the parties could purchase, rent or lease
with an option to purchase, and of missions interested in
doing so moving into the building .

The Commission received an offer from a private company
concerning premises that meet its requirements in a building
to be put up on the Secheron site ( which is the property of
another company in the same group ).

(') SEC(92 ) 1213 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3052 / 95

by Maartje van Putten ( PSE )

to the Commission

(9 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 95 )

Subject : Revision of the chocolate Directive

Apparently the Commission 's DG III has produced a
preliminary draft proposal for the revision of Council
Directive 73 / 24 1 / EEC on the approximation of the laws of
the Member States relating to cocoa and chocolate products
intended for human consumption (*). Before this draft is
submitted to the Members of the Commission, the Member
States and the social sectors involved will be informed about

, the substance of the proposal and asked for their views .

Can the Commission provide a list of persons and / or
organizations which are to be informed and / or asked their
views on the draft proposal ?

( l ) OJ No L 228, 16 . 8.1973, p . 23 .

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 30 November 1995 )

The Commission has consulted the Member States and the

representatives of the socio-professional circles who sit on

4 . 3 . 96 I EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 55

the Advisory Committee on Foodstuffs ( agriculture,
industry, workers, consumers and trade ). National and
international organizations and the countries affected by
amendments to the Directive have had an opportunity to
express their opinions both orally and in writing during
bilateral meetings with the Commission .

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3053 / 95

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3067 / 95

by Christoph Konrad ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 20 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 97 )

Subject : Structure and remit of the military arm of the

CFSP

by Mair Morgan ( PSE )

Morgan ( PSE ) 1 . What structure and what remit is the military arm of

Commission the European Union to have in the context of the common

foreign and security policy outlined in Articles J. 5 and J. 8 ( 3 )

November 1995 )

of the Treaty on European Union ?
( 96 / C 66 / 96 )

to the Commission

(9 November 1995 )

2 . What are the Commission 's thoughts as regards the
Subject : Staffing for the ' Youth for Europe III ' drafting of the military law applicable to a future European
Programme army ?

In view of the problems brought about by the late adoption
of the ' Youth for Europe III ' and the pressure to ensure that
all applications are processed within tight deadlines,
additional members of staff are needed to ensure the

successful implementation of the programme .

When will the Commission appoint extra staff and how will
this be done ?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson

3 . How will it guarantee the right of association for
members of armed forces in Europe ?

4 . What steps will it take to safeguard the legal and social
position of soldiers in Europe, in particular those belonging
to integrated European units ?

on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

(4 December 1995 ) on behalf of the Commission

( 18 December 1995 )

The Commission is aware of the need to counteract the

problems caused by the delay in adopting the ' Youth for
Europe III ' programme .

It agrees with the Honourable Member that the programme
must be implemented successfully, to the benefit of young
people in the Community .

To ensure this, the Commission is going to allocate adequate
staff to the department responsible, in tandem with the
reform and improvement of the programme management

system .

The Commission will keep Parliament informed about
progress achieved in the course of 1996 .

The Commission regrets that it cannot provide a precise
answer to the written question . Under Article J. 4 of the
Union Treaty and the Declaration on Western European
Union attached to the Treaty, the WEU may be asked to
draft and implement decisions and actions of the Union
relating to defence . The WEU is an autonomous body
distinct from the EU, whose structure and tasks are
determined by its own fully independent bodies . Article J. 4
also stipulates that the provision of the Article itself may be
revised at the 1996 IGC . The Commission has already noted
that the security and defence element of the CFSP has still
not really taken shape and believes there is an urgent need to
reach a clearer consensus on the long-term role of the WEU
and its position in relation to the EU .

No C 66 / 56 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3075 / 95

by José Apolinârio ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 20 November 199S )

( 96 / C 66 / 98 )

Subject : Financial support for producers ' organizations in

the apiculture sector

Can the Commission supply information concerning the
amount of aid given to producers ' organizations in the
apiculture sector in the various Member States ? In the case
of Portugal can it also say on what date the funds were
transferred ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission

(4 December 1995 )

This guideline provides aid to personnel and material
expenditure in the areas of advisory systems, vocational
training and further training, special courses, seminars and
conferences, agricultural chambers and other institutions of
agricultural infrastructure, public relations measures not
related to products, research and demonstration projects,
performance control and certain animal health measures,
organizational cost of animal exhibitions, and start-up aid
for producer organizations . Aid to individuals includes fees
to lecturers, school fees for apprentices and long-service
bonuses to labourers .

The measures under this guideline refer in particular to the
sectors of organic farming, integrated plant production,
fruit, vegetable and wine production, quality improvement
and alternative animal husbandry .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3089 / 95

The Honourable Member is asked to refer to the by Giles Chichester ( PPE )
Commission 's answers to his Written Question to the Commission
No 2454 / 94 (*) and to Written Question No 2148 / 94 by ( 20 November 1995 )
Mrs Antoinette Spaak ( 2 ).

to the Commission

( 20 November 1995 )

{ 961 C 66 / 100 )

(') OJ No C 145, 12 . 6 . 1995 .

( 2 ) OJ No C 88, 10 . 4 . 1995 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3084 / 95

by Mathias Reichhold ( NI )

to the Commission

Subject : Infringements of EU agricultural policy

Given the widely held perception in the United Kingdom
that European legislation is more rigorously enforced in the
United Kingdom, what information do you have about
breaches of agriculture Regulations in the then 12 EU
Member States during the 1994 calendar year ?

( 20 November 1995 ) Are figures broken down as to :
( 96 / C 66 / 99 )

1 . the number of reported infringements,

Subject : Approval sector of State subsidies for the agricultural 2 . the number of prosecutions

In the week of 16 to 20 October 1995, the Commission
approved a number of State subsidies for the agricultural
sector . These include measures to support services in various
agricultural sectors in Austria .

What measures are intended, what services are referred to,
and which agricultural sectors are concerned ?

3 . how many were successful, and

4 . how many unsuccessful ?

Are figures available showing reported instances of fraud
expressed as a monetary value and as a proportion of overall
agriculture turnover or output ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission
(6 December 1995 )
(7 December 1995 )

No such decision was taken in the period stated . However
the Commission did decide on 16 August 1995 and
4 October 1995 to raise no objections to parts of the
comprehensive Austrian services guideline ( special guideline
to promote material and personnel expenses ).

Since most of the figures requested are in the twelfth annual
report on monitoring of the application of Community law
( 1994 ) ('), the Commission would refer the Honourable
Member to it .

4 . 3 . 96 I EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 57

Nevertheless, as the questions asked relate to a specific area,
the Commission would add that it last year launched eight
infringement procedures against Member States which
failed to comply with agricultural Regulations ( Italy 3,
Portugal 1, France 3, Spain 1 ). However, longer-term trends
cannot be extrapolated from the 1994 figures .

As the twelfth annual report shows, the Commission did
have to deal with cases of infringement in the UK and kept a
very close eye on the measures adopted by the government
to stop abuses by the Milk Marketing Boards .

As for the incorporation of Community farm Directives into
national law, the Commission last year opened 307
infringement procedures, 22 of them against the UK . This
compares with a low of 20, against the Netherlands, and a
high of 32, against Greece, and so no conclusions can be
drawn .

As regards fraud or irregularities against the Guarantee
Section of the EAGGF, the Commission was notified by
the Member States of 1 610 cases costing ECU 416 million

( UK : ECU 11 million ) in 1994 . Total expenditure on
the Guarantee Section of the EAGGF was about

ECU 32 970 million ( ECU 2 799 million of which went to
the UK ).

(') OJ No C 254, 29 . 9 . 1995 .

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3 110 / 95

by Sergio Ribeiro ( GUE / NGL )

to the Commission

( 13 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 101 )

Subject : Negotiations with Morocco and the Portuguese

canning industry

In her reply to my question ( E-2379 / 95 ( x )), Commissioner
Ema Bonino has taken it upon herself to remind me that
relations with Morocco are to be viewed in a wider context

and that, even within this sector, Community interests are
not limited to those of one Member State 's canning
industry .

I find it unacceptable that the Commissioner should remind
me of something I have always known and, what 's more,
insinuate that my question suggests that Community
interests should be limited to those of the Portuguese
canning industry ( or those of any other industry in any other
Member State ). However, neither can I accept that this

industry, given its nature and importance, should be used as
a bargaining counter in negotiations .

I therefore wish to ask the Commission again, as a matter of
urgency, to state what action it is taking to ensure that the
Portuguese canning industry is not sacrificed in the fishery
agreements with Morocco .

( ] ) OJ No C 51, 21 . 2 . 1996, p . 14 .

Answer given by Mrs Bonino

on behalf of the Commission

(1 December 1995 )

The Commission is unable to agree with the Honourable
Member 's view regarding the possibility of the Portuguese
sardine canning industry having been used as a bargaining
counter in the negotiations for a fishery agreement with
Morocco .

There can be no doubt, however, that the terms governing
access for preserved sardines to the Community market are
set within a context of tariff dismantling that has been in
progress since 1976, i.e. for nearly 20 years, and the latest
tariff concessions for Moroccan preserved sardines form
part of that process .

Furthermore, the Commission is firmly of the view that the
gradual dismantling of tariffs and the removal of quotas
provided for by the association Agreement, with regard to
Moroccan preserved sardines, are not such as to affect
the relative competitiveness of imported products and
Community production (a 2 % difference in retail prices will
not alter the conditions of competition ).

With regard to the sardine industry generally, the
Commission would stress that it has constantly striven to
improve the competitiveness of Community products,
notably in the interests of safeguarding jobs in the industry .
It is also convinced that the industry must modernize
thoroughly its plant and equipment and its marketing
techniques, in order to raise quality standards, improve the
product and promote consumption . In agreement with the
Member States concerned, the Commission will examine the
existing legal and financial instruments in order to make the
necessary adjustments to strengthen competitiveness and
safeguard jobs .

The Honourable Member is also requested to consult the
Commission report on the sardine market (') and the
conclusions of the Council ( fisheries ) meeting held on
26 October .

(') COM(95 ) 320 final .

No C 66 / 58 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3114 / 95

by James Moorhouse ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 20 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 102 )

Subject : Wild fur caught in leghold traps

Article 3 of Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 3254 / 91 ( ! ) on
leghold traps and introduction of pelts and manufactured
goods of certain wild animal species in the Community
states that the import ban concerning these goods, due to
start on 1 January 1996, is not applicable to animal species
that are caught with trapping methods that meet
internationally agreed humane trapping standards .

How will the Commission ensure that furs from animals

caught with humane trapping methods can be exported to
the EU when the import ban on wild fur caught in leghold
traps will be in force ?

What mechanisms will the Commission set up to identify

such furs ?

Is the Commission intending to take further initiatives at
international level in collaboration with the parties
concerned in order to negotiate an agreement on this
question ?

and in Edmonton 31 October to 2 November 1995 . Each

meeting has resulted in increased understanding of the issues
involved in the expeditious development of interim
standards . Participants have based their discussions on a
shared interest in promoting wild animal welfare and the
preservation of bilateral trade flows .

The Commission, taking into account the short time left
until 1 January 1 996 and considering that it would be
impossible for the working group to achieve its goals in time,
has decided to delay the implementation for one year and to
amend the Regulation in order to facilitate its application
taking into account the rules of international trade . The
Commission has also urged the working group to use this
additional time to make progress in developing humane
trapping standards that might be internationally
acceptable .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 119 / 95

by Gastone Parigi ( NI ) and Cristiana Muscardini ( NI )

to the Commission

( 20 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 103 )

(!) OJ No L 308, 9 . 11 . 1991, p . 1 .
Subject : Role of European information centres

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

( 18 December 1995 )

The entry into force of Council Regulation ( EEC )
No 3254 / 91 as of 1 January 1996 might create major
difficulties with some of the Community 's major trade
partners . In order to try to solve potential problems the
Commission is having bilateral contacts with some of the
concerned countries .

A working group has been established with Canada, the
United States and the Russian Federation in order to try to
develop humane trapping standards that could be
internationally accepted . It is recalled that the import ban of
certain furs and fur products can only be avoided if the use
of leghold traps is prohibited in the exporting country or if
the species concerned are trapped according to international
humane trapping standards . At present such standards do
not exist . Hence the focus of the quadrilateral working

group .

The working group held three meetings, in Ottawa

31 August to 1 September, in Brussels 19 / 20 September

Recently a seminar for regional representatives ( advisers
and councillors ) was held in Italy . A number of European
regional policy experts were invited to attend, including a
representative of the European Information Centre in Italy,
to explain in greater detail the purpose of the relevant
bodies .

Surprisingly, authorization to send the expert from the
European Information Centre was refused, on the grounds
that he was not entitled to attend seminars of this type .

The European Information Centre is the responsibility of
the Commission 's DG XXIII and in Italy it is administered
by another body, the ' Unioncamere ', which refused to give
authorization for attendance at the seminar .

Until now, it was assumed that the task of the European
Information Centre was to provide information . What is the
Commission 's opinion of the activities of the European
Information Centre ? Does it consider that the reasons given
for not sending a representative to the seminar despite a
specific request are valid, given that he could have made an
extremely valuable contribution to the development of
relations between firms, local authorities and the European
Union ?

4 . 3 . 96 I EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 59

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis

given by Mr Papoutsis 2 . Is the Commission also aware of the conclusion

of the Commission reached by Amnesty International that, since resumption of

( 10 January 1996 ) aid by the EU and others in 1994, the human rights situation
in Equatorial Guinea has considerably worsened ?

on behalf of the Commission

The Commission would like to confirm to the Honourable

Member of Parliament that it set up the network of Euro
Info Centres ( EIC ) in 1987 to provide businesses with direct
access to information on the Community . Each EIC was
given the task of informing, assisting and advising small and
medium-sized enterprises that wished to make the most of
the opportunities offered by the large single market .

To carry out these tasks, the Commission decided that the
EICs should be set up in a variety of host organizations, such
as chambers of commerce and regional development bodies,
which offer the EICs considerable support in terms of
logistics, staff and expertise .

The Commission also coordinates some of the network 's

activities and contributes to its running costs, whilst
stressing the importance for the EICs to provide services to
businesses directly .

In the specific case of the participation of an EIC in a
symposium of representatives of the regional authorities,
the Commission has already replied orally to the organizers
of the event that the participation of the EIC in question did
not depend on the Commission . Given that the EICs do not
have their own human and material resources, they are
dependent on their host body at the legal and financial level .
As a result, EIC officials who wish to attend a particular
event must, in certain cases, request the authorization of
their host organization .

Whilst having no influence over the reasons for their refusal,
the Commission contacted the host structure to find out

more precisely why it had refused the EIC official
permission to attend . The reasons appeared to be of a
practical nature ( e.g. lateness of the invitation ) rather than
to concern the symposium 's relevance to the EIC 's duties .
Moreover, an EIC network representative at national level
had attended the event .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 120 / 95

by Johanna Maij-Weggen ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 20 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 104 )

Subject : Human rights situation in Equatorial Guinea

1 . Is the Commission aware of the highly critical
Amnesty International report on the human rights situation
in Equatorial Guinea ?

3 . On resuming aid to Equatorial Guinea, did the
Commission stipulate that a lasting improvement in the
human rights situation must be achieved ?

4 . If not, is the Commission prepared to do so now and
take whatever action is necessary in consequence ?

5 . If so, what consequences does the Commission draw
from the Amnesty International report ?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro

on behalf of the Commission

( 18 December 1995 )

1 . The Commission is indeed aware of the critical

Amnesty International report on the human rights situation
in Equatorial Guinea .

2 . The Commission would point out that, on account of
the persistent violations of human rights in Equatorial
Guinea, it has not been possible since 1992 to carry out the
cooperation projects and programmes provided for under
the Fourth Lome Convention within the framework of the

national indicative programme .

3 . For the reasons given, the Commission has not yet
implemented the seventh European Development Fund
national indicative programme, nor disbursed the sum
initially allocated as support for the structural adjustment

programme .

4 and 5 . The Commission, in close liaison with the
Member States, will continue to monitor very closely any
changes in the human rights situation in Equatorial Guinea .
In accordance with Parliament 's resolution of 12 October

1995, the Commission has no plans at present to mobilize
the funds earmarked for the seventh European Development
Fund national indicative programme except for measures to
improve living conditions, particularly for the poorest
sections of the population .

No C 66 / 60 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3 124 / 95

by Per Stenmarck ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 15 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 105 )

Subject : Fraud

The Swedish press is currently commenting on the
forthcoming report by the Court of Auditors . One
particular point at issue is the widespread swindling in the
fruit and vegetable sector that has long been acknowledged .
The auditors have discovered, for example, that the EU buys
in large quantities of rotten fruit for which subsidies are
paid .

Another appalling example of how the Union 's money is
spent is the development of the computer network, BC-net .
So far BC-NET has cost almost SEK 100 million but has

apparently succeeded in arranging only 20 contracts for
small businesses .

What does the Commission intend to do to put an end to
such misuse of Union funds ? Is it not time that the

Commission put aside its rhetoric and took action to stop
such scams ?

auditors, the Commission pointed out that the figures
quoted were based on information from a very limited
number of BC-NET members, and were not representative
for the overall activity of the network .

BC-NET is a network of 400 consultants, supported by a
computer system . Its aim is to assist small and medium sized
enterprises in their confidential search for transnational
business partners . The budgetary operating costs for
BC-NET have been reduced to approximately
ECU 1 million per year, and it is important to note that the
network members have had to pay a basic annual fee of
ECU 600 since January 1993 . A report by external auditors
in 1992 indicated that the introduction and acceptance of
such a fee would constitute a proof of the network 's
utility .

Since the start of the BC-NET project in 1988, some 90 000
requests and offers for cooperation have been handled,
showing the demand for this service among small and
medium sized enterprises .

(') COM(94 ) 271 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 128 / 95

by Ian White ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 20 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 106 )
Answer given by Mr Papoutsis

on behalf of the Commission

Subject : Health Advice for Travellers
( 18 December 1995 )

The Court of Auditors report cited cases of irregularities in
the withdrawal of fruit and vegetables . The entire
responsibility for inspection lies with the Member States,
and these irregularities have therefore occurred as a result of
inappropriate national inspection systems .

The Commission has already indicated a number of
irregularities in its report to the Council and Parliament
concerning activities to monitor the application of
Community rules on fruit and vegetables ( x ). As stated in
this report, since 1994, the Commission has undertaken
several missions to recover the sums involved in

irregularities .

On a broader scale, the Commission has proposed the
reform of the common organization of this sector,
restricting permission for withdrawals while strengthening
the role of producers ' organizations . Its proposal also
provides for a specific body of fruit and vegetable inspectors
to reduce the poor use of resources .

Contrary to the implication in the heading of the question,
the Court of auditors does not mention any type of fraud in
its comments on BC-NET . In its answer to the Court of

In ' Health Advice for Travellers ' prepared by the British
Department of Health and Central Office of Information
dated April 1994, EU citizens seeking treatment through the
Greek Social Insurance Institute ( IKA ), are advised that if
they are charged for ' any services provided . . . make sure to
secure a receipt with a number perforated across it '. It is
alleged that the absence of a perforation makes the receipt
illegal . This does not appear to be the case in other Member
States .

Does the Commission intend to take any steps to ensure
uniformity of treatment for EU citizens on the production of
a medical receipt in the appropriate Member State ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

(5 January 1996 )

Regulation ( EEC ) No 1408 / 71 ( J ) does not make provision
for a common social security system, but allows distinct
national systems to continue . The Court of Justice has ruled
on several occasions ( 2 ) that Article 51 of the EC Treaty,
which provides the legal basis for the aforementioned
Regulation, allows differences between the social security
systems of the Member States .

4 . 3 . 96 I EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 61

However, Community law, in particular Articles 48 — 51 of Answer given by Mr Monti
the EC Treaty and Article 3 of Regulation ( EEC ) on behalf of the Commission
No 1408 / 71, does not allow national systems to ( 18 December 1995 )
discriminate directly or indirectly between workers from
Member States .

Consequently, in so far as the Greek system as described by
the Honourable Member does not discriminate between

Community workers, there are no grounds for action under
Community law .

( J ) OJ No L 149, 5 . 7 . 1971, and consolidated version in OJ No

C 325, 10 . 12 . 1992 .

( 2 ) Judgment of 15 January 1986, Pinna, 41 / 84 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 135 / 95

by Claude Desama ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 20 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 107 )

Subject : Application of Regulation ( EEC ) No 2454 / 93 —

Articles 273 ( 2 ) and 278 ( 3 )

The main activity of the Verviers subsidiary of
Saima-Avandero S.A., an international haulage company, is
the management of a type B customs warehouse, and it
previously obtained authorization to use the simplified
procedure ( concession authorization No 1207, DL 1 / 8148
of 16 May 1995 ) in respect of all movements through that
warehouse ( goods in or goods out ).

Because of new provisions under Regulation ( EEC )
No 2454 / 93 ( J ) ( Articles 273 / 2 and 278 / 3 ), this procedure is
no longer authorized . The declarant must therefore make
his declaration in advance and with his vehicle, which makes
the procedure more cumbersome, increases transfer and
transport costs substantially and lengthens delivery periods .
Under the simplified procedure, customs clearance took no
more than half an hour but now it takes half a day .

These new provisions therefore threaten the survival of the
company in question, which operates the last remaining
customs warehouse in the Verviers region, which is a border
area . Quite apart from this particular case, is the
Commission planning any action to remedy the
shortcomings of the Regulation ?

The recent amendment of Article 272 of Commission

Regulation ( EEC ) No 2454 / 93 brings into line the
provisions in the Community customs code concerning the
combination of the local clearance and type B customs
warehousing procedures with the rules which applied before

1 January 1994 . This amendment does not affect the
conditions for using simplified procedures .

Different types of warehouses were created to facilitate the
use of customs procedures . Community legislation currently
provides for six kinds of warehouse ( types A to E ). In type B
customs warehouses it is not necessary for the
warehousekeeper to maintain stock records as the
procedure is discharged on the basis of entry documents
which are kept by the customs office . However it was
considered that the application of simplified procedures in
the case of a type B warehouse are in fact incompatible with
the warehousekeeper 's responsibilities . This is because
simplified procedures can only be allowed on condition that
customs authorities are able to undertake appropriate
checks on the applicant 's records . Consequently, for this
reason, simplified procedures can only apply to type
warehouses other than type B.

Therefore, when the conditions for using the simplified
procedures are met because the warehousekeeper 's stock
records allow for a customs examination, it would seem
beneficial to apply the local clearance procedures together
with the procedures for a warehouse other than type B —
most probably those for warehouses type A or C. Therefore,
it appears advisable for the company involved to apply for a
customs warehouse of type A or C, in combination with the
local clearance procedure . Consequently the operation of
these two procedures in this manner would appear to be in
the interest of warehousekeepers as it should cater for a
smoother, more favourable application of the rules for those
concerned .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 136 / 95

by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARE )

to the Commission

( 20 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 108 )

Subject : Distortion of competition

shortcomings of the Regulation ? Is the Commission aware of agreements in the temporary

work sector in which the associations affiliated to the

professional federation are required to apply minimum
(') OJ No L 253, 11 . 10 . 1993, p . 1 . tariffs ?

No C 66 / 62 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

Does the Commission consider that such agreements are 9 . If further research is to be carried out by the CPMP
compatible with Community law ? itself or commissioned elsewhere,

( a ) who will carry it out,

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

(5 January 1996 )

The Commission is not aware of any agreements between
the members of the federation active in the temporary
employment sector which contravene Community law . The
Commission would therefore be grateful if the Honourable
Member could furnish it with further details on this

matter .

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3141 / 95

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V )

to the Commission

( 15 November 1995 )

96 / C 66 / 109 )

Subject : On the conclusions of the CPMP ad hoc working

party on contraceptive pills containing destoden or
desogestrel

1 . Why has the CPMP postponed the decision on the
' mini pill ', and on what grounds ?

2 . What rules on liability and compensation have been
and are being adopted ?

3 . Pending the final decision of the CPMP, who will be
liable for any cases of thrombo-embolism or death ?

4 . Will the CPMP carry out its own research, or will its
decision be based solely on research carried out by the
industry concerned ?

5 . Will the contraceptive pill be subject to the same
benefit / risk analysis ( Council Directive 75 / 319 / EEC of
20 May 1975 ) as customary medicaments, even though

( a ) there are sufficient other wholly effective contraceptive
preparations available, and

( b ) the contraceptive pill is not a medicament to treat an

illness ?

6 . What is the CPMP 's view of the WHO research which

refers to an unacceptably high risk ?

7 . What is the CPMP 's view of the research by Professor
Jick ( Boston University Center ), which refers to a two-fold

risk of thrombosis ?

8 . Is the CPMP aware that the all-clear has been sounded

by Professor Spritzer, whose research was partly funded to
the tune of around DM 10 million by the Schering
company ? How does the Commission deal with this obvious
conflict of interest ?

( b ) how will it be financed ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 14 December 1995 )

During its meeting of 1 7 — 1 9 October 1 995, the attention of
the scientific committee for human medicines within the

European agency for the evaluation of medicinal products

( the committee for proprietary medicinal products —
CPMP ), was drawn to three unpublished studies suggesting
an increased ( although still low ) risk of venous
thrombo-embolism associated with third generation oral
contraceptives ( containing low doses of desogestrel or
gestodene ). Seven products containing these hormones are
marketed in Member States .

The studies included a multinational study carried out for
the World Health Organization ( WHO ), a cohort study
based on record linkage carried out by Professor H. Jick,
and a transnational study carried out by Professor W. O.
Spitzer .

A preliminary discussion with the investigators involved in
the three studies took place during the meeting of

17— 19 October 1995 . They were requested to fill in a
declaration of interest . Members thereafter analysed the
data and a special meeting of the CPMP was convened on
26 October 1995 . At this meeting, the committee considered
that, in view of the available data, it was not appropriate to
withdraw these products . The companies concerned were
requested to provide further data which will shortly be
reviewed by the committee . Messages to doctors and users
were proposed in a CPMP position statement aimed at
Member States and holders of marketing authorizations .

The medicinal products in question are authorized by the
authorities of the Member States concerned . Authorization

does not affect the civil or criminal liability of the
manufacturer and the person responsible for placing the
product on the market . The risks evoked here are not
specific to these products and the studies suggest only an
increase in an existing pathology . It is worth mentioning
that this increase is much lower than that due to pregnancy
or smoking .

The CPMP is not itself conducting medical research .
Opinions of this committee are based on studies provided
for and requested from applicants or holders of marketing
authorizations . This includes all studies carried out by
independent medical teams or organizations such as the
WHO . Further studies could be envisaged in the framework
of the Biomed programme .

4 . 3 . 96 I EN [ Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 63

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 150 / 95

by Maartje van Putten ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 22 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 110

Subject : ' Integrated Watershed Management in Doon
Valley ' Project ( ALA / 90 / 14 )

In its answer to my questions E-1685 / 94, E-1686 / 94 and
E-l 687 / 94 i 1 ) the Commission stated its intention of
conducting a study of the socio-economic impact of the
' Integrated Watershed Management in Doon Valley ' Project

( ALA / 90 / 14 ), with the cooperation of a local NGO .

1 . Has this study now been carried out, or what stage has it
reached ?

2 . Is the Commission prepared to submit a report on the
study and / or findings from it ?

3 . If the study has been completed, what consequences
have its findings had for the further implementation of
the project ?

participation in their work . At community level villagers are
getting more empowered and taking initiatives as follow-up
of training interventions . The gender dimension has been
put more to the fore and women are taking up more
responsibilities . Women 's interaction with project staff has
led to improved gender planning and to an improved
implementation of gender-related components of the
project so far as professional expertise is concerned, through
the technical assistance team, various competent groups,
organizations and individuals have been brought to the
project for training, orientation and interaction . This has
broadened the perspectives of staff and community .

The final report can be made available on request .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3160 / 95

by Giuseppe Rauti ( NI )

to the Commission

( 22 November 1 995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 111 )
(!) OJ No C 24, 30 . 1 . 1995, p . 9 .

Subject : Import of footwear from China and the East
Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

Is the Commission aware of the serious crisis in the footwear
( 13 December 1995 )
industry in Barletta ( Bari ) where sales have fallen by 20%
and exports have fallen by 25 % over the first three quarters
of 1995 ?

A study of the socio-economic consequences of the project
has recently been carried out by a well-known Indian
non-governmental organization ( PRIA — participatory
research in Asia ) with expertise in community participatory
approaches . The Commission expects to receive the report
before the end of 19 95 .

Preliminary information provided by the consultants
indicates that the Doon Valley project applies participatory
rural appraisal techniques as a basic tool for community
participation . Village communities are actively involved in
the village planning preparation process . They have been
forming village associations to take up the responsibility of
project implementation and are commencing a journey of
empowerment . Three units have also been established to
monitor and co-ordinate the project activities (a
participatory training unit, a planning unit and a monitoring
unit ) which all contribute to the strengthening of
community participation in the development initiatives .

Positive changes are reported . At project staff level, staff are
fully accepting and internalising the concept of community

Once again — as can be seen from the statements by
Giuseppe Cortellino, owner of Cofra and chairman of the
Confederation of Bari Footwear Manufacturers ( see article
by Claudio Porneo in ' II Mondo ', 30 October and
5 November 1 995 ) — the crisis can be attributed both to the
relocation of the industry in countries where the cost of
labour is 20 times less than it is in Italy and to the flood of
exports from the East . It suffices to think that ' in 1 994 out of
the 786 million pairs of footwear imported into the
European Union, 316 million of these — equivalent to 40 %
— came from China . Then if one adds the exports from
Thailand and Indonesia the figure reaches 476 million pairs,
which is the equivalent of 60 % of the total ', whilst ' in Italy a
worker in the footwear industry costs Lit 3 million per
month, in China he only costs Lit 150 000 '.

Therefore, now that the Commission is aware of the
situation, what does it intend doing to face up to a crisis that
moreover concerns, in the same way, the entire European
footwear industry ?

No C 66 / 64 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 18 December 1995 ) (5 January 1996 )

The Commission is fully aware of the difficulties which
presently face certain sectors of the Community footwear
industry . It must be noted that, in spite of the fact that many
sectors of this industry have made efforts that have borne
fruit and are continuing to do so, these sectors remain
sensitive .

This sensitivity and the increasing threat posed by imports
from China, made even more acute by the particular
characteristics of the Chinese economy, were the reasons
why the Council, following a Commission proposal,
introduced import quotas on certain categories of Chinese
footwear in March 1994 .

In addition, the Commission remains committed to taking
decisive action against unfair trading practices by foreign
producers and by third countries . Consequently, the
Commission is currently in the process of conducting an
anti-dumping investigation, initiated by the European
footwear federation, into footwear imports from China,
Indonesia and Thailand .

Furthermore, the Honourable Member can be assured that
the Commission is continuing its action to improve the
access to foreign markets for the Community footwear
producers .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 168 / 95

by Susan Waddington ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 29 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 112 )

Subject : Public health policy — Post-Polio Syndrome

Poliomyelitis was generally believed to be a self-limiting
disease without long-term implications . Recently it has
come to light that it carries a second degenerative phase

( Post-Polio Syndrome ) that strikes approximately 50% of
survivors around 30 years after the initial infection . The
worst effects of PPS are often misdiagnosed as more rapidly
moving degenerative conditions, such as Motor Neurone
Disease . Misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatments
actively cause sufferers further damage . Extensive research
and awareness campaigns are being undertaken in the USA,
New Zealand and Australia to make health professionals
aware of PPS .

What is the Commission 's view on PPS ? Does the

Commission have access to epidemiological statistics
concerning the incidence of PPS in the EU, and is the
Commission aware of any cooperation on the part of
European health professionals in this field ?

As there is no epidemiological surveillance of communicable
diseases at Community level at the moment, with the
exception of AIDS, the Commission does not have any
specific information on cases of Post-Polio Syndrome .
Poliomyelitis, a viral disease which can lead to paralysis in
the sufferer, who then remains affected throughout his or
her life, is one of the diseases to be eradicated by the year
2000 under the objectives of the World Health
Organization ( WHO ). In this context, surveillance by the
WHO Regional Office for Europe of cases of flaccid
paralysis, only a certain number of which are caused by the
polio field virus, does not record cases of PPS .

Furthermore, the collection of reliable information on such
cases in each Member State is very difficult .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 170 / 95

by Susan Waddington ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 29 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 113 )

Subject : Safety standards — caravan sites

There is at present no European legislation that guarantees a
minimum standard of safety provision at caravan sites
across the Community, and therefore standards differ from
Member State to Member State . For example, some
Member States regulate the distance between caravan plots
as a fire prevention measure, others do not, and therefore
dangerous overcrowding occurs .

What is the Commission 's view on this matter, and what
action is it considering to ensure that a minimum safety
standard is met at all sites throughout the Community ?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino

on behalf of the Commission

(8 January 1996 )

The Commission is not aware of any accidents or of any
particular dangers presented by caravan sites . As stated by
the Honourable Member, full responsibility for this matter
rests with the national authorities, and at the moment the
Commission has no plans for action in this area .

4 . 3 . 96 I EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 65

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 173 / 95

by Arthur Newens ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 29 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 114 )

Subject : Aid projects in Indonesia

Would the Commission please list projects in Indonesia
funded with the financial support of the EU or Member
States .

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 22 December 1995 )

The Commission is sending direct to the Honourable
Member and to Parliament 's Secretariat a table containing
the information requested .

one to which the Commission is devoting particular
attention . The European Council meetings in Essen and
Cannes established a European employment strategy,
identifying five key areas of action to re-organize the labour
market, including measures to help the groups hardest hit by
unemployment . One such group is the long-term
unemployed, for whom various measures are to be
implemented in line with the different needs and
characteristics of this very diverse group .

The Member States have been urged to transpose these
recommendations through multiannual employment
programmes, taking into account the specific features of
their employment systems and economic and social
situation . The Commission and Council have been

requested to keep close track of employment trends,
monitor the policies of the Member States, and report
annually to the European Council on further progress on the
employment market . In this context, the Commission will
pay particular attention to the problems and policies
relating to long-term unemployment .

As States far is as concerned the funding, the with Commission financial is support not usually of informed Member In implementation the report of adopted the Essen in October recommendation 1995 on : ' The the
by the Member States of their bilateral initiatives . European employment ' strategy : recent progress and

prospects for the future ( 1 ), the Commission stressed the
need for greater attention to the categories most affected
and especially the long-term unemployed, who should have
received an opportunity for training, rehabilitation or
integration before reaching the threshold of long-term
unemployment .
WRITTEN QUESTION P-3 180 / 95

by Jorge Hernandez Mollar ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 21 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 115 )

Subject : Stage reached on the report called for in the

resolution on a coherent employment strategy

Paragraph 22 of Parliament 's resolution on a coherent
employment strategy for the European Union ( A4-166 / 95 )
calls on the Commission to submit as a priority a report on
the possible trade-off between early retirement and
Recruitment of the long-term unemployed .

Can the Commission say whether it has already drawn up
this report ? What approach does it intend to take ? What
stage has been reached in response to the above request ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

(5 January 1996 )

In addition, the Commission 's Ergo II programme, which
concerns initiatives and research to combat long-term
unemployment, is reaching its final stages and its
conclusions will be presented at a conference scheduled for
May 1996 . The purpose of this conference will be to inform
the Member States about the many existing measures and
obtain information on and assess to successful experiences,
so that their use can become more widespread .

As regards early retirement, the Commission would draw
the attention of the Honourable Member to :

— the Council recommendation of 10 December 1982 on

the principles of a Community policy with regard to
retirement age ( 2 );

— the 1986 and 1992 reports on the implementation of the

recommendation, forwarded by the Commission to the
Council ;

— the Council recommendation of 27 July 1992 on the

Long-term unemployment is one of the most worrying convergence of social protection objectives and
aspects of the employment and labour market situation, and policies ( 3 ); and

No C 66 / 66 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

— the Council resolution of 30 June 1993 on flexible

retirement arrangements ( 4 );

which recommend among other things the gradual
introduction of flexible retirement arrangements and set out
general objectives in this field . Furthermore, attention is
drawn to the fact that the framing and implementation of a
flexible retirement policy are the responsibility of each
Member State, subject to the provisions of the Treaties and
bearing in mind the principle of subsidiarity . Any
compensatory mechanism between early retirement and the
recruitment of long-term unemployed is therefore also the
responsibility of each Member State .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 184 / 95

by Arthur Newens ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 29 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 117 )

Subject : Impact of the Schengen Information System on the

freedom of movement of third-country nationals
in the European Union

) 465 final . There appears to be a direct conflict between the provisions

245 357 188,,, 26 18 10 . . . 12 8 7 . . 1992 1993 . 1982 . . . definition of freedom the Schengen of of movement ' Implementation alien ' under in European Article Agreement Union 1 of law and the, the in Schengen that right the to

Implementation Agreement as ' any person other than a
national of a Member State of the European Communities '
does not include any reference to third country nationals,
who enjoy the right of freedom of movement under EU law .
This definition in itself, together with the consequences
arising from the provisions on the Schengen Information
System, appears to constitute a clear breach of EU free
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 182 / 95 movement law .

(') COM(95 ) 465 final .

( 2 ) OJ No L 357, 18 . 12 . 1982 .

( 3 ) OJ No L 245, 26 . 8 . 1992 .

( 4 ) OJ No C 188, 10 . 7 . 1993 .

by Glyn Ford ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 29 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 116 )

Subject : Register of Commissioners ' interests

In the light of your response to my Question P-357 / 95 (*),
saying that a register had been established, and the recent
article in the Guardian ( by Stephen Yates on 28 October )
quoting an unnamed official denying that such a register
existed, what steps will the Commission President be taking
to identify and discipline the Commission official who has
accused him of lying to the European Parliament ?

Can the Commission confirm that, as a matter of EU law,
the entry into force of the Schengen Implementation
Agreement on 1 July 1995 does not by itself authorize the
imposition of restrictions on existing rights of freedom of
movement enjoyed by third-country nationals under the
European Treaties ? What steps will the Commission take to
prevent such restrictions being imposed in breach of EU
law ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 185 / 95

by Arthur Newens ( PSE )

to the Commission
(') OJ No C 179, 13 . 7 . 1995, p . 15 .
( 29 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 118 )

Answer given by Mr Santer
on behalf of the Commission

( 14 December 1995 )

The declarations to which reference was made in reply to the
Honourable Member 's question P-357 / 95 are clearly not a
matter for an unnamed official . The Commission has

announced that the declarations of all the members of the

Commission, which are held by the Secretary-General, are
available for public inspection .

Subject : Schengen Implementation Agreement and the free

movement of third-country nationals

It appears that some Schengen countries automatically enter
a report on any third-country national excluded from their
territory in the Schengen Information System without
considering whether this would affect that person 's right to
freedom of movement within the remaining EU Member
States ( e.g as a spouse of an EU national ). As a consequence,
the exclusion of such third-country nationals from one
Schengen country has led to an automatic exclusion from all
Schengen countries as from 1 July 1995, even if previously

4 . 3 . 96 I EN | Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 67

there had been no objection to that person travelling to the
other Schengen countries .

Is the Commission aware of such cases and, if so, what steps
will it take to prevent such blatant infringements of the right
of freedom of movement enjoyed by third country nationals
under the EU Treaties caused by the Schengen Treaty ?

Joint answer to Written Questions

E-3 184 / 95 and E-3 185 / 95

given by Mr Monti
on behalf of the Commission

( 24 January 1996 )

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

The Commission believes that for the establishment of a

zone of peace and stability in the Mediterranean region it is
essential that peaceful solutions be found to regional
conflicts . To this end, the Commission is negotiating
partnership agreements with most of the countries of the
region . As far as Morocco is concerned, the text of the
association agreement with the Community has been
initialled by the negotiators and will be signed in early 1996 .
Under the political dialogue part of the agreement, each
party will be able to raise matters of joint concern .

The Commission believes that the Euro-Mediterranean

conference has set in train a process of multilateral
consultation that will contribute to the harmonious

co-existence of the two sides of the Mediterranean .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3235 / 95

by Glyn Ford ( PSE )

to the Commission

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3234 / 95 (1 December 1995 )

by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler ( V ) ( 96 / C 66 / 120 )

to the Commission

(1 December 1995 ) Subject : Sanctions against Iraq

( 96 / C 66 / 119 )
Will the Commission lift sanctions affecting food and
medical supplies in Iraq, as the major impact is felt by the

Subject : Influencing the Western Sahara conflict people, not by the government ?

After Morocco occupied Western Sahara in 1975 and most
of the Sahrauis were displaced, the United Nations mediated
a cease-fire in 1991 between Polisario, the Sahraui liberation
movement and Morocco .

However, war is now threatening to break out again since
Morocco is doing all it can to block the plebiscite on the
country 's future which was supposed to follow the
cease-fire .

In order, therefore, to save the UN policy and to prevent
further war, Morocco must be persuaded to go ahead with
the referendum .

Now that the Commission, through the Association
Agreement, has intensified economic and political
cooperation with Morocco, how does it intend to use those
ties with a view to ensuring the success of the UN 's peace
plan ?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 22 December 1995 )

The Commission is monitoring very closely the progress of
efforts by the United Nations Secretary-General on the
instructions of the Security Council, to obtain a peaceful
resolution of the Western Sahara conflict through a
referendum .

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 19 December 1995 )

The United Nations trade embargo imposed upon Iraq, as a
consequence of its invasion of Kuwait, by Security Council
Resolution No 661 of 6 August 1990 has always made a
specific exception for the import of medical supplies and, for
humanitarian reasons, foodstuffs . Modifying the sanctions
regime after the end of the Gulf war, Security Council
Resolution No 687 of 2 April 1991 effectively allowed the
import of foodstuffs, materials and supplies for essential
civilian needs into Iraq, provided that these imports were
previously cleared by the United Nations Security Council
Sanctions Committee .

These resolutions, which are binding for Community
Member States, were endorsed and translated into
Community legislation, in particular by Regulation ( EEC )
No 2340 / 90 of 8 August 1990 ( l ). Thus, in conformity with
United Nations sanctions, Council Regulations indeed
already authorize the import into Iraq of basic medical
supplies and foodstuffs as long as this is done in the
framework of humanitarian assistance or emergency aid
operations .

Furthermore, in its Resolution No 986 of 14 April 1995
which expands provisions in earlier resolutions, the Security
Council, taking into account the difficult humanitarian

No C 66 / 68 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

situation in Iraq, has opened a way for Iraqi petroleum sales
to enable the purchase and import of humanitarian supplies .
The Iraqi Government unfortunately continues to refuse to
accept this Resolution and thus, must assume responsibility
for the tragic humanitarian consequences .

Nevertheless, the Member States and the Commission are
deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Iraq .
Therefore, the Commission, together with Member States,
provides substantial humanitarian assistance to Iraq in
particular to address shortages in foodstuffs and medical
supplies . In addition to rehabilitation assistance in northern
Iraq, in 1995 the Community will commit ECU 25 million
for humanitarian aid projects which will be implemented
by United Nations agencies and non-governmental
organizations throughout Iraq .

also learned that national courts have ruled on the general
issue of the foreign lecturers, but it is not aware of the
content of the judgments .

Given that certain practices appear to be changing and that
the Commission needs to be aware of the extent of the
implementation of the new legislation by the Italian
authorities, an urgent inquiry has been undertaken in order
to obtain accurate information on the current situation . The

Italian authorities will also be asked to inform the

Commission as soon as possible of the implementation of
the law .

The Commission does not intend to abandon the

by United Nations agencies and non-governmental
organizations throughout Iraq . infringement procedure against Italy, but before bringing

the matter before the Court of Justice, a full enquiry into the
present situation must be concluded .
I 1 ) OJ No L 213, 9 . 8 . 1990 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3248 / 95

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3245 / 95

McMahon PSE by Angela Billingham ( PSE )

by Hugh McMahon ( PSE )

to the Commission

to the Commission

November 1995 (1 December 1995 )

( 29 November 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 121 ) ( 96 / C 66 / 122 )

Subject : Discrimination against foreign lecturers at the Subject : Human rights in China

University of Verona and elsewhere in Italy

Following a debate in Parliament during the July 1995
part-session and the adoption of resolution B4-968 / 95, can
the Commission inform Parliament what steps it has taken
to resolve this matter and what discussions, if any, have been
held with the Italian authorities ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 20 December 1995 )

Following the resolution of the Parliament of 13 July 1995,
the Commission has learned that the Italian Parliament

adopted on 21 June of this year a new law No 236
converting and modifying the Decree-law No 120 . The
Commission has not been officially informed of the new
legislation by the Italian authorities . The Commission has
examined the compatibility of the new legislation with
Community law and it appears that it complies with the
requirements of the Commission in order to ensure the
respect of the acquired rights of foreign lecturers .

However, the Commission, which is in close contact with
those affected, has been informed that certain foreign
lecturers ' working conditions have been modified in
practice, or that fresh employment contracts have
sometimes downgraded their status . The Commission has

Is the Commission aware that thousands of people are being
held in prisons in China without trial because of their
religious and political beliefs ?

Is the Commission aware of the particular phase of Phunsog
Nyidron, a Tibetan nun who has been imprisoned for 17
years for her political beliefs ? This is the longest known
sentence for a female political prisoner in Tibet . Evidence
exists that Phunsog Nyidron is being exposed to brutal
conditions within prison .

What steps has the Commission taken to express its
condemnation of these inhumane practices to the Chinese
authorities ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

(5 January 1996 )

The Commission is keeping a close eye, with the Member
States and the European Parliament, on the human rights
situation in China and Tibet in particular . It takes every
opportunity to point out the situation when it has any
contact with the Chinese authorities . The European Union
has also regularly raised this matter within the framework of
its bilateral political dialogue with China and its dialogue

4 . 3 . 96 | EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 69

which is specifically concerned with human rights . It is
firmly set on this course .

2 . Has the Commission, like many other donors, acted
on this information by suspending financing of aid
programmes ?

3 . What is the Commission 's assessment of the current

situation in Kenya ?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3256 / 95

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI )

to the Commission

(1 December 1995 )
Answer given by Mr Pinheiro

( 96 / C 66 / 123 ) on behalf of the Commission

(3 January 1996 )

Subject : Road accidents

It is now a well-known fact, confirmed by the statistics
supplied by specialized bodies in the various Member States,
that about a fifth of all fatal road accidents in the Union are

caused by drunken driving . Furthermore, many Member
States have still not laid down the criteria or obtained the

necessary equipment for checking drivers ' blood alcohol
levels . Moreover, no agreement has yet been reached on the
threshold on which measurements of alcohol levels would

be based throughout the Union .

Does the Commission not believe that it should put the
situation in order and hence, as soon as possible, submit
practical proposals with which all Member States would be
required to comply ?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock

on behalf of the Commission

( 19 January 1996 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to

its joint answer to Written Questions E-2558 / 95 and
E-2600 / 95 by Mr Siso Cruellas and others ( J ).

( J ) See page 16 of this Official Journal .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3258 / 95

by Johanna Maij-Weggen ( PPE )

to the Commission

(1 December 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 124 )

Subject : Disappearance of money at the Central Bank of

Kenya

1 . Is the Commission aware that the Kenyan Chamber of
Audit has established that the equivalent of F1 400 million
has disappeared from the Central Bank of Kenya ?

1 . The Commission is aware that the report of the
Auditor-General of Kenya for the 1993 / 94 budget year
states that substantial unsupported direct debits by the
Central Bank of Kenya have been detected in the Finance
ministry, totalling 14 775 million Kenya shillings ( ECU 200
million ). At the time of signing the report ( 27 July 1995 ) the
necessary documents to support these payments had not
been made available to the Auditor-General .

The Kenyan Finance ministry reacted to this report of the
Auditor-General by saying that detailed explanation of the

14 775 million Kenya shillings will be made available to the
Public Accounts Committee of the Kenyan Parliament, and
that the government had instituted measures to recover the
lost funds .

2 . The Commission is not aware that donors have acted

on this information by suspending financing of aid
programmes . The Commission, together with all other
major donors, has suspended all balance of payments
support to Kenya since 1991 due to lack of progress in the
political and economic fields . This situation has not changed
and the Commission has always underlined the importance
of convincing action on the part of the Kenyan Government
to arrive at good governance and to eliminate the possibility
of similar misappropriations happening in the future .

3 . The Commission, in close cooperation with Member
States, is actively pursuing all opportunities to convey its
concerns about recent developments in the political,
economic and human rights fields to the Kenyan
Government . The meeting of the consultative group in July

1995 and the strong statement of the Commission ; together
with all other donors, can leave the Kenyan authorities in no
doubt about the importance the Commission attaches to the
fact that development policy and cooperation is closely
linked to respect for, and enjoyment of, fundamental human
rights and to the recognition and application of democratic
principles, the consolidation of the rule of law and good

governance .

No C 66 / 70 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3262 / 95

by Christine Oddy ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 6 December 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 125 )

As the United Kingdom has transposed the provisions of the
Directive into national law ( Regulations 1981, Statutory
instruments No 1794 of 4 . 12 . 1981, Trade Union Reform
and Employment Rights Act 1 993, T erms and Conditions of
Employment, No 2587 of 5 . 10 . 1995 ), the matter raised
falls within the competence of the national courts .

Subject : MG Gas Products ( part of the Hoechst Group ) (•) OJ No L 61, 5 . 3 . 1977 .

Is the Commission aware that a UK company, MG Gas
Products in Coleshill, a subsidiary company of Messer
Griesheim GmbH of Germany, part of the Hoechst Group

is : WRITTEN QUESTION E-3267 / 95

— intending to break an agreement with the Transport and

General Workers Union,

— intending to split MG Gas Products into smaller

companies and employ workers with different
companies in the same workplace so as to divide such
workers,

— and by so doing, intending to ignore the Acquired Rights

Directive ( TUDE Regulations ) by not giving the required
notice ?

What moves will the Commission take to ensure the

Directive is adhered to ?

by Inigo Méndez de Vigo ( PPE )

to the Commission

(6 December 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 126 )

Subject : Elections in Haiti

Less than one month from the presidential elections in Haiti,
the political situation on the island has been destabilized by
the assassination of Jean-Hubert Feuille, a member of the
Haitian Parliament .

Does the Commission plan to send observers to monitor
these elections ?
Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

(4 January 1996 )

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro

The question raises two points : the recognition of a trade
union and application of Directive 77 / 187 / EEC ( l ) on
transfers of undertakings .

First of all, it should be noted that there is no Community
legislation on the recognition of trade unions by employers
or, more generally, on freedom of association and collective
bargaining or trade-union rights . The Community Charter
of Fundamental Social Rights for Workers set out a number
of principles relating to this field ( Articles 11 — 14 ), in
particular the freedom to join professional organizations .
However, the Charter leaves it to the Member States to
implement these principles at national level . Secondly,
Article 2.6 of the Protocol on Social Policy attached to the
EC Treaty excludes the right of association from the
Community 's new responsibilities in the social sphere .

As far as application of Directive 77 / 187 / EEC on transfers
of undertakings is concerned, it should be noted that the
transferor 's rights and obligations arising from a contract of
employment or from an employment relationship existing
on the date of a transfer must, by reason of such transfer, be
transferred to the transferee ( Article 3.1 ). Consequently, the
transfer of an undertaking, business or part of a business
does not in itself constitute grounds for dismissal or changes
in conditions of employment by the transferor or the
transferee . However, in accordance with Article 4.1, the
protection afforded by this provision does not stand in the
way of dismissals that may take place for economic,
technical or organizational reasons entailing changes in the
workforce .

on behalf of the Commission

(5 January 1996 )

Coordinated by the Council Presidency, several Member
States are planning to send observers to monitor these
elections .

The Commission delegation and technical assistance staff in
Haiti will help coordinate logistics for the observer team .
The Commission has also granted the provisional electoral
council ECU 2 million to cover about a third of the cost of

the elections and so help make sure that all goes well .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3277 / 95

by Johanna Maii-Weggen ( PPE )

to the Commission

(6 December 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 127

Subject : Discrepancies in mode of address of men and

women

Many government bodies in countries in the European
Union have the curious custom, when writing to female

4 . 3 . 96 I EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 71

citizens, of addressing them as ' Mrs ' or ' Miss ', whereas male
citizens are addressed neutrally . In the case of women, they
distinguish between married and unmarried women,
whereas no such distinction is ever made in the case of

men .

Is this not a subtile form of discrimination ? Will the

Commission agree with the Member States to do away with
this bizarre custom as soon as possible, by addressing
women solely as ' Ms '?

Answer given by Mr Santer
on behalf of the Commission

Since the People 's Republic of China was not mentioned in
the complaint, no proceedings were initiated against
imports from that country .

(M OJ No C 143, 9 . 6 . 1995 .

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3293 / 95

by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz ( V )

to the Commission

(1 December 1995 )
( 23 January 1996 )

( 96 / C 66 / 129 )

The matter to which reference is made does not fall within

the jurisdiction of the Community .

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3292 / 95

by Danielle Darras ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 December 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 128 )

Subject : The Métaleurop company : anti-dumping
procedure

Can the Commission say whether an anti-dumping
procedure has been instigated against the growing number
of imports of non-ferrous metals ( such as zinc ) from the
countries of the CIS and China ?

The Metaleurop company, located in Noyelles-Godault ( in
the region of Pas-de-Calais, France ), which is the largest
national site for the production of zinc and primary lead, has
just announced its restructuring plan, entailing 106
redundancies, and this in a region already hard hit by
unemployment .

Has the Commission decided not to take any steps to protect
Community industry from a massive invasion of
non-ferrous products ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

( 18 December 1995 )

On 9 June 1995 the Commission initiated anti-dumping
proceedings concerning imports of unalloyed, unwrought
zinc originating in Kazakhstan, Poland, the Russian
Federation, Ukraine and Uzbekistan ('). The procedure is in
response to a complaint lodged by Eurométaux ( Association
Européenne des Metaux ), of which Metaleurop, the
company to which the Honourable Member refers, is a
member .

Subject : Mochovce Nuclear Power Station

In its written answer to my oral question H-738 / 95 (') on
the state of discussions between the Commission and
representatives of Slovakia on the funding of the completion
of Mochovce nuclear power station, the Commission stated
that at a meeting between Slovenske Elektrarne and the
Commission on 20 July 1995, as yet ' no conclusive
information ' had been given .

1 . What information, even if not conclusive, was given at
this meeting ?

2 . Did the Commission propose to the Slovakian side that
they make a new loan application ?

(') Debates of the European Parliament No 4 ( November
1995 ).

Answer given by Mr de Silguy

on behalf of the Commission

(5 January 1996 )

1 . The purpose of the meeting of 20 July 1995 between
Slovenske Elektrarne ( SE ) and the Commission was to find
out from the Slovak operator what was to happen regarding
the Mochovce project . In the course of the meeting, SE
confirmed that the Slovak authorities were planning to use a
different structure to implement the project . Under the new
structure the EMO company was no longer required . The
relationship between SE and the other Contracting Parties
would be redefined .

The Slovak representatives were unable at the time to give an
opinion on the position their government would adopt . No
official information has since been provided on the
development of the project .

2 . The Commission has not proposed to SE that it should
submit a new loan application .

No C 66 / 72 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3295 / 95

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3298 / 95

by José Escudero ( PPE )

José Escudero ( PPE ) by José Apolinârio ( PSE )

to the Commission to the Commission

(1 December 1995 )

to the Commission

(1 December 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 130 ) ( 96 / C 66 / 131 )

Subject : The teaching of classical languages

Our various cultures are established on certain bases, which
include the classical languages, Latin and Greek . A
knowledge of these languages therefore helps to bind us
together .

Latin and Greek are disappearing from school syllabuses in
the EU Member States .

Although school syllabuses fall within the jurisdiction of the
Member States, in line with the principle of subsidiarity,
does the Commission intend to lay down any guidelines on
including the teaching of classical languages within the
concept of defending our European heritage ?

Does the Commission intend to make provision for teachers
of classical languages to be assisted by a programme to
encourage those languages or a programme for exchanges of
teachers and / or pupils along the lines of the Socrates
programme ?

Subject : Structural Funds in Portugal ( 1995 )

While recognizing the openness and willingness to provide
information shown by the Commission in its replies to my
written questions on transfers of funds to Portugal,
particularly since Mrs Monika Wulf-Mathies took up her
duties as Commissioner, I should like to request an update
of the information provided in the answer to my question
P-857 / 95 ( 1 ).

Specifically, could the Commission give details of the
amounts transferred to Portugal during 1995, indicating the
Operational Programme concerned and the date on which
the money was made available ? Could it also provide
information on the amounts entered under the First CSF and

the Second CSF and on the balance outstanding under the
First CSF ( update of the tables provided by the Commission
in February 1995 )?

( 1 ) OJ No C 190, 24 . 7 . 1995, p . 30 .

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies

on behalf of the Commission

( 30 January 1996 )

Answer given by Mrs Cresson In view of the length of its answer, the Commission is

on behalf of the Commission sending it direct to the Honourable Member and the

(8 January 1996 ) Parliament 's Secretariat .

While acknowledging that the classical languages play an
important part in helping us to understand our European
civilization, the Commission wishes to draw the
Honourable Members attention to the content of

Article 126 of the EC Treaty, under which the Community is
to ' contribute to the development of quality education by
encouraging cooperation between Member States and, if
necessary, by supporting and supplementing their action,
while fully respecting the responsibility of the Member
States for the content of teaching and the organization of
education systems and their cultural and linguistic
diversity .'.

Through the Socrates programme, and particularly Chapter
II ( Comenius ), the Commission nevertheless supports and
finances European educational projects giving pupils the
opportunity to become more aware of, and to learn, the
classical languages .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3300 / 95

by Christine Crawley ( PSE )

to the Commission

(9 December 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 132 )

Subject : Standardization of payment terms

I have recently been contacted by a company within my
constituency which has had successful meetings with
companies from other Member States . However, difficulties
have arisen when it has been discovered that while this

company 's UK suppliers require payment of accounts
within 30 days, the other Member State companies have
agreements which allow them 90 days to pay . This clearly
puts undesirable pressure on cash-flow . In the interests of
promoting more trade between Member States, what

4 . 3 . 96 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 73

influence can the Commission bring to bear to encourage a
common settlement period across the European Union ?

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3333 / 95

by Reimer Boge ( PPE )

to the Commission

(6 December 1995 )

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis ( 96 / C 66 / 133 )

on behalf of the Commission

(9 January 1996 ) Subject : Limits on subsidized exports of farm products

The Commission fully recognizes that differences between
national payment practices could undermine the success of
the internal market . To prevent these difficulties from
hindering the growth of intra-Community trade, and in
particular the involvement of small and medium sized
enterprises in this trade, the necessary measures must be
taken to remove these obstacles .

The Commission issued a recommendation on payment
periods in commercial transactions on 12 May 1995 (').
This set out principles and methods for improving payment
periods, and requests the Member States to take the most
appropriate measures in accordance with their own legal
systems . One of the main elements of the recommendation is
to eliminate the difficulties in respect of payment which are
specific to cross-border trade .

To enable the Commission to evaluate what progress has
been made, Member States have been requested to forward
a report to the Commission before 31 December 1997 . If the
recommendation were to have no effect, the Commission
would have the right to propose more binding measures .

In connection with the conclusion of the World Trade

Agreement of 15 April 1994 in Marrakesh, the European
Union undertook to reduce subsidized exports of farm
products by an average of 36 % of the budget volume and
21 % in terms of quantity over the next few years .

What limits apply to subsidized exports ( budget and
volume ) of the following products in the years 1996 to

1999 :

— dairy products ( butter, skimmed-milk powder and
cheese ),

— beef,

— cereals ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission

( 19 December 1995 )

0 ) OJ No L 127, 10 . 6 . 1995 . Under the GATT / WTO agreement the Community has the
right to export the products mentioned with refund up to
the following limits :

( Quantity in thousand tonnes — outlays in million ECU )

1996 1997 1998 1999

Butter and Quantity (') 431,0 414,7 398,5 982,3
butter-oil
Outlays 1 166,3 1 086,8 1 007,3 927,8

Skimmed-milk Quantity 286,4 275,7 264,9 254,1
powder
Outlays 325,7 303,5 281,3 259,1

Cheese Quantity 386,4 366,1 345,7 325,4

Outlays 460,4 415,6 370,7 325,9

Beef Quantity ( 2 ) 1 058,4 998,1 937,7 877,4

Outlays 1 772,3 1 644,1 1 515,9 1 387,6

Wheat and Quantity 17 982,1 16 845,7 15 709,3 14 572,8
wheat-flour
Outlays 1 883,7 1 698,1 1 512,4 1 326,8

Coarse grain Quantity 11 740,8 11 298,9 10 857,1 10 415,2

Outlays 1 214,0 1 131,2 1 048,4 965,6

t 1 ) Expressed in butter equivalents .

( 2 ) Expressed in carcasse equivalents .

No C 66 / 74 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

These limits have to be implemented in accordance with the WRITTEN QUESTION P-3446 /
provisions of Article 9 ( 2 ) of the agreement on agriculture . by Helena Torres Marques ( PSE )
They are those undertaken by the Community of 12, and to the Commission
negotiations are going on to establish the limits valid for the
Community of 15 . (6 December 1995 )

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3446 / 95

to the Commission

(6 December 1995 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3439 / 95

by José Escudero ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 18 December 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 134 )

Subject : Second language at school-leaving certificate
level

Does the Commission intend to take any steps to encourage
the study of a second language at school-leaving certificate
level in countries where this is not compulsory ?

Given that English has turned into the Esperanto of Europe,
does the Commission believe that the study of a further
language should be encouraged amongst younger students ?
Will it be taking steps in this connection ?

Does it plan to take any measures which would be effective
in the short term, such as encouraging the teaching of
frontier languages in the appropriate schools ?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson

on behalf of the Commission

( 19 January 1996 )

Pursuant to Article 126 of the EC Treaty, responsibility for
the content of teaching and the organization of education
systems lies with the Member States . Action taken by the
Commission aims inter alia to develop the European
dimension in education, particularly through the learning
and dissemination of the languages of the Member
States .

Lingua activities ( now incorporated into the Socrates
programme ) constitute the main vehicle for Commission
action in this field, with priority being given to languages
which are less widely used and taught .

The Commission attaches great importance to knowledge of
languages . Consequently, proficiency in three Community
languages is the fourth objective of the White Paper on
education and training ('), which has just been adopted by
the Commission .

(M COM(95 ) 590 final .

( 96 / C 66 / 135 )

Subject : Alzheimer's disease

ECU 5 million have been earmarked for assisting persons
suffering from Alzheimer 's disease under budget heading
B-4300 of the 1996 EU Draft Budget adopted by the EP at its
sitting of 26 October 1995 .

Can the Commission tell me how associations such as the

' Portuguese Association for families and friends of
Alzheimer 's sufferers ' should go about applying for funding
under this heading ? Should they approach the Portuguese
authorities or the Commission ? Which services should they
contact ? How should they do so ? What kinds of projects are
eligible ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

(5 January 1996 )

Budget line B3-4300 concerns actions within the health
promotion programme .

In the first reading of the budget for 1996 the Parliament
decided to earmark ECU 5 million in this budget line for
actions enhancing the quality of life of people suffering
from Alzheimer 's disease and their family carers . The
Commission intends to publish a call for proposals in the
Official Journal early in 1996 . This will invite applications
for Community funding .

The Commission would draw the attention of the

Honourable Member to the fact that only transnational
projects will be co-financed in compliance with the principle
of subsidiarity and proportionality .

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3447 / 95

by Riccardo Garosci ( UPE )

to the Commission

(6 December 1995 )

{ 96 / C 66 / 136 )

Subject : Directive on the labelling of prices on foodstuffs

and other products

Is the Commission aware that the Directive under discussion

on the dual pricing of foodstuffs and other products ( by unit

4 . 3 . 96 I EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 75

of measurement and for the individual item ) may result in
additional costs which would be added to the final cost of

the product ?

as these measures represent the minimum requirements for
the security of transactions . The changes proposed relate to
situations in which the price per unit of measurement

( kilogram or litre ) should be indicated in addition to the
selling price for pre-packaged products . Provision had

The fact is that the retailers affected ( shops, supermarkets, already been made for such situations as from 1979, but the
public houses, etc .) would have to provide consumer changes which took effect in 1988 rendered application of
information, for each product, indicating : the mechanism excessively complex, thus compromising its

efficiency . The present proposal is designed to clarify the

1 . the price of the item, offered for sale, situation and give Member States more flexibility to assess

whether or not to impose the indication of prices per unit of
measurement, taking account of the nature of the products
2, the price per litre, kilogramme, etc . concerned and systems of marketing .

The fact is that the retailers affected ( shops, supermarkets,
public houses, etc .) would have to provide consumer
information, for each product, indicating :

1 . the price of the item, offered for sale,

3 and 4 . and, for a product on special offer ( e.g. 3 x 2 ), the
above prices adjusted for the length of the sales
promotion .

When we come to the transition period for the single
currency, the four prices mentioned above ( shown in the
national currency ) will also have to be shown in the single
European currency . We will then be in the absurd position
of having up to eight prices for each individual product !

Could shops with a sales area of less than 100 m 2, mobile
traders, wholesale cash and carry outlets and public houses
therefore be exempted, ( at least for three years to allow time
to make the technical adjustments needed ) from the
requirement to display these prices ?

The cost to these retailers of the technology for making the
adjustments ( the hardware and software for the pricing )
would be crippling and would be passed on to the consumer
in the price of the final product .

Dual labelling should therefore be imposed only where the
comparison of prices offers benefits for consumers .

In its proposal, the Commission has made no provision for
special offers, as the effect would be to increase the number
of prices indicated ; the ensuing risk of confusion would be
contrary to the objective .

Referring to the introduction of the single currency, the
Commission 's intention was to emphasise the usefulness of
increased price transparency before the implementation of
currency changes . When consumers can carry out
transactions in ' euros ', it will be necessary to ensure that
transparency is guaranteed during a transition period .

Any measures introduced will have to comply with the
objective of being simple and efficient without causing
confusion, which would be the case if an unnecessary
number of different prices were indicated .

As for the adaptation of trading practices to meet the
obligation of dual price indication for certain products, long

Answer given by Mrs Bonino and detailed consultations have led the Commission to

on behalf of the Commission

conclude that a transition period ( not exceeding four years )
( 22 December 1995 ) would be useful where certain small retailers would be faced
with the need for major changes and / or investments .

In its proposal for a Directive ( ) on consumer protection in
the indication of the prices of products offered to
consumers, the Commission has placed emphasis both on
ensuring the conditions for genuine transparency in product
prices, given that the Community is committed to improving
information for consumers, and on simplifying the
mechanism introduced in 1979 and supplemented in 1988,
with a view to making application more efficient, as well as
by taking practical steps to enforce respect for the principle
of subsidiarity .

First of all, it should be noted that the indication of selling
prices has been mandatory for foodstuffs and non-food
products sold in bulk since 1990, except where the price per
item is indicated, and for all pre-packaged products sold in
variable quantities . This is not affected by the new proposal,

It will thus be the responsibility of the Member States, who
are in the best position to assess the circumstances of small
businesses in their territory, to make provision for the
necessary changes and the duration of the transition period .
Clearly, in some cases, changes can be made without
excessive cost and without the need for expensive
equipment . Furthermore, it is not possible to lay down
identical sales-surface or turnover limits for all Member

States, as it is recognized that trading circumstances are
extremely diverse .

(') COM(95 ) 276 final .

No C 66 / 76 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3448 / 95

by Joan Colom i Naval ( PSE )

to the Commission

(6 December 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 137 )

Subject : Setting up of new observatories for SMEs

At the plenary sitting of 30 November 1995, the
Commission informed the European Parliament that,
following the success of the European observatory for SMEs
set up on the Franco-Belgian border, it was now proposed to
set up six further observatories in border regions . In view of
the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises in
Catalonia and the French Mediterranean, and of the
increasing amount of cooperation taking place between the
area 's regions, does the Commission plan to set up one of
these new observatories in Catalonia ?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis

on behalf of the Commission

( 10 January 1996 )

The Commission wishes to promote the cross-border
activities of small and medium-sized enterprises and craft
firms located mainly in the border regions, to enable them to
make the most of the opportunities offered by the internal
market . However, because of the considerable differences in
fiscal and social legislation and technical standards,
harmonization of which is only partly envisaged, if at all, the
freedom of SMEs to provide services is often hindered .

To help enterprises in their efforts to provide services in a
neighbouring Member State, the Commission has
supported an office for the development of cross-border
activities between France and Belgium . This office has been
able to help over 1 200 SMEs and has submitted reports to
the Commission on the barriers which make cross-border

activities difficult . Following this positive experience, the
Commission decided to joint-finance new cross-border
offices and published (') an invitation to tender, as a result
of which it has selected six proposals, one of which concerns
the Catalogne / Midi-Pyrenees region .

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3479 / 95

by Peter Skinner ( PSE )

to the Commission

(8 December 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 138 )

Subject : Safe manning numbers and hours at work on ships,

in terms of both health and safety of workers and
safety at sea

The Commission 's Medium-Term Social Action

Programme states that the Commission will undertake
discussions with the social partners and / or studies on the
best way to ensure that the activities and sectors excluded
from the Directive on the organization of working time are
appropriately covered . Therefore, in view of the fact that
Commissioners Kinnock and Flynn have already met to
discuss this issue, what is the progress so far concerning the
transport sector and, in particular, inland waterways, sea
transport and other work at sea ?

Can the Commission also assure Parliament that the health

and safety aspect of working time will be included in any
proposals ?

Also, when will the Commission bring forward legislation,
along the lines of IMO Resolution 481, concerning the safe
manning of ships in the Community, with particular regard
to safe minimum manning numbers which is an important
aspect of safety at sea ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 10 January 1996 )

The Commission has been following closely developments
in all the sectors and activities excluded from the working
time Directive 93 / 104 / EC (*). In this work programme for

1996, the Commission has announced its intention to
present a white paper on this subject .

., As regards transport, a meeting was held in June 1995,
Commission decided to joint-finance new cross-border

bringing together representatives of the social partners in

offices and published (') an invitation to tender, as a result

the five joint committees dealing with the different modes of

of which it has selected six proposals, one of which concerns

transport . At this meeting the Commission repeated its call

the Catalogne / Midi-Pyrenees region .

to social partners to seek agreement between themselves,
and confirmed that it would re-examine the situation at the

end of the year . At present there have been no agreements in
(!) OJ No C 89, 26 . 3 . 1994 . the transport sectors .

With regard to the specific sectors to which the Honourable
Member refers, there were detailed negotiations on the

4 . 3 . 96 1 EN [ Official Journal of the European Communities No C 66 / 77

inland waterways matters, but social partners were
unfortunately not able to agree on a joint position . In
maritime transport, there had been considerable progress in
discussions between social partners in the context of a
possible revision of International Labour Organization

( ILO ) Convention No 109 on this subject, but the
postponement of an ILO maritime conference planned for
January 1996 means that discussions in the joint committee

have been delayed . As regards other work at sea, where there
is no joint committee, a study has been undertaken on
working hours in the sector .

The Commission 's objective is to ensure adequate
protection of workers ' health and safety . The white paper
and any subsequent proposal will of course take this health
and safety element fully into account .

Concerning the International Maritime Organization

( IMO ) Resolution 481 on guidelines on manning scales in
shipping, the Commission is of the opinion that this
question should be discussed and settled at international
level . The Commission therefore does not envisage
submitting any proposal for specific Community legislation
dealing with this subject . It believes that IMO is the
appropriate forum for taking any further decisions in this
field .

(') OJ No L 307, 13 . 12 . 1993 .

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 19 December 1995 )

The Institute for Relations between Europe and Latin
America ( IRELA ) was set up ten years ago, on the initiative
of a group of major figures from the EU ( mainly members of
parliament ) and Latin America .

The Institute 's seat is in Madrid, but IRELA 's statute makes
provision for other centres to be opened in Europe and Latin
America .

At the meeting of the 32-member IRELA general assembly
on 9 May 1995, the authorities of the host city, Bonn,
backed by the Federal Government, officially submitted
their offer of a headquarters .

Any transfer of the Institute 's seat or the opening of new
seats in other countries is a matter for the IRELA general
assembly ; the Commission cannot intervene in decisions
which must, under the terms of the statute, be taken by the
Institute 's own bodies .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3609 / 95

by Jean       - Yves Le Gallou ( NI )

to the Commission

( 12 January 1996 )

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3482 / 95 ( 96 / C 66 / 140 )
by Francisca Sauquillo Pérez del Arco ( PSE )

to the Commission

(8 December 1995 )

( 96 / C 66 / 139 )

Subject : Institute for Relations between Europe and Latin

America ( IRELA )

Is the Commission aware of a formal offer from the German

Government to make available to it a building in Bonn to
serve as the new seat of the Institute for Relations between

Europe and Latin America ( IRELA ) and to take on the job of
possibly moving the Institute from Madrid to Bonn ?

What is the Commission 's view on the matter ?

Is the Commission aware that, apart from considerations of
an economic nature which tend to be overlooked, there are
historical, cultural, linguistic and efficiency-related reasons
why Madrid should continue to be the seat of the Institute in
question ?

Subject : Community subsidies to associations, NGOs and

various bodies

Can the Commission provide a detailed list of the
associations or bodies receiving Community subsidies under
Article A-322 ( support for international non-governmental
youth organizations ) and the exact amount of such subsidies
for the financial year that has just ended ?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson

on behalf of the Commission

( 30 January 1996 )

The Commission is sending the information requested direct
to the Honourable Member and the Parliament 's

Secretariat .

No C 66 / 78 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 4 . 3 . 96

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3639 / 95 Answer given by Mr Fischler
on behalf of the Commission

by Concepció Ferrer ( PPE )

to the Commission ( 29 January 1996 )

( 12 January 1996 )

( 961 C 66 / 141 )

Subject : 1994 food-aid programme for those most in

need

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its
answer to her " Written Question E-l 190 / 95 ( 1 ).

Can the Commission provide information on the
organizations responsible for distributing the quotas
allocated to Spain under the 1994 food-aid programme ? (') OJ No C 222, 28 . 8 . 1995 .