Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

ISSN 0378-6986
# Official Journal C 46

Volume 37
### of the European Communities 14 February 1994

ISSN 0378-6986

Volume 37

14 February 1994

English edition Information and Notices

Notice No Contents p age

I Information

European Parliament

Written Questions with answer

94 / C 46 / 01

94 / C 46 / 02

94 / C 46 / 03

94 / C 46 / 04

No 539 / 92 by Mr Christopher Jackson to the Commission
Subject : Population Unit in the Commission 1

No 2281 / 92 by Mr Peter Price to the Commission
Subject : Advertising of financial services 1

No 2991 / 92 by Mr Freddy Blak to the Commission
Subject : Creation of a qualifications databank 2

No 3329 / 92 by Mr Ian White to the Commission

Subject : Commission representation 2

94 / C 46 / 05 No 88 / 93 by Mr Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : History text book at the European schools 3

94 / C 46 / 06

No 173 / 93 by Mr Gerd Müller to the Commission
Subject : The ' Aegean Sea ' and ' Braer ' tanker disasters 4

94 / C 46 / 07 No 180 / 93 by Mr Diego de los Santos López to the Commission
Subject : Donana National Park 5

94 / C 46 / 08 No 315 / 93 by Mr Barry Desmond to the Commission
Subject : Ad Hoc Group on Immigration 5

94 / C 46 / 09 No 408 / 93 by Mr Gianfranco Amendola to the Commission
Subject : Vetto dam in Italy — discrepancies in the environmental impact assessment procedure 5

94 / C 46 / 10

No 420 / 93 by Mr Virginio Bettini to the Commission
Subject : Projected power line in the Susa Valley ( Grande Ile-Moncenisio-Piossasco ) 7

2 ( Continued overleaf )

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Contents ( continued ) Page

No 452 / 93 by Mr Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission
Subject : Projected enlargement of Barajas Airport

No 552 / 93 by Mr Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission
Subject : Sinking of wells near Kifisos in Viotia

No 629 / 93 by Mr John McCartin to the Commission
Subject : Commission investigation into meat dumping at Cregga, Co . Roscommon, Ireland

No 669 / 93 by Mr Thomas Megahy to the Commission
Subject : Structural funds — selection criteria

No 702 / 93 by Mrs Martine Buron to the Commission
Subject : Hospital waste

No 762 / 93 by Mr Hemmo Muntingh to the Commission
Subject : Environmentally friendly refrigerators

No 778 / 93 by Mr João Cravinho to the Commission
Subject : Support for Community citizens emigrating from within the Community

No 870 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Telecommunications network in Attica

No 911 / 93 by Mrs Anita Pollack to the Commission
Subject : Transfrontier broadcasting

No 925 / 93 by Mr Herman Verbeek to the Commission
Subject : Prescription system for pesticides

No 946 / 93 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : Closure of purifying plant in Tuscany : tanning industry

No 951 / 93 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission

Subject : Conditions of detention

No 962 / 93 by Mr Gerd Muller to the Commission
Subject : Information regarding the amount of EC aid allocated to Bavaria between 1985 and

1992

No 964 / 93 by Mr Reimer Böge to the Commission
Subject : Combating BSE, and the BSE research programme

No 1002 / 93 by Mr Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission
Subject : Special search and rescue helicopters

No 1009 / 93 by Lord O'Hagan to the Commission
Subject : The ozone layer

No 1010 / 93 by Lord O'Hagan to the Commission
Subject : Acid rain

No 1035 / 93 by Mr Alex Smith to the Commission
Subject : Tacis programme

No 1159 / 93 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission
Subject : Extinction of animal species in the Coto Donana

No 1199 / 93 by Mr Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Renewal of the citrus fruit restructuring programme

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94 / C 46 / 31 No 1204 / 93 by Mr Neil Blaney to the Commission
Subject : Conditions in non-EC fishing fleets IB

94 / C 46 / 32 No 1214 / 93 by Mr Paul Staes to the Commission
Subject : Meat — residues — Commission inspections 18

94 / C 46 / 33 No 1726 / 93 by Mr Jose Apolinário to the Commission
Subject : Inquiry into the illegal use of growth stimulants in livestock farming 18

94 / C 46 / 34 No 1727 / 93 by Mr Jose Apolinário to the Commission
Subject : Inquiry into the illegal use of growth stimulants in livestock farming 19

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1214 / 93, 1726 / 93 and 1727 / 93 19

94 / C 46 / 35 No 1219 / 93 by Mr Henry McCubbin to the Commission
Subject : Subsidies to purchasers of vessels from Norwegian shipbuilding yards 19

94 / C 46 / 36 No 1226 / 93 by Mr Karl-Heinz Florenz to the Commission
Subject : Composting of biologically degradable packaging 20

94 / C 46 / 37 No 1246 / 93 by Mrs Anita Pollack to the Commission
Subject : Development aid to Sri Lanka 20

94 / C 46 / 38 No 1250 / 93 by Mr Isidoro Sanchez Garcia to the Commission
Subject : Criteria for the subsidization of environmental projects 21

94 / C 46 / 39 No 1260 / 93 by Mr Diego de los Santos López to the Commission
Subject : Environmental impact of the national hydrological plan 21

94 / C 46 / 40 No 1311 / 93 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission
Subject : German VAT in the tourist sector 22

94 / C 46 / 41 No 1511 / 93 by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek and Mr Jean Defraigne to the Commission
Subject : German tax on the transport of passengers by road 22

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1311 / 93 and 1511 / 93 22

94 / C 46 / 42 No 1 324 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : The otter population in Greece 23

94 / C 46 / 43 No 1338 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Greece 's infringement of Directive 75 / 440 / EEC 23

94 / C 46 / 44 No 1343 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Storage of toxic waste in Albania 23

94 / C 46 / 45 No 1396 / 93 by Mrs Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission
Subject : Reprocessing 24

94 / C 46 / 46 No 1398 / 93 by Mrs Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission
Subject : Reprocessing 25

94 / C 46 / 47 No 1443 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : The Platamonas Citadel in Greece 25

( Continued overleaf )

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

94 / C 46 / 48 No 1458 / 93 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission
Subject : The unacknowledged tragedy of the aftermath of Chernobyl ( and Tomsk 7 ) and other
nuclear accidents and incidents 25

94 / C 46 / 49 No 1471 / 93 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission
Subject : Technologies for the car of the future 26

94 / C 46 / 50 No 1495 / 93 by Mr Antonio Mazzone, Mr Pietro Mitolo, Mrs Cristiana Muscardini and
Mr Giuseppe Rauti to the Commission
Subject : Import of strawberry seedlings 27

94 / C 46 / 51 No 1510 / 93 by Mrs Laura Gonzalez Alvarez and Mr Alonso Puerta to the
Commission

Subject : Opencast mining in Asturias 27

94 / C 46 / 52 No 1529 / 93 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : Pollution of European lakes . . : 28

94 / C 46 / 53 No 1547 / 93 by Mr Alex Smith to the Commission
Subject : Transport of radioactive substances 28

94 / C 46 / 54 No 1561 / 93 by Mr Alex Smith to the Commission
Subject : Nuclear reprocessing 29

94 / C 46 / 55 No 1608 / 93 by Mr Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : OTE procedures lacking transparency 29

94 / C 46 / 56 No 1634 / 93 by Mr Hugh McMahon to the Commission
Subject : Electricity interconnector between Northern Ireland and the south of Scotland 30

94 / C 46 / 57 No 1639 / 93 by Mr Llewellyn Smith to the Commission
Subject : Community toxic waste policy 30

94 / C 46 / 58 No 1652 / 93 by Mr Christos Papoutsis to the Commission
Subject : Danger of marine ecological disaster off the island of Lesbos 30

94 / C 46 / 59 No 1654 / 93 by Mrs Ria Oomen-Ruiiten and Mrs Marianne Thyssen to the
Commission

Subject : Rechar programme ; economic conversion of coal-mining areas ; Fenix project Limburg
( Belgium ) — ( cross-border ) impact on employment 31

94 / C 46 / 60 No 1676 / 93 by Mr Leen van der Waal to the Commission
Subject : Practical problems with claiming back VAT encountered by transport contractors not
based in the country in question 31

94 / C 46 / 61 E-1750 / 93 by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek to the Commission
Subject : Refund of VAT 32

Joint answer to Written Questions No 1676 / 93 and E-1750 / 93 32

94 / C 46 / 62 No 1682 / 93 by Mr Ian White to the Commission
Subject : Pension Fund Boards 32

94 / C 46 / 63 No 1707 / 93 by Mr Mark Killilea to the Commission
Subject : EC funding for an Irish Electricity Board power line 33

94 / C 46 / 64 No 1742 / 93 by Mr James Ford to the Commission
Subject : Daylight-saving trials 33

94 / C 46 / 65 No 1745 / 93 by Mrs Christine Crawley to the Commission
Subject : Waste recycling 33

Notice No Contents ( continued ) p age

94 / C 46 / 66 E - 1747 / 93 by Mr Gianfranco Amendola to the Commission
Subject : Non-compliance by Italy with the directive on the protection of animals used for
experimental and other scientific purposes 34

94 / C 46 / 67 E - 1749 / 93 by Mr Gianfranco Amendola to the Commission
Subject : Directive 91 / 689 / EEC on hazardous waste 34

94 / C 46 / 68 K - 1757 / 93 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : Birds of prey in the Strait of Messina 35

94 / C 46 / 69 E-1765 / 93 by Mr Llewellyn Smith to the Commission
Subject : Wild cabbages to restore contaminated land 35

94 / C 46 / 70 E-l 773 / 93 by Mr Alex Smith to the Commission
Subject : Cleaning up of radioactive pollution in the Eastern Länder of the Federal Republic of
Germany 36

94 / C 46 / 71 E-l 865 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Selling Greek olive oil 36

94 / C 46 / 72 E-l 925 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Single market in telecommunications 36

94 / C 46 / 73 E-l 960 / 93 by Mr Barry Desmond to the Commission
Subject : Ban on foam-filled furniture 37

94 / C 46 / 74 E-l 975 / 93 by Mr Claude Delcroix to the Commission
Subject : Animals exhibited at fairs 37

94 / C 46 / 75 E-l 976 / 93 by Mr Claude Delcroix to the Commission
Subject : Animals kept in captivity 38

joint answer to Written Questions E-1975 / 93 and E-1976 / 93 38

94 / C 46 / 76 E-1983 / 93 by Mr Bouke Beumer to the Commission
Subject : Large-scale production of degradable plastics from polylactic acid 38

94 / C 46 / 77 E-1989 / 93 by Mr James Ford to the Commission
Subject : Possible illegal compliance with the Arab boycott 39

94 / C 46 / 78 E-l 998 / 93 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission
Subject : Protection of turtles 1 39

94 / C 46 / 79 E-2051 / 93 by Mrs Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission
Subject : Import and placing on the market of genetically engineered tomatoes 40

94 / C 46 / 80 E-2052 / 93 by Mr Thomas Megahy to the Commission
Subject : Oil tanker safety 40

94 / C 46 / 81 E-2054 / 93 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : Closure of steel plants 41

94 / C 46 / 82 E-2056 / 93 by Mrs Jessica Larive to the Commission
Subject : Women in scientific and technical research 41

94 / C 46 / 83 E-2064 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Allegations of financial scandals in Albania 42

( Continued overleaf )

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

94 / C 46 / 84 E-2098 / 93 by Mr Barry Desmond to the Commission
Subject : Vehicle harmonization 42

94 / C 46 / 85 E-2123 / 93 by Mrs Anita Pollack to the Commission

Subject : Dioxins in sewage sludge 43

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E-2 149 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Drawing up of ecological maps of forests and wooded areas 43

E-2 152 / 93 by Mr Louis Lauga to the Commission
Subject : Situation in the clothing and footwear sectors 43

E-2155 / 93 by Mrs Barbara Schmidbauer to the Commission
Subject : European Year of the Elderly and Solidarity between Generations — activities of the
German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs and Senior Citizens 44

E-2175 / 93 by Mr Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission
Subject : Reasons invoked by Spain for failing to implement the directive on batteries and
accumulators containing certain dangerous substances 45

E-2 18 1 / 93 by Mrs Eva-Maria Quistorp to the Commission
Subject : Labelling of pharmaceutical products and directions for use 45

E-2201 / 93 by Mr Ben Visser to the Commission

Subject : Safety requirements in air passenger transport 46

94 / C 46 / 92 E-22 16 / 93 by Mrs Maria Santos to the Commission
Subject : Nuclear dumping-grounds in the Atlantic 46

94 / C 46 / 93 E-2238 / 93 by Mr Virginio Bettini to the Commission

Subject : Virtual zoo 47

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E-2321 / 93 by Mrs Brigitte Ernst de la Graete to the Commission
Subject : EC contribution to structural adjustment in Asia and Latin America 47

E-2322 / 93 by Mrs Brigitte Ernst de la Graete to the Commission
Subject : European Community Humanitarian Office ( ECHO ) 48

E-2323 / 93 by Mrs Brigitte Ernst de la Graete to the Commission
Subject : Accession of South Africa to the Lomé Convention 49

E-2335 / 93 by Mr Georgios Romeos to the Commission
Subject : Telecommunications agreement between Germany and the USA 49

E-2392 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Dispute between the EEC and USA in the telecommunications sector 49

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2335 / 93 and E-2392 / 93 49

E-23 59 / 93 by Mr David Bowe to the Commission
Subject : Fluoride in the natural environment 50

E-2374 / 93 by Mr Jose Alvarez de Paz and Mr Pedro Bofill Abeilhe to the
Commission

Subject : Women 's share of employment 50

E-2398 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Failure by Greece to implement Directives 80 / 68 / EEC and 80 / 778 / EEC 51

E-2412 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Guidelines on the quality of drinking water 51

( Continued on inside back cover )

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Contents ( continued ) Page

E-2413 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Public parks in Athens

E-2419 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Lake ecosystems

E-2449 / 93 by Mr Gary Titley to the Commission
Subject : Public opinion in the applicant states

E-2465 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Amendment of Directive 80 / 778 / EEC on the quality of water intended for human
consumption

E-2466 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Facilities in Greece for the destruction of PCBs

E-2483 / 93 by Mr Bartho Pronk to the Commission
Subject : Increasing average height of the European population

E-2488 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Harmonization of the basic health and safety rules of the EAEC Treaty with the
recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection

E-2502 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Implementation of the Code of Practice for the accommodation and care of animals in

zoos

E-25 13 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : The situation of the Pamvotida Lake in Ioannina

E-2524 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Promotion of the comparative study of history at European level

E-2528 / 93 by Mr Dieter Rogalla to the Commission
Subject : Federation of Air Transport User Representatives in the European Community

E-2550 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Action on zoos

E-2551 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Hunting of blackbirds and larks

E-2591 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Bird hunting outside the mating season

E-2656 / 93 by Mr Winfried Menrad to the Council
Subject : Maximum journey times for animals for slaughter

E-2673 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Naturally wholesome products

E-2744 / 93 by Mr Jan Bertens to the Commission
Subject : Support Programme for Employment Creation ( SPEC )

E-2754 / 93 by Mrs Brigitte Ernst de la Graete to the Commission
Subject : Directive on dual-use products

E-28 15 / 93 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission
Subject : Relationship between engineering and marketing

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14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 1

I

( Information )

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

WRITTEN QUESTION No 539 / 92

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2281 / 92

by Mr Christopher Jackson ( ED ) by Mr Peter Price ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities

( 16 March 1992 ) (1 September 1992 )

( 94 / C 46 / 01 ) ( 94 / C 46 / 02 )

Subject : Population Unit in the Commission

Subject : Advertising of financial services

Would the Commission please outline the sharing of
responsibilities for population issues in developing
countries between DG I and DG VIII ?

The EC is committed to creating a single market in financial

for population issues in developing services by 31 December 1992 . Community legislation has
DG I and DG VIII ?

been or will be adopted to achieve it . However, sales across
frontiers will depend upon consumers knowing, through

agree that there should be a advertising, what financial products are available . What
of responsibility for population ? In view of restrictions on the advertising of financial services will, in
of this issue, will the Commission consider the opinion of the Commission, act as a significant restraint
Unit to serve both Directorates ? after 1 January 1993 on the growth of cross-border sales of

financial services ? Will the Commission review the impact
of these restrictions within 12 months and propose
Community legislation to remove them, if necessary, to
achieve the objectives of the single market ?
Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

Does the Commission agree that there should be a
rationalization of responsibility for population ? In view of
the importance of this issue, will the Commission consider
setting up a Population Unit to serve both Directorates ?

( 16 July 1993 )

Population issues concerning developing countries are dealt
with by DG I and DG VIII, according to their respective
areas of competence . For questions of a general nature, not
related to a particular country, region or group of countries,
the responsibility is exercised in common by the two
Directorates General .

The Commission considers that these present arrangements
work in a satisfactory way and has no intention, for the time
being, of modifying them .

Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi

on behalf of the Commission

( 20 July 1993 )

Advertising of financial services for sales across frontiers
will generally be possible without restrictions . The banking
and other financial services directives restate the principle
that financial services firms should have access to all the

normal advertising media . Such advertising is and will be,
where appropriate, subject to other specific Community
provisions such as those contained in the directives on
misleading advertising and broadcasting activities, and in

No C 46 / 2 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

the proposed directives on direct selling and comparative to particular sectors, information on business matters is
advertising . However, Member States may, in the interest of available .
the general good and within the limits set by the case law of
the European Court, also adopt rules governing the form
and the content of advertising .

The Commission will, of course, examine at all times the
legality of such rules and assess their impact on the single
market . WRITTEN QUESTION No 3329 / 92

by Mr Ian White ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 25 January 1993 )

94 / C 46 / 04

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2991 / 92
Subject : Commission representation

by Mr Freddy Blak ( S )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 30 November 1992 )

94 / C 46 / 03

Subject : Creation of a qualifications databank

Following the opening of borders from 1 January 1993
about 7 000 shipping agents who are members of the
Danish Federation of Office Workers ( HK ) will find their
working conditions radically changed if they do not lose
their jobs altogether . For this reason, the Federation has
begun systematically to enter its members ' qualifications in
a databank .

The Commission has already provided funding to combat
unemployment as a result of the transition to the internal
market . In view of this what would its response be to a
request from the Federation for funding for its pilot project,
the objective of which is to show how knowledge and
qualifications acquired can be used for the purposes of
reconversion / restructuring . It might then be possible to
identify individuals who for example are qualified to control
the implementation of EC rules at all levels, from de facto
control of areas under cultivation to budgetary control and
information .

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 15 October 1993 )

The establishment of a databank on working conditions

( including business and commercial qualifications ) certainly
meets a need, but since this is a national project the
Commission unfortunately cannot provide any
assistance .

The Commission would, however, draw the Honourable
Member 's attention to the work of the European
Observatory of Industrial Relations, which has a databank
containing information on working conditions . Although
the data in question are of a general nature and do not relate

Would the Commission advise :

1 . in how many countries the Commission is
represented,

2 . what is the direct annual revenue cost of such

representation,

3 . how the Commission determines value for money for
such legations, particularly in the light of the recent
adverse report of the Court of Auditors ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

( 12 July 1993 )

1 . Within the Community, the Commission has 12
offices and eight regional offices ; it also has two delegations

( OECD, Paris and FAO, Rome ). Outside the Community, it
has ( 1992 ) a total of 99 delegations and 11 sub-offices . It is
intended ( J ) to open a further eight delegations in 1993 . The
total number of countries covered by Commission
representations ( offices, delegations and sub-offices ) will
thus be 119 ( 2 ).

2 . The 1992 budget provided ECU 14,7 million for
offices and delegations within the Community . This budget
covers all working expenses of the offices including local
agents ' salaries, but does not include the salary costs of the
officials . These costs are covered by titles A1 and A2 of the
budget of the Commission .

A specific budget ( title A6 ) exists to cover all staff ( officials
and local agents ) and infrastructure expenditure for the
external delegations ( investments and running costs
included ). The 1992 budget provided for ECU 160,9
million, and the 1993 budget ECU 179,4 million . These
amounts cover existing delegations including new
delegations opened in 1992 .

3 . The Commission is unaware of adverse comments in

the recent report of the Court of Auditors .

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 3

In 1992, several fact finding missions were organized in
order to open delegations in :

— - Bucarest, Helsinki, Tirana, Sofia, Ljubljana, Alma Ata,

Kiev, Tbilissi, Bogota and Abuja ( new capital of
Nigeria ).

The priorities of the Commission have been defined in
relation to recent political changes in Eastern and Central
Europe and the former Soviet Union .

As far as staff management ( recruitment, remunerations,
weightings applicable in third countries ) is concerned, the
Commission applies the provisions laid down in the Staff
Regulations . Annex X to the Staff Regulations lays down
special and exceptional provisions applicable to officials of
the European Community serving in third countries .

On 31 December 1992, the delegations of the Commission
were manned by 532 established staff and 1 521 local
staff .

Compared with 1991, the number of posts authorized for
established staff outside the Community increased by

17,8%, and the local staff posts by 5,2% .

With regard to the determination of the standing of
residences in third countries, the Commission refers to a
number of elements which determine the choice to be made,
including the level at which Member States are represented,
whether there are rented or purchased premises, and the best
use of public money .

The control of the management of delegations depends on
the internal procedures of the Commission ( Financial
Control and the Unit responsible for the inspection of
Delegations in DG IA ), and on external procedures ( Court
of Auditors ). The Inspection Unit carries out frequent visits
which examine all aspects of a delegation 's functioning .

Within the Community, the Commission pursues a
representation function incorporating decentralized
information and communication activities ; the limited
resources available are aimed at a broad range of
populations and interests in the Member States .

The representations are making increased use of partner
relay organizations, with the aim of maximizing the
communication impact for minimal outlay of taxpayers '
money . The Commission is examining better ways of
measuring cost-efficiency impact in the information and
communication field . ' Eurobarometre ' investigations assist
in defining the Community 's interests and evaluating
information needs .

The Commission, faced with the financial perspective
agreed upon at the Edinburgh Summit — essentially those
restricted amounts covering ' administrative expenditures '

— and with current budgetary constraints, will have to

reassess, also in view of its political priorities, in particular
the opening of new delegations .

(*) These are intended openings as communicated by the
Commission to the Council ( ref . Communications of the
Commission COM(91 ) 774 and COM(92 ) 1774 ); they are
dependent upon the availability of funds .
( 2 ) A list of countries is being sent direct to the Honourable

Member and to the Secretariat-General of Parliament .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 88 / 93

by Mr Alexandros Alavanos ( CG )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(9 February 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 05 )

Subject : History text book at the European schools

The history text book entitled 'A portrait of Europe 1789 to

1914 ' ( OUP, 1972 ) which is used by teachers at the
European schools attended by the children of officials from
the Member States of the Community contains a number of
historical errors regarding Macedonia both in the texts and
in the maps : in particular an arbitrary distinction is drawn
between Macedonians and other Greeks, and between the
inhabitants of central and a large portion of western
Macedonia and the inhabitants of eastern Macedonia and

the rest of Greece, etc . ( pages 124 and 125 ).

Furthermore, the authors of this handbook make a number
of subjective statements and comparisons regarding the
achievements and personalities of the Greek resistance
fighters in the Revolution of 1821 which are out of place in a
scholarly work of history and are incompatible with
endeavours to achieve a United Europe ( page 128 ).

Will the Commission say what action it intends to take,
given that this is a particularly sensitive problem today ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

(8 June 1993 )

History is not an exact science, and the European Schools,
like all other educational establishments, teach the subject
using text books whose authors may interpret the truth of
historical facts differently . This diversity is in keeping with
freedom of speech, which is a necessary condition of
scientific and academic writing .

No C 46 / 4 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

It is the teachers at the European Schools who are
responsible for selecting the text books, and it is for them to
qualify interpretations and correct errors . This is part of the
academic freedom which is the recognized right of members
of the teaching profession .

The Commission is very concerned that high standards of
teaching should prevail in the European Schools, but it has
neither the power nor the duty to intervene in this matter .
Article 1 1 of the Statute of the European Schools provides
that the Board of Governors must determine what studies

are undertaken and how they are organized, acting on
proposals from the Board of Inspectors, which is also
responsible for supervising teaching .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 173 / 93

by Mr Gerd Miiller ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 17 February 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 06 )

Subject : The ' Aegean Sea ' and ' Braer ' tanker disasters

Following the disaster involving the ' Aegean Sea ' off the
northern Spanish port of La Coruna, the ' Braer ' tanker 's
grounding off the Shetland Islands is the fifth largest tanker
disaster in European waters within three years .

In every case, the accident has been caused by human error
or technical failure and has led to disastrous consequences
for humans and ecosystems .

What emergency measures is the Commission taking to
prevent further disasters in European waters ?

What view does the Commission take of the introduction of

minimum technical standards ( double hulls in new tankers,
compartmentalization of holds and the introduction of a
technical inspectorate for vessels )?

What steps will be taken to ensure that by setting proper
training standards for ship 's crews such accidents can be
prevented in future ?

Will the Commission consider closing certain inshore
shipping lanes to dangerous tankers ?

Answer given by Mr Matutes

on behalf of the Commission

extraordinary Council of transport and environment
ministers was organized on 25 January 1993 . As requested
by that Council the Commission prepared a communication
on 'A common policy on safe seas ' ( ] ) which was adopted by
the Commission on 24 February 1993 and sent to the
European Parliament for consultation .

The communication 's action programme is based on a
coherent package of measures, including measures to :

( i ) ensure convergent implementation of existing
international rules in the Community ;

( ii ) ensure tighter and more effective control of ships by
the State of the port . These include uniform
enforcement by coastal States of the international rules
for vessels of all flags operating in Community

waters ;

( iii ) promote coherent and harmonized development
of navigational aids and traffic surveillance
infrastructure to bring maritime safety into the
electronic age, with specific attention for traffic in
environmentally sensitive areas ;

( iv ) support international organizations in strengthening
their primacy in international standard-setting .

Concerning training standards for ship crew, the
Commission adopted on 26 May 1993 a proposal for a
Council Directive on the minimum level of training for
maritime occupation ( 2 ).

In addition, on 19 May 1993 the Commission adopted a
proposal for a Council Directive on common rules and
standards for ship inspection and survey organizations ( 3 ).
Both initiatives are in accordance with the Commission

communication referred to above .

The Commission has forwarded to the Member States

common criteria for the identification of environmentally
sensitive areas and Member States are expected to report to
the Commission before November this year .

It is the Commission 's intent to compile the results of this
survey and to present it to the Council before February

1994 . This may lead to tougher maritime security standards
as well as to the application of higher penalties .

(») COM(93 ) 66 .

( 2 ) COM ( 93 ) 217 .

(3 November 1993 ) ( 3 ) COM(93 ) 218 .

Recent accidents involving tankers are of conccrn to the
whole world . To discuss these environmental disasters an

14 . 2 . 94 Official journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 5

WRITTEN QUESTION No 180 / 93 Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission
by Mr Diego de los Santos López ( ARC )

to the Commission of the European Communities ( 11 October 1993 )

( 17 February 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 07

Subject : Donana National Park

Can the Commission say what Community funds were
earmarked for the Donana National Park between 1986 and

1992, indicating the purposes and recipients of the
payments ? Has the Spanish Government held talks with the
Commission with a view to carrying out an operational
programme as part of the current Community support
framework in force until the end of 1993 ?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

(6 October 1993 )

The Commission requests the Honourable Member to
consult its reply to Written Questions Nos 601 / 93, 1107 / 93
and 1274 / 93 from Mr Valverde Lopez on the same
topic i 1 ).

No Community funds have been granted for the Donana
National Park .

(') OJ No C 297, 3 . 11 . 1993 .

The Ad Hoc Group on Immigration set up following
the informal meeting of Ministers of Home Affairs and
Justice in London in October 1986 is a forum for

intergovernmental cooperation between Member States . It
is not strictly part of the Community system . The
Honourable Member is accordingly advised to put his
question to the Council Presidency .

The Commission has, however, taken part in the Group 's
proceedings since the outset and can inform the Honourable
Member that its original remit was to prepare the
intergovernmental measures needed to ensure full freedom
of movement of persons, as provided for by Article 8a of the
EEC Treaty . It was this Group that prepared the Dublin
Convention ( signed on 15 June 1990 ) determining the
Member State responsible for examining an application for
asylum and the draft Convention on the crossing of the
Community 's external borders, which has been ready for
signing since July 1991 but is held up pending solution of a
bilateral dispute between Spain and the United Kingdom
regarding its territorial scope . The European Council
subsequently broadened the Group 's remit, which now
extends to implementation of the work programmes on
immigration and asylum approved at Maastricht .

For technical matters the Group is assisted by five
sub-groups on asylum, external borders, admission and
expulsion, visas, and false documents . The conclusions it
reaches are laid before the Ministers for Home Affairs and

Justice ( in their capacity as Ministers responsible for
immigration ); since 1987 the latter have met at least once
every six months .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 408 / 93

WRITTEN QUESTION No 315 / 93 by Mr Gianfranco Amendola ( V )

by Mr Barry Desmond ( S )

to the Commission of the European Communities

to the Commission of the European Communities

(S March 1993 )
(1 March 1993 ) ( 94 / C 46 / 09
94 / C 46 / 08

Subject : Ad Hoc Group on Immigration

Will the Commission provide an official document clearly
setting out the objectives, raison d'etre, powers,
compositions and establishment plan, cooperation
procedures, operational resources and procedures, specific
agreements and measures of the Ad Hoc Group on
Immigration and its five working parties ( border controls,
visa policy, asylum policy, illegal immigrants and data
processing )?

Subject : Vetto dam in Italy — discrepancies in the
environmental impact assessment procedure

Having regard to Written Question No 397 / 92 ( l ) by Mr
Amendola on the environmental impact assessment for the
proposed reservoir and dam at Vetto, Emilia-Romagna,
Italy ;

Whereas, according to the analysis provided by the Italian
Environment Minister ( Doc. / VIA / 1230 ), the proposed

reservoir :

No C 46 / 6 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

— would be constructed in an area of high environmental

value, the flooded area being a habitat for rare species
protected by international agreements which can thus be
regarded as an important nature reserve ;

— may give rise to larger than expected hydrological

imbalances ;

— will increase water pollution, whereas the regional water

purification and protection plan calls for a reduction ;

— includes vague statements on the extent of the impact,

the additional impact of work directly connected with
the project and additional work to restore areas of land
to their natural state ;

— is environmentally unsound in terms of the water

requirements which the project is designed to meet and
thus fails to provide an adequate up-to-date assessment
of those requirements ;

— fails to assess the dangers of an environmental crisis and

the economic costs likely to result from the increase in
pollution ;

— whereas, in spite of the above, the Italian environmental

impact assessment committee gave the project a clean
bill of environmental health, on condition that certain
regulations were complied with ( see the attached
Ministry document );

— whereas the information set out in the environmental

impact assessment carried out by the Italian Minsterial
committee in fact demonstrates that the entire project
should be revised, or that an alternative should be put
forward, given that the majority of the benefits would
derive from the increase in the number of cattle and pigs
which could be raised (+ 35 600 ), whereas the
agricultural section of the purification plan proposes
measures to reduce stock numbers ;

1 . Can the Commission state whether the project is
compatible with the CAP reform as regards the
proposed increase in stocks of cattle and pigs ?

2 . Given the many basic problems involved, does the
Commission feel that the project can be given overall
approval in accordance with the spirit and letter of
Directive 85 / 337 / EEC ( 2 )?

3 . Can the Commission state whether such a project would
not violate conventions on the protection of habitats
and fauna which have been signed by the EC and
Italy ?

4 . Does the Commission not take the view that such a
project would violate Community rules and, if so, what
measures does it intend to take ?

(!) OJ No C 58, 1 . 3 . 1993, p . 9 .

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

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

(5 October 1993 )

Neither the reform of the CAP nor any other Commission
legislation provides for a restriction on the number of pigs or
cattle in the Community . However, as regards the premium
for suckler cows, Member States are allowed to apply
environmental protection measures depending on the
particular situation in the land used for grazing the cattle
receiving the premium . These measures may provide for a
reduction or abolition of the premium ( Article 4 ( d ),
paragraph 7 ( a ) of Regulation ( EEC ) No 805 / 68 ) ( 2 ).

In overall terms, with a level of supply of 103 % in pigmeat
and 106% in beef and veal, any increase in production
would only aggravate the already difficult market
situation .

The question raised by the Honourable Member concerning
the construction of a reservoir and dam at Vetto in
Emilia-Romagna has already been examined together with
the Italian authorities from the angle of compliance with
Directive 85 / 337 / EEC . The Commission has not concluded,
in this specific case, that Italy has failed to comply with the
provisions of the Directive .

The Commission is not aware that the area of the proposed
reservoir and dam at Vetto is protected by international
conventions . The area of the proposed development is not
classified as a special protection area under Article 4 of
Council Directive 79 / 409 / EEC ( 2 ). As no details of the rare
species that occur at the site are given, it is impossible to
evaluate its importance under Council Directive
92 / 43 / EEC ( 3 ), which comes into effect in June 1994 . The
Italian authorities have undertaken to provide the
Commission by June 1995 with a list of areas that they wish
to classify as special areas of conservation in accordance
with Council Directive 92 / 43 / EEC .

Should the Honourable Member wish to establish whether

the area in question will qualify as a special area of
conservation under this Directive, he could contact the
Italian authorities for nature conservation .

(!) OJ No L 148, 28 . 6 . 1968 .

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

I 3 ) OJ No L 206, 22 . 7 . 1992 .

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 7

WRITTEN QUESTION No 420 / 93

by Mr Virginio Bettini ( V )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(8 March 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 10 )

Subject : Projected power line in the Susa Valley ( Grande

Ile-Moncenisio-Piossasco )

Thirteen communes in the Susa Valley ( of a total of
15 communes concerned ) have expressed opposition
to the construction of the 56-kilometre Grand
Ile-Moncenisio-Piossasco power line, with a maximum
voltage of 380 kV, a current-carrying capacity of 1 500 A, a
total nominal load of 2 000 MVA 's and a minimum height
of 11,5 metres above the ground .

The environmental impact assessment relating to the project
fails to take account of any alternatives or to consider the
possibility of maintaining the current network, particularly
in view of the fact that, from 1996 onwards, structural
imports of electricity from France are to be suspended and
the Italian National Electrical Energy Agency ( ENEL ) is
unable to enter into any contractual commitments beyond
this date .

The French Prefet, acting on the instructions of the
Departmental Council, has opposed authorization of the
work given the environmental impact and in view of the

costs .

Is the Commission aware that research by the Stockholm
Karolinska Institute has shown that the risk of leukaemia in
children is three to four times greater among those exposed
to electromagnetic fields than among those who are not and
that exposure levels of victims in Sweden is less ( 0,1 — 0,2
microtesla ) than accepted tolerance levels ( 100
microtesla )?

Will the Commission make representations to the Italian
authorities to ensure proper implementation of Community
rules or environmental impact assessments ?

Does the Commission not consider that Community rules
should be reviewed in order to protect Community citizens
from the long-term as well as the acute effects of exposure to
electromagnetic fields generated by electric currents ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

(1 October 1993 )

In accordance with Annex III to Directive 85 / 337 / EEC (*),
the description of the significant effects of the project should
cover the direct effects and any indirect, secondary,
cumulative, short, medium and long-term, permanent and
temporary, positive and negative effects of the project .

However, in accordance with Article 5(1 ), the Commission
would inform the Honourable Member that it is up to the
Member State to assess, on the basis of the characteristics of
projects, whether this information is relevant or can
reasonably be required of the developer .

In the case of the projected power transmission line in
the Susa Valley ( Grand Ile-Moncenisio-Piossasco ), the
Commission has contacted the Italian authorities to obtain
information about the environmental impact procedure
followed and, in particular, what account they have taken of
the adverse opinion expressed by the French authorities
pursuant to Article 7 of the Directive .

There are no Community regulations on the protection of
the general public against exposure to non-ionizing
radiation, including electromagnetic fields .

However, a proposal for a Directive on the minimum health
and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers
to the risks arising from physical agents has been sent to the
Council ( 2 ).

The Honourable Member is requested to consult the answer
to Written Question No 554 / 93 by Mr Llewellyn-Smith ( 3 )
which refers to all the written and oral questions concerning
the effects which electromagnetic fields may have on human
health, and in particular those resulting from power
transmission lines .

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

( 2 ) OJ No C 77, 18 . 3 . 1993 .
( ? ) OJ No C 207, 30 . 7 . 1993

WRITTEN QUESTION No 452 / 93

by Mr José Valverde Lopez ( PPE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 11 March 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 11 )

Subject : Projected enlargement of Barajas Airport

The Spanish Ministry of Public Works and Transport has
announced its intention of enlarging Barajas Airport
( Madrid ). A number of public pressure groups and
municipal councils in the area have requested a copy of the
environmental impact assessment without success . What
information does the Commission have concerning this and
other similar cases and what pressure has it brought to bear
on the Spanish Government to comply with the directive on
measures to inform the public about environmental
problems ?

No C 46 / 8 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 27 October 1993 ) (3 September 1993 )

The enlargement of Barajas Airport would be classified as an
Annex II project by Directive 85 / 337 / EEC, being a
modification of an existing Annex I project . The Member
State 's competent authority will therefore examine whether
an environmental impact assessment is required under
Article 4 ( 2 ). If an assessment needs to be made, the
competent authority will ensure that the public is informed
and consulted in compliance with Article 6 of the
Directive .

The Commission does not receive information concerning

individual environmental impact assessments . It is pertinent
however, to point out that the Commission is at present
discussing the complete and correct transposition of
Annex II to Directive 85 / 337 / EEC with the Spanish
authorities .

Pursuant to Article 4 ( 2 ) of Directive 85 / 337 / EEC, an
environmental impact assessment must be carried out for
this type of project if the Member States consider that it may
have significant effects on the environment .

The Commission has therefore contacted the Greek

authorities to obtain information in this connection .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 629 / 93

by Mr John McCartin ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(5 April 1993 )

(9 4 / C 46 / 13 )

Subject : Commission investigation into meat dumping at

Cregga, Co . Roscommon, Ireland

Can the Commission state when it expects to take a decision
WRITTEN QUESTION No 552 / 93 on whether any infringements of European Directives took
place during this dumping operation ?

by Mr Mihail Papayannakis ( NI )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 30 March 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 12 ) Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

(8 October 1993 )

Subject : Sinking of wells near Kifisos in Viotia

A number of large and very deep wells have been sunk near
Kifisos in Viotia to supply water for Athens . These wells
threaten to ruin irrigation in western Lokris and to cause
shortages of drinking water and water for agriculture for the
inhabitants of both western Lokris and Elatia areas of

Fthiotis where the villagers depend for their water supplies
on municipal and communal wells . No environmental
impact assessment has been carried out although, under
Article 4 of Law 1650 / 86 and Council Directive
85 / 337 / EEC (*), the completion of a project or activity with
probable major effects on the environment requires the
adoption of environmental criteria following the
submission and publication of special environmental impact
studies .

Will the Commission call on the responsible Greek
authorities to comply with national and Community law
and carry out an environmental impact assessment, taking
account of the need for a rational and integrated system of
water management and a balanced approach to the
problems of all the areas concerned ?

The Commission has decided not to pursue this case further .
Its investigations revealed that the meat dumping occurred
in an accidental situation, where Irish authorities were
obliged to act with some urgency . The investigations
showed at the same time some more general problems as
regards waste legislation in Ireland . The Commission is
pursuing these problems separately with the Irish
authorities .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 669 / 93

by Mr Thomas Megahy ( S )

to the Commission of the European Communities

(6 April 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 14 )

Subject : Structural funds — selection criteria

Which indicators does the Commission intend to use which
(!) OJ No L 175, 5 . 7 . 1985, p . 40 . apply across the whole Community ? Will comparative
weightings be given to different criteria ?

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 9

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

( 17 June 1993 )

The Commission agreed on 24 February 1993 proposals to
amend the Structural Funds regulations, including the
eligibility criteria (*). In the debate on the amended
regulations, the European Parliament has an opportunity to
comment on the criteria proposed by the Commission .

(M COM(93 ) 67 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 702 / 93

by Mrs Martine Buron ( S )

to the Commission of the European Communities

reason for using HFC coolants which, while not depleting
the ozone layer, do contribute to the greenhouse effect . The
rumoured fire hazard of butane / propane coolants has been
disproved, and replacement of coolants containing CFCs in
old refrigerators by propane / butane mixtures appears
viable .

1 . What EC budget support is being given for the
development of environmentally friendly refrigerators
or being used to promote their use ? Does the
Commission agree that such aid should be concentrated
on refrigerators with butane / propane coolants ?

2 . Is the Commission prepared to give more support to the
use of butane / propane-cooled fridges ?

3 . What resources does the Commission have available for

this purpose ?

(7 April 1993 )

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas
( 94 / C 46 / 15 ) behalf of the Commission

on behalf of the Commission

(3 September 1993 )
Subject : Hospital waste

In view of the increasing number of infectious viruses, and in
the absence of Community rules governing waste from
hospitals and / or research activities, does the Commission
not think that the harmonization of current practice would
be desirable and that research could be undertaken at

Community level to enable the waste produced in this way
to be properly sterilized ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 11 October 1993 )

The Commission shares the Honourable Member 's concern

in this matter . Studies of the problem of hospital waste are
already under way, possibly with a view to a proposal .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 762 / 93

by Mr Hemmo Muntingh ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 15 April 1993 )

94 / C 46 / 16 )

Subject : Environmentally friendly refrigerators

At the Domestic Appliances Fair in Cologne a number of
companies presented refrigerators using propane / butane as
a coolant and which could therefore be designated as
environmentally friendly . There is therefore no longer any

The transition away from the use of CFCs in the
refrigeration sector has provided an opportunity for the
development of innovative technologies which will not
exacerbate ozone destruction or global warming . In this
respect the commercial production of butane / propane
fridges is a welcome development . However, although new
refrigerant gases and appliance foams may not contribute
directly to global warming, there may be indirect
contributions associated with a more inefficient use of

energy . In some circumstances, over the lifetime of the
appliance, the indirect contribution to global warming
through the combustion of fossil fuels may be greater than
the direct contribution from the release of refrigerant gases
to the atmosphere . In this respect more information is
required on newly emerging refrigeration technologies .

Rapid technological innovation has been a feature of the
stratospheric ozone policy area and the philosophy of
control of ozone depleting substances has been developed to
take account of this inherent characteristic . The
fundamental tenet of Community policy has been a
recognition that market forces are the most efficient and
effective means of ensuring a smooth transition to chlorine
free technologies . For its part industry has welcomed this
approach . The legislative framework to phase out the
production and consumption of CFCs has been technology
driven and progress has been much faster than originally
foreseen . As emerging technologies become more clearly
defined, amendments to existing legislation will be made to
shape future markets to ensure application of the most
environmentally friendly technologies . Against this
background it is not appropriate for the Commission to give
financial support for the development or use of
butane / propane fridges, or to make budget allocations for
that purpose .

No C 46 / 10 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION No 778 / 93 As regards assistance provided through the European Social

by Mr João Cravinho ( S ) Fund to citizens of Greece, Spain, Italy and Portugal, an

annotated list of the operational programmes in question is
to the Commission of the European Communities sent direct to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat

19 1993 of the Parliament .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 778 / 93

by Mr João Cravinho ( S )

( 19 April 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 17 )

Subject : Support for Community citizens emigrating from

within the Community

Can the Commission give details on assistance for the
professional, entrepreneurial or other activities of
Community citizens emigrating from one Member State to
another ?

To what extent are the Member States of origin and host
Member States involved ?

In particular, what type of programmes are being operated
for Portuguese, Spanish, Italian and Greek nationals,
broken down by Member State of origin and host Member
State ? What regulations apply . What funding is provided ?
What is the nature and objective of these measures, how
many and what category of people benefit from them ?

How does the Commission intend to organize these
programmes in future with particular regard to the
implementation of the Structural Funds ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 11 November 1993 )

Community citizens enjoy freedom of movement and
establishment under the EC Treaty, and this is backed up by
Community legislation .

In addition, organizations of intra-Community migrants, or
organizations working on their behalf, may receive
Commission support for projects designed to integrate such
migrants into the host society . This support is funded
through Commission budget Item B3-4110, with an
allocation of ECU 7 million for 1993 . A list of funded

projects for Greeks, Spaniards, Italians and Portuguese in
other Member States is sent direct to the Honourable

Member and to the Secretariat of the European
Parliament .

Indirect support is also furnished through the Elaine
network of cities, which aims to assist integration by
cooperation between relevant city officials throughout the
Community . Additionally, Community migrants may
receive support via other projects which are aimed at helping
all migrants .

The Commission intends to continue this activity using the
resources voted in its annual budget . However, it reacts to
requests from NGOs, rather than setting up its own

programme .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 870 / 93

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 23 April 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 18 )

Subject : Telecommunications network in Attica

The Greek Telecommunications Organization ( OTE ) is
carrying out a project in Attica, costing a total of DR 45
billion to extend digital services and improve the quality of
telecommunications in the Greek capital . The Community is
funding 50 % of the project . Will the Commission impress
on the Greek authorities that Community resources will be
forthcoming only on condition that there is full compliance
with the legal procedures and that legal measures are taken
( by Greece ) to ensure competition, with the OTE itself also
being subject to such measures ?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

( 20 July 1993 )

Compliance with Community legislation is a condition sine
qua non for the implementation of projects and
programmes benefiting from structural fund assistance .
This is clearly stated in each decision addressed to the
Member States, including the one covering the project
referred to by the Honourable Member, which was notified
to the Greek authorities in November 1992 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 911 / 93

by Mrs Anita Pollack ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 27 April 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 19

Subject : Transfrontier broadcasting

Is the Commission aware of a TV satellite programme titled
' Red Hot Dutch ' which is apparently to be received in the

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 1 1

UK and which contains programmes of a pornographic
nature, and a similar type of programme from Denmark,
which are available to be seen by children ; do these
contravene any of the provisions of the EC Directive on
transfrontier broadcasting, and has the Commission taken
any action vis-a-vis the authorities in the Netherlands or
Denmark ?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro

on behalf of the Commission

(3 September 1993 )

The British authorities officially notified the Commission on

19 March 1993 of their intention to suspend the
retransmission, on their territory, of the pornographic
programmes of Red Hot Television in line with the
procedure laid down in Article 2 ( 2 ) of the Broadcasting
Directive, unless a settlement were reached within 1 5 days of
this notification .

At the time the Commission did not have information

enabling it to determine with any certitude the place where
the broadcaster in question was established and therefore
the Member State under whose jurisdiction it came for the
purposes of the Directive .

Nonetheless, the Commission took the position that under
Article 22 of the Directive, Member States are required to
take appropriate measures to ensure that broadcasts do not
include programmes which might seriously impair the
physical, mental or moral development of minors, in
particular through pornography or gratuitous violence .

In the light of these provisions, the Commission considers
that it is quite clear that a Member State docs have the
possibility of acting against channels that might infringe
Article 22 of the Directive .

In the specific case of Red Hot Television, and in the light of
the information which the Commission had at its disposal, it
considered that the measures notified were compatible with
Community law . It therefore did not raise any objection
under the procedure set out in Article 2 ( 2 ) of the Directive
before the deadline for the conciliation procedure opened by
the British notification expired on 2 April .

The Commission has since been informed by the Danish
authorities that the Danish Satellite and Cable Authority has
issued a permit for the transmission of programmes by
satellite to a company named Continental Television
Scandinavia for the transmission of ' Red Hot Television '

programmes, on the condition that the company in question
comes under Danish jurisdiction ( i.e. that it is established in
Denmark ).

The Commission understands that other conditions include

that any pornographic material only be transmitted after

01.00 hours and that it be impossible for such material to be
received without the use of an individual decoder .

Furthermore, the Commission has been informed that the
Danish Government would raise no objections if another
Member State took steps to prevent the reception of the
channel in question or any similar types of programme .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 925 / 93

by Mr Herman Verbcek ( V )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 27 April 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 20 )

Subject : Prescription system for pesticides

The Netherlands Foundation for Nature and the

Environment has recently presented a plan to the Ministry
of Agriculture calling for a system of prescriptions for
pesticides in the agricultural sector, with the objective of
increasing the threshold for the use of substances harmful to
humans and the environment, in order to encourage the use
of less harmful pesticides . Three categories are available,
classified by degree of harmfulness . For the most harmful
substances a visit by a plant-health inspector would be
required . The system as a whole would be monitored by the
General Inspectorate .

1 . Is the Commission aware of this plan ?

2 . Does the Commission agree that pesticides which are
extremely harmful to people and the environment
should be made progressively less accessible and even
prohibited ?

3 . Will the Commission implement these measures at
Community level, given that this plan can only be made
operational if trade in, and the use of substances
available in other Member States without a prescription
can be prevented ?

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

( 27 October 1993 )

The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture has sent the Commission
a copy of the study ' Bestrijdingsmiddelen op recept — een
haalbaarheidsstudie ' [ Pesticides on prescription — a
feasibility study ] carried out by the Foundation for Nature
and the Environment in February 1993 .

No C 46 / 12 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

The Commission is aware that the use of plant protection
products can entail risks in certain circumstances . Council
Directive 91 / 414 / EEC of 15 July 1991 concerning the
placing of plant protection products on the market (*)
stipulates that a plant protection product may only be
placed on the market and used on a Member State 's territory
if that Member State has authorized it .

Member States may only authorize a plant protection
product if it contains an active substance which is included
in a ' positive list ' and if it has been established, among other
things, that use of the product itself has no harmful effect on
human or animal health and no unacceptable influence on
the environment .

An active substance may only be included in the positive list
after the dossier submitted by the applicant has been
assessed by the Commission in collaboration with
representatives of the 12 Member States and provided that
the assessment indicates that plant protection products
containing the active substance are not expected to have any
harmful effects on human or animal health or any
unacceptable influence on the environment when used in
accordance with good plant protection practice . The
Directive also provides that all active substances already on
the market must be assessed in that way within a period of

12 years .

In addition, if it is found that an active substance does have
harmful effects on human or animal health or an

unacceptable influence on the environment it may be
included in Directive 79 / 117 / EEC of 21 December 1978

prohibiting the placing on the market and use of plant
protection products containing certain active substances .
The Directive currently names some 20 active substances ;
placing on the market and using plant protection products
containing one of those active substances is either
prohibited throughout the Community or subject to very
strict rules .

The above Community legislation contains no detailed rules
relating to the distribution of plant protection products in
the manner dealt with by the above study by the Foundation
for Nature and the Environment . Nevertheless, a number of
Directives regulate in general terms the protection of
workers on the basis of Article 118a of the EC Treaty .
Where these Directives make it the responsibility of the
Member States to choose the most appropriate means of
protection, the Member States may adopt national rules
provided they are compatible with the Treaty and other
Community legislation . However, the Commission is
studying whether special Community legislation on the
matter would be appropriate or whether the rules currently
in force in the Member States are sufficient to guarantee the
safe use of plant protection products .

(M OJ No L 230, 19 . 8 . 1991 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 946 / 93

by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini ( NI )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 29 April 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 21 )

Subject : Closure of purifying plant in Tuscany : tanning

industry

The purifying plant of Aquarno, Cuiodepur and the
consortium of Castelfranco di Sotto have been closed down,
accused of not having authorization for discharge and for
levels of chlorides and sulphates higher that those allowed
for industrial plant . The resulting economic damage is very
serious, as this action is likely to lead to the closure of 430
tanning firms and the loss of some 7 000 jobs directly and as
many as 10 000 counting the jobs connected with the

sector .

Given that this action is based on the interpretation of the
relationship between regional and national rules on
purifying plant, can the Commission step in and explain the
EC position on water purifying plant, bearing in mind that
the plant in question are regarded as industrial plant,
therefore requiring authorization for discharge, while the
practice hitherto has been to treat them in the same way as
' industrial-civil ' plant, which do not require such
authorization ? Can the Commission also take the necessary
measures to ensure that EEC businesses are able to operate
on equal terms ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

(1 October 1993 )

Industrial waste water discharges are covered by Council
Directive 76 / 464 / EEC ( ! ) of 4 May 1976 on pollution
caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into the
aquatic environment of the Community . It obliges the
Member States to lay down emission standards in licences
for discharging substances belonging to families and groups
of substances listed in the Annex of this Directive .

Neither chloride nor sulphate are considered part of these
listed substances . This means that Community legislation
does not oblige Member States to take action with regard to
such pollution, not being considered as dangerous
substances under Directive 76 / 464 / EEC . It is up to Member
States to regulate discharges of chloride and sulphate if
appropriate, usually taking the quality of receiving waters
into account . There might well be reasons to do so if surface
waters have to serve for drinking water supply, agricultural
purposes, etc . Such local circumstances may restrict the
possibility of any discharges to surface waters . The

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 13

Commission is not in a position to intervene in this dispute .
In fact, such an intervention with regard to discharges of
chloride and sulphate would be contrary to the principle of
subsidiarity .

There seems to be a misunderstanding that municipal
treatment plants for discharges from households and
enterprises do not require authorization . Effluents of those
plants are subject to the requirements of Council Directive
91 / 271 / EEC ( 2 ) of 21 May 1991 concerning urban waste
water treatment . Member States had to bring into force the
laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to
comply with this Directive no later than 30 June 1993 .

This Directive will require prior regulation or specific
authorization for all discharges from agglomerations of
/ more than 2 000 Population Equivalent in the case of
discharges to freshwater and estuaries, and more than
10 000 Population Equivalent in respect of all
discharges .

H OJ No L 129, 18 . 5 . 1976 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 135, 30 . 5 . 1991 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 951 / 93

by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini ( NI )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 29 April 1993 )

WRITTEN QUESTION No 962 / 93

by Mr Gerd Miiller ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 29 April 1993 )

94 / C 46 / 23

Subject : Information regarding the amount of EC aid

allocated to Bavaria between 1985 and 1992

How much Community aid was allocated to Bavaria
between 1985 and 1992 from the following sources

1 . the European Regional Development Fund ( ERDF ),

2 . the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee
Fund ( EAGGF ) — Guidance Section,

3 . the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee

Fund ( EAGGF ) — Guarantee Section,

4 . the European Social Fund ( ESF ),

5 . Community Research Programmes,

6 . Community Energy Programmes,

7 . Community and Environmental Programmes,

8 . other Community Programmes

and which measures were funded ?

( 94 / C 46 / 22 )

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission
Subject : Conditions of detention ( 13 December 1993 )

Does the legal principle of presumed innocence still apply in
the EEC Member States, given that in Italy for example the
conditions of those detained in prison constitute a threat to
human rights and the protection of fundamental
freedoms ?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

( 22 November 1993 )

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

WRITTEN QUESTION No 964 / 93

by Mr Reimer Boge ( PPE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 29 April 1993 )

The question raised by the Honourable Member is not
within the competence of the Community . 94 / C 46 / 24 )

With regard to the principle of presumption of innocence,
the Commission would point out, by way of general
information, that all Member States are Contracting Parties
to the European Convention on Human Rights, Article 6 ( 2 )
of which lays down that any person accused of an offence
shall be presumed innocent until his or her guilt has been
legally established .

Subject : Combating BSE, and the BSE research

programme

On adopting line B2-5 1 00 of the 1993 budget, the European
Parliament demonstrated in its comments the need to press
ahead with research into BSE .

What action has the Commission taken to date in order to
implement this budget decision ?

No C 46 / 14 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

What action does the Commission propose to take in order
to revise the Council 's 1991 decision on BSE in the light of
recent research findings ?

Will the Commission adopt the European Parliament 's

recommendation that the consumption of meat from herds
suspected of being infected should be prohibited ( Garcia
report, January 1993, Doc . A3-0368 / 92 )?

What action has the Commission taken to date to improve
carcass disposal standards in the Member States ?

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

(9 September 1993 )

The Commission undertook to introduce a Community
programme on BSE in June 1990 with funds from the
specific research and technological development ( RTD )
programme in the field of ' Competitiveness of agriculture
and management of agricultural resources '. This research,
launched under the second framework programme with
ECU 1 million available, was in those priority areas not
sufficiently studied in Member States research

programmes .

The needs had also been assessed by the Scientific Veterinary
Committee . Three initial projects have since been
supported, as follows :

1 . studies of processes in the rendering industry to identify

safe ways of processing meat and bone meal,

2 . investigation of possible cases of BSE in certain
countries of continental Europe, looking at
rabies-negative cases,

3 . investigation of the precise nature of the agent, with the
objective of developing diagnostic tests in the live
animal .

Projects 1 and 3 are still under way . Project 2 is completed,
and revealed no evidence of BSE in the countries concerned

( Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands ).
France has of course confirmed some cases as a result of

other national screening programmes, aimed at a different
range of neurological syndromes .

In autumn 1993, as part of the specific programmes for
RTD in the fields of ' Biotechnology ', ' Biomedicine and
health ' and ' Agriculture and agroindustry, including
fisheries ', more information will be available on
epidemiological studies of cases of the equivalent human
disease and on the coordination of BSE research in the

Community . Some new contracts are due to start in 1993,
with funds from the third framework programme budget for
Community RTD . Other studies indicate that cells can be
protected against infection with the agent by treatment with
special compounds . Initial findings have to be confirmed
and many results are expected later in 1993 from these
Community initiatives on BSE research .

The final results of most of these studies will not be available

for some time, in view of the long incubation period of this
group of diseases . However, results of other studies are
assessed as they become available . So far, no evidence has
emerged which suggests that the action taken by the

Commission to safeguard animal and public health is
inadequate . In fact, transmission studies suggest that some
elements of Community policy, especially those related to
the ban on use of certain tissues in foodstuffs, provide a very
wide safety margin, since the distribution of the infective
agent in BSE is limited compared with the scrapie model
which has been used as a basis of Community policy .

With respect to the recommendations of the Garcia report,
the Commission can only repeat what was said during the
debate in Strasbourg, i.e. that any animal suspected of
having BSE during ante-mortem inspection cannot be
passed as fit for consumption until BSE is ruled out . This
rule was introduced in 1990 .

Scientific advice is that there is no risk to public health from
other animals in herds where a case has occurred, although
additional safety is given in respect of United Kingdom
animals by virtue of the ban on the use for human ( and
animal ) consumption of specified tissues, which are those
likely to contain the agent if any should exist .

Concerning standards for the processing of animal carcases,
this aspect is the subject of one of the studies mentioned
before . Preliminary results are expected before the end of

1993, and will be assessed when they become available .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1002 / 93

by Mr Mihail Papayannakis ( NI )

to the Commission of the European Communities

(3 May 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 25

Subject : Special search and rescue helicopters

There have been dozens of cases in the past — most recently
the shipwreck off Cape Malia, in which many lives were lost

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 15

— which illustrate the Greek authorities ' total dearth of

rescue services . The most serious shortcoming is the lack of
air rescue services, particularly specially equipped search
and rescue ( SAR ) helicopters able to operate day and night
and in all weathers . The existing ( SAR ) helicopters which
the airforce and army 's airborne services make available to
the civilian authorities are unable to operate at night or in
bad weather . The same restrictions apply to emergency
medical services in the Aegean islands . In these cases even
SAR helicopters are not totally adequate and many
countries therefore have other specially equipped
helicopters ( Medevac — Medical Evacuation ). Finally,
pressure is being exerted on the Greek authorities to buy
SAR helicopters by international aviation organizations
because Greece is responsible for search and rescue
operations in the Athens flight information region .

By way of comparison, Italy recently acquired two
helicopter carriers clearly for military use, which are in fact
officially described as disaster relief vessels and were funded
from non-military resources .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1009 / 93

by Lord O'Hagan ( PPE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

(3 May 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 26 )

Subject : The ozone layer

1 . To what extent does the European Community have a
common position on the ozone layer ?

2 . What new proposals will the Commission now
make ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

As the Commission is also responsible for ' civil protection ', on behalf of the Commission
would it therefore say : (9 July 1993 )

1 . if it has received from the Greek Government an

application for support to set up a modern search and
rescue system, the lack of which leaves a yawning gap in
Community services,

2 . whether it will to prompt the Greek authorities to make

such an application, especially as Greece, in the summer
particularly, is ' inundated ' with millions of Community
nationals spending their holidays there ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 18 October 1993 )

1 . The Commission is not aware of any application for
support to set up a modern search and rescue system in
Greece .

As regards new proposals, in March 1993 the Commission
proposed a Council Decision to ratify the 1992 Copenhagen
Amendment to the Montreal Protocol . The Commission has
recently proposed ( 2 ) to implement the Copenhagen
Amendment in the Community through a new Council
regulation on substances that deplete the ozone layer,
extending the scope of the control measures to include
methyl bromide, HBFCs and HCFCs .

During the 1992 Meeting in Copenhagen, of the Parties to
the Montreal Protocol the Community and its Member
States had a common position on the adjustment of the
Protocol 's reduction schedules for ozone depleting
substances already under control, and on the amendment of
the Protocol to include new substances such as methyl
bromide, hydrobromofluorocarbons ( HBFCs ) and
hydrochlorofluoro-carbons ( HCFCs ). The Community and
its Member States continue to hold a common position on
all the agreements reached with our partners at the
international level in Copenhagen .

Since the November 1992 Parties Meeting the Community
has chosen, in some instances, not only to implement those
agreements but to go further . For example, Regulation
( EEC ) No 3952 / 92 ( x ) which entered into effect on
1 January 1993 phases out CFCs and carbon tetrachloride
one year earlier than required by the protocol .

2 . The Commission takes the view that it is not for it to extending the scope of the
intervene in the manner requested by the Honourable methyl bromide, HBFCs and
Member . In its view, it is chiefly the responsibility of the
Member States ' authorities to consider the best way to
organize and set up such a facility . (') OJ No L 405, 31 . 12 . 1992 .
( 2 ) COM(93 ) 102 .

No C 46 / 16 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1010 / 93

by Lord O'Hagan ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(3 May 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 27 )

Subject : Acid rain

1 . Is the Commission satisfied with the state of legislation
in the European Community affecting acid rain ?

2 . What proposals would the Commission now
suggest ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 17 November 1993 )

1 . In the wake of acidification of the environment from

emissions of pollutant gases such as sulphur dioxide ( S0 2 )
or nitrogen oxides ( NO x ), the Community has adopted a
number of laws designed to limit air pollution from these
compounds .

The laws are mainly concerned with emissions from major
combustion plants and from motor vehicles .

In addition, with regard to the sulphur content of certain
liquid fuels, new Directive 93 / 12 / EEC ( l ) was adopted by
the Council in March 1993 . It limits the sulphur content of
certain gas oils to 0,2 % by weight by 1 October 1994 and
that of diesel fuels for road vehicles to 0,05 % by weight by

1 October 1996 throughout the Community .

In addition, SO2 and NO x concentration levels are the
subject of directives laying down emission limits . Member
States must act to reduce emissions of these waste gases to
ensure these limits are not exceeded .

These measures, which have not yet reached the point of
maximum impact, have enabled the Community to
participate in international efforts to restrict the effects of
acid rain .

It will thus soon be able to accede to the NO x protocol to the
Geneva Convention on long-range transboundary air
pollution to which it has been a Party since 1981 .

Under this Convention, the Community is currently
negotiating a second protocol on S0 2, to be based on the

critical load approach, with the other Member States of the
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe .

2 . The need to lead the way in the fight against problems
caused by acid rain has been acknowledged in the fifth
action programme on the environment .

As regards acidification, more ambitious targets to reduce
emissions have been set in the programme for SO2 and NO x

( seeking cuts of 35% and 30% respectively from 1990
levels ).

The Commission is also pursuing its efforts to achieve more
stringent standards relating to motor vehicle emissions by
proposing amendments to Directive 70 / 220 / EEC on motor
vehicles and Directive 88 / 77 / EEC on heavy vehicles to
achieve adaptation to expected technological progress by
the year 2000 .

The latest amendments to Directives 70 / 220 / EEC
and 88 / 77 / EEC are Directives 91 / 441 / EEC ( 2 ) and
91 / 542 / EEC ( 3 ) respectively .

These new standards will be reinforced further if additional

improvements in air quality appear necessary viewed
against new maximum admissible concentration levels in
the atmosphere which are due to be proposed shortly in a
framework directive on air quality .

Similarly the emission standards for major combustion
plants ( new installations ) fixed in Directive 88 / 609 / EEC will
be revised according to the state of technology and in the
light of environmental requirements .

The Commission is due to propose revised emission limits
by July 1995 . Roughly speaking, a reduction of at least 50 %
in emissions will be possible as a result of technological
change .

In addition the Commission has been invited to put forward
new proposals to reduce sulphur in gas oils and set a
maximum sulphur content in kerosene . It also envisages
preparing a framework directive on the sulphur content of
liquid fuels in general .

The Commission has also launched a study aiming to draw
up a general strategy for cutting S0 2 and NO x emissions
mainly originating from industrial sources . This is to
complement measures adopted so far and to optimize efforts
in order to reach the objectives laid down in the fifth action
programme on the environment referred to above .

(!) OJ No L 74, 27 . 3 . 1993 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 242, 30 . 8 . 1991 .

( 3 ) OJ No L 295, 25 . 10 . 1991 .

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 17

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1035 / 93

by Mr Alex Smith ( S )

to the Commission of the European Communities

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1159 / 93

by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(4 May 1993 ) ( 12 May 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 28 ( 94 / C 46 / 29

Subject : Extinction of animal species in the Coto
Donana

Subject : Tacis programme

What progress has been made in the establishment of the
nuclear safety assistance project under the Tacis
programme ? How many Euratom or JRC experts have been
involved in this programme ? How does the programme
relate to the nuclear assistance projects agreed by the
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and
the G-7 under the Munich Declaration of July 1992 ? What
private nuclear companies within the Community will be
involved in the Tacis nuclear programme under contract ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

(4 October 1993 )

The nuclear safety assistance projects as defined under the
Tacis 1991 and 1992 Programmes are largely under way .

It is not possible, at this stage, to give detailed numbers of
Euratom or JRC experts involved . The programmes are set
up with the close cooperation of all relevant Commission
services taking into account also the expertise provided,
on a contractual basis, by specialized companies and
organizations .

The Nuclear Safety Account, set up at the EBRD as a
follow-up to the G-7 Munich Summit, complements current
bilateral and multilateral nuclear safety assistance
operations . The account is destined, primarily, to finance
safety related equipment for the higher risk reactors of the
RBMK and VVER 440 / 230 types . By contrast, the
Community 's nuclear safety assistance covers the whole
range of Soviet designed reactors, finances the necessary
studies and provides specialized expertise in the form of
on-site assistance .

According to some experts 41 species of animal which used
to live in the Coto Donana have become extinct ; 36 of them
have disappeared since 1975 .

In view of the interest which the Commission has always
shown in the Coto Donana and the fact that European
biological diversity is affected by the extinction of these
species, can the Commission explain the reasons for this
unfortunate phenomenon and give further details ? Is it also
prepared to ensure that this process of extinction of animal
life does not continue and will it also endeavour to recover

some of the species concerned ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 20 October 1993 )

The Donana National Park has been classified as a special
protection area in accordance with Article 4 ( 1 ) of Directive
79 / 409 / EEC on the conservation of wild birds ( 1 ). In
accordance with the provisions of Directive 92 / 43 / EEC ( 2 ),
it should also be designated a special conservation area, i.e. a
site of Community importance where the necessary
conservation measures will be taken to maintain or
reestablish the natural habitats and / or populations of
species other than the birds which characterize this site .

At present the Commission does not have comprehensive
information on the status of species threatened in specific
sites . It has therefore contacted the competent Spanish
authorities, which have stated that since 1975 no cases of
extinction of populations reproducing in the Donana
National Park have been brought to their attention and that
if they are to give a more detailed reply they need more
specific data, such as the names of the species in
question .

í 1 ) OJ No L 103, 25 . 4 . 1979 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 206, 22 . 7 . 1992 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1199 / 93

by Mr Alexandros Alavanos ( CG )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 18 May 1993 )

The Commission is awarding contracts to a large variety of ( 94 / C 46 / 30
private companies specialized in nuclear operations,
depending on the different types of assistance projects . Subject : Renewal of the citrus fruit restructuring

programme

The citrus fruit restructuring programme has now ended,
having covered only 40 % of the total Greek crop . This was

No C 46 / 18 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

due to growers ' reluctance to restructure without
accompanying infrastructure improvements to safeguard
their new crops ( protection against frost ), and the
suspension of the market promotion premium .
Discontinuing the restructuring programme has
exacerbated the problems of disposing of the crop and
increased Community expenditure on withdrawal . Does the
Commission intend to propose a new programme for
restructuring citrus production particularly in certain areas
of Greece such as Arta, Argolis and Laconia, accompanied
by the necessary aid to producers ?

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

to Community production under Council Directive
91 / 493 / EEC of 22 July 1991 ( 1 ).

The Commission agrees that, in the fisheries sector as in
other productive sectors, it is desirable for working
standards in some non-Community countries to rise, both to
improve the work conditions of the employees concerned
and to reduce the competitive margin caused by very large
differences in production costs .

(M OJ No L 268, 24 . 9 . 1991 .

(9 July 1993 ) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1214 / 93

The Commission would remind the Honourable Member

that, in the framework of the partnership, it is for the
Member States to initiate proposals for operational

programmes .

In this context, the Commission is willing to examine any
proposal by the Greek authorities for an operational
restructuring programme in the citrus fruit sector, to be
introduced as part of the new programming phase of the
Structural Funds, in so far as the authorities regard such a
measure as a priority .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1204 / 93

by Mr Neil Blaney ( ARC )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 18 May 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 31

by Mr Paul Staes ( V )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 18 May 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 32 )

Subject : Meat — residues — Commission inspections

Article 5 ( 1 ) of the Council Directive of 16 September 1986
concerning the examination of animals and fresh meat for
the presence of residues ( 86 / 469 / EEC ) (*) reads as
follows :

' Veterinary experts from the Commission may, in
cooperation with the competent authorities of the
Member States, make on-the-spot checks in so far as that
is indispensable for ensuring uniform application of this
Directive .'

Such checks were carried out in Belgium in 1990, with
regard to the operation of various services .

What were the main conclusions of the veterinary
experts ?

Subject : Conditions in non-EC fishing fleets (!) OJ No L 275, 26 . 9 . 1986, p . 36 .

Does the Commission agree that fishing fleets exporting to
the Community market should be required to meet the same
requirements as Community fleets, in particular as regards
wages, working conditions and hygiene ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1726 / 93

by Mr José Apolinârio ( PSE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 29 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 33 )
Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 11 October 1993 ) Subject : Inquiry into the illegal use of growth stimulants in

livestock farming

Fishery products imported into the Community must satisfy The Commission has forwarded a communication to the
health rules that are at least equivalent to those applicable competent authorities of the Member States concerning

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 19

shortcomings in the impplementation of Community
legislation prohibiting the illegal use of growth stimulants in
the livestock sector and the steps which should be taken to
remedy the situation .

What did the communication say in respect of Portugal ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1727 / 93

by Mr José Apolinârio ( PSE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 29 June 1993 )

( 941 C 46 / 34

Subject : Inquiry into the illegal use of growth stimulants in

livestock farming

What was the Commission 's assessment of the situation in

the Member States following its inquiry into the illegal use of
growth stimulants for livestock farming, and what
shortcomings were ascertained in the case of Portugal ?

Joint answer to Written Questions
Nos 1214 / 93, 1726 / 93 and 1727 / 93

given by Mr Steichen
on behalf of the Commission

( 26 October 1993 )

The illegal use of growth promoters in stockfarming must be
and is being combated, in accordance with Community
legislation, in all Member States in order to achieve concrete
and positive results .

The Commission therefore considers it inappropriate to
publicize individual, partial results of the enquiry which was
carried out in all Member States, since the results have been
forwarded to the competent authorities of each of them .

The Honourable Members will however find the various

problems connected with the application of Community
legislation and the detailed results of the enquiry conducted
by the Commission set out in its communication of 21 April
1993 ( ] ).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1219 / 93

by Mr Henry McCubbin ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 18 May 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 35 )

Subject : Subsidies to purchasers of vessels from Norwegian

shipbuilding yards

Norwegian shipbuilders are offering fishermen ordering a
new boat with them a subsidy of 1 1,5 % of the total contract
price payable to the purchaser between 7 — 1 3 months after
delivery of the vessel . This is greatly to the detriment of our
own shipbuilders .

Would the Commission comment on whether they consider
this as a fair trading practice and if not what action they
intend to take over it ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

( 29 October 1993 )

It should firstly be pointed out that the 11,5 % rate of aid
has risen to 13,2% for 1993 . This decision was taken at
parliamentary level when the Norwegian government
decided to align the rate of aid with that of the Community
ceiling .

This aid should therefore be considered alongside the aid
authorized by the seventh Council Directive ( 90 / 84 / EEC ) ( J )
on aid to shipbuilding . Community shipbuilders can
currently obtain public financial support of no more than
9 % of the ship 's contractual value, or 4,5 % if this value is
less than ECU 10 million . They can, however, obtain other
forms of support if they comply with the multiannual
guidance programmes for fishing fleets established as part of
the Common Fishery Policy .

The Commission wishes to emphasize that the problem
raised by the Honourable Member ( which has been raised
on several occasions with the Norwegian authorities ) does
not concern subsidies alone, but must be assessed within the
broader, especially sensitive context of a fisheries policy
aimed, in particular, at achieving a balance between fishing
activity and resources . Implementation of this policy and
Norway 's imminent, welcome accession to the Community
should, in the opinion of the Commission, promote a more
harmonized arrangement and a market which is increasingly
open to free competition .

(M COM(93 ) 167 final .
(M OJ No L 380, 31 . 12 . 1990 .

No C 46 / 20 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1226 / 93 the promotion of biodegradable packaging which is

by Mr Karl-Heinz Florenz ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

compostable .

(M COM(92 ) 278 final — SYN 436, 15 . 7 . 1992 .
( 18 May 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 36 )

Subject : Composting of biologically degradable
packaging

The composting of biologically degradable packaging is a
recognized form of materials recycling .

This ecologically sound option for reducing the total
amount of waste product is not being allowed to realize its
potential because there is no special distinguishing mark for
packaging materials of this type, there are no arrangements
for extensive disposal of such packaging, and there is no
standard definition of the basic concept .

Will the Commission incorporate these points into the
regulation on packaging now under discussion and
undertake shortly to introduce appropriate measures to
support this effective method of saling down the waste
mountain ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1246 / 93

by Mrs Anita Pollack ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 18 May 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 37 )

Subject : Development aid to Sri Lanka

What has been the amount of Community financial aid
given to Sri Lanka in each of the last five years ; what specific
projects was this aid given for, and where in Sri Lanka were
these projects to be developed ?

Does the Community supply any arms to Sri Lanka ?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 15 November 1993 )

Answer on behalf given of by the Mr Commission Paleokrassas The amount of financial aid which has been given to Sri

Lanka for each of the last five years is as follows :
( 12 October 1993 )

The proposal for a Council Directive on packaging and
packaging waste ( ] ) covers all types of packaging placed
on the Community market, including biodegradable
packaging .

Article 7 lays down that packaging may be placed on the
market only if it complies with the essential requirements set
out in Annex II . One of these requirements is that packaging
must be designed, produced and commercialized in such a
way as to permit its reuse or recovery and to minimize its
impact on the environment when packaging waste or
residues from packaging waste management operations are
disposed of .

A further requirement, in respect of packaging recoverable
in the form of composting, is that packaging waste
processed for the purpose of composting must be of such a
biodegradable nature that it should not hinder the
composting process or activity into which it is introduced or
diminish the quality of the compost .

Biodegradable packaging intended for composting must
therefore meet the latter requirement . In this particular case
it may bear a recoverable packaging mark in accordance
with Article 6 of the proposal .

Finally, the fact that biodegradable packaging is not defined
in the proposal for a Directive will in no way affect

1988 —

1989 —

1990 ECU 8,8 million
1991 ECU 3,3 million

1992 —

Specifically, the above amounts were given for :

1990

( a ) Agricultural productivity villages ( ALA / 90 / 2 ) — ECU
2,5 million

The project aims to alleviate poverty in Sri Lanka .
Specifically pilot agricultural productivity villages will
be selected in the 25 districts of Sri Lanka where

small-scale and simple projects of interest to the
Community will be implemented .

( b ) Minor and medium-sized irrigation systems in the

North Western Province ( ALA / 90 / 16 ) — ECU 6,3
million

The project aims to increase agricultural production
and the income of small farmers through rehabilitation
and improved water management and maintenance of
existing irrigation schemes . The total project cost and
EC funding is ECU 6,3 million .

1991

( a ) National Irrigation Rehabilitation Project ( ALA / 91 / 7 )
— Amount ECU 3,34 million

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 21

The project aims to increase agricultural production
and incomes of farmers by preserving and improving
the performance of existing medium-sized or large
irrigation schemes . This project is cofinanced with the
World Bank .

The Commission does not supply arms, and is not
competent to reply on behalf of Member States .

These projects will probably be eligible for funding by the
Cohesion Fund, for which the rules of establishment have
still to be adopted .

Specific criteria for the funding of projects by the cohesion
financial instrument are set out in Article 8 of the regulation
establishing the instrument .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1260 / 93
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1250 / 93 by Mr Diego de los Santos López ( ARC )

by Mr Isidoro Sánchez García ( ARC ) to the Commission of the European Communities
to the Commission of the European Communities ( 29 May 1993 )
( 18 May 1993 ) ( 94 / C 46 / 39 )

( 94 / C 46 / 38

Subject : Environmental impact of the national hydrological

Subject : Criteria for the subsidization of environmental

projects

In view of the new environmental factors emerging on the
Community scene, can the Commission indicate its criteria
for deciding what projects are eligible for financing from the
structural funds, the financial instrument LIFE, the cohesion
financial instrument and the future Cohesion Fund ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

(5 October 1993 )

Action under the Structural Funds ( ERDF, ESF and EAGGF
guidance section ) takes place via programming drawn up in
partnership with the Member State . The Structural Funds
participate in particular in the cofinancing of operational
programmes which aim to pursue priority objectives
in the form of development guidelines which include
environmental aspects . In addition, any action receiving
Community aid is subjected to procedures enabling
Community policies, in particular environment policy, to be
coordinated and observed .

The LIFE financial instrument plays an incentive role in the
formation of environment policy via the funding of pilot
and / or demonstration projects which may serve as models
to be adopted on a large scale for other instrumental
instruments .

Proposals for funding may be presented through the
Member States or by calls for tenders on established
priorities .

The cohesion financial instrument may participate, in the
environment field, to the funding of projects contributing to
the achievement of objectives of Article 130r of the EEC
Treaty, including projects resulting from action taken
pursuant to Article 130s of the Treaty .

plan

Unless the necessary precautions are taken, the national
hydrological plan, which receives financing from the
Cohesion Fund and other Community resources, will
endanger important national habitats .

Experts believe that the construction of at least 1 1 reservoirs
in Andalucia will have a considerable impact on the
environment . This means that fauna and flora will be
seriously threatened, including species such as lynxes, black
storks, tawny vultures, otters and owls as well as cork trees,
oaks, gallery forests, etc .

It is vital that a solution be found to the water problem in
Andalucia, but at the same time it is necessary to ensure that
guaranteed water resources are compatible with
environmental protection .

Does the Commission intend to stipulate that the
implementation of the national hydrological plan be subject
to environmental impact assessments ?

Is the provision of Community aid conditional upon this
requirement ?

Is the Commission in favour of encouraging other
alternatives such as sewage treatment or the improvement of
existing resources so as to avoid unnecessary losses and
wastage ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

(6 September 1993 )

The Commission has not, at the present time, received any
request for financing the particular projects referred to in
the question from either the Structural Funds or the
Cohesion Fund .

No C 46 / 22 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

Any Community aid that might be granted would be
conditional on compliance with Community legislation, and
in particular that relating to environmental protection .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1311 / 93

by Mrs Raymonde Dury ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(1 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 40 )

Subject : German VAT in the tourist sector

The establishment of the European Single Market and the
elimination of internal frontiers and customs formalities

have created a number of problems for the coach tourism

sector .

Since 1 January 1993 Belgian coach tour operators — like
their counterparts in other Member States — have been
confronted with a new problem . The German authorities
have reached a unilateral decision resulting in an 86 %
increase in VAT on transit via Germany to a destination
beyond the European Community 's external borders . This
increase is due to the introduction of a new basis for

taxation ( 8,67 pfennigs per person / per km instead of 5
pfennigs ) and an increase in VAT from 14 to 15 %, i.e. 1,3
pfennigs per person / per km instead of 0,7 pfennigs .

Since this increase was decided on without any prior
warning, coach tour operators face a number of financial
problems, given the considerable difference in costs between
Belgium and the Federal Republic of Germany .

Is the Commission aware of these measures adopted ? Does
it agree that this is a form of discrimination between
Community Member States ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1511 / 93

by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek and Mr Jean Defraigne ( LDR )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 14 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 41

Subject : German tax on the transport of passengers by

road

Is the Commission aware of the increase in the German tax

on the transport of passengers by road as of 1 January

1993 ?

Does the Commission not agree that this tax, which favours
German transporters, is a form of discrimination against

cross-border transporters obliged by virtue of their situation
to transit through Germany ?

Can the Commission say whether this tax on the transport
of persons runs counter to freedom to provide services in the
transport sector ?

Does the Commission consider it proper for VAT to be
levied on a service which is not paid for in Germany ( see
Written Question No 3025 / 92 (') on cross-border
passenger transport )?

Will the Commission take steps to remedy what we consider
to be unfair discrimination against non-residents ? If so,
what steps ? If not, why not ?

H OJ No C 195, 19 . 7 . 1993, p . 25 .

Joint answer to Written Questions

Nos 1311 / 93 and 1511 / 93

given by Mrs Scrivener
on behalf of the Commission

( IS October 1993 )

The Commission is aware of the measures recently taken by
Germany concerning VAT applicable to road passenger
transport from and to third countries .

It should be pointed out that, in general, the flat-rate
calculation of VAT in cases where an all-in price is paid for
an international journey is a simplification measure for
determining the amount of VAT due for that part of the
journey undertaken within the country concerned .

It is true that the measures taken by Germany do not seem
altogether consistent with the normal system of VAT .

However, according to the information at the Commission 's
disposal, Germany is currently drafting a law which will
allow foreign transport operators to opt for the ordinary
arrangements, i.e. to pay VAT on those parts of a journey
undertaken in Germany by means of a periodical return
with deduction of the VAT paid to customs . This would
place foreign operators on an equal footing with German

operators .

Finally, the proposal for a new Directive ( l ), which
Parliament has already endorsed subject to certain
amendments, sets out to make an entire international road
transport operation taxable at the place of departure . This
would obviate the disadvantages created by the need to split
up journeys into their constituent parts and by the resulting
payment obligations .

(') OJ No C 307, 25 . 11 . 1992 .

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 23

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1324 / 93

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(3 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 42 )

Subject : The otter population in Greece

One of the largest otter populations is to be found in
mainland Greece and in Corfu . However, their numbers are
rapidly diminishing . According to the Greek Zoological
Society, the otter population is being displaced, in particular
from western Greece, as a result of hydroelectric dams and
the draining of wetlands . Their survival is principally being
threatened by pollution, the destruction of their natural
habitats and disturbance by human beings .

In view of the fact that otters inhabit non-polluted wetlands
far from waters containing organochloride insecticides, will
the Commission look into the situation of these animals in

Greece ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 21 October 1993 )

Under the terms of Directive 92 / 43 / EEC on the conservation

of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, the otter
Lutra lutra is a species of Community interest the
conservation of which requires the application of the
measures necessary to maintain or reestablish its natural
habitats at a favourable conservation status . The Member

States must transpose this Directive into national law by
June 1 994 .

Thus, it is for the Greek authorities to take the necessary
steps to guarantee the conservation of the species on Greek
territory .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1338 / 93

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI )

to the Commission of the European Communities

(3 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 43 )

Subject : Greece 's infringement of Directive 75 / 440 / EEC

The Greek Government is failing to comply with Directive
75 / 440 / EEC ( 1 ). Environmentalists have reported that solid
household waste is being dumped in the region of Vrissis

( Timfristos ) in the province of Fthiotida and the forestry
areas around the villages of Granitsa, Limerio Raptopoulon,
Lithohorio and Velaora in the province of Evritania and that
such waste sometimes contains substances which are

dangerous to public health and environmentally damaging .

Apart from the damaging effects it is having on the forestry
regions, this solid waste is often carried by rainwater or
floods and channelled into ponds and rivers .

In view of these reports, does the Commission intend to ask
the Greek authorities for information concerning Greece 's
compliance with Directive 75 / 440 / EEC and on the pollution
of the abovementioned regions by solid waste ?

( 1 ) OJ No L 194, 25 . 7 . 1975, p . 26 .

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 18 October 1993 )

The requirements of Council Directive 75 / 440 / EEC are
applicable only to surface water used or intended for use in
the abstraction of drinking water .

However, in his question the Honourable Member has not
identified the waters concerned or indicated whether they
come under the scope of the Directive . Without this
information, the Commission is not in a position to raise the
matter with the Greek authorities .

The same comment applies to household waste . The
Honourable Member does not give any precise details about
the kind of waste which is dumped in the region of Vrissis . If
the Commission had the appropriate information, it could
raise the question of the application of Council Directive
91 / 156 / EEC on waste .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1343 / 93

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(3 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 44

Subject : Storage of toxic waste in Albania

Albania is threatened with a terrible environmental disaster

as a result of storing huge quantities of toxic waste from
Community Member States on its territory . The
environmental organization, Greenpeace, recently revealed
that :

1 . between November 1991 and the spring of 1992,
Germany sent 600 tonnes of banned and hazardous
pesticides to Albania,

2 . the American company SATPA has proposed to the

Albanian authorities that it set up a toxic waste
incineration plant and import 850 000 tonnes of toxic
waste from Community Member States, and

3 . a consortium of companies has put a proposal to the
Albanian Government to set up an illegal floating toxic
waste incineration plant .

No C 46 / 24 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

Will the Commission investigate these revelations by

Greenpeace ? What is the Community 's reaction to attempts
to set up toxic waste incineration plants in Balkan countries
and elsewhere ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 18 October 1993 )

1 . Regulation ( EEC ) No 259 / 93 on the supervision and
control of shipments of waste within, into and out of the
European Community ( x ) will not enter into force until
6 May 1994 . Directive 84 / 63 1 / EEC ( 2 ) deals only with
shipments of hazardous waste within the Community .
Community law cannot therefore be applied to German
exportation of waste to Albania during the period referred
to by the Honourable Member .

Nor is it possible to invoke the Basel Convention on the
Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous
Wastes and their Disposal, since neither Germany, Albania
nor the Community has yet ratified the Convention .

It therefore fell to Albania to authorize the importation of
these pharmaceutical products or not .

2 . The Commission is unable to comment on the

presumed intentions of an American company . Nonetheless,
it would point out that as from 5 May 1994, the date on
which Regulation ( EEC ) No 259 / 93 enters into force,
exports from Community countries of hazardous waste
intended for disposal in a non-member country — with the
exception of the EFTA countries — will be banned .

3 . The Commission is unable to comment on the

presumed intentions of a consortium of companies of an
unclear nature . It seems unlikely that the Albanian
authorities could knowingly authorize the creation of an
illegal floating incineration plant .

í 1 ) OJ No L 30, 6 . 2 . 1993 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 326, 13 . 12 . 1984 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1396 / 93

by Mrs Hiltrud Breyer ( V )

to the Commission of the European Communities

(8 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 45 )

1 . The official philosophy of the operators of the Sellafield

plant is ' dilution and dispersal '.

2 . As a result of this practice, the concentration of
plutonium in Irish Sea sand near Sellafield has reached
values of up to 10 800 becquerels per kilogram of dry
sand .

3 . Over the past few years, the reprocessing plants in
question have discharged between 40 and 60 % of their
low-level radioactive waste into the sea .

4 . The amount of the radionuclide Iodine-129 in the air
discharged from the La Hague plant is three times the
maximum thyroid exposure limit in Germany, and at
least seven times this value in Sellafield .

5 . Plutonium levels in the area around Sellafield are around

34 000 times higher than those of average arable soil in
Germany .

6 . The average annual personal dose in reprocessing plants

exceeds the maximum tolerable doses determined

according to the latest scientific and technical
standards .

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 18 October 1993 )

The philosophy of ' dilution and dispersal ' is common to
many industries but wherever appropriate the discharges
and environmental effects are subject to statutory
monitoring and control to ensure that the utilization of that
philosophy is justified and does not lead to unacceptable
effects .

The installations at Cap de la Hague and Sellafield are
subject to such supervision through the application by their
respective national authorities of the Community
Basic Safety Standards Directive ( Council Directive
80 / 836 / Euratom (') as amended by Council Directive
84 / 467 / Euratom ) ( 2 ) as implemented by national
legislation . That Directive lays down radiation exposure
limits for the public and also for workers in normal
operations .

The Commission has no evidence indicating that either
members of the public or the work force are exposed to
radiation at levels exceeding the limits set out in the
Directive . On the contrary, information provided by the
Member States concerned indicates that the limits are fully
respected .

Subject : Reprocessing (*) ( 2 ) OJ OJ No No L L 265 246,, 5 17 . 10 . 9 . . 1984 1980 . .

How does the Commission view the following facts, and
what conclusions does it draw from them ?

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 25

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1398 / 93

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1443 / 93

by Mrs Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI )
to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European Communities

(8 June 1993 ) (9 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 46 ) ( 94 / C 46 / 47 )

Subject : Reprocessing

1 . From 1993 on reprocessed nuclear waste is to be
returned to Germany, in accordance with existing
reprocessing contracts .

2 . What quantities of highly radioactive waste with
thermal discharge will be returned annually ( until 19 99 ) to
German nuclear power stations ?

3 . What quantities of radioactive waste with low thermal
discharge will be involved ?

4 . Will reprocessed radioactive waste with low thermal
discharge be delivered in such a form that it meets the
conditions for storage in the ' Konrad ' shaft ? If not, has
provision been made for another permanent storage site, or
are the conditions for storage to be met through further
treatment ?

5 . Where is the reprocessed waste referred to above to be
stored if there is no permanent storage site available by the
time of return, and what proof of disposal will be
provided ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 20 October 1993 )

1 to 3 . As regards the forecasts for the production of high
and low level waste in Germany during the period

1991 — 2000 the Commission would refer the Honourable
Member to its communication of 1 April 1993 (*).

The Commission takes the view that the request for more
detailed information regarding the sources of production of
this waste should be addressed to the Member State

concerned .

4 and 5 . The Commission does not believe that these
questions fall within its field of competence . They should be
addressed to the Member State concerned .

(M COM(93 ) 88 .

Subject : The Platamonas Citadel in Greece

According to Greek archaeologists, the Platamonas citadel
would be seriously endangered if the project by the Greek
railway authorities ( OSE ) to route a new railway line
through the hill beneath it went ahead . They are therefore
calling for this project to be scrapped . Is the Commission
willing to take measures to save the Platamonas citadel ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 18 October 1993 )

The construction of a railway line is classified as an Annex I
project under Directive 85 / 337 / EEC . As such an
environmental impact assessment in line with the
procedures set down in that Directive must be carried

out .

This assessment will describe the direct effects and any
indirect, secondary, cumulative, short, medium and long
term, permanent and temporary, positive and negative
effects of the project . It will also include inter alia the effects
on architectural and archaeological heritage and measures
to inform and consult the public . Interested parties are
therefore given an opportunity to express an opinion on the
project .

However, until this project has been given consent, the
Commission cannot comment regarding its compliance with
the Directive .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1458 / 93

by Mr Ernest Glinne ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(9 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 48 )

Subject : The unacknowledged tragedy of the aftermath of

Chernobyl ( and Tomsk 7 ) and other nuclear
accidents and incidents

In his ' Memoirs ' published in 1990, Andrei Sakharov says
he has reached the conclusion that nuclear weapons are
above all biological weapons in various guises . The
Ukrainian nuclear physicist Vladimir Chernusenko, given
the task of studying the effects of the nuclear disaster in

No C 46 / 26 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

1986, and dismissed from the Academy of Science for
having told the truth, has succeeded in publishing in
Germany ' Chernobyl : a view from the inside '

While its powers of regulatory enforcement under the terms
of that Treaty and subsidiary Community legislation are
limited to the Member States it is also conscious of the need

to take the wider international scene into account . Thus,
with respect to states of the former Soviet Union, radiation
protection and nuclear safety are both within the scope of
the Tacis programme for the purpose of ensuring the
improvement of the levels of protection implemented in
these countries .

( Springer-Verlag, Berlin ). This work emphasizes the to take the wider international scene into
disastrous long-term effects of nuclear contamination, the with respect to states of the former Soviet Union
most striking of which, confirmed by the authorities quoted protection and nuclear safety are both within
below, are the effects on the body 's immune system, the the Tacis programme for the purpose of
increase in cancers and infant mortality . Nevertheless there improvement of the levels of protection
are still 15 ' Soviet ' nuclear power stations of the Chernobyl these countries .
type ( 1000 times the power of Hiroshima ) in danger of
breaking down, although the short - and long-term
consequences of a nuclear incident, which have become
known in spite of censorship, arc turning out to be
increasingly disastrous, if only from the consumption of
contaminated foodstuffs . WRITTEN QUESTION No 1471 / 93

by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE )
The authorities are :
to the Commission of the European Communities

— The United Nations State of World Population Report

and the United States National Centre of Statistics,
which indicate an increase in infant and child

mortality ;

— the work of biophysicist Abram Petkau of the Canadian

Atomic Energy Commission and the link noticed since

1971 between low-level radiation and a decrease in the

body 's immunity ( cf . Health Physics, March 1972 ) and
an increase in cancers ( these findings have been
confirmed by Dr Alice Stewart, an internationally
renowned British epidemiologist )?

— the annual population figures for France, the United

Kingdom and the USA, the Atlanta Center for Disease
Control ( article by J. W. Bucher and others in the
American Journal of Public Health ), the National Centre
for Health Statistics, confirming the loss of immunity

( and therefore the increase in AIDS and other diseases )
among young people in connection with limited
exposure, through food or other means, to nuclear
fallout ( the ' P.etkan effect ');

— the work of Jay Gould and Ernest Sternglass ( American

Chemical Society, January 1989 );

— research by Professor Jens Scheer of the University of

Bremen on the effects of Chernobyl in southern
Germany ( The Lancet, 4 November 1989 ), etc .

Does the Commission not think that protection from the
dangers presented by nuclear power is an absolute priority
for the survival of mankind and that action should be taken

accordingly ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 12 October 1993 )

The Commission is fully aware of the potential hazards of
ionizing radiation and is continuously reviewing these
hazards in accordance with its obligations under the terms
of Chapter III, ' Health and Safety ' of the Euratom
Treaty .

( 14 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 49 )

Subject : Technologies for the car of the future

A recent issue of the magazine Les defis du CEA ( 16 March

1993 ) gives details of joint projects by research centres
and industrial companies in France to produce a
third-generation electric car, powered by a hydrogen and
oxygen battery . It would seem that this French project has
already received some Community support, with
contributions to the Siemens company under Joule II and
other contributions under the Brite-Euram programme
( particularly for new materials ).

Does the Commission not consider that research that will

lead to creating basic technologies for the car of the future
should give rise to a more specific Community contribution,
particularly in the case of an industry in which we are bound
to face fierce competition from the rest of the world ?

Answer given by Mr Ruberti
on behalf of the Commission

( 23 September 1993 )

The Commission shares the Honourable Member 's point of
view about the importance of basic technological research
for the car of the future .

With this aim in view, two activities have been launched
with the support of Parliament in order to focus the efforts
of industry, universities and research centres on priority
topics concerning less-polluting cars .

At Parliament 's request, a major study was carried out in

1990 — 1991 concerning advanced electrical propulsion
systems for buses, light lorries and special vehicles to reduce
polluting emissions . Following this study, a specific R&D
activity with funding totalling ECU 10 million entered in the
budget at Parliament 's initiative was launched in 1992 to
support demonstration projects relating to less-polluting
cars . The demonstration projects in question are in progress
and the results should be available as from 1995 .

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 27

In addition to these two specific activities, the Commission,
being aware of the importance of the issue, also wanted
special attention to be paid to research relating to
less-polluting cars under the industrial materials and
technologies ( IMT ) programme . It therefore included in the
two calls for proposals the possibility for industry to submit
proposals on this particular topic .

All in all, some 70 research projects involving producers and
suppliers of car components from all Member States have so
far been selected and carried out .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1495 / 93

by Mr Antonio Mazzone, Mr Pietro Mitolo, Mrs Cristiana

Muscardini and Mr Giuseppe Rauti ( NI )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 14 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 50 )

Subject : Import of strawberry seedlings

Point 18 of Annex III to Directive 92 / 103 / EEC (') concerns
imports of strawberry seedlings and effectively prescribes
that Member States shall purchase such plants only from

Community producers, thereby constituting an exemption
from the preference granted to certain countries such as the
Mediterranean countries, Australia, New Zealand, Canada
and the United States .

Does not the Commission consider that such a measure is

purely commercial and intended to discriminate in favour of
certain countries, thereby depriving European strawberry
growers of freedom of choice on the world market, which
would enable them to purchase the most suitable seedlings
from the point of view of variety, quality and price ?

Does not the Commission consider that, pending a review of
the rules governing the import of strawberry seedlings it
should grant a provisional special exemption for Italian
strawberry growers who some time ago, and undoubtedly
well before the date on which the above directive was issued,
concluded contracts with South American countries for

purchase or production in seedlings ?

(!) OJ No L 363, 11 . 12 . 1992, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

(4 October 1993 )

The provisions of Council Directive 77 / 93 / EEC (') on
protective measures against the introduction into the

Community of organisms harmful to plants or plant
products and against their spread within the Community, as
last amended by Council Directive 93 / 19 / EEC ( 2 ) stipulate
that plants of Fragaria ( strawberry ) intended for planting,
other than seeds, may not be imported into the Community
when they originate in non-European countries, other than
Mediterranean countries, Australia, New Zealand, Canada
and the continental states of the USA .

The latter Directive was adopted by the Commission, based
on a pest risk analysis for the pests and diseases relevant for
the plants, carried out jointly by the Member States and the
Commission .

It should be noted that the Directive includes a provision
relating to derogations from the general rules, granting to
the Member States, on request, the possibility to import the
material from any country provided that appropriate
phytosanitary safeguards, which are subject to a prior
Community approval, are available in such country .

As a first measure of this type, the Commission has recently
adopted a Decision authorizing the Member States to
provide for derogations from certain provisions of the
Directive, in respect of plants of Fragaria L. originating in
Argentina .

( 1 ) OJ No L 26, 31 . 1 . 1977 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 96, 22 . 4 . 1993 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1510 / 93

by Mrs Laura Gonzalez Alvarez and Mr Alonso Puerta

( NI

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 14 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 51 )

Subject : Opencast mining in Asturias

Environmental factors form one of the major obstacles to
the future development of Asturias, since its economy has
traditionally been based on highly pollutant activities .

The Hunosa company has recently announced plans to
increase the number and output of its opencast coal mines in
Asturias, causing concern in various sections of Asturian
society, which has doubts about the feasibility of such a
project in financial, social and environmental terms .

Opencast mining does not help to stimulate the economic
development of mining areas, causes a dramatic
deterioration in the natural environment, which has already
suffered greatly, and has an unfavourable impact on quality
of life .

No C 46 / 28 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

Such projects are covered by Directive 85 / 337 / EEC ( ),
which means that the Hunosa company, which is
responsible for the project, is obliged to carry out
environmental impact assessments .

1 . Can the Commission guarantee that this Directive is
being correctly implemented in respect of all opencast
mining projects being carried out by the Hunosa
company in Asturias ?

2 . Given the characteristics of these projects and in order to
determine the ecological and environmental damage
which they are causing, can the Commission request the
Asturian authorities for more comprehensive
information than that generally contained in
environmental impact surveys ?

3 . Can the Commission ask the competent authorities
whether they have in any way consulted the individuals,
associations or other institutions which consider
themselves affected by these projects ?

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

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( IS October 1993 )

This environmental damage is the fault of authorities which
have allowed beaches and shores to be ruined .

What does the Commission intend to do to identify the real
causes of the environmental damage to Europe 's lakes ?
What action does it intend to take in particular with regard
to Lake Garda, where an obtuse local authority has carried
out a number of misguided and disorganized depollution
projects ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 29 September 1993 )

The pollution of the aquatic environment by the discharge
of inadequately treated urban waste water is a problem
which affects many inland and coastal waters throughout
the Community .

However, in May 1991, the Council adopted Directive
91 / 271 / EEC ( 1 ) which concerns the collection, treatment
and discharge of urban waste water and the treatment and
discharge of waste water from certain industrial sectors .
This Directive, which has to be implemented by the Member
States over the next decade, is expected to have a significant
impact on improving the quality of the coastal waters, rivers
and lakes of Europe .

by 1 . Directive Open cast 85 coal / 337 mines / EEC, and are classified as such the as Annex Member II projects States ' (M OJ No L 135, 30 . 5 . 1991 .
competent authority must examine whether an

^ environmental impact assessment is required under
Article 4 ( 2 ).

However, the Commission has opened proceedings under
Article 169 of the EEC Treaty against Spain for its incorrect
transposition of Directive 85 / 337 / EEC, and particularly
Annex II projects, into national legislation .

2 . The Commission cannot intervene regarding the
information provided in a particular environmental impact
assessment, unless it is in violation of the Directive .

3 . Under Article 6 of the Directive Member States are
required to take measures to ensure that the public
concerned is given the opportunity to express an opinion
before a project is initiated .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1547 / 93

by Mr Alex Smith ( S )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( IS June 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 53 )

Subject ; Transport of radioactive substances

What has the Commission amended the proposal for a
Council regulation on shipments of radioactive substances
within the Community ( COM(92 ) 520 final 0 ) to exempt
the transshipment of radioactive substances between EC
joint research centres and other facilities run by
Euratom ;

how many movements per annum would be excluded and
what is the radioactivity content of these unregulated
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1529 / 93
transports ?

by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini ( NI )
to the Commission of the European Communities (») OJ No C 347, 31 . 12 . 1992, p . 17 .

( IS June 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 52 )
Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission
Subject : Pollution of European lakes
(1 October 1993 )

Indiscriminate building and inadequate waste discharge are
the main causes of the serious pollution in Europe 's The control under public law of the activities of the
lakes . Commission remains within the jurisdiction of the

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 29

Community institutions . Article 7.2 of the proposal for a
Council regulation on shipments of radioactive substances
within the European Community ( ] ) was designed to set out
explicitly this prerogative of the Commission .

However, in March 1993 the Commission accepted ( 2 ) an
amendment proposed by the European Parliament asking
for the deletion of the article in question and the modified
proposal put forward in May 1993 ( 3 ) pursuant to
Article 1 19 ( 2 ) of the Euratom Treaty takes account of this

agreement .

Regulation ( Euratom ) No 1493 / 93 finally established by the
Council on 8 June 1993 ( 4 ) does not foresee cases of
non-application .

(M COM(92 ) 520 final .

( 2 ) European Parliament verbatim report 8 . 3 . 1993 .

( 3 ) COM(93 ) 235 final .

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

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1561 / 93

by Mr Alex Smith ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 17 June 1993 )

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1608 / 93

by Mr Alexandros Alavanos ( CG )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 18 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 55

Subject : OTE procedures lacking transparency

I have been informed that in the working document which
the Commission placed before the Greek Government on
28 April 1993, it is mentioned inter alia that ' Law
No 2075 / 92, which concerns the entire telecommunications
system and the selling up of a national telecommunications
commission, infringes Community legislation ' and that ' this
state of affairs may undermine the credibility of Greece as a
viable telecommunications environment '.

1 . Which provisions of the law infringe Community

legislation ?

2 . What is the Commission 's position on the Greek

Government 's hasty and untransparent procedures for
the privatization of OTE, bearing in mind, in particular,
that any purchase of OTE by a private individual would
have to be approved by the Commission, pursuant to the
Community rules on company takeovers and
mergers ?

( 94 / C 46 / 54 )
Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

( 26 October 1993 )
Subject : Nuclear reprocessing

What recent research has been commissioned into the effects
upon the atmosphere of Krypton-85 discharged from
nuclear reprocessing plants ?

Answer given by Mr Ruberti
on behalf of the Commission

( 23 September 1993 )

Research on Krypton-85 management was commissioned
under the nuclear research programme ' Management and
disposal of radioactive waste '. The results of this research
and the conclusions of an expert symposium on the methods
of Krypton-85 management showed that the controlled
release of Krypton-85 from nuclear reprocessing plants
should present no significant risks . Therefore the activity
was discontinued in 1987 as a research item .

1 . The working document mentioned by the Honourable
Member reviewed the problems which the Commission is
encountering in the implementation of the Crash
Programme it adopted in November 1992 to modernize
Greek telecommunications .

The Commission has opened proceedings against Greece
under Article 169 EC Treaty for failure to communicate to
the Commission the necessary measures :

— to set up the independent regulatory authority under

Article 7 of Commission Directive 90 / 388 / EEC of

28 June 1990, three years after its adoption ;

— to define under Article 2 of the Directive, the procedure

enabling private telecommunications service providers
to make declarations according to Article 16 ( 2 ) of Law
2075 / 92 of their intention to start providing their
services in Greece .

Moreover the Greek authorities promised to amend the
working of three provisions in Law 2075 / 92 which could
possibly be understood to be contrary to the EC Treaty .

No C 46 / 30 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

2 . On 27 January 1993 the Greek authorities informed
the Commission of plans to sell a strategic share in OTE 's
stock, as well as a list of the companies which have
submitted expression of interest following a press
announcement . To date the Commission has not received

factual information showing that the procedure followed is
non-transparent or discriminatory .

Notification by the possible acquirer under Council
Regulation ( EEC ) No 4064 / 89 concerning mergers will only
be necessary if the thresholds provided in this Regulation are
matched .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1639 / 93

by Mr Llewellyn Smith ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 22 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 57 )

Subject : Community toxic waste policy

When did the Commission receive a copy of the report on

Polychlorinated Biphenyls ( PCBs ), Dioxins and Furans in
the Pontypool Environment, prepared by the
Environmental Risk Assessment Unit of the School of

Environmental Sciences at the University of East Anglia in
the UK, for the Welsh Office ? What policy implication will
this report, and the earlier reports of the ' Panteg Monitoring
Project ' on the Rechem Toxic Waste Incineration Plant in
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1634 / 93 Wales, have on Community toxic waste policy ?

by Mr Hugh McMahon ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 22 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 56

Subject : Electricity interconnector between Northern
Ireland and the south of Scotland

I refer to Regional Commissioner Bruce Millan 's recent
press release on the Commission decision to co-finance an
electricity interconnector between Northern Ireland and
Scotland . ( Regional Policy Commissioner 's press statement
of 17 March 1993, Brussels ).

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 19 October 1993 )

The Commission is presently examining the report on

' Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Dioxins and Furans in the
Pontypool Environment ' and will inform the Honourable
Member of the conclusions that will be drawn from the

information contained in this report once this examination
has been completed .

Will the Commission supply further details on the analysis
which was carried out and which ascertained that the

proposed interconnector ' was not the most economic
choice, in pure generation terms '? WRITTEN QUESTION No 1652 / 93

by Mr Christos Papoutsis ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 28 June 1993 )
Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission ( 94 / C 46 / 58 )

( 12 October 1993 )

Subject : Danger of marine ecological disaster off the island

of Lesbos

In announcing its decision to provide support from the
European Regional Development Fund for an electricity
interconnector between Northern Ireland and Scotland the

Commission recognized that to meet an expected deficit in
generating capacity in 1996, the interconnector was not the
most economic choice in pure generation terms . It stated,
however, that the interconnector offers long term benefits of
system security, diversity and planning, and it was the
analysis of these additional benefits that justified the choice
of the interconnector .

Additional benefits will be a reduced spinning reserve
requirement, increased competition, two way trading with
Scottish Power, capacity saving at peak demand, increased
fuel diversity and reduced exposure to fuel price
fluctuations .

Approximately one year ago companies engaged in the
mining and refining of gold ore in Ovacik and Havran in
Turkey, situated opposite the Greek island of Lesbos,

unveiled plans to construct plants for the mining of gold
deposits using cyanide .

According to the local authorities the operation of these
plants will seriously endanger the marine environment and
the ecological balance in this part of the Aegean .

Despite strong protests by the local authorities of both
Lesbos and the districts along the Anatolian coastline,
construction work on these plants is going ahead as
planned .

What steps does the Commission intend to take to avert this
imminent threat of ecological disaster ?

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 31

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 19 October 1993 )

The Community Directives do not apply in this case . It is for
the Greek authorities to assess the impact of this situation
and to contemplate the appropriate remedial action and
level of intervention .

In addition the Commission would remind the Honourable

Member that, under the Barcelona Convention and in
particular its protocol concerning the protection of the
Mediterranean against pollution from the land that it is for
Turkey, which is a signatory of the said Convention, to take
all necessary measures in this area in accordance with
Articles 1 and 6 ( paragraphs 1 and 3 ).

co-finance the redevelopment of the Waterschei coalmine
site . The authorities concerned and the Kempense
Steenkolenmijnen have not yet reached a conclusion on the
re-use of the site . The Rechar programme would allow for
the reclamation of the site, provided a concept agreed by all
parties involved for the after-use can be worked out .

2 . Equally, the so-called ' Fenix project ' has not yet been
proposed for ERDF grant aid in the monitoring committee
which oversees the operations under the Rechar programme
and which is composed of representatives of the Flemish
authorities, the region and the Commission . The
Commission is therefore not in a position to comment on the
employment effects of this project .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1654 / 93 WRITTEN QUESTION No 1676 / 93

by Mrs Ria Oomen-Ruijten and Mrs Marianne Thyssen by Mr Leen van der Waal ( NI )

( PPE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 28 June 1993 )
( 28 June 1993 ) ( 94 / C 46 / 60 )

( 94 / C 46 / 59

Subject : Rechar programme ; economic conversion of
coal-mining areas ; Fenix project Limburg

( Belgium ) — ( cross-border ) impact on
employment

1 . Does the Commission know what plans exist for the
mining areas in Waterschei ( Belgium ), which are to be
converted under the Rechar programme (^), partly using
ERDF funding ?

2 . Does the Commission consider the ' Fenix project ' to
be in accordance with the objective of the Rechar
programme, that is to say to accelerate economic
conversion ?

There is, after all, no consensus on the number of jobs which
will be created by the Fenix project . In addition, is there not
a danger of numerous job losses affecting the self-employed,
local SMUs and SMUs over the border in the Netherlands

Limburg area, leading to a transfer of employment
elsewhere, with the result that the planned reconversion will
not be achieved ?

H OJ No C 20, 27 . 1 . 1990, p . 3 .

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

( 15 October 1993 )

1 . So far there has been no decision on aid from the

European Regional Development Fund ( ERDF ) to

Subject : Practical problems with claiming back VAT
encountered by transport contractors not based in
the country in question

The Commission is no doubt aware of the serious problems
encountered in a number of Member States by transport
undertakings not based in the Member State in question
when seeking to claim back VAT ( in accordance with the
Eighth Directive on VAT ).

In Germany, Italy and Luxembourg, for instance, the
six-month period for repayment is sometimes exceeded by
several years .

Moreover, a report on the matter published recently in the
Netherlands shows that there are considerable variations in

procedures for the submission of refund forms and in the
amounts of money which may be reclaimed .

For instance, Spain requires that the liable representative be
a natural or legal person based in that country . In Portugal,
only 50% of VAT paid on diesel may be reclaimed . In
France and Spain, the claims procedure includes special
requirements if payment was made by credit card, and the
same applies in Spain and Italy with respect to reclaiming
VAT on toll fees .

In view of the long waiting times and the considerable
differences between the claims procedures applying in the
countries concerned, with all the problems that entails for
transport undertakings, does the Commission believe that
action should be taken to change this situation ?

No C 46 / 32 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 750 / 93

by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek ( LDR )

to the Commission of the European Communities

(2 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 61 )

Subject : Refund of VAT

Is the Commission aware that although all Member States
have formally accepted the obligation, pursuant to the
Eighth VAT Directive, to refund VAT,

1 . it takes years to deal with refund applications in Italy,
Germany and Luxembourg,

2 . only 50% of the VAT on supplies of diesel oil can be
claimed back in Portugal,

3 . in general the procedures for obtaining a refund of VAT
on toll dues are much more complex,

4 . in Spain VAT can be refunded only via a tax
representative, pursuant to the Eighth Directive ?

Is the Commission prepared to bring its influence to bear to
ensure that VAT can be refunded through a special tax
authority in the Member State where the firm seeking the
refund is established ?

Joint answer to Written Questions

No 1676 / 93 and E-l 750 / 93

given by Mrs Scrivener
on behalf of the Commission

( 15 October 1993 )

The Commission is aware of the practical problems which
exist in several Member States concerning the refund of
VAT to taxable persons not established within the country .
These problems stem both from the delays experienced in
the case of certain national administrations and from a
number of practical arrangements for applying the Eighth
Directive ( 79 / 1072 / EEC ) of 16 December 1979 ( ! ).

1 . On the question of delays in making refunds, the Court
found against Italy of 3 June 1992 for failure to comply
with the six-month refund deadline laid down by the
Eighth Directive . Since the Italian authorities have not
taken any measures to implement this ruling, the
Commission has initiated fresh proceedings against Italy
pursuant to Article 1 71 of the EEC Treaty . Spain is also
late in refunding VAT to non-established taxable

persons .

As for the other Member States, the Commission is
unaware of anydelays in refund procedures . Any cases
encountered are therefore more likely to be sporadic
cases in which the delay might be explained by a
problem of substance or proof .

2 . As far as the partial refund on diesel in Portugal is
concerned, the Eighth Directive lays down that the right
to a refund of tax is determined in accordance with

Article 17 of the Sixth Directive ( 77 / 388 / EEC ), as
applied by the Member State making the refund . On the
basis of Article 17 ( 6 ) of the Sixth Directive, Portuguese
legislation excludes from the right to deduct input tax
expenditure on fuel used in motor vehicles, with the
exception of diesel, which may be deducted to the extent
of 50% or, in some cases, 100% . Consequently,
Portugal rightfully applies restrictions on the right to
deduct input tax in the case of both taxable persons
established within the country and foreign taxable

persons .

3 . The Commission is not aware of any additional

formalities in Member States concerning payment by
credit card or VAT on toll fees . It will look into the

matter in order to establish what additional

requirements have to be met in order to obtain a VAT
refund .

Regarding the obligation in Spain to appoint a tax
representative, the Commission would inform the
Honourable Members that Spain amended its legislation in

1988 to the effect that taxable persons not established in
Spain who claim a refund are no longer required to appoint
a tax representative .

The Commission would add that it is aware of the

imperfections in the procedure laid down by the Eighth
Directive . Consequently, a solution is being sought in
conjunction with the Member States to make it easier for a
taxable person to carry on an economic activity in a Member
State in which he is not established .

Nevertheless, if businesses are confronted with an
administrative practice which contravenes the provisions of
national or Community legislation, they may assert their
rights before the national courts, which may find that an
infringement has been committed and award damages .

H OJ No L 331, 27 . 12 . 1979 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1682 / 93

by Mr Ian White ( PSE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 28 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 62 )

Subject : Pension Fund Boards

Is the Commission aware of any proposed directive which
would require pensioners to be represented on the Boards of
Pension Funds ?

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 33

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1742 / 93

by Mr James Ford ( PSE )
(5 November 1993 ) to the Commission of the European Communities

The Commission has not proposed, nor has it the intention
of doing so in the future, any form of mandatory
representation of pensioners on the boards of pension
funds .

Such a requirement can be imposed at the national level by
the national legislator . This issue would only have to be
addressed at Community level if pension funds were
allowed to operate without any restrictions on a European
scale and started having members in more than one Member
State .

However, the cross-border membership of pension funds
remains extremely limited and Member States therefore still
have the possibility to establish and enforce rules to
safeguard the interests of pension scheme members .

( 29 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 64 )

Subject : Daylight-saving trials

Has the Commission been monitoring the results of Russian
experiments in Siberia to extend the hours of daylight using
mirror-clad satellites ? Are there any plans to emulate these
or to utilize their findings ?

Answer given by Mr Ruberti
on behalf of the Commission

( 19 October 1993 )

As indicated in the reply to Written Question No 658 / 93 by
Mr Bettini and Mr Regge ( ! ), the Commission is not
involved in and has not been following the experiments
referred to by the Honourable Member .

There has also been no request to this effect from Russian
scientific or government circles .
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1707 / 93

by Mr Mark Killilea ( RDE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 29 lune 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 63 )

Subject : EC funding for an Irish Electricity Board power

line

Can the Commission inform me whether EC funding is
included in a proposed project by the ESB, the Irish
Electricity Supply Board, to run a 220k volt power line on

150 ft high pylons through four counties of Ireland, from
Flagford in Co . Roscommon to Drumsallagh in Co .
Donegal ?

If so, what is the amount of this funding ?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

(M OJ No C 297, 11 . 3 . 1993 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1745 / 93

by Mrs Christine Crawley ( PSE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 29 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 65 )

Subject : Waste recycling

What assistance or advice is the Commission willing to
make available to Member States to assist in waste recycling,
not only in terms of actual waste recycling projects
themselves, but also towards the research and development
of new or more efficient means of recycling and towards the
raising of the public profile of the issues involved ?

( 12 October 1993 ) Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 21 October 1993 )
The project mentioned by the Honourable Member is not
receiving Community funding .

The financial instrument for the environment — LIFE —
established by Regulation ( EEC ) No 1973 / 92 of 21 May

1992 (*) can provide financial support inter alia for

No C 46 / 34 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

demonstration schemes and technical assistance actions of

Community interest which contribute substantially to
implementation of Community environment policy and
observe the ' polluter pays ' principle in practice .

Actions eligible for Community funding include the
establishment and development of techniques for the
collection, storage, recycling and disposal of waste,
particularly toxic and dangerous waste and waste water .

Under research area II . 2 — entitled ' Technologies for

'
protecting and rehabilitating the environment — of the
work programme of the currcnt ' Environment ' R&D
programme, there is a section on the development of
recycling technologies which is a continuation of the former
Reward programme ( Recycling Waste R&D ).

Research on this theme concentrates on the whole life cycle
of products, their collection and separation of components
and materials . Emphasis is placed on research into the
development of techniques for recycling products and waste
originating from industrial processes, in particular toxic and
dangerous waste . In this field the recycling of solvents and
processing of composite materials and mixed plastics has
highest priority .

2 . If this is not the case, does the Commission not intend to
initiate infringement proceedings against Italy pursuant
to Article 169 of the Treaty ?

H OJ No C 141, 19 . 5 . 1993, p . 32 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 358, 18 . 12 . 1986, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 15 October 1993 )

The Commission finds that the Decree Law referred to by
the Honourable Member fails to comply with Article 17 of
Directive 86 / 609 / EEC and will communicate this to the

Italian authorities .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 749 / 93

by Mr Gianfranco Amendola ( V )

( J ) OJ No L 206, 21 . 7 . 1992 . to the Commission of the European Communities

(2 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 67 )

Subject : Directive 91 / 689 / EEC on hazardous waste

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 747 / 93

by Mr Gianfranco Amendola ( V )

to the Commission of the European Communities

(2 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 66 )

Subject : Non-compliance by Italy with the directive on the

protection of animals used for experimental and
other scientific purposes

In view of the Commission 's answer to my Question
No 2455 / 92 (');

given that, in that answer, the Commission stated that
Legislative Decree No 116, by which Directive
86 / 609 / EEC ( 2 ) was transposed into Italian law, ' might not
be in conformity with Article 17 of the directive ';

given that in Question No 2455 / 92 the Commission was
specifically asked whether it intended to initiate
infringement proceedings against Italy for failure to comply
with the above directive ;

1 . Will the Commission reach a decision and answer the
question whether the Italian legislative decree complies
with Article 17 of Directive 86 / 609 / EEC ?

Given that Article 1 ( 4 ) of Directive 91 / 689 / EEC (') on
hazardous waste stipulates that a list of wastes covered by
the definition of hazardous waste will be adopted not later
than 12 June 1 993 ;

given that, under Article 1 ( 5 ) of the directive, the Council
was to establish, upon a proposal from the Commission,
specific rules taking into consideration the particular nature
of domestic waste not later than the end of 1992 ;

1 . Will the Commission state what the current situation is
regarding the establishment of the above list and specific
rules and whether the deadlines have been / will be

respected ?

2 . If the deadlines have not been respected, will the
Commission explain why ?

t 1 ) OJ No L 377, 31 . 12 . 1991, p . 20 .

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

(8 October 1993 )

1 . The Commission is drawing up a list of dangerous
waste within the meaning of Article 1 ( 5 ) of Directive

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 35

91 / 689 / EEC with the assistance of a committee representing
the Member States . This task has proved to be somewhat
difficult since none of the methods proposed by the
Commission so far to designate the waste concerned as
dangerous has met with the committee 's approval . The task
is made all the more difficult by the fact that the list itself
must contain a definition of dangerous waste and is legally
binding . The justifications for each entry therefore have to
be scrupulously studied .

With regard to dangerous household waste, the
Commission, with the broad experience it has gained
through the Directive on containers of liquids for human
consumption, wished to extend the planned Community
action to include all municipal waste . However, after three
meetings with government experts in 1991 and 1992, it has
appeared that most Member States do not wish the
Community to be responsible for the problem of municipal
waste, taking the view that the principle of subsidiarity
applies in this area . The Commission has consequently
taken steps to restrict its activity on priority waste streams,
and the Member States are closely involved .

2 . It has not been possible to meet the deadlines for the
preparation of the list of dangerous waste because no
agreement has yet been reached on the method to be used,
despite all of the Commission 's efforts to propose a number
of different approaches .

The Commission is currently looking into ways of
remedying this situation and will report to the Council and
the Parliament on the matter .

The date for the completion of the work on of priority waste
streams was the end of the year . Unfortunately, in view of
the budgetary restrictions, it will not be possible to complete
the project on dangerous househould waste by this time . No
further action on this kind of waste can therefore be carried

out for the time being .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 75 7 / 93

harriers, hawks and honey-buzzards — are easy prey for
poachers awaiting them in special bunkers rented out at
astronomical prices .

In view of this, will the Commission set up, as a matter of
urgency, a plan to protect the above birds of prey, which are
in fact endangered species ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

(5 October 1993 )

In 1992 the Commission granted financial support to a
programme which aims at a series of nature conservation
measures in Italy and is implemented under the
responsibility of the Italian Ministry of the Environment .
One of the measures concerns the safeguard of birds of prey
and includes actions in relation to the problem mentioned
by the Honourable Member .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 765 / 93

by Mr Llewellyn Smith ( PSE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

(2 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 69 )

Subject : Wild cabbages to restore contaminated land

What research projects is the Commission funding the
develop wild cabbages to absorb toxic sludges, chemicals
and metallic poisons on contaminated land to restore it to
productive use ?

Answer given by Mr Ruberti
on behalf of the Commission

by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini ( NI )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 21 October 1993 )
(2 July 1993 )

94 / C 46 / 68

Subject : Birds of prey in the Strait of Messina

The Strait of Messina is an important area for watching
birds of prey as they instinctively migrate northwards to
their birthplace in order to reproduce . After a long and tiring
journey, these birds — short toed eagles, Montagu 's

So far no research projects have been funded concerning the
development of wild cabbages to absorb toxic sludges,
chemicals and metallic poisons on contaminated land,
neither in the agricultural, agro-industrial, ( including
fisheries ) programmes nor in the environment or the Camar

programmes .

No C 46 / 36 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

Answer given by Mr Steichen

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 773 / 93 Answer given by Mr Steichen
on behalf of the Commission

by Mr Alex Smith ( PSE )
to the Commission of the European Communities ( 22 October 1993 )

(2 July 1993 )

The Commission would remind the Honourable Member
( 94 / C 46 / 70 )
that, in response to the Council 's 1993 / 94 price decisions,
the Commission has significantly reduced the payment time

radioactive in the Eastern limits for olive oil bought into intervention .

Subject : Cleaning up of radioactive pollution in the Eastern

Lander of the Federal Republic of Germany

What investigations has the Commission sponsored, or
conducted, into the ways to clean up the legacy of
radioactive pollution inherited in the Eastern Lander of the
Federal Republic of Germany arising from uranium mining
and stockpiling of tailings, and what resources have been
committed to the full ecological restoration of such
contaminated sites ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

Also as a result of the abovementioned decisions, the
Commission will shortly present to the Council a proposal
for a Regulation providing for the possibility of individual
intervention measures .

The Commission considers that these measures, in addition
to the other instruments provided for by the common
organization of market, such as storage contracts and the
export policy, will make it possible to ensure suitable market

support .

( 19 October 1993 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1925 / 93

The Commission follows with great attention all aspects of
cleaning up of radioactive pollution from earlier uranium
mining, notably in the former German Democratic
Republic . Up to now, the Commission has made available,
in the framework of larger contracts with the Bundesamt fur
Strahlenschutz ( Federal Office for Radiation Protection )
ECU 150 000 each in the 1992 and 1993 budgets for
assisting Sachsen and Thiiringen in their effort to evaluate
the degree of contamination . The funding has been used
exclusively to buy equipment for contamination

measurements .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 865 / 93

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( IS July 1993 )

94 / C 46 / 71

Subject : Selling Greek olive oil

In a recent press interview, the Chairman of the Elaiourgiki
cooperative, Mr Manolis Gavalas, pointed out that 200 000
tonnes of olive oil were unsold, despite the low price of the
product, and called for measures to be taken without delay
to support olive oil producers and producers '
organizations .

What steps does the Commission intend to take to dispose
of the olive oil stocks held by Greek producers and
cooperatives and provide more general support for this
sector ?

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 19 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 72

Subject : Single market in telecommunications

When are the proposals for action on the opening of
telephone networks to limited competition expected to be
agreed by the Council ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 29 October 1993 )

On 28 April 1993 the Commission adopted a
communication to the Council and the European
Parliament on the review of the situation in the
telecommunications services sector ( ] ). This
communication presented the results of the wide-ranging
consultation which the Commission had carried out on the

future of the sector and set out a clear timetable for its

development .

On 16 June 1993 the Telecommunications Council adopted
a resolution endorsing the results of the consultation and
generally supporting the timetable proposed in the
Commission 's communication . In particular, the Council
agreed to the date of 1 January 1998 for the full
liberalization of voice telephony throughout the
Community, subject to additional transitional
arrangements for Greece, Spain, Ireland, Luxembourg and
Portugal .

The Council also endorsed the intention of the Commission

to publish a Green Paper on the future policy for

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 37

telecommunications infrastructure and cable TV networks

by 1 January 1995 .

This does however not prejudice the assessment under the
applicable rules of the EC Treaty of the current restrictions
on the use by third parties of transmission capacity which
could be provided on the cable TV networks and the other
existing networks of the railroads and other public
Utilities .

The Commission will carry out studies on the impact of
lifting those restrictions on the use of alternative
infrastructure to closed user groups and corporate networks
for the provision of services already open for competition .
The Commission will report back to the Council on both the
Green Paper and the results of these short term studies .

(M COM(93 ) 159 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1960 / 93

by Mr Barry Desmond ( PSE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 19 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 73 )

Subject : Ban on foam-filled furniture

How does the Commission reconcile a ban on foam-filled

furniture in certain Member States, which acts as an
effective barrier to trade for producers in other Member
States where no such ban exists, with the abolition of border
controls 1 January 1993 ?

Does the Commission agree that EC legislation in this area,
with appropriate measures to prevent unfair trading
advantages is long overdue ?

Why has the Commission ' not yet submitted a proposal to
the Council in this field ( Answer to Written Question
No 1363 / 92 ) O ?

Why was this not part of the 1992 programme ?

Will the Commission take action to ensure the EC is not

undermined in this manner ?

(!) OJ No C 309, 26 . 11 . 1992, p . 37 .

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 11 October 1993 )

different fillings . The test concerning polyurethane foam is
the most severe . No such test yet exists in other Member
States as far as domestic upholstered furniture is concerned .
The abolition of border controls on 1 January 1993 has
played no role in this matter, since in the UK enforcement is
carried out by local authorities .

In the absence of Community legislation, it is for the
Member States to decide the level at which they intend to
protect the health and life of people, taking into account the
requirements of the free movement of goods within the
Community . This means that existing legislation remains
valid untit Community legislation comes into force .

The concerns of the Commission are twofold : firstly, the
elimination of barriers to trade and secondly the necessary
level of safety for consumers . The Commission has been
working hard on this issue for several years, and the
necessary level of safety is due to be achieved through an
essential requirement needing pre-standardization work,
which is underway . As the completion of this work was not
envisaged in 1993, the Commission has not put this subject
on its legislative programme for this year .

Appropriate action for this product, requiring more time
than was available within the general target date of

1 January 1993, is not likely to undermine the internal
market . %

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1975 / 93

by Mr Claude Delcroix ( PSE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 19 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 74 )

Subject : Animals exhibited at fairs

The press regularly reports cases of animals exhibited in
fairs dying of stress or fatigue .

After an exhausting journey, they are subjected to dust,
stuffy atmosphere, noise, crowds and long periods of
standing .

As Council Directive 91 / 628 / EEC ( ] ) of 19 November 1991
only covers Community measures for the protection of
animals during transport, could the Commission say what
Community rules it intends to draw up for issues which are
not covered by the Directive ?

In the UK and Ireland there is no real ban on foam-filled

furniture but different tests concerning different covers and (!) OJ No L 340, 11 . 12 . 1991, p . 17 .

No C 46 / 38 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1976 / 93 each proposal on the list whether it wishes it to be
maintained or withdrawn .

by Mr Claude Delcroix ( PSE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

i 1 ) OJ No C 26, 3 . 2 . 1992, p . 1 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 384, 31 . 12 . 1982, p . 1 .

( 19 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 75 ( 3 ) OJ No C 249, 24 . 9 . 1991, p . 14 .

Subject : Animals kept in captivity

A study carried out by the Born Free Foundation, a British
organization concerned with animals in captivity, notes a
considerable number of sick animals in zoos .

Between 1990 and 1992, scientists visited more than 100
zoos in Europe and the United States . They found animals
which were bulimic, psychotic and which practised
self-mutilation, and many suffering from stereotypy, a
disease involving endless, obsessive repetition of the same

movements .

On the assumption that the Commission would not wish
any living creature to suffer for no purpose, can it say what
measures it intends to take at Community level to end this
suffering ?

Joint answer to Written Questions

E-1975 / 93 and E-1976 / 93

by Mr Paleokrassas
on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 1993 )

In December 1991, the Commission made a proposal for a
Council regulation laying down provisions with regard to
possession of and trade in specimens of species of wild fauna
and flora (*). The proposed regulation extends the scope of
Regulation ( EEC ) No 3626 / 82 on the implementation of
Cites in the Community ( 2 ) to species of wild fauna and flora
not covered by that Convention and further contains strict
provisions for the housing of imported wild animals .

The Commission proposed more general legislation on the
issue with its proposal for a Council directive laying down
minimum standards for the keeping of animals in
zoos ( 3 ).

Both proposals were discussed at Parliament 's part session
of June 1993, during which, amongst others, an amendment
was proposed aiming at the extension of the scope of the
zoos directive to itinerant menageries .

However, the Honourable Member is certainly aware that
this last proposal is on the ' Edinburg list ' of proposals whose
withdrawal is envisaged .

As restated during the June Plenary session, the Commission
will decide once the European Parliament has indicated for

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1983 / 93

by Mr Bouke Beumer ( PPE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 19 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 76

Subject : Large-scale production of degradable plastics from

polylactic acid

1 . Is the Commission aware that Cargill has plans to
build a factory in Savage ( Minnesota, USA ) for the
large-scale production of biodegradable plastics made of
polylactic acid using maize as feedstock ? This type of
biodegradable plastic can apparently be used as a packaging
material .

2 . Is the Commission aware that in theory polylactic acid
plastics can be manufactured at a competitive price since
the process involves a fermentation product of basic
agricultural products such as maize, sugar beet, milk and
potatoes ?

3 . Can the Commission state whether degradable
polymers are currently being produced on a large scale and
used in the packaging industry, for example, or whether this
is likely to be the case in the near future ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 20 October 1993 )

1 . The Commission has read in the press about Cargill 's
plans to build a factory in Savage, Minnesota, USA, for
biodegradable plastics using maize based polylactic acid
with an annual capacity of around 4 000 tonnes .

2 . The Commission is aware that polylactic acid plastics
can be sold profitably although prices tend to be
significantly higher than for conventional plastics such as
polyethylene .

3 . Biodegradable plastics are currently being produced
on a commercial scale and are used in the packaging
industry . Use of biodegradable plastics is relatively small in
relation to the total amount of plastics produced . At present
there is some debate as to what exactly constitutes a
biodegradable or degradable polymer . The Commission
supposes that there will be increased use of biodegradable

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 39

plastics in the future as technological progress reduces the cigarettes . One of the abductors, Severiano Lara Hernandez,
costs of production . who is a professional dealer in black market turtle eggs, has

been identified by one of the victims but is being protected
by the Mexican authorities, even though black market
trading in turtle meat and eggs is illegal . Turtle eggs are
considered a delicacy and are worth a lot of money on the
unofficial market .
WRITTEN QUESTION E    - 1989 / 93

by Mr James Ford ( PSE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 19 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 77 )

Subject : Possible illegal compliance with the Arab
boycott

Is the Commission aware that British Aerospace is operating
a boycott of Israeli-produced components as a result of
pressure from certain Arab governments ?

As a partner in the French company, Airbus Industrie, such a
boycott is in direct contravention of French commercial law
under which trade boycotts are illegal .

Would the Commission clarify whether British Aerospace,
as part of Airbus Industrie, is subject to French or British
legislation ?

If French law is ruled to be pertinent, would the Commission
further undertake to inform British Aerospace of their legal
obligations ?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 19 November 1993 )

The structure and the functioning of the EIG ' Airbus
Industry ' are governed by the national law of the Member
State, where the headquarters of the EIG are located . This
law does not apply, as such, to the contracts that one of the
EIG members would establish on its behalf or would refuse

to establish with a third party ; such contracts would be
governed by the national law of the Member State in which
the EIG member concerned is located .

The violent incident recounted above occurred on the coast

of the province of Chiapas, the former governor of which is
now Minister of the Interior . Biologists working on a rescue
and conservation project all feel intimidated, and protests by
a group of about a hundred artists, led by the writer Homero
Aridjis and the North American ecologist Todd Steiner,
have so far produced no response from the Mexican
Ministers for Fisheries and the Interior, or from the
controlled press in Mexico . South of the Rio Grande, killing
turtles and taking the eggs they have laid in the sand is a
lucrative sport, and raping a woman is not a crime, in
practice . According to officials, Mexico 's image must not be
tarnished now by any action the US media might take on the
turtles, as the agreement on US — Mexican trade is about to
be ratified ( NAFTA, North American Free Trade
Association ); the Mexican partner 's reputation must be
protected come what may . . .

Turtles are in a similar situation to whales, under threat of
extinction . What is the Commission 's attitude to the need to

preserve this endangered species and to the funding by
international associations of conservation projects rendered
unworkable, particularly overseas, by complicity between
illegal hunters and the authorities ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 29 October 1993 )

All species of seaturtle are listed in Appendix I to the
Convention on International trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora ( CITES ), which implies that
international trade in products is prohibited . Internal trade
is not covered by the provisions of CITES .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 998 / 93

by Mr Ernest Glinne ( PSE )
to the Commission of the European Communities The Convention is implemented by the Community through
( 19 July 1993 ) Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 3626 / 82 (*).

94 / C 46 / 78 )

(») OJ No L 384, 31 . 12 . 1982 .
Subject : Protection of turtles

It seems that, in October 1992, two female biologists in
Mexico were abducted, raped and tortured with lighted

No C 46 / 40 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2051 / 93

by Mrs Hiltrud Breyer ( V )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 23 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 79 )

Subject : Import and placing on the market of genetically

engineered tomatoes

According to a representative of the Dutch Central Board of
Fruit and Vegetable Traders and reports in the German
media, genetically engineered tomatoes have been imported
and placed on the market in the European Community . The
tomato variety carries the trade name ' Danielle ' and is
grown in Morocco from genetically modified seed produced
in Israel .

Have the importers of the ' Danielle ' applied for
authorization to place the genetically engineered tomato on
the market under Part C of Directive 90 / 220 / EEC 0 on
deliberate release into the environment of genetically
engineered organisms ?

If so,

— What is the nature and purpose of the genetic
manipulation of the Danielle tomato, and who is the
producer of the seed ?

— Into which Member States has the Danielle tomato been

imported and placed on the market ? Who are the
importers ?

consent under Part C of the Directive before being placed on
the market, whether they are grown in the Community or
imported from elsewhere .

Member States have introduced sanctions for breaches of

the national legislation transposing the Directive . The
Commission has started legal proceedings against those
' Member States which have not yet fully implemented the

Directive .

A procedure for the authorization and assessment of
genetically engineered plants is provided by the legislation
adopted and enforced by Member States in application of
Directive 9 0 / 220 / EEC . Further specific assessment of the
human health and nutritional aspects of genetically
engineered plants consumed as food will be provided once
the current Commission proposal for a regulation on novel
foods is adopted by the Council .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2052 / 93

by Mr Thomas Megahy ( PSE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 23 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 80 )

If not, Subject : Oil tanker safety

— What mechanisms are available to the Commission and

to the Member States concerned to sanction such an

infraction of the law, and do the authorities intend to
take punitive action in this case ?

In view of the findings of the Braer enquiry, that 20 % of oil
tankers do not comply with existing regulations, what steps
does the Commission intend to take to improve the
situation ?

— What assurances do consumers have that other

genetically engineered plants which will be consumed as
food are not being imported into the EC from third
countries without proper authorization and risk
assessment ?
Answer given by Mr Matutes

on behalf of the Commission
(!) OJ No L 117, 8 . 5 . 1990, p . 15 .

( 10 November 1993 )

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 29 October 1993 )

Neither the Commission nor the Dutch authorities are

aware of any genetically engineered tomatoes having been
imported and placed on the market in the Netherlands or
anywhere else in the Community . The Commission has been
informed that a tomato variety with the trade name
' Danielle ' has been imported into the Netherlands from
Morocco for some time, and that it is not genetically
engineered .

Under Directive 90 / 220 / EEC there is a clear obligation for
any genetically engineered tomatoes to be notified and given

One of the reasons for the Commission to issue its
communication 'A common policy on safe seas ' (*) was the
large number of deficiencies found at inspections in the
framework of the port state control arrangement on vessels
visiting Community ports . To upgrade the safety level of
ships and in particular of vessels such as oil tankers, bulk
carriers and passenger ships, initiatives are being and will be
taken by the Commission on :

— common rules and standards for ship inspection and

survey organizations ( 2 );

— criteria for inspection of ships, including harmonization

of detention rules, the possibility of publicizing the
results of inspections, and refusal of access ;

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 41

— enforcement within the Community of relevant
International Maritime Organization resolutions .

(!) COM(93 ) 66 final .

( 2 ) COM(93 ) 218 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2054 / 93

by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini ( NI )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 23 July 1993 )

94 / C 46 / 81

financial package of the order of ECU 240 million to offset
the social costs of restructuring, including the costs borne by
the companies . It may also help, by way of loans, to pay in
advance some of the funding intended to cover the costs of
company closures which the remaining steel companies will
then reimburse .

At the same time the Commission will provide steel
companies with important aid to rationalizing production
in the short term through rapid analyses and short-term
forecasts of changes in demand .

As regards innovation, not only is the Commission open to
the idea, it plays an active part in the search for innovative
industrial solutions to make for maximum competitiveness .
As regards workers ' share in profits, this is a matter for the
individual companies to decide .

Subject : Closure of steel plants O SEC(92 ) 2160 final .

In view of the dreaded decision to close down the former

Ercole Marelli plants in Sesto because of an economic
collapse heralded in recent years by the increasing use of
redundancy schemes, mobility procedures and delays in
wage payments, what steps does the Commission intend to
take to solve the problems facing the Community steel
industry ?

Can the Commission take steps to ensure that, with a view
to overcoming the crisis, the very concept of companies
should be changed in such a way as to enable ' the workers '
to have a share in company profits ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 21 October 1993 )

The Commission reacted quickly to the recession in the steel
industry in 1992 . The situation was examined together with
the companies in the sector and a plan of action was
established at the end of 1992 ( 1 ).

This document, which draws attention to surplus
production capacities, identifies the structural imbalance
between the supply and demand for steel on the Community
market as one of the main reasons for the crisis in the sector .

The Commission had already served notice of a situation of
this kind in 1990, at a time when the steel industry was
booming, in its ' General objectives for steel — 1995 '.

The ways and means of cutting down on production
capacities while complying with Community regulations
were thus studied together with the companies in the sector .
While the legal and institutional reference framework is now
almost ready the expert assigned the task by the
Commission of obtaining company commitments and
possible closures on a voluntary basis should have finished
his work by the end of September 1993 . If the commitments
are satisfactory, the Commission will put forward a

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2056 / 93

by Mrs Jessica Larive ( LDR )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 23 July 1993 )

94 / C 46 / 82

Subject : Women in scientific and technical research

Having regard to the conclusions of the international
working party on Women in Scientific and Technical
Research, which met under the auspices of the Commission

( DG XIII ) on 15 and 16 February 1993 ;

having regard to the importance which the Committee on
Women 's Rights, and I myself, attach to affirmative action
by the European Community ;

having regard to my earlier specific action aimed at
increasing the percentage of women working at the Ispra
Joint Research Centre ;

1 . Does the Commission agree that there is a need to
encourage women 's further involvement in scientific
and technical research ?

2 . Is the Commission prepared to have a statistical survey
carried out on the number of women working in
scientific and technical research in the various Member

States ?

3 . Is the Commission prepared to put forward specific
proposals for increasing the participation of women in
scientific and technical research ?

No C 46 / 42 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

Answer given by Mr Ruberti
on behalf of the Commission

( 16 November 1993 )

1 . In its action programme for equal opportunities for
men and women ( 1991 — 95 ), the Commission recognized
the importance of active participation by women in
decision-making in all areas of society, research and
technology being one area in which decisions are of major
importance to the future of human society .

The same action programme stipulates that equal
opportunities should be taken explicitly into account in all
the appropriate Community programmes and policies .

2 . Following the seminar on women in research and
technology, the Commission launched a study designed to
collate the available data and to look at the situation of

women in research and technology centres in the Member
States and in the Community with a view to defining a policy
to promote the participation of women in scientific and
technological research . At the same time, within the
framework of the ' Grace ' programme of women 's studies,
there will be a thematic publication of the data bank of
women researchers involved in research and technology .

3 . On the basis of the findings of the abovementioned
activities, the Commission will make an overall assessment
of the situation of women in scientific and technological
research, including the JRC, with a view to taking
appropriate action .

4 . The Statistical Office of the European Communities
( Eurostat ) has launched a joint project with the OECD on
' Human Resources in Science and Technology ( HRST )'.
Collation will soon begin of the relevant data available to
the Member States . This will include detailed statistical

information on the participation of women in this area .

Albania take full part in the Islamic lobby, will the
Commission say :

1 . whether it is aware of the above,

2 . whether Community funds are involved in the banking

and financial scandals, and

3 . whether the allegations are true that the embargo on

Serbia is being broken and, in particular, that arms are
being illegally channelled to the Albanians in
Kosovo ?

Answer given by Mr van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

( 28 October 1993 )

The Commission is not aware of the facts mentioned in the

question and, therefore, does not know whether
Community funds are involved .

With regard to the failure to comply with the embargo on
Serbia, the Commission confirms that the Sanctions
Assistance Mission in Albania has reported breaches of
United Nations Security Council santions occurring on Lake

Shkoder . The sanctions coordinator has put up proposals
for corrective action .

The Commission is not aware of any breach of Security
Council resolution 713 banning arms supplies to the former
Yugoslavia .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2098 / 93

by Mr Barry Desmond ( PSE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 23 July 1993 )
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2064 / 93

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 23 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 83

Subject : Allegations of financial scandals in Albania

Allegations were recently made in the Albanian Parliament
concerning banking scandals, arms smuggling and violation
of the embargo on Serbia, etc .

Certain measures are being taken which may enhance the
democratic and multiparty nature of the regime ; if, however,
they are combined with attempts by certain leading circles in
Tirana — at the instigation of Turkey — to insist that

Subject : Vehicle harmonization

What has been the outcome of the Commission proposal
amending Directive 70 / 156 / EEC (') on an EC approval
system for motor vehicles and their trailers ?

Will the Commission state if the above Directive has been

applied on a non-mandatory basis, over a transitionary
period, from 1 January 1993 until 31 December 1995, and
whether after that date all vehicle types put on the EC
market will have to comply with the Directive ?

Had all Member States brought into force the necessary
laws, regulations and administrative provisions to achieve

( 94 / C 46 / 84 )

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 43

full compliance with the Directive on or before 1 January
1993 ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2 149 / 93

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

(!) OJ No L 42, 23 . 2 . 1970, p . 1 . to the Commission of the European Communities

( 26 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 86 )

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 28 October 1993 )

The Commission proposal to which the question refers was
adopted by the Council on 18 June 1992 as Directive
92 / 53 / EEC amending Directive 70 / 156 / EEC on the
type-approval of motor vehicles and their trailers (').

This directive does indeed provide for application by the
Member States on an optional basis, over a transitional
period, from 1 January 1993 to 31 December 1995, and for
mandatory application from 1 January 1996 concerning
new vehicle types, and from 1 January 1998 for all new
vehicles registered, sold or entering service in the
Community .

By 1 July 1993, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Ireland, Italy, the
Netherlands and the United Kingdom had notified the
Commission that they have brought into force the laws,
regulations and administrative provisions necessary to
comply with this directive .

( J ) OJ No L 225, 10 . 8 . 1992 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2123 / 93

by Mrs Anita Pollack ( PSE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

Subject : Drawing up of ecological maps of forests and

wooded areas

In view of the importance of forests and wooded areas in
Europe for fauna and flora, does the Commission intend to
examine how the Community may provide incentives and
adopt measures to help draw up ecological maps of these
areas ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 29 October 1993 )

The inventory of forest biotopes of major importance to
wildlife was compiled under the Corine programme .
Forestry habitats deemed to be of priority in accordance
with the Directive on the conservation of fauna, flora and
habitats will be systematically recorded by the European
Environment Agency once the latter begins its work .

In addition, the Commission is currently preparing to
implement the European Forestry Information and
Communication System ( Efics, Council Regulation ( EEC )
No 1615 / 89 (*)), one of the main purposes of which is to
provide better information on the structure and
development of forests in the Community . This will allow
information on wooded areas and forest composition to be
taken into account and reproduced in map form .

( 26 July 1993 )

0 ) OJ No L 165, 15 . 6 . 1989 .
( 94 / C 46 / 85 )

Subject : Dioxins in sewage sludge

Which EC countries currently have limits on dioxins in
sewage sludge intended for spreading on agricultural WRITTEN QUESTION E-2152 / 93
land ?

by Mr Louis Lauga ( RDE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 26 July 1993 )
Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission ( 94 / C 46 / 87 )

( 20 October 1993 )

Subject : Situation in the clothing and footwear sectors

The Commission does not have the information needed to

reply to the question put by the Honourable Member .
Directive 86 / 278 / EEC on the protection of the environment,
and in particular of the soil, when sewage sludge is used in
agriculture i 1 ) sets limit values for heavy metals only .

(!) OJ No L 181, 4 . 7 . 1986 .

In several regions of France many labour-intensive clothing
and footwear undertakings are being hard hit by unfair
competition from third countries .

Large quantities of cheap products are being imported, in
many cases without payment of customs duties, from
countries where the labour force is underpaid and which pay
no social security contributions .

No C 46 / 44 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

Such unfair competition is leading to the closure of textile
and footwear undertakings, many of which are situated in
medium-sized towns or the countryside, thereby
aggravating unemployment and migration from rural

areas .

What steps will the EC take to alleviate the serious impact
on the economy and employment of this failure to respect
the Community preference ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

( 17 November 1993 )

As evidenced by the discussion on competitivity, growth and
employment at the Copenhagen European Council, tackling
the structural causes of unemployment is a priority for the
Community . The Commission is at present preparing a
White Paper for discussion at the European Council in
December 1993 .

The Commission is also fully aware of the specific problems
faced by the European clothing and footwear industries and
is taking a range of measures to boost competitiveness, find
new markets and protect employment .

In order to facilitate the economic recovery of areas heavily
dependent on the textile sector, the Commission launched in
May 1992 an initiative named Retex with a budget of ECU

100 million for the year 1993 and a further amount of ECU
400 million for the period 1994—1997 .

In addition to this initiative the Commission has also

launched an export promotion scheme ( Exprom ) which
seeks to develop new markets for Community textile,
leather and footwear products . The budget for 1993 is ECU
680 000 and is used to support a range of studies,
promotional campaigns and trade fairs .

Regarding textiles it should be recalled that it is the objective
of the Community 's bilateral agreements under the existing
MFA to limit growth of textiles and clothing imports into
the Community if they threaten ' market disruption '. In fact
the restrictions imposed by the MFA mean that the
textile / clothing sector is one of the most heavily protected in
the Community and is exempted from normal GATT
disciplines .

In the context of the Uruguay Round negotiations, the
Community has insisted on the strengthening of the GATT
rules and disciplines notably in the areas of market access,
anti-dumping, anti-subsidy, safeguard action and
protection of intellectual property, as an important
condition for the integration of the textile and clothing
sectors into the GATT .

In the case of footwear, low-cost imports were one of the
reasons for the Commission 's proposal of 10 November

1992 to impose restrictions for certain types of footwear on

China, Vietnam, and North Korea (*) which the Council is
considering . The possibility of granting a reduced
Community preference to several major footwear supplier
countries is currently being investigated in the context of
deciding the 1994 GSP .

Regarding the question of a ' social clause ' it should be
recalled that in 1986 the Community supported a US
proposal to include such a clause in the GATT . However,
due to strong opposition from all developing countries, this
proposal was not included in the mandate of the Uruguay
Round negotiations . The Commission supports the
inclusion of a social clause in the future work programme of
the GATT .

The inclusion of a social clause in the Community 's scheme
of generalized preferences is a further matter to which the
Commission attaches great importance . Nevertheless, the
Commission has decided for the time being not to propose
the use of such a clause in the 1994 scheme, which merely
incorporates a number of technical adjustments pending a
fuller review . This will give the Commission time to consider
various technical and legal questions in greater detail and
also to take into account the outcome of the Uruguay
Round .

(!) COM(92 ) 455 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2155 / 93

by Mrs Barbara Schmidbauer ( PSE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 26 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 88

Subject : European Year of the Elderly and Solidarity

between Generations — activities of the German

Federal Ministry for Family Affairs and Senior
Citizens

The German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs and Senior
Citizens, working in cooperation with local umbrella
organizations, has organized a national competition to find
the community which does most for its senior citizens in

1993 . The competition is open to local authorities, groups
and individuals resident in the Federal Republic of
Germany . It carries prizes in cash and kind totalling DM
30 000 for the winners . The documents publicizing the
competition carry the logo of the European Year of the
Elderly and an indication that the European Community has
designated 1993 as the European Year of the Elderly and of
Solidarity between Generations .

1 . Is the Commission financially involved in this
competition ?

14 . 2, 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 45

2 . If so, did the Commission not make any requirement for
the organizers / beneficiaries to publicize its financial
contribution ?

3 . Is the Commission of the opinion that it is enough to
merely finance such projects, which after all should also
serve to improve the image of the Community ?

4 . What does the Commission intend to do to make certain

that its contribution to other such projects is publicized
effectively ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 23 November 1993 )

The Commission has not received any request for financial
assistance in connection with this competition .

In cases where the Commission grants aid for activities in
connection with the European Year, the letter informing the
organizers of the granting of such aid requires them to give
suitable prominence to their link with the Year .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2175 / 93

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2181 / 93

by Mrs Eva-Maria Quistorp ( V )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 28 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 90 )

Subject : Labelling of pharmaceutical products and
directions for use

The labelling of pharmaceutical products and the directions
for use are normally given only in the language of the
Member State concerned . This can cause serious problems
for those travelling abroad . However, this is also a means
used by the pharmaceuticals industry to offer the same
product in different Community Member States at
substantially different prices ; this policy leads to higher
health costs in some Community countries .

1 . What provisions does the Commission intend to adopt

to ensure that the most important information on
pharmaceutical products is, as a matter of principle,
provided in a number of different languages ?

2 . Does the Commission agree that a failure to provide
directions for use in the official languages of the
Community may lead to distortions of competition and,
if so, what does it intend to do about this ?

by Mr José Valverde Lôpez ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
( 28 July 1993 ) on behalf of the Commission

on behalf of the Commission
94 / C 46 / 89 ) (5 October 1993 )

Subject : Reasons invoked by Spain for failing to implement

the directive on batteries and accumulators

containing certain dangerous substances

What is the Commission 's position concerning Spain 's
failure — affecting the areas of the environment, nuclear
safety and civil protection — to implement Directive
91 / 157 / EEC ( 5 ) on batteries and accumulators containing
dangerous substances ?

(!) OJ No L 78, 26 . 3 . 1991, p . 38 .

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 21 October 1993 )

Until now, the Spanish government has not communicated
to the Commission any national legislation to implement
Council Directive 91 / 157 / EEC on batteries and

accumulators containing certain dangerous substances . The
Commission has accordingly opened an infringement
procedure against Spain under Article 169 of the EEC
Treaty . The reply indicated that a project has already been
submitted for approval to the Ministry for Health and
consumer affairs .

Council Directive 92 / 27 / EEC of 31 March 1992 on the

labelling of medicinal products for human use and on
package leaflets (*) lays down that the particulars on the
packaging of medicinal products and the accompanying
package leaflets must appear in the official language or
languages of the Member State where the product is placed
on the market . Furthermore, these particulars may be
indicated in several languages, provided that the same
particulars appear in all the languages used . Thus
Community law does not in principle obstruct the labelling
of medicinal products and the drafting of package leaflets in
several languages .

The provisions of Directive 92 / 27 / EEC apply to
authorizations and the renewal of authorizations from

1 January 1994 . It is therefore too early to tell whether this
change in the law will lead to an increase in the marketing of
medicinal products labelled in several languages or of
' Euro-packaging '. More far-reaching Commission
initiatives in this field can only be given serious
consideration in the light of such experience .

The differences reported in the pricing of identical
pharmaceutical products across the Community are largely
the result of the different pricing and refund systems of
Member State health insurance schemes . A first step
towards removing these differences was taken in Council
Directive 89 / 105 / EEC of 21 December 1988 relating to the

No C 46 / 46 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

transparency of measures regulating the pricing of medicinal
products for human use and their inclusion within the scope
of national health insurance systems ( 2 ). The Commission is
pressing for strict monitoring of the application of the
Treaty rules on the free movement of goods, and in
particular Articles 30 to 36 of the EEC Treaty, to parallel
imports . This is an adequate means for dealing with
potential distortions of competition . However, the
Commission has not so far received any evidence to suggest
that parallel imports are substantially hindered by different
language versions .

0 ) OJ No L 113, 30 . 4 . 1992, p . 8 .
( 2 ) OJ No L 40, 11 . 2 . 1989, p . 8 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2201 / 93

by Mr Ben Visser ( PSE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 29 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 91 )

Subject : Safety requirements in air passenger transport

On 29 November 1991, in connection with the
harmonization of rules in the field of air transport safety, the
Commission stated that the new safety standard should be
harmonized at the level of the Member State with the

strictest requirements . Only upward adjustments were to be
permitted . This situation was governed by JAR 145

( certification of maintenance organizations ).

In AEI 's view these conditions of harmonization at the

highest level have not been met . JAR 145 allows too much
scope for the individual Member States and the ( approved )
maintenance organizations within those states to set their
own standards and rules . This may also lead to distortion of
competition, particularly now that the JAAs ( Joint Aviation
Authorities ) are to be allowed to recognize firms outside
Europe and the US .

For example, there is now nothing to prevent European
firrhs from having maintenance carried out in the Far
East .

These findings were produced by AEI, a section of the Dutch
managerial staff association BHLP .

1 . Does the Commission agree with AEI that JAR 1 45 does
not comply with the criterion of harmonization at the
level of the Member State with the strictest

requirements, particularly in view of the fact that it will
be possible for firms outside the FX to be approved ?

2 . ( a ) If so, what action will the Commission be

taking ?

( b ) If not, is the Commission able to correct AEI 's
apparent misapprehension of the facts ?

3 . Does the Commission believe that the JAA is in a
position to supervise the safety standards of approved
firms outside the EC ?

Answer given by Mr Matutes

on behalf of the Commission

( IS November 1993 )

As correctly stated by the Honourable Member, Regulation

( EEC ) No 3922 / 91 ( 1 ) on the harmonization of technical
requirements and administrative procedures in the field of
civil aviation has established Community standards with the
objective of raising safety standards to the highest level
achieved within the Member States .

JAR 145 ( Approval of Maintenance organizations ) is one of

the elements which contributes to the required level of safety
and is considered to meet the safety objective fully .

With regard to the approval of foreign maintenance
organizations, the complexity of modern passenger aircraft
is such that maintenace of some critical items is so

specialized that only very few maintenance organizations
throughout the world have the required expertise . Many of
these organizations are located outside the Community and
Joint Aviation Requirement Member States and
consequently approval to JAR 145 is essential to ensure they
meet the same standards as Community organizations .

The responsibility for the monitoring of the standard of such
organizations rests with the Joint Aviation Authorities
which will either implement the necessary inspection
procedures or, in the event of these being a bilateral
agreement, will request the national aviation authority to
carry out the task on its behalf .

(!) OJ No L 373, 31 . 12 . 1991, p . 4 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2216 / 93

by Mrs Maria Santos ( PSE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 29 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 92 )

Subject : Nuclear dumping-grounds in the Atlantic

A recent study by the OECD 's Nuclear Energy Agency refers
to potential nuclear dumping-grounds in the Atlantic, some
of them in the vicinity of the Portuguese autonomous
regions of the Azores and Madeira .

In view of the moratorium on ocean dumping of nuclear
waste agreed on by the Convention of London in 1982, and
given the major nuclear interests of two Member States

( France and the UK ), does the Commission intend to ask the

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 47

French and British governments whether they have any
plans entailing the waiving of the existing moratorium ?

Can the Commission also state whether Euratom has been
informed of this study, and, if so, what its position is on the
matter ?

satellite to the earth 's principal biomes, giving visitors the
impression that they were in a natural environment ?

Such an invention would remove the need for animals to be

imprisoned in cages and enclosures . Animals are not lone
objects and must not be confined, but rather should be
allowed to roam freely, since they form an invaluable and
fully developed part of the natural environment .

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission
( 18 October 1993 )

( 18 October 1993 )

The Commission is aware of the internationally coordinated
research studies carried out from 1977 to 1988 under the

aegis of the Nuclear Energy Agency of OECD and of the
final report issued thereafter . The programme dealt not with
the dumping of waste packages into the sea but with the
technical feasibility and safety of the disposing of high level,
long lived waste into the seabed, aiming to evaluate this
disposal option among others .

From a technical point of view the conclusions of the report
were encouraging as regards the degree of safety which
could be ensured using such an approach . However, the
programme had no follow-up ; the Commission has no
information suggesting that research is continuing on this
approach in the Member States of the Community .

As regards the London Dumping Convention ( LDC ), an
Intergovernmental Panel on Radioactive Waste recently
completed an exhaustive study of marine disposal and its
report will be considered at a Consultative Meeting to be
held in November when possible changes to the present
moratorium will be examined and France and the United

Kingdom will no doubt be in a position to present their
respective positions . In this situation an approach by the
Commission to these Member States would not be

appropriate .

Although the Commission is not a position to express itself
on the technical and economic viability of the idea, it can of
course have no objection to it being developed .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2321 / 93

by Mrs Brigitte Ernst de la Graete ( V )

to the Commission of the European Communities

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 94

Subject : EC contribution to structural adjustment in Asia

and Latin America

At the meeting of the Committee on External Economic
Relations in March 1993, Commissioner Marin expressed
regret that the Community could not contribute to
structural adjustment programmes in Asia and Latin
America .

What specific type of contribution could be made by the
Community for this purpose and how would such
contributions differ from World Bank and IMF policies,
which are being widely criticized for their consequences in
human and environmental terms ?

How does experience of aid for structural adjustment in the
ACP countries justify the extension of this policy to other
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2238 / 93 countries ?

by Mr Virginio Bettini ( V )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 30 July 1993 )

Answer given by Mr Marin
94 / C 46 / 93 ) on behalf of the Commission

( 17 November 1993 )

Subject : Virtual zoo

Given that, in answer to an earlier question, the
Commission said that it was in favour of zoos, how does it
view the invention developed in the United Kingdom by
John Sutherland, that is to say, a virtual zoo, in which cages

and animals would be replaced by screens linked up via

IMF / World Bank structural adjustment programmes aim
primarily at designing and supporting programmes and
measures which bring about macroeconomic stabilization
and growth conditions : e.g. reduction of internal deficits
through fiscal measures, reduction of subsidies,
retrenchment of ( inefficient ) public sector entities etc .;

No C 46 / 48 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

reduction of external deficits through trade liberalization
measures, better currency policies, and promoting private
sector investments . Structural adjustment activities
supported by the Community could both be complementary
to those of IMF / World Bank and welfare-enhancing,
particularly in those developing countries where human
development is low and remains constrained, as follows :

( i ) Complementary and welfare-enhancing effects would
be maximized through designing and supporting
specific and comprehensive sector support
programmes which aim at maximizing the human
development potential in strategically important
sectors and areas .

( ii ) Community association with structural adjustment in
Asia and Latin America would enable it to support and
improve IMF / World Bank programmes, particularly in
those countries and areas where strengthening the
human development dimensions of programmes is
considered vital ( e.g. social, environment ).

Experience with ACP countries confirms this potential . The
present policy of continued coordination with multilateral
and bilateral donors as well as the presence in all
international fora has allowed the Community to play an
active role in the formulation of structural adjustment
programmes in ACP countries and in particular in the field
of budgetary support to the social sectors . Community
intervention seeks to make the structural adjustment
programmes not only viable in economic terms, but socially
and politically bearable as well .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2322 / 93

by Mrs Brigitte Ernst de la Graete ( V )

to the Commission of the European Communities

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 95 )

Subject : European Community Humanitarian Office

( ECHO )

The Commission appears to be adopting a fresh approach to
its relations with organizations responsible for
humanitarian aid, as evidenced by the introduction of a
framework contract governing all relations between the EC
and these organizations .

What is the substance of this framework contract ?

What steps has the Commission taken to ensure that small
and medium-sized NGOs are not excluded from this type of
contract, which appears to presuppose an infrastructure and
resources which not all NGOs carrying out humanitarian
aid operations have at their disposal ?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 10 November 1993 )

In May, the Commission approved a specimen framework
contract for financing humanitarian aid operations . The aim
is to speed up procedures and make Community-sponsored
projects more effective .

The contract includes :

— a general declaration setting out the main principles

behind the Commission 's partnership with the NGOs
and specialized international agencies ;

— general conditions which automatically apply when a

specific operation or project is carried out and which
form an integral part of operations contracts ;

— a specimen operations contract with the details and

specific conditions governing each operation ( amount
involved, location duration, etc .).

The framework contract is supplemented by annexes
designed to make it easier to evaluate financing applications,
monitor operations and make payments .

On the basis of the principles set out in the contract, ECHO
was authorized to begin negotiations with the NGOs and
international agencies that are most active in the field of
humanitarian aid . The negotiations were conducted in an
open and flexible manner, designed to set up formal,
streamlined relations between ECHO and a very broad
range of NGOs from all Member States . So far over forty
NGOs have signed the contract .

Turning to the Honourable Member 's concern that smaller
NGOs might be excluded, it should be pointed out that
the Commission is bound by the principle of
non-discrimination and that many small and medium-sized
NGOs are already ECHO partners .

Nevertheless, the need to respond swiftly to natural
disasters and other abnormal situations requires NGOs
with enough skill and experience to put the money and
effort for humanitarian operations to best use . Even so, the
Commission is prepared to help those NGOs operating in
the field of humanitarian aid that may not have enough
staff, facilities or money by financing contracts including a
number of NGOs . This enables them to acquire the relevant
experience and know-how that they may not have had

before .

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 49

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2323 / 93 However, in its communication (') of 29 September 1993,
by Mrs Brigitte Ernst de la Graete ( V ) the Commission stated that it was willing to enter into a

dialogue on trade and development cooperation with the
to the Commission of the European Communities TEC once it is in place and thereafter .

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 96 ) ( 1 ) COM(93 ) 460 final .

Subject : Accession of South Africa to the Lome
Convention

On 6 June 1993 the Council called for sanctions against
South Africa to be suspended as soon as the transitional
Executive Council had been put in place and for a new form
of economic cooperation to be introduced possibly within
the framework of the Lome Convention .

How does the Commission assess the consequences of
accession of South Africa to the Lome Convention ?

What conditions would it propose for the accession of South
Africa to the Lome Convention ?

What joint decision-making procedures with the countries
of southern Africa and / or the ACP countries as a whole

would the Commission propose in this context ?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2335 / 93

by Mr Georgios Romeos ( PSE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 97 )

Subject : Telecommunications agreement between
Germany and the USA

Citing a bilateral agreement dating from 1954 and ignoring
Community law on preferential treatment for Community
suppliers, the German government has signed a
telecommunications agreement with the USA .

Given that this agreement contravenes Community interests
and Community solidarity, what action will the
Commission take to ensure that the German government
complies with Community legislation ?

( IS November 1993 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2392 / 93

On 8 June, following the General Affairs Council, the
Danish Presidency announced that, once the Transitional
Executive Council ( TEC ) is in place, the Community and its
Member States would be ready to enter into a dialogue with
the TEC on the future economic relations between the

Community and South Africa, confirming at the same time
the announcement made following the Development
Council on 25 May of the intention to launch a new
development initiative and a dialogue with the TEC on
development cooperation .

In this context, the Commission is considering the
alternatives available to it to strengthen relations with the
future South Africa, whether it be by means of a trade
agreement, cooperation agreement, accession to Lome or
any other forms of association . This will need to be
discussed and negotiated upon request of the new
democratic South African structures .

It is premature, therefore, to talk of conditions for South
African membership of Lome, or the procedures for
codecision which that might entail, which in the latter case
would be guided by Article 363 of the Lome Convention in
particular .

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 98 )

Subject : Dispute between the EEC and USA in the
telecommunications sector

What are the latest developments in the dispute between the
European Community and the USA in the
telecommunications sector, now that Germany has decided
to pursue a ' go-it-alone ' policy ?

Joint answer to Written Questions

E-2335 / 93 and E-2392 / 93

given by Sir Leon Brittan
on behalf of the Commission

( 24 November 1993 )

It is important to distinguish between the existence of the
German / US Friendship, Commerce and Navigation Treaty

No C 46 / 50 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

( FCN Treaty ) of 1954 and the interpretation placed on it
recently by the German authorities . No new agreement has
been concluded between the US and Germany on
procurement . Similar FCN Treaties between other Member
States and the US contain language identical or similar to the
German agreement but, to date, have not been interpreted in
the same way by those Member States .

Accordingly the Commission had not considered that there
were any problems or inconsistencies, politically or legally,
between the US / Germany Friendship Treaty on the one
hand and the EC / US negotiations on procurement on the
other . However, in a press release of the German Economics
Ministry of 1 1 June 1993, the German authorities invoked
the Friendship Treaty as a reason not to apply certain
Community provisions on public procurement . This raised
concerns and, as a matter of precaution and as a means of
dealing with the expressed views of Germany, led to the
Commission withdrawing its routine proposal ( ! ) to the
Council to authorize the tacit extension or the maintenance

in force of FCN Treaties and trade agreements between
Member States and third countries . The Commission
replaced this proposal by a new one ( 2 ) which did not refer
to the FCN Treaties in question . However, the Commission
has indicated that it might take into consideration the
reintroduction of FCN Treaties of those Member States

which are ready to give certain assurances that their
obligations under the EEC Treaty are not diminished by the
provisions in the FCN Treaties with the United States . First
reactions to this proposal have been encouraging .

The Commission is also continuing bilateral consultations
with the German authorities .

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 20 October 1993 )

Discharges of fluoride to the aquatic environment, with the
exception of discharges to groundwater, are subject to
Council Directive 76 / 464 / EEC (') of 4 May 1976 on
pollution caused by certain dangerous substances
discharged into the aquatic environment of the Community .
Fluorides are specifically included in List II of the Annex to
that Directive, and therefore the provisions of that
Directive, and in particular of Article 7, are applicable .

In the case of discharges to groundwater, Directive

80 / 68 / EEC ( 2 ) of 17 December 1979 on the protection of
groundwater pollution caused by certain dangerous
substances, applies . Fluorides are specifically included in
List II of the Annex to that Directive, and so direct and
indirect discharges of fluoride must be regulated .

It follows that the problem of possible pollution by fluoride
due to leakage from domestic water supplies is already
covered by existing Community legislation .

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

( 2 ) OJ No L 20, 26 . 1 . 1980 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-23 74 / 93

by Mr José Alvarez de Paz ( SPE ) and

Mr Pedro Bofill Abeilhe ( PSE )

to the Commission of the European Communities
O COM(93 ) 210, 24 . 5 . 1993 .

( 2 ) COM(93 ) 326,, 9 . 7 . . 1993 . . . (1 September 1993 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2359 / 93

by Mr David Bowe ( PSE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 99 )

( 94 / C 46 / 100 )

Subject : Women's share of employment

It appears that the proportion of women at work in the
Community, while on the increase, is smaller than in other
developed economies .

Why is this ?'

What measures will be taken in future and how can EC

statistics possibly give the proportion of women at work as
40% ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn

Subject : Fluoride in the natural environment on behalf of the Commission

( 23 November 1993 )

Is the Commission going to give any attention to the
problem of fluoride ( in the form of hexafluorosalicylic acid )
escaping from domestic water supplies into the natural
environment, in either of its two forthcoming directives on
the protection of groundwater or the maintenance of the
ecological quality of surface waters ? If not, why not ?

The proportion of women at work rose considerably
between 1980 and 1990, and stood at 42,6 % in 1991 . This
rise has helped to narrow the gap in relation to other
developed countries which have a higher proportion of
women at work .

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 51

Improving the integration of women in the labour market is
one of the main objectives of the third medium-term
Community action programme on equal opportunities for
women and men ( 1991 — 95 ) ( 1 ).

This is also the goal of the Community initiative to promote
equal opportunities in the field of employment and
vocational training ( NOW ), which aims to develop
innovative, transnational measures to help women ;
financial assistance is provided through the Structural
Funds .

In the context of the reform of the Structural Funds

( 1994 —99 ), promotion of equal opportunities on the
labour market with a view to combating women 's
unemployment is a priority for the European Social
Fund .

The Commission is continuing with its other activities in the
field of employment ( IRIS network, LEI programme ).

If the Honourable Member considers that Greece is failing
to implement Council Directive 80 / 68 / EEC on the
protection of groundwater against pollution caused by
certain dangerous substances or Council Directive
80 / 778 / EEC relating to the quality of water intended for
human consumption, the Commission would be grateful for
specific information so that the matter may be
investigated .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-24 12 / 93

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 102

(M COM(90 ) 449 final . Subject : Guidelines on the quality of drinking water

The World Health Organization recently reviewed its
guidelines on the quality of drinking water to include certain
by-products of disinfection . After studying the relevant
values, has the Commission concluded that the
WRITTEN QUESTION E-23 98 / 93 should Community be revised 's standards ? for the quality of drinking water

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 101 ) Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

(8 October 1993 )
Subject : Failure by Greece to implement Directives
80 / 68 / EEC and 80 / 778 / EEC

Some Member States are not complying with water
protection directives . Environmental organizations and
other bodies claim that Greece, for example, is not
implementing Council Directive 80 / 68 / F^EC ( 1 ) on the
protection of groundwater against pollution caused by
certain dangerous substances or Council Directive
80 / 778 / EEC ( 2 ) on the quality of drinking water . What steps
will the Commission take to ensure that the Greek

authorities implement these directives forthwith ?

f 1 ) OJ No L 20, 26 . 1 . 1980, p . 43 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 229, 30 . 8 . 1980, p . 11 .

The Commission has followed closely the development of
the latest version of the World Health Organization 's
guidelines for drinking water quality .

These guidelines will be taken into account, together with all
other available evidence, in any proposal to revise Directive
88 / 778 / EEC relating to the quality of water intended for
human consumption ( ! ).

(!) OJ No L 229, 30 . 8 . 1980 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-24 1 3 / 93

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

on behalf of the Commission
to the Commission of the European Communities
( 29 October 1993 )
(1 September 1993 )

It is for the Greek Government to take such action as is

necessary to comply with the obligations placed upon it by
the various directives related to water quality . Where there is
sufficient evidence that a Member State is not implementing
a directive, the Commission may initiate infringement
proceedings .

( 94 / C 46 / 103 )

Subject : Public parks in Athens

Recently, ' EUDAP ', the company supplying water to the
Greek capital, cut off the supply to Athens, Piraeus, Paleo

No C 46 / 52 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

Faliro, Paleo Psyhiko, Kifisia and Papago, because it was
being used to water public parks . This is an extreme decision
on the part of EUDAP given that it will destroy the rare
green areas in Attica, which took a tremendous effort to
create . The local authorities in Attica have requested a
transitional period until they have completed drilling wells
at their own expense and buying water tankers to water the
public parks . Can the Commission help to preserve the
scarce green areas of Attica ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 20 October 1993 )

However, assistance towards pilot projects aimed at
protecting the quality of lakes may be available under
Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 1973 / 92 concerning the LIFE
programme . This programme includes the protection and
conservation of fresh surface water among the fields of
action where, subject to its financial limitations, assistance
may be provided .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2449 / 93

by Mr Gary Titley ( PSE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(1 September 1993 )

The management of municipal parks does not fall within the ( 94 / C 46 / 105 )
Community 's jurisdiction . Accordingly, it falls to the Greek
authorities to take the necessary measures to ensure the
preservation of green areas in Athens .

Subject : Public opinion in the applicant states

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2419 / 93

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 104 )

Subject : Lake ecosystems

In view of the fact that some lakes in the Community are
heavily polluted and already considered biologically dead,
can the Commission issue a directive to protect the
ecosystems of lakes with the aid of pilot projects ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 14 October 1993 )

The Commission does not intend to propose a directive
concerning a general protection of lakes in the Community
with the aid of pilot projects funded by the Community .

As a matter of principle and in accordance with the principle
of subsidiarity, the responsibility for taking and financing
such initiatives should lie with the Member States .

Is the Commission aware of the essential need to give
accurate information on the Community to public opinion
in the applicant states, in particular in view of the referenda
that they will hold on their accession to the Community ?

Is it satisfied that it is devoting enough resources to its own
relations with the press and media in the applicant states ?
What steps have been taken to improve and enhance the
efforts made in this direction ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

( 25 October 1993 )

1 . The Commission is aware of the importance to public
opinion in the applicant states of accurate information on
the Community . The four applicant states will be organizing
referenda on their accession to the European Union . While it
is not the role of the Commission to interfere in the

formation of public opinion, it is clearly of great importance
that accurate information on the Community is made
available . Therefore the Commission intends that, both
through its delegations in the four capitals and from its
headquarters, pertinent and extensive information covering
all fields of Community policy should be provided .

2 . Using funds allocated to this and by the budgetary
authority, the Commission is devoting resources to relations
with the press and media in the applicant states . Each of the
four Commission delegations has an information budget
and programme . Activities include the publication of
brochures and newsletters, the production of audiovisual

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 53

material, the organization of seminars conferences and
information visits to the Community institutions, and the
participation in fairs and exhibitions . Each of the four
delegations employs a full time information officer, fluent in
the language of the applicant state .

Besides the general information responsibilities of all
Commission departments, the Spokesman 's Service, the
Directorate-General for Audiovisual, Information,
Communication and Culture and the Task Force

Enlargement all have staff whose job it is to aid the media
representatives of the applicant states .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2465 / 93

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2466 / 93

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 107

Subject : Facilities in Greece for the destruction of PCBs

The Public Power Corporation, which is the main user of
PCBs in Greece, collects and stores used PCBs in drums
together with condensers which have been taken out of
operation . This practice does not completely ensure that no
serious risks will be created in future . Is the Commission

able to assist the Greek authorities to set up facilities in
Greece for the destruction of PCBs ? If so, in what way ?

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )
Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas
to the Commission of the European Communities on behalf of the Commission

(1 September 1993 ) ( 17 November 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 106 )

Subject : Amendment of Directive 80 / 778 / EEC on the

quality of water intended for human
consumption

Does the Commission intend to amend Directive
80 / 778 / EEC (') and lay down the maximum permissible
concentration of chlorine in and degree of hardness of water
intended for human consumption in order to guarantee the
quality of such water ?

f 1 ) OJ No L 229, 30 . 8 . 1980, p . 11 .

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 21 October 1993 )

The Commission is considering a revision of Directive

80 / 778 / EEC relating to the quality of water intended for
human consumption . All parameters, including those
referred to by the Honourable Member, will be
reviewed .

In making its proposal, the Commission will take account of
the conditions of the Conference on Drinking Water which
it organized on 23 and 24 September 1 993 . The objective of
the Conference was to have a full examination of past
experience concerning Directive 80 / 778 / EEC and an
assessment of the possible modifications required in order to
ensure the supply of drinking water throughout the
Community is adequately protected .

The Commission recognizes that the practice of collecting
and storing used PCBs in barrels, and capacitors no longer in
use, does not totally rule out possible future risks in
connection with PCBs .

According to the Commission 's information, the Greek
public electricity company DEI sends used PCBs, and
equipment containing them, after collection and provisional
storage to disposal installations in other Member States of
the Community .

According to the same source of information, the Greek
authorities have no plans at present to set up facilities for the
disposal of PCBs . As a result, the Commission cannot
comment on what forms of Community assistance would be
appropriate in such a case, as it does not have all the
information required .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2483 / 93

by Mr Bartho Pronk ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 108 )

Subject : Increasing average height of the European
population

1 . Is the Commission aware of any studies on the
increasing average height of the European population ?

2 . Do the results of these studies indicate a need to adapt
technical standards laid down in EC directives ?

No C 46 / 54 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

3 . Where standards are based on average height, is
account taken of those who are especially tall or especially
short ?

harmonized with the recommendations of the International

Commission on Radiological Protection and, in particular,
with the new recommendations adopted in 1990 ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission
( IS November 1993 )

( 29 October 1993 )

1 . The Ergonomics Technical Committee ( TC 122 ) of the
European Committee for Standardization ( CEN ) is
currently working on the problems referred to by the
Honourable Member . This Commission draws up
standards for the design of work systems, including
machines, taking account of ergonomic principles and
requirements . Its aim is to protect the health of workers and
to improve their safety and well-being and the effectiveness
of the work system .

The International Labour Organization has also published
an anthropomorphic atlas, which was produced by an

expert .

In addition, a number of studies are being carried out and
standards drawn up . A survey is currently being carried out
on a draft standard ( prEN 979, a basic list of definitions of
the dimensions of the human body for technical design ).

2 . The European standardization bodies, which also
draw up standards for ' new approach ' directives, take
account of these studies and ergonometric specifications, in
order to establish, for example, the optimum dimensions for
the interaction between man and the control systems of a
machine . European standards are in principle revised every
five years so that they can be brought into line with any new
information available .

3 . The studies carried out take account not only of the
average size, but also of the top and bottom 5 % of size

range .

4 . To avoid any misunderstanding, the Commission
would remind the Honourable Member that this work is

carried out neither by the Commission nor by the Member
States ' authorities, but by independent European bodies,
with, as a rule the direct or indirect involvement of all
interested parties .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2488 / 93

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 109 )

In anticipation of the 1990 recommendations of the
International Commission on Radiological Protection

( published 1991 ), the Commission already started the
procedure laid down in Article 31 of the Euratom Treaty for
the revision of Council Directive 80 / 836 / Euratom on the

basic safety standards for the health protection of the
general public and workers against the dangers of ionizing
radiation, by consulting in 1989 the group of experts
established for such purposes by that Article . This group
issued an opinion in March 1992 . The proposal for a
Council Directive ( J ) was sent to the Economic and Social
Committee in July 1992 . This Committee issued its opinion
in February 1993 .

Finally, taking account of that opinion, the Commission
adopted on July 1993 an amended proposal for a Council
Directive ( 2 ). The Council will consult the Parliament,
examine the proposal in the light of the Parliament 's
conclusions and make its own decision . The timetable for

these procedures, however, is not within the Commission 's
control .

(!) SEC(92 ) 1322 final .
( 2 ) COM(93 ) 349 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2502 / 93

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 110 )

Subject : Implementation of the Code of Practice for the

accommodation and care of animals in zoos

Have the Member States yet made any moves towards
implementing the Code of Practice for the accommodation
and care of animals in zoos adopted by the European
Parliament in plenary sitting ( Doc . A3-0140 / 93 )?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

Subject : Harmonization of the basic health and safety rules Answer given by Mr
on behalf of the Commission

of the EAEC Treaty with the recommendations of
the International Commission on Radiological
Protection

(8 October 1993 )

The Honourable Member will recall that the Code of
Practice was proposed to be included as an annex to the

Can the Commission say when the basic health and safety
rules of Articles 30 and 31 of the EAEC Treaty will be

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 55

Commission proposal for a Council directive laying down reduction of pollution of surface waters of the type
minimum standards for the keeping of animals in zoos . described by the Honourable Member .

The initial proposal for a directive still being considered in
the context of the subsidiarity principle, the implementation
of the annex proposed by Parliament is not currently an
issue .

O OJ No L 194, 25 . 7 . 1975 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 375, 31 . 12 . 1991

( 3 ) OJ No L 135, 30 . 5 . 1991 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2524 / 93

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )
WRITTEN QUESTION E-25 13 / 93 to the Commission of the European Communities

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) (1 September 1993 )

to the Commission of the European Communities ( 94 / C 46 / 112

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 111 ) Subject : Promotion of the comparative study of history at

European level

Subject : The situation of the Pamvotida Lake in
Ioannina

The process of eutrophication, the construction of dams and
contamination by effluent are leading with mathematical
precision to the destruction of Lake Pamvotida in Ioannina .
What steps does the Commission intend to take to save the
lake from slowly dying out ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 17 November 1993 )

It is for the Greek government to take action in order to
avoid any eutrophication and contamination which could
result in the destruction of Pamvotida Lake in Ioannina .

If the Honourable Member considers that Greece is failing
to implement Community legislation which may be relevant
here, the Commission would be grateful if specific
information could be provided so that the matter may be
investigated .

If the lake is used as a source for drinking water, Council
Directive 75 / 440 / EEC (*) concerning the quality required of
surface water intended for the abstraction of drinking water
would be relevant .

Council Directive 91 / 271 / EEC ( 2 ) concerning the protection
of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from
agricultural sources and Council Directive 91 / 271 / EEC ( 3 )
concerning urban waste water treatment are being
implemented at present by the Member States .

It is expected that once fully implemented these two
Directives will make a significant contribution to the

Have initiatives and measures been taken to set up a body
with the objective of promoting comparative study of
history at European level, since this is necessary for the
development of critical thought and the shaping of the
European citizen ?

Answer given by Mr Ruberti
on behalf of the Commission

( 17 November 1993 )

Under its limited powers in the area of education — the
Member States having sole responsibility for teaching
systems and content — the Commission currently has no
plans to set up a body with the objective of promoting
comparative studies of history at European level .
Nevertheless, it does help to develop a spirit of European
citizenship, as stressed by the Honourable Member, through
its cooperation programmes designed to add a European
dimension to national education systems .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2528 / 93

by Mr Dieter Rogalla ( PSE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 113 )

Subject : Federation of Air Transport User Representatives

in the European Community

1 . Does the Commission consider that, since air
transport liberalization in the EC, representation of air
travellers ' interests has taken on a more significant role ?

No C 46 / 56 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

2 . In view of the increasing numbers of air travellers in
the EC, has the Commission drawn up a list of organizations
and associations which it can consult, as advisory
bodies ?

3 . Before its talks with the Federation of Air Transport
User Representatives in the European Community, did the
Commission examine this body 's structure and statutes ?
Why is Facturec practically the only air transport users '
organization which the Commission consults, although it
does not represent the interests of all air travellers in the
EC ?

Answer given by Mr Matutes

on behalf of the Commission

( 19 November 1993 )

Since the very beginning of the liberalization of
intra-Community air transport the interests of passengers
have been represented by a number of general and specific
consumer organizations . During this period the
Commission has been in close dialogue with these
organizations, taking up a number of suggestions and
proposals when launching policy initiatives .

The Commission intends to continue this dialogue with a
view to joint analysis of the lessons to be drawn from the
application of the Community law on civil aviation .

The Commission has a strong interest in a well-balanced
representation of consumer interests in civil aviation . For
this reason it intends to continue the dialogue with all
relevant consumer organizations .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-25 50 / 93

during the discussion of the report by Sir James Scott
Hopkins in Parliament 's plenary session of June — take due
account of Parliament 's opinion .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2551 / 93

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 115 )

Subject : Hunting of blackbirds and larks

What is the Commission 's position on the hunting of
blackbirds and larks and, in particular, does it believe that
hunting of these birds should be allowed outside the mating
season in the various Member States ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

(9 November 1993 )

The hunting of blackbirds and skylarks is subject to the
conditions laid down in Article 7 of Directive 79 / 409 / EEC
on the conservation of wild birds (*), and may not be carried
out in those Member States for which these species are

" mentioned in Annex II / 2 to that directive .

(M OJ No L 103, 25 . 4 . 1979 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2591 / 93
by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

to the Commission of the European Communities
(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 114 (1 September 1993 )

Subject : Action on zoos

What action has the Commission taken following the
adoption by the European Parliament in plenary of the
report by Sir James Scott-Hopkins ( Doc . A3-0140 / 93 )
concerning immediate actions on zoos in the
Community ?

( 94 / C 46 / 116 )

Subject : Bird hunting outside the mating season

Will the Member States endeavour to agree on a list of birds
which may be hunted outside the mating season in the
various Member States and, if so, when ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas on behalf of the Commission

on behalf of the Commission ( 15 November 1993 )
( 11 October 1993 )

The Commission has not yet taken a decision on the

'
Edinburgh subsidiarity package ', but will — as indicated

The Commission would point out that a list of bird species
which may be hunted appears in Annex II to Directive
79 / 409 / EEC on the conservation of wild birds ( M. Article 7

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 57

of the Directive lays down that hunting may not take place
during the rearing season or during the various stages of
reproduction of the bird specics concerned .

The Directive has been in application since April 1981 .

transport, available space, rest periods, feeding and drinking
intervals and stops .

The proposal is currently being examined by Council

bodies .

(M OJ No L 103, 25 . 4 . 1979 . (!) OJ No L 340, 11 . 12 . 1991, p . 17 .

( 2 ) OJ No C 154, 23 . 6 . 1990 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2656 / 93

by Mr Winfried Menrad ( PPE )
to the Council of the European Communities

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2673 / 93

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

(1 September 1993 ) to the Commission of the European Communities

( 94 / C 46 / 117 ) (3 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 118 )

Subject : Maximum journey times for animals for
slaughter Subject : Naturally wholesome products

In its resolution of 26 May (* ) Parliament called for journeys
of animals for slaughter to be limited to eight hours . Similar
restrictions have been deemed necessary by various other
bodies .

1 . Does the Council have plans for legislation in this
respect ?

2 . Have any national governments called for limits on
journey times for slaughter animals within the Council
and, if so, which governments and what limits ?

(M Doc . B 3-672 / 93 .

Answer

( 10 January 1994 )

Consumers are increasingly demanding naturally
wholesome products but there is as yet no appropriate
Community directive covering the ingredients used in the
preparation of foodstuffs, such as vitamins, minerals and
other substances . Will the Commission, therefore, take

steps :

1 . to issue a Community directive on the ingredients used
in the preparation of foodstuffs in order to put an end to
the present uncertainty regarding the law ?

2 . to issue a Community directive on the ingredients used
in the preparation of foodstuffs which will resolve the
problems of choice, availability and protection for the
consumer ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

On 19 November 1991 the Council adopted Directive on
91 / 628 / EEC (*), on the basis of a Commission proposal ( 2 ), ( 10 November 1993 )
which lays down standards for protecting animals during
transport . The Directive, with which Member States have
had to comply since 1 January 1993, does not incorporate Council Directive 79 / 112 / EEC of 18
the provisions designed to impose a maximum journey time labelling of foodstuffs (*), as last
contained in the Commission proposal, but provides in 91 / 72 / EEC ( 2 ), and in particular Articles
particular, in Article 13, that the Commission will submit to makes it compulsory to indicate a list of
the Council by 1 July 1 992 a report drafted on the basis of an labelling of foodstuffs .
opinion from the Scientific Veterinary Committee possibly
accompanied by proposals concerning the fixing of a The list of ingredients must show
maximum journey time . contained in the foodstuff, including

Council Directive 79 / 112 / EEC of 18 December 1978 on the
labelling of foodstuffs (*), as last amended by Directive
91 / 72 / EEC ( 2 ), and in particular Articles 3 and 6 thereof,
makes it compulsory to indicate a list of ingredients on the
labelling of foodstuffs .

The list of ingredients must show all the ingredients
contained in the foodstuff, including additives, thus
enabling the consumer to make an informed choice .

On 26 August 1993 a proposal for an amendment of
Directive 91 / 628 / EEC to take account of the provisions of
Article 13 of the said Directive was officially put before the
Council .

The proposal, drafted by the Commission on the basis in
particular of a report from the Scientific Veterinary
Committee does not contain any provision for imposing a
maximum journey time but proposes standards for means of

Council Directive 89 / 107 / EEC of 21 December 1988 on

food additives is based on Article 100a of the EEC Treaty .
Paragraph 3 of this article states that the Commission, in its
proposals on health and consumer protection, shall take as a
base a high level of protection .

As regards nutrients such as vitamins and minerals,
Directive 90 / 496 / EEC on nutrition labelling for

No C 46 / 58 Official Journal of the European Communities 14 . 2 . 94

foodstuffs ( 3 ) states that indication is optional . However, it
is compulsory if nutrition claims are made on the labelling or
in the presentation or advertising .

(!) OJ No L 33, 8 . 2 . 1979 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 42, 16 . 2 . 1991 .

( 3 ) OJ No L 276, 6 . 10 . 1990 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2744 / 93

by Mr Jan Bertens ( LDR )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 16 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 119 )

Subject : Support Programme for Employment Creation

( SPEC )

1 . Is it true that approximately 35% of the subsidies
made available under the Support Programme for
Employment Creation ( SPEC ) in 1991 were deployed in
Greece ?

Is it also true that approximately 10% of resources were
allocated to Eastern Germany ?

How were the subsidies allocated among the Member States
and those of their constituent regions which are recognized
as being in a special position ? On what criteria is such
allocation based ? How does the way in which resources
were actually allocated relate to these criteria ?

2 . How have appropriations committed under the 1992
SPEC budget actually been allocated between the Member
States ? Were the same criteria applied as those used for
allocation in 1991 ?

3 . How many projects approved under SPEC 1992 have
not yet receive any financial support ? What is the reason for
this ?

4 . Since the deadline for submitting SPEC projects
always falls just before or just after the summer recess, one
would now expect a fresh call for tender for management
and technical back-up staff for the SPEC Programme to be
made .

technical support to a number of innovatory employment
creation projects linked to changes in employment, such as
those which result from the completion of the internal
market .

The SPEC programme concerns the preparation,
implementation, assessment and dissemination, within the
context of Community networks, of the results of
innovative employment creation actions .

Eligible actions and areas in the Community are :

— actions which are likely to assist local enterprises or

individuals to tackle an employment issue ( new or
intensified problem or opportunity ) associated with the
single market ;

— areas with employment problems designated as priority

areas under Objectives 1, 2 and 5b of the Structural
Funds ; and

— actions involving transnational cooperation .

Priority is given to projects involving innovatory forms of
action with a likely demonstration effect, especially in
support of the least developed areas, under objective 1 of the
Structural Funds .

However, in order to guarantee an allocation of resources
throughout the Community, the allocation criteria of the
Structural Funds have been used, with relevant adjustment .
An attempt has been made to achieve an even distribution
between regions within Member States, but this of course is
dependent on the origin of applications received . In 1991,
26 % of the available funding was allocated to Greece, 20 %
to Portugal and 15 % to the German New Lander . In 1992
the same criteria were applied .

The selected projects under SPEC 1992 are due to receive
grant aid in October . There has been a delay for reasons
associated with the Commission rules concerning

contracts .

The year 1993 is the third year of the programme . The
Commission is going to consider a new call for tenders for
the SPEC management towards the end of 1993 .

Has this already been done ? If not, why not ? If it has, where
was it published ? If the call for tender was not published,
was it issued to restricted circles ? If so, why, and was this WRITTEN QUESTION E-2754 / 93
done in accordance with the applicable rules ?
by Mrs Brigitte Ernst de la Graete ( V )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 16 September 1993 )
Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission ( 94 / C 46 / 120 )

( 30 November 1993 )

Subject : Directive on dual-use products
The objective of SPEC ( Support Programme for
Employment Creation ), launched in 1990 in response to an As I understand it, this directive is held up in the Council
initiative of the Parliament, is to provide financial and because the Member States are unable to agree on two

14 . 2 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 46 / 59

annexes : the list of products and the list of countries of
destination said to be ' at risk '.

1 . Is this interpretation correct ?

2 . What consequences has the failure to adopt this

Directive for the movement of products of this kind
within the Community and for their export ?

3 . What steps does the Commission intend to take to

remedy this situation and how long does it think it will
take to do this ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 25 November 1993 )

1 . The Commission 's proposal for a regulation is being
actively examined, in a very positive manner, in the Council .
In parallel, the contents of the lists are being elaborated in an
intergovernmental working group .

2 . The failure to adopt a regulation by the end of 1992
means that :

( a ) with the exception of trade within the Benelux and
from Ireland to the UK ( but not vice-versa ), the goods
and technologies in question are still subject to control
by individual Member States in respect of
intra-Community trade ;

( b ) exports from the Community continue to be controlled

on the basis of national, rather than Community,
legislation .

3 . The Commission will use all of the means at its

disposal to help the Member States adopt a regulation .
However, given the sensitive and complex nature of the
issues involved, it cannot predict when a regulation might be
adopted .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2815 / 93

by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

(4 October 1993 )

( 94 / C 46 / 121 )

Subject : Relationship between engineering and marketing

Professor Edward B. Roberts of the Massachussets Institute

of Technology recently published a book entitled

' Entrepreneurs in High-Technology ' and has given
interviews such as the one published in Technology
Review .

In this interview with Mr Stephen D. Salomon, he stated that
the percentage, which is not that high, of high-technology
companies established in the United States which do not
manage to succeed is often due to the fact that the engineers
who set up these companies lack marketing skills as a result
of the prejudice which technical colleges have always shown
against this aspect of economic life .

However, the professor feels that this prejudice is
disappearing with the creation of special programmes in
these colleges .

Does the Commission have any information on whether a
similar situation exists in the Community and whether any
remedial action is being taken ?

Answer given by Mr Ruberti
on behalf of the Commission

( 25 November 1993 )

The Commission has been concerned for several years with
the dissemination of technology and with training engineers
with a view to the creation of companies for the
dissemination of advanced technologies .

The Comett programme was set up in 1987 to foster
training in the field of technology, through cooperation
between universities and industry . As a result of Comett,
205 university-enterprise training partnerships ( UETPs )
have been set up ; one of their objectives is to help create
training programmes in line with the needs of European
businesses .

As an example, one UETP, ' the European Technology
Management Initiation ' set up in the United Kingdom
coordinates and manages the planning and execution of a
European strategy for the efficient management of
education and training in the field of technology . Other
actions have been developed through the Comett
programme by different partners, chiefly at the request of
advanced technology companies with little marketing
experience .

In the Member States, which have sole responsibility for the
organization and content of education systems, there are
growing moves to upgrade technical schools, in some cases
by introducing new legislation .