Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

# Official Journal

## of the European Communities English edition Information and Notices

ISSN 0378-6986

## C 186

**Volume 40**

**18 June 1997**

Notice No Contents Page

**I** _Information_

**European Parliament**

_Written Questions with answer_

(97/C 186/01) E-0353/95 by Bartho Pronk to the Commission

Subject: Dredging in the Western Scheldt (Supplementary answer) 1

(97/C 186/02) E-1380/95 by Phillip Whitehead to the Council

Subject: Budgetary provision of 2 m ECU for cooperation between police authorities 2

(97/C 186/03) E-0799/96 by Hartmut Nassauer to the Council

Subject: Convention on the basis of Article K.3 of the Treaty on European Union establishing a European Police
Office (Europol Convention), adopted on 26 July 1995 3

(97/C 186/04) E-1057/96 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Council

Subject: The UN's 'special initiative for Africa' 3

(97/C 186/05) E-l 161/96 by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark to the Council

Subject: Judicial cooperation relating to organized crime 4

(97/C 186/06) E-l335/96 by Monica Baldi to the Council

Subject: Council policy with regard to an association agreement with Albania 6

(97/C 186/07) E-l402/96 by Laura De Esteban Martin to the Council

Subject: Democracy clause 6

(97/C 186/08) P-1671/96 by Angela Sierra Gonzalez to the Commission

Subject: Implementation **of** the ESF in the Canary Islands (Supplementary answer) **7**

(97/C 186/09) E-2258/96 by Yiannis Roubatis to the Council

Subject: The problem of the burial of nuclear and toxic waste in the FYROM 7

(97/C 186/10) E-2288/96 by Gianfranco Dell'Alba to the Commission

Subject: The Mont Blanc motorway and respect for legislation concerning environmental impact assessment
(Supplementary answer) 8

## EN

**Price: ECU 50** _(Continued_ _overleaf)_

Notice No

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Contents ( continued ) Page

E-24 19 / 96 by Werner Langen to the Council
Subject : Imports into the European Union of wines from third countries

E-2482 / 96 by Michl Ebner to the Commission
Subject : Anti-smoking campaigns ( Supplementary answer )

E-2547 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Council

Subject : Human rights in Tibet

E-2557 / 96 by Anne Andre-Leonard to the Council

Subject : Abolition of summertime

E-2564 / 96 by Robin Teverson to the Council

Subject : Enforcement of EU Directive 91 / 628 on the transport of animals in France

E-2671 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo and Spalato Belleré to the Commission

Subject : Consumers and BSE

E-2678 / 96 by Yiannis Roubatis to the Council

Subject : Killing of Kurdish prisoners and human rights violations in Turkey

E-2698 / 96 by Eva Kjer Hansen to the Council
Subject : Publicity campaign for the European system for the promotion and protection of foodstuffs of a specific
character

E-2730 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission

Subject : BSE

E-2781 / 96 by Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission
Subject : Return of cultural objects

E-2804 / 96 by Claude Desama to the Commission
Subject : Undeclared workers at the Commission

E-2832 / 96 by Jannis Sakellariou to the Council
Subject : European Community Monitoring Mission ( ECMM ) in Zagreb

E-2881 / 96 by Graham Mather to the Commission

Subject : Denial of visas to third country nationals

E-2887 / 96 by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler to the Commission

Subject : BSE and milk

E-2888 / 96 by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler to the Commission

Subject : BSE and milk

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2887 / 96 and E-2888 / 96

E-2899 / 96 by Christian Cabrol to the Commission

Subject : Outbreaks of food poisoning

E-2904 / 96 by Paul Rübig to the Council
Subject : Directive on approximation of Member States ' laws and administrative provisions on articles of precious
metals

E-2983 / 96 by David Hallam to the Commission

Subject : Question No E-0878 / 96 on battery cages

E-2988 / 96 by Jesus Cabezón Alonso to the Commission

Subject : Cantabrian motorway and EU co-financing

E-2992 / 96 by Gisele Moreau to the Commission
Subject : Breakdown of Community aid received by the lie de France region in 1994 and 1995 ( Supplementary
answer )

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( 97 / C 186 / 31 ) E-30 16 / 96 by Jean-Antoine Giansily to the Council

Subject : Council staff

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Notice No Contents f continued ) Page

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E-3054 / 96 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission
Subject : Insurance payments to citizens of the former Yugoslavia 25

E-3070 / 96 by Pieter Dankert to the Commission
Subject : Bridge over the Tagus / Cohesion Fund 26

E-3072 / 96 by Pieter Dankert to the Commission
Subject : Bridge over the Tagus / Cohesion Fund 26

E-3073 / 96 by Pieter Dankert to the Commission
Subject : Bridge over the Tagus / Cohesion Fund 27

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3070 / 96, E-3072 / 96 and E-3073 / 96 27

E-3071 / 96 by Pieter Dankert to the Commission
Subject : Bridge over the Tagus / Cohesion Fund 27

E-3083 / 96 by Jesus Cabezón Alonso and Juan Colino Salamanca to the Commission
Subject : Slaughter of cattle in Switzerland 28

E-3084 / 96 by Jesus Cabezón Alonso and Juan Colino Salamanca to the Commission
Subject : Slaughter of cattle in the UK 28

E-3085 / 96 by Jesus Cabezón Alonso and Juan Colino Salamanca to the Commission
Subject : Eradication of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in the UK 28

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3084 / 96 and E-3085 / 96 29

P-3091 / 96 by Michel Rocard to the Council
Subject : Opening of a Commission office in Kosovo 29

E-3 106 / 96 by Joaquin Sisó Cruellas to the Commission

Subject : VAT exemption for passenger transport 30

E-3 1 17 / 96 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Council
Subject : EU assistance for the ' chicken map ' project at the University of Edinburgh 30

E-3 122 / 96 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission
Subject : Enzyme preparations produced by genetic engineering 31

E-3 130 / 96 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission
Subject : Technical and scientific guarantees of absence of infection by BSE agents 32

E-3 132 / 96 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission
Subject : Registers of gelatine exports made from British cattle 33

E-3 133 / 96 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission
Subject : Registers of tallow exports made from British cattle 33

E-3 134 / 96 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission
Subject : Registers of semen exports made from British cattle 33

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3 132 / 96, E-3 133 / 96 and E-3 134 / 96 33

E-3 137 / 96 by Gianni Tamino to the Commission
Subject : German boycott of the port of Trieste 34

E-3 144 / 96 by Marianne Thyssen to the Council
Subject : Language courses for officials of the European Institutions 35

E-3 148 / 96 by Fernando Fernandez Martin to the Commission
Subject : Towards sustainable development in the Canaries : environment and water 36

( 97 / C 186 / 51 ) E-3 153 / 96 by Laura González Alvarez to the Commission

Subject : Ecological disaster in the La Coruña rubbish top ( Spain ) 37

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( Continued overleaf )

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

( 97 / C 186 / 52 ) E-3 163 / 96 by Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Council
Subject : Visit by the troika to Israel 38

( 97 / C 186 / 53 ) E-3536 / 96 by Yannos Kranidiotis to the Council
Subject : Troika visit to the Middle East 38

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3163 / 96 and 3536 / 96 38

( 97 / C 186 / 54 ) P-3 165 / 96 by Maj Theorin to the Council
Subject : The illegal division of Cyprus 39

( 97 / C 186 / 55 ) E-3 169 / 96 by Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission
Subject : Pollution of an area of sea by the installations of the Motor Oil company ( Supplementary answer ) ... 39

( 97 / C 186 / 56 ) E-3 174 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission
Subject : JRC Ispra establishment 40

( 97 / C 186 / 57 ) E-3 175 / 96 by Gianni Tamino and Carlo Ripa di Meana to the Commission
Subject : Use of laser guns to control wild birds in the city of Modena 41

( 97 / C 186 / 58 ) E-3 185 / 96 by Noel Mamère to the Commission
Subject : Developing countries and the conservation of biodiversity 43

( 97 / C 186 / 59 ) E-3 187 / 96 by Richard Howitt to the Council
Subject : Allegations against an ambassador to the EU from a third country 44

( 97 / C 186 / 60 ) E-3939 / 96 by Richard Howitt to the Council
Subject : Ambassadors from third countries to the European Union 44

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3 187 / 96 and E-3939 / 96 44

( 97 / C 186 / 61 ) E-3 190 / 96 by Richard Howitt to the Commission
Subject : Share of European Structural Fund programmes affecting the Merseyside West European Constituency 44

( 97 / C 186 / 62 ) E-3 191 / 96 by Richard Howitt to the Commission

Subject : Innovative features of European Structural Fund programmes affecting the Merseyside West European
Constituency 45

( 97 / C 186 / 63 ) E-3 192 / 96 by Richard Howitt to the Commission
Subject : Principal lines of negotiation in the Merseyside Objective One Programme 46

( 97 / C 186 / 64 ) E-3 193 / 96 by Richard Howitt to the Commission
Subject : Employment impact of European Structural Fund programmes in the Merseyside West European
Constituency 47

( 97 / C 186 / 65 ) E-3 194 / 96 by Richard Howitt to the Commission
Subject : Multiplier effect for use of European Structural Funds in the Merseyside West European Constituency 47

( 97 / C 186 / 66 ) E-32 16 / 96 by Jean-Pierre Bazin to the Commission
Subject : Subsidies for the MTW-Wismar and Volkswerft-Stralsund shipyards 48

( 97 / C 186 / 67 ) P-32 19 / 96 by Heidi Hautala to the Council
Subject : Clarification of criteria for arms exports 48

( 97 / C 186 / 68 ) E-3222 / 96 by Bill Miller to the Commission
Subject : Subsidies to shipbuilders 49

( 97 / C 1 86 / 69 ) E-3223 / 96 by Tony Cunningham to the Commission
Subject : The UK supply of beer ( tied estate ) order 1989 : Tenants 50

( 97 / C 186 / 70 ) E-3224 / 96 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna to the Commission
Subject : Health checks on fish-processing undertakings in Morocco under Directive 91 / 493 / EEC 51

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E-3226 / 96 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna to the Commission
Subject : Impact on the Community canning industry of the concessions made to Morocco over canned sardines
under the new association agreement 51

E-3230 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : The Commission 's tax programme 52

E-323 1 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : The Commission 's tax programme 52

E-3232 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : The Commission 's tax programme 53

E-3243 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : The Commission 's tax programme 53

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3230 / 96, E-323 1 / 96, E-3232 / 96 and E-3243 / 96 ... 53

E-3233 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : The Commission 's tax programme 54

E-3242 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : The Commission 's tax programme 54

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3233 / 96 and E-3242 / 96 54

E-3246 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Directives on intellectual property incorporated by Spain 55

E-3247 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Directives on insurance incorporated by Spain 55

E-3249 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Commission actions on intellectual property 56

E-3252 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Publicization of public contracts 57

E-3257 / 96 by Jose Torres Couto to the Commission
Subject : Fisheries — total allowable catches ( TACs ) 58

E-3258 / 96 by Jose Torres Couto to the Commission

Subject : Sardine fishing 58

E-3275 / 96 by Raphael Chanterie to the Commission
Subject : European rules on public tendering 59

E-33 14 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU 60

E-33 15 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : action 60

E-33 16 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : government measures 61

E-33 17 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : a threat 61

E-33 18 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : action by the Commission 61

E-33 19 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : difference to be paid 62

( 97 / C 186 / 91 ) E-3320 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : policies 62

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Contents ( continued ) Page

E-3321 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : policies

E-3322 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : policies

E-3323 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : policies

E-3324 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : policies

E-3325 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : policies

E-3326 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : policies

E-3327 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : policies

E-3328 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : policies

E-3329 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : policies

E-3330 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : policies

E-333 1 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence tor EMU : policies

E-3332 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : policies

E-3333 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : policies

E-3334 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : policies

E-3335 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : percentage

E-3336 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : percentage

E-3337 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : percentage

E-3338 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : percentage

E-3339 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : percentage

E-3340 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : percentage

E-3341 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : percentage

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( 97 / C 186 / 113 ) E-3342 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : percentage

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Notice No

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Contents ( continued ) age

E-3343 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence tor EMU : percentage

E-3344 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence tor EMU : percentage

E-3345 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence tor EMU : percentage

E-3346 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence tor EMU : percentage

E-3347 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence tor EMU : percentage

E-3348 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence tor EMU : percentage

E-3349 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : percentage

E-3350 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : percentage

E-335 1 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU, by countries

E-3352 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU, by countries

E-3353 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU, by countries

E-3354 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU, by countries

E-3355 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU, by countries

E-3356 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU, by countries

E-3357 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU, by countries

E-3358 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU, by countries

E-3359 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU, by countries

E-3360 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU, by countries

E-3361 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU, by countries

E-3362 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU, by countries

E-3363 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU, by countries

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( 97 / C 186 / 135 ) E-3364 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU, by countries

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Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

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E-3365 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU, by countries 74

E-3366 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU, by countries 75

E-3367 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU 75

E-3368 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU 75

E-3369 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU 76

E-3370 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU 76

E-337 1 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU 76

E-3372 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU 76

E-3373 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU 77

E-3374 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU 77

E-3375 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU 77

E-3376 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU 77

E-3377 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU 78

E-3378 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU 78

E-3379 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU 78

E-3380 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU 79

E-3381 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU 79

E-3382 / 96 by Jose García-Margallo y Marfil to the Commission
Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU 79

Joint answer to Written Questions
E-33 18 / 96, E-33 19 / 96, E-3320 / 96,
E-3325 / 96, E-3326 / 96, E-3327 / 96,
E-3332 / 96, E-3333 / 96, E-3334 / 96,
E-3339 / 96, E-3340 / 96, E-3341 / 96,
E-3346 / 96, E-3347 / 96, E-3348 / 96,
E-3353 / 96, E-3354 / 96, E-3355 / 96,
E-3360 / 96, E-3361 / 96, E-3362 / 96,
E-3367 / 96, E-3368 / 96, E-3369 / 96,
E-3374 / 96, E-3375 / 96, E-3376 / 96,

E-33 14 / 96,
E-3321 / 96,
E-3328 / 96,
E-3335 / 96,
E-3342 / 96,
E-3349 / 96,
E-3356 / 96,
E-3363 / 96,
E-3370 / 96,
E-3377 / 96,

E-33 15 / 96,
E-3322 / 96,
E-3329 / 96,
E-3336 / 96,
E-3343 / 96,
E-3350 / 96,
E-3357 / 96,
E-3364 / 96,
E-337 1 / 96,
E-3378 / 96,

E-33 16 / 96,
E-3323 / 96,
E-3330 / 96,
E-3337 / 96,
E-3344 / 96,
E-335 1 / 96,
E-3358 / 96,
E-3365 / 96,
E-3372 / 96,
E-3379 / 96,

Joint answer to Written Questions E-33 14 / 96, E-33 15 / 96, E-33 16 / 96, E-33 17 / 96,
E-33 18 / 96, E-33 19 / 96, E-3320 / 96, E-3321 / 96, E-3322 / 96, E-3323 / 96, E-33 24 / 96,
E-3325 / 96, E-3326 / 96, E-3327 / 96, E-3328 / 96, E-3329 / 96, E-3330 / 96, E-333 1 / 96,
E-3332 / 96, E-3333 / 96, E-3334 / 96, E-3335 / 96, E-3336 / 96, E-3337 / 96, E-3338 / 96,
E-3339 / 96, E-3340 / 96, E-3341 / 96, E-3342 / 96, E-3343 / 96, E-3344 / 96, E-3345 / 96,
E-3346 / 96, E-3347 / 96, E-3348 / 96, E-3349 / 96, E-3350 / 96, E-335 1 / 96, E-3352 / 96,
E-3353 / 96, E-3354 / 96, E-3355 / 96, E-3356 / 96, E-3357 / 96, E-3358 / 96, E-3359 / 96,
E-3360 / 96, E-3361 / 96, E-3362 / 96, E-3363 / 96, E-3364 / 96, E-3365 / 96, E-3366 / 96,
E-3367 / 96, E-3368 / 96, E-3369 / 96, E-3370 / 96, E-337 1 / 96, E-3372 / 96, E-3373 / 96,
E-3374 / 96, E-3375 / 96, E-3376 / 96, E-3377 / 96, E-3378 / 96, E-3379 / 96, E-3380 / 96,

E-3381 / 96 and E-3382 / 96 79

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E-33 19 / 96,
E-3326 / 96,
E-3333 / 96,
E-3340 / 96,
E-3347 / 96,
E-3354 / 96,
E-3361 / 96,
E-3368 / 96,
E-3375 / 96,

E-3320 / 96,
E-3327 / 96,
E-3334 / 96,
E-3341 / 96,
E-3348 / 96,
E-3355 / 96,
E-3362 / 96,
E-3369 / 96,
E-3376 / 96,

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E-3384 / 96 by Mana Sornosa Martinez and Angela Sierra González to the Commission
Subject : Criminal Mafias in Spain 80

E-3385 / 96 by Maria Sornosa Martinez, Angela Sierra González and Abdelkader
Mohamed Ali to the Commission

Subject : Money laundering in Gibraltar 81

E-3393 / 96 by Nikitas Kaklamanis to the Commission
Subject : Management of aquatic resources 82

E-3394 / 96 by Luciano Vecchi to the Commission
Subject : Problems affecting the application of Community legislation on the prevention of spongiform
encephalopathy 83

E-3397 / 96 by Jonas Sjöstedt to the Commission
Subject : Withholding periods for animals for slaughter 84

E-34 10 / 96 by Anita Pollack to the Commission
Subject : Dioxin concentrations in soils 84

E-341 1 / 96 by Anita Pollack to the Commission
Subject : TV advertising to children 85

E-3421 / 96 by Mary Banotti to the Commission
Subject : VAT and duty taxes 85

E-3424 / 96 by Cristiana Muscardini and Spalato Belleré to the Commission
Subject : Moves to acquire telecommunications structures and media by Olivetti S.p.A 86

E-3430 / 96 by Iñigo Mendez de Vigo to the Commission
Subject : European Union cohesion policy 87

E-3431 / 96 by Heidi Hautala to the Commission
Subject : Principle of free library services 87

P-3440 / 96 by Norbert Glante to the Commission

Subject : Possible distortions of competition between notified bodies in connection with Council Decision
93 / 465 / EEC 88

E-3442 / 96 by Markus Ferber to the Council
Subject : Council action against Scientology 89

E-3443 / 96 by Markus Ferber to the Commission
Subject : Commission action against Scientology 90

E-3445 / 96 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Council
Subject : Cross-border consumer protection 91

E-3447 / 96 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Council
Subject : Cross-border consumer protection between the Saarland ( Germany ) and Lorraine ( France ) 91

E-3457 / 96 by Carlos Carnero Gonzalez, Laura Gonzalez Alvarez and Alonso Puerta to
the Council

Subject : Relations with Cuba 91

E-3461 / 96 by Jan Mulder to the Commission
Subject : Measures for the veal sector in the light of the reform of the beef sector 92

E-3465 / 96 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Council
Subject : Legal basis of the FACTT project 93

E-3468 / 96 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission
Subject : Safety precautions in FACTT experiments 93

( 97 / C 186 / 174 ) E-3470 / 96 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission

Subject : FACTT project and genetically modified rape-seed 94

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Contents ( continued ) Page

E-3472 / 96 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission

Subject : Expenditure on the FACTT project

E-3477 / 96 by Juan Colino Salamanca and Jesus Cabezón Alonso to the Council

Subject : Relations with Cuba

E-3478 / 96 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject : Measures to help poor urban areas

E-3484 / 96 by Sergio Ribeiro to the Commission
Subject : Aid for passenger transport ( taxis )

E-3488 / 96 by Per Gahrton to the Commission

Subject : Battery hens

E-3496 / 96 by Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission

Subject : Investment services in the securities field

E-3504 / 96 by Miguel Arias Cañete to the Commission

Subject : Consumption of preserved fish in the EU

E-3505 / 96 by Miguel Arias Cañete to the Commission

Subject : Trade in preserved fish

E-3506 / 96 by Miguel Arias Cañete to the Commission
Subject : Trade in semi-preserved salted anchovies and anchovies in olive oil

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3505 / 96 and E-3506 / 96

E-35 10 / 96 by Gianni Tamino, Daniel Cohn-Bendit and Carlo Ripa di Meana to the
Council

Subject : Applicability of EU legislation on safety at the workplace to professional sport ( by analogy with the
' Bosman case ')

P-35 12 / 96 by Doeke Eisma to the Commission

Subject : ERDF subsidies tor Maastricht ( Beek ) and Bierset airports

P-35 13 / 96 by Jan Bertens to the Commission

Subject : ERDF subsidies tor Maastricht ( Beek ) and Bierset airports

Joint answer to Written Questions P-35 12 / 96 and P-35 13 / 96

E-35 17 / 96 by Nikitas Kaklamanis to the Commission

Subject : Cooperation between BP and MOBIL

E-35 19 / 96 by James Moorhouse to the Commission

Subject : Falsification of certificates of origin on garments made in China

E-352 1 / 96 by Edward Kellett-Bowman to the Council
Subject : Religious freedom in Turkey

E-3522 / 96 by David Thomas to the Commission
Subject : Application of the beef export refund scheme for beef exports to South Africa and its impact on
neighbouring livestock-based economies

E-3523 / 96 by Laura De Esteban Martin to the Commission

Subject : Schengen

E-3524 / 96 by Laura De Esteban Martin to the Commission

Subject : Access to justice for European citizens

E-3527 / 96 by Yves Verwaerde to the Commission

Subject : Cases T-76 / 89 ( Independent Television Publications Ltd v. the Commission ), T-70 / 89 ( BBC v. the
Commission ) and T-69 / 89 ( RTE v. the Commission )

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102

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106

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( 91 IC 186 / 194 ) E-3528 / 96 by Françoise Grossetete to the Commission

Subject : Application of Article 9(2 ) of the sixth VAT directive

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E-3530 / 96 by Doeke Eisma to the Commission
Subject : High flux reactor in Petten ( Netherlands ) 107

E-3537 / 96 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Exclusive broadcasting of sports events 109

E-3539 / 96 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Compensation for beef 109

E-3541 / 96 by Bill Miller to the Commission
Subject : Expert panels and the criteria for the selection of projects under the fourth framework RTD 110

E-3543 / 96 by Bill Miller to the Commission
Subject : Expert panels and the criteria for the selection of projects under the fourth framework RTD 110

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3541 / 96 and E-3543 / 96 110

E-3542 / 96 by Bill Miller to the Commission
Subject : Expert panels and the criteria for the selection of projects under the fourth framework RTD Ill

E-3546 / 96 by Jesus Cabezón Alonso to the Council
Subject : Western Sahara 112

E-3547 / 96 by Jesus Cabezón Alonso to the Council
Subject : Western Sahara and an international peace conference 112

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3546 / 96 and E-3547 / 96 112

E-3550 / 96 by Jesus Cabezón Alonso and Juan Colino Salamanca to the Commission
Subject : Agreements with third countries 113

E-3553 / 96 by Jose Apolinário to the Commission
Subject : Information campaign for European citizens 113

P-3554 / 96 by Karin Riis-J0rgensen to the Commission
Subject : The Danish State-controlled eco-label 114

E-3555 / 96 by Yiannis Roubatis to the Council
Subject : Provocative remarks by high-ranking Turkish officials 114

E-356 1 / 96 by Salvador Garriga Polledo to the Council
Subject : Conciliation committees 115

E-3563 / 96 by Antoinette Spaak to the Commission
Subject : Commission working languages 117

E-3564 / 96 by Jose Barros Moura to the Commission
Subject : Tobacco production in the European Union 117

E-3575 / 96 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission
Subject : Delay in providing ERDF funding for the building of the Cartagena-Puertollano oil pipeline 118

E-3580 / 96 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : US customs duties for items 71.13 and 71.14 119

E-3588 / 96 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Harmonization of VAT on books 119

E-3589 / 96 by Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission
Subject : Gold mining near the town of Pergamon 120

E-3590 / 96 by Graham Mather to the Commission
Subject : Competitiveness of industry report 121

( 97 / C 186 / 215 ) E-3591 / 96 by Gerard Caudron to the Commission

Subject : Packaging directive 122

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E-3592 / 96 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : National legislation on dentistry 123

E-3593 / 96 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : Discrimination against Italian doctors 123

E-3594 / 96 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : Register of doctors and dentists 1 24

E-3597 / 96 by Jean-Yves Le Gallou to the Commission
Subject : Subsidies in the aeronautics, space, electronics and telecommunications sectors 1 25

P-36 19 / 96 by Vassilis Ephremidis to the Commission
Subject : Agricultural protests in Greece 1 26

E-3674 / 96 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : Crisis in the rice sector 127

P-3754 / 96 by Maren Günther to the Commission
Subject : Non-utilization of budget heading B7-615 127

E-3755 / 96 by Konstadinos Klironomos to the Commission
Subject : Wind park on Crete 128

E-3758 / 96 by Roberto Mezzaroma to the Commission
Subject : Approval of the decree for the re-organization of the Banco di Napoli by the Italian Government .... 129

E-3759 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission
Subject : Structural Funds 130

E-3762 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission
Subject : Public health 130

E-3764 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission
Subject : Economic development 131

E-3767 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission
Subject : Market in wine 1 32

E-3924 / 96 by Gianfranco Dell'Alba to the Commission
Subject : The EMCDDA report for 1995 133

E-3930 / 96 by Stanislaw Tillich to the Commission
Subject : PHARE and TACIS audits 133

E-3931 / 96 by Herbert Bosch to the Commission
Subject : Award of Phare contracts to consulting firms 134

E-3934 / 96 by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz to the Commission
Subject : Filters for radioactive strontium and caesium in liquids 1 35

E-3938 / 96 by Richard Howitt to the Council
Subject : Colombian peace process 136

E-3940 / 96 by Richard Howitt to the Commission
Subject : Ambassadors from third countries to the European Union 136

E-3941 / 96 by Richard Howitt to the Commission
Subject : Indigenous people 's rights in Colombia 136

E-3943 / 96 by Carmen Díez de Rivera Icaza to the Commission
Subject : Sustainable development 1 37

( 97 / C 186 / 237 ) E-3945 / 96 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission

Subject : Programme for reafforestation of agricultural land in Andalucia 138

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E-3949 / 96 by Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission
Subject : Fraud against the European Union in milk powder imports into Spain 139

E-3950 / 96 by Jean-Pierre Bébéar to the Commission
Subject : Deletion of the cormorant from Annex I to Directive 79 / 409 / EEC 139

E-3953 / 96 by Luciano Vecchi to the Commission
Subject : Problems regarding recovery of funds for Somali operators involved in the EC Sectorial Import
Programme 140

E-3954 / 96 by Giuseppe Rauti to the Commission
Subject : Defence of minimum size for farm holdings 141

E-3955 / 96 by Giuseppe Rauti to the Commission
Subject : Defence of traditional bread in Italy and Europe 141

E-3956 / 96 by Elly Plooij-van Gorsel to the Commission
Subject : Changes in policy with regard to the admissibility and handling of complaints concerning dumping with
particular reference to the proceedings initiated by the notices in OJ CI 1 1(96 ) pgs . 4 and 5 and OJ CI 32(96 ) p. 5 142

E-3957 / 96 by Elly Plooij-van Gorsel to the Commission
Subject : Changes in policy with regard to the admissibility and handling of complaints concerning dumping with
particular reference to the proceedings initiated by the notices in OJ CI 1 1(96 ) pgs . 4 and 5 and OJ C 132(96 ) p. 5 142

E-3958 / 96 by Elly Plooij-van Gorsel to the Commission
Subject : Changes in policy with regard to the admissibility and handling of complaints concerning dumping with
particular reference to the proceedings initiated by the notices in OJ C 1 1 1(96 ) pgs . 4 and 5 and OJ C 132(96 ) p. 5 143

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3956 / 96, E-3957 / 96 and E-3958 / 96 143

P-3964 / 96 by Doeke Eisma to the Commission
Subject : ' Joint action ' on drugs policy 144

E-3968 / 96 by Konstadinos Klironomos to the Commission
Subject : Cross-border cooperation between Greece and FYROM 145

E-3971 / 96 by Nikitas Kaklamanis to the Commission
Subject : Disaster in the Yera Gulf 145

E-3973 / 96 by Alexandras Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Property rights of Greeks on the island of Imbros 146

E-3974 / 96 by Alexandras Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Closure of the vocational training centre for young deaf people at Argyroupolis 146

E-3975 / 96 by Alexandras Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Aid per hectare to cotton producers 1 47

E-3976 / 96 by Alexandras Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Trumped-up charges against Soner Onder in Turkey 148

E-3977 / 96 by Alexandras Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Environmental problems caused by work at the port on the island of Leros 148

E-3978 / 96 by Kenneth Collins to the Commission

Subject : BSE research 149

E-3979 / 96 by Richard Howitt to the Council
Subject : Alleged breach of human rights by Chilean authorities 150

E-3980 / 96 by Joan Colom i Naval to the Commission
Subject : Aid to the victims of the Biescas disaster 150

( 97 / C 186 / 257 ) E-398 1 / 96 by Carmen Díez de Rivera Icaza to the Commission

Subject : CORINE 150

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Subject : Phosphorons containers dumped in Rincón Marsh ( Huelva, Spain )

E-3985 / 96 by Maria Sornosa Martinez and Laura González Alvarez to the Commission

Subject : Plans tor a toll motorway in the south-east park

E-3986 / 96 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna to the Commission
Subject : Future of the FIFG in the fish canning industry in Galicia ( Spain )

E-3987 / 96 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna to the Commission

Subject : Adjustment of the fish canning sector

E-3988 / 96 by Raimo Ilaskivi, Marjo Matikainen-Kallström, Jyrki Otila and Kirsi Piha to
the Commission

Subject : Measures taken by the Russian authorities against Finnish trucks

E-3989 / 96 by Heidi Hautala to the Commission

Subject : Use of EU regional aid to support a tourism enterprise in Finnish Lapland

E-3990 / 96 by Doris Pack to the Commission

Subject : European voluntary service for young people

E-399 1 / 96 by Miguel Arias Cañete to the Commission
Subject : Member States ' legislation with regard to application of the Common Fisheries Policy

E-3992 / 96 by Miguel Arias Cañete to the Commission

Subject : Reductions in ESF payments in Spain

E-3993 / 96 by Miguel Arias Cañete to the Commission

Subject : Canadian Draft Law No . C-62 on fisheries : the ' Fisheries Act '

E-3994 / 96 by Miguel Arias Cañete to the Commission

Subject : Operation of the CMO in flax and hemp

E-3995 / 96 by Miguel Arias Cañete to the Commission
Subject : Changes to the rules on the CMO in flax and hemp

E-3996 / 96 by Miguel Arias Cañete to the Commission

Subject : Abuse of the aid system for cotton

E-3997 / 96 by Miguel Arias Cañete to the Commission
Subject : Registers and monitoring of land cultivated for rice

E-3998 / 96 by Miguel Arias Cañete to the Commission

Subject : Changes to the EU agrimonetary system

E-3999 / 96 by Miguel Arias Cañete to the Commission
Subject : Differences in support levels in the Member States as a result of freezing agricultural interest rates . . .

E-4001 / 96 by Miguel Arias Cañete to the Commission

Subject : Situation of the Italian olive oil register

E-4002 / 96 by Miguel Arias Cañete to the Commission

Subject : Olive oil production aid control scheme in Greece

E-4004 / 96 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission

Subject : Development of the River Danube

E-4005 / 96 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission

Subject : Development of the River Danube

E-4006 / 96 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission

Subject : Development of the River Danube

Contents ( continued ) Page

E-3984 / 96 by Laura González Alvarez, María Sornosa Martinez and Abdelkader
Mohamed Ali to the Commission

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( 91 IC 186 / 279 ) E-4009 / 96 by Hilde Hawlicek to the Commission

Subject : Cultural cooperation with Central and Eastern European countries and with the Council of Europe . . .

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E-40 10 / 96 by Hilde Hawlicek to the Commission

Subject : The Commission 's reaction to Sir Russel Johnston 's report on cultural cooperatipn between the Council of
Europe and the EU 1 66

P-40 15 / 96 by Mark Watts to the Commission
Subject : Export of live cattle from the EU to the Middle East 166

E-40 17 / 96 by Marianne Thyssen to the Council
Subject : Amendment of the VAT rate for ornamental plants 167

E-40 18 / 96 by Christian Rovsing to the Commission
Subject : Probable inconsistency between the new German labour market law and the provisions of the Treaty
concerning free movement of labour and freedom to provide services 168

E-40 19 / 96 by Nikitas Kaklamanis to the Commission
Subject : Irregularities in the payment of sums due under an EU programme 169

E-4024 / 96 by Franz Linser to the Commission
Subject : Inadmissible subsidies — complaints against Tirol Werbung and TIS-Tourismusinformationssystem
GmbH 170

E-4025 / 96 by Christof Tannert to the Commission
Subject : Implementation in the individual Member States of the Directive on the contained use of genetically
modified micro-organisms 170

E-4026 / 96 by Karin Junker to the Commission
Subject : Cultural region of Europe — implementation of the remarks to budget item B3-2001 171

E-4033 / 96 by Richard Howitt to the Commission
Subject : Study on parking cards for people with disabilities 171

E-4034 / 96 by Thomas Megahy to the Commission
Subject : Health warnings on alcoholic drinks 172

E-4035 / 96 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna to the Commission

Subject : Contribution of the Structural Funds to the restoration and conservation of Europe 's historic and artistic
heritage 173

E-4037 / 96 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna to the Commission
Subject : ' Symbolic ' Commission initiatives for the restoration of historic monuments 173

E-4040 / 96 by Jose Barros Moura to the Council
Subject : Alqueva project 174

P-4044 / 96 by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz to the Commission
Subject : Annex VI of the Pesticides Directive l ) l / 414 / EEC 174

P-4045 / 96 by Mair Morgan to the Commission
Subject : Import duty tax on commercial vehicles 175

E-4048 / 96 by Caroline Jackson to the Commission
Subject : Organophosphates and BSE 175

E-4049 / 96 by Caroline Jackson to the Commission
Subject : Incorporation of environmental considerations into the Commission 's work programme 176

E-4051 / 96 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : Privatization of IRI 176

E-4052 / 96 by Cristiana Muscardini and Gastone Parigi to the Commission
Subject : Project for an organic market-gardening process in the Province of Belluno 1 77

E-4053 / 96 by Elly Plooij-van Gorsel to the Commission
Subject : Discrimination against SMEs on the electricity market 177

( 97 / C 186 / 300 ) E-4054 / 96 by Elly Plooij-van Gorsel to the Commission

Subject : Mutual recognition of certificates for professional divers 178

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E-4060 / 96 by John Iversen to the Commission
Subject : Bosman judgment 179

E-4065 / 96 by Jesus Cabezón Alonso to the Commission
Subject : State aids and the Spanish undertaking SNIACE 1 80

P-4074 / 96 by Nikitas Kaklamanis to the Commission
Subject : Award of grants under the programme for the training and mobility of researchers ( TMR ) 181

E-4077 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission
Subject : Surveillance and control of communicable diseases 181

E-4084 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission
Subject : The Strasbourg Chamber 1 82

E-4085 / 96 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission
Subject : Classical swine fever in Germany 1 82

P-4086 / 96 by Joaquim Miranda to the Commission
Subject : Storm on the island of Sao Miguel, Azores 183

E-4088 / 96 by Ulla Sandbæk ( I-EDN ) to the Commission
Subject : Debt alleviation for the highly indebted poor countries ( HIPC ) 183

E-4090 / 96 by Nikitas Kaklamanis to the Commission
Subject : Blood donation in Albania 184

E-4095 / 96 by Ulla Sandbæk ( I-EDN ) to the Commission
Subject : Fisheries agreement between EU and Mozambique 185

E-4097 / 96 by Maria Sornosa Martinez, Angela Sierra González, Abdelkader Mohamed
Ali, Laura González Alvarez and Carlos Carnero González to the Commission

Subject : Violation of human rights by the Moroccan police 185

E-4098 / 96 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission
Subject : European Union participation in the Flag project 186

E-4099 / 96 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission
Subject : Reducing violence in television programmes 1 87

E-4 100 / 96 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission
Subject : Bilateral agreements between Member States on installing joint police stations in border areas 188

E-4 103 / 96 by Umberto Bossi to the Commission

Subject : Availability in the various Community languages of application forms for participation in the Phare
Partnership Programme — 1996 188

P-4104 / 96 by Karin Riis-J0rgensen to the Commission
Subject : European environment communications strategy 189

P-4 107 / 96 by Michael Elliott to the Commission
Subject : Free movement of chemists 1 89

P-4 108 / 96 by Riccardo Garosci to the Commission
Subject : Legal recognition for informal groupings between SMUs ( small and medium-sized undertakings ) .... 190

E-4109 / 96 by Ralf Walter to the Commission
Subject : Travel insolvency insurance 191

E-41 10 / 96 by Hilde Hawlicek to the Commission
Subject : Shorter waiting time for authorization of Socrates applications 191

( 97 / C 186 / 321 ) E-41 12 / 96 by Ursula Schleicher to the Commission

Subject : Translation of international documents into the Community languages 192

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E-41 15 / 96 by Herbert Bosch to the Commission
Subject : EU bodies in the new Member States 193

E-41 18 / 96 by Mark Watts to the Commission
Subject : Problem of urban waste disposal for the western Costa del Sol 194

E-41 19 / 96 by Alfonso Novo Belenguer to the Commission
Subject : Fourth Fisheries Restructuring Plan 194

E-4121 / 96 by Francisca Sauquillo Perez del Arco to the Commission
Subject : Child labour 195

E-41 22 / 96 by Joaquin Sisó Cruellas to the Commission
Subject : Organ transplants in Europe 196

E-41 24 / 96 by Joaquin Sisó Cruellas to the Commission
Subject : Marketing of controversial dolls 196

E-41 25 / 96 by Maria Sornosa Martinez to the Commission
Subject : ' Battered baby ' doll in the shops 196

Joint answer to Written Questions E-41 24 / 96 and E-41 25 / 96 197

E-4 127 / 96 by Alonso Puerta and Laura González Alvarez to the Commission

Subject : Emissions of suffocating gases and poisonous smoke in Ajalvir ( Madrid — Spain ) 197

E-4 128 / 96 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission
Subject : The unchecked growth of supermarkets and hard discount stores 198

E-4 129 / 96 by Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission
Subject : Participation by Dutch firms in European Union development programmes 199

P-0001 / 97 by Alexandras Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Common policy on safety at sea 200

P-0003 / 97 by Glyn Ford to the Commission
Subject : Move of Gallaher from Hyde to Lisnafillan 201

E-0008 / 97 by Gerhard Hager to the Commission
Subject : Funding for the ' Gute Nachricht ' ( Good News ) religious centre 201

E-001 1 / 97 by Anita Pollack to the Commission
Subject : Bihari refugees in Bangladesh 202

E-001 2 / 97 by Anita Pollack to the Commission
Subject : Asia / Urbs 202

E-00 14 / 97 by Mary Banotti to the Commission
Subject : Radiation risk experiments 202

E-00 17 / 97 by Miguel Arias Cañete to the Commission
Subject : The United States and the cumulative recovery system 203

E-00 19 / 97 by Miguel Arias Cañete to the Commission
Subject : Egyptian rice 204

E-0024 / 97 by Armelle Guinebertière to the Commission
Subject : Implementation of the Directive on nitrates 204

E-0025 / 97 by Armelle Guinebertière to the Commission
Subject : Use of original language in EU Member States 205

( 97 / C 186 / 342 ) E-0026 / 97 by Bertel Haarder to the Commission

Subject : Trade union membership 205

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E-0030 / 97 by Alexandras Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Closure of the Kurdish-Turkish newspaper, Ronahi, by the Turkish authorities

E-0032 / 97 by Wilfried Telkämper to the Commission

Subject : Child labour in India

E-0035 / 97 by Odile Leperre-Verrier to the Commission

Subject : Leonardo programme

E-0036 / 97 by Odile Leperre-Verrier to the Commission

Subject : Mutual recognition ot diplomas

E-0040 / 97 by Florus Wijsenbeek to the Commission

Subject : Application of Directives 85 / 3 / EEC and 96 / 53 / EC

E-0041 / 97 by Petrus Cornelissen to the Commission

Subject : Driving bans for trucks

E-0042 / 97 by Petrus Cornelissen to the Commission

Subject : Driving hours and rest periods

E-0046 / 97 by Thomas Megahy to the Commission
Subject : Supply of staff to hotels in the Haute Savoie region of France — pay rates

E-0047 / 97 by Edith Müller to the Commission

Subject : Photochemical pollution at Gijón ( Spain )

P-0048 / 97 by Olivier Dupuis to the Commission
Subject : Human rights situation in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

P-0049 / 97 by Fernando Perez Royo to the Council

Subject : Statements by the Dutch Finance Minister

E-0054 / 97 by Yves Verwaerde to the Commission

Subject : Forum on the Information Society

E-0057 / 97 by Yiannis Roubatis to the Commission

Subject : Illegal immigration and drug trafficking across the Greek-Albanian border

E-0058 / 97 by Kenneth Coates to the Commission
Subject : Employment : transfer of benefits

E-0059 / 97 by Kenneth Coates to the Commission

Subject : Employment : transfer of benefits

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0058 / 97 and E-0059 / 97

E-0060 / 97 by Kenneth Coates to the Commission
Subject : Employment : freedom of movement

E-0062 / 97 by Kenneth Coates to the Commission

Subject : Employment : rates of unemployment benefit

E-0063 / 97 by . Kenneth Coates to the Commission

Subject : Employment : unemployment benefits

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0062 / 97 and E-0063 / 97

E-0067 / 97 by Guido Podestà to the Commission

Subject : Terrorist incidents in Algeria

P-0074 / 97 by Mair Morgan to the Commission
Subject : Selection of Commission stagiaires

( 97 / C 186 / 363 ) E-0075 / 97 by Horst Schnellhardt to the Commission

Subject : Information Centres for Rural Areas (' Carrefours ') — future planning and financial allocation

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E-0077 / 97 by Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission
Subject : ' Lilandio Pedio ' ( Lilas River plain ) 222

E-0084 / 97 by Mark Killilea to the Commission
Subject : Administration costs — Irish Leader projects 223

E-0085 / 97 by Mark Killilea to the Commission
Subject : Matched funding / Irish Leader projects 223

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0084 / 97 and E-0085 / 97 223

E-0088 / 97 by Jesus Cabezón Alonso to the Commission
Subject : Spain and the URBAN programme 223

E-0090 / 97 by Freddy Blak to the Commission
Subject : Working environment 224

P-0099 / 97 by Edouard des Places ( I-EDN ) to the Commission
Subject : Lentil production 225

E-0 105 / 97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis to the Commission
Subject : EU funding for the ECMI 226

P-0112 / 97 by Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission
Subject : Disasters in Greece 226

P-01 14 / 97 by Alan Donnelly to the Commission
Subject : Establishment of a European new car assessment programme 227

E-01 21 / 97 by Jean-Pierre Cot to the Commission
Subject : Protection of cormorants 228

E-01 22 / 97 by Aline Pailler to the Commission
Subject : Community subsidies allocated to the Aquitaine region in 1994 and 1995 228

E-0123 / 97 by Rene-Emile Piquet to the Commission
Subject : Community subsidies allocated to the Nord-Pas de Calais region in 1994 and 1995 229

E-01 24 / 97 by Mireille Elmalan to the Commission
Subject : Community subsidies allocated to the Rhone-Alpes region in 1994 and 1995 229

E-01 25 / 97 by Sylviane Ainardi to the Commission
Subject : Community subsidies allocated to the Midi-Pyrenees region in 1994 and 1995 230

E-01 26 / 97 by Sylviane Ainardi to the Commission
Subject : Community subsidies allocated to the Provence Cote d'Azur region in 1994 and 1995 230

E-01 28 / 97 by Antonio Tajani to the Commission
Subject : Safeguarding democratic rights in Serbia 23 1

P-01 29 / 97 by Marianne Thyssen to the Commission
Subject : Comitology 23 1

E-01 3 1 / 97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis to the Commission
Subject : Conviction of a prelate in Turkey 232

E-0 138 / 97 by Claudio Azzolini and Antonio Tajani to the Commission
Subject : Abolition of ' spadare ' in Italy 232

E-01 39 / 97 by Doeke Eisma to the Commission
Subject : Strategy to ensure safety and self-sufficiency of blood in the European Union 233

( 97 / C 186 / 384 ) P-0141 / 97 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject : Construction of the Casaletto to Largo Argentina high-speed tramway by Rome City Council 234

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E-0 145 / 97 by Amedeo Amadeo and Spalato Belleré to the Commission

Subject : Action programme to assist tourism . .

E-0 146 / 97 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission

Subject : Speeding by motorists

E-0 150 / 97 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission

Subject : Consumer credit

E-0 151 / 97 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission

Subject : Consumer credit

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0 150 / 97 and E-0 15 1 / 97

E-0 156 / 97 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission

Subject : Products processed from lemons

E-0 157 / 97 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission

Subject : Marketing of seeds

E-0 158 / 97 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission

Subject : Assistance in the fisheries and aquaculture sector

E-0 159 / 97 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission

Subject : Universal telecommunications service

E-0 160 / 97 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission

Subject : Universal telecommunications service

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0159 / 97 and E-0160 / 97

P-0 167 / 97 by Bernie Malone to the Commission

Subject : Publication of annual audit accounts of LEADER companies

P-0 168 / 97 by Helena Torres Marques to the Commission

Subject : Ratification of the new EU Treaty and enlargement

E-0 174 / 97 by Anita Pollack to the Commission

Subject : EU subsidies for bulls used in bullfighting and fiestas

E-0 176 / 97 by Edith Miiller to the Commission

Subject : Underwater pipelines in Gijon ( Spain )

E-0 179 / 97 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission

Subject : Italian legislation on amateur radio

E-0 182 / 97 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission

Subject : Violence against children

E-0 192 / 97 by Nuala Ahern to the Commission

Subject : Projects under Commission programmes

E-0 195 / 97 by Nuala Ahern to the Commission

Subject : Environmental status and radiological safety in the Pacific

E-0 197 / 97 by Mark Watts to the Commission

Subject : Church-aided schools

E-0203 / 97 by Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission

Subject : Assistance for Palestinian areas

P-0205 / 97 by Alex Smith to the Commission

Subject : South African citrus exports

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( 97 / C 186 / 405 ) P-0206 / 97 by Hugh McMahon to the Commission

Subject : ESF negotiations with the UK — Objective 4

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E-0209 / 97 by Michl Ebner to the Commission
Subject : Recognition of higher education qualifications in the Member States of the Union 248

E-0225 / 97 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : Milk imports from Eastern Europe 248

P-0227 / 97 by Jose Escudero to the Commission
Subject : Announcement of the annual Raphael theme 249

E-0230 / 97 by Paul Rübig to the Commission
Subject : Statistics on the enforcement of legislation on the protection of workers 249

E-0237 / 97 by Gianni Tamino to the Commission
Subject : Human brain transplants at the hospital of Kiev in Ukraine 250

E-0242 / 97 by Ria Oomen-Ruijten to the Commission
Subject : Primary education 25 1

E-0246 / 97 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission
Subject : Meadow ecosystem between Straubing and Vilshofen 252

E-0248 / 97 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission
Subject : Transposition of the flora and fauna habitats directive into German law 252

E-0256 / 97 by Richard Howitt to the Commission
Subject : European guidance on adoption of children 253

E-0265 / 97 by Richard Howitt to the Commission
Subject : Future of Ward 1 1 at Basildon Hospital 253

E-0269 / 97 by Carmen Fraga Estévez to the Commission

Subject : Rice imports from Egypt 254

E-0271 / 97 by Carmen Fraga Estévez to the Commission
Subject : Trade in fresh and canned tuna with the GSP-Andean Pact countries 254

E-0273 / 97 by Carmen Fraga Estévez to the Commission
Subject : Compliance with EU environment legislation by sardine canning and anchovy processing industries in
Morocco which export to the EU 255

E-0283 / 97 by Riccardo Nencini and Ernesto Caccavale to the Commission
Subject : Compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights 255

E-0293 / 97 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission
Subject : EU-Turkey customs agreement 255

E-0304 / 97 by Amedeo Amadeo to the Commission
Subject : Social Fund 256

E-0418 / 97 by Gianni Tamino to the Commission
Subject : Deadline for the application of Directive 93 / 35 / EEC ( cosmetic products tested on animals ) 257

P-0419 / 97 by Elisabeth Schroedter to the Commission

" Elbe Subject in Saxony-Anhalt : River development . Germany by the Federal Waterways and Navigation Administration on the middle reaches of the 257

E-0445 / 97 by Joaquin Sisó Cruellas to the Commission
Subject : European voluntary service 258

E-0447 / 97 by Joaquin Sisó Cruellas to the Commission
Subject : Termination of customs concessions for Burmese agricultural products 259

( 97 / C 186 / 426 ) E-0448 / 97 by Georges Berthu ( I-EDN ) to the Commission

Subject : Respect for language pluralism in the Union 259

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( 97 / C 186 / 427 ) P-0455 / 97 by Maria Izquierdo Rojo to the Commission

Subject : Decision of the Galician regional government rerouting the electrical power line ( 400 kw ) through the
locality of Merza ( Pontevedra ), with adverse effects extending to EU investment 260

( 97 / C 186 / 428 ) P-0457 / 97 by Maj-Lis Lööw to the Commission
Subject : Tobacco and public health 260

( 97 / C 186 / 429 ) E-0501 / 97 by Armelle Guinebertière to the Commission
Subject : The problem of the cormorant in European fishing regions 261

( 97 / C 186 / 430 ) E-0508 / 97 by Roberta Angelilli to the Commission
Subject : Construction of the high-speed rail link between Rome and Naples 261

( 97 / C 186 / 431 ) P-0575 / 97 by Giovanni Burtone to the Commission
Subject : Violation of Article 48 of the Treaty on European Union 262

( 97 / C 186 / 432 ) E-0579 / 97 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission
Subject : Application of the tlora and fauna habitats directive to the Bienwald 262

( 97 / C 186 / 433 ) E-0591 / 97 by Jesus Cabezón Alonso to the Commission
Subject : Correct use of the letter ' n ' in the European Union 263

( 97 / C 186 / 434 ) E-06 17 / 97 by Heinz Kindermann to the Commission
Subject : Use of the nerve agent ivermectin in Scottish salmon farms 263

( 97 / C 186 / 435 ) P-0950 / 97 by Niels Kofoed to the Commission
Subject : Seed certification — Council Directive 66 / 401 / EEC of 14 June 1966 on the marketing of fodder plant seeds 264

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18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 1

###### I

{ Information )

##### EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

( 97 / C 1 86 / 0 1 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0353 / 95

by Bartho Pronk ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 15 February 1995 )

Subject : Dredging in the Western Scheldt

Dredging is being carried out in the Western Scheldt pursuant to an agreement between the Netherlands and
Belgium . The Belgian authorities obviously take the view that European directives on tendering do not apply in
this case owing to the fact that a contract, which runs until 1999, already exists with the Belgische Tijdelijke
Vereniging Zeeschelde .

1 . Does the Commission take the view that, in this case, Belgium is not obliged to follow the mandatory
tendering procedure in accordance with the directives, despite the fact that this is a totally new contract which, a
few months ago at least, was set to be put out to tender ?

2 . If so, why ?

3 . If not, will it publicly remind the Belgian authorities of their obligations in this area ?

Supplementary answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 27 Februan ' 1997 )

Further to the answer given on 10 April 1995, (') the Commission is now in a position to communicate the
following information :

Following the Written Questions by the Honourable Member and by Mrs Van Dijk ( E-0 150 / 95 ( 2 ) and
E-3051 / 95 ( 3 )) concerning dredging work in the Scheldt, the Commission carried out investigations with
Belgium into the conditions under which the contracts were awarded .

These investigations revealed that the award of contracts for dredging the Scheldt was initially covered by an
existing contract concluded on 17 March 1975 by mutual agreement between the Belgian State and Tijdelijke
Vereniging Zeeschelde, a temporary association of three Belgian companies .

That contract fell within the scope of the Public Works Directive which was in force at the time, namely
Directive 71 / 305 / EEC . ( 4 ) The Directive did not allow contracts to be awarded by mutual agreement, except
under the conditions mentioned in Article 9 . Since those conditions were not met, the contract was concluded in
breach of the Directive ; it also contained provisions which reserved contracts for the supply of dredging
equipment for Belgian firms and therefore contravened Article 30 of the Treaty . In accordance with subsequent
additional clauses, also concluded by mutual agreement, the contract is to expire on 31 March 1999 .

The Belgian authorities have informed the Commission that after expiry of the disputed contract on
3 1 March 1999 all dredging contracts will be put out to tender in accordance with a European procedure ; that the
calls for competition for the work are already being prepared ; and that, since in the interests of the

No C 186 / 2 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

safety of shipping the work cannot be stopped, the existing contract cannot be cancelled ; they have undertaken to
provide the Commission with the provisional schedule for putting contracts up for competition from
31 March 1999 onwards . The Commission is continuing its discussions with the Belgian authorities with a view
to ensuring that Community law is applied correctly in the award of the contracts concerned .

The Commission also found out that new contracts relating to an extension of the dredging area and worth a total
of some ECU 91 million were to be concluded by mutual agreement with Tijdelijke Vereniging Zeeschelde .
These contracts also fall within the scope of the Public Works Directive ( the one in force today is
Directive 93 / 37 / EEC ( 5 )). Since no justification was given for using the negotiated procedure without prior
publication of a notice, these contracts should have been awarded by open or restricted procedure . The
Commission therefore decided to initiate proceedings under Article 169 of the EC Treaty .

Since the Belgian authorities have still not come forward, either at a meeting with the Commission or in their
reply to the letter of formal notice, with any justification for using the negotiated procedure without a prior call
for competition, and since they dispute, in their reply to the letter of formal notice, all the infringements and
irregularities established by it, the Commission has decided to move to the next step in the procedure provided
for in Article 169 of the EC Treaty and issue a reasoned opinion .

(') OJ C 175 . 10.7.1995, p . 36 .

( : ) OJ C 209, 24.8.1995 .

( ') OJ C 161, 5.6.1996 .

( 4 ) OJ L 185, 16.8.1971 .

(■) OJ L 199, 9.8.1993 .

( 97 / C 186 / 02 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1380 / 95

by Phillip Whitehead ( PSE ) to the Council

( 17 Max 1995 )

Subject : Budgetary provision of ECU 2 m for cooperation between police authorities

A budget of ECU 2 m was included in the 1994 budget to cover cooperation between police authorities . Can the
Council please explain how this money was used and, if it was n't, to what end it was used ?

How does the Council propose to administer the budgetary allocation in 1995 ?

What will be the criteria which projects must meet in order to receive funding ?

Answer

< 10 March 1997 )

The Council was unable to adopt the requisite legal basis for utilization of the ECU 2 million appropriation
entered in the 1994 budget .

In 1995, however, the Council adopted on 25 September a Joint Action on measures implementing Article K. 1 of
the Treaty and a Decision concerning the implementation of that Joint Action ( OJ L 238 of 6 October 1995, pp .

1-3 ) determining the types of projects eligible for financing, the selection criteria and the decision-making
procedure to be followed :

— types of projects : measures relating to training, the gathering and exchange of information and experience,
seminars, studies and publications or other operational measures in support of cooperation activities of the
Union ( see Article 1 of the Joint Action of 25 September 1995 );

— selection criteria : projects must :

— involve more than one Member State, or a single Member State if they are of common interest, and

— precede or follow up the establishment of provisions under Title VI of the Treaty or facilitate any
operational cooperation in the abovementioned areas ( see second paragraph of Article 2 of the Decision
of 25 September 1995 );

— procedure : the Commission is responsible for processing projects and implementing financing decisions and
a Working Party composed of representatives of the Member States selects the projects ( see Articles 3, 4 and
5 of the Decision of 25 September 1995 ).

55 projects were financed in 1995 on that basis .

18.6.97 r EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 3

In 1996, the Council adopted a Decision on 14 October which constitutes the requisite legal basis for utilization
of the amount of ECU 1 369 000 carried forward from 1995 ( OJ L 268, 19 October 1996, p. 1 ).

The decision-making process is the same as that laid down in 1995 . The Decision provided that those
appropriations would essentially be devoted to measures carried out in cooperation with States engaged in a
structured dialogue with European Union and with Latin America, including the Caribbean, to combat drugs .
Thirty-one projects have been selected in this context .

The Commission, moreover, submitted two programmes to the Council : the ' SHERLOCK ' programme
( programme of training, exchanges and cooperation in the field of identity documents ) and the ' GROTIUS '
programme ( programme of exchanges for legal practitioners ), which were adopted by the Council on 28 October

1996 ( OJ L 287 . 8 November 1996, pages 7 and 3 respectively ).

Belgium submitted an incentive and exchange programme for persons responsible for combating trade in human
beings and the sexual exploitation of children (' STOP ') which was adopted by the Council on 29 November 1996

( OJ L 322, 12 December 1996, p. 7 ).

The Irish Presidency has submitted a programme for the exchange and training of, and cooperation between, law
enforcement authorities (' OISIN '), which was adopted on 20 December 1996 .

( 97 / C 186 / 03 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0799 / 96

by Hartmut Nassauer ( PPE ) to the Council

( 12 April 1996 )

Subject : Convention on the basis of Article K.3 of the Treaty on European Union establishing a European Police

Office ( Europol Convention ), adopted on 26 July 1995

For each Member State, will the Council give the progress of ratification procedures as at 1 March 1996 for the
Convention on the basis of Article K.3 of the Treaty on European Union establishing a European Police Office
( Europol Convention ), adopted on 26 July 1995 (').

(') OJ C 316 . 27.1 1.1995 . p . 1 .

Answer

( 24 March 1997 )

The Council is unable to give precise details of the stage reached in the procedures for ratification of a
Convention in the various Member States .

With regard more specifically to procedures for ratification of the Europol Convention, some Member States had
intimated that they would be unable to ratify until the question of conferring jurisdiction on the Court of Justice
to give preliminary rulings on the interpretation of the Convention 's provisions had been finally resolved . Since
the relevant Protocol was signed, in July 1996, that obstacle has been removed .

Member States ' Governments have expressed their firm intentiuon of completing ratification procedures by the
end of 1997 .

( 97 / C 186 / 04 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1057 / 96

by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE ) to the Council

(8 Max 1996 )

Subject : The UN 's ' special initiative for Africa '

In connection with this initiative which the UN has just launched in agreement with the IBRD ( World Bank ),
what role have the Council and the Member States played and what is the relationship — including budgetary
resources, the eighth EDF and bilateral cooperation — between that idea and the action of the EU, especially in
the context of Lome IV ?

No C 186 / 4 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18.6.97

Furthermore, according to initial reports, it appears that no specific role is to be played by the Union, which is the
world 's leading contributor to development, as emerged at the recent Joint Assembly meeting held in Windhoek .

Answer

( 11 March 1997 )

The Union, and in particular, the Presidency, played an active part during the Mid-Term Review of the
implementation of the United Nations Agenda for the development of Africa in the 1990s ( UN-NAD AF ), and this
review was conducted, from the EU perspective, in the light of the conclusions of recent international
Conferences ( UNCTAD IX, the OAU Summit and the High-level Seminar on African Developement held in
Tokyo in August 1996 ).

The UN Secretary-General 's Special Initiative provides for key bilateral donors to be consulted within a year on
achievement of the aims of the initiative . Paragraphs 215 and 216 of the Special Initiative read as follows :

' 215 . The special initiative is planned to include generation of political commitment and support both
among Africa 's development partners and within Africa .

216 . It has been agreed that a one year campaign be undertaken to put forward the key-emphases of the
initiative, i.e. that African development should be supported by the international community and that the UN
is taking leadership in new ways to cooperate with Africa . This would permit a process of further
consultation with African leaders . A one year timespan would also permit coverage of key political meetings
( OAU, ECA ministerial, G 77, Islamic Conferences etc .), bilateral discussions with key donors in the OECD
and other areas, NGO 's and media .'

The Member States and the Commission have been involved in the consultation process via their Permanent
Representations to the United Nations in New York . Furthermore the Union, and in particular the Presidency,
played an active part during the Mid-Term Review of the implementation of the United Nations New Agenda for
the development of Africa in the 1990s ( UN-NADAF ). It emerged from the review that greater effort to achieve
the aims of the Agenda was urgently needed, particularly in the areas of economic reform, promotion of the
private sector, improvement of macro-economic conditions, democratization and the environment . Moreover,
the complementary nature of the UN Secretary-General 's Special Initiative to the UN-NADAF was
acknowledged and notice given that the latter should be suitably dovetailed with the Special Initiative in order to
avoid duplication . The EU has made a considerable contribution to this outcome and was co-sponsor of the
United Nations General Assembly Resolution on the Mid-Term Review of the UN-NADAF .

( 97 / C 186 / 05 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1161 / 96

by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark ( PPE ) to the Council

( 17 May 1996 )

Subject : Judicial cooperation relating to organized crime

Will the Council detail the judicial cooperation instruments

1 . currently being drawn up

2 . already adopted

as mentioned in the declaration on organized crime, agreed by the Council on 19 / 20 March 1996 ?

Answer

( 11 March 1997 )

The declaration to which the Honourable Member refers has just been formally adopted by the Council .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 5

The Declaration refers in general to the implementation of existing instruments of judicial cooperation without
specifying them ( with one exception : namely the Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure and Confiscation
of the Proceeds from Crime of 8 November 1990 . This Convention which has entered into force, has not yet been
ratified by all Member States ). Some of the relevant instruments have been adopted by other bodies outside the
European Union, such as the United Nations and the Council of Europe .

At least the following conventions, adopted by the Council since the entry into force of the Treaty on European
Union, seem to be of relevance in the fight against organized crime :

1 . Convention on simplified extradition of 10 March 1995 ;

2 . Convention on the protection of the European Communities ' financial interests of 26 July 1995 :

— Protocol of 27 September 1996 to the Convention on the protection of the European Communities '
financial interests ;

— Protocol of 28 November 1996 on the interpretation, by way of preliminary rulings by the Court of
Justice of the European Communities, of the Convention on the protection of the European
Communties ' financial interests ;

3 . Convention on the establishment of a European Police Office of 25 July 1995 ;

4 . Convention relating to extradition between Member States of the European Union of 27 September 1996 .

5 . Convention on mutual assistance between customs administrations of 26 July 1995 .

A number of other draft conventions are under discussion by the Council . In this context the following should in
particular be mentioned :

1 . a draft Convention on mutual assistance in criminal matters between the Member States of the European
Union ;

2 . a draft Convention on the fight against corruption involving officials of the European Communities or
officials of Member States of the European Union ;

3 . a draft second Protocol to the Convention on the protection of the European Communities ' financial
interests .

Several other legal instruments relevant to the fight against organized crime have been adopted by the Council .
Without purporting to be exhaustive, the following instruments or draft instruments should in particular be
mentioned :

1 . Recommendations of the Council concerning trafficking in human beings of 20 June 1994 ;

2 . Resolution of the lawful interception of telecommunications of 17 January 1995 ;

3 . Joint Action concerning a framework for the exchange of liaison magistrates to improve judicial cooperation
between the Member States of the EU of 22 April 1996 ;

4 . Joint Action on a programme of incentives and exchanges for legal practitioners ( GROTIUS ) of 28 October

1996 ;

5 . Joint Action establishing an incentive and exchange programme for persons responsible for combating trade
in human beings and the sexual exploitation of children of 29 November 1996 ;

6 . Council Resolution on the protection of witnesses in the fight against international organized crime of
23 November 1995 ;

7 . Joint Action concerning the creation and maintenance of a directory of specialized competences, skills and
expertise in the matter of the fight against international organized crime, in order to facilitate law
enforcement cooperation between Member States of the EU of 29 November 1996 ;

8 . Council Resolution on sentencing for serious illicit drug trafficking of 20 December 1996 ;

9 . Joint Action concerning the approximation of the laws and practice of the Member States of the EU to
combat drug addiction and drug trafficking of 17 December 1996 .

Finally, the following legal instrument, which is of particular importance in combating organized crime, has also
been approved by the Council :

— a Joint Action concerning action to combat trafficking in human beings and the sexual exploitation of
children .

No C 1 86 / 6 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 8 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 1 86 / 06 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1335 / 96

by Monica Baldi ( UPE ) to the Council

(4 June J 996 )

Subject : Council policy with regard to an association agreement with Albania

The preamble to the economic and commercial cooperation agreement between the EU and Albania, which
entered into force on 1 December 1992, stipulates that the commitments entered into will form the basis for a
future association agreement, to be concluded in due course once the necessary requirements have been met .

To what extent does the Council believe an association agreement to be feasible, in the light both of the economic
recovery achieved in Albania in recent years and of the progress which the country has made in safeguarding
human rights and fundamental freedoms ?

Does the Council share the view that such an agreement, if concluded, would help to consolidate political
stability in the region concerned ?

In the Council 's opinion, what steps should be taken in order to bring about a rapprochement between Albania
and the EU at the practical level ?

Answer

( 13 March 1997 )

The Council has formulated a regional approach for relations with South-East Europe which applies primarily to
the countries in the region in respect of which the European Union has not adopted negociating directives for an
association agreement .

Bearing in mind its starting-point, Albania has made progress both with its economy and as regards respect for
human rights and fundamental freedoms . The Council considers it important for its relations with Albania that
the country continues to move forward in this area .

At its meeting on 13 may 1996, the Council noted with satisfaction that the Commission would be submitting a
recommendation for a Decision authorizing the opening of negotiations with Albania with a view to concluding a
new agreement, which would constitute an important step on the path towards an association agreement .

In the light of the Commission proposals, the Council will in due course take a position on the various questions
raised by the Honourable Member .

( 97 / C 186 / 07 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1402 / 96

by Laura De Esteban Martin ( PPE ) to the Council

( 18 June 1996 )

Subject : Democracy clause

Could the Council provide a practical example of how the democracy clause in EU agreements with third
countries is applied and enforced ?

Answer

( 13 March 1997 )

The Honourable Member may rest assured that the Council monitors closely the political situation within third
countries, in particular those with which the Community is linked by agreements containing a democracy clause .
Accordingly, in January 1996, following the coup d'etat which overturned the democratic order in Niger, the
Union suspended its development cooperation with that country, except for humanitarian aid and aid benefiting
the poorest sections of the population .

For a large number of these agreements respect for the principles referred to above is provided for by means of a

' human rights ' clause, which stipulates that ' respect for democratic principles and human rights ' constitutes an
essential aspect of the agreement . There is, in addition, a ' non-fulfilment ' clause, which enables appropriate
measures to be adopted where one of the parties does not fulfil its obligations . The human rights situation is
monitored continuously in the countries with which the Community has signed agreements .

18 . 6 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 7

( 97 / C 186 / 08 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-1671 / 96

by Angela Sierra Gonzalez ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 12 June 1996 )

Subject : Implementation of the ESF in the Canary Islands

Could the Commission say what funds have been allocated under the European Social Fund in the Canary
Islands, Spain, and state whether the ' Fundacion para la Formacion y el Empleo ' ( Foundation for Vocational
Training and Employment ) based in Arrecife, Lanzarote, receives funding under the ESF or any other
Community initiative programme ?

Could the Commission say whether the budget has been implemented correctly, bearing in mind that most of the
Foundation 's expenditure in organizing courses has been devoted to infrastructure and non-teaching staff ?

Supplementary answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(5 March 1997 )

Following its answer of 5 July 1996, the Commission would inform the Honourable Member that the UAFSE
( Unidad Administradora del FSE ), which is responsible for administering the European Social Fund ( ESF ) in
Spain under the aegis of the Ministry for Labour and Social Affairs, has confirmed that the Foundation for
Vocational Training and Employment based in Puerto Arrecife ( Lanzarote ), officially registered as a Foundation
for the Canary Islands since 6 October 1994, did not receive assistance from the ESF in 1994 or 1995 .

( 97 / C 186 / 09 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2258 / 96

by Yiannis Roubatis ( PSE ) to the Council

( 27 August 199 6 )

Subject : The problem of the burial of nuclear and toxic waste in the FYROM

European nuclear scientists and the relevant scientific periodicals suggest that, in response to a request by the
German Government, a site in the FYROM ( Mavrovo ) may be used for the burial of nuclear and toxic waste .
Apart from the consequences the burial of such waste will have for the FYROM itself, it will pose very serious
dangers for its neighbour, Greece, given that the two countries have common rivers, lakes and groundwater
supplies . The very strong seismic activity in the region aggravates these dangers .

Will the Council say :

1 . Does it have any knowledge of this matter and, if not, does it intend to verify this information ?

2 . How does it view the problem of the uncontrolled burial of nuclear and toxic waste in non-Community
European countries which lie on the borders of EU countries, and what pressure does it intend to exert on the
former, and particularly those which receive Community funds, such as the FYROM ( PHARE )?

Answer

( 11 March 1997 )

The Council has no information on the matter mentioned by the Honourable Member . As far as it is aware, no
request has been made to use a site in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia for the burial of nuclear and
toxic waste, and it has no knowledge of any such project .

It should also be pointed out that any shipment of toxic waste for disposal from the Member States of the
Community to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia would in any case be prohibited under Article 14(1 )
of Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 259 / 93 of 1 February 1993 on the supervision and control of shipments of waste
within, into and out of the European Community .

No C 186 / 8 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

In its resolution of 19 December 1994 on radioactive-waste management '), the Council encouraged continued
cooperation with various international bodies to provide international guidance and standards for the safe
management of radioactive waste and to encourage the adoption of the best available techniques and best
environmental practice .

(') OJ C 379, 31.12.1994, p.l .

( 97 / C 186 / 10 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2288 / 96

by Gianfranco Dell Alba ( ARE ) to the Commission

( 27 August 1996 )

Subject : The Mont Blanc motorway and respect for legislation concerning environmental impact assessment

The company ' Autostrade del Monte Bianco ' is about to start work on building the Morgex-Courmayeur section
of the motorway without any environmental impact assessment having been carried out in accordance with
Directive 85 / 337 / EEC (').

An appeal was lodged with the Commission by the consumer organization CODACONS, which asked the
Commission to bring proceedings against Italy for infringement of Article 177 of the Treaty, since it did not
apply Directive 85 / 337 / EEC for the Sarre-Morgex section either .

On the other side of the border there is not the same determination to favour road transport to the detriment of
other modes of transport which are more environmentally acceptable .

Does the Commission intend to bring proceedings against the Italian State for infringement of Article 177 of the
Treaty in connection with the Mont Blanc motorway ?

(') OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p . 40 .

Supplementary answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 28 February 1997 )

Further to its answer of 1 October 1996 ('), the Commission would inform the Honourable Member that it has
approached the Italian authorities regarding the Honourable Member 's question .

The Italian Environment Minister has indicated that the Morgex-Courmayeur section is to be subject to
environmental impact assessment in accordance with the Directive .

Accordingly, the Commission can find no infringement of Community law .

(') OJ C 356, 25.11.1996 . p . 123 .

( 97 / C 1 86 / 1 1 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2419 / 96

by Werner Langen ( PPE ) to the Council

( 11 September 1996 )

Subject : Imports into the European Union of wines from third countries

Last year, considerable quantities of white wine, red wine and must were imported into the EU from third
countries . Imports from Argentina alone amounted to more than 10 million hectolitres .

Is the Council aware of the large quantities of wine being imported into the EU from third countries ?

Is the Council also aware that imports from third countries are often labelled as Community wines ?

If so, how does the Council intend to control the situation and guarantee the right to Community preference ?

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 9

Answer

( 13 March 1997 )

Re 1

Like the Honourable Member, the Council is in a position to consult Commission statistics .

Re 2

Pursuant to Article 52 of the basic wine Regulation ( EEC ) No 822 / 87, wine imports into the Community are
conditional on the production of an export licence issued by a Member State following the provision of a security
and valid throughout the Community .

It is therefore for the Member States to ensure that that provision is applied correctly, and in particular that
imported wine is described as such when it is put into circulation .

Re 3

Moreover, large wine imports cannot by themselves constitute an infringement of the Community preference
principle ; indeed, Article 60 of the aforesaid basic Regulation provides for measures to be adopted only if the
Community wine market ' is affected by, or threatened with, serious disturbance likely to jeopardize the
achievement of the objectives set out in Article 39 of the Treaty '.

Under that provision both the Member States — through interim protective action — and the Commission are
responsible for adopting appropriate measures .

( 97 / C 1 86 / 1 2 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2482 / 96

by Michl Ebner ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 25 September 1996 )

Subject : Anti-smoking campaigns

In Written Question E      - 1372 / 96, (') tabled on 3 June 1996, the Commission was asked to say :

— what action was being taken to combat the causes of cancer and what projects would be implemented to
encourage non-smoking, thereby giving practical form to the fight against cancer ; and

— why support for tobacco consumption was not being abolished, bearing in mind that tobacco consumption is
so seriously damaging to health .

On 16 July 1996 Mr Flynn, on behalf of the Commission, gave an entirely non-committal answer in which he
noted, among other things, that support for the market in raw tobacco was granted under the common market
organization approved by Parliament and the Council and, as such, did not act in any way as an incentive to
tobacco consumption .

In the light of the foregoing, will the Commission now say ;

1 . whether it will revise its totally unacceptable view ;

2 . whether it will not propose to Parliament and the Council that support measures for raw tobacco be
discontinued and the common market organization abolished ;

3 . whether it does not believe that supported prices for raw tobacco constitute an incentive to tobacco
consumption, given that, because of the EU 's support measures, the drug, the proven trigger factor in 30% of
all cancer cases, is offered more cheaply to consumers, a fact which no doubt encourages them to smoke ;

4 . whether it will at last abandon its hypocritical attitude, at least as far as this matter is concerned ?

C ) OJ C 365 ot 4.12.1996, p . 4 .

Supplementary answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 27 Februar y 1997 )

Further to its answer of 4 December 1996 ('), the Commission is now able to provide the following additional
information .

No C 186 / 10 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

The Commission adopted on 1 8 December 1 996 two documents concerning respectively tobacco cultivation, and
smoking prevention ( 2 ) {-). The report adopted by the Commission on the common organisation of the tobacco
market ' 2 ' contains elements intended to reform and improve the operation of these market support arrangements .
In particular, a proposal is made to increase from 1% to 2% the levy on producers ' subsidies which is used to
provide the Community fund for research and information on tobacco . This fund is used to finance research into
less damaging varieties of tobacco, and to provide information on the dangers of smoking .

The support for the tobacco market is an integral part of the common agricultural policy, approved by the
Parliament and Council . The purpose of these particular arrangements is distinct and different from the
Community 's efforts to prevent smoking in the context of its action in the field of public health . In this latter
field, the Commission also adopted on the same occasion a communication on combatting smoking 01 . This
reviews the Community strategy to protect human health from the harmful effects of tobacco and outlines the
available policy options for combatting tobacco consumption . The aim of the communication is to initiate a
wide-ranging debate on the policy to be followed in reducing smoking .

(') OJ C 83 of 14.3.1997 . p . 18 .

( : ) COM(96 ) 554 .
(') COM(96 ) 609 .

( 97 / C 186 / 13 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2547 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Council

( I October 1996 )

Subject : Human rights in Tibet

The Tibetan people, which has been under the occupation of the People 's Republic of China since 1949, is being
subjected to extremely harsh repression which is jeopardizing its the very survival .

Countless initiatives have been taken at all levels with a view to putting an end to this intolerable situation, but
the results have been disappointing .

Would the Council not agree that it should make representations to the government of the People 's Republic of
China with a view to its halting immediately the transfer of Chinese nationals to Tibet and embarking on a
decolonization process, returning the Tibetan land, crops and housing which have been expropriated in over
40 years of occupation ?

Answer

( 13 March 1997 )

The EU has always taken a strong position in support of Tibetan cultural autonomy in its relations with the
authorities in Beijing . It has expressed on various occasions its concern about the massive influx of Han Chinese
into Tibet and requested adequate measures to ensure respect for the Tibetan cultural and religious heritage .

The EU is concerned about recent reports about a hardening of the official Chinese line towards the expression of
the Tibetan identity . The EU will continue to monitor this situation closely .

( 97 / C 186 / 14 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2557 / 96

by Anne Andre-Leonard ( ELDR ) to the Council

( 16 October 1996 )

Subject : Abolition of summertime

Portugal has just decided to do away with summertime and France has instructed a parliamentary mission to put
forward proposals to abolish the daylight-saving arrangement .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 11

It is alleged that the extra hour of daylight upsets the biological rhythms of children and elderly people and is a
factor in increasing atmospheric pollution .

It is a great handicap to farmers and others engaged in outdoor occupations, and does not lead to any real
reductions in oil consumption .

If France did away with summertime this could lead to a time discrepancy between the seats of the EU
institutions with all the disadvantages this would involve .

Could the Council not envisage a harmonization in this matter among the EU 's fifteen Member States ?

Answer

( 13 March 1997 )

1 . The Council has not received any proposals from the Commission for harmonizing official time . The
Community harmonization that has existed for some fifteen years concerns summertime .

2 . On 26 April 1996 the Commission submitted to the Council (') a proposal for an eighth Directive on
summer-time arrangements, together with a report on the application of summer-time arrangements in the
European Union .

The proposal is based on Article 100a of the EC Treaty and seeks to renew the existing Community system, i.e. to
harmonize the dates and times for the beginning and end of the summer-time period throughout the Community
for four years from 1998, thus maintaining the full harminization of the timetable introduced for 1996 and 1997
by the seventh Directive .

Pending the Opinion of the European Parliament, the Council held a policy debate on the Commission 's proposal
at its meeting on 17 and 18 June 1996 .

3 . It should be noted that Portugal has merely changed its official time back to the GMT + 0 which it
abandoned in 1992, and will continue to apply summer-time arrangements .

4 . If the situation referred to by the Honourable Member were to come about — i.e. if a Member State decided
that its official time would in future remain unchanged throughout a year — then the Parliament and the Council
could discuss it in the context of their examination of the Commission porposal mentioned above, using the
co-decision procedure .

(') OJ C 432, 14.11.1996 .

( 97 / C 186 / 15 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2564 / 96

by Robin Teverson ( ELDR ) to the Council

( 16 October 1996 )

Subject : Enforcement of EU Directive 91 / 628 on the transport of animals in France

Would the Council please ask the French Permanent Representative if he would provide information as to how
the French authorities are implementing EU Directive 91 / 628 (') on the transport of animals ? More importantly,
what measures have they taken to ensure that this legislation is being enforced and has anyone been prosecuted
for failing to comply with this legislation ?

n OJ L 340, 11.12.1991, p . 17 .

Answer

( 24 March 1997 )

Article 21 of Directive 91 / 628 / EEC ( amended in the meantime by Directive 95 / 29 / EC ) stipulates that Member
States shall bring into force, witin a given period, the provisions of the said directive and keep the Commission
informed of that transposition into their domestic law .

No C 186 / 12 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

The Council has no powers to oversee the transposition of the directives . This question could be addressed to the
Commission, which, moreover, also sends the Council and European Parliament reports at regular intervals on
the implementation of Community directives .

( 97 / C 186 / 16 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2671 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) and Spalato Bellere ( NI ) to the Commission

( 15 October 1996 )

Subject : Consumers and BSE

Concerns of consumers in relation to the ' mad cow ' crisis have been largely overlooked, and certain reports
concerning the political decisions that appear to have been taken in the past on the subject of BSE give the
impression that those decisions were not based on the objective of protecting consumers but on the wish to avoid
disrupting the market .

Would the Commission take steps to ensure that public accountability and transparency are substantially
improved, both with regard to the work of scientists and committees on BSE, the relationship between BSE and
Creuzfeld-Jacob disease, and the composition of food or feed intended for human or animal consumption which
contain meat . It should also be compulsory for products to be labelled, and for labelling to the complete and
legible ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

The Commission can assure the Honourable Members that the protection of public health has been, and remains,
its first priority in taking measures to combat bovine spongiform encephalopathy ( BSE ). The Honourable
Members are invited to draw their conclusions from the actions which have been taken, including the actions
taken many years before there was any evidence to suggest a link between BSE and any disease of humans . In
particular the Commission would like to draw attention to the proposals it has made pursuant to Article 129 of the
EC Treaty for a decision by the Parliament and the Council creating a network for the surveillance and control of
communicable diseases, including Creuzfeldt-Jakob disease ( CJD ) and its causes and transmission, and to the
activities it has initiated to enhance accountability and transparency, described in the working documents on
transmissible spongiform encephalopathies presented in May 1996 and November 1996 (').

The composition of the Commission 's scientific committees is published, as were the proceedings of the three
major seminars on BSE funded or co-funded by the Commission . The results of scientific research are normally
published after peer review in the appropriate journal . The Commission is not involved in these publications . The
opinions and the comments of the meetings of the scientific veterinary committee and the BSE subgroups have
been made available to the Parliament 's temporary committee of inquiry on BSE .

Directive 79 / 373 / EEC ( : ) already lays down special provisions concerning the compulsory declaration of basic
materials in compound feedingstuffs and the indication of the species for the feedingstuffs are intended . The
Commission announced in its answers to Written Questions P     - 1232 / 96 from Mrs Kinnock ( 3 ) and P     - 1684 / 96
from Mrs Morgan ( 4 ) that it had prepared draft measures intended to supplement the existing rules for the
labelling of animal feed . According to the proposed rules, in the case of a feedingstuff comprising mammalian
protein products and intended for animals other than family pets, breeders would be warned by a special
indication that the feedingstuff contained mammalian protein products banned for the feeding of ruminants . The
draft is about to be presented to the Standing Committee for Animal Feed for its opinion and will then go the
Commission for adoption .

With regard to the labelling of foodstuffs for human consumption, Directive 79 / 1 12 / EEC ( 5 ) provides for the
indication of certain particulars giving the consumer a precise idea of the composition of the food he is buying .
The particulars, including in particular the list of ingredients, must be clearly legible and placed in a conspicuous
position .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal ot the European Communities No C 186 / 13

With regard to public information, the Commission, aware of the progress remaining to be made, has made this
one of the priorities of the consumer policy which it intends to promote throughout the Community . To that end,
it is maintaining permanent contacts on the BSE question with the Consumers ' Consultative Committee and
national consumer organisations . On 29 October 1996 it published a second, updated edition of the BSE guide
( the first edition was May 1996 ) to guarantee that consumers receive as much information as possible on the
question .

(') COM ( 96 ) 582 final .

( : ) OJ L 86, 6.4.1979 .

H OJ C 322 . 28.10.1996 .

( 4 ) OJ C 385 . 19.12.1996 .

n OJ L 33 . 8.2.1979 .

( 97 / C 186 / 17 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2678 / 96

by Yiannis Roubatis ( PSE ) to the Council

< 10 October 1996 )

Subject : Killing ot Kurdish prisoners and human rights violations in Turkey

On the afternoon of 24 September 1996 Kurdish prisoners held in the prisons of Diyarbakir in south-eastern
Turkey were subjected to an unprovoked attack by the Turkish guards .

This attack left 12 Kurdish prisoners dead and many others injured .

Will the Council say :

1 . What measures does it intend to take against Turkey which is run by a regime which does not baulk at the
cold-blooded killing of Kurdish prisoners in defiance of any notion of human rights and the commitments it
undertook after the entry into force of the Customs Union ?

2 . Following this unacceptable behaviour by Turkey, does it intend to block all the appropriations earmarked
under the MEDA programme and the financial regulation on the Customs Union, in accordance with the
resolution on the political situation in Turkey (') adopted by the European Parliament at the part-session in
September 1996 ?

(') Minutes ot 19.9.1996, p . 69 .

Answer

( 13 March 1997 )

The Council is seriously concerned about continuing human rights violations in Turkey and this naturally
includes the recent events in Diyarbakir . The Council has made it clear repeatedly, and continues to do so, that
observance of the rule of law and fundamental freedoms is an essential condition for closer relations between

Turkey and the European Union . Furthermore, the fight against terrorism must be conducted with full respect for
the fundamental values of democracy and human rights . In the spirit of the Parliament 's request to the Council,
human rights questions feature prominently in any Council discussion of Turkey and the Council is continuing to
monitor the human rights situation in Turkey .

In July the Council adopted a declaration on Turkey, in particular on the principles on which relations between
the European Union and Turkey should be based, and the Presidency was requested to invite Turkey to indicate
whether it could commit itself to those principles .

The MEDA Regulation was adopted by the Council in July and it entered into force at the end of July . The
Regulation is founded on respect for democratic principles and the rule of law, as well as respect for human rights
and fundamental freedoms, which form an essential element of it and whose violation would justify the taking of
appropriate measures . It should be noted that it is now the responsibility of the Commission to decide on the
financing of specific projects for any country . As regards the EC-Turkey financial regulation for the customs
union, it has not yet been adopted by the Council .

No C 86 / 4 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 91 1 C 186 / 18 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2698 / 96

by Eva Kjer Hansen ( ELDR ) to the Council

( 10 October 1996 )

Subject : Publicity campaign for the European system for the promotion and protection of foodstuffs of a specific

character

The Commission has set up the abovementioned information campaign to run for three years and cover Protected
Designations of Origin ( PDOs ), Protected Geographical Indications ( PGIs ) and Guaranteed Traditional
Specialities ( GTSs ). A budget of 8.8 m ECU has been earmarked for the purpose . The campaign has been set up
on the basis of Commission Regulation 2037 / 93 ('), Article 5 .

However, during the political negotiations preceding the adoption of Council Regulation 2081 / 92 ( 2 ) on the
protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs, six
countries ( Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and Luxembourg ), which constituted a
blocking minority in the Council, made it a condition that any form of special financial support related to these
products was unacceptable . The article relating to support was therefore deleted from the proposal for a
regulation .

During the political negotiations preceding the adoption of Council Regulation 2081 / 92 there was vigorous
resistance to the granting of special financial support to producers, producer associations etc . producing,
controlling or marketing products protected under the Council Regulation .

Does the Council consider it to be consistent with the provisions of the Regulation for the Commission now to be
approving the use of Community funds for an information campaign seeking precisely to help producers make
their products better known ?

(') OJ L 185, 28.7.1993, p . 5 .

( : ) OJ L 208, 24.7.1992, p . 1 .

Answer

( 13 March 1997 )

Article 16 of Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 2081 / 92 concerning designations of origin and geographical
indications provides that the Commission may adopt detailed rules for its application .

The Commission subsequently adopted the detailed rules for application ( Regulation ( EEC ) No 2037 / 93 ), after
consulting the Committee provided for in Article 15 of Regulation No 2081 / 92 .

On the basis of Article 5 of Regulation No 2037 / 93, the Commission set up a publicity campaign to inform the
public about the terms ' designation of origin ' and ' geographical indication '.

Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 2081 / 92 does not provide for any financial support for the products covered by the
arrangements introduced by it .

( 97 / C 186 / 19 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2730 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

( 21 October 1996 )

Subject : BSE

Various committees of experts in Brussels, London and France have highlighted the fact that widespread brain
disease in sheep in Europe could derive from BSE ( bovine spongiform encephalopathy ) and might therefore be a
new variant, possibly infectious to humans, of the traditional diseases which have affected raw products for
centuries . Sheep are in fact always fed on meal derived from the parts removed from beef carcasses which are
potentially most infectious .

Does the Commission not consider it advisable to remove from the human food chain and from animal feed

certain tissues from all ruminants, including sheep, goats and possibly even lambs, until all possible hazards to
man have been fully explored ?

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 5

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 20 January 1997 )

The theory that the scrapie agent is the origin of bovine spongiform encephalopathy ( BSE ) is strongly supported
by several scientists but has not been confirmed .

In 1988, when contaminated feed was considered as the source of the epidemic, the United Kingdom, and later
several other Member States, banned the feeding of ruminant proteins to all ruminants ( including sheep and
goats ). In 1994 a ban on feeding mammalian proteins to ruminants was introduced throughout the Community by
Commission Decision 94 / 381 / EC ('). Although most sheep are kept in extensive farming systems, concentrate
feeding does take place .

The Commission has consulted the scientific veterinary committee on further measures to be taken as regards
removal of certain ruminant tissues which could contain the infective agent of spongiform encephalopathies . On
the basis of the advice of the scientific veterinary committee, the Commission has proposed further measures to
the Member States to remove certain specified risk material from the human and the animal food chain . The
reaction of the majority of Member States was that such measures are not justified in Member States where there
has been no case of BSE . Consequently, these measures did not receive a qualified majority in the standing
veterinary committee on 3 December 1996 . The measures were then forwarded to Council which recorded a
simple majority against the Commission proposal on 17 December 1996 . The Commission will now review the
matter particularly in the light of future Commission inspections of the application by Member States of current
Community measures against these diseases .

( l ) OJ L 172, 7.7.1994 .

( 97 / C 186 / 20 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2781 / 96

by Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 21 October 1996 )

Subject : Return of cultural objects

Article 16 of Directive 93 / 7 / EEC (') on the return of cultural objects unlawfully removed from the territory of a
Member State stipulates that the Member States shall send the Commission every three years, and for the first
time in February 1996, a report on the application of the Directive . Article 18 states that the Member States shall
bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with the Directive
within nine months of its adoption, i.e. by the end of December 1993 .

Did the Greek Government send the Commission the relevant report on the application of the Directive in
February 1996 ? Has Greece notified the Commission of the national implementing measures for complying with
the Directive and what measures will the Commission take should the Greek authorities ' application of Directive
93 / 7 / EEC be found to be unsatisfactory ?

(>) OJ L 74 . 27.3.1993 . p . 74 .

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(7 January 1997 )

Greece is one of the six Member States that have not yet notified the Commission of national measures
implementing Council Directive 93 / 7 / EEC of 15 March 1993 ('). The Commission has instituted proceedings
against these Member States under Article 169 of the EC Treaty .

As regards the report on the application of the Directive, which Member States were to submit to it by the end of
February 1996, the Commission has now sent reminders to five Member States, including Greece, requesting
prompt action in this respect .

( 1 ) O. ) L 74, 27.3.1993 .

No C 186 / 16 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 8 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 186 / 21 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2804 / 96

by Claude Desama ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 25 October 1996 )

Subject : Undeclared workers at the Commission

There have recently been press reports ( e.g. the article Carte Blanche, signed Guy Dewarichet, on page 2 of Le

Soir of 3 and 4 August 1996 ) that the Commission has been using undeclared workers for several years . There
have also been various complaints by victims of the system and cases have been brought before the Brussels
industrial tribunal in particular .

Has any concern been expressed within the Commission itself, notably within DG IX, and will disciplinary
action be taken if necessary ?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(3 December 1996 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question P-28 14 / 96 by
Mrs Dury (').

(') OJ C 72, 7.3.1997 .

( 97 / C 186 / 22 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2832 / 96

by Jannis Sakellariou ( PSE ) to the Council

( 23 October 1996 )

Subject : European Community Monitoring Mission ( ECMM ) in Zagreb

1 . Was the ECMM aware that the acting head of the German delegation, Christoph von Bezold, is paid by the
Federal German Intelligence Agency ?

2 . How does the ECMM view the employment of members of the secret service in the mission, given that it is
meant to be playing an impartial role between the warring factions ?

3 . ( a ) What was the outcome of the ECMM 's investigation following the discovery in the spring of 1994 of

ammunition in a consignment of milk destined for the hospital in Bihac ?

( b ) Which EU monitors and EU officials were involved in this incident ?

( c ) Is the ECMM prepared to make the report on its investigation available to the European Parliament ?

Answer

( 24 March 1997 )

The Council cannot provide the information requested . The European Community Monitoring Mission
( ECMM ), as the Honourable Member is aware, is not a Council instrument . ECMM was established in 1991,
before the entry into force of the Treaty on European Union in 1993 . It has therefore not been established on the
basis of a Council decision or any other EU legal instrument relating to the Common Foreign and Security Policy
as set out in the TUE, but on the basis of a Memorandum of Understanding between the EC Member States, the
Yugoslav federal authorities and the representatives of Croatia and Slovenia .

Consequently, the responsibility for the composition, funding, functioning and activities of ECMM lies solely
with the Member States .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 17

( 97 / C 186 / 23 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2881 / 96

by Graham Mather ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 31 October 1996 )

Subject : Denial of visas to third country nationals

This year two Mauritius citizens were denied an entry visa into France to visit their relatives . The French
embassy in Mauritius did not provide them with any reason for the denial of their visa . This is acceptable under
current French law . However, they were granted a visa entry into the United Kingdom .

According to the Commission on Human Rights, the Convention on Human Rights does not address the issue of
third country nationals and visas for entry in the European Union . The UK Embassy and Foreign Office stated
that the EU does not have competence for entry into EU countries by third country nationals .

Accordingly, there is no current law, European or national in this case, to protect third country nationals from
random and unsubstantiated denial of visa .

Could the Commission indicate whether they are examining this issiae and what plans they might have for
rectifying this situation ? Can a third country national make a case for unfair denial under current legislation
involving the free movement of people ?

Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission

( 20 January ' 1997 )

Under Article K.l of the Treaty on European Union, rules governing the crossing by persons of the external
borders of the Member States and the exercise of controls are considered to be matters of common interest for the

Member States ( third pillar ). Moreover, Article 100c of the EC Treaty ( first pillar ) states that the Council shall
determine a list of the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of a visa when crossing the external
border of the Union . The Council shall also adopt measures relating to a uniform format for visas . Although the
above-mentioned first pillar instruments have been adopted, the discussions within the third pillar on the
Commission proposal for a convention on the crossing of external borders have not yet reached an agreement .
This proposal deals with the mutual recognition of visas and the conditions for the granting of visas .
Consequently, a harmonised visa policy does not exist for the moment and the grant or refusal of visas remains a
competence of the individual Member States .

The information of the Honourable Member concerning the absence of administrative or judicial appeal in the
individual Member States is absolutely correct .

Furthermore, a third country national cannot at present introduce a case before a court of a Member State by
invoking the existing Community legislation on the free movement of persons under Article 8a of the EC Treaty
if refused a visa . The provisions in Article 48 of the EC Treaty and the relevant provisions of the secondary
legislation on the free movement of persons are only applicable to citizens of Member States and their family
members of third countries, as well as to European Economic Area nationals and the members of their families
from third countries .

( 97 / C 186 / 24 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2887 / 96

by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dorfler ( V ) to the Commission

( 31 October 1996 )

Subject : BSE and milk

The use of milk for human and animal consumption from herds infected with, or suspected of being infected
with, BSE has been banned or restricted .

When did the ban or restriction taken effect ?

Does it apply only to milk intended for human consumption ?

Does it apply only to milk from herds infected with BSE or does it also apply to milk from herds suspected of
being infected with BSE ?

On what information or evidence was this ban or restriction based ?

No C 186 / 18 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 186 / 25 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2888 / 96

by Wolfgang Kreissl-Ddrfler ( V ) to the Commission

( 31 October 1996 )

Subject : BSE and milk

What information does the Commission have which might indicate that BSE can be transmitted to humans or
animals through the consumption of milk from BSE-infected herds ( or herds suspected of being infected with
BSE )?

Has the Commission arranged for a scientific study to be carried out into the transmissibility of BSE through the
consumption of milk ?

If not, why has it failed to do so hitherto ?

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-2887 / 96 and E-2888 / 96
given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

The safety of milk as regards bovine spongiform encephalopathy ( BSE ) has been assessed on several occasions
by scientific experts . Previous studies have led the World health organisation ( WHO ) expert group to conclude
that milk is safe as regards BSE . Most recently, on the 3 April 1996, an expert consultation held by the WHO
concluded that : ' Milk and milk products, even in countries with a high incidence of BSE, are considered safe .
There is evidence from other animal and human spongiform encephalopathies to suggest that milk does not
transmit these diseases '. This has been the position of the majority of scientific experts throughout the BSE
epidemic .

Upon request by Germany the Commission has asked the scientific veterinary committee ( SCVC ) and the
multi-disciplinary committee ( MDC ) to reassess the safety of milk . An expert subgroup of the SCVC is expected
to give an opinion soon . The MDC has not had an opportunity yet to study the issue in depth .

In the United Kingdom the milk from suspect and confirmed cases has been destroyed since 15 November 1988 .
There are no restrictions as regards milk from herds having had a case or a suspect case of BSE .

( 97 / C 186 / 26 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2899 / 96

by Christian Cabrol ( UPE ) to the Commission

( 31 October 1996 )

Subject : Outbreaks of food poisoning

In all countries there has been an upsurge in the number of outbreaks of food poisoning, particularly through the
consumption of poultry, despite the hygiene measures applied throughout the food chain from the breeder to the
consumer . These outbreaks, of which eighty percent are due to salmonella and others to other pathogens such as
Campylobacteria ( poultry ) and Escherichia coli ( red meat ), generate significant hospitalization costs . This is an
international public health problem that was highlighted in the WHO report of May 1996 .

Cases of poisoning and death have been recorded over recent years, particularly among children and old people .

The measures taken so far ( HACCP, poultry vaccination programme ) have proved inadequate to tackle the
infections . So there appears to be a need for additional measures to decontaminate abattoirs, particularly when
intensive breeding methods are used .

The Avgard decontamination process sharply reduces the level of bacteria in abattoirs and has been approved by
the French and British authorities . But even though its use has been authorized in North America since 1992 it
cannot be used at the European level unless the Annex to Directive 92 / 1 16 / EEC (') is amended .

Why has the Commission not taken a decision on the request by France, the United Kingdom and Italy regarding
the dossier forwarded to the Scientific Veterinary Committee in 1994 ?

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 19

When people die from poisoning, as happened recently in Japan, and against the background of the sensitivity
over mad-cow disease, will the Commission be able to justify itself and deny responsibility in this area of public
health ?

More generally, could the Commission look into a proposal for a programme to draw up rules, to be introduced
gradually, to ensure that the level of bacteria is monitored throughout the food-chain, as already happens in the
United States under the MEGA-REG programme, which allows the level of bacteria to be monitored from the
point of slaughter ?

(') OJ L 62, 15.3.1993, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 20 January 1997 )

Foodborne infections and intoxications are increasing world-wide due to many factors, including changes in
farming and food processing methods, social, environmental and climatic conditions and personal lifestyles and
behaviour . This phenomenon requires increased vigilance by health authorities and appropriate regulation and
controls spanning the entire food chain from primary production to consumer use .

In this context, the Commission has put forward a proposal for a decision by the European Parliament and the
Council creating a network for the epidemiological surveillance and control of communicable diseases which
addresses, inter alia, foodborne diseases .

The Community is also actively encouraging the development of collaboration in this field in the context of the
EU-US Task Force charged with the setting-up of a global early warning system and response network for
communicable diseases .

The Commission has also initiated a comprehensive review of the Community veterinary legislation on the
hygiene of foodstuffs, with a view to producing a simpler, more effective set of rules aimed at protecting
consumer health . In addition, the Commission is preparing a green paper on Community food law in general with
a view to seeking the views of consumers, producers and other interested parties on the broad policy lines which
the Community should follow in this area .

At the same time, the Commission has asked the scientific veterinary committee to give an opinion on the
decontamination of poultry carcases and to develop criteria for the approval of substances for this purpose . Once
this opinion has been received, the Commission will consider any appropriate amendment to the current
legislation, possibly in the context of the abovementioned review .

( 97 / C 186 / 27 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2904 / 96

by Paul Riibig ( PPE ) to the Council

(4 November 1996 )

Subject : Directive on approximation of Member States ' laws and administrative provisions on articles of

precious metals

For some time there has been talk of a proposal for a directive on the approximation of Member States ' laws and
administrative provisions on articles precious metals . The main purpose of the proposal is to remove the existing
obstacles to trade in articles of precious metals on the European market and to achieve improved transparency in
order to provide better consumer protection . The proposal was on the agenda of the 1929th meeting of the
Council ( Internal market ) in Brussels on 28 May 1 996 . However, there was merely a progress report without any
decision being taken . Since the directive is of considerable importance for Austria, I should like answers to the
following questions :

1 . Do the test methods proposed permit non-destructive testing ? Is the intention also to permit non-destructive
testing in the directive ?

2 . If not, will the directive specify who has to pay the cost of repairs ?

3 . Can articles also be tested in an unfinished state ?

No C 186 / 20 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

4 . Compliance with the provisions of the directive could mean excessive costs tor small businesses . Will the
directive provide for small businesses to be exempt from costs and to be allowed to carry out economically
acceptable testing ?

5 . Are there appropriate means of ensuring that destruction of, or damage to, the test piece which is required to
determine the precious metal content can be kept within financially acceptable limits ?

6 . What rules are to apply to antiques already in the EU ?

7 . Who assesses the properties of antiques ?

8 . Is there an exemption from hallmarking even in instances where national standards would require
hallmarking ?

9 . Does national law apply to antiques covered by Article l(3)(a ) of the proposal for a directive ?

Answer

( 13 March 1997 )

The proposal for a Dircetive to which the Honourable Member refers, on the approximation of the provisions
relating to articles of precious metals, intended to permit free movement of such articles, is still being considered
by the competent bodies in the Council . Thus the replies hereunder to the specific questions put by the
Honourable Member are provisional at this stage .

1 ., 2 . and 5 . The proposal for a Directive does not exclude non-destructive testing . It provides for three
different procedures for attesting conformity . However, these procedures do not specify the type of tests to be
carried out, the suitability of tests being determined as part of the discussions on standardization . The CEN is
currently holding such discussions with a view, in particular, to drawing up standards providing for
non-destructive testing .

3 . The obligations of the Directive apply also to semi-finished products, which are defined as ' any item sold
with the objective of transforming it into a finished product, without modifying its fineness, such finished
product being intended for the ultimate consumer '.

4 . The three procedures for attesting conformity provided for in the proposal for a Directive can be applied by
small businesses . This is particularly true of the ' EC declaration of conformity ' which refers to ' Module A ' of the
Council Decision of 22 July 1993 ( 93 / 465 / EEC, OJ L 220 / 93, p. 23 ), according to which the manufacturer attest
and declares that the products concerned meet the essential requirements of the Directive and chooses a notified
body to carry out random checks . This procedure is based on internal checks to be carried out by the
manufacturer and requires him to keep the technical documentation relating to the articles at the disposal of the
notified body and the authorities responsible for market surveillance . In discussions to date on the proposal for a
Directive, the Council has not yet arrived at a consensus as to whether the burden represented by the procedures
for attesting conformity is necessary .

6 ., 7 . and 9 . Antiques already within the territory of the Member States of the European Union are excluded
from the scope of the proposal for a Directive since it refers merelt to articles placed on the market for the first
time .

Since the determining factor is the criterion of first-time placing on the market, the exemption will apply whether
an article is antique or not . Furthermore, antiques imported into Community territory and thus placed on the
market for the first time are expressly included under Article l(3)(d ) as discussions on the proposal for a
Directive stand at present . Consequently, such antiques would be covered, where applicable, by existing national
legislation .

8 . Since, apart from that exception, the proposal for a Directive is comprehensive in its coverage, it is
designed to replace national requirements . Consequently, national law cannot make provision for complusory
hallmarking if no provision is made for it in the Directive .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 21

( 97 / C 186 / 28 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2983 / 96

by David Hallam ( PSE ) to the Commission

(8 November 1996 )

Subject : Question No E-0878 / 96 on battery cages

Further to its answer to Question No E-0878 / 96 ('), could the Commission list legislation specifying mandatory
inspections by the Commission which are not being carried out due to insufficient personnel to carry out such
inspections ?

(') OJ C 280 . 25.9.1996 . p . 97 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 24 January 1997 )

A list of directives and decisions for which there is a mandatory requirement for the Commission to carry out
inspections, together with an indication as to the extent of inspections carried out, is sent direct to the Honourable
Member and to the Parliament 's Secretariat general .

For some of the directives listed very few inspections, if any, have been carried out, due to the inadequate staff
situation . As of 1 January 1997 there are 30 inspectors ( 17 permanent and 13 temporary ) and 3 detached experts
in the Office for veterinary and phytosanitary inspection . In 1995, some 405 missions ( comprising 2,528 mission
days ) were carried out to both to third countries and Member States . The staff situation has improved since the
level in 1989 of 1 1 inspectors . However a figure of approximately 100 staff has been suggested as required for
the proper functioning of the Office .

For many years the first priority of the official inspection work was — as stressed on several occasions by
Council and Parliamant — inspections to ensure compliance with importation procedures from third countries
and checks carried out at the border inspection posts at our external borders . These have been routinely carried
over the last few years .

Routine public health inspections have been carried out for a long period of time only in respect of Council
Directive 64 / 433 / EEC ('), whereas for other public health areas limited inspections have recently started, but
there is a considerable shortfall .

Concerning animal health matters, routine missions to third countries under Council Directive 72 / 462 / EEC ( 2 )
are carried out, but there is again a considerable shortfall . However emergency inspections as required in
Member States and third countries have been carried out as necessary for a long period of time . The first round of
routine missions to Member States concerning specific eradication and control plans is being completed .

(') OJ L 121, 21.7.1964 .

( ; ) OJ L 302 . 31.12.1972 .

( 97 / C 186 / 29 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2988 / 96

by Jesus Cabezon Alonso ( PSE ) to the Commission

(8 November 1996 )

Subject : Cantabrian motorway and EU co-financing

What percentage of the funding is the EU providing for the construction of the Cantabrian motorway in Spain, as
regards the section between Torrelavega ( Cantabria ) and the edge of the Asturias Autonomous Community ?

During which budgetary years is co-financing to be provided, and in what amount ? Which specific sections of
the motorway are due to receive EU co-financing ?

Has the Commission received any communication from the Spanish Government concerning the restriction or
blocking of further contracts for work on the motorway during 1997 and 1998 ?

No C 186 / 22 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

On 25 November 1994 the Commission approved the 1994-99 operational programme for the Cantabria region .
The programme includes a measure to improve road communications in the region, including the construction of
the motorway ( Autovia del Cantábrico ) from Sierrapando to Unquera .

The following sections are planned : Sierrapando-Torres ( Torrelavega ), Torrelavega ( West ) — Cabezón de la Sal
( East ), Cabezón de la Sal — Lamadrid, Lamadrid — Unquera .

The Torrelavega ( West ) — Cabezón de la Sal ( East ) section, estimated at PTA 10 183 million for the period

1994-97, is currently being built and the Commission has received documentation on its progress . The three other
sections are in the planning stage .

The Community contribution to these projects will amount to 65% of the total eligible cost . This is currently
estimated at PTA 35 300 million . Community assistance will cover the period 1994-99 .

During the most recent Monitoring Committee meeting for this measure, held on 5 December 1996, the Spanish
authorities informed the Commission that no changes to it were planned at present .

( 97 / C 186 / 30 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2992 / 96

by Gisele Moreau ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

(8 November 1996 )

Subject : Breakdown of Community aid received by the lie de France region in 1994 and 1995

Can the Commission indicate the amounts of Community appropriations granted to the lie de France region for
the years 1 994 and 1 995 under :

— the ERDF

— the European Social Fund ( ESF )
— programmes of interest to the Community
— research programmes
— environmental programmes
— other EU programmes

Could the Commission also indicate who were the beneficiaries of this Community aid ?

Supplementary answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

(6 March 1997 )

As a supplement to its answer ot 9 December 1996, (') the Commission can now communicate the following
information .

European Regional Development Fund ( ERDF )

The lie de France received aid under two Community measures . As they are multiannual programmes, the years
cannot be taken separately . The following information is available .

Konver : Programme approved on 21 December 1995
Relevant period : 31 May to 31 December 1997
Amount from Structural Funds : ECU 5.52 million

Urban : Two programmes approved on 12 March 1996
Relevant period : 8 November 1994 to 31 December 1999

1 ) Les Mureaux : ' the 5 districts '
Amount from Structural Funds : ECU 7 million of which ECU 6.51 million from the

ERDF

2 ) Aulnay-sous-Bois ( Seint St Denis ): Northern districts
Amount from Structural Funds : ECU 8.88 million, of which ECU 7.80 million from the

ERDF

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 23

European Social Fund ( ESF )

Community appropriations granted

( amounts in French francs )

. 1994 1995

Objective 3
Objective 4

100 961 874

139 392 820 183 000 000

The Commission would inform the Honourable Member that under current procedures the Member States do not
supply the Commission with the names of the beneficiaries by region covered by objectives 3 and 4 .

Research and technological development framework programmes

1 ) Telecommunications, information market and exploitation of research

— project involving the dissemination and enhancement of the results and technological innovation :
total cost of the project : ECU 1 1 million ( 2 )

— project on the information languages and market
total cost of projects : ECU 71 million ( 2 )

2 ) Science, research and development

The amount ot the Community contribution to all the projects totals :

  - 1994 : ECU 54 million

###### - 1995 : ECU 70 million ( 2 )

Agricultural research programmes

1 ) Programme on ' genetic resources in agriculture ' in 1994 and 1995 :
Amount of the Community contribution : ECU 338 550 ( 2 )

2 ) 3rd framework programme ( AIR 3 ) ( 1994 )
Amount of the Community contribution : ECU 441 525 ( 2 )

3 ) 4th framework programme ( FAIR 1 ) ( 1995 )
Amount of the Community contribution : ECU 1 239 380 ( 2 )

Environment

Total cost EC contribution

( FRF ) ( FRF )

1994 8 projects 1 1 063 040 23 160 689

1995 2 projects 1 i 440 000 ( 2 ) 5 630 000

European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund ( EAGGF ) — Guidance Section

Objective 5 and other measures :

The Commission has only national and not regional statistics . The French Ministry for Agriculture can provide
this information .

No C 1 86 / 24 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Community aid granted to France in 1994 ( million ecu )

Commitment Payment
appropriations appropriations

1 . Structural measures

( EAGGF Guidance Section cofinancing )
Operational programmes objective 5a
Regulation ( EEC ) No 866 / 90 ( 3 )
Processing and marketing of agricultural products 24,05 12,03
Regulation ( EEC ) No 2328 / 91 ( 4 )
Improving agricultural structures 282,80 182,17

2 . Accompanying measures
Reform of the common agricultural policy

( EAGGF Guarantee Section cofinancing )
Regulation ( EEC ) No 2078 / 92 — Environment C ) 179,30 179,30
Regulation ( EEC ) No 2079 / 92 — Early retirement ( 5 ) 185.30 185,30
Regulation ( EEC ) No 2080 / 92 — Forestry measures ( s ) 1 . 30 1 . 30

European Coal and Steel Community ( ECSC )

The lie de France received neither ECSC loans nor interest-rate subsidies in 1994 and 1995 .

Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance ( F / FG )

No projects were supported in 1994 .    

In 1995, five beneficiaries located in the lie de France ( 4 ) received aid totalling FRF 29 215 91 1 .

The French authorities have not yet notified the Commission of the projects selected for the Community
initiative programme Pesca .

Projects carried out with aid from the Intervention and Guidance Fund for markets, maritime fisheries products
and marine crops are generally national in scope .

Training, education and youth

The amount granted to beneficiaries in the lie de France in 1994 and 1995 totalled ECU 14.7 million under the
Community 's Socrates and Leonardo da Vinci programmes and, from 1995 onwards, the Youth for Europe

programme .

Energy policy

A total of ECU 3.7 million was allocated from the Thermie programme in 1994 and 1995 for seven demonstration
projects in the field of energy . The coordinator of these projects was based in the lie de France ( 4 ).

Industry

The Ile de France includes Paris, Seine-et-Marne, Yvelines, Essonne, Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis,
Val-de-Marne and Val d'Oise .

Under the Esprit programme, organizations in that region received payments totalling ECU 76 million in 1996
and ECU 66 million in 1995 .

Enterprise policy

During the relevant period, four Euro Info Centres, 20 members of the Business Cooperation Network ( BC-NET )
and 18 correspondents of the Business Cooperation Centre ( BCC ) became operational ; two Tnterprises ' and

Tnterprise Midest 1994 ' technology fair events were held in Paris, from 5 to 9 December 1994 and from 20 to
24 November 1995 .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 25

The lie de France in the European Union ', the regional brochure, published by the Commission Representation in
France, which details the range of Community measures in the lie de France, is being sent direct to the
Honourable Member and Parliament 's Secretariat .

C ) OJ C 60 ot 26.2.1997, p . 123 .
(-) See details in annex which is sent directly to the Honourable Member and Parliament 's Secretariat-General .
n OJ L 91 . 6.4.1990 .

( 4 ) OJ L 218 . 6.8.1991 .

C ) OJ L 215 . 30.7.1992 .

( 97 / C 1 86 / 3 1 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3016 / 96

by Jean-Antoine Giansily ( UPE ) to the Council

(8 November 1996 )

Subject : Council staff

1 . Can the Council provide a summary table showing the breakdown by nationality, category, and grade
within each category, of all its established officials, together with those of the Economic and Social Council and
the Committee of the Regions '?

2 . Can it also provide the same details regarding the temporary, auxiliary and / or local staff working for it and
for the Economic and Social Council and the Committee of the Regions ?

Answer

( 27 February 1997 )

With reference to this Written Question, we are sending you under separate cover a table showing numbers of
officials / temporary staff employed by the General Secretariat of the Council at 1 November 1996, broken down
by category, grade and nationality . Please note that the Council employs neither auxiliary nor local staff .

The Council is not competent to provide information requested by the Honourable Member concerning officials
and other staff working for the Economic and Social Committees and the Committee of the Regions .

( 97 / C 186 / 32 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3054 / 96

by Roberta Angelilli ( NI ) to the Commission

( 18 November 1996 )

Subject : Insurance payments to citizens of the former Yugoslavia

Italy makes pension payments to citizens of the former Yugoslavia .

The bilateral agreements between Italy and Yugoslavia explicitly exclude the application of Italian law to
Yugoslav citizens .

Under Italian legislation governing invalidity, old age and survivor 's pension insurance the payment of benefits
in respect of periods of insurance completed before 1 May 1 945 by persons living in the areas transferred by Italy
to Yugoslavia is the responsibility of the Italian insurance institution if the beneficiaries are Italian, and the
Yugoslav insurers if the beneficiaries are Yugoslav .

For the above purposes, Italian beneficiaries are taken to be those workers and their survivors who were Italian
citizens before the date of entry into force of the peace treaty and did not take on Yugoslav citizenship
subsequent to that date .

Contrary to the provisions of the bilateral agreements, the Italian insurance institution stipulates that the
agreement covers workers who were actively employed in the areas in question .

Given the above, would the Commission state whether :

No C 186 / 26 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

1 . the above interpretation, which replaces the principle of subjectivity with that of territoriality, is correct ;

2 . a Community regulation ( such as Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 1408 / 71 of 14 June 1971 on the application
of social security schemes to employed persons and their families (')) may be extended to cover third countries,
as in the case of the former Yugoslavia ; and

3 . a Community regulation can amend the arrangements established by means of a bilateral agreement, one of
the parties to which is a Community Member State ?

(') OJ L 149 . 5.7.1971 . p . 2 .

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 20 January 1997 )

The Honourable Member 's question refers to relations between a Member State and a third country which are
linked by a bilateral social security agreement . Regulation No 1408 / 71 ('), aimed at coordinating the application
of different social security schemes within the Community, does not apply . Consequently, the Commission can
only confirm the position stated in reply to the Honourable Member 's written question P-2523 / 96, particularly as
regards the scope of bilateral agreements as determined by the Court of Justice in its judgment of 2 August 1993 .
delivered in case C-23 / 92, Grana Novoa ( : ).

('I OJ L 149 . 5.7.1971 : consolidated version : OJ C 325 . 10.12.1992 .

( : ) F.CR 1993 . p. 1-4505 .

( 97 / C 186 / 33 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3070 / 96

by Pieter Dankert ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 18 November 1996 )

Subject : Bridge over the Tagus / Cohesion Fund

The Memorandum of Understanding which has been signed mentions a number of measures which must be
completed and / or implemented before 15 October 1996 .

Have these measures been taken / implemented ?

If so, can the Commission forward the relevant documents to the European Parliament ?

If not . why not ? What steps has the Commission taken ?

( 97 / C 186 / 34 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3072 / 96

by Pieter Dankert ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 18 November 1996 )

Subject : Bridge over the Tagus / Cohesion Fund

In reply to Question E-905 / 96 (') on the possibility of initiating infringement proceedings pursuant to Article 169
of the EC Treaty, the Commission says that it ' does not at this stage have sufficient information to conclude that
the disturbing factors referred to by the Honourable Members are significantly affecting the Tagus Estuary
special protection area ...'.

What does the Commission mean by ' significantly affecting ', and on what is this based ?

Is the Commission aware of a memorandum by officials at its own DG XI concluding that Directive
92 / 43 / EEC ( 2 ) is indeed being violated in this case ?

If so . how could the Commission give the reply which it did on 26 September ?

If not . can the Commission alter its reply in the light of the opinion of those of its own officials who possess
expertise in the area concerned ?

(') OJ C 1 1 of 13.1.1997 . p. 3 .

( : ) OJ L 206 . 22.7.1992 . p. 7 .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 27

( 97 / C 186 / 35 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3073 / 96

by Pieter Dankert ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 18 November 1996 )

Subject : Bridge over the Tagus / Cohesion Fund

In its answer to Question E-906 / 96 (') the Commission does not indicate when the limits of its tolerance will be
reached with regard to the violations of Directive 92 / 43 / EEC ( 2 ) in this specific case .

Can it answer this question or does it not believe that there either are or have been any violations ?

If it believes that there have not been any violations, why does it believe this, in the light, inter alia, of a
memorandum written by its officials at DG XI who possess expertise in this matter ?

(') OJ C II of 13.1.1997 . p . 4 .

( : ) OJ L 206 . 22.7.1992 . p . 7 .

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-3070 / 96, E-3072 / 96 and E-3073 / 96

given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 28 January 1997 )

The Commission can confirm that it has no information from which to conclude that the disturbances referred to

by the Honourable Member have had a significant impact on the special protection area .

The Commission 's position is based on its analysis of information provided by the non-governmental
organizations and the Portuguese authorities and on the results of its fact-finding mission of 17 and 18 June 1996 .
Although the possibility of some damage cannot be precluded, it is difficult to quantify or establish a direct and
irrefutable link between such damage and the bridge construction work . Since it is impossible to prove the
existence of significant effects arising from the alleged activities, and in the light of Article 6(2 ) of Directive
92 / 43 / EEC (' ). which is included, with regard to the significant character of disturbances, in point 8 of Annex I to
the financing decision, the Commission has been unable to establish any infringement of Community law
justifying recourse to the procedures envisaged in that Community law .

The Commission and the Portuguese Government have taken steps to compensate for such damage as cannot be
precluded ( in particular by expanding the special protection area ) and to prevent any recurrence of the situation in
question ( in particular by increasing the powers of the supervisory committee and presenting a monitoring
programme ). These measures have been fully implemented by the Portuguese authorities .

(') ' Member States shall take appropriate steps to avoid, in the special areas ol conservation, the deterioration of natural habitats and the
habitats of species as well as disturbance of the species for which the areas have been designated, in so far as such disturbance could be
significant in relation to the objectives of this Directive .

( 97 / C 186 / 36 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3071 / 96

by Pieter Dankert ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 18 November 1996 )

Subject : Bridge over the Tagus / Cohesion Fund

In its answers of 9 July 1996 (') and 26 September 1996 ( 2 ) to Written Question E-0904 / 96, the Commission gives
no reply to the question as to WHY the Commission did not start an inquiry as referred to in Article 10 of the
decision on project no 94 / 10 / 65 / 005 .

Can it answer this question ?

(') OJ C 297 . 8.10.1996 . p. 46 .

( ; ) OJ C 1 1 of 13.1.1997, p. 3 .

No C 1 86 / 28 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 28 January 1997 )

The Commission carried out a thorough analysis of the detailed rules governing the implementation of the
environmental protection provisions in its decision .

As a result of this analysis, and in view of the information in its joint reply to written questions E-3070 / 96,
E-3072 / 96 and E-3073 / 96 ('), to which the Honourable Member should refer, the Commission felt that the
conditions for initiating the procedure provided for in Article 10 were not met .

( 1 ) See page 26 .

( 97 / C 186 / 37 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3083 / 96

by Jesús Cabezón Alonso ( PSE ) and Juan Colino Salamanca ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 18 November 1996 )

Subject : Slaughter of cattle in Switzerland

In view of reports that 230 000 cattle are to be slaughtered in Switzerland with the objective of eradicating what is
known as ' mad cow ' disease and its consequences, has the Commission considered the possible implications of
this slaughter for the beef market in the European Union ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 21 January 1997 )

According to the information available to the Commission, rather than going ahead with the initial plan to
slaughter 230 000 cows with a view to eradicating mad cow disease, on 9 December 1996 the Swiss Parliament
decided on a plan affecting only about 1 100 cows . Moreover, a selective slaughter programme has been
introduced for holdings where the disease has been found . Prices for beef and veal in Switzerland are
considerably higher than in the Community and Community imports from Switzerland concern only a limited
number of live cattle, mostly under a tariff quota .

In view of the situation, these limited slaughters in Switzerland are unlikely to have any appreciable effect on the
Community market .

( 97 / C 186 / 38 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3084 / 96

by Jesus Cabezón Alonso ( PSE ) and Juan Colino Salamanca ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 18 November 1996 )

Subject : Slaughter of cattle in the UK

Is the United Kingdom carrying out the slaughter of cattle in accordance with the plans to eradicate bovine
spongiform encephalopathy in that country ?

To date, how many cattle have been slaughtered in the UK under this programme ?

How many cattle does the Commission estimate will have to be slaughtered in the UK in order totally to eradicate

' mad cow ' disease ?

( 97 / C 186 / 39 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3085 / 96

by Jesus Cabezón Alonso ( PSE ) and Juan Colino Salamanca ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 18 November 1996 )

Subject : Eradication of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in the UK

What specific measures has the Commission promoted in order to monitor closely the situation of bovine
spongiform encephalopathy in the UK ?

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 29

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-3084 / 96 and E-3085 / 96
given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 23 January 1997 )

The selective slaughter programme, which was part of the agreement in the Florence European Council and
which was adopted by the Commission on 24 June 1996, has not yet been implemented, although the United
Kingdom has announced on 16 December 1996 its intention to proceed with the programme .

The objective of the programme is to substantially reduce the number of future cases in the United Kingdom by
identifying animals most likely to have been exposed to infected meat and bone meal . These animals will be
slaughtered and their tissues will not be used in any food chain . It must be realised, however, that this will not
eradicate bovine spongiform encephalopathy ( BSE ) completely since it will not be possible, at this stage, to
identify all such animals .

Under the programme agreed, approximately 127 000 cattle would be slaughtered .

Since 1 April 1990 BSE has been compulsorily notifiable to the Commission using the computerised animal
disease notification system . As required by Commission Decision 96 / 239 / EC of 27 March 1996 ('), fortnightly
written reports are received from the United Kingdom and are distributed to the Member States, and also by the
United Kingdom to the Parliament 's temporary committee of inquiry on BSE . These cover developments in
programmes, legislation and epidemiology .

Commission missions have visited the United Kingdom four times since the announcement by the British
government of the new variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease on 20 March 1996 and the reports of these missions
are also distributed to Member States .

(') OJ L 78 . 28.3.19% .

( 97 /C 186 / 40 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3091 / 96

by Michel Rocard ( PSE ) to the Council

(7 November 1996 )

Subject : Opening of a Commission office in Kosovo

In its resolution of 29 February 1996 ( A4-0054 / 96 ) (') the European Parliament asked the Council to open a
Commission office in Kosovo . No action has been taken on this request .

Can the Council explain why it has not followed Parliament 's recommendations and has not opened a
Commission office in Kosovo ?

Can it also provide Parliament with details of the action it is to take in Kosovo, with particular regard to the time
frame involved ?

(') OJ C 78 . 18.3.19% . p . 15 .

Answer

( 13 March 1997 )

As the Honourable Member knows, the Council has on many occasions expressed its deep concern at the
situation in Kosovo . At its meetings on 1 and 28 October it reiterated its belief that an increased international
presence in Kosovo would have a restraining effect on both sides and could thereby contribute to reducing
tensions . An international presence would therefore be another positive factor in the search for an acceptable
solution as regards the status of Kosovo within the FRY . To this end, the Council has been stressing the
importance it attaches to the establishment of an EU presence in Kosovo . The Council is continuing to press the
Belgrade authorities to enable the arrangements for such a presence to be determined .

Meanwhile, the question of the further normalisation of FRY diplomatic relations with the European Community
remains open, since the Council has decided to deal with both issues in parallel .

No C 186 / 30 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 186 / 41 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 106 / 96

by Joaquin Siso Cruellas ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 18 November 1996 )

Subject : VAT exemption for passenger transport

The Community of European Railways ( CCFE ) has proposed that the Commission and Council, with regard to
future Community legislation on VAT applicable to passenger transport, establish " zero rating 7 or VAT
exemption for all means of transport in all the Member States .

The CCFE consider that this harmonization would :

1 . ensure equal treatment for all means of transport ;

2 . boost the competitiveness and further development of public passenger transport ;

3 . establish a criterion of territoriality compatible with all the legal systems applicable to international rail

transport ;

4 . avoid price differences for transport over the same journey as a result of the type of VAT applied by the
Member States .

What is the Commission 's view of these proposals by the CCFE on future Community legislation on VAT
applicable to transport ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 12 February 1997 )

The Commission is currently examining to what extent the rules of the sixth value added tax ( VAT ) Directive (')
applicable to passenger transport have to be revised . At the end of 1995, the Commission began a study to
examine the economic consequences of different possible tax options . This study is not yet complete, and so it
would be premature for the Commission to respond in detail to the question which has been asked .

However, it is the Commission 's aim that VAT should be applied to passenger transport services in such way as
to be neutral in its impact with regard to competition between different modes of transport . Also, VAT should not
reduce the competitivity of the European transport suppliers vis a vis their third country competitors and should
not impede the development of public transport services . Clearly, the development and phasing in of Community
rules and guidelines on taxation as applying to transport and policies to internalise the external costs of transport
should fully respect this objective and lead to the creation of a truly balanced pricing system for all modes of
transport ( 2 ). In this respect the Commission is in tune with the position paper of the community of European
railways ( CER ) of 23 September 1996 cited by the Honourable Member .

The Commission would like take this opportunity to point out that the CER does not suggest the application of a
zero-rate or a tax exemption to all supplies of passenger transport services . The CER is only concerned about the
taxation of cross-border transportation of passengers where, at present, air and sea transport, as opposed to land
based transport, benefits from the uniform application of a zero-rate ( ;i ).

(') Directive 77 / 388 / EEC          - OJ L 145 . 13.6.1977 . as last amended by Directive 96 / 42 / EC          - OJ L 170, 9.7.1996 .

( : ) Green Paper ' Towards fair and efficient pricing in transport ' — COM(95 ) 691 .
(') With view to Article 28(2)(a ) of Directive 77 / 388 / EEC — as introduced by Article 1 ( 4 ) of Directive 92 / 77 / EEC ( OJ L 316, 31.10.1992 ) —
the Member States can . under certain conditions ( see Article 17 . last indent, of Directive 67 / 228 / EEC . OJ 67 . 14.4 . 1967 ) continue to apply
exemptions with refund of the tax paid at the proceeding stage ( zero-rates ) which were in force on 1 January 1991 .

( 97 / C 186 / 42 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 117 / 96

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) to the Council

( 14 November 1996 )

Subject : EU assistance for the ' chicken map ' project at the University of Edinburgh

Genetic engineering is currently being carried out on chickens at the University of Edinburgh with the support of
EU resources .

1 . Since when has the ' chicken map ' project been directly or indirectly assisted by the EU, and how long will
such assistance continue ?

2 . How much assistance in all has been provided ?

3 . Under what headings has the assistance been provided ?

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 1 86 / 3 1

4 . What is the aim of the ' chicken map ' project ?

5 . What groups of researchers are involved in this project ?

6 . Are there any direct or indirect links with other research projects being assisted with EU resources ?

Answer

( 13 March 1997 )

The Council has no information on the project referred to by the Honourable Member . The question would be
better addressed to the Commission .

( 97 / C 186 / 43 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3122 / 96

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) to the Commission

( 22 November 1996 )

Subject : Enzyme preparations produced by genetic engineering

The preparation of enzymes with the aid of genetically modified microorganisms in fermenters gives rise to large
quantities of substrates and production organisms, which are also contained in the end product . As in many
large-scale processes, complete purity of the end product cannot be guaranteed . Errors during processing in
particular may result in cell debris of the production organism and both extracellular and intracellular
components entering the end product . Impurities containing viable production organisms may also occur .

1 . Does the Commission agree that genetically modified organisms ( GMOs ) authorized only for work in
closed systems may be unintentionally released into the environment in this way ?

2 . Does the Commission believe that the GMOs used should undergo a test like that provided for the
intentional release of other GMOs '.'

3 . Given the differences from the conventional product, does the Commission agree that the product will be
governed by the planned novel food regulation ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

1 . and 2 . The Commission is of the opinion that Council Directive 90 / 219 / EEC on the contained use of
genetically modified micro-organisms (') and Council Directive 90 / 220 / EEC on the deliberate release into the
environment of genetically modified organisms 1, which are based on the precautionary principle, provide the
necessary legal framework to ensure a high level of protection in terms of human health, environmental safety
from the contained use and release into the environment of genetically modified micro-organisms ( GMMs ).

According to Directive 90 / 219 / EEC even users employing genetically modified micro-organisms classified in
group I should test adequately and should maintain control measures and equipment . It therefore follows that
these precautionary measures should also be applied to large-scale processes in which GMMs are used to
produce enzyme preparations, which will normally allow the detection of any GMMs outside the primary
containment .

Therefore, the Commission is of the opinion that Directive 90 / 219 / EEC provides adequately for the control of
any unintentional release of GMMs from contained facilities .

3 . Enzyme preparations containing or consisting of genetically modified organisms to be used as foods or
food ingredients and enzymes produced from genetically modified organisms to be used as foods or food
ingredients will fall within the scope of the novel food regulation .

(') OJ L 1 17 . 8.5.1990 .

No C 186 / 32 TEN Official Journal ot the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 186 / 44 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 130 / 96

by Jose Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 22 November 1996 )

Subject : Technical and scientific guarantees of absence of infection by BSE agents

What test or proofs can the Commission introduce or demand in order to assure consumers that meat and bovine
meat-derived products such as semen, gelatine and tallow are free of BSE transmission agents when they are
placed on the market ?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

( 19 February 1997 )

Many researchers are of the opinion that the infectious agent ot bovine spongiform encephalopathy ( BSE ) is a
protein called prion which displays exceptional characteristics such as resistance to heat, to ultraviolet and
ionising radiation, and to chemical disinfectants . Within the same research teams or in independent laboratories,
others are, however, pursuing their research along different lines .

In view of the lack of scientific knowledge about BSE and the infectious agent itself, researchers and
decision-makers at all levels, including the Commission, are understandably cautious about making recommen ­
dations and decisions . The need for caution is paramount, having regard to the direct impact on human health .

There are as yet no reliable tests for distinguishing between healthy and BSE-infected animals, and thus
resolving the problem . The histological methods available at present can only be used after slaughter .

Intensive efforts are currently being made to develop diagnostic methods . The Commission has taken an
initiative to promote research projects and provide financial support in respect of transmissible spongiform
encephalopathies ('). Some of these projects are concerned with the development of diagnostics for spongiform
encephalopathies . A research programme with funding amounting to ECU 9.8 million will focus on such tests .

In order to ensure that meat and other bovine-derived products, besides semen, gelatine and tallow referred to by
the Honourable Member, such as foodstuffs, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, are safe to use, three main criteria
are applied in addition to the systematic elimination from the food chain of any animal suspected of carrying
BSE : the criteria are origin, organs and processing .

1 . With regard to origin, a distinction is made according to the prevalence of BSE in the different Member
States . Thus, bovine-derived products originating in Member States which have had no confirmed cases or
have a low incidence of BSE are a priori safe . In the United Kingdom, where more than 99% of the cases of
BSE have been discovered, the authorities have taken certain measures to protect public health, including a
ban on the consumption of any beef products, including gelatin and tallow, from cattle over 30 months of
age . The Commission expects to receive working documents from the United Kingdom, in the framework of
the Commission 's position paper to the Florence European Council, aimed at a lifting of the ban . When they
are received, these documents will be considered by the appropriate scientific committees, the advice of
which will be taken into account before the Commission could take a position on a possible lifting of any
part of the ban .

2 . With regard to organs and tissues, the United Kingdom is prohibited from sending bovine products to other
Member States or to third countries . Moreover, in the United Kingdom and some other Member States,
certain hazardous items are being withdrawn from the food chain and destroyed . With respect to organs and
tissues, on the basis of the advice of the World Health Organisation and the scientific veterinary committee,
the Commission has proposed a prohibition on the use of certain tissues from cattle, sheep and goats in
cosmetics, food and animal feed . The proposal ( 2 ) for a ban on these tissues in cosmetics was agreed by the
committee for adaptation to technical progress . However, the other Commission proposal ( v ) to ban them
from human food and animal feed did not obtain a qualified majority in the standing veterinary committee . It
was then forwarded by the Commission to the Council, which voted against it by a simple majority on

17 December 1996 . The Commission remains convinced of the need for such a measure, and will review the
situation in the light of the reports of inspections carried out in the Member States at the end of 1996,
particularly in relation to surveillance for spongiform encephalopathies and implementation of the rules on
processing and use of mammalian meat and bone meal .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 33

3 . With regard to processing, only those methods guaranteeing a high level of safety and harmlessness of the
products processed are authorised .

Even though zero risk cannot be guaranteed, the application, on a case-by-case basis, of one or more of these
three criteria gives the consumer a very strong guarantee of safety .

Finally, in a proposal for a Council Regulation currently under discussion, the Commission is advocating the
labelling of beef and beef products ( 4 ), whereby the consumer is aware of the origin of the beef and the method of
feeding in particular, so that a responsible, informed choice can be made .

(') COM(% ) 582 .
(-) 2()th Commission Directive 97 / 1 / EC of 10 January 1997 . published in Official Journal No L 16 of 18.1.1997 .
(') SEC(96 ) 2300 . 4.12.1996 .

( J ) OJ C 349 . 28.1 1.1996 .

( 97 / C 186 / 45 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3132 / 96

by Jose Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 22 November 1996 )

Subject : Registers of gelatine exports made from British cattle

Has the Commission any information as to the destination of gelatine exports made from cattle originating in the
UK during the period preceding the embargo ? .

Is such monitoring planned or to be carried out in future ?

( 97 / C 186 / 46 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3133 / 96

by Jose Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 22 November 1996 )

Subject : Registers of tallow exports made from British cattle

Has the Commission any information as to the destination of tallow exports made from cattle originating in the
UK during the period preceding the embargo ?

Is such monitoring planned or to be carried out in future ?

( 97 / C 186 / 47 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3134 / 96

by Jose Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 22 November 1996 )

Subject : Registers of semen exports made from British cattle

Has the Commission any information as to the destination of semen exports made from cattle originating in the
UK during the period preceding the embargo ?

Is such monitoring planned or to be carried out in future ?

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-3132 / 96, E-3133 / 96 and E-3134 / 96

given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 75 January 1997 )

The Commission has no information on the destination of gelatin, tallow and semen derived from British cattle
prior to the ban . Such information would be impossible to obtain at this stage for gelatin and tallow

No C 1 86 / 34 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

in view of the wide range of origins of source materials and of foodstuffs containing these materials . For semen,
trade is governed by the conditions of Directive 88 / 407 / EEC laying down the animal health requirements
applicable to intra-Community trade in imports of deep frozen semen of domestic animals of the bovine
species ('). This does not make any special requirements for bovine spongiform encephalopathy ( BSE ) since
semen, according to the opinion of the scientific veterinary committee on 26 April 1996, is not considered to be a
risk factor for transmission of the disease . The export ban on bovine semen was therefore lifted by Commission
Decision 96 / 362 / EC of 1 1 June 1996 ( 2 ).

In contrast with semen, however, neither gelatin nor tallow derived from British cattle can be exported at present,
since the preconditions of Decision 96 / 362 / EC lifting the ban on these products have not been fulfilled . No
further steps in this process will be taken with respect to gelatin until the re-evaluation of the risk from gelatin has
been carried out in the light of the report from the Inveresk research laboratory received by the Commission on

14 June 1996 . This report brought into question one element of the scientific basis of the scientific veterinary
committee 's opinion of 26 April 1996 on the inactivation of the scrapie agent during the gelatin manufacturing

process .

There are no plans to monitor the destination of exports of bovine semen from the United Kingdom, or, indeed,
the destination of any future exports from the United Kingdom of gelatine or tallow, once the conditions are met
for such exports to resume .

( ] ) OJ L 194 . 22.7.1988 .

( : ) OJ L 139 . 12.6.1996 .

( 97 / C 186 / 48 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3137 / 96

by Gianni Tamino ( V ) to the Commission

( 22 November 1996 )

Subject : German boycott of the port of Trieste

Following the broadcasting of a film documentary by ZDF on 22 October 1996, the German Lander of Lower
Saxony, Mecklenburg-Pomerania and Saxony-Anhalt have announced a boycott of the port of Trieste as a
staging post for the transport of live animals destined for slaughterhouses in the Middle East . On several previous
occasions, the Eurogroup for Animal Welfare had already denounced — with supporting video evidence —
inspection arrangements at the Gorizia and Prosecco-Fernetti crossings and the situation with regard to
Community shipments destined for third countries;the Italian authorities have always publicly denied any failure
to denounce the maltreatment of animals by public veterinary officials responsible for carrying out inspections .

What action does the Commission intend to take to denounce Italy 's breach of Directive EEC / 91 / 628 (') and
intervene in the incredible situation reported at the port of Trieste ?

Is the Commission aware that the veterinary office responsible for compliance with EEC rules at the port is the
regional office located in Gorizia and has only three veterinary officials instead of the 14 envisaged in the
establishment plan laid down some considerable time ago by the Italian Ministry of Health ?

(') OJ L 340 of 1 1.12.1991 . p . 17 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 23 January 1997 )

The Commission received complaints from Eurogroup for animal welfare early in 1995 and in October 1996
concerning alleged breaches of Directive 91 / 628 / EEC on the protection of animals during transport ( 1 ) at the
frontier crossings between Slovenia and Italy at Gorizia and Fernetti / Prosecco . These complaints essentially
concern animals coming from Eastern European countries destined for slaughter in Italy .

Formal complaints were not presented in respect of the port of Trieste notably in connection with the shipment of
German animals to the Middle East . The Commission is, however, aware from films shown on German television
that it has been alleged that animals exported from the Community are ill-treated at Trieste .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 35

A Commission inspector visited the port in June 1995 . However, at the time of the visit, animals were not being
loaded or unloaded and no serious breaches of Directive 91 / 628 / EEC were noted in respect of the bovines which
were in the port lairage .

The inspector 's report and recommendations communicated to the Italian authorities were, however, critical of
certain aspects in particular of the possible inadequacies of the official veterinary and animal welfare control

arrangements .

Following the most recent disclosures, the Commission has once again intervened with the Italian authorities and
is further examining its position and on completion of this examination will take such further action as is
necessary to ensure the proper application of the Directive at the port in question .

In view of the seriousness of the allegations it cannot be excluded that the Commission will find it necessary to
open infringement proceedings against Italy .

O OJ L 340 . 1 1.12.1991 .

( 97 / C 186 / 49 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3144 / 96

by Marianne Thyssen ( PPE ) to the Council

( 21 November 1996 )

Subject : Language courses for officials of the European Institutions

Can the Council provide information on language courses organised for its officials per place of work and in
respect of the following :

1 . the languages for which courses are organised ;

2 . the criteria used for deciding whether or not to organise a specific language course ?

Can the Council also state whether language courses were organised in 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 on an
interinstitutional basis, and for what languages ?

Answer

( 13 March 1997 J

1 . In 1993, 1994 and 1995 each institution in Brussels organized its own language courses .

2 . The Council 's principle has always been to organize courses only for the official languages of the Union
( Danish, German, Greek, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Finnish and Swedish ).

3 . Whether or not any given course is offered depends on the number of enrolments (a minimum of 8 is
required ).

4 . In 1996-1997 the Commission, the Council, the European Parliament and the Economic and Social
Committee and Committee of the Regions began organizing interinstitutional language courses in Brussels .

The languages taught this year are :

— official languages of the Union : Danish, German, Greek, English, Spanish, french, Italian, Dutch,
Portuguese, Finnish and Swedish ;

— other non-Community languages : Arabic, Japanese, Russian .

No C 186 / 36 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 186 / 50 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3148 / 96

by Fernando Fernandez Martin ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 22 November 1996 )

Subject : Towards sustainable development in the Canaries : environment and water

Within the ' The environment and the regions : towards sustainable development ' programme, what projects have
been submitted by the regional or local authorities in the Canaries for funding under this programme ?

How many projects have been submitted with the same end in view by the Spanish Government ?

Can the Commission tell me how many of these projects ( and which ), if they have been submitted, it intends to
fund in the Canaries Autonomous Community ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

One of the principles of the reformed Community Structural Funds, operational since 1989, is that of
programming . Under it priority for the use of Community aid is given to part-financing of operational
programmes each grouping a number of multiannual measures . Some measures embrace one or more projects
already identified at the time of approval of Community aid, while for other measures the projects become
identified during the life of the programme .

No programme exists or has existed with the title ' The environment and the regions : towards sustainable
development ', mentioned by the Honourable Member . Under the Community support framework ( CSF ) for the
period 1989-93 an operational programme " Environment and Water Resources ' ( ERDF 90.1 1.09.006 ) approved
by a Commission decision of 7 March 1991 was implemented . This programme has now been completed, the last
payments are being made and it will shortly be closed administratively and financially . An extract from the final
report on its execution transmitted by the Spanish Government in June 1996, covering projects part-financed in
the Canaries, is being sent to the Honourable Member and Parliament 's Secretariat .

On 20 December 1994 the Commission approved an operational programme ' Local Environment ' for the period

1994-99 . This aids projects of the following types : water purification, urban waste management, environmental
recovery and reafforestation of deteriorated public land, and also improvement of urban surroundings ( on
average PTA 1 500 per person for towns of less than 50 000 inhabitants ).

In programmes such as this project selection is the responsibility of the Member State, which passes the
information on to the monitoring committee for the programme . This committee, chaired by a representative of
the national authorities, makes sure that programmes are properly implemented so as to attain the objectives
sought, that regulatory provisions are adhered to and that all action is in line with the priorities set in the CSF and
the purposes for which aid is granted .

Information on projects is provided by the Member State, in the case of Spain the Ministry for Economic Affairs
and Finance . In fact for this particular programme certain projects in the Canaries, financed at the rate of 70% by
the ERDF, were pre-identified . Up to mid-December 1996 the following amounts had been spent on them :

( MECU )

Improvement of drainage / Gran Canaria ( Mancomunidad Sweste ): 3.23
Waste water purif ication stations ( Telde ): 1.75
Urban environment plan ( La Laguna / Guerra y Tejina Valley ): 3.39

3.23

1.75

Improvement of waste water drainage network ( Gran Canaria ):
Development of Marine Park and Palmetum ( Santa Cruz de Tenerife ):
Environmental redevelopment of Confital and Rineon /. ones at Las Palmas :
Redevelopment of historic centre ( Las Palmas ):
Redevelopment ot San Juan surburban zone ( Telde ):

3.39

3.23

9.10

5.73

10.40

1.50

The Honourable Member can obtain information on projects subsequently drawn up and now being executed
under the programme from the Ministry for Economic Affairs and Finance .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 37

( 97 / C 186 / 51 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3153 / 96

by Laura Gonzalez Alvarez ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 22 November 1996 )

Subject : Ecological disaster in the La Coruna rubbish top ( Spain )

On 10 September 1996, the municipal rubbish tip of La Coruna, one of Spain 's largest cities, was the scene of a
landslide involving 100 000 tonnes of refuse, in which one person was killed .

This disaster poses a serious threat both to maritime flora and fauna, should liquid pollutants, organic material
and heavy metals reach the sea, and to the health . of the 250 000 inhabitants of the city and the surrounding
villages, which are currently the victims of the nauseating stench from the tip .

Since the European Union is providing 3 million pesetas worth of funding for an ecological programme in the
O Portiilo area, located next to the tip, how is the Commission going to approach the Spanish authorities with a
view to ensuring that an environmental impact assessment of the disaster is carried out, and an inquiry opened
into the causes and . if appropriate, the issue of responsibility, should a crime against the environment be
involved ?

Does the Commission not think that in cooperation with the Spanish authorities it should fund a programme for
making the tip watertight, by putting up containing walls and installing drainage to prevent toxic waste reaching
the sea ?

Does the Commission not think that it might be necessary to monitor the transposition of the Directive
demanding that a minimum 25% of containers and packaging are to be recycled before the end of the century ?

Could the Commission highlight the need to apply a proper waste management policy involving separation at
source, re-use and recycling ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commissiion

( 19 February 1997 )

The Commission would point out to the Honourable Member that no existing Community environment
legislation requires an environmental impact assessment to be carried out in relation to this disaster . Council
Directive 85 / 337 / EEC of 27 June 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on
the environment (') only applies to certain types of project which, by definition, have not yet been carried out
when the impact assessment is made . Nor does Community law contain any provision about liability for damage
to the environment . As a result, the Commission is not in a position to approach the Spanish authorities on this
matter either .

In July 1996 the Commission adopted a communication on the review of the Community waste strategy . ( 2 ) The
Commission communication clearly gives priority to waste prevention and states that, when waste cannot be
avoided, recovery should be promoted, and that material recovery should be preferred to other forms of recovery,
when environmentally sound . Also, the principle of producer responsibility is introduced in the waste strategy, to
ensure that waste management concerns are fully taken into account from a product 's design and conception .

More specific initiatives are provided for in Directive 94 / 62 / EC on packaging and packaging waste, (') where
requirements are introduced to encourage separate collection and recycling of packaging waste .

Also, the priority waste stream programme, which was initiated in 1991, involves specific initiatives on used
tyres, end-of-life vehicles, health-care waste, construction and demolition waste and waste from electrical and
electronic equipment . The Commission is currently looking into proposals from the priority waste stream
working group .

Concerning specific municipal waste, the Commission is preparing a proposal for introducing separate collection
schemes for hazardous household waste, as required by Article 1(5 ) of the hazardous waste Directive
91 / 689 / EEC . ( 4 )

No C 186 / 38 | EN | Official Journal ot the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

The Community can fund waste-treatment projects at the request of a Member State or an autonomous
community under the Structural Funds ( programming period 1994-99 ) and the Cohesion Fund . The operational
programme for Galicia, for example, has a budget of ECU 1 545 million for the period 1994-99 .

The Commission would be only to happy to sec the authorities submit waste-treatment schemes of the kind
indicated by the Honourable Member .

With regard to Directive 94 / 62 / EC on packaging and packaging waste, to which the Honourable Member refers,
the Commission would point out that, pursuant to Article 155 of the EC Treaty, it is responsible for ensuring that
Community law is applied . In this capacity, it verifies whether the Member States incorporate Directives into
their national law within the time limits laid down . Where the Directive in question is concerned, the
Commission intends to take all necessary steps to ensure that Member States which have not yet incorporated it
into their national law, including Spain, do so as soon as possible .

(') OJ L 175, 5.7.1985 .

H COM(% ) 399 .
(') OJ L 365 . 31.12.1994 .

( 4 ) OJ L 377 . 31.12.1991 .

( 97 / C 186 / 52 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3163 / 96

by Johanna Maij-Weggen ( PPE ) to the Council

( 21 November 1996 )

Subject : Visit by the troika to Israel

Does the European Union 's troika have any plans to visit Israel, including the Orient House in East Jerusalem ?

Has the Israeli government made it known that it would not receive the troika if the latter do not abandon plans to
visit the Orient House ?

If so . what consequences should the Israeli government 's attitude have on EU policy on visits to the Orient
House ?

( 97 / C 186 / 53 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3536 / 96

by Yannos Kranidiotis ( PSE ) to the Council

( 72 December 1996 )

Subject : Troika visit to the Middle East

Following a decision by the Council, a European Union delegation ( the ' Troika ') headed by Mr D. Spring visited
the Middle East from 10-13 November 1996 for talks with the various parties .

Although the Irish Presidency had announced that the Troika would meet the Palestinians in Jerusalem at the

' House of the East ' situated in East Jerusalem, the visit was abandoned after ' pressure ' from the Israelis,
breaking with EU tradition in this respect .

Why did the Irish Presidency change its original plans ?

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-3163 / 96 and 3536 / 96

(] I March 1997 )

At its meeting of 1 October 1996 in Luxembourg, the Council reaffirmed its policy on the statuts of Jerusalem .
East Jerusalem is subject to the principles set out in UN Security Council Resolution 242, notably the
inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force, and is therefore not under Israeli sovereignty .

As an expression of this policy EU representatives have had a long standing practice of making calls on Orient
House in Jerusalem . When they do so, they respect the understanding between the parties that there should be no
discussion of Palestinian Authority matters in Orient House .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 1 86 / 39

The Troika visited the region on 9 to 12 November 1996 ; since the Israeli Government had let be known that it
was unable to accept the Council policy on Orient House, the Troika did not visit Israel on that occasion . It shoud
however, be emphasized that the EU and Israel continue to maintain a close dialogue at all levels .

The European Union remains strongly committed to maintaining its political dialogue with Israel based on a
process of constructive engagement and the avoidance of confrontation . The EU regrets that the Israeli
government did not find it possible to meet the Troika in Jerusalem . The Union, however, in order to maintain the
process of political dialogue, found a modus vivendi with Israel on this occasion, by meeting Minister Levy en
marge of the MENA Conference .

No dates have been set for the next Troika visit to the region .

( 97 / C 186 / 54 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3165 / 96

by Maj Theorin ( PSE ) to the Council

( 12 November 19 96 )

Subject : The illegal division of Cyprus

Having been given some grand promises of an improvement in conduct, the Union entered into a customs union
with Turkey despite the fact that Parliament 's four demands had not been met . One of the demands was to find a
solution to what the UN Security Council has described as the illegal division of the island .

Turkey 's recent conduct, for example the murder of two young Greek Cypriots, shows that no progress has been
made on the Cyprus question .

At the Madrid summit in 1995, the Heads of State and Government of the EU Member States pledged that
negotiations with Cyprus and Malta would begin six months after the end of the IGC negotiations . Following the
latest tension, Turkish political leaders responded by saying that if Cyprus becomes a member of the EU before
Turkey, they will annex the northern part of the island .

The customs union gives the EU a certain leverage . How does the Council think this should be used so that the
question of the illegal division of Cyprus can be resolved and negotiations started ?

Answer

( 13 March 1997 )

The recent violence in Cyprus which has been strongly condemned by the Council, has again highlighted the
urgent need to intensify efforts to promote a comprehensive political settlement in Cyprus, under the aegis of the
United Nations . The European Union reiterates its full support for the work of the Secretary-General and his
Special Representative in this regard .

The Council has on several occasions emphasized to the Turkish government that the EU expects Turkey to
support international efforts and in particular those of the representative of the UN Secretary-General in
achieving a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus question in accordance with UN Security Council
resolutions, based on the concept of a bi-communal and bi-zonal Federation,

( 97 / C 186 / 55 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3169 / 96

by Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 22 November 1996 )

Subject : Pollution of an area of sea by the installations of the Motor Oil company

On 9 August 1996 a large quantity of mazut leaked from the installations of the Motor Oil company in Sousaki,
Corinth . The leak occurred while an oil-tanker was being loaded inside the companies installations and caused an
oil slick stretching from Isthmia to Aegina .

No C 186 / 40 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Bearing in mind that :

— accidents and leaks of petroleum and chemicals from oil-tankers and on-shore installations are an almost
constant danger in this region ;

— oil slicks cause irreparable damage to marine ecosystems, especially in closed seas ;

— this particular leak caused the regions 's tourism-related occupations to lose income because holiday-makers
left at the height of the tourist season ;

— Directive 82 / 501 / EEC (') ( Seveso Directive ) has been infringed, and

— there is a pilot programme on the dispersal of oil-slicks by micro-organisms ; the programme is funded by the
Commission 's DG XI and will be conducted in the polluted waters and on the shores of the Saronic Gulf,

does the Commission consider that Greece has complied with all the provisions of the Seveso Directive and with
any provisions which have so far supplemented or amended the Directive ? Had any checks been carried out on
the applications of the above-mentioned Directive by the company in question ? Will the Commission intercede
more energetically with the competent Greek authorities to expedite and strengthen hazard prevention measures
in regions where dangerous installations are located ?

C ) OJ L 230, 5.8.1982, p . I.

Supplementary answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(7 March J 997 )

Further to its answer of 9 January 1997, (') the Commission wishes to inform the Honourable Member that
Council Directive 82 / 501 / EEC of 24 June 1982 on the major-accident hazards of certain industrial activities ( 2 )
was transposed into Greek legislation by Ministerial Decrees No . 18187 / 1988 and No . 771 19 / 1993 .

Under the Directive, Member States must ensure that the competent athorities organize inspections or other
measures measures of control for establishments which use, handle or store dangerous substances . In particular,
Member States must inform the Commission of any major accidents which have occurred within their territory .

In the case of the accident referred to by the Honourable Member, the Commission had already asked the Greek
authorities to supply information on the circumstances under which the accident occurred and on the
applicability of Directive 82 / 501 / EEC . The Commission is now studying the information on the accident which
the Greek authorities have sent it .

(') OJ C 83 ot 14.3.1997, p . 124 .
{-) OJ L 230, 5.8.1982 ; Directive amended by Directive 87 / 216 / EEC ( OJ L 85, 28.3.1987 ), Directive 88 / 6I0 / EEC ( OJ L 336, 7.12.1988 ) and
Directive 91 / 692 / EEC ( OJ L 377, 31.12.1991 ).

( 97 / C 186 / 56 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3174 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

( 22 November T996 )

Subject : JRC Ispra establishment

Following Mrs Cresson 's satisfactory answer to my question E-2589 / 95 of 27 September 1995 on appropriations
for research activities, (') I am obliged to table a further question to the Commission about certain episodes which
have apparently occurred at the JRC Ispra establishment .

According to my information, various invitations to tender have been issued by the above establishment, and, in
theory, any interested firms or bodies from any of the Member States were entitled to bid . However, when the
time came to consider the projects, it appeared to be the case, allegedly for technical reasons, that the only
companies eligible for selection were those based in the home country of the persons assessing the projects . As
regards the details, two sharply distinct cliques, one British and one French, have formed at Ispra over the past

two years .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 41

Will the Commission check whether it is true that virtually all ot the contracts awarded in the last two years have
been won by British or French companies ?

(') OJ C 1 12 . 17.4.19% . p . 5 .

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

( 24 January 1997 )

The Space Applications Institute ( SAI ), set up on the Ispra site of the Joint Research Centre, has in the last two
years sent out 27 invitations to tender in accordance with the rules on opening to competition in public

procurement .

The invitations to tender have resulted in 61 contracts being concluded . These break down as follows :

Belgium 4
Denmark 3

Germany 4
Greece 1

France 8

Italy 9
Netherlands 3

Finland 1

United Kingdom 23
Norway 4
Switzerland 1

The 61 contracts have given rise to 101 sub-contracts or partnerships, which break down as follows :

Belgium 2
Denmark 13

Greece 1 I

France 16

Spain 4
Ireland 2

Italy 4
Netherlands 8

Austria 4

Finland 2

United Kingdom 24
Canada I

Norway 7

The two breakdowns show that the SAI has concluded contracts with partners from a wide range of countries .
The distribution is closely linked to the presence in those countries of active potential partners with wide
experience in the various areas of remote sensing . Invitations to tender published by the SAI within the
framework of research projects generally attract a proportionately larger number of responses from those
countries .

Furthermore, evaluation of tenders is based on objective technical and financial criteria . It would therefore be
wrong to suppose that undertakings established in certain Member States have received preferential treatment .

( 97 / C 186 / 57 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3175 / 96

by Gianni Tamino ( V ) and Carlo Ripa di Meana ( V ) to the Commission

( 22 November 1996 )

Subject : Use of laser guns to control wild birds in the city of Modena

Since October 1995 the Modena city authorities have been using category 3 B laser guns, manufactured by the
French company Desman, to scare away the starlings which perch in the trees lining the streets of the old city .

The guns are fired at night-time from within the branches of the trees, outside house windows, and the public are
not given any warning .

No C 186 / 42 I ^ | Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

The manufacturer 's literature explicitly mentions the possible risk that even occasional indirect exposure could
damage the eyesight — owing to progressive detachment of the retina — both of persons using these weapons and
of any living creatures which happen to be struck by the beam within a distance of 63 m .

What Community rules govern the use of these weapons ?

Is use of the guns consistent with Directive 79 / 409 / EEC on the conservation of wild birds ? (')

Is the sale of these guns permitted under Directive 92 / 59 / EEC on general product safety, ( 2 ) and are the workers
who use them covered by the framework Directive on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements
in the safety and health of workers at work ( Directive 89 / 39 1 / EEC )? ( 3 )

(') OJ L 1 03 . 25.4.1979, p . 1 .
M OJ L 228 . I 1.8.1992 . p . 24 .
H OJ L 183 . 29.6.1989 . p . 1 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 2H January 1997 )

Council Directive 79 / 409 / EEC on the conservation of wild birds relates to the conservation of all species of
naturally occurring birds in the wild state . It therefore applies to starlings . Pursuant to Article 5 of the Directive,
Member States must take the requisite measures to establish a general system of protection for all species of birds
referred to in Article 1, prohibiting amongst other things deliberate disturbance of these birds . Member States
may derogate from this provision for certain reasons specified in Article 9 . Each year Member States are required
to send a report to the Commission on the application of this Article .

As regards laser guns being used to scare away birds in the city of Modena, the Commission 's information is that
laser guns were used by officials to control city pigeons from October 1995 to November 1996 with the approval
of both the city and the prefecture . The Commission is expecting Italy to report on these derogations in due
course, in accordance with the Directive 's requirements .

The framework Directive 89 / 391 / EEC covers the protection of the safety and health of all workers at work . If an
employer entrusts workers with tasks involving the use of laser guns, therefore, he must first evaluate the risks
this entails and on the basis of this assessment take all the measures necessary to eliminate the risks to workers or,
if that is not possible, take protective measures to limit the risks .

Directive 92 / 59 / EEC on general product safety is designed to raise overall confidence in the internal market . To
do this it imposes a general obligation on all economic operators in the supply chain to market only safe
consumer products ( i.e. products intended for consumers or likely to be used by consumers ).

In the case of the product to which the Honourable Member refers, it should be noted that, to the extent that these
weapons may be used by consumers . Directive 92 / 59 / EEC obliges the producer to ensure that the product in
question does not, under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions of use, present any risk or only the
minimum risks compatible with the product 's use, considered as acceptable and consistent with a high level of
protection for the safety and health of persons, taking into account in particular the product 's characteristics,
presentation and labelling and any instructions for its use .

It should also be noted that the Member States are responsible for monitoring the safety of products on the market
and that in this case the Commission has not been informed of any measures taken by Italy or any other State
against these weapons on the grounds of a risk to health .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal ot the European Communities No C 186 / 43

( 97 / C 186 / 58 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3185 / 96

by Noel Mamere ( V ) to the Commission

( 22 November 1996 )

Subject : Developing countries and the conservation of biodiversity

The European Union and its Member States are committed to the objectives of the Convention on Biological
Diversity, which is based on three pillars : the conservation of biological resources, the sustainable use of its
components, and the equitable sharing of benefits from the use of genetic resources .

The Convention places emphasis on the importance of capacity-building in developing countries and the need to
take appropriate account of rights over resources and access to technologies . The Convention text also explicitly
recognises that economic and social development, and eradication of poverty, are the overriding priorities of
developing countries .

In Southern Africa, several countries have succeeded in reconciling the conservation of biodiversity resources
with the economic and social development of the poorest rural areas through the development of conservation
programmes based on the management and use of wild resources by rural communities .

Is the Commission aware of these new strategies for Biodiversity conservation ?

If so . and in light of the different aspects involved in these innovative strategies, are the different Commission
Directorates with responsibilities on these issues ( DG I, DG VIII and DG XI ) coordinating their activities so that
these successful experiences can be applied in other areas of the developing world ?

How does the Commission intend to support effectively these conservation strategies in all relevant international
fora such as CITES or the Biodiversity Convention ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 23 January 1997 )

The Commission is aware of numerous activities and programmes being implemented by developing countries in
the context of the objectives of the Convention on biological diversity ( CBD ) including the conservation of
biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits
arising out of the utilisation of genetic resources .

In this respect, the Convention states that ' biological diversity means the variability among living organisms
from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological
complexes of which they are part, this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems '.
Furthermore, the Convention states that ' biological resources includes genetic resources, organisms or parts
thereof, populations, or any other biotic component of ecosystems with actual or potential use or value for
humanity '. Therefore, the difference between the terms ' biological diversity ' and ' biological resources ' is quite
relevant . The Convention also affirms that states are responsible both for conserving their biological diversity
and for using their biological resources in a sustainable manner .

In this context, the Commission is aware of activities and programmes being implemented by developing
countries, including those in southern Africa . Only a limited number of countries have incorporated their
experiences within national biodiversity strategies as defined in Article 6 of the Convention . The Commission
attaches great importance to the development of these national biodiversity strategies following the decision of
the third conference of the parties of the CBD .

The Convention also requires contracting parties to facilitate the exchange of information, from all publicly
available sources, relevant to the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking into account the
special needs of developing countries, and that such exchange of information shall include exchange of results of
technical, scientific and socio-economic research, as well as information on training and surveying programmes,
specialised knowledge as well as indigenous and traditional knowledge . Furthermore, each contracting party
shall promote technical and scientific cooperation with other contracting parties, in particular developing
countries, in implementing this Convention, inter alia, through the development and implementation of national
policies . Fully aware of the importance of this provision of the Convention, the Commission is collaborating with
the secretariat of the CBD in the development of the pilot phase of the clearing house mechanism as defined in
Article 18 of the Convention .

No C 1 86 / 44 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

The existence of national biodiversity strategies by developing countries will be relevant for the Commission
when considering its development assistance to third countries . The Commission is also developing the
Community biodiversity strategy, including the integration of development aid policy . The Community strategy
will be presented to the Council in the first half of 1997 .

Finally, the development of the clearing house mechanism, with the support of the Commission, should help to
improve the decision-making processes in different biodiversity related instruments such as the Convention on
international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora ( Cites ) and the Convention on biological
diversity .

( 97 / C 186 / 59 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3187 / 96

by Richard Howitt ( PSE ) to the Council

( 21 November 1996 )

Subject : Allegations against an ambassador to the EU from a third country

What precedents exist for the Council, or from the Council 's experience for the other European institutions, to act
in a situation where serious allegations arise about financial impropriety, criminal or anti-democratic activities of
an Ambassador of a third country to the European Union ?

What procedures exist which would allow the EU to consider its response in such a situation, where the
allegations arise in the third country concerned ?

( 97 / C 186 / 60 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3939 / 96

by Richard Howitt ( PSE ) to the Council

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Ambassadors from third countries to the European Union

What precedents exist for action to protest against an official Ambassadors from a third country to the European
Union, where there is evidence of fraud, anti-democratic activities or involvement in serious human rights abuse
against such an Ambassador ? Which resolutions or other policies determine the scope of the Council in this
respect ?

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-3187 / 96 and E-3939 / 96

( 24 March 1997 )

As far as the Council is aware, no situation of the type described by the Honourable Member has yet arisen .

With reference to his second question, it should be noted that the international framework governing these
procedures is the one established by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 18 April 1961 .

( 97 / C 1 86 /6 1 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 190 / 96

by Richard Howitt ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 22 November 1996 )

Subject : Share of European Structural Fund programmes affecting the Merseyside West European Constituency

What is the overall share of funds from European Structural Fund programmes affecting the Merseyside West
European Constituency, divided between British Government expenditure, local authority . Training and
Enterprise Council and voluntary sector programmes ?

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 45

How do the relative proportions compare with Structural Fund programmes for Britain as a whole, and with
averages for the European Union ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 21 Januarx 1997 )

European structural fund programmes for objective 1 are targeted on areas defined in terms of administrative
boundaries . In the case of Merseyside the programme covers the region of Merseyside . There is no direct link
with the parliamentary constituencies .

The financial tables in the Merseyside programme document distinguish between national private expenditure
and national public expenditure ( which includes government, local authority, training and enterprise councils
and urban development corporations ). For the programme as a whole, structural fund support of 816 MECU is
combined with 816 MECU of national public expenditure and 368 MECU of national private expenditure to
create a total programme of 2000 MECU of assistance for the region . No breakdown is provided within the public
expenditure category by type of project sponsor either in the programming document or in the expenditure
claims made by the United Kingdom authorities .

This level of public and private sector contribution is comparable to that in other United Kingdom objective 1 and
2 programmes, and somewhat higher than the levels in other Member States, although it is difficult to make
meaningful comparisons .

( 97 / C 186 / 62 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3191 / 96

by Richard Howitt ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 22 November 1996 )

Subject : Innovative features of European Structural Fund programmes affecting the Merseyside West European

Constituency

What innovative features have been achieved and are proposed in European Structural Fund programmes
affecting the Merseyside West European Constituency ?

Can the Commission give precise examples where possible, and show how these positive results are being
disseminated to, and adopted by, other regions in Europe ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 21 Januarx 1997 )

The Merseyside objective 1 programme includes a number of innovative features . Two examples which stand
out are the pathways to integration approach and the Merseyside special investment fund .

Pathways to integration is a single measure in the programme combining assistance from the European social
fund and the European regional development fund ( ERDF ) in an integrated package of support worth

125 MECU . The measure focuses support on 38 deprived areas of Merseyside which together contain
500.000 people, about 35% of the region 's population . The approach aims to create jobs locally, and to create
pathways out of social exclusion and into employment . It incorporates the concept of programme bending
whereby assistance from other parts of the programme and indeed other programmes is targeted on the 38 areas .
Most importantly, it involves people from the communities themselves in analysing, planning and implementing
actions for their areas .

The pathways to integration approach featured in a European conference hosted by the Merseyside local
authorities in June 1996 . Delegates came from other Member States and visited ten of the pathways communities .
Merseyside was one of the two case studies in the report recently published by the Commission on social and
economic inclusion through regional economic development, which was widely disseminated throughout the
United Kingdom . The approach also featured in a presentation held in Brussels in November 1996 .

No C 186 / 46 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

The Merseyside special investment fund is a new financial institution on Merseyside which has created three
venture capital funds with capital of £25 million . The funds will focus on different small and medium sized
enterprises ( SMEs ) which are capable of expanding and creating jobs . The project aims to invest in 500 SMEs to
create 2500 jobs during its lifetime . Two of the funds will provide unsecured loans with interest rate subsidies .
These loan funds use ERDF resources to reduce interest rates and other costs to the SMEs . The capital comes
from the European investment bank and the private sector, which contribute £10 million and £5 million
respectively . The third fund will take equity stakes in high growth technology based companies . ERDF
assistance of £5 million directly co-finances £5 million from the private sector . Because there is no national
public contribution to the three funds, without the ERDF the project would not have happened .

Information on the project was given at an international conference on innovation sponsored by the Commission
at Halle in April 1996 and at a seminar held in Brussels in November 1996 .

( 97 / C 186 / 63 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3192 / 96

by Richard Howitt ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 22 November 1996 )

Subject : Principal lines of negotiation in the Merseyside Objective One Programme

Which were the precise areas of concern identified by the Commission, in response to the initial proposal by the
British Government for the Merseyside Objective One Programme ?

Which negotiations took place in response to these concerns, and how far were successful compromises able to
be reached ? Precisely what delay in agreeing the programme resulted ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

The regional development plan tor Merseyside 1994-1999 was presented to the Commission by the British
government on 3 November 1993 . The Merseyside objective 1 single programming document was approved by
the Commission in July 1994 following consultations between the Commission and the regional partnership .

The Commission identified a number of areas of concern in the text presented, and a certain number of
adjustments were subsequently agreed, inspired in part by the white paper on growth, competitiveness and
employment ('):

— a reinforcement of action in favour of the competitiveness of enterprises, in particular small and medium
sized enterprises ( SMEs ). The financial envelope was increased and integrated with training measures for
SMEs including apprenticeships . A new action to create a Merseyside special investment fund was
introduced to increase access by SMEs to sources of finance ;

— an accentuation of the effort in favour of research and new technologies . The finances originally foreseen
were doubled compared to the original proposal and the training actions for new technology were integrated ;

— the introduction of new measures concerning clean technologies and those that consume less energy ( the
eco-industries ) as well as a programme to raise environmental awareness ;

— a reorientation of action in the area of urban transport to facilitate access to employment ;

— the introduction of a new measure ' Pathways to integration ', which makes up 26.66% of the financial
contribution of the European social fund and \ 0% of the European regional development fund contribution .
In Merseyside 40,000 people have been unemployed for more than 10 years . The majority of unemployed
people have never worked . The problem is highly concentrated in a number of urban neighbourhoods . The
aim is to concentrate the funds geographically through a series of linked actions to trace a path for each
person in each affected neighbourhood from social exclusion through education and training into
employment .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 47

The negotiations which followed the Commission 's response were successful in producing a single programming
document which has stood the test of time and which was recognised by all partners as being a considerable
improvement on the first document submitted .

The regulations envisage a period of discussion of six months following the presentation of a programme . The
Merseyside programme was finally approved after a period of eight months .

(') COM(93 ) 700 .

( 97 / C 186 / 64 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3193 / 96

by Richard Howitt ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 22 November 1996 )

Subject : Employment impact of European Structural Fund programmes in the Merseyside West European

Constituency

What assessment does the Commission make at this stage of the current and future impact on employment in the
Merseyside West European Constituency, because of European Structural Fund programmes affecting that
constituency ? Can a detailed breakdown by provided ?

What conclusions can the Commission draw from this example of the success of the European Structural Fund
programmes in employment generation ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 22 Januarx 1997 )

No relevant data is available tor the Merseyside West parliamentary constituency as such .

For the Merseyside objective 1 region as a whole, the programme is aimed at achieving 50,000 gross jobs, which
would create 25,000 extra full time equivalent jobs . The results of the interim evaluation suggest that if the
programme achieves the results forecast by project sponsors, it will overshoot these targets by between 20 and
AiYk .

It appears that the strong involvement of the regional partners in structural fund programmes, combined with a
careful approach to project appraisal, can lead to good results measured in terms of job creation .

( 97 / C 186 / 65 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3194 / 96

by Richard Howitt ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 22 November 1996 )

Subject : Multiplier effect for use of European Structural Funds in the Merseyside West European Constituency

What assessment does the Commission make of the additional public and private sector funds which have been
attracted into the Merseyside West European Constituency because of European Structural Fund programmes
affecting that constituency ? Can a detailed breakdown by provided ?

What conclusions can the Commission draw from this example of the success of the European Structural Fund
programmes in generating a multiplier effect ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 21 January 1997 )

The Merseyside objective 1 programme as a whole is on target to attract 816 MECU of national public
expenditure and 368 MECU of private expenditure . In addition the programme aims to attract a further 1 200 to

1 800 MECU of private sector leverage .

No C 186 / 48 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Two types of multiplier effects can be identified . The first is the way in which structural fund expenditure attracts
additional national and private resources . Here the multiplier is 1 : 2.5 for eligible expenditure ( public and private )
and 1:4.5 if secondary private sector leverage is included . There is, however, inevitable uncertainty about the
extent to which expenditure would have happened anyway .

It would also be possible to examine job or income multipliers in the Merseyside economy as a result of increases
in employment . These occur where, as a result of creating manufacturing jobs, increased service employment is
induced . These multipliers cannot be estimated ex-ante but could be examined as part of the final evaluation of
the programme .

( 97 / C 186 / 66 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3216 / 96

by Jean-Pierre Bazin ( UPE ) to the Commission

( 22 November 1996 )

Subject : Subsidies for the MTW-Wismar and Volkswerft-Stralsund shipyards

It has been reported in the press that an exceptional subsidy of DM 900 million is to be paid to the MTW-Wismar
and Volkswerft-Stralsund shipyards .

Has the Commission received a notification from the German Government ? Has it carried out an inquiry and, if
so, when does it expect to publish its findings ?

According to some reports, the Commission has already given its approval for the payment of aid amounting to
DM 475.7 m . Can the Commission confirm ( or refute ) this report ? If it confirms it, will it indicate the legal basis
for this authorization ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

The Commission received a notification of aid for the completion of the restructuring of the shipyards
MTW-Schiffswerft GmbH and Volkswerft Stralsund on 3 September 1996 . This notification is presently under
examination by the Commission . The notification is incomplete and the Commission requested the German
government to provide additional information on a number of points . As part of this information is not yet
available the Commission cannot indicate yet when it will be able to take position on the notified aid . Any
decision to approve the aid would probably require a modification of Council Directive 94 / 73 / EC of

19 December 1994 amending Directive 90 / 684 / EEC on aid to shipbuilding . The Parliament would be requested
to give its view on any such proposal .

The Commission has not authorized the disbursement of an aid of 457.7 million DM to the yards . The
Commission has learned, however, that the German privatization agency EvS and the Land Mecklenburg ­
Vorpommern have granted several loans of a lower amount . Based on the information presently available, the
Commission assumes that these loans consitute non-notified aid . It will decide shortly whether the investigation
procedure under Article 93(2 ) of the EC Treaty is to be opened concerning loans .

( 97 / C 186 / 67 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3219 / 96

by Heidi Hautala ( V ) to the Council

( 14 November 1996 )

Subject : Clarification of criteria for arms exports

In June 1991 the European Council adopted seven criteria for arms exports ; in June 1992 it supplemented them
with an additional criterion . Despite criterion no ( ii ), a number of Member States are continuing to export arms to
countries where the government or government-backed forces are committing gross violations of universal
human rights, so that the criteria evidently require clarification .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 49

The Finnish Government, for example, is currently considering permitting the export of Nasu tracked trucks to
Turkey, although according to Amnesty International such vehicles have been used in Kurdish areas to seize
innocent villagers . Those abducted were subsequently found murdered . Various Member States are continuing to
export arms to Indonesia .

What will the Council do to put an end to violations of human rights which are assisted by arms exports from EU
Member States ? What are the reasons for the secrecy surrounding the guidelines which the Council 's Working
Group on Conventional Arms Exports has proposed to the political committee with a view to clarifying the
criteria ? In the Council 's opinion, would the granting of an export licence to Nasu accord with the guidelines
clarifying the arms export criteria ? How will the Council ensure that non-governmental organizations can
monitor adherence to the arms export criteria in the EU Member States ?

Answer

( 10 March 1997 )

As the Honourable Member is aware, EU Member States have agreed to apply to arms exports eight criteria
defined by the European Council in Luxembourg in June 1991 and in Lisbon in June 1992 . While exports of arms
are governed by member States ' national legislation, these eight criteria serve as a common point of reference for
national decisions on the authorisation of arms exports . When adopting the criteria, the European Council
expressed the hope that, on the basis of criteria of this nature, a common approach would be made possible
leading to a harmonisation of national policies .

One of the eight criteria concerns the respect of human rights in the country of final destination, an issue of
concern to all Member States . Exchanges between Member States on this and other aspects of arms export policy
take place within the Common Foreign and Security Policy ( CFSP ) Working Group on Conventional Arms
Exports, which has been charged with giving particular attention to the implementation of the eight criteria, with
a view to reaching a common interpretation thereof .

At its meeting of 14-15 November 1996, the Political Committee approved a report from the Working Group on
Conventional Arms Exports, with a view to further enhancing the consistent implementation of the common
criteria . The Political Committee also agreed that the Group should continue to follow this matter closely .

Actual decisions on the granting of export licences remain, however, a matter for national authorities . The
Council is therefore not in a position to comment on individual export authorisations or on national public
information policies in this area .

( 91 /C 186 / 68 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3222 / 96

by Bill Miller ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 28 November 1996 )

Subject : Subsidies to shipbuilders

The current EU regulations permit a construction subsidy for commercial ships of up to 9% of construction
value . However, where a yard is designated as a Warship Builder, no subsidy is allowed .

Given the affects of the Peace Dividend, yards previously designated as warship builders are having to diversify
into the commercial market . They cannot compete on a level playing field as they are not entitled to a subsidy .

Would the Commission be prepared to allow a relaxation of the regulations on subsidies in order that warship
builders tendering for commercial orders can receive the 9% subsidy ?

No C 1 86 / 50 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

( 16 December 1996 )

Shipbuilding production aid is governed by the seventh Council directive on aid to shipbuilding as prolonged by
Regulation ( EC ) No 1904 / 96 0 ). The current common maximum aid ceiling under the Directive is 9% . This
applies to the construction within the Community of metal-hulled merchant vessels as defined under the
Directive, irrespective of the kind of yard in which they are built .

However, it should be pointed out that certain so-called mixed yards ( building both merchant and military
vessels ) are precluded from receiving production aid under the Directive due to conditions attached to the
Commission 's authorisation of shipbuilding restructuring aid for publicly-owned yards in the past . In such cases
the Commission accepted, as the necessary counterpart for the aid, capacity reductions in the public sector
through closures and privatisations . The latter included mixed yards, subject to those yards not being eligible for
shipbuilding production aid, and were exceptionally regarded as capacity reductions even though no physical
closure of installations took place . It follows that such yards are free to build merchant vessels, but unsupported
by state aid .

Given the difficult market conditions, there are no grounds for the Commission relaxing these conditions, which
were imposed to minimise the distorsions to competition from the restructuring aid . However, if yards so
affected are competing only with other Community yards for a particular merchant shipbuilding contract, they
can invoke Article 4.5 of the Directive . This states that in cases of intra-Community competition the Commission
will ensure that the production aid does not affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest .
The Commission has made it clear that in interpreting this provision it will only permit the lowest aid level unless
a higher level ( within the ceiling ) is necessary to ensure that the contract remains within the Community . This
should serve to ensure that yards not receiving aid are not unfairly disadvantaged .

('l OJ L 251 . 3.10.19% .

( 97 / C 186 / 69 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3223 / 96

by Tony Cunningham ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 28 November 1996 )

Subject : The UK supply or beer ( tied estate ) order 1989 : Tenants

The explanatory note to the UK Supply of Beer ( Tied Estate ) Order 1 989 makes it clear that brewers and brewery
groups owning more than 2 000 licensed premises must allow their ' tied ' premises to sell a draught
cask-conditioned beer supplied by someone else . In reply to my question H-728 / 96 ('), the Commission stated its
wish to restrict the choice of tenants exercising this right to only beer which is produced by small breweries .

Why does the Commission seek to limit tenants ' choice, and consumer choice, in this way ?

Should not a tenant be entitled to select the cast-conditioned beer of his choice in response to customer demand
as a guest beer and should he not be able to source this from the supplier of his choice ?

(') Debate of Parliament ( October 1996 ).

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( lu February 1997 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the reply it gave to his Oral Question H-728 / 96 during
question time at Parliament 's October 1996 part session ('), where it stated that a possible solution for the United
Kingdom, on which the Commission could agree, would be to choose turnover or production criteria in order to
limit the scope of guest beer to beer produced by small breweries .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 51

The Commission wishes to stress that it put forward this solution only as an example of a possible alternative to
the present guest beer provision in response to the Honourable Member 's question . The final decision regarding
this issue is the responsibility of the United Kingdom, so long as the new provision is in accordance with
Community law .

(') Debates ot the Parliament ( October 1996 ).

( 97 / C 186 / 70 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3224 / 96

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna ( PPE ) to the Commission

< 28 November 1996 )

Subject : Health checks on fish-processing undertakings in Morocco under Directive 91 / 493 / EEC

Is the Commission aware of the situation of fish-processing undertakings in Morocco under Directive
91 / 493 / EEC ( 1 )?

On how many occasions have Commission health inspectors carried out checks on Moroccan fish-processing
undertakings which export to the Union ?

Where such checks have been made, what irregularities have been most commonly found in these factories ?

Is the Commission willing, should irregularities have been identified, to adopt suitable measures to prevent
them ?

(') OJ L 268 . 24.9.1991, p . 15 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 16 Jamiarx 1997 )

Morocco was authorized to export fishery products to the Community by Commission Decision of 10 February

1 995 . The Annex to that Decision contains a list of establishments, including a number of fish canneries . This list
was drawn up after a Community inspection team had visited the establishments, between 26 and 30 September

1994, to ensure they met the conditions laid down in Directive 91 / 493 / EEC .

An inspection team again went to Morocco from 21 to 31 October 1996 to check whether the conditions for
approval of the competent authority and the establishments continued to be met .

Certain fish canneries were visited . The findings arising from the inspection of these establishments were normal
and warranted no remedial measures ; such findings occur arise regularly during inspection visits in the Member
States . However, the findings from the inspection of one tuna and sardine cannery were sufficiently serious for
the competent authority to propose that the Commission suspend approval of the establishment . The
Commission at once acted accordingly and immediately informed the Member States of the suspension .

( 97 / C 186 / 71 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3226 / 96

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 28 November 1996 )

Subject : Impact on the Community canning industry of the concessions made to Morocco over canned sardines

under the new association agreement

The recent association agreement signed between the EU and Morocco includes significant concessions to
Morocco concerning canned sardines, a highly sensitive product in certain regions of the EU, such as Galicia .

No C 186 / 52 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Can the Commission supply an assessment of the likely impact ot these concessions on the sardine canning
industry in the Community, and state whether it intends to adopt any compensatory measures in addition to the
existing minimal aid for raw material storage, which does not entail sufficient compensation to offset the
concessions ?

Are additional measures planned ? If so, of what type are they ? Does the Commission consider them to be
sufficient to compensate the sector ?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

( 20 January 1997 )

The effect on the Community market in sardines ot the concessions granted under the association agreement
between the Community and Morocco is analyzed as part of the monitoring of the market in fishery products .
Special attention is given to sensitive species, including sardines, as shown by the various working papers
periodically drawn up (').

The conclusions of the Fisheries Council meeting of 26 October 1995 concerning one of these reports and the
possible consequences of the association agreement in question provided for a set of specific measures to
strengthen support for the sector .

The price measures and a carry-over aid fully covering stabilization costs were introduced as from the 1996
fishing year . A Community campaign to promote fishery products, part of which is explicitly dedicated to
sardines and tinned sardines, will be launched in the early months of 1997 . The measures for producer
organizations and structural measures depend more on local initiatives and will take longer to implement .

It is still too early to assess the effects of these measures on the market . Evaluation will be carried out in good
time . Meanwhile, the Commission does not plan to take any further measures in this matter .

(') Documents COM(95 ) 320 final and SEC(92 ) 2221 .

( 97 / C 186 / 72 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3230 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Martll ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 28 November 1996 )

Subject : The Commission 's tax programme

The Commission 's work programme for 1997 ( COM(96 ) 0507 ) states : ' In 1996 the Commission ... launched an
in-depth examination of tax policies in Europe . Practical conclusions will be forthcoming in 1997 . The
Commission will speed up the drafting of guidelines for closer coordination of tax policy in Europe . One of the
main aims will be to reverse the current trend towards imposing compulsory charges and levies on employment .'

However, the list of proposed actions refers, as far as taxation is concerned, only to vehicle tax ( 34 ).

Is there a proposal to harmonize excise duties on mineral oils ?

( 97 / C 1 86 / 73 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3231 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 28 November 1996 )

Subject : The Commission s tax programme

The Commission 's work programme for 1997 ( COM(96 ) 0507 ) states : in 1996 the Commission ... launched an
in-depth examination of tax policies in Europe . Practical conclusions will be forthcoming in 1997 . The
Commission will speed up the drafting of guidelines for closer coordination of tax policy in Europe . One of the
main aims will be to reverse the current trend towards imposing compulsory charges and levies on employment ."

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 53

However, the list of proposed actions refers, as far as taxation is concerned, only to vehicle tax ( 34 ).

Is there a proposal to harmonize excise duties on alcohol and alcoholic drinks ?

( 97 / C 186 / 74 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3232 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 28 November 1996 )

Subject : The Commission s tax programme

The Commission 's work programme for 1997 ( COM(96 ) 0507 ) states : ' In 1996 the Commission ... launched an
in-depth examination of tax policies in Europe . Practical conclusions will be forthcoming in 1997 . The
Commission will speed up the drafting of guidelines for closer coordination of tax policy in Europe . One of the
main aims will be to reverse the current trend towards imposing compulsory charges and levies on employment .'

However, the list of proposed actions refers, as far as taxation is concerned, only to vehicle tax ( 34 ).

Is there a proposal to harmonize special taxes on the tobacco industry ?

( 97 / C 186 / 75 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3243 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 28 November 1996 )

Subject : The Commission 's tax programme

The Commission 's work programme for 1997 ( COM(96 ) 0507 ) states : in 1996 the Commission ... launched an
in-depth examination of tax policies in Europe . Practical conclusions will be forthcoming in 1997 . The
Commission will speed up the drafting of guidelines for closer coordination of tax policy in Europe . One of the
main aims will be to reverse the current trend towards imposing compulsory charges and levies on employment .'

However, the list of proposed actions refers, as far as taxation is concerned, only to vehicle tax ( 34 ).

Is there a proposal to continue with the process of phasing out end-point VAT in favour of at-source VAT ?

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-3230 / 96, E-3231 / 96, E-3232 / 96 and E-3243 / 96

given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 21 January 1997 )

In the excise duty area, the various Community directives laying down minimum rates of duty require that those
minimum rates be reviewed by the Council every two years, on the basis of a report and, where appropriate,
proposals from the Commission . The Parliament must also be consulted . The first such report was presented by
the Commission in 1995 .

The Commission is now preparing for the second review . The report on mineral oils will be incorporated into the
proposals for the taxation of energy products which should be presented in January 1997 . As regards excise
duties on alcohol and tobacco products, it is expected that the reports and any associated proposals will be
presented later in the first quarter of 1997 .

The Commission gave, in its communication of 22 July 1996, the broad outlines for the changeover from the
present VAT system towards an origin based VAT system ('). This communication also set out a time table for
the proposals of the Commission for the introduction of the new common system of VAT . In the final phase
decisions will have to be taken on the political issues, for example the necessary degree of harmonisation of the

No C 1 86 / 54 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18.6 . 97

VAT rates as well as the details of the allocation system of the VAT revenues to the Member States . This last
element especially still requires a thorough preparation before proposals can be made . Considering the scope, the
nature and the depth of the proposals needed before a new common VAT system can be put into practice, an
acceleration of the present time table is at present not to be expected .

( ] ) COM(% ) 328 det .

( 97 / C 186 / 76 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3233 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 28 November 1996 )

Subject : The Commission 's tax programme

The Commission 's work programme for 1997 ( COM(96 ) 0507 ) states : ' In 1996 the Commission ... launched an
in-depth examination of tax policies in Europe . Practical conclusions will be forthcoming in 1997 . The
Commission will speed up the drafting of guidelines for closer coordination of tax policy in Europe . One of the
main aims will be to reverse the current trend towards imposing compulsory charges and levies on employment .'

However, the list of proposed actions refers, as far as taxation is concerned, only to vehicle tax ( 34 ).

Is there a proposal to put an end to the double taxation of dividends, by extending the scope of the directive on
parent companies and subsidiaries to all undertakings paying company tax and reducing the percentage of
participation required for its application ?

( 97 / C 186 / 77 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3242 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 28 November 1996 )

Subject : The Commission 's tax programme

The Commission 's work programme for 1997 ( COM(96 ) 0507 ) states : ' In 1996 the Commission ... launched an
in-depth examination of tax policies in Europe . Practical conclusions will be forthcoming in 1997 . The
Commission will speed up the drafting of guidelines for closer coordination of tax policy in Europe . One of the
main aims will be to reverse the current trend towards imposing compulsory charges and levies on employment .'

However, the list of proposed actions refers, as far as taxation is concerned, only to vehicle tax ( 34 ).

Is there a proposal to harmonize the regimes governing at-source deduction for dividends ?

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-3233 / 96 and E-3242 / 96
given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

The Commission 's work programme tor 1997 contains the initiatives that it is planning to take in the course of
the year .

There is a Council Directive of 23 July 1990 ( 90 / 435 / EEC ) concerning the common system of taxation applicable
in the case of parent companies and subsidiaries of different Member States ('); it is designed to eliminate double
taxation of profits distributed between such companies, notably by abolishing withholding tax on dividends .

In 1993 the Commission presented a proposal amending the Directive ( 2 ); the amendment consisted in extending
its scope to all enterprises resident and subject to corporation tax in a Member State . There is no provision for
reducing the rate of participation . The proposal has not yet been adopted by the Council .

(') OJ L 225, 20.8.1990 .

( : ) OJ C 225 . 20.8.1993 .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 55

( 97 / C 186 / 78 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3246 / 96

by Jose Garda-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 28 November 1996 )

Subject : Directives on intellectual property incorporated by Spain

The Commission 's work programme for 1997 ( COM(96 ) 0507 ) admits that the internal market is still
incomplete .

The report on the single market in 1995 ( A4-0323 / 96 ) deplores the fact that in certain sensitive sectors the
Commission 's initiatives have not been sufficient to guarantee the adequate incorporation of Community rules,
especially in the areas of public contracts, insurance, intellectual property and company law .

Which directives on intellectual property have not been incorporated by Spain ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 11 February 1997 )

As regards industrial property, the one and only directive in this field ( Directive 89 / 104 / EEC on trademarks ) (')
has been implemented by Spain . The implementing legislation is currently undergoing assessment in order to
ascertain its consistency with Community requirements .

In relation to copyright and related rights there are five directives in place, four of which are already due for
implementation . The implementation deadline for Directive 96 / 9 / EC ( 2 ) on the legal protection of databases only
expires on 31 December 1997 .

Spain has notified the Commission of implementing measures as regards Directives 91 / 250 / EEC ( ;, ( ( computer
programmes ), 92 / 100 / EEC ( 4 ) ( rental and lending rights and certain related rights ), 93 / 83 / EEC ( 5 ) ( satellite
broadcasts and cable retransmissions ) and 93 / 98 / EEC ( 6 ) ( terms of copyright and related rights ).

An analysis of the Spanish implementing legislation concerning Directive 93 / 83 / EEC has revealed one specific
infringement in respect of substance . The Spanish authorities have recognised this shortcoming and have
pledged to take action in this regard .

') OJ L 40 . 1 1.2.1989 .

: ) OJ L 77 . 27.3.1996 .

'•) OJ L 122 . 17.5.1991 .

4 ) OJ L 346 . 27.1 1.1992 .

? ) OJ L 248 . 6.10.1993 .
") OJ L 290 . 24.1 1.1993 .

( 97 / C 186 / 79 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3247 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 28 November 1996 )

Subject : Directives on insurance incorporated by Spain

The Commission 's work programme for 1997 ( COM(96 ) 0507 ) admits that the internal market is still
incomplete .

The report on the single market in 1995 ( A4-0323 / 96 ) deplores the fact that in certain sensitive sectors the
Commission 's initiatives have not been sufficient to guarantee the adequate incorporation of Community rules,
especially in the areas of public contracts, insurance, intellectual property and company law .

Which directives on insurance have not been incorporated by Spain ?

No C 186 / 56 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18.6 . 97

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

The overall situation regarding transposal ot the insurance Directives has improved markedly in terms of the
number of Member States that have notified the Commission of national implementing measures . Apart from a
few specific cases ( partial transposal of Directive 90 / 232 / EEC ('), the third motor-vehicle Directive, in Belgium ;
failure to transpose Directive 91 / 674 / EEC ( : ) on the annual and consolidated accounts of insurance undertakings
in Italy ), the current situation is fairly satisfactory on a quantitative level, with the exception of Spain .

Infringement proceedings initiated under Article 169 of the EC Treaty against Spain in 1994 for failure to
implement fully Directives 91 / 37 1 / EEC (') ( Agreement with Switzerland ), 91 / 674 / EEC ( annual and consolidated
accounts of insurance undertakings ), 92 / 49 / EEC ( 4 ) and 92 / 96 / EEC ( 5 ) ( third non-life and life insurance
Directives ) are continuing . While Spain made a start on transposing these Directives by adopting a framework
law in November 1995, that law has still to be complemented by administrative measures .

In this context, actions have been brought before the Court of Justice against Spain for partial transposal of
Directives 92 / 49 / EEC ( Case C-36 1 / 95 ) and 9 1 / 371 / EEC ( Case C-360 / 95 ). The Commission is also continuing the
infringement proceedings initiated in respect of Directives 92 / 96 / EEC and 91 / 674 / EEC .

The Commission intends to continue all the proceedings initiated under Article 169 of the EC Treaty in order to
ensure that Spain, among other Member States, comprehensively implements the Community insurance
Directives, so that they produce their full effects throughout the Community .

(') OJ L 129 . 19.5.1990 .

( ; ) OJ L 374 . 31.12.1991
(') OJ L 205, 27.7.1991 .

( 4 ) OJ L 228, 1 1.8.1992 .
(') OJ L 360, 9.12.1992 .

( 97 / C 186 / 80 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3249 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Commission actions on intellectual property

The Commission 's work programme for 1997 ( COM(96 ) 0507 ) admits that the internal market is still
incomplete .

The list of proposed actions includes a reference to an interpretative communication ( 251 ) concerning the
directive on intellectual property .

Does the Commission intend to adopt any other actions to implement the principle of the single market in this
sector ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 17 February 1997 )

A further completion of the single market is one of the Commission 's priorities for 1997 ('). This requires,
amongst other things, a further harmonisation of certain aspects of intellectual property protection, with a
particular emphasis on the new technologies .

The Commission 's communication on copyright and related rights in the information society ( 2 ), is the final
outcome of an extensive consultation process on the subject matter, to which the Parliament actively contributed .
It outlines the necessary legislative initiatives required to achieve a Community wide level playing field for
copyright and related rights, which has become even more essential with the emergence of the information
society, as the content of most of the new products and services is protected by intellectual property . Community
action, to be proposed in the first half of 1997, will focus on the further harmonisation of the right to reproduce
( copy ) protected matter, the right to communicate protected matter to the public, and the right to distribute
protected matter, as well as on harmonised protection against the circumvention of electronic copyright
management and protection systems or devices .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 57

Other equally fundamental issues for the exploitation of copyright in the single market ( relating to the right to
broadcast protected matter, the applicable law and law enforcement, management of rights and moral rights
protecting the personal link between the author and his creation ) necessitate further consideration before
eventual proposals can be tabled .

(') COM(96 ) 507 final .

( ; ) COM<% ) 568 final .

( 97 / C 186 / 81 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3252 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Publicization of public contracts

The Commission 's work programme for 1997 ( COM(96 ) 0507 ) admits that the internal market is still
incomplete .

In its report on the single market in 1995 ( A4-0323 / 96 ), Parliament stresses the lack of effectiveness of the
programmes promoted by the Commission for the circulation of information relating to the publicization of
public contracts, thanks to the failure of Member States to cooperate, thus adversely affecting the chances of
SMUs .

What action does the Commission propose to ensure the circulation of information relating to the publicization of
public contracts ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(5 February 1997 )

On 27 November 1996 the Commission adopted a Green Paper (') to serve as a framework for a wide-ranging
debate on public procurement . It develops the Commission 's initial thinking on a number of central issues and
invites all interested parties to present their views in writing or by e-mail by 31 March 1997 . In the Green Paper,
the Commission points out that increased transparency of contract award procedures is the most visible effect of
the public procurement Directives . The number of tender notices published in the Supplement to the Official
Journal ( and in its electronic version . Tenders Electronic Daily ) rose from 12 000 in 1987 to nearly 95 000 in

1995 . A survey of 1 600 suppliers also showed increased response rates to new business opportunities ( 90% for
local markets and 70% for markets beyond the frontier ).

Since the Commission is aware of the difficulties companies have in selecting tender notices likely to interest
them, it plans to reorganize the publication system to make procedures more transparent and far more efficient .
In the short term, this will entail the introduction of electronic notification of tender notices and the dissemination
of information to suppliers . In the longer term, according to the Green Paper, telecommunications and computer
systems will revolutionize the way in which contracts are awarded . This is precisely the thinking underlying the
SIMAP project developed by the Commission to provide public procurement information .

In addition, the Commission has developed a Common Procurement Vocabulary ( CPV ) which is geared to the
specific needs of the procurement process, the aim being to improve the quality of tender notices, to increase
transparency and to allow significant savings, particularly on translation into the eleven official languages . A
revised version of the CPV was published recently, ( 2 ) as was a recommendation O calling on contracting
authorities, contracting entities and their suppliers and agents to use the CPV and to propose amendments or
additions with a view to improving it .

Action has already been undertaken to make public procurement easier for SMEs in particular . A number of
networks sponsored by the Community ( including a core group of Euro-Info-Centres specializing in public
procurement ) have already developed information and market support services in cooperation with

No C 186 / 58 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

private consultants . The new presentation of tender notices published daily in the Official Journal also makes it
easier for SMEs to obtain information on market openings . The Commission puts forward in the Green Paper
other initiatives designed to open up public procurement to SMEs, such as the publication of practical guides,
moves to adapt TED to the requirements of SMEs and greater discipline in the matter of payment periods .

(') COM(96 ) 583 final .

( : ) OJ S 169 . 3.9.96 .
( ; ) 1 OJ L 222 . 3.9.96 .

( 97 / C 186 / 82 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3257 / 96

by Jose Torres Couto ( PSE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Fisheries — total allowable catches ( TACs )

In the light of the undertaking given by the Commission during the Fisheries Council of 22-23 December 1 995, in
connection with total allowable catches ( TACs ) and fishing quotas in Community and international waters for

1996, what steps has the Commission already taken to ensure new fishing opportunities, including opportunities
for pelagic species and what have been the results so far ?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

( 20 January 1997 )

The Honourable Member will be aware of the serious state of the stocks of both North Sea herring and mackerel
as well as the implications which this situation has for other stocks in the north-east Atlantic . For North Sea
herring, the situation has been aggravated by an emergency situation which made it imperative to take drastic
conservation measures in the middle of the year on order to avoid moratoria in the years to come . This left no
room for new pelagic fishing possibilities .

The Honourable Member will, however, appreciate the Commission 's effort to secure the Community as high a
share as possible of Atlanto-Scandian herring . This is a new and dynamic fishery . For 1996, the Community
autonomously decided a TAC of 150,000 tonnes of this high quality herring . In accordance with the agreement
between the five coastal States ( the Community, the Faroe Islands, Norway and the Russian Federation ) a
quantity of 130.000 tonnes is available to the Community in 1997 .

( 97 / C 186 / 83 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3258 / 96

by Jose Torres Couto ( PSE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Sardine fishing

Does the Commission plan to carry through its threat to impose a reduction in sardine fishing quotas for Portugal
and Spain ? What are the scientific and technical reasons ( in detail ) behind the decision ?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

( 20 January 1997 )

The quota of sardine for Portugal is at present non-existent . The Honourable Member can therefore be reassured
that the Commission has never intended to reduce it . Moreover, whatever the Commission 's intentions were in
this regard, they could never be imposed as the question suggested .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 59

The problem, in few words, is that all scientific evidence ( and the Commission refers to the report of the
scientific, technical and economic committee for fisheries, which quotes the report of the International council
for the exploration of the sea ( ICES ) advisory committee for fisheries management ) shows that the stock of
sardine in Iberian waters is in deep trouble . The reports state that catches should be reduced so far as possible if a
chance of recovery is to be given to the stock .

In trying to cope with this problem, the Commission opened consultations with the Member States concerned . As
a result, the Commission has proposed to the Council a series of measures which intend to reduce the exploitation
without necessarily incorporating the sardine into the total allowable catch ( TAC ) framework in 1997 . However,
the Council was not in a position to adopt these measures during its meeting of 19-20 December 1996 .

However, in view of the strategic importance of this stock, if these measures fail to halt the deterioration of its
state during 1997, the Commission will not hesitate in proposing very stringent catch limitations .

( 97 / C 186 / 84 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3275 / 96

by Raphael Chanterie ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : European rules on public tendering

The difference between performing work and supplying services is not always clear in the European rules on
public tendering .

I should therefore be grateful for information on the following :

1 . What methods are used to establish compliance with the relevant European directive ?

2 . Has sufficient information been published about the scope of application of that directive and, if so . how has
it been published ?

3 . In how many instances have the European Institutions been formally involved ?

4 . What is the Commission 's attitude to the application of the European directives with regard to tendering in
the case of the Berlin Reichstag ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 10 February 1997 )

The Commission considers that Community law (') distinguishes clearly between public works and public
service contracts . Public works contracts are defined as ' contracts for pecuniary interest concluded in writing
between a contractor and a contracting authority ..., which have as their object either the execution, or both the
execution and design of works related to one of the activities referred to in Annex II or a work defined ... below, or
the execution, by whatever means, of a work corresponding to the requirements specified by the contracting
authority '. Public service contracts, on the other hand, are defined as ' contracts for pecuniary interest concluded
in writing between a service provider and a contracting authority, to the exclusion of :

( i ) (...) public contracts .

The definition of a public works contract has been subject to numerous discussions, interpretative notes,
proceedings and even judgements of the Court of justice and its interpretation is quite clear . In practice
difficulties rarely arise in distinguishing between public works and public service contracts .

1 . & 3 . There exists a complete body of Community legislation in the field of public procurement, consisting
of directives on the award of public works contracts, public supply contracts ( 2 ) and public service contracts as
well as a directive concerning the award of these types of contracts by entities operating in the water, energy,
transport and telecommunications sectors ( the so-called utilities ) ( 3 ). This has been completed by two directives
on remedies ( 4 ) that should be available on the national level . The latter directives require the Member States,
which are primarily responsible for the control and correct application of the legislation in question by the
contracting authorities or entities, to set up the appropriate control system .

No C 1 86 / 60 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

On the other hand, the Commission may, within the framework of surveillance of the correct application of
Community law in cases of alleged infringement, open the procedure laid down in Article 169 of the EC Treaty .
This procedure is used regularly in public procurement cases . The number of cases registered as potential
infringements ( opened on the Commission 's own initiative or on the basis of well-founded complaints ) is rising
steadily and is up by about 20% in 1995 in comparison with 1994 . The total number of cases treated by the
Commission in 1995 amounted to 330 .

2 . General information covering the directives on public works and public supply contracts has been
published in a vademecum of 1987 . Up-dated versions will be published in March 1997 ( guides to the
Community rules on public procurement of services, of supplies and of works ). A similar guide on the utilities
directive is currently being prepared .

Moreover, the Commission adopted in November 1996 the green paper public procurement in the European
Union : exploring the way forward p ), which is intended to provide a framework for a wide-ranging debate . On
the basis of the contributions to the green paper, the Commission will draw up a special communication on public

procurement .

In addition, the Commission, in the framework of the advisory committee for public contracts, has in numerous
cases published guidelines on different issues related to the interpretation and application of these directives .

The Commission also provides answers to day-to-day questions of interpretation and application of these
directives received from Member States, contracting authorities, trade associations, enterprises and individuals .

4 . The Commission has been informed that a tendering procedure has been applied for choosing an architect
concerning the Berlin Reichstag and that this contract has been awarded to a British architect . The Commission
has no information indicating that irregularities in the tendering procedure have occurred .

(') Council Directive 92 / 50 / EEC ot 18 June 1992 concerning the coordination ot procedures for the award of public service contracts ;
OJ L 209 . 24.7.1992 .

Council Directive 93 / 37 / EEC of 14 June 1993 concerning the coordination of procedures for the award of public works contracts ; OJ L 199,
9.8.1993 .

( ; ) Council Directive 93 / 36 / EEC of 14 June 1993 coordinating procedures for the award of public supply contracts ; OJ L 199 . 9.8.1993 .
C ) Council Directive 93 / 38 / EEC of 14 June 1993 coordinating the procurement procedures of entities operating in the water, energy, transport
and telecommunications sectors ; OJ N ) L 199, 9.8.1993 .

( 4 ) Council Directive 89 / 665 / EEC of 21 December 1989 on the coordination of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to
the application of review procedures to the award of public supply and public works contracts ; OJ L 394, 30 . 12 . 1989 and Council Directive
92 / 1 3 / EEC of 25 February 1 992 coordinating the laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the application of Community
rules on the procurement procedures of entities operating in the water, energy, transport and telecommunications sectors ; OJ L 76,
23.3.1992

C ) COM(96 ) 583 .

( 97 / C 186 / 85 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3314 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(J December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence lor EMU

A report published on 3 1 October 1 996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

What is the Commission 's opinion of the proposal to include this element in the convergence criteria ?

( 97 / C 186 / 86 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3315 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : action

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 86 / 61

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

What action does the Commission consider would be appropriate to solve the problem of retirement pension and
social security obligations ?

( 97 / C 186 / 87 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3316 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence tor EMU : government measures

A report published on 3 1 October 1 996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

Does the Comission know whether the governments of the Member States intend to adopt specific measures to
solve the problem of retirement pensions ?

( 97 / C 186 / 88 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3317 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : a threat

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

Does the Commission consider that retirement pensions represent a serious threat to the financial health of the
Member States, and thus to the smooth functioning of Economic and Monetary Union ?

( 97 / C 186 / 89 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3318 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence tor EMU : action by the Commission

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

What action does the Commission intend to take to encourage the Member States to make progress towards a
definitive solution to the problem of retirement pensions ?

No C 186 / 62 TEN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 186 / 90 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3319 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : difference to be paid

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

On the assumption that there is a difference between the amount to be paid out in retirement pensions over the
next 10 years and the amount of contributions, how much of this discrepancy could be covered by State taxation,
and how much would be borrowed ?

( 97 / C 186 / 91 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3320 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : policies

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

Does the Commission know what policies Germany plans to adopt to solve the problem of retirement pensions ?

( 97 / C 186 / 92 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3321 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : policies

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

Does the Commission know what policies Austria plans to adopt to solve the problem of retirement pensions ?

( 97 / C 186 / 93 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3322 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence tor EMU : policies

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 86 / 63

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

Does the Commission know what policies Belgium plans to adopt to solve the problem of retirement pensions ?

( 97 / C 186 / 94 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3323 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : policies

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

Does the Commission know what policies Denmark plans to adopt to solve the problem of retirement pensions ?

( 97 / C 186 / 95 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3324 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : policies

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

Does the Commission know what policies Spain plans to adopt to solve the problem of retirement pensions ?

( 97 /C 186 / 96 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3325 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : policies

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

Does the Commission know what policies Finland plans to adopt to solve the problem of retirement pensions ?

No C 186 / 64 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 186 / 97 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3326 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : policies

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

Does the Commission know what policies France plans to adopt to solve the problem of retirement pensions ?

( 97 / C 186 / 98 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3327 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence tor EMU : policies

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

Does the Commission know what policies Greece plans to adopt to solve the problem of retirement pensions ?

( 97 / C 186 / 99 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3328 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : policies

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

Does the Commission know what policies Ireland plans to adopt to solve the problem of retirement pensions ?

( 97 / C 186 / 100 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3329 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence tor EMU : policies

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

18.6.97 EN Ofticial Journal ot the European Communities No C 186 / 65

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

Does the Commission know what policies Italy plans to adopt to solve the problem of retirement pensions ?

( 97 / C 186 / 101 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3330 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : policies

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

Does the Commission know what policies Luxembourg plans to adopt to solve the problem of retirement
pensions ?

( 97 / C 186 / 102 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3331 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : policies

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

Does the Commission know what policies the Netherlands plans to adopt to solve the problem of retirement
pensions ?

( 97 / C 186 / 103 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3332 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : policies

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

Does the Commission know what policies Portugal plans to adopt to solve the problem of retirement pensions ?

No C 186 / 66 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 186 / 104 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3333 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : policies

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

Does the Commission know what policies the United Kingdom plans to adopt to solve the problem of retirement
pensions ?

( 97 / C 186 / 105 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3334 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marnl ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996                               

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence tor EMU : policies

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

Does the Commission know what policies Sweden plans to adopt to solve the problem of retirement pensions ?

( 97 / C 186 / 106 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3335 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence tor EMU : percentage

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

What percentage of the European Union 's GDP is represented by the retirement pensions to be paid out over the
next 10 years ?

( 97 / C 186 / 107 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3336 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence tor EMU : percentage

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 67

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

What percentage of Germany 's GDP is represented by the retirement pensions to be paid out over the next

10 years ?

( 97 / C 186 / 108 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3337 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : percentage

A report published on 3 1 October 1 996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

What percentage of Austria 's GDP is represented by the retirement pensions to be paid out over the next

10 years ?

( 97 / C 186 / 109 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3338 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : percentage

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

What percentage of Belgium 's GDP is represented by the retirement pensions to be paid out over the next

10 years ?

( 97 / C 186 / 1 10 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3339 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

<5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : percentage

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

What percentage of Denmark 's GDP is represented by the retirement pensions to be paid out over the next

10 years ?

No C 186 / 68 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 1 86 / 1 1 1 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3340 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence tor EMU : percentage

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

What percentage of Spain 's GDP is represented by the retirement pensions to be paid out over the next 10 years ?

( 91 /C 186 / 1 12 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3341 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence lor EMU : percentage

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

What percentage of Finland 's GDP is represented by the retirement pensions to be paid out over the next

10 years ?

( 97 / C 186 / 113 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3342 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence lor EMU : percentage

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

What percentage of France ' s GDP is represented by the retirement pensions to be paid out over the next 1 0 years ?

( 97 / C 186 / 1 14 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3343 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : percentage

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 69

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

What percentage of Greece 's GDP is represented by the retirement pensions to be paid out over the next

10 years ?

( 97 / C 186 / 115 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3344 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : percentage

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

What percentage of Ireland 's GDP is represented by the retirement pensions to be paid out over the next

10 years ?

( 97 / C 186 / 1 16 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3345 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : percentage

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

What percentage of Italy 's GDP is represented by the retirement pensions to be paid out over the next 10 years ?

( 97 / C 186 / 1 17 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3346 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : percentage

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

What percentage of Luxembourg 's GDP is represented by the retirement pensions to be paid out over the next

10 vears ?

No C 186 / 70 EN Ofticial Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 186 / 1 18 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3347 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence lor EMU : percentage

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

What percentage of the Netherland 's GDP is represented by the retirement pensions to be paid out over the next

10 years ?

( 97 / C 186 / 119 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3348 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence tor EMU : percentage

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

What percentage of Portugal 's GDP is represented by the retirement pensions to be paid out over the next

10 years ?

( 97 / C 186 / 120 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3349 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU : percentage

A report published on 3 1 October 1 996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next ccntury should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

What percentage of the UK 's GDP is represented by the retirement pensions to be paid out over the next

10 years ?

( 97 / C 186 / 121 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3350 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence tor EMU : percentage

A report published on 3 1 October 1 996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

18.6.97 Γ ΕΝ Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 71

What percentage of Sweden 's GDP is represented by the retirement pensions to be paid out over the next

10 years ?

( 97 / C 186 / 122 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3351 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU, by countries

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, how much will the European Union have to allocate for the payment of
retirement pensions over the next 10 years ?

( 97 / C 186 / 123 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3352 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence tor EMU, by countries

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated i'or its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, how much will Germany have to allocate for the payment of retirement pensions
over the next 10 years ?

( 97 / C 186 / 124 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3353 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence tor EMU, by countries

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, how much will Austria have to allocate for the payment of retirement pensions
over the next 10 years ?

( 97 / C 186 / 125 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3354 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence tor EMU, by countries

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

No C 186 / 72 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, how much will Belgium have to allocate for the payment of retirement pensions
over the next 10 years ?

( 97 / C 186 / 126 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3355 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU, by countries

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, how much will Denmark have to allocate for the payment of retirement pensions
over the next 10 years ?

( 97 / C 186 / 127 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3356 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU, by countries

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, how much will Spain have to allocate for the payment of retirement pensions
over the next 10 years ?

( 97 / C 186 / 128 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3357 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence lor EMU, by countries

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, how much will Finland have to allocate for the payment of retirement pensions
over the next 10 years ?

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 73

( 97 / C 186 / 129 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3358 / 96

by Jose Garria-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence tor EMU, by countries

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, how much will France have to allocate for the payment of retirement pensions
over the next 10 years ?

( 97 / C 186 / 130 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3359 / 96

by Jose Garcla-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence tor EMU, by countries

A report published on 3 1 October 1 996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, how much will Greece have to allocate for the payment of retirement pensions
over the next 10 years ?

( 97 / C 1 86 / 131 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3360 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

<5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU, by countries

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, how much will Ireland have to allocate for the payment of retirement pensions
over the next 10 years ?

( 97 / C 186 / 132 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3361 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU, by countries

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

No C 186 / 74 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 8.6 . 97

According to Commission data, how much will Italy have to allocate for the payment of retirement pensions over
the next 10 years ?

( 97 / C 186 / 133 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3362 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU, by countries

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, how much will Luxembourg have to allocate for the payment of retirement
pensions over the next 10 years ?

( 97 / C 186 / 134 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3363 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU, by countries

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, how much will the Netherlands have to allocate for the payment of retirement
pensions over the next 10 years ?

( 97 / C 186 / 135 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3364 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU, by countries

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, how much will Portugal have to allocate for the payment of retirement pensions
over the next 10 years ?

( 97 / C 1 86 / 1 36 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3365 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU, by countries

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 75

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, how much will the United Kingdom have to allocate for the payment of
retirement pensions over the next 10 years ?

( 97 / C 186 / 137 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3366 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Retirement pensions and convergence for EMU, by countries

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, how much will Sweden have to allocate for the payment of retirement pensions
over the next 10 years ?

( 97 / C 186 / 138 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3367 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, what proportion of the retirement pensions due to be paid over the next 10 years
could be covered by contributions from people in work during that period in the European Union ?

( 97 / C 1 86 / 1 39 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3368 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence tor EMU

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, what proportion of the retirement pensions due to be paid over the next 1 0 years
could be covered by contributions from people in work during that period in Germany ?

No C 186 / 76 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 186 / 140 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3369 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, what proportion of the retirement pensions due to be paid over the next 10 years
could be covered by contributions from people in work during that period in Austria ?

( 97 / C 186 / 141 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3370 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996                              

Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, what proportion of the retirement pensions due to be paid over the next 10 years
could be covered by contributions from people in work during that period in Belgium ?

( 97 / C 186 / 142 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3371 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, what proportion of the retirement pensions due to be paid over the next 10 years
could be covered by contributions from people in work during that period in Denmark ?

( 97 / C 186 / 143 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3372 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 77

According to Commission data, what proportion of the retirement pensions due to be paid over the next 10 years
could be covered by contributions from people in work     - during that period in Spain ?

( 97 / C 186 / 144 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3373 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Proportion ot retirement pensions and convergence tor EMU

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, what proportion of the retirement pensions due to be paid over the next 10 years
could be covered by contributions from people in work during that period in Finland ?

( 97 / C 186 / 145 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3374 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, what proportion of the retirement pensions due to be paid over the next 10 years
could be covered by contributions from people in work during that period in France ?

( 97 / C 186 / 146 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3375 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, what proportion of the retirement pensions due to be paid over the next 10 years
could be covered by contributions from people in work during that period in Greece ?

( 97 / C 186 / 147 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3376 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

No C 186 / 78 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, what proportion of the retirement pensions due to be paid over the next 10 years
could be covered by contributions from people in work during that period in Ireland ?

( 97 / C 186 / 148 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3377 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December J 996 )

Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, what proportion of the retirement pensions due to be paid over the next 10 years
could be covered by contributions from people in work during that period in Italy ?

( 97 / C 186 / 149 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3378 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence tor EMU

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the

single currency .

According to Commission data, what proportion of the retirement pensions due to be paid over the next 10 years
could be covered by contributions from people in work during that period in Luxembourg ?

( 91 /C 186 / 150 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3379 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, what proportion of the retirement pensions due to be paid over the next 10 years
could be covered by contributions from people in work during that period in the Netherlands ?

18.6.97 I EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 79

( 97 / C 186 / 151 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3380 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU

A report published on 3 1 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, what proportion of the retirement pensions due to be paid over the next 10 years
could be covered by contributions from people in work during that period in Portugal ?

( 97 / C 186 / 152 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3381 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Proportion ot retirement pensions and convergence for EMU

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, what proportion of the retirement pensions due to be paid over the next 10 years
could be covered by contributions from people in work during that period in the United Kingdom ?

( 97 / C 186 / 153 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3382 / 96

by Jose Garcia-Margallo y Marfil ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Proportion of retirement pensions and convergence for EMU

A report published on 31 October 1996 by a British parliamentary committee proposes that the cost of providing
retirement pensions in the next century should be calculated for its impact on the convergence criteria .

The amount of the pensions to be paid will greatly exceed the contributions which people have made to pension
funds . European governments will therefore be obliged to borrow in order to meet their obligations to future
generations, thus possibly endangering the healthy state of public finances which is required for the launch of the
single currency .

According to Commission data, what proportion of the retirement pensions due to be paid over the next 10 years
could be covered by contributions from people in work during that period in Sweden ?

Joint answer to Written Questions
E-3314 / 96, E-3315 / 96, E-3316 / 96, E-3317 / 96, E-3318 / 96, E-3319 / 96, E-3320 / 96, E-3321 / 96,

E-3322 / 96, E-3323 / 96, E-3324 / 96, E-3325 / 96, E-3326 / 96, E-3327 / 96, E-3328 / 96,
E-3330 / 96, E-3331 / 96, E-3332 / 96, E-3333 / 96, E-3334 / 96, E-3335 / 96, E-3336 / 96,
E-3338 / 96, E-3339 / 96, E-3340 / 96, E-3341 / 96, E-3342 / 96, E-3343 / 96, E-3344 / 96,
E-3346 / 96, E-3347 / 96, E-3348 / 96, E-3349 / 96, E-3350 / 96, E-3351 / 96, E-3352 / 96,
E-3354 / 96, E-3355 / 96, E-3356 / 96, E-3357 / 96, E-3358 / 96, E-3359 / 96, E-3360 / 96,
E-3362 / 96, E-3363 / 96, E-3364 / 96, E-3365 / 96, E-3366 / 96, E-3367 / 96, E-3368 / 96,
E-3370 / 96, E-3371 / 96, E-3372 / 96, E-3373 / 96, E-3374 / 96, E-3375 / 96, E-3376 / 96,

E-3378 / 96, E-3379 / 96, E-3380 / 96, E-3381 / 96 and E-3382 / 96

given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission

( 23 January 1997 )

E-3329 / 96,
E-3337 / 96,
E-3345 / 96,
E-3353 / 96,
E-3361 / 96,
E-3369 / 96,
E-3377 / 96,

The future costs of pay-as-you-go pension schemes are not included in the definition of government debt within
the meaning of the Treaty . The definition covers only debt actually contracted by the public authorities . Nor does
it take account of asset items, such as the cash position or the increase in the value of State holdings in public
enterprises .

No C 186 / 80 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 8 . 6 . 97

The Commission is interested, however, in questions raised by public administration, and in particular in the
projections supplied to it regarding the balance of pension schemes .

A report covering the Member States has recently been drawn up by the Commission on the basis of these
projections . It was published in European Economy 1996 No 3 . (')

It shows primarily that over the next 35 years, on the basis of national authorities ' projections, an increase in the
ratio of pension expenditure to GDP of about 0.1 percentage points per year can be expected . In most
Member States present pension policies are quite different from those implemented in previous decades . The
phase of extension of coverage and improvement of benefits is over . Since the mid-eighties most pension
schemes have been reformed in order to reduce pension expenditure growth . Major reforms have been
introduced in Germany, Greece, France, Italy, Austria, Portugal, Finland, Sweden and the United Kingdom .
According to national projections, in several Member States the effects of demographic trends ( i.e. the increase
in the old-age dependency ratio ) will be substantially offset by reforms cutting the ratio of the number of
pensions to the number of elderly citizens and the ratio of the average pension to the average wage .

However, the Commission would warn the Honourable Member against too hasty an interpretation of the precise
results of the work currently being undertaken . Differences in approach, in the periods of reference, in coverage,
and in economic and demographic assumptions, severely hamper the comparability of national estimates . Prior
to any international comparisons of pension expenditure, common forecasting methodologies should be defined
and economic and demographic assumptions should be harmonized . The Commission warmly supports the
efforts currently being undertaken by Member States to progress in this field .

( ') Report on ' Public pension expenditure prospects in the European Union : a survey of national projections '. European economy . 1996 . No 3 .

( 97 / C 186 / 154 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3384 / 96

by Maria Sornosa Martinez ( GUE / NGL )
and Angela Sierra Gonzalez ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Criminal Mafias in Spain

Following the political and economic upheavals in Russia, certain areas of the EU, notably Spain 's
Mediterranean coast and the Canary Islands, have experienced a considerable influx of citizens from that country
who are involved in criminal activities .

Some highly undesirable developments have come to light . Various reports from the Spanish intelligence
services and police forces warn of the establishment of networks linked to organized crime . In an answer to a
Member of Parliament, the Spanish Government admitted that on the Mediterranean coast, notably in the
Alicante region, and the Canary Islands, there was an unusually high level of foreign currency transactions for
the purposes of money laundering through investment in real estate and possibly in other criminal activities such
as drug trafficking, illegal trafficking in motor vehicles, prostitution and illegal immigration .

If this trend continues within the EU, it will constitute a very worrying development in the ' Schengen area ' in
terms of crime, distortions in capital transfers, the real estate sector, the creation of pockets of fraud, etc .

Does the Commission intend to take any immediate action in this regard ?

What type of measures does it consider to be most appropriate ?

Does the Commission consider that any additional financial control should be put in place to prevent trafficking
in foreign currency ?

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 81

Is the Commission aware of the creation by organized crime of ' front ' companies, both in tax havens and in EU
Member States ? Can the Commission establish any controls over such undertakings ?

Can the Commission propose or establish control systems to prevent individuals involved in recognized criminal
activities between the EU and the Russian Federation from entering the European Union ?

Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

All of the Member States are committed to the fight against money laundering and have implemented the 1991
Directive ('). The Directive is not restricted to the financial system and requires Member States ( Article 12 ) to
extend its provisions to other ' professions and categories of undertakings ...' which engage in activities which are
particularly likely to be used for money-laundering purposes . The Commission believes that mandatory
suspicious transaction reporting should be introduced in such cases .

As far as the Honourable Members ' question relates to cooperation in the field of law enforcement . Title VI of
the Treaty on European Union does not provide for a right of initiative for the Commission . This prevents the
Commission from taking action, establishing controls or proposing other measures dealing with police matters .
The Commission is, however, fully associated with the work under Title VI including the cooperation in the fight
against organised crime, and is aware of the existence of so called front companies in the Member States ( and in
many other parts of the world ). The Commission however strongly supports and encourages initiatives of the
Member States that are — with the support of the Europol drugs unit — directed against organised crime in
general or its specific forms such as money laundering .

As for the Honourable Members ' last question, the Commission proposed in 1993 a convention on the crossing
of the external frontiers of the Member States . The draft would make it possible to set up a list of not-admitted
persons, who can be refused entry into the Member States at the external frontiers . The list would be operated on
the basis of the European information system according to the provisions of the draft convention which sets up
the system . However, due to persisting controversial issues among the Member States, it has, so far, not yet been
possible to find an agreement on the convention in the Council . Therefore, the idea which the Honourable
Members put forward falls under the competence of the Member States or has to be realised by other forms of
cooperation ( Schengen ).

(') Council Directive 91 / 308 / EEC of 10 June 1991 on prevention of the use ot the financial system for the purpose of money laundering —
OJ L 166, 28.6.1991 .

( 97 / C 186 / 155 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3385 / 96

by María Sornosa Martínez ( GUE / NGL ), Angela Sierra Gonzalez ( GUE / NGL )

and Abdelkader Mohamed Ali ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Money laundering in Gibraltar

In recent years, organized crime has attained major proportions in the south of Spain .

The Spanish Ministry of the Interior has acknowledged that there are 16 criminal gangs which are mainly active
in the Costa del Sol but also in the Region of Valencia, the Canary Islands, Catalonia and Madrid .

Gibraltar, as a tax haven, plays a major role in money laundering networks, a fact which has been repeatedly
denounced by the Spanish Government in various international forums .

Does the Commission consider it necessary to remind non-Schengen countries to pursue a consistent policy to
control organized crime ?

No C 186 / 82 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Can the Commission give detailed information on the harmonization of policies on controls on individuals and
on cooperation between security services ?

Can the Commission exert any control over ' front ' companies based in Gibraltar dedicated to laundering money
from organized crime ?

Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission

( 27 January 1997 )

Council Directive 9 1 / 308 / EEC of 1 0 June 1 99 1 on prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of
money laundering (') applies to Gibraltar and the relevant legislation implementing the Directive in that territory
has been formally notified to the Commission and is currently being examined . While accepting that front
companies and other similar legal structures can in general constitute an obstacle to anti-money laundering
efforts the Commission has no evidence to suggest that front companies based in Gibraltar dedicated to
laundering money from organised crime are being tolerated in that territory . The Directive applies of course also
to the regions mentioned in the Honourable Member 's question .

The efforts of all the Member States in the area of law enforcement — which the Commission strongly
encourages and actively supports — are conducted in the full knowledge and respect of the Directive . In 1993,
Justice and home affairs ministers adopted recommendations on money laundering which, inter alia, recognise
the importance of the cooperation of law enforcement agencies and consider it important to facilitate an
exchange of information and a coordination of simultaneous investigations . In the implementation of these
recommendations and the further work which is related to the fight against money laundering, the Member States
are supported by the Europol drugs unit ( EDU ), the forerunner of Europol, which is dealing with money
laundering activities that are associated with the forms of crimes for which EDU is competent . The EDU has
organised experts meetings to develop strategies to improve the cooperation of the Member States in this field .
Further activities have been pursued in the implementation of the action programme to combat drug trafficking
which was adopted by the European Council at Madrid . In this context, the Irish Presidency organised a seminar
on operational cooperation between the Member States . Other work focused rather on an improvement of the
cooperation against organised crime in general, such as the joint action on a common framework for initiatives
for liaison officers which was adopted in 1996 ( : ) which also contributes to the fight against money laundering
within the Community .

(') OJ L 166, 28.6.1991 .

( ; ) OJ L 268 . 19.10.1996 .

( 97 / C 186 / 156 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3393 / 96

by Nikitas Kaklamanis ( UPE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Management of aquatic resources

I should like to alert the Commission to the fact that the most pressing infrastructure project facing Greece, the
integrated aquatic resources management system, is not being carried out .

This is due to a lack of cooperation between the Ministry for the Environment, Regional Planning and Public
Works and the Ministry for Development . Funds are available under the CSF and from the two above ministries .
Unless these ministries reach an understanding and cooperate immediately, desertification will undoubtedly hit
Greece, as has been predicted .

Is the Commission aware of this state of affairs, and has it intervened to tackle the problem ?

If so, how, and if not, what does it intend to do ?

18.6.97 H EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 83

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(5 February 1997 )

The Greek Community Support Framework for 1994-99 provides for part-funding for the introduction of
efficient water management structures .

Introducing these new structures poses problems that cannot be ignored . The problems arise in particular because
of the current legal framework which encourages the splitting-up of responsibilities . The Commission has
produced an expert report on the issue with a view to encouraging discussion and to helping the national
authorities launch the master plan to which the Honourable Member refers, which is however only one step along
the way to introducing effective management structures .

The Commission agrees with the Honourable Member that the procedure must be speeded up, since the demand
for an adequate supply of quality water is increasing constantly throughout the Greek economy .

( 97 / C 186 / 157 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3394 / 96

by Luciano Vecchi ( PSE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Problems affecting the application of Community legislation on the prevention of spongiform

encephalopathy

The provisions of the Commission Decision of 18 July 1996 ( 96 / 449 / EC ) (') on the approval of alternative heat
treatment systems for processing animal waste with a view to the inactivation of spongiform encephalopathy
agents will enter into force on 1 April 1997 .

A specific provision of this legislation states that all waste resulting from the slaughter of animals ( in particular
that used to produce protein flours for use as animal feed ) must be heated to a temperature of 1 33° Centigrade at a
pressure of at least 3 bar for a minimum of 20 minutes .

Although these parameters are justified from the health point of view, it would seem that there are almost
unsurmountable technical problems involved in actually carrying out the treatment .

Can the Commission say whether it is true that there are at present no plants which meet these requirements,
other than ' prototypes '?

Can it also say whether it is true that it will take at least three years to convert existing plants now in operation or
to carry out experiments on new ones ?

Finally, can it say whether it does not consider that new and more feasible measures should be adopted ?

(') OJ L 184 . 24.7.1996, p . 43 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 21 Januars ' 1997 )

The method of production of meat and bone meal using a system which achieves 133 degrees centigrade at 3 bar
for 20 minutes is already well-developed and is used successfully in all Member States . It produces a valuable
product which gives the best guarantees of freedom from presence of agents of the spongiform encephalopathies .
It is possible to use this system exclusively or to use it as a sterilising phase as an add-on either before or after the
material has passed through another, unapproved system .

According to information provided by the European Tenderers association, there are approximately 180 plants
which must be converted in the Community . It has been estimated that it would take one year to convert all plants
but increased production by the manufacturers of the equipment should reduce this period .

Even this system may not give total guarantees to produce meat and bone meal which is free from agents of
spongiform encephalopathies and the Commission would welcome evidence for the effectiveness of other
systems . In the meantime, alternative additional safeguards, by removal from the food chain of high risk
materials, have been proposed by the Commission .

No C 1 86 / 84 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 186 / 158 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3397 / 96

by Jonas Sjdstedt ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996                               

Subject : Withholding periods tor animals for slaughter

This question concerns the rule on the withholding periods for compensation allowances for certain animals
under the EU 's least-favoured area programme for agriculture .

The system of a two-months withholding period before compensation is paid for dairy cows, other cattle, etc ., is
creating long queues for slaughter as breeders do not send their animals for slaughter during that period .
Employment in slaughter houses is falling and there are shortages of locally     - produced meat . The system creates
problems for producers, the trade and consumers . An alternative to this system of withholding periods would be
to calculate the mean animal numbers based on stock records held on the farms . The system would be monitored
by means of spot checks carried out at intervals throughout the year . Coordination with the checks on stock
numbers linked to environmental support for, open agricultural land would then be possible, which would reduce
the overall administrative cost . Checks should be at least as effective with this system as checks in relation to the
holding period .

Does the Commission intend to review the system of holding periods to eliminate these disadvantages ?

Answer given by Mr r ischler on behalf of the Commission

( 16 January 1997 )

The Commission has no plans to propose a change in the arrangements governing the payment of the
compensatory allowances .

This system, whereby the livestock declared for subsidy must be held for two months in order to allow checking,
is also applied to other aids which are subject to the integrated control system and does not give rise to serious
difficulties . It does not seem to cause problems in other Member States . In the Commission 's view this method
offers the best guarantee against fraudulent claims .

It appears that the problem in Sweden arises because too many producers apply for the aids at the last minute, so
that their two month retention periods coincide . If real short-falls in supply occur this might be expected to affect
market prices . In consequence one might expect producers to modify their behaviour in future years which
should alleviate the problem .

( 97 / C 186 / 159 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3410 / 96

by Anita Pollack ( PSE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : Dioxin concentrations in soils

The persistence of dioxins in soil has been confirmed by a recent study ('), showing that over 50% of dioxins
were still present 1 8 years after first noted, i.e. that the half-life of dioxins in soil is at least 20 years . What action
is the Commission planning to ensure that further dioxin pollution in soil is ended ?

(') McLachlan, M.S. et al 1996 . Env . Sci Tech, Vol 30(8 ) pp 2567-2571 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(9 January 1997 )

The Commission is aware that dioxins can persist for a long time in soil, and attaches much importance to the
recent study indicating a half-life of at least 20 years for the presence of dioxins in soil .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 86 / 85

Measures undertaken by the Community to limit the emissions of dioxins into the environment are cited in the
reply to Written Question E-3006 / 96 by the Honourable Member ('). These measures contribute to the objective
of a 90 % reduction of dioxin emissions on the basis of 1985 levels by the year 2005 . They include Council
Directives 89 / 369 / EEC ( 2 ), 89 / 429 / EEC ( 3 ) and 94 / 67 / EC ( 4 ) on municipal and hazardous waste incineration, as
well as a strategy currently under development by the Commission for dealing with emissions from other

sources .

In addition to the above, there are plans for a protocol on persistent organic pollutants within the context of the
United Nations ' economic commission for Europe Convention on long-range transboundary air pollution, to
which the Community is a party . Dioxins are among the pollutants to be included within the scope of this
protocol .

(') OJ C 91 of 20.3.1997 . p . 60 .

( ; ) OJ L 1 63 . 14.6.1989 .

( : ) OJ L 203 . 15.7.1989 .

( 4 ) OJ L 365 . 31.12.1994 .

( 97 / C 186 / 160 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3411 / 96

by Anita Pollack ( PSE ) to the Commission

(5 December 1996 )

Subject : TV advertising to children

Has the Commission gathered information about any practice regulations or codes of practice in Member States
governing

— the amount of advertising per hour of children 's TV programmes

— the product content ( i.e. toys, junk food and drink ) being displayed per hour of children 's TV programmes ?

If it does not have this information will it conduct a study to obtain it and communicate the information to
Parliament ?

Answer given bv Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

The Commission would inform the Honourable Member that it has acquired some expertise in this sector as a
result of monitoring the application of Directive 89 / 552 / EEC on the coordination of certain provisions laid down
by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the pursuit of television broadcasting
activities, (') particularly Chapter IV, Television advertising and sponsorship . The Commission has received
information and studies from national authorities, consumer protection associations and broadcasting bodies .

In connection with the revision of the Directive the Commission has undertaken to launch a study soon on the
impact of television on children and will make a point of keeping Parliament informed of the follow-up to the
study .

(') OJ L 298, 17.10.1989 .

( 97 / C 186 / 161 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3421 / 96

by Mary Banotti ( PPE ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : VAT and duty taxes

It appears that in some Member States, but not others, it is possible to charge import duty as a separate charge
( which is normal ) but then to add this to the cost and charge VAT on the total instead of charging VAT on the
goods and then adding the two together . This would appear to mean that tax is being paid on the duty .

No C 186 / 86 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Is the Commission aware of any regulations, rules or other information concerning the charging of VAT and duty
on the import of goods into the European Union ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 21 January 1997 )

Article 1 1 of the Sixth VAT Directive ( 77 / 388 / EEC ) (') lays down the elements to be taken into account at
Community level in order to establish the taxable amount . It is therefore binding on all Member States .

The general principle in this matter is that the taxable amount includes the taxes, duties, levies and charges, other
than VAT itself, and incidental expenses . With regard to imports, customs duties are included in these elements,
in accordance with the rules generally accepted at international level .

( ! ) OJ L 145 . 13.6.1977 .

( 97 / C 186 / 162 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3424 / 96

by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI ) and Spalato Bellere ( NI ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Moves to acquire telecommunications structures and media by Olivetti S.p.A

Infostrada S.p.A, which is owned by Olivetti S.p.A, has recently acquired Autostrade S.p.A 's fibre optical
alternative telecommunications network, and is in the process of acquiring Ferrovia dello Stato S.p.A 's ( the
Italian state railways ') alternative telecommunications network .

These operations were carried out against a background of continuing de facto monopoly of the possession and
use of transmission media . It appears that no call for tenders was issued in connection with the sale, which
involved the total or partial disposal of assets belonging to the Italian state or the above-mentioned undertakings .
The acquisition in question was carried out in defiance of the express opinion of the competition and market
authority ( AGCM Bulletin No . 34-35 of 16 September 1996 ). The operations were carried out despite the
existence of the requisite telecommunications regulatory authority and in the total absence of any national
legislation in that sector .

Would the Commission state :

1 . How behaviour of this kind by Infostrada S.p.A and the Italian Government, in flagrant and total breach of
European Union directives and the recommendations of the Italian antitrust authority, can be tolerated, and

2 . What action it intends to take to prevent the establishment of new dominant market positions, since the
Italian telecommunications sector continues to be chronically under-regulated ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

( 28 January 1997 )

1 . According to the information in the Commission 's possession, the agreement between Infostrada and
Autostrade SpA would be concerned solely with the renting of transmission capacity, on a non-exclusive basis,
on the latter 's telecommunications network . Such an agreement does not infringe the competition rules of the EC
Treaty . It is though caught by Article 2(2 ) of Directive 90 / 388 / EEC, as amended by Directive 96 / 19 / ECC )
concerning the implementation of full competition in telecommunications markets, which requires Member
States to allow the use of alternative infrastructures to supply services that have already been liberalized .

Ferrovia dello Stato published a call for tenders regarding the granting of the right to set up a telecommunications
network along existing rail tracks . The Commission was not aware that Infostrada had been selected . In principle,
such an agreement would not be in breach of the competition rules either, since its effect would be to increase the
degree of competition on the Italian market by allowing the setting-up in Italy of a public infrastructure capable
of competing with the existing monopoly operated by Telecom Italia . However, the Commission could state its
views on the substance of such an agreement only if it had been formally notified of its existence .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 86 / 87

2 . The adoption of rules on telecommunications is not a prior condition for abolishing restrictions on the
setting-up and operation of telecommunications infrastructures that provide an alternative to Telecom Italia 's
public network for the supply of telecommunications services already liberalized . The aforementioned Article
2(2 ) requires Member States to remove remaining restrictions on such alternative infrastructures as from 1 July
1996, whereas the Directive stipulates that the new regulatory framework for the full liberalization of the
telecommunications sector need not be in place until 1 July 1997 . Any delay in dismantling restrictions on
alternative infrastructures would prolong the infrastructure monopoly enjoyed by the current public operators, to
the detriment of the suppliers of liberalized services and their customers .

(') OJ L 74 . 22.3.1996 .

( 97 / C 186 / 163 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3430 / 96

by Inigo Mendez de Vigo ( PPE ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : European Union cohesion policy

On 6 November 1996, the Commission adopted its first report on progress made in achieving economic and
social cohesion within the EU . The report claims that the cohesion policy followed to date has made a significant
contribution to reducing structural disparities between the richest and poorest Member States, but, in the words
of Commissioner Wulf-Mathies, ' much remains to be done '.

Does the Commission believe, in the light of the results set out in the report, that continued aid to the four
countries which benefit from the Cohesion Fund is essential to enable those countries to make more rapid
progress towards the goal of achieving the same level of development as their European partners, and that such
aid can contribute decisively to their integration in Economic and Monetary Union ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 16 January 1997 )

The Commission considers that Community structural policies have been of great importance to the economic
development of the four poorer Member States and to the reduction of disparities between these Member States
and the rest of the Community . Assistance from both the Cohesion fund and the structural funds is also playing
an important role in helping these Member States to make progress towards the objective of economic and
monetary union .

A review will be undertaken to prepare for the period beyond 1999 when the present financial perspectives come
to an end . This will include a re-examination of the regulations governing the funds . However, there can be no
doubt that the Commission remains committed to maintaining and where possible to strengthening the structural
policies while ensuring that resources are concentrated in favour of the poorest regions and Member States in
order to promote the overall harmonious development of the Community .

( 97 / C 186 / 164 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3431 / 96

by Heidi Hautala ( V ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Principle of free library services

There is a long tradition of public libraries in the Nordic countries . Every citizen has hitherto been able to borrow
books free of charge . Reports have recently appeared in the Finnish media giving cause for concern about a
possible threat to this valuable principle .

No C 186 / 88 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6.97

According to experts in the library field, the text of an agreement will be proposed at the forthcoming
intergovernmental meeting on copyright in Geneva in December which will threaten the free availability in
libraries of information stored on networks and in electronic form, including electronic recordings . Experts claim
that this proposal, if put into practice, could mean that in the long term all information will have to be paid for,
and will thus be available only to those who can afford it .

Does the proposal drafted for the international meeting represent the Commission 's and the Member States '
opinions ? What does the Commission propose to do to protect the principle of free public libraries in future and
to ensure that this principle applies to all information, in whatever form it is recorded ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

( 28 January 1997 )

The Commission is well aware of the tradition of free access to information practised by libraries throughout
Europe . Indeed, in the context of the libraries sector of the Telematics application programme ( 94 / 801 / EC ) ('),
detailed analyses have been made in recent years of the exemptions and limitations to copyright under which
libraries in the Member States provide access to information in various forms .

Furthermore, recognising the importance of the role of libraries in the information society, the Commission has
been examining carefully the implications of copyright for both users and rights owners in the area of electronic
documents and networked services . Indeed, one of the key accompanying measures under Telematics for
libraries is the European copyright users platform which provides support for the library users ' community . By
promoting dialogue between the various interests involved and encouraging initiatives which bring together
publishers, technical partners and libraries, the Commission hopes to build consensus on ways of achieving a
balanced approach on these complex yet socially and economically crucial matters .

(') OJ L 334 . 22.12.1994 .

( 97 / C 186 / 165 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3440 / 96

by Norbert Glante ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 29 November 1996 )

Subject : Possible distortions of competition between notified bodies in connection with Council Decision

93 / 465 / EEC

With regard to Council Decision 93 / 465 / EEC ('), the Commission 's attention is drawn to the following :

A number of the harmonization directives provide for notified bodies to be involved in the procedures for the
conformity assessment of products . Manufacturers usually have a choice between different, competing

assessment systems :

1 . product checking with monitoring of production, and

2 . checking of the quality assurance system .

To fulfil the tasks referred to under 1 above, the notified bodies must obtain accreditation on the basis of
standards EN 45 001, EN 45 01 1 and 45 012 . However, the notified bodies responsible for the tasks referred to
2 are only required to obtain accreditation on the basis of the EN 45 012 standard .

The additional costs to the first set of notified bodies may result in distortions of competition vis-a-vis the second

set .

Is the Commission aware of these competitive disadvantages and, if so, how extensive does it consider them to
be ?

Does the Commission intend to take measures to remove these competitive disadvantages ?

Can the Commission say how long it will take to implement such measures ?

(') OJ L 220 . 30.8.1993, n . 23 .

18 . 6 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 89

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

( 23 January 1997 )

1 . It is brought to the Honourable Member 's attention that in allowing a choice between various procedures for
the assessment of product conformity, in particular certification procedures for quality assurance systems, the
main aim of the directives is to promote the competitiveness of European industry . This system allows the
manufacturer to select the body that it wishes to use from the list of notified bodies published in the Official
Journal which are capable of assessing its products in the light of the requirements of the applicable directives .

2 . Contrary to what the Honourable Member states in his question, the fact that a choice is available between
various procedures does not give rise to additional costs for bodies engaged in product verification compared
with those controlling quality systems .

With reference to the notification ' by Member States of certification bodies, the Commission, with the agreement
of the Member States, has determined the standards corresponding to the procedures that those bodies will be
required to apply :

— EN 45001 for testing bodies ;

— EN 45004 for bodies carrying out type examination ;

— EN4501 1 for bodies carrying out the verification of products during manufacture ;

— EN 45012 for bodies controlling quality systems .

Consequently, each body notified for a given procedure is covered only by a single standard . No aggregation is
necessary unless the same body intervenes in both the design and manufacturing phases . Even in such cases, the
burdens in terms of accreditation are balanced because they apply mutatis mutandis for a given category of
products . Moreover, opting for certified quality assurance does not exclude control of products . In these cases
also there is a combination of product control and control of quality assurance . Therefore, those bodies carrying
out product verification are in no way placed at a disadvantage .

Moreover, the Honourable Member 's attention is also drawn to the fact that conformity with these standards is
not compulsory . It is only a preferred means of proof of compliance with the criteria of competence that Member
States have to apply when notifying a body .

In conclusion, the Commission is of the opinion that :

— there is no competitive disadvantage between notified bodies whichever EN45000 standards apply to them
in so far as all such bodies are placed in the same situation . On the contrary, the use of harmonized criteria
contributes to healthy competition between notified bodies,

— there is not yet complete transparency in this field . For this reason the Commission is currently endeavouring
to clarify and harmonize the way in which Member Stated apply criteria for the competence of bodies by
specifying the links to be established between procedures for the attestation of conformity and EN45000
standards,

— this action is gradually being implemented as the ' new approach ' directives enter into force and conformity
assessment infrastructures are put in place at national level .

( 97 / C 186 / 166 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3442 / 96

by Markus Ferber ( PPE ) to the Council

(4 December 1996 )

Subject : Council action against Scientology

Scientology is increasingly penetrating into areas of public life, the economy and politics . Individual Member
States have therefore adopted measures to halt this trend, such as questionnaires on Scientology membership for
new public officials .

No C 186 / 90 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

This raises the following questions concerning Council action against Scientology .

1 . What findings are available to Council concerning Scientology activities in the Council ?

2 . What are the Council 's views on this problem ?

3 . What legal options are there for action against Scientology ?

4 . Are measures ( such as questionnaires for new EU officials ) planned under European civil service law ?

Answer

( 10 March 1997 )

The Council is not in possession of any information concerning Scientology activities . The Council itself has not
taken any stance on the activities of the Scientology movement which, like any other association, has to conform
to the laws of the Member States where they operate . There are no measures, such as questionnaires for new EU
officials, planned by the Council .

( 97 / C 186 / 167 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3443 / 96

by Markus Ferber ( PPE ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Commission action against Scientology

Scientology is increasingly penetrating into areas of public life, the economy and politics . Individual Member
States have therefore adopted measures to halt this trend, such as questionnaires on Scientology membership for
new public officials .

This raises the following questions concerning Commission action against Scientology .

1 . What findings are available to Commission concerning Scientology activities within the Commission ?

2 . What are the Commission 's views on this problem ?

3 . What legal options are there for action against Scientology ?

4 . Are measures ( such as questionnaires for new EU officials ) planned under European civil service law ?

Answer given by Ms Gradin on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 1997 )

The Commission does not collect specific information about the activities of the Church of Scientology and is not
empowered to pass judgment on their legitimacy or merits .

The choice of whether or not to join an organization of this kind is a matter for the individual and is guaranteed by
the freedom of thought and of association .

Should it appear necessary, appropriate measures could be taken under Title VI of the Treaty on European Union
to improve judicial and police cooperation on this issue .

Existing tax and labour laws might also come into play, though it is, of course, for the Member States to enforce
them .

Finally, the Commission does not plan to introduce questionnaires on such matters when recruiting staff into the
European civil service .

18.6.97 EN Ofticial Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 91

( 97 / C 186 / 168 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3445 / 96

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) to the Council

(4 December 1996 )

Subject : Cross-border consumer protection

1 . Does the Council support cross-border consumer protection projects ?

2 . Does the Council consider that cross-border consumer protection work should be supported ?

Answer

( 10 March 1997 )

The Commission has placed before the Council two initiatives geared more particularly towards cross-border
consumer protection, as well as the numerous Directives already adopted or under examination which create
important rights for the consumer in all the Member States .

The first of these is the Commission communication on a plan of action on access to justice, on which the
Council has adopted, at its meeting on 25 November 1996, conclusions in which it marks its interest in
simplifying the settlement of cross-border disputes by way of our-of-court and other somparable procedures and
supports the Commission 's intention of implementing pilot projects in this field on a voluntary basis in various
Member States .

Secondly, there is a proposal for a Directive on injunctions for the protection of consumers ' interests, with which
the Honourable Member is familiar ( see European Parliament Opinion of 13 November 1996 ). At its meeting on

15 November 1996 the Council held a second policy debate on this proposal with a view to adopting a common
position at a forthcoming meeting .

( 97 / C 186 / 169 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3447 / 96

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) to the Council

(4 December 1996 )

Subject : Cross-border consumer protection between the Saarland ( Germany ) and Lorraine ( France )

1 . Does the Council consider that cross-border projects such as that planned between the Saarland and
Lorraine are worth supporting ?

2 . Why has no EU support yet been forthcoming for the Saarland-Lorraine project, in spite of its importance
for this border region ?

Answer

( 10 March 1997 )

The Commission would be the body responsible for any support given to the projects mentioned by the
Honourable Member . No Commission proposal on this matter has to date been referred to the Council .

( 97 / C 1 86 / 1 70 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3457 / 96

by Carlos Carnero González ( GUE / NGL ), Laura González Alvarez ( GUE / NGL )

and Alonso Puerta ( GUE / NGL ) to the Council

(4 December 1996 )

Subject : Relations with Cuba

In view of Spain 's new position with regard to EU relations with Cuba, we would ask whether the Council has
received the proposal, whether it has been discussed and whether any position has been adopted ?

What prospects does the Council see for the agreement between the EU and Cuba ?

No C 186 / 92 EN 1 Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Answer

( 11 March 1997 )

At its meeting on 2 December 1996 the Council adopted a common position on Cuba, based on Article J. 2 of the
Treaty on European Union, which sets out in detail the EU 's policy towards Cuba . This common policy was
published in the Official Journal of the European Communties No L 322 of 12 December 1996 .

As regards future prospects, it should be pointed out that paragraph 5 of the common position lays down that its
implementation will be monitored by the Council and that an evaluation of this position will be undertaken after
six months .

( 91 IC 186 / 171 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3461 / 96

by Jan Mulder ( ELDR ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Measures for the veal sector in the light of the reform of the beef sector

The Council of agriculture ministers recently decided on a number of measures in the beef sector which have
implications for the veal sector . The following measures will come into force on 1 December 1996 :

— the slaughter of very young calves, for which a premium is granted ( this arrangement is already in force in
some Member States );

— a reduction in the weight ( different in each Member State ) from which a premium is paid on slaughtered veal
calves .

The Member States are free to choose one of these measures for their own country .

Initial suggest that there is now a growing traffic in calves from countries which do not apply the slaughter
premium for young calves and countries which have chosen this option . This pushes up the prices of calves in the
countries without the premium, making it an unattractive proposition to fatten calves in those countries .

1 . Does the Commission approve of the above situation ?

2 . Does the Commission expect in the light of the above that the measures taken will have the desired effect
and contribute to a climate of fair competition in the European Union, particularly as it sometimes seems difficult
to limit the age of young calves for slaughter ?

3 . Does the Commission consider that attaching stricter conditions to the measures, for example limiting
payment of the calf slaughter premium to calves originating in the Member State in which the premium is in
operation, would be a satisfactory way of dealing with this situation ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 28 January 1997 )

First of all, it should be recalled that, in its emergency action plan to rebalance the market put forward in
July 1996, the Commission proposed making application of the processing premium for small calves compulsory
in all Member States . In the Commission 's opinion, this is one of the most effective ways of quickly reducing the
production of beef and veal . The compromise reached by the Council in October 1996 did not follow this
approach and left it to the Member States to decide whether to replace the processing premium by an early
marketing premium for calves . In reply to the three questions posed by the Honourable Member :

1 . The Commission is aware that a number of small calves are traded within the Community, being exported, in
particular, from Germany, the Netherlands and Spain to France, where the processing premium has been
paid since mid-October 1996 . According to information available to the Commission, the number of animals
involved in this trade is so small that the fears expressed by the Honourable Member are unjustified .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 93

2 . Concerning the early marketing premium for calves, measures have been adopted to achieve the objective
fixed by the Council . Among the measures intended to prevent distortions of competition, the Commission
would stress the obligation to retain calves for an extended period on a holding in the Member State in which
the premium application will be submitted . This is expected to achieve the 15% reduction in the national
average slaughter weight of calves .

3 . The Commission is closely following the operation of the new measures adopted by the Council to improve
market conditions . Consequently, if problems appear, the Commission will not hesitate to use the means
available to rectify the situation .

( 97 / C 186 / 172 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3465 / 96

by Hutrud Breyer ( V ) to the Council

(4 December 1996 )

Subject : Legal basis of the FACTT project

The very name of the FACTT project ( Familiarisation and Acceptance of Crops incorporating Transgenic
Technology ) describes the purpose of this project .

1 . What is the legal basis for the experiments carried out as part of the FACTT project ?

2 . Does the Council agree that, in seeking acceptance for transgenic crops as part of the FACTT project, the
European Union is acting on behalf of private entrepreneurs '.'

3 . What legislative provisions underlie the ' chicken experiments ', in which chickens are fed with genetically
modified rape-seed from the firm Plant Genetic Systems ( PGS )?

4 . Is the Council aware that the authorization granted for the genetically modified rape-seed of PGS prohibits
feeding it to animals ?

Answer

( 10 March 1997 )

The Council has no knowledge of the FACTT project referred to by the Honourable Member . It might be better to
put the question to the Commission .

( 97 / C 186 / 173 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3468 / 96

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Safety precautions in FACTT experiments

Genetically modified rape-seed is being fed to animals in a number of experiments .

How does the Commission intend to ensure that genetically modified material does not enter the human food
chain ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 12 February 1997 )

The use of genetically modified material in the human food chain is not foreseen in the list of tasks of the
technical annex of the project contract established between the Commission and the participants which
constitutes the legal basis of this project . Furthermore, the Commission has on several occasions pointed out to
the contractors that they have to ensure that, in the context of the implementation of the project, no genetically
modified material will enter the human food chain and that the experiments have to be carried out in compliance
with relevant Community as well as existing national regulations .

No C 186 / 94 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

On 10 May 1996 the contractors informed the national authorities about the project and stated that ' until full
clearance on the feed and food aspects of our product is obtained, arrangements are made to ensure that the
products do n't enter commercial food and feed processing '.

The Honourable Member 's attention is also drawn to the fact that pursuant to Articles 4, 13(6 ) and 14 of Directive
90 / 220 / EEC ('), it is the task of the Member States to take all the measures needed to guarantee full compliance
with the conditions of use of the genetically modified material .

(') OJ L 117 . 8.5.1990 .

( 97 / C 186 / 174 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3470 / 96

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) to the Commission

(9 December J 996 )

Subject : FACTT project and genetically modified rape-seed

The Commission 's authorization, based on Directive 90 / 220 / EEC ('), for the genetically modified rape-seed of
Plant Genetic Systems ( PGS ) applied only for breeding purposes and prohibits consumption of the product by
humans or the feeding thereof to animals .

1 . Can it nevertheless be true that experiments under the FACTT project ( Familiarisation and Acceptance of
Crops incorporating Transgenic Technology ) have been authorized in which genetically modified rape-seed is
fed to domestic animals, e.g. at Martin Luther University in Halle      - Wittenberg ( Germany )?

2 . What is the legal basis for this decision ?

3 . Why is the European Union funding a series of experiments which runs counter to the above authorization ?

(') OJ L 117, 8.5.1990, p . 15 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 27 January 1997 )

The Commission has not been informed that the project carried out at the University of Halle-Wittenberg
involves experiments in feeding animals genetically modified rapeseed . No such experiments are foreseen in the
contract with that University .

As a general observation, it is worth noting that all experiments under this project must be implemented in
accordance with national and Community legislation in this field .

( 97 / C 186 / 175 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3472 / 96

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Expenditure on the FACTT project

1 . What is the total funding for the FACTT project ( Familiarisation and Acceptance of Crops incorporating
Transgenic Technology )?

2 . What costs are borne directly and indirectly by the European Union ?

3 . How high is EU support for FACTT in specific cases ?

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 95

4 . What firms, universities and other establishments receive European Union funding under the FACTT
project ?

5 . For what measures ( projects ) do they receive it ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 21 January 1997 )

The total budget of this demonstration project is 2.95 Mecu of which the Community financial contribution is

1.57 Mecu .

In view of the length of the rest of the answer, the Commission is sending it direct to the Honourable Member and
to the Parliament 's Secretariat general .

( 97 / C 186 / 176 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3477 / 96

by Juan Colino Salamanca ( PSE ) and Jesus Cabezón Alonso ( PSE ) to the Council

(4 December 1996 )

Subject : Relations with Cuba

The Spanish Government 's Secretary of State for the Media recently justified the measures taken to put pressure
on Cuba on the basis of a distinction between ' Christian culture ' and ' Muslim culture ', saying that respect for
human rights can only be rigorously required in the former and is a more relative requirement in Muslim culture .

Does the Council also believe in this peculiar distinction ?

Does the Council believe that fundamental rights are universal and can therefore be required without any
distinction being made between creeds ?

Does the Council not think that the declaration contained in the Preamble to the Treaty on European Union, on
respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as Article F, are in opposition to this interpretation
by the Spanish Secretary of State for the Media ?

Does the Council have any means of reacting to such grotesque statements as those made by this senior Spanish
office-holder ?

Answer

( 24 March 1997 )

It is not the practice of the Council to comment on statements made by members of Member States governments .

( 97 / C 186 / 177 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3478 / 96

by Roberta Angelilli ( NI ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Measures to help poor urban areas

The bulletin of 18 October 1996 on European regions ( Information Note : the Union, page 359 ) mentioned
measures to help neglected urban areas . These measures adopted by the Commission cover a series of provisions
valid for five years in accordance with the rules governing state aids and are designed to encourage the creation
of jobs in the poorest areas of the cities of the EU . This should enable the governments of the Member States to
provide financial support in such areas for the maintaining or establishment of businesses of local importance .
The measures are mainly targeted at young unemployed people, those with no vocational training and women,
and will cost a maximum of ECU 10 000 for each job created .

No C 186 / 96 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Can the Commission :

1 . provide more information concerning the programme in the context of which these measures are envisaged ?

2 . Say whether Rome City Council has applied for financial support to assist its poor areas ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

( 30 January 1997 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-3 105 / 96 by
Mr Siso Cruellas (').

With particular regard to the Honourable Member 's request for factual information as to whether Rome City
Council has applied for financial support under the measure referred to, the Commission has not yet received any
formal notification of this . It should be pointed out that, under the guidelines for state aid in depressed urban
areas, measures may be financed out of the national budget broadly defined and not out of Community funds,
provided that certain conditions are met . Where appropriate, Community assistance can be provided, but only as
part of Community initiatives such as Urban .

C ) OJ C 138 of 5.5.1997 . p . 27 .

( 97 / C 186 / 178 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3484 / 96

by Sergio Ribeiro ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Aid for passenger transport ( taxis )

There are various types of Community aid for passenger transport . However, owing to the diversity of this sector,
it is sometimes unclear who is entitled to such aid and how they can obtain it .

Private passenger transport operators of heavy passenger transport vehicles receive significant amounts of aid,
which is not the case for operators of light passenger transport vehicles ( taxis ), who have only been granted small
amounts of funding to acquire taxi-meters and radio-taxi equipment .

The former category have received aid for the purposes of transporting disabled people, which benefits these
passengers, while until now owners of taxis and similar vehicles have not been entitled to any aid for the
conversion of their vehicles to enable them provide a service for these passengers .

Should the Commission therefore not promote a broad interpretation regarding certain types of Community aid,
which would clearly be of advantage to members of the public who merit special attention, and also regarding the
introduction of LPG for light passenger transport vehicles, which would be of great benefit to the urban
environment ?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

( 14 February 1997 )

The Community does not have a financing instrument to subsidise the adaptation of heavy passenger transport

vehicles or taxis and similar vehicles for the specific needs of the transport of disabled people . However, the
Commission welcomes national initiatives in order to increase the transport mobility of disabled people .

In so far as aids granted by national authorities to transport operators affect trade between Member States, the
Commission is responsible for working to ensure adherence to Community rules according to articles 92 and
93 of the EC Treaty . In the present case, the subsidies involved are unlikely to affect trade between Member
States as the market concerned does not seem to involve competition from other Member States ' companies .

The Community legislation on access to the passenger transport market which has been adopted so far only
concerns the carriage of passengers using vehicles that are suitable, by virtue of their construction and
equipment, for carrying more than nine people, including the driver .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 97

In the absence of Community rules concerning the access to the market for taxi services, the national legislation
of Member States applies . In fact, national, regional or local taxi services are mainly an area of competence of
Member State authorities which are in a better position to organize and survey the market .

( 97 / C 186 / 179 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3488 / 96

by Per Gahrton ( V ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Battery hens

The EU 's inhumane rules for battery hens are creating unreasonable competition for Swedish egg producers . The
Swedish Government now therefore seems to be backing away from its promised total ban on battery chicken
farming for 1998 .

Does the Commission intend to submit any proposals for high minimum poultry-rearing standards which might
make it economically possible for Sweden to carry out its planned ban on battery chicken-rearing ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Council Directive 88 / 166 / EEC (') lays down minimum standards for the protection of laying hens kept in battery
cages . Under Article 9 the Commission intends shortly to submit a report on scientific developments regarding
the welfare of hens under various systems of rearing and on the provisions in the Annex accompanied by any
appropriate adjustment proposals .

(') OJ L 74 19.3.1988 .

( 97 / C 186 / 180 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3496 / 96

by Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Investment services in the securities field

In view of Council Directive 93 / 22 / EEC ('), in particular Article 1 1, which states that investment firms must act
honestly and fairly in conducting their business activities in the best interests of their clients and the integrity of
the market and Article 3 1, which states that Member States should adopt the laws, regulations and administrative
provisions necessary for them to comply with this directive no later than 3 1 December 1 995, can the Commission

say :

1 . whether the responsible Greek authorities have informed it of implementing measures taken at national level
to bring it into line with the above directive and, if so, when,

2 . what stage has been reached by the directive on the harmonization of systems for the compensation of
investors whose interests have suffered as a result of dishonesty on the part of investment firms and

3 . whether, in cooperation with the Greek authorities, it intends to investigate recent developments on the
Greek stock exchange, given that Directive 93 / 22 / EEC requires cooperation between the national authorities
and the Commission and that authorization issued to investment firms by the competent national authorities
will apply throughout the Community and no longer at national level only ?

(') OJ L 141, 1 1.6.1993, p . 27 .

No C 186 / 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

1 . Greece has not so far communicated to the Commission the national measures implementating Council
Directive 93 / 22 / EEC . The Commission has accordingly decided to deliver a reasoned opinion .

2 . The directive on co-ordination of investor compensation schemes has been agreed by both the Council and
the Parliament as a result of a conciliation procedure which took place on 18 December 1996 (').

3 . The Commission is aware of the recent developments on the Greek stock exchange and has noted the
efforts of the Greek authorities to redress the position . However, the responsibility for day to day enforcement of
securities markets legislation in the Member States is not within the competence of the Commission, but rather is
a matter for regulators at national level . The Commission 's role is to ensure that directives agreed at Community
level are properly applied, and this it will of course continue to treat as a matter of priority .

(') L-84 of 26.3.1997 . p . 22 .

( 97 / C 1 86 / 1 8 1 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3504 / 96

by Miguel Anas Canete ( PPE ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Consumption of preserved fish in the EU

Can the Commission give details of the consumption of preserved fish in the various Member States ?

Can the Commission provide data on imports of preserved fish from non-Community producer countries into the

15 EU Member States ?

Does the Commission believe that the current production capacity of the Community industries might be
sufficient to supply the EU market ?

Can the Commission give a breakdown, under customs headings 16.04 and 16.05, of the volume and value of
each one accounted for by EU imports from non-Community countries ?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

(5 February 1997 )

The Honourable Member is asked to refer to the tables which have been sent direct to him and to the Parliament

Secretariat . The tables provide statistics on imports of preserved fish and shellfish, broken down between CN
codes 1604 and 1605, and identify the importing Member States and the Community 's main trading partners .

On points 1 and 3 of the question, the Honourable Member should refer to the Panorama of European Industry for

1995 / 96 which is devoted to the fish processing industry, a copy of which has also been sent to the Honourable
Member and to the Parliament Secretariat .

( 97 / C 186 / 182 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3505 / 96

by Miguel Anas Canete ( PPE ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Trade in preserved fish

Can the Commission supply a list of all legislation governing intra-Community trade in preserved fish ?

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the Eilropean Communities No C 186 / 99

( 97 / C 186 / 183 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3506 / 96

by Miguel Anas Canete ( PPE ) to the Commission

(9 December J 996 )

Subject : Trade in semi-preserved salted anchovies and anchovies in olive oil

Can the Commission provide a list of all legislation governing intra-Community trade in semi-preserved salted
anchovies and anchovies in olive oil ?

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-3505 / 96 and E-3506 / 96
given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

( 23 January 1997 )

The Community legislation applying to the production and marketing of preserved fish is as follows :

Health legislation :

— Council Directive 91 / 493 / EEC of 22 July 1991 laying down the health conditions for the production and
placing on the market of fishery products (')•

Horizontal legislation applying to foodstuffs :

— Council Directive 79 / 1 12 / EEC of 1 8 December 1978 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States
relating to the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs ( 2 ).

— Council Directive 89 / 107 / EEC of 21 December 1988 O and European Parliament and Council Directive
94 / 34 / EC of 30 june 1994 ( 4 ), on the approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning food
additives authorized for use in foodstuffs intended for human consumption .

— European Parliament and Council Directive 94 / 36 / EC of 30 June 1994 on colours for use in foodstuffs ( 5 ).

— European Parliament and Council Directive 95 / 2 / EC of 20 February 1995 on food additives other than
colours and sweeteners ( 6 ).

— Council Directive 89 / 397 / EEC of 14 June 1989 ( 7 ) and Council Directive 93 / 99 / EEC of 29 October 1993 ( x )
on the official control of foodstuffs .

— Council Directive 93 / 43 / EEC of 14 June 1993 on the hygiene of foodstuffs ( 9 ).

Specific regulations :

— Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 2136 / 89 of 21 June 1989 laying down common marketing standards for
preserved sardines ( 10 ).

— Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 1536 / 92 of 9 June 1992 laying down common marketing standards for
preserved tuna and bonito (")•

Legislation on the use of olive oil in the manufacture of preserves :

A refund scheme for the production of certain preserves in olive oil is provided for under Article 20a of
Regulation No 136 / 66 / EEC of 22 September 1966 on the establishment of a common organization of the market
in oils and fats ( ]2 ).

There is no specific regulation at Community level on semi-preserves of anchovies . Where there is no specific
Community legislation the Member States are free to pass their own . However, to ensure that differences in
national legislation do not hinder the free movement of goods within the internal market, it must comply with
Articles 30 to 36 of the EC Treaty .

') OJ L 268, 24 . 9.1991 .
: ) OJ L 33 . 8 . 2.1979 .

                 - ') OJ L 40 . 1 1 . 2.1989 .

4 ) OJ L 237, 10 . 9.1994 .

5 ) OJ L 237, 10 . 9.1994 .

6 ) OJ L 186, 30 . 6.1989 .

7 ) OJ L 186 . 30 . 6.1989 .

s ) OJ L 290, 24.1 1.1993 .
") OJ L 175 . 19 . 7.1993 .
" ) OJ L 212, 22 . 7.1989 .
") OJ L 163 . 17 . 6.1992 .

i : ) OJ L 172, 30 . 9.1966, as amended by Regulation ( EEC ) No 1562 / 78, OJ L 185, 7 . 7.1978 .

No C 186 / 100 EN Official Journal ot the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 186 / 184 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3510 / 96

by Gianni Tammo ( V ), Daniel Cohn-Bendit ( V )

and Carlo Ripa di Meana ( V ) to the Council

(6 December 1996 )

Subject : Applicability of EU legislation on safety at the workplace to professional sport ( by analogy with the

' Bosman case ')

In mid-November 1996 the boxer Fabrizio De Chiara died of injuries sustained in an Italian professional
middleweight title fight . Since the beginnings of professional boxing, in which it is not compulsory to wear a
helmet and fights last up to 12 rounds, there have been over 500 proven cases in which death has resulted directly
from a fight and numerous cases of injury . Amateur boxers have to wear a helmet during a match, which can last
no longer than three three-minute rounds . These measures greatly reduce the risk of serious injury, although they
do not eliminate it altogether . Other sports could be made safer for participants if more stringent rules were
imposed, one example being the compulsory use of helmets in cycling .

As a result of the ' Bosman case ' it has been established that Community law on the free movement of workers
must also apply to professional sport, when it takes place on Union territory .

Can Community legislation on safety at the workplace likewise be considered applicable to professional sport ?

In the light of Community legislation on safety at the workplace, which for boxers is the ring, for cyclists the
road, and so on, would it not be necessary to lay down stricter rules whereby, as far as professional boxing was
concerned, helmets would have to be worn and fights shortened considerably, cyclists would have to wear a
helmet, and so forth ?

Answer

( 10 March 1997 )

The Honourable Members are asking whether existing Community legislation on safety at the workplace is
applicable to professional sport and whether it can pave the way for the adoption of stricter rules for certain
professional sporting activities .

Judgment in the ' Bosman case ' was handed down in the context of the free movement of workers, which, in the
Court 's eyes, is a fundamental freedom under the Community system . The Court gave its ruling on the rules for
the transfer of players between clubs, rules which govern economic relations between employers in a sector of
activity within the scope of Community provisions on the free movement of workers, the application of which
affected the conditions of employment of employed persons .

The Court of Justice made no mention of the possible applicability to professional sport of existing Community
legislation on safety at the workplace .

With regard to the wearing of helmets, Article 2(2 ) of Directive 89 / 656 / EEC (') excludes sports equipment from
personal protective equipment designed to be worn by workers .

There is no provision of Community law covering the length of boxing matches .

(') Council Directive 89 / 656 / EEC ot 30 November 1989 on the minimal health and safety requirements tor the use by workers of personal
protective equipment at the workplace . OJ L 393, 30.12.1989, p. 18 .

( 91 IC 186 / 185 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3512 / 96

by Doeke Eisma ( ELDR ) to the Commission

(4 December 1996 )

Subject : ERDF subsidies for Maastricht ( Beek ) and Bierset airports

The Commission has granted resources ot some F1 39 million from the ERDF for the Maastricht ( NL ) and Bierset
( B ) airports . On 26 May 1993 in reply to a question by Mr Verhagen ( H-527 / 93 ) ('), the Commission said that the
funding had been granted on the basis of feasibility studies carried out independently in the two countries .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 101

Since the two airports are very close to each other, it is unacceptable for the Commission to have acted on
separate assessments carried out by each region without reference to the other and to have failed to stipulate that
the funding would be conditional on the two airports working together . The Commission has shirked its political
responsibilities, leaving them to the Member States and the regions .

Does the Commission not think that two airports located so near each other should cooperate and has it never
urged them to do so ?

Is the Commission aware that a decision was taken on construction of a new runway at Maastricht airport without
any consultation of Bierset airport ?

If the Commission shares this view, why did it not impose conditions requiring cooperation between the two
airports when it granted the funding ?

What action might the Commission yet take to bring about cooperation between Maastricht and Bierset airports ?

( l ) Debates ot the European Parliament ( May 1993 ).

( 97 / C 186 / 186 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3513 / 96

by Jan Bertens ( ELDR ) to the Commission

(4 December 1 996 )

Subject : ERDF subsidies for Maastricht ( Beek ) and Bierset airports

The Commission has granted resources of some F1 39 million from the ERDF for the Maastricht ( NL ) and Bierset
( B ) airports . On 26 May 1 993 in reply to a question by Mr Verhagen ( H-527 / 93 ) ('), the Commission said that the
funding had been granted on the basis of feasibility studies carried out independently in the two countries .

Since the two airports are very close to each other, it is unacceptable for the Commission to have acted on
separate assessments carried out by each region without reference to the other and to have failed to stipulate that
the funding would be conditional on the two airports working together . The Commission has shirked its political
responsibilities, leaving them to the Member States and the regions .

Does the Commission not think that two airports located so near each other should cooperate and has it never
urged them to do so ?

Is the Commission aware that a decision was taken on construction of a new runway at Maastricht airport without
any consultation of Bierset airport ?

If the Commission shares this view, why did it not impose conditions requiring cooperation between the two
airports when it granted the funding ?

What action might the Commission yet take to bring about cooperation between Maastricht and Bierset airports ?

(') Debates of the European Parliament ( May 1993 ).

Joint answer

to Written Questions P-3512 / 96 and P-3513 / 96
given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 20 January 1997 )

The Commission explained its reasons for granting European regional development fund ( ERDF ) investment
assistance to both Maastricht Aachen airport ( the Netherlands ) and Liege-Bierset ( Belgium ) in its answer to Oral
Question H-527 / 93 by Mr Verhagen at Parliament 's May 1993 part-session (')■

Cooperation between the two airports, whether or not in combination with other airports, will to a large extent be
determined by market developments . In this respect, pressure from the Commission seems neither necessary nor
desirable . The respective airport managements decided early in 1996 on renewed contact about the potential for
cooperation after the decision of Maastricht to expand . Further, the Dutch ministers concerned stipulated in their
letter of 5 November 1996 to the Dutch Parliament that contact must be made with Belgium on the matter of
cooperation .

No C 186 / 102 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

It should be noted that Maastricht Aachen airport is not being financed by the ERDF in the present programming
framework, whilst Bierset airport is not being assisted in the new objective 2 programming period 1997-1999 .

(') Debates of the Parliament . 1-431 ( May 1993 ).

( 97 / C 186 / 187 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3517 / 96

by Nikitas Kaklamanis ( UPE ) to the Commission

(9 December 1996 )

Subject : Cooperation between BP and MOBIL

It has been announced that the competent European Union authorities have issued authorization for cooperation
between the BP and MOBIL companies, which is now taking place . However, the nature and conditions of this
cooperation have not yet been made clear resulting in confusion and uncertainty as to the possible implications of
this .

Particular concern is being caused in Greece by rumours of a planned reduction of about 20% in manning levels,
which would place hundreds of breadwinners in immediate danger of losing their jobs and swelling the
numerous ranks of the unemployed . In addition, a particularly acute problem is arising in connection with the
occupational supplementary pension scheme for these workers, since the proportion of workers to pensioners
now stands at about 1:1.2 .

Was account taken of the problems arising for Greek workers as a result of cooperation between these two
companies and what steps has the Commission taken or what immediate steps does it intend to take to ensure that
provision is made for them ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

( 23 January 1997 )

On 5 July 1996 the Commission received a notification for the formation of a concentrative joint venture between
British Petroleum ( BP ) and Mobil, which would combine their European activities in the refining and marketing
of fuels and lubricants . On 7 August 1996, after thorough investigation, the Commission concluded that the
operation was not likely to create or strengthen a dominant position and approved the proposed concentration .
During its investigation, the Commission was in close contact with the Greek competition authority which fully
agreed with the competitive assessment made by the Commission .

The Commission is not aware of the redundancy figures cited by the Honourable Member . According to press
releases by the parties and external studies, the lay-offs resulting from the mergers will be 2000 to 3000
employees throughout Europe . Some of the lay-offs are not directly related to the merger, but a reaction to the
overcapacity in the refining industry . Several industry players, including BP and Mobil, have studied the
possibilities of plant closures long before the merger . BP had announced its intention to sell ( or failing that,
close ) its plant in Lavera, even before it had reached an agreement with Mobil . Some of the lay-offs in the future
will therefore not be related to the implementation of the merger .

Finally, as regards Greece, many of the BP and Mobil retail fuel stations are operated by independent station
owners . Some of these may choose not to work with the newly created joint venture and may change to other fuel
companies . This would lead to a reduction in the BP and Mobil retail fuel station network without an impact on
overall employment in Greece .

Generally, decisions on redundancies are made by the parties to the joint venture and cannot be reviewed by the
Commission under the Merger Regulation ( EEC ) No 4064 / 89 (')• Although the Commission can take
employment and other factors into account in its appraisal of a joint venture, the Merger Regulation requires the
Commission to reach its conclusion according to competition criteria . In any case, the criteria of Directives

129 / 75 / EEC ( 2 ) and 56 / 92 / EEC ( 3 ) relating to collective redundancies must be respected if, for any reason,
collective dismissals are planned .

( ] )

(-)

(■)

OJ L 395, 30.12.1989 .

OJ L 48, 22.2.1975 .

OJ L 245, 26.8.1992 .

18 . 6 . 97 I EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 103

( 97 / C 186 / 188 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3519 / 96

by James Moorhouse ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 12 December 1996 )

Subject : Falsification of certificates of origin on garments made in China

Is the Commission aware that the US has recently cut Chinese textile and clothing import quotas after finding that
jogging suits made in China were labelled as coming from Turkey ? Chinese-made trousers had counterfeit

certificates of origin from Mongolia .

What steps is the Commission taking to ensure that such practices are not allowed on imports into the EU ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 1997 )

The Commission is indeed aware of the United States enforcement action against China for illegal transshipment
practices in violation of the 1994 trade agreement between China and the United States on the textile and clothing
trade . The sanctions announced on 6 September 1996 were quota deductions worth some 19 million dollars
against China 's 1996 allowance .

Deduction from import quotas of quantities corresponding to those imported in circumvention of existing
agreements is a sanction practised in the international textile trade . Under the 1992 — 1995 textile agreement
between the Community and China, the Commission, following full investigations, had to adopt two regulations
concerning deductions from Chinese textile quotas (') making quota deductions worth some 13.8 MECU and

19.7 MECU respectively .

Circumvention of bilateral or multilateral agreements by transshipment, re-routing, false declaration concerning
country or place of origin, and falsification of official documents is a serious concern for the Commission .
Circumvention takes place either to escape from import quotas on specific product categories or to benefit from
more favourable customs treatment, or both . Textile and clothing goods which are fraudulently imported
compete unfairly with both Community products and products which have been legally imported .

The Community is a party to the Agreement on textile and clothing and to a number of bilateral agreements with
individual exporting countries . All these agreements include antifraud provisions, and provisions establishing
consultation procedures and sanctions in case of circumvention . Various regulations translate the Community 's
international rights ( and duties ) into domestic Community legislation . More broadly, the Community has
negotiated or is in the process of negotiating over 40 agreements on mutual administrative assistance on customs
matters with third countries and has internal legislation ( 2 ) on the same matter .

Investigation is carried out through statistical monitoring of imports in order to detect anomalies in trade flows,
through studies on the production and export potential of third countries or firms, and through missions in the
Community and in third countries . In the course of the last two years missions have been carried out in over

1 5 different exporting or transit countries to gather evidence on forgery or illegal use of textile export licences or
origin certificates ( especially under the generalised system of preferences ).

Enforcement falls primarily under the responsibilities of national customs, police and judicial authorities
whenever there is evidence of the implication in fraudulent practices of importers established in the Community .

Commission activities in 1996 included the establishment of a computer link between the export licensing office
in China and the Community import licensing network, whereby export licensing data are transmitted daily from
China and can be checked against the export licences submitted by importers in the Community, the negotiation
of an agreement with the United Arab Emirates, whereby a system of double control has been established on a
number of textile and clothing products for which risks of fraud are high, and supplying Bangladesh with
infalsifiable and tamper-proof textile export licences, to be used in lieu of normal export licences .

No C 186 / 104 TEN Official Journal ot the European Communities 18.6 . 97

Finally, it must be recalled that action by the Commission against textile fraud is carried out in cooperation with
European industry under the Textile anti fraud initiative programme . Industry contributes with statistical analysis
of trade flows, intelligence on production and export capacity of third countries and with research and pilot
projects on means to detect the real origin of textile and clothing products .

(') Commission Regulation ( EC ) No 560 / 95 ( OJ L 57, 15.3.1995 ).
Commission Regulation ( EC ) No 93 / 96 ( OJ L 18, 24.1.1996 ).

( ; ) Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 1468 / 81 ( OJ L 144, 2.6.1981 ).

( 97 / C 186 / 189 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3521 / 96

by Edward Kellett-Bowman ( PPE ) to the Council

( 12 December 1996 )

Subject : Religious freedom in Turkey

Will the Council pursue with Turkish Ministers the requests contained in Parliament 's resolution, adopted on
24 October 1996, on religious freedom in Turkey ( B4-1 132 / 96 ), which concern the restoration of the
bomb-damaged Cathedral Church of St George, the reopening of the Chalki Theological College, and
inventorising religious monuments for their restoration and maintenance ?

Answer

( 10 March 1997 )

The Council has taken good note of the European Parliament Resolution to whcih the Honourable Member
refers .

The measures proposed by the Honourable Member do not, however, fall within the Council 's sphere of

competence .

( 97 /C 186 / 190 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3522 / 96

by David Thomas ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 12 December 1996 )

Subject : Application of the beef export refund scheme for beef exports to South Africa and its impact on

neighbouring livestock-based economies

In light of :

— the inclusion of South Africa in zone 2 for export refunds on beef exported to South Africa,

— the serious consequences which the increased volumes of subsidized EU beef exports are having on farm
incomes in South Africa and the neighbouring livestock dependent economies of Namibia and Botswana,

— the South African Government 's request to be reclassified such that EU beef exports to South Africa would
no longer be eligible for export refunds,

does the Commission plan to continue providing export refunds on EU beef exported to South Africa or is it
willing to reclassify South Africa in order to reduce the adverse consequences which current EU exports are
having on farm incomes throughout the SACU region ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 28 January 1997 )

At a time when the southern African region was hit by severe drought, leading to a dramatic fall in beef
production, the Community appeared an important and reliable source of supply . However, data available for

1996 show that there has been a substantial decrease of Community beef exports to South Africa because of the

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 105

ban on United Kingdom beef exports to third countries . Also, with domestic production recovering in southern
Africa, it is expected that the exports from the Community will be substantially reduced, in favour of SACU
intra-trade . In any case, the Commission is aware of the concern expressed by South Africa as to the refund level
and will examine the situation carefully, with a view, if necessary, to taking appropriate action .

( 97 / C 186 / 191 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3523 / 96

by Laura De Esteban Martin ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 12 December 1996 )

Subject : Schengen

Can the Commission say whether it maintains any institutional stance and whether a legal study or working
document has been drawn up on including the Schengen Agreement in the first pillar of the Treaty ?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

In its opinion of 28 February 1996 (') for the Intergovernmental Conference, the Commission mentioned the
incorporation of the content of the Schengen Agreement in the Treaty on European Union .

It pointed out that its inclusion would follow logically from the transfer of certain areas of justice and home
affairs to the Community framework and the strengthening of the third pillar, and should circumvent some of the
limitations of the Schengen Agreement .

This matter is being debated within the Intergovernmental Conference, and the Commission is studying it in
greater detail .

(') COM(96 ) 90 final .

( 97 / C 186 / 192 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3524 / 96

by Laura De Esteban Martin ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 12 December 1996 )

Subject : Access to justice for European citizens

Can the Commission list its proposals on access to justice for European citizens in the context of the single
market and say whether it has also drawn up any measures likely to improve national legal systems and promote
alternative methods of resolving legal disputes between Union citizens ?

Answer given by Mrs Gradm on behalf of the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

As the Parliament has suggested on several occasions, access to justice is a right of the citizen in any democratic
society . Where criminal matters are concerned, the right to access to justice can be derived directly from the
European convention on human rights . It is also a corollary of the freedoms guaranteed by the EC Treaty that a
citizen must be able, in order to resolve disputes arising from his activities while exercising any of those
freedoms, to bring actions in the courts of a Member State in the same way as nationals of that Member State . In
many circumstances, such right to have access to justice can be effectively exercised only when legal aid is
granted under given conditions .

Although all Member States have set up legal aid schemes, each scheme is available only for proceedings on the
national territory . Furthermore the schemes are subject to specific conditions in relation to residence and
nationality, as well as to the financial means of the applicant . The difference between these national schemes can
be a serious problem in transfrontier proceedings .

No C 186 / 106 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

The Commission is presently examining the extent of the problem, as well as what can be done to neutralise or
alleviate the negative effects of differences between the national systems . Another objective is to ensure the free
flow of information about the conditions of the national schemes and, in general, the possibilities for proceedings
abroad .

Under the provisions of Title VI of the Treaty on European Union, judicial cooperation in civil matters is
regarded as an issue of common interest, whatever the nature of the rights for which cooperation is required . It is
in this context that an initiative on legal aid is foreseen by the Commission in relation with its work programme
for 1997 .

As regards proposals on access to justice for European citizens in the context of the single market, as a follow-up
to the green paper on access of consumers to justice and settlement of consumer disputes in the single market (')
two initiatives were adopted by the Commission in 1996, namely a proposal for a directive on injunctions for the
protection of consumers ' interests ( public interest litigation ) ( : ) as well as an action plan on consumer access to
justice and the settlement of consumer disputes in the internal market ( 3 ) ( focusing on individual redress ). The

proposed directive aims to coordinate the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of Member States
relating to certain remedies designed to protect consumers ' collective interests . The Commission will soon
present an amended proposal for further deliberations in the Parliament and the Council . The action plan firstly
aims to encourage the out-of-court settlement of disputes by setting out an approach which should promote the
creation, on a voluntary basis, of extrajudicial procedures for dealing with consumer complaints . To this end,
certain criteria are recommended by the Commission, and in particular the transparency of procedures and
impartiality of the adjudicating body . Secondly, the plan proposes the introduction of a simplified European
form, like the ' car accident statement ' European form, in order to make dialogue between the parties concerned
easier, and to improve access to the courts if such dialogue proves inconclusive . The form will be tested and, on
the basis of the results achieved in a three-year trial, appropriate measures will be taken to cover the whole of the
Community .

(') COM(93 ) 576 final .

< : ) COM(95 ) 712 final,
n COM(96 ) 13 final .

( 97 / C 186 / 193 ) . WRITTEN QUESTION E-3527 / 96

by Yves Verwaerde ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 12 December 1996 )

Subject : Cases T-76 / 89 ( Independent Television Publications Ltd v. the Commission ), T-70 / 89 ( BBC v. the

Commission ) and T-69 / 89 ( RTE v. the Commission )

In view of the Court of First Instance 's judgment of 10 July 1991 in cases T-76 / 89 ( Independent Television
Publications Ltd v. the Commission ), T-70 / 89 ( BBC v. the Commission ) and T-69 / 89 ( RTE v. the Commission ),
will the Commission say what action has been taken by the parties concerned ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

( 28 January 1997 )

The judgments delivered on 10 July 1991 in Cases T-69 / 89, T-70 / 89 and T-76 / 89, to which the Honourable
Member refers, were appealed against before the Court of Justice, which on 6 April 1995 confirmed them,
supporting the reasoning followed by the Court of First Instance . The latter had taken the view that the refusal by
the television companies to provide the complainant with their weekly listings constituted an abuse of their
dominant position under Article 86 of the EC Treaty . According to the information in the Commission 's
possession, the companies have complied with the judgments .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 107

( 97 / C 186 / 194 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3528 / 96

by Francoise Grossetete ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 12 December 1996 )

Subject : Application of Article 9(2 ) of the sixth VAT directive

Concerning Articles 9(2)(c ) and ( 2)(e ) of the sixth VAT directive, Articles 259 A and 259 B of the French general
tax code and the French tax administration 's comments ( doc adm 3 A 2132 ), what is the position of a French
laboratory that tests products sent in by customers ( such as hospitals, industry, pharmaceutical and cosmetics
laboratories ) from outside the Community or from another Member State, when some tests are to establish the
composition of the product and others are to check compliance with a regulation or specification or their effect on
users ? Are these regarded as services performed in a specific location or as intangible services, which are not
subject to taxation in France ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

The Honourable Member 's question is concerned with whether the transaction referred to ranks as ' valuations of
movable tangible property ' taxable at ' the place where those services are physically carried out ' in accordance
with Article 9(2)(c ) of the Sixth VAT Directive (') ( 77 / 388 / EEC ) or as ' services of consultants, engineers,
consultancy bureaux, lawyers, accountants and other similar services ' taxable in the Member State of the
customer in accordance with point ( e ) of that Article .

It is difficult in practice to distinguish clearly between the respective scope of the above provisions, and the
particulars given by the Honourable Member are not sufficient for the Commission to take a view on the exact
nature of the service provided .

The Commission would, however, inform the Honourable Member that the matter of the location of the supply of
a service consisting in a laboratory analysis of pharmaceutical samples has been raised within the VAT Advisory
Committee . At its 31st meeting, a large majority of the Member States supported the Commission 's position,
which was based on the intellectual nature of the service and thus regarded the latter as being caught by
Article 9(2)(e ).

( ! ) OJ L 145 . 13.6.1977 .

( 97 / C 186 / 195 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3530 / 96

by Doeke Eisma ( ELDR ) to the Commission

( 12 December 1996 )

Subject : High flux reactor in Petten ( Netherlands )

There are plans to bury 16 000 used nuclear fuel rods from some 40 foreign research reactors in water basins in
South Carolina ( US ) on the Savannah River site over the next 13 years . The US Administration is prepared to
countenance the storage of rods from the European Union 's high flux reactor ( HFR ) in Petten provided the HFR
satisfies the US Administration 's main criterion, i.e. that for reasons of proliferation the research reactor no
longer operates highly enriched fuel but with low enrichment uranium which is not suitable for arms production .
For the time being the European Union has no plans to convert the reactor .

1 . Can the Commission confirm that it really is not prepared to convert the HFR at Petten to use
low-enrichment uranium instead of highly enriched uranium ? If so, why ?

2 . Can the Commission confirm that the radioactive isotopes produced in Petten for medical purposes can be
produced more economically using highly enriched uranium rather than low-enrichment nuclear material ? Is the

No C 186 / 108 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Commission aware that if this really is the case there is a risk that, for competitive reasons, if Petten refuses to
convert other reactor owners producing the same isotopes will abandon plans to convert, or reverse the process,
and start using highly enriched uranium again ?

3 . If the burnt nuclear fuel rods are not shipped to the water basins on the Savannah River site, where will
these extremely dangerous fuel elements be stored ?

4 . Is any thought being given to a European solution to the problem of storage of used fuel rods ?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

( 29 January 1997 )

Generally speaking, it appears that the Honourable Member 's information is incomplete . There are in fact no
plans to store irradiated fuels in the cooling pools at the Savannah River site in South Carolina, but merely to
deposit them there temporarily . This operation will have to be followed imperatively by the processing, not to say
the reprocessing, of the irradiated fuels so that they can be stored definitively . In their proposal to accept

irradiated fuels from the research reactors of industrialized countries, the American authorities always specified
that this operation would be carried out at real cost, covering the whole of the process up to definitive storage .

So far, however, no site for definitive storage in the United States has yet been designated . Last year Congress
decided to suspend the financing of the only site planned, at Yucca Mountain, and the supervisory authority, the
National Regulatory Commission ( NRC ), informed the Commission that it was halting any activity which would
lead to the approval of this site .

Consequently, nobody is able to assess the final cost at the moment . All that we know is that, since the temporary
storage represented only a small part of the whole process, the final cost will be at least somewhat higher than the
figures currently put forward .

As a result, and as the Honourable Member is well aware, the Community budgetary and financial rules formally
prohibit the Commission from entering into any long term commitments which are beset by such grave
uncertainties . Parliament would, moreover, be the first to oppose such an action .

The Honourable Member also refers to the question of non-proliferation . The Commission would like to reiterate
that fissile materials and the installations in which they can be found which are located on Community territory
are subject to the strictest controls in the world . In addition to the international checks carried out by the
International Atomic Energy Agency ( AIEA ) in all countries which have nuclear activities, there are those
instituted by the Euratom Treaty, which are so efficient and thorough that they have made the Community a
world reference on this score .

1 . Two high-flux reactors are currently continuing to operate in the Community using highly enriched
uranium which, at the present state of technical knowledge, is the only element capable of producing the required
flux ; if this were not the case, the reason for the existence of such reactors would be questioned . The same applies
to the other high-flux European reactor which is in Grenoble ( France ).

2 . The Commission has always regarded the production of radio-isotopes for medical purposes from the angle
of efficiency . It should like to remind the Honourable Member that, during the crisis which occurred in
August 1993, when we came very close to failing to supply European hospitals with the isotopes needed for
diagnosis and treatment, everyone looked to the high-flux reactor, which was then in a scheduled shut-down
phase, for a solution . Only starting up the reactor as an emergency measure made it possible to avoid a disaster .

The Commission should also like to inform the Honourable Member that, according to information at its
disposal, several reactors are still operating with highly enriched uranium in the United States . Among them,
there are two high-flux reactors ( one of which is twice as powerful as the Petten reactor ) which belong to the
American Department of Energy and for which no conversion programme is scheduled in the near future for
exactly the same reasons which I just explained . The justifications which apply in the United States are equally
valid on this side of the Atlantic .

3 . & 4 . The Commission would like to draw attention to the Council resolutions of 15 June 1992 and

19 December 1994 concerning the management of radioactive waste ( including irradiated fuels not destined for
reprocessing ) and in particular the Community action programme concerning radioactive waste . Ambitious
research programmes have been in progress for a number of years on this subject and have given rise to
extremely promising scientific points of consensus . Concerning, more precisely, the irradiated fuels of the Petten
high-flux reactor . I would point out that several sites are currently being studied in the Community with a view to
storing the radioative waste . It is clear that the Commission intends to favour a European solution to this
problem .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal ot the European Communities No C 186 / 109

( 97 / C 186 / 196 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3537 / 96

by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 72 December 1996 )

Subject : Exclusive broadcasting of sports events

Judgement 7 / 96 of the Court of Justice annulling the Commission 's decision ( 93 / 403 / EEC (')), which enabled the
EBU ( European Broadcasting Union ) to buy exclusive transmission rights to sports events and broadcast them
over Eurovision . gives private channels the right to conclude contracts directly with the sports federations and
clubs .

The Court 's judgment is a severe blow to the national channels throughout Europe and, above all, to the viewers
since the Commission 's 1993 decision was based on the premise that the national television channels perform a
public service and cannot be subject to restrictions such as those imposed on private companies . In the light of
this situation, how will the Commission respond ?

(') OJ L 179 . 22.7.1993, p . 23 .

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

( 27 Januarx 1997 )

The judgment delivered by the Court of First Instance on 1 1 July 1996 did indeed annul the exemption decision
( 93 / 403 / EEC ) (') adopted by the Commission in June 1993 in respect of the Eurovision system .

It remains silent on the possibility for private broadcasters to conclude contracts with sports federations direct .
Such contracts have never been the subject at Community level of any prohibition whatsoever in this connection .

The Commission 's decision was annulled among other things because the Court held that the current rules
governing EBU membership are too vague and imprecise for them to be applied in a uniform, non-discriminatory
manner . The Court also criticized the Commission for not having ascertained how the rules were applied in
practice by the EBU .

At the request of the EBU, which has also lodged an appeal against the Court 's judgment, the Commission has
re-opened the file and its examination of the exemption decision .

At the same time, the Commission is looking into the matter of protecting access for viewers to transmissions of
major sporting events, which is the subject of an amendment to the proposal for a Directive amending the
Television without Frontiers Directive ( 89 / 552 / EEC ), which was recently adopted by Parliament ( 2 ).

(') OJ L 179 . 22.7.1993 .

( : ) SEC(97 ) 174 final .

( 97 / C 186 / 197 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3539 / 96

by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 12 December 1996 )

Subject : Compensation for beef

In a recent decision, the Council of Agriculture Ministers shared out halt a billion ECU among the 15 Member
States in exceptional aid for the immediate restoration of the beef sector following the BSE crisis . This decision
puts Greece on a par with Luxembourg with a 0.3% share of the aid ( while Germany receives 67 times more,
France 238 and the UK 44 times more ).

No C 186 / 110 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

What criteria were used to share out the above funds ? What were the Council 's reasons for this decision at a time

when Greek stock farmers are particularly hard hit as a result of foot-and-mouth disease and the recent EU cattle
embargo ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

At its meeting of 28-30 October 1996, the Council agreed a package of urgent measures in the beef and veal
sector and considered that the continuing serious difficulties in the whole sector justified additional measures for
direct support of producers ' incomes or for the beef and veal sector, amounting to 500 MECU . The objective of
these measures was to give exceptional support to the Community beef sector in the light of market weakness
following the announcement of a probable link between bovine spongiform encephalopathy ( BSE ) and certain
cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease . They were not intended to deal with other specific problems in the beef

sector .

The Council also considered that such financial assistance should be distributed among the Member States
according to a key, similar to that applied in the distribution of aid found in the Annex to Council Regulation
( EC ) No 1357 / 96 of 8 July 1996 (') ( the 850 MECU package ) which is based on the total number of bovines
excluding milking cows and animals benefiting from a beef premium, for each Member State . The key was used
subsequently in the Commission 's proposed regulation to Council providing for this aid, a proposal which was
supported by the Parliament at its December plenary session and adopted by the Council at its meeting of

16-17 December 1996 ( 2 ).

(>) OJ L 175, 13.7.1996 .
(-) Council Regulation ( EC ) No 2443 / 96 of 17.12.1996 providing for additional measures for direct support of producers ' incomes or for the
beef and veal sector ; OJ L 333, 21.12.1996 .

( 97 / C 186 / 198 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3541 / 96

by Bill Miller ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 12 December 1996 )

Subject : Expert panels and the criteria for the selection of projects under the fourth framework RTD

In the interests of transparency in the use of public funds, will the Commission make known the criteria for the
selection of members of expert panels which decide upon funding under such programmes as the fourth
framework RTD ?

( 97 / C 186 / 199 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3543 / 96

by Bill Miller ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 12 December 1996 )

Subject : Expert panels and the criteria for the selection of projects under the fourth framework RTD

In the interests of transparency in the use of public funds, will the Commission make known the membership of
expert panels which select successful bids for funding under the fourth framework RTD ?

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-3541 / 96 and E-3543 / 96
given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

( 31 January 1997 )

The panels of experts who examine applications for funding under the framework programme for research and
technological development ( RTD ) act purely in an advisory capacity and do not make decisions on funding
projects . It is the Commission 's responsibility to draw up the list of projects that it intends to fund after receiving
the panels ' advice on the quality of the proposals submitted .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 111

The criteria used for selecting the members of the expert panels are competence and experience in the scientific
and technological areas covered by the proposals to be examined, appropriate linguistic abilities and availability
during the period of proposal evaluation .

When making up the panels of experts to examine proposals, the Commission ensures a reasonable balance of
backgrounds of the evaluators is maintained ( e.g. academics, industry, research organisations, etc .) as well as a
balance of nationalities . Particular attention is paid to ensuring that there are no conflicts of interest between the
experts and the proposals they are asked to examine . In particular, experts are requested to indicate any vested
interests in proposals and are excluded from evaluating such proposals .

In order to ensure that the members of expert panels are free to give their advice in complete independence, they
are assured of anonymity by the Commission . This is done to protect them from any possible lobbying before the
evaluation sessions or recriminations from unsuccessful proposers after the selection of projects for funding .

( 97 / C 186 / 200 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3542 / 96

by Bill Miller ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 12 December 1996 )

Subject : Expert panels and the criteria for the selection of projects under the fourth framework RTD

In the interests of transparency in the use of public funds and with particular reference to the telematics
applications programme, will the Commission make public the criteria by which bids are selected for funding ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 1997 )

The Commission shares the Honourable Member 's concern about transparency in the use of Community funds .
As regards selecting proposals for activities in the field of research and technological development ( RTD ) for
Community funding, this transparency can only be ensured if the procedure for selecting proposals guarantees
the greatest objectivity and impartiality and full respect for equal opportunities . Making public the criteria by
which proposals are selected undoubtedly contributes to the desired transparency .

In this context the Honourable Member is reminded that RTD proposals are selected from those received in
response to calls for proposals published in the Official Journal and open to any legal entity within the meaning
of Articles 2 and 3 of Council Decision 94 / 763 / EC of 21 November 1994 concerning the rules for participation in
Community RTD activities ('). For all the RTD specific programmes, the selection process is carried out by the
Commission assisted by independent external evaluators . These evaluators are chosen from lists of experts
compiled by the Commission for each specific programme . For the ' Telematics applications ' programme, this
list is drawn up on the basis of the publication of a call for expressions of interest ( : ). Experts are added to this list
if they meet the objective criteria explicitly stated in the call for expressions of interest . Prior to each evaluation
the Commission ensures that none of the experts approached has a conflict of interests .

The criteria by which proposals are selected are fully transparent . They are set out in Annex II to the European
Parliament and Council Decision on the fourth RTD framework programme ( 3 ), in Article 4 of the
abovementioned Council Decision concerning the rules for participation in RTD activities and in Annexes I and
III to each of the specific programmes . The Commission mentions these criteria in the calls for proposals put out
at regular intervals for each specific programme and in the accompanying information packages, a copy of which
can be requested by interested parties . The evaluators assisting the Commission are obliged to conform strictly
and exclusively to the criteria laid down ' in these documents .

Finally it should be recalled that the proposals accepted following the above evaluation phase are subsequently
submitted to the Regulatory Committee for the appropriate specific programme for opinion ( or for information if
the funding allocated does not exceed a certain threshold ) before the Commission adopts the final decision on the
proposals selected to receive Community funding .

No C 186 / 112 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18.6 . 97

The Commission is sending the abovementioned documents concerning the Telematics applications '
programme directly to the Honourable Member and to Parliament 's Secretariat .

(') OJ L 306 . 30.11.1994 .

( : ) OJ C 337 . 15.12.1995 .

( ') Decision No 1 1 10 / 94 / EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 April 1994 concerning the fourth framework programme of
the European Community activities in the field of research and technological development and demonstration ( 1994 to 1998 ) — OJ L 126,

18.5.1994 .

( 97 / C 1 86 / 20 1 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3546 / 96

by Jesus Cabezon Alonso ( PSE ) to the Council

( 12 December 1996 )

Subject : Western Sahara

In view of the current impasse in the process of decolonization of the Western Sahara and the likely prospect of
failure of the UN / OAU peace plan involving a referendum and self-determination for the Saharan people, what
efforts is the Council willing to make, or what initiatives is it prepared to consider, with a view to reaching a fair
solution, based on respect for international law . to the problem of decolonization of the Western Sahara ?

( 97 / C 186 / 202 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3547 / 96

by Jesus Cabezon Alonso ( PSE ) to the Council

( 12 December 1996 )

Subject : Western Sahara and an international peace conference

In view of the present impasse in the process of decolonization of the Western Sahara, would the Council support
the holding of an international peace conference with a view to reaching a fair and lasting solution to the
problem ?

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-3546 / 96 and E-3547 / 96

( 11 March 1997 )

The Council is seriously concerned that the registration process for the long-awaited referendum as provided for
in the UN Settlement Plan has come to an impasse .

The Council continues to support the efforts aimed at holding of a free, fair and impartial referendum for the
self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in accordance with the Settlement Plan agreed between the
two parties and approved by the United Nations Security Council .

The Council supports the United Nations Security Council resolution 1084 of 27 November 1996, which
followed the UNSCR 1056 of 29 May 1996 and the report of the UN Secretary-General of 5 November . The
Union encourages both parties to explore ways of reinvigorating the peace process and calls upon them to
develop together a common vision of the post-referendum period . The Union also stresses the importance of
maintaining the cease-fire as an integral part of the Settlement Plan .

The Council welcomes the steps taken by the parties to demonstrate goodwill and encourages them to continue to
build mutual confidence . The EU welcomes the extension of the MINURSO mandate .

The European Union will continue to offer its full support to the UN Secretary-General and the Acting Apecial
Representative in their efforts to achieve a just and equitable solution to this dispute .

The Council is not aware of any intention by the parties to hold an international conference on the Western
Sahara .

18.6.97 P EN Official Journal ot the European Communities No C 186 / 113

( 97 / C 186 / 203 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3550 / 96

by Jesus Cabezón Alonso ( PSE ) and Juan Colino Salamanca ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 72 December 1996 )

Subject : Agreements with third countries

The Spanish Minister of Agriculture recently accused Commissioner Manuel Marin of jeopardizing the interests
of the Spanish countryside by promoting EU agreements with third countries involving excessive concessions .

Have the commercial, cooperation, preferential treatment and free-trade agreements with third countries
promoted and / or negotiated by the Commission been supported in all cases by every Commissioner ?

Answer given by Mr Mann on behalf of the Commission

(6 February 1997 )

The new agreements with Latin America and the Mediterranean countries cited by the Spanish minister of
agriculture were all been concluded by the Council voting by unanimity .

The Council decides on the basis of a proposal submitted to it by the Commission, acting as a college . As the
Honourable Member will know, international agreements are negotiated by the Commission following an
authorisation granted by the Council and within the framework of such directives as the Council may issue to it .

( 97 / C 186 / 204 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3553 / 96

by Jose Apolinario ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 12 December 1996 )

Subject : Information campaign for European citizens

Can the Commission ensure that the series of three information campaigns recently launched, with a budget of
ECU 50 m and levels of promotion and publicity similar to those of a campaign by any large retail organization,
will in fact achieve their objectives ? Is it in a position to dispel any doubts on the subject and to provide
information on the cost of these campaigns, and, especially, of the payments made to advertising agencies and
the expense involved in printing and preparing brochures and pamphlets ?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

( 13 February 1997 )

Neither the spirit nor the implementation of priority information measures carried out as part of the information
programme for the European citizen can be compared to those of an advertising campaign .

On the contrary, the aim of the action adopted jointly by Parliament and the Commission in an advisory working
party is to achieve maximum involvement by the Member States and civil society .

Several programmes have been developed jointly with Member States which expressed the wish to participate in
them ( Belgium, Germany . Spain, France, Italy, Portugal ), at a total cost in excess of ECU 12 million .

And over ECU 8 million has been spent to develop a broad programme of partnerships with non-governmental
organizations ( NGOs ), foundations and other bodies representating civil society, thereby guaranteeing closeness
to the citizen .

Communication agencies were used for a specific requirement at a cost of ECU 16 million ; Parliament was
informed and gave its agreement . This was in connection with the ' Citizens First ' campaign to give greater
impetus to the distribution of guides and to alert citizens to the existence of national green issues .

No C 186 / 114 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Brochures and leaflets were printed and circulated in accordance with the usual procedures used by the
Publications Office at a cost of ECU 3.6 million .

( 91 IC 186 / 205 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3554 / 96

by Karin Riis-j0rgensen ( ELDR ) to the Commission

(4 December 1996 )

Subject : The Danish State-controlled eco-label

The Danish State-controlled eco label is today issued exclusively to certified organic products processed in
Denmark . To obtain this label, foreign products must be retail-packaged in Denmark .

The Danish State-controlled eco-label scheme is regarded by consumers as a guarantee that the products are
organic . The Commission described this as a non-discriminatory inspection scheme in accordance with Council
Regulation ( EEC ) 2092 / 91 (') ( Ref:VI.B. 1, 3 / M 44 / 96 JAA — Subject : complaint by the ' Max Havelaar Fund '
against the Danish eco-label ) on the harmonization rules applying to the marketing of organic vegetable
products .

If this is a non-discriminatory inspection scheme, should the Danish authorities not be obliged to inform users of
similar schemes in other countries ?

What are the obligations on the Danish authorities to ensure that there is no de facto discrimination from the very
use of the Danish eco-label ?

Does not the Commission think that this regulation should be amended to ensure that there is no possibility of de
facto discrimination ?

(') OJ L 198, 22.7.1991, p . I.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 13 January 1997 )

Community law does not require the Danish authorities to inform users about similar control schemes on organic
production of agricultural products operated by other Member States .

The Commission is not aware of any discriminatory practice, such as that which the Honourable Member
suggests is implemented by the Danish authorities .

In reply to a letter from the Commission, the Danish authorities have described the system of control of organic
production of agricultural products operated in Denmark, which appears to be non discriminatory . The deciding
factor is that the control authority 's control label can only be used on products which have been submitted to
controls by the authorities concerned . The Commission is not in possession of information that would support the
view that the particulars provided by the Danish authorities are inaccurate . In the circumstances the Commission
is satisfied with the Danish reply in question . The Honourable Member was informed of this position together
with the substance of the Danish reply mentioned by a letter dated 1 1 October 1996 .

The Commission does not at this stage contemplate the amendment of Regulation ( EEC ) No 2092 / 91 of
24 June 1991 (') in the manner suggested by the Honourable Member .

(') OJ L 198 . 22.7.1991 .

( 97 / C 186 / 206 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3555 / 96

by Yiannis Roubatis ( PSE ) to the Council

< 12 December 1996 )

Subject : Provocative remarks by high-ranking Turkish officials

The Spanish news agency, EFE, reported from Ankara on 26 November 1996 that the Turkish Minister for
Labour, Necati Celic, had stated that the Islamic Prime Minister, Necmettin Erbakan, would not be going to

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 1 15

Dublin on 14 December 1996 unless the 15 referred to him as " the prime minister of a prospective Member State
of the EU \

According to the Turkish Minister for Labour, the Turkish Prime Minister would not take part in what he
ironically referred to as a social gathering . In the same report, the Turkish Prime Minister is alleged to have said :

"1 refuse to be dishonoured . They can keep their 500 million ECU ; the Prime Minister will not attend that kind of
meeting '.

1 . What is the Council 's response to these provocative remarks by such high-ranking Turkish officials ?

2 . Will it explain to the Turkish Government that such conduct is not acceptable to the EU and that it may lead
to further entrenchment of the deadlock in relations between the EU and Turkey ?

3 . Since, according to Mr Erbakan 's comments, the Turkish Government does not wish to receive aid from the
EU, why should European citizens pressure Turkey into accepting aid that Turkey does not want ?

Answer

( 24 March 1997 )

An invitation to a working dinner on Saturday 14 December 1996 following the European Council was issued to
Prime Minister Erbakan . A formal response was received indicating that the Prime Minister would be unable to
attend due to parliamentary business, but that, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Tansu
Ciller, would attend the dinner on behalf of the Turkish Government .

Consequently, the meeting was held at the level of Deputy Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers and there was
ample opportunity to exchange views with the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs,
on various aspects of EU-Turkey relations during the working dinner of 14 December 1996 .

It is common practice of the Council not to publicly react to news agency reports .

( 97 / C 186 / 207 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3561 / 96

by Salvador Garriga Polledo ( PPE ) to the Council

( 12 December 1996 )

Subject : Conciliation committees

Does the Council consider that it is an acceptable practice to delegate the Council 's political representation
functions to the conciliation committees ?

Can the Council provide a list of ministers who sat on the various conciliation committees which met during 1 995
and 1996 ?

Answer

( 24 March 1997 )

Members of the Council are always represented on the Conciliation Committee in accordance with Article

1 89b(4 ) of the EC Treaty . This states that the Conciliation Committee ' shall be composed of the members of the
Council or their representatives '. The Treaty therefore does not provide for participation by the Council as such
in the Conciliation Committee because it refers specifically to ' members of the Council or their representatives '.

The almost entirely positive results of conciliation proceedings shows that the current practice has had no
negative effect on the task of the Conciliation Committee which — under the Treaty — consists of reaching
agreement on a joint text .

As requested by the Honourable Member, the Council attaches a list of the Ministers who sat at the various
meetings of the Conciliation Committee in 1995 and 1996 .

No C 186 / 116 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Date Subject Minister

12.1.1995 Biotechnology Mr Alain LAMASSOURE
Minister with responsibility for European Affairs

23.1.1995 Biotechnology Mr Alain LAMASSOURE
Minister with responsibility for European Affairs

25.1.1995 Socrates

Youth for Europe

Mrs Michèle ALLIOT-MARIE

Minister for Youth Affairs and Sport

21.3.1995 Lifts Mr Hervé dc CHARETTE

Minister for Housing

30.3.1995 Prudential surveillance

Excavation plant

Mr Edmond ALPHANDERY

Minister for Economic Affairs

4.12.1995 Kaleidoscope Mrs Carmen BATALLER
Minister for Culture

19.12.1995 Health Programme Ms Angeles AMADOR MILLAN
Minister for Health and Consumer Affairs

7.2.1996 TEN Energy Mr Giovanni ZANETTI
Under-Secretary of State for Industry

27.3.1996 TEN Energy Mr Giovanni ZANETTI
Under-Secretary of State for Industry

24.4.1996 TEN Transport Dr d' ANTONA
Under-Secretary of State for Transport

28.5.1996 TEN Transport Mr Claudio BURLANDO
Minister for Transport

12.6.1996 TEN Transport Mr Claudio BURLANDO
Minister for Transport

17.6.1996 TEN Transport Mr Claudio BURLANDO
Minister for Transport

1.10.1996 Drug Addiction Mr Michael NOONAN
Minister for Health

1.10.1996 Distance Contracts Mr Pat RABITTE

Minister of State to the Government and at the Department of
Enterprise and Employment

7.11.1996 Distance Contracts Mr Pat RABITTE

Minister of State to the Government and at the Department of
Enterprise and Employment

27.1 1.1996 Distance Contracts Mr Jimmy DEENIHAN
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry

10.10.1996 Customs 2000 Ms Avril DOYLE

Minister of State at the Department of Finance and the Department
of Transport, Energy and Communications

10.10.1996 Cross-border transfers Ms Avril DOYLE

Minister of State at the Department of Finance and the Department
of Transport, Energy and Communications

16.10.1996 Labelling Mr Jimmy DEENIHAN
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry

16.10.1996 Novel Foodstuffs Mr Jimmy DEENIHAN
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry

4.1 1.1996 Novel Foodstuffs Mr Jimmy DEENIHAN
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry

27.1 1.1996 Novel Foodstuffs Mr Jimmy DEENIHAN
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry

3.12.1996 TEN Telecommunications Mr Emmet STAGG

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 117

( 97 / C 186 / 208 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3563 / 96

by Antoinette Spaak ( ELDR ) to the Commission

( 12 December 1996 )

Subject : Commission working languages

Can the Commission explain why the only working language for the conference it is organizing on 25, 26 and
27 November 1996 ( DG III, Industry ) is English ?

Why has language diversity not been respected ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

( 17 February 1997 )

1 . The European Information Technology Conference referred to by the Honourable Member ( EITC 1996 )
has for several years now been held in English, which is the usual language of the scientific field concerned .
Nevertheless, in 1996, interpretation into five languages was provided for the plenary session . .

2 . The Commission ensures that language diversity is respected in accordance with the needs of the users, the
subjects under discussion and the various technical and financial constraints associated with each conference .

3 . Since 1996, the Commission has decided to attach particular importance, within these limits, to the equal
dignity of languages and to the equality of citizens vis-a-vis Community action .

( 97 / C 186 / 209 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3564 / 96

by Jose Barros Moura ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 12 December 1996 )

Subject : Tobacco production in the European Union

What is the relationship between tobacco production and the consumption of tobacco-derived products in the
EU ?

What is the ratio between imported and EU-produced raw materials ( i.e. raw tobacco ) in the total consumption of
tobacco-derived products in the EU ?

What proportion of the active population is employed in tobacco production, and what is the regional impact of
tobacco-growing in the EU ? What is the contribution of tobacco production to the viability of agriculture in the
less-favoured regions and the preservation of the countryside ?

What are the objectives of the COM in tobacco ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 16 January 1997 )

The Commission has always held that there is no link between aid to tobacco growers and the level of
consumption : if the Community 's tobacco output were to disappear it could easily be replaced by imports .
Indeed, more than 70% of the tobacco consumed in the Community is imported from non-member countries,
including Brazil, the United States, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Turkey .

Tobacco production in the Community accounts for 170 000 full-time jobs on some 135 000 holdings . In
addition, producers are heavily concentrated ( approximately 80% ) in the less-favoured regions eligible under
Objective 1 . Tobacco growing keeps alive the rural fabric of the regions in which it is located and constitutes the
principal source of employment and income for farmers who engage in it .

The objectives of the common organization of the market in tobacco are the same as those of the common
agricultural policy, namely, in particular, to ensure a fair standard of living for the agricultural population
concerned and to adapt the quality of Community output to market requirements .

No C 186 / 118 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 186 / 210 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3575 / 96

by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 17 December 1996 )

Subject : Delay in providing ERDF funding for the building of the Cartagena-Puertollano oil pipeline

The scheme to pipe crude oil from the port of Cartagena to the refinery at Puertollano ( Spain ) at a cost of
25 000 m pesetas was dependent on European Union funding to the value of 10 000 m pesetas from the ERDF,
i.e. some 40% of the total investment required .

Despite statements made both by the Spanish Industry Minister of the time and the management of the oil
company to the effect that the matter had been unblocked, the aid in question has not yet been processed .

Can the Commission tell me what stage has been reached in this connection and when it believes that the aid in
question will be unblocked so as to permit the implementation of the oil pipeline scheme, which is of major
interest to the city of Malaga, since 170 000 m 2 of oil storage tanks within the Malaga urban area, with all the
risks that they entail, will disappear once the Cartagena-Puertollano oil pipeline is in operation ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 10 February 1997 )

The Commission is aware of the environmental and safety problems facing the city of Malaga, particularly
because the crude-oil storage tanks of Repsol Petroleo ITS are at present located in the urban centre and because
of the risks arising from the current system of unloading tankers at sea close to the city . These storage tanks are
located at the beginning of the pipeline supplying the Puertollano refinery .

For this reason the operational programme for Andalusia for 1994-99, approved on 9 December 1994 and
granting assistance from the European Regional Development Fund of ECU 2 939 million for a broad range of
multiannual operations designed to reinforce the regional development of Andalusia, contains a scheme for
dismantling the above oil-storage tanks . Under the operational programme, the ERDF assistance allocated to this
operation is ECU 6.29 million towards a total volume for the work in question of ECU 12.58 million .

The operational programme which contains this operation was presented to the Commission by the Spanish
Government on 29 April 1994 and at no time was the Commission informed of conditions placed on the
implementation of this work, which was planned for 1997 and 1998 .

Subsequently, on 19 October 1995, the Spanish Government sent the Commission an application for ERDF
assistance for a single major infrastructure project involving construction by Repsol Petroleo ITS of a pipeline
between Cartagena and Puertollano as well as additional facilities such as a new mooring in the docks at the port
of Cartagena for unloading tankers of up to 150 000 tonnes deadweight . The total volume of this major project is
put at ECU 160.43 million, to include aid from the ERDF of ECU 62.98 million .

It was in connection with this application that the Commission learned that the construction of the pipeline was
considered a sine qua non by the Spanish authorities for the work on dismantling the existing tanks in Malaga,
since the Cartagena-Puertollano pipeline is intended to replace the current pipeline between Malaga and
Puertollano .

The application for ERDF assistance for the Cartagena-Puertollano pipeline major project is at an advanced stage
of examination . At the moment, the documentation submitted is being studied ; this includes additional
information given by the Spanish authorities in March, July and October 1996 . The aim is to check that all the
regulatory conditions for the grant of ERDF aid for this type of operation have been complied with and more
particularly that environmental standards are being observed, and that the details of the Community participation
requested match the potential value of the project in terms of its impact on regional development in the Objective

1 regions of Spain .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 119

( 97 / C 186 / 211 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3580 / 96

by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI ) to the Commission

( 17 December 1996 )

Subject : US customs duties tor items 71.13 and 71.14

Customs duties have a huge impact of company profits . The Final Act of the Uruguay Round sanctioned a further
deregulation of trade . However, if we move from trade in general to the specific trade in precious metals, the
results are disappointing . The reduction in the duties levied on European products by the principal importing
countries is marginal whilst the EU has cut a number of its tariffs on goods from the OCSE countries and almost
all the developing countries and gained nothing in return . It is true that the US will be reducing its tariff quota
from 6.5 % to 5.5% by 1999, Japan from 8.2% to 5.4% and Canada to 6.7% or 5.5%, depending on the category,
but these reductions, though significant, are still unsatisfactory, if we take into account the lack of reciprocity
( the EU 's tariff quota reductions . are higher in percentage terms ) and the application of concessionary or zero
rates to products on the major export markets of Europe 's goldsmiths, to the advantage of a number of countries
( in Asia and elsewhere ), which are major or potential competitors .

Given this situation, does the Commission not consider it advisable to take advantage of the implementation of
the Information Technology Agreement in order to secure a renegotiation of the customs duties imposed on
European gold and silver-smiths ' products in the US ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission

(4 February 1997 )

The Commission is aware that certain non-member countries, and the United States in particular, have tariffs on
jewellery which are severe barriers to exports and the development of the European jewellery industry .

While the Information Technology Agreement was under negotiation during the Singapore Ministerial
Conference the Commission gave consideration to the possibility of widening the aim of tariff negotiations
beyond information technology products to include jewellery . Although the overall outcome of the negotiations
was favourable for the Community, as the Honourable Member is aware, it proved impossible to secure tariff
concessions on jewellery .

The Commission continues, however, to direct attention to the market access difficulties suffered by this industry
( notably in the United States ) and will keep the matter on its agenda for future tariff and non-tariff negotiations
and bilateral and multilateral action to improve the general terms of market access in non-member countries .

( 97 / C 186 / 212 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3588 / 96

by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 17 December 1996 )

Subject : Harmonization of VAT on books

The Commission 's plans to harmonize VAT have raised concerns that books will also be included, thereby
raising the price and severely affecting education and the level of learning among Europeans .

Given that the overall gain from the probable increase in taxation at European level will be minor, will the
Commission say :

1 . whether it has considered the possibility of harmonizing VAT at the zero or low rates applying in some
Member States, and

2 . whether its decisions take account of UNESCO policy on the dissemination of books ?

No C 186 / 120 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 13 February 1997 )

At present, some Member States are entitled to apply a zero-rate to books, newspapers, and periodicals under
Article 28 ( 2 ) of the sixth value-added tax ( VAT ) Directive ( 77 / 388 / EEC ) ('). This article is part of the
transitional arrangements which will be subject to revision in the context of the new common VAT system .

In its communication on the new VAT system ( 2 ), the Commission underlines the need for a closer
approximation of VAT rates in order to avoid distortions of competition . When preparing the new VAT system
the Commission will of course take into account the educational and cultural implications of the taxation system .
In this sense the United nations educational, scientific and cultural organization ( UNESCO ) policy of
dissemination of books is indeed very interesting for the Commission .

It is noteworthy that most Member States currently favour books and newspapers, mostly by applying a reduced
VAT rate . This might suggest that some sort of continuation of a reduced VAT rate under the new common
system might be considered .

C ) OJ L 145, 13.6.1977 .
O COM(96 ) 328 .

( 97 / C 186 / 213 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3589 / 96

by Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 17 December 1996 )

Subject : Gold mining near the town of Pergamon

The Turkish Government has granted authorization to mine and process gold in the region of Ovacik, in the
vicinity of the town of Pergamon . These operations will entail the expropriation of farmland on a massive scale
and the felling of at least 15 000 trees, which is bringing the local population out on to the streets in force and into
confrontation with the police . Furthermore, the hazardous cyanide waste produced is to be ' stored ' in the region,
which is prone to earthquakes ( the Izmir rift ), thereby running the risk of leaks into the northern Aegean . In
contrast, the Turkish Government banned a similar plant in the region of Havran ( 50 km away, opposite
Mytilini ).

In the light of Parliament 's resolution condemning such activities ( B4-0410 / 94 (')), will the Commission, in the
context of cooperation with Turkey, request information about the above situation and use every means at its
disposal to avert serious environmental damage both in Greece and in Turkey ?

(') OJ C 341 . 5.12.1994, p . 169 .

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 1997 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the answer given to Written Question No 2232 / 92 by
Mr Alavanos (')•

The Commission will try to find out about the facilities referred to by the Honourable Member, which lie beyond
the Community 's frontiers and are, by virtue of that fact, not subject to Community directives .

Within the framework of financial cooperation between the Community and Turkey, the Turkish authorities have
presented to the Commission a project for the assessment and monitoring of sea, soil and air pollution along the
whole of the country 's Mediterranean coastline . However, in view of the state of financial cooperation with
Turkey, the Commission is unable to say whether such a project could be funded this year .

(') OJ C 95 . 5.4.1993 .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C, 186 / 121

( 97 / C 186 / 214 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3590 / 96

by Graham Mather ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 17 December 1996 )

Subject : Competitiveness of industry report

The Commission 's draft report on the competitiveness of industry included a chapter on employment costs and
on labour market flexibility . It described the disadvantages of a high-cost, low-growth, low-investment economy
and why a deregulated market would boost employment and allow companies more flexibility in meeting
consumer demand .

The report has been under controversy when recent press reports claimed that the chapters on employment costs
have been watered down due to pressure from certain Commissioners .

Could the Commission clarify what changes were made to the chapter in question and why ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

( 19 February 1997 )

The Commission when drawing up the competitiveness report (') considered it necessary to remove two graphs
in the labour market chapter which appeared in early drafts . One graph concerned regulation and employment,
the other termination costs and employment . It should be noted that this happened with other chapters in the
report, and indeed, happens with other reports .

The graph on regulation and employment was drawn up on the basis of a table that originally appeared in the
Organization for economic cooperation and development ( OECD ) outlook . It took the synthetic index of degree
of labour market regulation drawn up by OECD and compared it with the employment rate per country, which
appears in chapter one of the report . The accompanying text made clear that the result is not very reliable, in part
because the synthetic index is itself a very crude index and not based on firm numeric data and more generally
because the graph could have implied a relationship between labour market regulation and the rate of
employment which is not statistically significant . It was because of the danger of misinterpretation of the graph
that the Commission decided to withdraw it .

For the graph on termination costs and employment, the underlying table was taken from the OECD jobs study
and figures in the final report as adopted by the Commission . It showed the number of months that an enterprise
is obliged to pay at the time of lay-offs either in the form of notice periods before a lay off can occur or in terms of
months salary to be paid to the employee directly . The statistical correlation with the employment rate is strong .
However, correlation is not causation . Clearly, it is not possible simply to cut severance costs by a certain number
of months ' salary for employment as if by miracle to increase . The causality must be established of how this is
going to occur . Such a causality is not direct . To begin with, the severance costs used in the graph are those for an
employee on indefinite contract with twenty years service — something of a rarity in today 's labour market . Then
there are all the various forms of fixed term contracts that have been introduced over time which enterprises use
to avoid the costs associated with traditional forms of employment . As a result, it is not meaningful to establish a
direct link between severance costs for permanent employment contracts for long serving employees and overall
employment creation . Because of the difficulty of interpretation, the Commission preferred to present in full the
underlying data in place of the graph .

(') SEC(96 ) 2121 .

No C 186 / 122 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 186 / 215 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3591 / 96

by Gerard Caudron ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 77 December J 996 )

Subject : Packaging directive

Pursuant to Directive 94 / 62 ('), the ' Packaging Directive ', the Commission officially informed a Member State
that giving preference to refilling at the expense of recycling would severely penalize products imported from
other Member States and would thus be contrary to the Treaty, particularly Article 30 thereof .

Is it true that DG XI stresses the Member States ' freedom to give preferential treatment to refilling, contrary to
the Commission 's above-mentioned official position ?

Does not according preferential treatment to refilling risk placing at a severe disadvantage imports from other
Member States while giving unjustified economic protection to local producers ?

Should not allowance be made for products which, in their countries of origin, are subject to standards relating to
quality ( mineral waters ) or designation of origin ( wines ), and for which refilling constitutes a particularly heavy
burden, by accepting that these products should be exempted from any refilling obligation to refill ( such as
quotas ) imposed by the importing country, provided that their original packagings are in fact taken back and
recycled ?

(') OJ L 365 . 31.12 . 1994, p . 10 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 14 Februay 1997 )

Both the reuse of packaging and the recycling of packaging waste are, according to Directive 94 / 62 / EC on
packaging and packaging waste, valuable means of protecting the environment . Article 5 states that Member
States may encourage reuse systems of packaging, which can be reused in an environmentally sound manner, in
line with the Treaty . Article 6 sets out quantified targets for the recycling and recovery of packaging waste .

The Honourable Member asks about the preference which Member States can give to reuse with respect to
recycling . Directive 94 / 62 / EC has not established a hierarchy between these two waste management methods . As
indicated in the preamble, life-cycle assessments should be completed as soon as possible to justify a clear
hierarchy between reusable, recyclable and recoverable waste . The Commission considers that this uncertainty
as regards the most appropriate waste management methods does not imply that Member States have to treat
such methods on equal terms . Member States are free to decide whether or not to encourage reuse systems of
packaging as long as they meet the conditions mentioned in Article 5 . In this case, in the light of the main
objective of the Directive ( packaging waste prevention ) and of the fact that a reusable packaging does not
become packaging waste as long as it is reused, the Commission considers a system based on a preference to
reuse to be not only compatible with the Directive but also in conformity with the primary objective of the
Directive . Insofar as the Directive incites Member States to encourage reuse and since the conformity of the
Directive with the general principles of the EC Treaty must be presumed, a preference for reuse cannot be
considered in itself as being incompatible with Article 30 of the EC Treaty .

The Commission underlines also that, in the context of a preference for reuse systems, certain specifications of
such systems may generate, depending on the circumstances, disproportionate obstacles to trade and de facto
discrimination of foreign economic operators . Whether this is the case can only be assessed by means of detailed
analysis of the specific situations .

8 . 6 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 123

( 97 / C 186 / 216 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3592 / 96

by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI ) to the Commission

( 17 December 1996 )

Subject : National legislation on dentistry

In the first paragraph of his answer to Written Question E      - 1 522 / 96 (') Commissioner Monti says that the

' doctors ' Directive 93 / 16 / EEC ( ~ ) does not affect Member States ' right to introduce or abolish medical
specializations and in the second paragraph he says that on the basis of the ' dentists ' Directives 78 / 686 / EEC ( 3 )
and 78 / 687 / EEC ( 4 ), Member States are not permitted to allow dentistry to be practised by professional categories
other than those referred to in those directives .

Can the Commission say on the basis of what provision and according to what logic it can state that Directive
93 / 16 / EEC does not restrict the competence of the Member States to lay down rules governing the medical
profession, whilst Directives 78 / 686 / EEC and 78 / 687 / EEC restrict the competence of the same Member States to
lay down rules for dentistry ?

( ! ) OJ C 356 . 25.11.1996, p . 52 .

( : ) OJ L 165, 7.7.1993 . p . 1 .
C ) OJ L 233 . 24.8.1978 . p . 1 .

( 4 ) OJ L 233 . 24.8.1978 . p . 10 .

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 10 February 1997 )

In its answer to Written Question E      - 1522 / 96, the Commission stated that Directive 93 / 16 / EEC did not affect
Member States ' right to introduce or abolish medical specializations . It did not comment on whether or not the
Directive restricted Member States ' right to lay down rules governing the medical profession in general . What is
more, like Directive 93 / 16 / EEC, the ' dentists ' Directives ( 78 / 686 / EEC and 78 / 687 / EEC ) do not restrict Member
States ' right to introduce or abolish dental specializations .

The fact that, under the ' dentists ' Directives, Member States are not permitted to allow dentistry to be practised
by professional categories other than those referred to in the Directives results from the latter, as interpreted by
the Court of Justice (')•

(') Judgment of 1 June 1995 in Case C-40 / 93 [ ECR ] 1-13 19 .

( 97 / C 186 / 217 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3593 / 96

by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI ) to the Commission

( 17 December 1996 )

Subject : Discrimination against Italian doctors

The Court of Justice of the European Communities, in case C-40 / 93, established that Italian doctors who started
their training after 28 January 1980 are not allowed to practise as dentists, in view of the restrictions laid down by
Article 19 of Directive 78 / 686 / EEC (') regarding acquired rights, and as a supplement to this Directive the
Council, in Directive 81 / 1057 / EEC ( 2 ) extended the mutual recognition of dentists ' qualifications to included
cases where training was received after the entry into force of the Directive and started before its entry into force,
which was implemented in Italy by Law No 409 of 24.7.1985 . Until then a degree in medicine was the only
qualification for practising dentistry and stomatology .

Can the Commission say whether it does not consider, in the light of Directive 81 / 1057 / EEC, the application of
Article 19 of Directive 78 / 686 / EEC to Italian doctors, following the above-mentioned Court judgment, results in
discrimination against Italian doctors ?

No C 186 / 124 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Does the Commission not also consider that, as a result of Directive 81 / 1057 and the principle of equality of
treatment deriving from it, the acquired rights of Italian doctors who started their university training after
28 January 1980 should be safeguarded, by recognizing their right to practise as dentists ?

(') OJ L 233, 24.8.1978 . p . 1 .
<-) OJ L 385 . 31.12.1981, p . 25 .

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 10 February 1997 )

The Commission does not take the view that the application of Article 19 of Directive 78 / 686 / EEC results in
discrimination against Italian doctors .

Article 7 of the Directive, as amended by Directive 81 / 1057 / EEC, recognizes the acquired rights of holders of
qualifications awarded upon completion of specific training in dentistry that does not meet the minimum training
requirements set out in Articles 1, 2 and 3 of Directive 78 / 687 / EEC on the activities of dental practitioners (').
Only training begun before the application and enforcement of the directives on dental practitioners, i.e. no later
than 28 January 1980 in the case of countries that were members of the Community when the directives were
adopted, qualifies under the above-mentioned Article 7 . In the Community directives, ' dental practitioner '
covers only persons who have completed specific training in dentistry as described in Article 1 of
Directive 78 / 687 / EEC and have been awarded a dental practitioner 's — as opposed to a doctor 's — diploma .
Before it was amended by Directive 81 / 1057 / EEC, Article 7 provided that the qualifications had to have been
awarded before 28 January 1 980, in other words the training had to have been completed prior to that date . The
amendment introduced by Directive 81 / 1057 / EEC did not concern the date 28 January 1980 .

Article 19 of Directive 78 / 686 / EEC recognizes the acquired rights of Italian doctors who were working mainly as
dental practitioners when the directives concerning the latter profession were adopted . Subject to compliance
with its other requirements, Article 19 covers anyone who began training as a doctor in Italy ' not later than

18 months after notification of this Directive ', i.e. on or before 28 January 1980 since Directive 78 / 686 / EEC was
notified on 28 July 1978 .

While Article 7 and Article 19 cover different situations, the deadline, 28 January 1980, is the same in each case .
Any dental practitioner 's training begun in the Community from that date onwards had to comply with
Directive 78 / 687 / EEC . In the light of the judgment of the Court of Justice in Case C-40 / 93, ( 2 ) it was therefore for
Italy, as soon as Directive 78 / 686 / EEC and Directive 78 / 687 / EEC were adopted, to take all necessary measures to
comply with the time-limit arising from Article 19, even though it was being allowed additional time both to
introduce the new training and profession of dental practitioner and to recognize dental practitioners '
qualifications awarded by other Member States .

(') OJ L 233 . 24.8.1978 .
(-) European Court Reports [ 1995 ] I         - 1319 .

( 97 / C 186 / 218 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3594 / 96

by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI ) to the Commission

( 17 December 1996 )

Subject : Register of doctors and dentists

In the fourth paragraph of his answer to Written Question E      - 1522 / 96 (') Commissioner Monti says ' registration
with a governing body is closely linked with practising the profession concerned : either the person in question is
a doctor ( possibly even a doctor specializing in odontostomatology ), or he satisfies the conditions laid down in
Article 19 of Directive 78 / 686 / EEC ( 2 ) and ranks as a dentist .'

Can the Commission say on the basis of what sources in Community law and according to what systematic
criterion it has made a distinction between doctors, doctors specializing in stomatology and the professionals
who are considered to be dentists ?

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 125

Is the Commission aware of the fact that, with regard to the last of these categories, in Italy these ' professionals '
are also doctors qualified in medicine and entered in the Medical Register, which is a single register for doctors
and dentists ?

In view of the principles of Community law safeguarding vocational training and sanctioning the essential link
between the recognition of academic and professional qualifications, can the Commission say whether the fact
that a doctor is required to be entered in the register of dentists in order to practise the profession for which he is
qualified by a diploma recognized by the Union is not contrary to Community law ?

Can it also say whether the overlapping of university training, by virtue of which a graduate in medicine and
surgery can be admitted to the second year of a dentistry course and a graduate in dentistry can be admitted to the
third year of a university course in medicine and surgery, is compatible with Community law ?

(') OJ C 356, 25.1 1.1996 . p . 52 .

( : ) OJ L 233, 24.8.1978 . p . I.

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( II March 1997 )

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

( 97 / C 186 / 219 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3597 / 96

by Jean                - Yves Le Gallou ( NI ) to the Commission

( 17 December 1996 )

Subject : Subsidies in the aeronautics, space, electronics and telecommunications sectors

Can the Commission provide a breakdown, for each budget heading, of the appropriations earmarked in the 1995
budget for the following sectors :

1 . aeronautics

2 . space

3 . electronics

4 . telecommunications ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

( 18 February 1997 )

The Community does not in principal have individual budget lines specifically to support industrial sectors .
However, the industries cited, like all other industries, are free to apply for support under Community
programmes, the most important of which in this context are the structural funds and the research and
technological development ( RDT ) framework programmes .

Companies may apply for support from the structural funds if their projects are located in one of the assisted
regions or are covered by one of the Community wide objectives or initiatives . Many regional policy
programmes put emphasis on the development of technology, the information society, or telecommunications,
all of which will be of particular interest to the industries cited by the Honourable Member .

The research programmmes that may be of most interest to the sectors concerned are Esprit ( MECU 1,911 for the
programming period 1994-1998 ), Brite-Euram ( in the 1994-1998 programming period MECU 416 for the
sub-programme on technologies for means of transport ), and the research programmes for transport, telematics
and telecommunications .

No C 186 / 126 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Research activities are also undertaken in the field of earth observation from space in relationship with the
environment and climate programme and the joint research centres activities . Certain activities financed in the
framework of the common agricultural policy, the common fishery policies and the external policy may also be
of interest to them . As all these programmes and policies are open to applications from companies and research
institutes from all sectors, it is not possible to give a reliable break-down of the share of these programmes ' bud ­
get devoted to the industries cited .

( 97 / C 186 / 220 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3619 / 96

by Vassilis Ephremidis ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 11 December 1996 )

Subject : Agricultural protests in Greece

As a result of the CAP and GATT agreements and, in particular the repeated revisions of the COMs in
agricultural products, especially those grown in the southern regions of the Community, Greek producers, and in
particular small and medium-sized producers, are in a desperate situation, since they are facing restrictions in
respect of all the basic crops ( cotton, tobacco, cereals, oil, citrus fruits, animal fodder, etc .), and are also being
squeezed by a reduction in quotas, an increase in the co-responsibility levies, compulsory set-aside and a
grubbing-up programme, and a steady reduction in prices and subsidies .

Under these dramatic conditions, producers are no longer able to organize, and improve the quality of, their
production — indeed their very existence is threatened, since their income is being steadily eroded and their
standard of living is falling daily . The gravity of these problems has triggered defiant mass protests of farmers
throughout Greece during the past few days, backed by trade unions, mass organizations, workers and craftsmen :
they are determined to continue their struggle until their demands are met so that they are not forced to abandon
their land and can continue to live there with dignity .

Will the Commission say whether it intends to take any specific measures — and, if so, which measures — to
address this situation, and whether the Greek government has tabled proposals and made demands for
agricultural policy to be reorientated for the benefit of farmers so as to solve their problems, an indispensable
move, given the gravity of these problems and the present chaotic state of affairs ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

The Commission fully understands the Honourable Member 's concern about the protests by farmers in Greece .
The common agricultural policy ( CAP ) is a major factor in the formation of farm income . However, a series of
other factors also contribute to income levels and, more generally, the living and working conditions of farmers
in a given Member State, namely how the CAP is implemented at national level, particularly the structural
instruments for modernizing agriculture, the other national policies, such as social and tax policy and the ability
of producers to organize themselves .

Official income statistics ( Eurostat ) show an improvement in the last few years in Greece ( as in most of the
Member States ): + 9.2 % in 1994, + 2 % in 1995, in real terms per person employed in agriculture . The estimate
for 1996 is not yet available, but the first indications suggest a further increase .

Since 1992 the Community has been engaged in a process of reforming its common organizations of the markets .
This process is still underway, at the request of the Member States themselves, particularly southern ones .
Results to date have on the whole been positive, from the point of view of both market situation and incomes
trends . The Council will shortly review the market organizations for olive oil and tobacco .

The Honourable Member 's assessment of the situation in certain sectors calls for some comments . In the dairy
sector, Greece 's quotas have increased by 200 000 tonnes since 1992 / 93 . The effects of set-aside in the arable
crops sector affect negligible areas in Greece because of the exemption for small producers . The grubbing
programmes for fruit trees were adopted at the request of Greek producers in particular .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 127

The Commission is following the developments in Greece closely and is in permanent contact with the Greek
Government on the matter .

( 97 / C 186 / 221 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3674 / 96

by Cnstiana Muscardini ( NI ) to the Commission

(3 January 1997 )

Subject : Crisis in the rice sector

Imports of rice, in particular from the United States and certain countries in the Far East, have been increasing
recently . Between September and October this year, imports of rice into Europe were 50% more than in the
whole of the previous year .

Some analysts think that this situation is due to the Uruguay Round provisions, which favour imports of rice from
the US and Thailand under conditions and at prices which would be unsustainable for European and Italian
producers, with an adverse impact on production and trade .

Can the Commission therefore say :

1 . whether it knows by how much Italian rice exports have been reduced ?

2 . if it does, whether it does not consider that measures are urgently needed to extend to Italian rice the benefits
of Community safeguard measures and the intervention price ?

3 . what other measures it might consider adopting to safeguard this important sector of the agricultural
economy and guarantee the thousands of jobs threatened by the current crisis ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 28 January 1997 )

For a number of reasons, imports of rice into the Community have actually increased in the last months . During
the first two months of the marketing year ( September and October ), the quantities imported came to

1 22 5 1 8 tonnes compared with 87 555 tonnes during the same period last year . This approximately 40% increase,
although high, is not as great as the figure quoted by the Honourable Member .

Contrary to what is stated by the Honourable Member, Italy 's exports to non-member countries increased during
the same period referred to above to 30 932 tonnes, against 13 569 tonnes the year before .

The management measures undertaken by the Commission have aimed at maintaining the competitive position
of rice produced in the Community as against imported rice, in order to avoid recourse to intervention, which will
be opened from 1 April 1997 at the intervention price .

Accordingly, following a request from Italy for application of the safeguard clause under Decision 91 / 482 / EEC
of 25 July 1991 on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the European Economic
Community (') because the very large volume of rice being imported duty-free from this source was seriously
disturbing the Community market, the Commission adopted Regulation ( EC ) No 21 / 97 of 8 January 1997
introducing safeguard measures in respect of imports of rice originating in the overseas countries and
territories ( 2 ).

( ] ) OJ L 263 . 19.9.1991 .

( : ) OJ L 5 . 9.1.1997 .

( 97 / C 186 / 222 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3754 / 96

by Maren Giinther ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 11 December 1996 )

Subject : Non-utilization of budget heading B7-615

The summary of appropriations for the 1996 general budget shows that the sum of ECU 383 000 was transferred
from budget heading B7-615 to the MEDA programme on 22 November 1996 . In view of the countless number
of mined areas in developing countries, why have the appropriations not been used as intended ?

No C 186 / 128 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

( 11 February 1997 )

The appropriations allocated for this heading in 1996 ( ECU 10 million ) were divided into an annual programme
providing ECU 6.7 million for special action in Bosnia, ECU 1.2 million for special action in Laos, and
approximately ECU 2.1 million for two actions in Angola and Mozambique .

As the amount eventually approved for these last two actions was ECU 1 716 276, the balance was initially made
available to go towards absorbing the negative reserve of ECU 200 million established by Parliament for the
MED A programme .

The corresponding proposal for a transfer was rejected by Parliament 's Budgetary Control Committee at its last
meeting in December 1996 .

( 91 /C 186 / 223 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3755 / 96

by Konstadinos Klironomos ( PSE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Wind park on Crete

In the light of :

— the study carried out in 1993 as part of the Commission 's DG XVII regional energy planning programme
directed by the Centre for Renewable Energy Sources,

— the action plan for the optimal integration of renewable energy sources into the electricity system on the
island of Crete, drawn up by the Athens National Polytechnic ( EMP ) in 1995,

— the EMP study which was drawn up as part of the Commission 's DG XII Joule programme in 1996, and

— the official opinion of the Greek electricity board ( DEI )

it was unanimously agreed that wind parks should be geographically spread across the island of Crete in order to
ensure the stability of the DEI grid, the optimal use of wind potential and a reduction of losses during the
conveyance of electric power .

However, the responsible departments of the Greek Ministry of Development, ignoring all the above
documentation and only taking account of the numerous applications submitted, is poised to authorize 95% of the
wind parks on Crete to be set up in one single prefecture, the most easterly on the island, depriving the prefecture
of Heraklion of the same opportunity despite the fact that applications have been submitted from 12 other
suitable regions to set up a wind park .

What steps will the Commission take to compel the Greek Ministry of Development to take account of the need
for the geographical distribution of wind parks on Crete and, consequently, more productive investment of
Community resources ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 21 February 1997 )

To date the Structural Funds have financed no wind parks constructed by the private sector in Greece . It is
possible that the Greek authorities might request such financing in future .

In any event, the question of the geographical location of such investments is the prerogative of the Greek
Ministries for the Environment and Development .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 129

( 97 / C 186 / 224 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3758 / 96

by Roberto Mezzaroma ( UPE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Approval of the decree for the re-organization of the Banco di Napoli by the Italian Government

The draft law for the rescue of the Banco di Napoli raises a number of doubts at various levels — so much so that
even the Commission has asked Italy for further details concerning the operation .

1 . Can the Commission determine the real causes of the bank 's serious financial difficulties and make them

known in the interests of absolute transparency ?

2 . Despite the urgent need for prompt action in view of the special nature of the case, has a committee of
inquiry nonetheless been set up to carry out an in-depth analysis thereof ?

3 . Has it been possible to identify the individuals who are directly responsible ? If so, what action has been
taken with regard to them ?

4 . The operation to relaunch the bank in question has been carried out in two stages : recapitalization and
privatization . Are these to be regarded as the only possible means ? If so, has proper justification been provided ?

5 . The technical operations in support of the rescue are justified as the only viable solution in an emergency
situation but the ethical nature thereof is surely a more important consideration .

6 . What would have been the result of the failure to refinance the bank as regards meeting the criteria laid
down in the Maastricth Treaty ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

(6 February 1997 )

1 . In July 1996 the Commission decided to initiate the procedure provided for in Article 93(2 ) of the EC
Treaty in respect of state aid for Banco di Napoli (')• In accordance with the rules applicable under this
procedure, it is not required to determine the causes of the bank 's serious financial difficulties, but it must assess
whether the aid is compatible with the common market . To that end, the examination of the reasons for the bank 's
current circumstances forms part of the arrangements for ascertaining its future viability, this being a
fundamental condition for approval of the aid . The findings will be published at the same time as the
Commission 's final decision on the aid in question .

2 . It is not for the Commission to decide on the setting-up of a committee of enquiry .

3 . It is not for the Commission to identify the individuals responsible .

4 . The Commission is in the proces of examining the reasons given by the Italian authorities as justification
for the way in which they have decided to resolve the bank 's difficulties . It is not for the Commission to propose
possible solutions . It must confine itself to assessing the compatibility of the solution advocated by the Italian
authorities with the provisions of the Treaty . The findings of the assessment will be included in the Commission 's
final decision .

5 . When assessing any public assistance that has been granted, the Commission takes account of all the
aspects that fall within its field of competence . It examines whether the measure is compatible with the rules of
the Treaty, which are designed to ensure among other things observance of the Community interest . Its findings
will be included in its final decision .

6 . The capital increase for the Banco di Napoli — being a financial operation — does not affect general
government net borrowing, which is the definition of the deficit relevant to the Treaty provisions on excessive
deficits . It does, however, add to the government debt by an estimated 0 . 1 % of gross domestic product .

Overall, the impact of the operation on the fulfilment of the Treaty criterion on budgetary discipline is minor . In
other words, the benefit to the government accounts of not performing the operation would have been negligible .

No C 186 / 130 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18.6 . 97

The possible impact on interest rates and the exchange rate of not performing the operation is indirect and
difficult to assess . Had the financial crisis of the Banco di Napoli not been addressed, a negative reaction of
financial markets might have developed . This might have led to a worsening of the position of Italy with respect
to the criteria relating to interest rates and the exchange rate .

(>) OJC 328, 1.11.1996 .

( 97 / C 186 / 225 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3759 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Structural Funds

With reference to ' Innovative measures for the Structural Funds 1995-1999 ' and ' Guidelines for the second set of

actions under Article 10 of the ERDF Regulation ' XVI 261 / 95PNC0043, and in view of the fact that the resources
available for the 1995-1999 period are well below the 1% limit authorized under the regulations, should the
Commission not adopt a more consistent approach as regards the resources made available and could the three
funds ( i.e. the ERDF . the EAGGF and the ESF ) not be used to support, in an integrated fashion, those projects
which are of particular importance to innovation ? There is considerable concern at the proposal that funding
should be provided for a smaller number of projects with a wider scope, since this would exclude smaller or less
prosperous communities .

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 10 February 1997 )

An integrated approach by the Structural Funds to pilot projects is particularly difficult because each Fund has
specific requirements concerning innovation . Moreover, it is obligatory for pilot projects under the European
Regional Development Fund ( ERDF ) to promote inter-regional cooperation, which is not necessarily so under
the other Funds .

The management constraints specific to each Fund also impede the alignment of procedures . However, the
Commission will endeavour, whenever possible, to coordinate pilot projects in order to avoid duplication and

promote synergy .

The Commission would note, in any event, that integration of the Structural Funds in the financing of the pilot
projects would undoubtedly lead to an increase in the amounts of assistance allocated to each project . It would
point out that the new guidelines under Article 10 of Regulation ( EEC ) No 4254 / 88 as amended (') resulting in
financing higher-cost projects, mainly for reasons of effectiveness, were drawn up in 1995, at a time when the
Commission thought that it could use budget Article B2-600 for smaller projects . Subsequently this proved
impossible because of the lack of a legal basis . The Commission is, however, considering how ' Pacte ' type
measures could be introduced under Article 10 .

(') OJ L 193 . 31.7.1993 .

( 97 / C 186 / 226 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3762 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Public health

With reference to the Communication from the Commission and the proposal for a European Parliament and
Council decision adopting a programme of Community action on health promotion, information, education and

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 131

training within the framework for action in the field of public health ( COM(94 ) 202 / COD 94130 ) ('), and in view
of the fact that local and regional authorities have a crucial role to play in combating the main causes of poor
health as regards both basic health conditions and the implementation of measures to promote health itself,
would the Commission consider ensuring representation for local and regional authorities on the Advisory
Committee for the programme ?

(') OJ C 252, 9.9.1994 . p . 3 .

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 11 February 1997 )

Under Article 5 paragraphe 1 of the decision of the Parliament and of the Council of 29 March 1996 adopting a
programme of Community action on health promotion, information, education and training within the
framework for action in the field of public health ( 1996-2000 ) 0, the committee consists of two members
designated by each Member State . It is the responsibility of governments to ensure that local and regional
concerns are sufficiently taken into account in all committee work .

However, in implementing the Community action programme the Commission is open to co-operation with all
partners who wish to play an active role in health promotion .

(') OJ L 95 . 16.4.1996 .

( 97 / C 186 / 227 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3764 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Economic development

With reference to the document entitled ' The future of Community initiatives under the Structural Funds '
( COM(94 ) 46 / COS 0142 ), would the Commission :

1 . provide periodic assessment of the impact of such initiatives on the regions and on local authorities ?

2 . ensure that a report is submitted regularly to the Committee of the Regions ?

3 . ensure that the criteria for admitting regions are made more flexible ?

4 . ensure that training in extremely remote regions is improved ?

5 . ensure that cross-border cooperation is established between steel-producing areas and mining regions ?

6 . ensure that it is possible for development measures to be implemented in urban border areas ?

7 . ensure that the age limits for eligibility for the Youth-Start programme are raised ?

8 . devote more resources to combating unemployment and facilitating access to the employment market by
groups which are in danger of remaining excluded ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 10 Februars ' 1997 )

1 . In June 1994, the Commission approved a communication to the Member States setting out the guidelines
for the Community Initiatives ('). It was particularly attentive to all the points raised by the Honourable Member .
The coordinating regulation governing the Structural Funds ( 2 ) specifies in Chapter VII how the assessment of
Community assistance — the joint responsibility of Member States and the Commission — is to be carried out .

No C 186 / 132 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18.6 . 97

The need for prior appraisal and ex-post assessment is placed squarely in the context of cost / efficiency
considerations . In their applications for assistance, Member States must include quantified targets for the

operations proposed . Ex-post assessment is facilitated by this prior appraisal in that it allows a check to be made
later on whether the targets initially set have been met and an opinion to be formed on why the outturn may have
fallen short of these targets .

2 . The Commission has committed itself to permanent dialogue with all its institutional partners about the
Community Initiatives, including the Committee of the Regions, and as part of this it publishes the results of
operations under the Community Initiatives in a separate chapter of the annual report on the Structural Funds .

3 . In the case of the Initiatives Rechar II ( coal-mining areas ), Resider II ( iron and steel areas ) and Konver
( conversion of areas affected by the decline in defence activities ), the Commission had introduced a degree of
geographical flexibility which means that Member States have been able to propose areas located outside the
areas covered by the geographically based Objectives under which the Structural Funds operate .

4 . The aim of the Regis Initiative is to accelerate the adjustment of the economies of the most remote regions
to closer integration within the single market, in particular by helping them to improve vocational training . In this
context, the guidelines suggest schemes such as aid for start-ups in self-employed activities and the creation of
new and stable jobs, for management training, marketing, use of new technologies, tourism and environmental
measures, the integration of young people into the labour market and the reintegration of the long-term
unemployed .

5 . The conversion of industry under the Rechar II and Resider II Initiatives can benefit from transnational
operations . As indicated in Article 14 of the guidelines for these two Initiatives, cooperation is to be encouraged
between beneficiaries in terms of exchanging experience and passing on good practice, as well as in terms of
joint operations and the comparative assessment of operations . The Commission will also be organizing the

sharing of experience and good practice at European level between the Community and the Initiative programme

managers .

6 . The Interreg II Initiative is intended to assist in the development of cross-border cooperation and to help
cross-border areas at the internal and external frontiers of the Community to overcome the specific problems they
suffer from because of their relative isolation ; this does not exclude operations in cross-border urban areas if they
meet the eligibility criteria set out in the Commission 's guidelines .

7 . As regards the Youthstart strand of the Community Employment Initiative, the Commission does not plan
to raise the age limit of 20 except in individual cases, as the Commission has already stated . This limit is in
accord with both the specific objectives of the programme and the need to concentrate available resources .

8 . All the Community Initiatives are involved in one way or another in the last point raised by the Honourable
Member . The two Initiatives which concern the European Social Fund, i.e. Adapt and Employment, have
combatting unemployment as their principle aim . The Integra strand of the Employment Initiative is designed
specifically to encourage reintegration into the labour market of all groups particularly at risk of social exclusion .

(') OJ C 180 . 1.7.1994 .

( ; ) OJ L 193, 31.7.1993 .

( 97 / C 186 / 228 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3767 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Market in wine

With reference to the proposal for a Council regulation ( EC ) on the reform of the common organization of the
market in wine ( COM(94 ) 1 17 / CNS 94107 (')) and in view of the fact that wine production is an integral part of
the culture in vine-growing regions, could the Commission make appropriate adjustments to its regional
structural policy and the CAP reform accompanying measures ? Since the enrichment of wine through the
addition of concentrated must should be encouraged by reducing the price difference in relation to saccharose,
will the Commission revise the national production reference amounts, taking into account supplementary
weighting parameters ? Would the Commission also place limits on per-hectare yield and calculate aid and
financial compensation on the basis of yield expressed in terms of hectogrammes per hectare ?

(>) OJ C 194 . 16.7.1994 . p . 1 .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 133

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

The Commission reminds the Honourable Member that its proposal for reform of the wine sector of 13 June 1994
has not yet been adopted by the Council, although Parliament and the Economic and Social Committee have
already issued their opinions .

The points mentioned such as adequate aid for use of concentrated musts in vinification, revised national
reference production amounts and setting of aid on the basis of yield expressed in hectolitre degrees per hectare
have already been raised by various delegations in the course of discussions in the Council . No agreement has yet
been reached however on what are to be the main features of the reform . The Honourable Member 's points will
probably be carefully considered in the near future as discussion continues .

( 97 / C 186 / 229 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3924 / 96

by Gianfranco DelPAlba ( ARE ) to the Commission

( 10 January ' 1997 )

Subject : The EMCDDA report for 1995

On 3 December 1996 1 received a letter in French dated 30 October from the Director of the EMCDDA,
P. Eistelvenart, enclosing the Monitoring Centre 's report for 1995 in English .

Does the Commission not consider it strange that I should receive the 1995 report at the end of 1996 and, above
all, does it not consider that with an annual budget of ECU 5 million the Monitoring Centre might manage to
distribute its documents in the official languages ?

Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission

( 12 February 1997 )

The Commission welcomes the publication of the first annual report on drugs in the Community by the European
Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction . This is the first step in the task of gathering objective, reliable
and comparable information on drugs and drug addiction at European level .

The Commission too regrets that the first annual report for 1995 was available only in one language at the end of

1996 . However, it would point out that the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction is a
decentralized Community body which, although it was set up in 1993 only became operational in the second half
of 1995 .

The Commission hopes that from 1997 onwards the report in question will be available in the eleven official
languages as near as possible to the reference year .

( 97 / C 186 / 230 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3930 / 96

by Stanislaw Tillich ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : PHARE and TACIS audits

How many audits of subcontractors were carried out under the PHARE and TACIS programmes in 1995 and

1996 and which audits were they ?

What criteria were used as the basis for those audits ?

No C 186 / 134 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Answer given by M. Van den Brock on behalf of the Commission

(4 February 1996 )

Phare carried out thirteen audits of contractors in 1995 and seven in 1996, and Tacis three and five respectively .
This reflects the larger scale of the Phare programme as well as the fact that it is more decentralized and therefore
requires a higher level of checks . In addition to the audits, which were carried out by the directorate-general with
responsibility for the programmes, the financial control department undertook a total of ten audits during the
period under consideration, six of Phare, three of Tacis and one of projects financed jointly under both

programmes .

Audits are carried out to recognized professional standards and involve scrutinity of paperwork including
contracts and supplementary agreements, with particular attention to the annexes containing the terms of
reference and cost breakdown . The auditors also look at reports on tender procedures, project start-up,
monitoring and progress reports, correspondence relating to projects, local bank accounts and statements,
invoices and other supporting documents . Prior to their inspection missions the auditors meet project leaders in
Brussels, the missions themselves involve meetings with project staff, local officials representing the other party
and technical advisers .

( 97 / C 1 86 / 23 1 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3931 / 96

by Herbert Bosch ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 10 January J 997 )

Subject : Award of Phare contracts to consulting firms

The Court of Auditors ' report for 1995 indicates that the manner in which funds for the Phare programme are
spent is totally inadequate . The Commission uses consulting firms in carrying out the Phare programme .

According to my information, last summer the Commission changed the guidelines for awarding contracts to
consulting firms . The result of this change is apparently that only the bigger firms now have a chance of
obtaining a framework contract which is diametrically opposed to the policy otherwise pursued by the
Commission in support of small and medium-sized businesses . Consulting firms from the new Member States
seem to be at a particular disadvantage as they naturally have only a few references in the EU .

1 . How many consulting firms are operating within the Phare programme ?

2 . In which Member States do those firms have their headquarters ?

3 . To what extent are consulting firms from the new Member States considered and which firms have already
received contracts ?

4 . To what extent does the Commission intend to create a level playing field for consulting firms from the new
Member States when contracts are awarded ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

( 14 February 1997 )

1 . As the majority of Phare contracts concern technical assistance, almost all the firms working with Phare
should be considered as consulting firms . The total number is therefore several thousand . For those contracts
originating in Brussels the total number of consulting firms employed is approximately 4000 .

2 . If ' headquarters ' means the country where a firm has a legal status, then it can be said that all the Member
States are represented .

3 . Consulting firms from Austria, Finland and Sweden are considered on equal terms with firms from the
other Member States . The number of companies having headquarters in the new Member States and which were
awarded contracts under the Phare programme in Brussels in 1995 / 1996 is as follows :

— Finland 29

— Sweden 3 1

— Austria 28

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 135

These figures do not include companies which are members of consortia and winners of sectoral framework

contracts .

4 . According to Article 118 of the Financial Regulation ('), the Commission must apply transparency and
ensure equal treatment in the award of all Commission contracts . All companies apply on equal terms and
contracts are awarded after tender procedure to the best qualified . This principle applies equally to companies
coming from the new Member States . In line with Article 1 18, the Commission is announcing the tenders and
outstanding contractual opportunities on the Phare Internet site . The list of awarded contracts will also be
published either electronically or in the official journal . This is a key point in giving fair and equal access to
contract information for firms in all the Member States .

(>) OJ L 240 . 7.10.1995 .

( 97 / C 186 / 232 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3934 / 96

by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz ( V ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : Filters for radioactive strontium and caesium in liquids

In its answer to my question ( P-295 / 96 (')) on the technical status of a recently developed method for separating
radioactive isotopes from liquids, the Commission anticipated that the results of comprehensive testing of the
procedure would be available by the end of 1996, by which time the pilot phase at the Ovruch dairy farm would
be completed .

1 . What are the Commission 's findings regarding the effectiveness and efficiency of the new method ?

2 . Can it make available the results obtained so far ?

3 . Will there be further comparable installations and will they be supported by European funding ?

(') OJ C 173 . 17.6.1996, p. 42 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 1997 )

The filter system of magnetic separation of radioactive isotopes from milk developed in the United States was
supposed to be tested in a dairy farm at Ovruch in Ukraine and results of the pilot testing phase were expected at
the end of 1996 . The method was apparently tested again in the United States by the Department of Energy, but
there is no confirmation of the pilot application at the dairy farm in Ovruch . Neither the International Atomic
Energy Agency nor the Commission have been informed of results of the test-runs .

While the magnetic separation method might be useful for decontamination of water, it would remove from milk
not only the radioactive isotopes, but almost all other minerals, leaving a white fatty liquid which is far from
being milk . For this reason, financial support for installation of similar equipment as part of the Commission 's
assistance programmes is not envisaged .

No C 186 / 136 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 186 / 233 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3938 / 96

by Richard Howitt ( PSE ) to the Council

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Colombian peace process

What plans, bearing in mind the well publicized escalation of violence within Colombia and the thousands of
civilian deaths which are occurring every year, are the Member States making to play an active role in the peace
process ? Does the Council have any intentions of playing an active part as a mediator within any dialogue
between the Colombian Government and guerilla groups ?

Answer

( 24 March 1997 )

The Council follows closely events in Colombia . It has been concerned at the apparent increase in violence and,
in particular, the resultant suffering of civilians . The Council will continue to avail of its contacts with the
Colombian authorities to raise concerns and to stress the need for full respect of human rights, the rule of law and
democracy in all parts of the country . The European Union does not envisage playing a role as a mediator .

( 97 / C 186 / 234 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3940 / 96

by Richard Howitt ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : Ambassadors from third countries to the European Union

What precedents exist for action to protest against an official Ambassadors from a third country to the European
Union, where there is evidence of fraud, anti-democratic activities or involvement in serious human rights abuse
against such an Ambassador ? Which resolutions or other policies determine the scope of the Commission in this
respect ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(6 February 1997 )

The Commission would refer to its answer to Written Question E-3 1 88 / 96 (') by the Honourable Member and the
first paragraph of it in particular . The Commission 's stance in this field is based on the Vienna Convention on
Diplomatic Relations .

(') OJ C 96 of 24.3.1997, p . 70 .

( 91IC 186 / 235 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3941 / 96

by Richard Howitt ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : Indigenous people 's rights in Colombia

In congratulating the Commission on its ECU 1 m project on implementation of in Indigenous people 's rights in
Colombia, funded in 1994, what steps are now being taken to ensure the findings of this project are implemented ?
Will the Commission ensure a fresh initiative in this respect ?

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 137

Answer given by Mr Mann on behalf of the Commission

( 12 February 1997 )

The aim of the ECU 910 235 project ' Elaboracion del Proyecto de Ley de Ordenamiento territorial para
comunidades indigenas ', which was implemented by the ' Organization Nacional Indigena de Colombia '
( ONIC ), was to help indigenous people seize the opportunity to take part in the legislative process offered by the
new Colombian constitution of 1991 . Article 288 of the new constitution provides for an organic law to govern
relations between the indigenous territories and the government in matters of land-use planning .

The project carried out with ONIC involved meetings between Indian leaders and a group of legal experts and led
to the drafting of an organic law on land use, which was devised by Indians but also remained within the
constitutional framework . Drafting was completed in early 1995 and a year later it was presented to the
Colombian parliament by Mr Humberto de la Calle, a member of parliament and the country 's vice-president .

In July 1996, when the controversy surrounding President Ernesto Samper was at its height, Mr De la Calle
resigned from office and the bill was taken off the parliamentary timetable, parliament having already refused to
pass the proposed law as it stood . The bill has not been resubmitted and the Commission has not taken any action
itself because of the difficulty of judging the political situation in Colombia .

( 97 / C 186 / 236 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3943 / 96

by Carmen Diez de Rivera Icaza ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : Sustainable development

Could the Commission state what progress, if any, has been made both with regard to strengthening the concept
of sustainable development within the Union and in implementing Agenda 21 ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 1997 )

The Commission remains committed to ensuring that the Community is at the leading edge of developments on
new and innovative approaches to boost sustainable development and thereby environmental protection . The
importance of progress on this is also stressed in the opinion of the Commission to the intergovernmental
conference ('). This issue is particularly important this year when there will be a review of international
developments on sustainable development at the United Nations general assembly special session ( UNGASS )
five years after the Rio earth summit . Following the Commission 's communication on a common platform on
UNGASS ( 2 ) to the Parliament and the Council the environment Council in December 1996 adopted conclusions
for the preparation for this meeting and acknowledged that it will be possible to ensure sustainable development
only by addressing relevant long term perspectives and by integrating economic, social and environmental
components . It confirmed sustainable development as a true partnership between developing and developed
countries and welcomed progress on global cooperation on climate change, biodiversity, desertification,
protection of the ozone layer, exports of hazardous waste and fisheries, as well as the outcome of the series of
specialized summits held since Rio, in all of which the Community has played an important role .

The Community 's own approach to sustainable development is set out in the 1992 programme of policy and
action in relation to the environment and sustainable development ' Towards sustainability ' ( the fifth
environment action programme ) ( 3 ). During 1995 an extensive review of the implementation of the programme
analyzed overall progress in the Community towards sustainable development including related issues of
Agenda 21 ( 4 ). The review concluded that the fifth programme had identified most of the elements necessary to
move towards sustainable development . What was lacking was the political will to make the process work . It
identified the need to develop a pragmatic set of operational tools and the appropriate institutional arrangements .
Availability of information was important as was the need for a greater sense of shared responsibility . Above all
the need to integrate environmental considerations into other policy areas was seen as a key to future success .

No C 186 / 138 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Against this background in January 1996 the Commission proposed a decision of Parliament and Council setting
out priority actions where the Community should take the initiative to overcome obstacles to implementation ( s ).
It recognized that the success of the programme also depends on the active participation of all actors in society,
including authorities in the Member States, at national, regional or local level, public and private enterprise, and
the general public, both as citizens and consumers .

During 1996, the Commission adopted a range of new proposals and communications designed to implement the
draft decision, including policy initiatives on implementation and enforcement of environmental legislation,
strategic environmental impact assessment, voluntary environmental agreements, groundwater, waste, CO2 and
cars, the further integration of environmental issues in the Phare and Tacis programmes, trade and environment,
renewable energy, the preparation of the fifth research and development framework programme and the Auto-oil
programme . All of these help to strengthen approaches to sustainable development within the Community . It
should also be underlined that the implementation of Agenda 21 necessarily implies efforts to integrate
sustainable development into the external policies of the Community and in fact this has been the second pillar of
such implementation . The Community has made strong efforts to green its development policy and has been
devoting approximately 1000 MECU per year to projects furthering sustainable development in the African,
Caribbean and Pacific countries, Asia and Latin America countries and the Central and Eastern European
countries .

') COM(96 ) 90 final .
-) COM(96 ) 569 .

                - ') COM(94 ) 453 final .

4 ) COM(95 ) 624 final .

5 ) COM(96 ) 648 final .

( 97 / C 186 / 237 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3945 / 96

by José Valverde Lôpez ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : Programme for reafforestation of agricultural land in Andalucia

The Spanish National Association of Forestry Companies has complained that in Andalucia only 50% of the
250 000 hectares earmarked for reafforestation over the four years between 1994 and 1997 are to be planted .

Can the Commission inform me of the principal causes for this inaction and forward the ' monitoring reports ' for
the programme ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 12 February 1997 )

The Commission adopted three Spanish programmes under the farm woodland scheme ( Regulation ( EEC )
No 2080 / 92 instituting a Community aid scheme for forestry measures in agriculture (')) in April 1994, namely
the national programme and two specific regional programmes for Navarre and the Basque country . No
programme has been adopted specifically for Andalusia .

The Spanish authorities have informed the Commission that implementation of the afforestation programme in
Spain has been delayed by a long drought, particularly in Andalusia .

However, an effort was made during the period 1995-96 to catch up the delay in implementation, although the
Commission has no specific data on the situation in the various regions .

Article 4 of the above-mentioned Regulation stipulates that implementation of the aid scheme is chiefly the
responsibility of the authorities of the Member States .

The Regulation also requires the Commission to submit an assessment of implementation to Parliament and the
Council, during the first half of 1997 .

(') OJ L 215, 30.7.1992 .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 139

( 97 / C 186 / 238 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3949 / 96

by José Valverde Lopez ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : Fraud against the European Union in milk powder imports into Spain

The Spanish anti-corruption inspectorate is investigating Compensation y Comercio, S.A. ( Coyco ), a Barcelona
company, with regard to possible fraud against the European Union in the form of illegal imports of skimmed
milk powder from eastern European countries, on which no Community customs duties have been paid .

What information does the Commission have with regard to this, and what measures does it intend to take in
order to prevent possible fraud of this kind in the future ?

Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission

( 10 February 1997 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its 1995 annual report on the fight against fraud here the
actions taken by the Commission and the Spanish authorities as well as the findings in this case are described in
more detail . As indicated in this report, the Commission organised administrative cooperation missions with the
participation of Spanish officials in the Czech and Slovak republics . It was found that milk powder and frozen
butter were introduced in Spain with false declarations . This case illustrates how important it is for the Member
States to carry out physical checks to discover such false declarations, and for the Community to be able to rely
on valuable mutual assistance agreements with neighbouring countries .

In this context, the Commission would underline that, in accordance with its 1996 work programme on the fight
against fraud ('), it is giving support for operational activities and encouraging contacts between the investigation
services in the Member States and the competent bodies in countries of central and eastern Europe . It is,
moreover, developing a training policy with the countries of central and eastern Europe .

The Commission further expects that the adoption of the proposal for a regulation on mutual assistance in
customs and agricultural matters ( 2 ) to replace Regulation ( EEC ) No 1468 / 81 ( 3 ) will improve the efficiency of
the exchanges of information ( establishment of a customs information system ).

(') COM(96 ) 17 final .

( 2 ) COM(92 ) 544 as modified by COM(93 ) 350 and COM(94 ) 34 .
C ) OJ L 144 . 2.6.1981 .

( 97 / C 186 / 239 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3950 / 96

by Jean-Pierre Bébéar ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : Deletion of the cormorant from Annex I to Directive 79 / 409 / EEC

Cormorants, which are protected under Directive 79 / 409 / EEC ('), have proliferated to such an extent that their
numbers have swelled from 30 000 in 1979 to 700 000 in 1996 . They have colonized new areas, threatening the
economic livelihood of fishing and fish-farming communities .

Will the Commission consider deleting the cormorant from Annex I to Directive 79 / 409 / EEC ?

Could it take measures to regulate the reproduction rate of cormorants ?

(') OJ L 103 . 25.4.1979, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 29 January 1997 )

Having examined the scientific data available and held various consultations, the Commission considers that the
conservation status of the species Phalacrocorax carbo is favourable . It is aware of the significance of the
interactions and local impact that these fish-eating birds can have on fish stocks and aquaculture .

No C 186 / 140 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

The Commission points out that under Article 2 of Council Directive 79 / 409 / EEC (') on the conservation of wild
birds, ' Member States shall take all requisite measures to maintain the population of all species of birds ... at a
level which corresponds in particular to ecological, scientific and cultural requirements, or to adapt the
population of these species to that level '.

The Commission has also reminded the Member States of the possibility of making full use of the provisions of
Article 9 of that Directive . This provision lays down inter alia that Member States may, by means of derogations
to the general arrangements for the protection of all bird species covered by the Directive, take all necessary
measures ' to prevent serious damage ... to fisheries and water '.

On the basis of the information currently available and the final conclusions of an international meeting held in
the Netherlands in October 1996, the Commission has decided to draw up a proposal which will shortly be
submitted for the opinion of the Committee for the Adaptation to Scientific and Technical Progress of the
Directive with a view to the removal of Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis from Annex I to that Directive . In order to

take account of the various points raised on the subject, in particular through the Parliament resolution of

15 February 1996, the Commission will consider, with the Member States, what measures are necessary to deal
with the present situation . It will encourage cooperation between the Member States in this area, while ensuring
that the conservation status of this species remains favourable .

Finally, the Commission will also monitor the work initiated by Denmark and the Netherlands under the
Convention on Migratory Species ( Bonn Convention ) with a view to drawing up a proposal for an international
management plan for this species .

(') OJ L 103, 25.4.1979          - last amended by Council Directive 94 / 24 / EEC of 8.6.1994 ; OJ L 164, 30.6.1994 .

( 97 / C 186 / 240 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3953 / 96

by Luciano Vecchi ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : Problems regarding recovery of funds for Somali operators involved in the EC Sectorial Import

Programme

In the 1980s the European Community promoted a programme of aid to Somalia, called SIP 1 ( Sectorial Import
Programme ) to facilitate imports of European products into Somalia through a mechanism of guaranteed
conversion of Somali currency into transferable currency .

Following the events of the early 1990s in Somalia many trade transactions fell through .

However, Somali importers who had already made national currency payments to credit institutions guaranteed
by the European Community were in many cases unable to recover their own funds .

Will the Commission provide an assessment of this situation and state whether it agrees that existing funds
should be released and returned to their rightful owners ?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission

( 20 February 1997 )

The Commission draws the Honourable Member 's attention to the fact that the national currency deposits made
in the 1980s by Somali importers under the import programme in order to get a letter of credit payable in foreign
currency to suppliers were paid into an account opened on behalf of the Somali government .

Any transaction on the account required double signature by the Somali Government and the Commission in
order to ensure that the funds were used in accordance with the conditions laid down in the Sectoral Import
Programme .

Neither the deposits at issue, nor the institutions holding them, nor indeed any other deposit or any Somali
financial institution, received a financial guarantee from the Community, which was only providing
foreign-exchange facility .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 141

Since the early 1990s, in the absence of a recognized Somali government and a Somali banking system, the
Commission no longer has a partner with which to address options and conditions that could, where appropriate,
be envisaged for returning deposits to their depositors .

( 97 / C 186 / 241 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3954 / 96

by Giuseppe Rauti ( NI ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : Defence of minimum size for farm holdings

Will the Commission state its opinion — which must surely be negative — on the new legislation recently passed
in Italy on farm holdings and estates, which introduced ' fragmentation ' on the basis of Decree Law No 191 of

10 February 1992, repealing the provisions which had been confirmed by Law No 1078 of 3 June 1949 ? Is this
legislation not totally contrary to European law in the agricultural sector, which upholds the integrity of farm
holdings and estates, thereby seeking to encourage their extension ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 17 February 1997 )

The Commission does not feel it should comment on a provision of national law which falls within the exclusive
competence of a Member State, Decree Law No 191 of 10 December 1996 being a case in point . It has no
information to show that this decree contravenes Community law .

With regard to Community agricultural law, and in particular Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 2328 / 91 on
improving the efficiency of agricultural structures ('), the general aim of the proposed measures is to strengthen
farm structures by rationalizing their production activities, without this necessarily leading to an increase in their
surface area .

(') OJ L 218, 6.8.1991 .

( 97 / C 186 / 242 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3955 / 96

by Giuseppe Rauti ( NI ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : Defence of traditional bread in Italy and Europe

Will the Commission state its views on the serious issue recently raised — inter alia during a series of meetings in
Brussels — by the Italian Federation of Bakers, Confectioners and Related Professions, which has provided
alarming information about the situation of ' traditional bread ' in Italy and Europe ? I wish to stress the fact that in
Italy, as in Spain, France and most EU Member States, there are at least 250 officially recognized types of
traditional and regional bread, and 1 500 types if one also counts the no less important local breads . I believe that
this ' heritage ' constitutes a wealth of tastes and flavours based on an authentic tradition, which may be seen as
the expression of an advanced degree of civilization . As the Italian bakers ' federation, headed by Antonio
Marinoni, points out, this heritage is liable to die out unless appropriate legislation is introduced .

In Italy, the traditional baking sector employs around 30 000 qualified ' maestri nell'arte bianca '. 250 000 people
work in bakeries, with a turnover of Lit 9 000 bn ( more than the fashion industry ) and an annual production of
3.6 million tonnes .

No C 186 / 142 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

In view of the above, will the Commission take the necessary decisive action, which would be of the utmost
social, economic and cultural importance, to introduce legislation to defend traditional bread made by small
bakers in the European Union as a whole ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

( 24 February 1997 )

There is no specific Community legislation governing the composition of the various types of bread on the
Community market . The Commission considers the Honourable Member 's figure of 1 500 typical types of bread
in the Community to be substantially below the actual market figure . Any Regulation laying down composition
criteria in this sector would constitute an impoverishment since it would be unable to cover all the existing
different types of bread . It should be pointed out, however, that professionals in the bread sector may invoke
voluntary instruments designed to preserve traditional compositions of bread in the various regions of Europe, by
making use either of Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 2081 / 92 (') on the protection of geographical indications and
designations of origin or of Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 2082 / 92 on certificates of specific character for
agricultural products and foodstuffs .

(') OJ L 208, 24.7.1992 .

( 97 / C 186 / 243 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3956 / 96

by Elly Plooij-van Gorsel ( ELDR ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : Changes in policy with regard to the admissibility and handling of complaints concerning dumping

with particular reference to the proceedings initiated by the notices in OJ C 111 ( 96 ) pgs . 4 and 5 and
OJ C 132 ( 96 ) p. 5

Pursuant to Article 5(4 ) of Regulation 384 / 96 (') a complaint concerning dumping shall be considered
representative only if it is supported by those Community producers whose collective output constitutes more
than 50% of the total production of the like product produced by all producers that have expressed their opinion
on the complaint .

1 . Why does the Commission consider that a complaint submitted by a national producers association and
which is not backed up by information concerning producer support satisfies the requirements of Article 5(4 ) of
Regulation 384 / 96 ?

2 . Why has the Commission taken up a complaint which has been tabled by a national producers association
and which is not backed up by information about producer support and the associated production figures or by
figures for total production in the Community ?

3 . What role is played in this case by Article 5(4 ) of the anti-dumping regulation which states that a complaint
concerning dumping may not be investigated if it is not specifically supported by Community producers that are
jointly responsible for 25% of total Community production of the like product ?

4 . Why has the Commission not started inquiries into the number of producers supporting the complaint and
those not supporting it ?

(') OJ L 56, 6.3.1996, p . 1 .

( 91 IC 186 / 244 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3957 / 96

by Elly Plooij-van Gorsel ( ELDR ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : Changes in policy with regard to the admissibility and handling of complaints concerning dumping

with particular reference to the proceedings initiated by the notices in OJ C 111 ( 96 ) pgs . 4 and 5 and
OJC 132 ( 96 ) p. 5

1 . Why has the Commission not instructed the complainants to submit a list of producers on behalf of whom
the complaint has been submitted, even though those concerned have specifically asked for the list ?

8.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 143

2 . If the answer to question 1 is that the information is confidential, how, within the meaning of Article 19 of
the anti-dumping regulation, can the Commission explain why this information should be treated as confidential ?

Article 5(4 ) of the regulation specifically states that this information must be known before a complaint is
declared admissible .

3 . Can the Commission explain how the parties concerned can usefully comment on the representative nature
of the sampling undertaken to investigate the damage to producers as a result of dumping when the parties do not
have a list of all producers on behalf of whom the complaint has been submitted, do not know the criteria used by
the Commission to determine the representative nature of the sample and also do not know the identity of the
undertakings selected for the sample ?

( 97 / C 186 / 245 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3958 / 96

by Elly Plooij-van Gorsel ( ELDR ) to the Commission

( 10 Januar y 1997 )

Subject : Changes in policy with regard to the admissibility and handling of complaints concerning dumping

with particular reference to the proceedings initiated by the notices in OJ C 1 1 1(96 ) pgs . 4 and 5 and
OJC 132(96 ) p. 5

1 . Why in the above cases has the Commission declared a dumping complaint admissible and started the
investigation on the basis of a complaint submitted by national producers associations ?

2 . Is it true that both the confidential and non-confidential versions of the complaint have no list of names of
Community producers supporting the complaint and is it also true that these complaints contain no proof that the
Community producers were consulted before the complaint was submitted by the national producer
associations ?

3 . Is it true that at the start of the procedure no questionnaire could be made available in Dutch ? If this is the
case, why not ?

4 . If it is true, what consequences did this have for those concerned who wanted to make use of a
questionnaire in Dutch ?

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-3956 / 96, E-3957 / 96 and E-3958 / 96

given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission

( 17 February 1997 )

The Honourable Member 's questions refer to the anti-dumping proceedings concerning imports of luggage and
travel goods, briefcases and schoolbags, and handbags originating in China, which were initiated, respectively,
on 17 April 1 996 ( 1 ), 17 April 1996 ' and on 4 May 1996 ( 2 ), following the complaints lodged by Cedim
( European committee of national federations of the leather, travel goods and allied industries ) on behalf of the
Community industry .

According to Article 5(1 ) of Council Regulation ( EC ) No . 384 / 96 ( the basic Regulation in anti-dumping
proceedings ), associations of producers may lodge a complaint . In fact, producers do not usually lodge
complaints directly, but through their associations, which submit them on their behalf . The basic Regulation also
allows for the initiation of antidumping proceedings in these instances .

The complaints leading to the initiation of the above proceedings contain the lists of the supporting national
producer associations and information on Community production . The Commission, pursuant to the provisions
of Article 5(4 ) of the basic Regulation, sought and obtained evidence prior to the initiation of the proceedings
confirming the support of these organizations on behalf of their member companies, which represented more
than 25% of total production of the like product by the Community industry, thereby meeting this requirement .
No national associations or producers expressed opposition to the lodging of the complaints .

This information, including the lists of members of the national associations ( i.e., the companies on behalf of
which the complaints have been lodged ) has been made available to all interested parties which requested it .
From the above it has to be concluded that the Commission has fulfilled the obligations contained in the basic
Regulation in this respect .

In the notices of initiation opening the cases, the Commission announced, pursuant to Article 5 ( 10 ) of the basic
Regulation, its intention to sample a certain number of Community producers in order to investigate the

No C 186 / 144 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

alleged injury suffered by the Community industry . These producers were selected from a list of companies
submitted by the national associations concerned . Parties concerned who, following the notices of initiation, had
expressed their wish to be consulted on the final selection of the sample, were given disclosure of the sampled
companies and of the methodology used for their selection .

Finally, parties participating in the investigation have been addressed questionnaires in the requested languages
( including Dutch ). Parties receiving questionnaires have been given at least 30 days to reply to them, as
envisaged in Article 6 ( 2 ) of the basic Regulation .

(') OJ C 1 1 1, 17.4.1996 .

( 2 ) OJ C 132, 4.5.1996 .

( 97 / C 186 / 246 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-3964 / 96

by Doeke Eisma ( ELDR ) to the Commission

( 13 December 1996 )

Subject : ' Joint action ' on drugs policy

At the last meeting of the Council of Internal Affairs and Justice Ministers on 29 November 1996, an agreement
was reached on joint action to combat trafficking in drugs and drug addiction in the European Union .

1 . What is the Commission 's opinion of the way in which the ' joint action ' originated ? To what extent was the
Commission involved in drawing up the text for the ' joint action '? Can the Commission state why the European
Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction was not consulted ?

2 . What is the Commission 's opinion of the final text ?

3 . How does the Commission react to the proposal to deal with drug addiction through the Council of Health
Ministers and not under the third pillar ? Does Article 1 29 not provide sufficient support for dealing with drugs
through the Council of Health Ministers ?

4 . Does the Commission consider harmonization of policy on drugs necessary or does it consider policy on
drugs as a matter better left to Member States ? Is it the case that possible harmonization is being discussed in the
IGC negotiations ?

5 . Can the Commission provide figures for the cost of combating drug-related crime in each Member State ?

Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission

( 24 January 1997 )

The Dublin European Council endorsed the joint action regarding approximation of the laws and practices of the
Member States to combat drug addiction and to prevent and combat illegal drug trafficking (') and welcomed it
as a concrete expression of a shared political will to cooperate fully in the fight against drug addiction and
endeavour to approximate Member States ' laws to make them mutually compatible to the extent necessary to
prevent and combat illegal drug trafficking .

The joint action has been adopted by the Council on the basis of Article K.3 of the Treaty on European Union .
The Commission has been fully involved, as foreseen in Article K.4, par . 2 .

The European monitoring centre for drugs and drug addiction has not been consulted because the objective of the
joint action is not strictly within the remit of competences of the monitoring centre .

The joint action makes an explicit reference to the report on harmonisation of Member States ' laws which is
based on the findings of various conferences and seminars jointly organised by the Commission, the Presidency
and the Parliament .

The joint action does not have any implication for Article 129 of the EC Treaty as it covers areas falling outside
the scope of this Article .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 145

The Commission does not have the information requested by the Honourable Member concerning the cost of
combatting drug-related crime in each Member State .

Within the Intergovernmental conference, much attention is given to the combat against drugs, with a view to
making more effective the Community action in this area .

(') OJ L 342, 31.12.1996 .

( 97 / C 186 / 247 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3968 / 96

by Konstadinos Klironomos ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Cross-border cooperation between Greece and FYROM

In reply to my written question E-2949 / 95 (') concerning the likelihood of funding for infrastructure projects and
other forms of cross-border cooperation between the Union and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,
the Commission stated that it was prepared to support peaceful cooperation between Greece and FYROM and
that it was trying to identify potential sources of funding, if possible within existing resources .

As a considerable period of time has passed since the Commission 's answer with no progress being made, will
the Commission say whether, eventually, there will be any possibility of funding for Greece through additional
resources from INTERREG to enable that country to plan a programme for cross-border cooperation with the
neighbouring Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia ?

(') OJ C 91, 27.3.1996 . p . 20 .

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 21 February 1997 )

The Commission is willing to support cross-border collaboration between Greece and the former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia . However, it was not possible to grant this collaboration additional Community funding
under the Interreg-II-A initiative .

The Commission will examine closely any application from the Greek authorities to identify possible ways of
funding this collaboration within the existing Greece-External Borders Interreg programme or by means of the
Interreg deflator .

( 97 / C 186 / 248 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3971 / 96

by Nikitas Kaklamanis ( UPE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Disaster in the Yera Gull

The Yera Gulf on the island of Lesbos has an internationally recognized and protected ecosystem . This unique
ecosystem, together with fishing and tourism in the area ( the locals ' only source of income ), is at risk of being
destroyed by a private company 's oil installations .

Unfortunately, the Greek Ministry involved has so far been unmoved by the outcry from local villages and the
cultural associations of the island of Lesbos .

1 . Is the Commission aware of this situation ?

2 . Does the destruction of the Gulfs ecosystem infringe the directives of the responsible Commission DG ?

3 . Will the Commission intercede forcefully with the Greek authorities and in what way ?

No C 186 / 146 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 14 February 1997 )

The Commission does not have any information on the situation referred to by the Honourable Member and
therefore cannot say whether or not Community environmental law has been infringed .

If the Honourable Member can send the Commission all relevant information on the case, the Commission will
contact the Greek authorities without fail to make sure that Community environmental law is being complied
with in the region .

( 97 / C 186 / 249 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3973 / 96

by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE / NGL ) to the Co mm ission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Property rights of Greeks on the island of Imbros

In his reply to my question No . P-375 / 96 (') on the protection of the property rights of Greeks on the island of
Imbros, Commissioner van den Broek stated his intention to ask the Turkish authorities for information and to
pursue the matter further .

1 . Were the Turkish authorities asked for the relevant information ; what conclusions were drawn from the
further investigation, and

2 . what measures will the Commission take to protect the property rights of the Greeks on Imbros in
accordance with Article 14 of the Treaty of Lausanne ?

(') OJ C 122, 25.4.1996, p . 39 .

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

( 17 February 1997 )

The cases described by the Honourable Member in his Written Question P-375 / 96 (') involve real property rights .
The provisions of the customs union agreement he cites ( Article 31 and Annex 8 ) concern intellectual, industrial
and commercial property . They protect intangible assets such as patents, copyrights and trademarks . They do not
cover real property .

The application of the Treaty of Lausanne 's provisions on real property is outside the Commission 's jurisdiction .

It nevertheless wrote to the Turkish authorities, on 7 May last year, about the situation described by the
Honourable Member . The Turkish authorities said they would look into the matter . The Commission has recently
repeated its request orally, but has still to receive the results of the inquiries . Any information received from the
Turkish authorities on the subject will be forwarded to the Honourable Member .

(') OJ C 122, 25.4.1996 .

( 97 / C 186 / 250 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3974 / 96

by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Closure of the vocational training centre for young deaf people at Argyroupolis

The vocational training centre for young deaf people at Argyroupolis has been providing courses since 1987 .
Although it received an award on 2 December 1996 under the Helios II programme, it closed on

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 147

28 November 1996 because all funding for Greek vocational training centres has been frozen under the social
exclusion programmes .

1 . What measures will the Commission take in cooperation with the Greek Government to enable the Centre
to continue operating ?

2 . What are the possibilities of using resources from the regional operational programme for Attica to combat
social exclusion ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 18 March 1997 )

The Commission is not in a position to reply whether the specific vocational training centre to which the
Honourable Member refers has been implementing actions under the operational programme ' Combatting
exclusion from the labour market ' in the Community support framework for Greece 1994-1999 . The relevant
information should be available at the ministry of labour which is the authority for the implementation of
European social fund ( ESF ) actions in Greece .

It should be noted that in 1995 there was no action implementation due to difficulties encountered in efforts to
establish reliable procedures for project selection and the accreditation of implementing agencies . Action
implementation was launched between May and July 1996 and part of it is being continued . Recently a law was
passed in the Greek Parliament for the creation of a national accreditation system while a transitional programme
of action for 1997, subject to a certain number of conditions and until the national accreditation system becomes
fully operational, will soon be established in collaboration with the Greek authorities .

Moreover, it is important to note that the European social fund supports specific operations as defined in Council
Regulation ( EEC ) 2084 / 94 and the operational programme in question . It does not finance the normal operating
costs of established vocational training centres in the Member States .

The 1 3 regional operational programmes for Greece, including the regional operational programme for Attica,
provide for actions to combat exclusion from the labour market with the same approach and procedures as under
the national operational programme .

( 97 / C 186 / 251 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3975 / 96

by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Aid per hectare to cotton producers

In recent years, low cotton prices, co-responsibility levies, natural disasters and the expansion of production have
placed tremendous pressure on Greek producers which has led them to stage militant protests .

Has the Greek Government submitted an application to the Commission for aid per hectare to Greek cotton
producers ? In any event, is the Commission prepared to grant aid to bring cotton producers ' incomes up to
Drs 900 000 per hectare and enable them to overcome the particularly difficult situation they are facing this year ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Com mis sion

( J ] February 1997 )

The Commission is sorry that some Greek cotton producers are encountering temporary difficulties, due in
particular to adverse weather conditions ; but it would remind the Honourable Member of the Community aid
scheme which subsidizes cotton producers on the basis of the quantity produced, thus guaranteeing them a fair
income .

No C 186 / 148 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

The Commission has received several requests from the Greek authorities concerning this scheme, including a
memorandum on the reform of the sector ; but there has been no application for aid per hectare .

However, Article 6 of Council Regulation ( EC ) No 1553 / 95 of 29 June 1995 adjusting, for the fifth time, the
system of aid for cotton introduced by Protocol 4 annexed to the Act of Accession of Greece, (') provides that,
before the start of the 1 999 / 2000 marketing year at the latest, the Commission must send the Council a report on
the operation of the system of aid for cotton . If the report shows it to be necessary, the Council, acting on a
proposal from the Commission, will decide on any adjustments to the system, account being taken of the
experience acquired in operating both this system and the system of support for arable crops .

(') OJ L 148, 30.6.1995 .

( 97 / C 186 / 252 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3976 / 96

by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Trumped-up charges against Soner Onder in Turkey

According to information from the European Evangelical Alliance, the then 17 year-old Soner Onder was
arrested on his way back from a Christmas service in 1991 and charged with carrying out a bomb attack on a
department store in Istanbul for which he was sentenced to death following the extraction of a confession under
torture in October 1994 . The sentence was commuted to life imprisonment because of his age . His case is to be
reviewed on 12.12.1996 and the European Evangelical Alliance claims that there is incontrovertible evidence of
his innocence .

In view of the fact that violations of human rights and confessions extracted by torture are common occurrences
in Turkey, is the Commission aware of this case ? How will it express its interest in this specific case and what
measures will it take to eliminate such practices which discredit any notion of justice ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

( 14 February 1997 )

The Commission is aware of the proceedings against Mr Soner Onder following the Istanbul department store
fire that killed twelve people on 25 December 1991 . The Commission will try to obtain more information on this

case .

Since the Parliament resolution of 19 September 1996 on the political situation in Turkey, the Commission has
told various Parliament bodies that it ' will give particular attention in its projects under MEDA in 1997 to the
consolidation of democracy and the strengthening of human rights and civil society .'

( 97 / C 186 / 253 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3977 / 96

by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Environmental problems caused by work at the port on the island of Leros

A significant number of the inhabitants of Leros have made strong protests ( including a petition bearing
600 signatures ) against the construction of a harbour for pleasure boats in the port of Ayia Marina as the work
will encroach on the area designated by the Archaeology Department as marking the probable site of the ancient
city of Leros only 6 metres from the waterfront and will spoil the picturesque nature of the traditional village .

Have alternative proposals been studied for a pleasure boat harbour in Leros in order to allay the justifiable
concerns of the local population ?

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 149

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 27 February 1997 )

The Commission was not aware of the proposed port works on the island of Leros .

Since this type of project is included in Annex II to Directive 85 / 337 / EEC ('), it falls to the national authorities to
examine whether the project may have an impact on the environment and, if so, to request an environmental
impact assessment . Such assessment may also provide an opportunity to put forward alternatives .

In any event, and quite aside from the application of Community law, the Commission would point out that the
archaeology department is normally required to give its formal opinion on projects located in or close to areas of
archaeological interest .

( ] ) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985 .

( 97 / C 186 / 254 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3978 / 96

by Kenneth Collins ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : BSE research

Will the Commission confirm that it is undertaking extra research into the causes of BSE, and in particular the
possible reasons for the particularly acute situation in the United Kingdom ?

If so, will the Commission inform us of the nature, content and methodology of this research ?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

( 27 February 1997 )

Since the implementation of the 3rd framework programme for research and technological development ( RTD )
( 1990-94 ), research into prion diseases and non-conventional viruses, including transmissible spongiform
encephalopathies ( TSE ), has been included in the Biomed and Biotech specific programmes . However, up to

1996 the number of research projects receiving Community funding was relatively limited, and the Community
contribution to TSE research totalled ECU 5.75 million .

As soon as it became apparent that bovine spongiform encephalopathy ( BSE ) was set to create a major public
health problem, the Commission asked a group of researchers ( headed by Professor Weissman ) to draw up a list
of priority research needs . On the basis of the Weissman report, the Commission adopted an action plan entitled

'A European initiative on TSE ' ('), which was of course sent to Parliament and contains the detailed information
requested by the Honourable Member .

To implement this action plan, which will cost ECU 50.7 million ( ECU 15.7 million of which is already
available ), the Commission amended its proposal for a financial supplement to the 4th RTD Framework
Programme to include ECU 35 million for TSE research within the three specific programmes of the ' Life
sciences and technologies ' section of the framework programme .

On 27 January 1997 the Council adopted a common position on the second adaptation of the 4th RTD Framework
Programme and included the extra ECU 35 million for research into TSE and vaccines . Parliament was informed
on 29 January 1997 so that it could begin its second reading and give its opinion on the common position .

As regards the budgetary situation for 1997, Parliament, in its comment on the ECU 100 million reserve for
possible refinancing of the 4th RTD Framework Programme, allocates only 10% — ECU 10 million — for
research into spongiform encephalopathies .

(') COM(96 ) 582 .

No C 186 / 150 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 186 / 255 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3979 / 96

by Richard Howitt ( PSE ) to the Council

(9 January 1997 )

Subject : Alleged breach of human rights by Chilean authorities

Will the Council investigate the claims made by Mr D. Victor Pey-Casado, a Spanish citizen, that the Chilean
authorities have seized his property in response to his ownership of a newspaper called the ' Clarin ' which
expressed views they did not share ?

Would the Council agree that this is a breach of human rights and should, if founded, be considered by them
when the new Framework Cooperation Agreement with Chile is being discussed ?

Will the Council send a clear message of the need to uphold human rights to the Chilean government in response
to their alleged actions ?

Answer

( 24 March 1997 )

The Council does not have any information about the case in question . The Council will consider what action, if
any, might be taken, when it has further information . In its relations with third countries, including Chile, the
Council regularly and consistently underlines the concern of the Union for respect for human rights, the rule of
law and democracy .

( 97 / C 186 / 256 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3980 / 96

by Joan Colom i Naval ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Aid to the victims of the Biescas disaster

At its meeting of 3 December 1996, Parliament 's Committee on Budgets approved Proposal No 46 / 96 ( NCE ) to
transfer ECU 700 000 in commitment and payment appropriations to line B4-3400 ' Emergency aid to disaster
victims in the Community '.

Can the Commission say what amount is intended for the victims of the Biescas disaster, as called for by
Parliament in its resolution of 19 September 1996 ( B4-0967 / 96 )?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

( 17 February 1997 )

At its weekly meeting on 10 December 1996, the Commission decided to grant, subject to the availability of
appropriations, emergency aid totalling ECU 700 000 to the victims of the floods which hit the province of
Huesca on 7 August 1996 .

On 17 December 1996 Parliament, by decision of the Committee on Budgetary Control, finally approved the
transfer of the necessary appropriations to budgetary heading B4-3400, which had been given a mere token entry
in 1996 and 1997 .

( 97 / C 186 / 257 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3981 / 96

by Carmen Die / de Rivera Icaza ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : CORINE

Could the Commission provide information on the current situation and activities of CORINE ?

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 151

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(5 February 1997 )

The initial Corine project established by Council Decision 85 / 338 / EEC (') has been completed and a range of
reports published .

The work started under this Decision now continues as part of the work programme of the European environment
agency ( as specified in Article 2 i of the Agency 's founding Regulation 1210 / 90 / EEC ( 2 )). In particular, the
Corinair project on atmospheric emissions continues as part of the work of the Agency 's European topic centre
on air emissions, which is working with national experts to provide consistent annual series of emissions
estimates from 1990 onwards . Corine ' land cover ' continues as part of the work of the European topic centre on
land cover and will provide a range of products, including an aggregated land cover database . Corine ' biotopes '
is being integrated into a broader European nature information system as part of the work of the European topic
centre on nature conservation .

The results of the Corine data collection projects have been brought together and published by the European
environment agency on a CD-Rom ' Corine natural resources ' and further information is available via the world
wide web .

In addition, the Commission 's Phare programme supports the Agency 's work programme in these three areas in
the 1 3 countries . Thus the work started by Corine continues in these three areas in about 30 European countries to
provide useful environmental information .

(') OJ L 176, 6.7.1985 .

( ; ) OJ L 120 . 1 1.5.1990 .

( 97 / C 186 / 258 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3984 / 96

by Laura González Alvarez ( GUE / NGL ), María Sornosa Martínez ( GUE / NGL )

and Abdelkader Mohamed Ali ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Phosphorons containers dumped in Rincon Marsh ( Huelva, Spain )

Over the past five years, phosphorons containers have repeatedly been dumped in ponds in Rincon Marsh . These
ponds are extending the marsh towards the River Tinto, damaging the pillars supporting a pipeline, which are
tilting, sinking and bending, causing serious environmental damage .

The local authority required the companies concerned to carry out an environmental impact study for this
installation, to include a monitoring programme to check on the dumps, but they did not comply .

Several ecological groups, concerned that the possible public health implications of this waste were unknown,
called, also unsuccessfully, for an epidemiological study to be carried out on the population of Huelva to
ascertain the effects of this pollution .

Does the Commission not consider that there is an urgent need for the Spanish authorities to carry out an
environmental impact study in the affected area, pursuant to Directive 85 / 337 / EEC (') on environmental impact
assessments, and that they should apply correctly the Community directives on waste, specifically Directive
75 / 442 / EEC ( 2 ) ( as amended by Directive 91 / 156 / EEC ( 3 ))?

(') OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p . 40 .

( : ) OJ L 194 . 25.7.1975, p . 39 .
(') OJ L 78, 26.3.1991, p . 32 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 28 February 1997 )

The Commission was not aware of the matters referred to by the Honourable Members . It will ascertain the facts
and ensure that the applicable Community environment law is fully complied with .

No C 186 / 152 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

The Commission should point out, however, that it has already instituted infringement proceedings against Spain
under Article 169 of the EC Treaty for improper application of Council Directive 76 / 464 / EEC (') of 4 May 1976
in respect of the pollution caused by certain hazardous substances discharged into the Community 's aquatic
environment in the River Tinto, Huelva .

Regarding an environmental impact assessment of the installations referred to in the question, the Commission
would point out that Council Directive 85 / 337 / EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private
projects on the environment only applies to a specific number of projects, which by definition have not yet been
carried out at the moment of assessment . From the information provided in the question, it would appear that
these installations already exist . Directive 85 / 337 / EEC is not therefore applicable to the matters raised by the
Honourable Members .

(') OJ L 129, 18.5.1976 .

( 97 / C 186 / 259 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3985 / 96

by María Sornosa Martínez ( GUE / NGL ) and Laura González Alvarez ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Plans for a toll motorway in the south-east park

Reports in the Spanish media have indicated that the Ministry of Public Works has begun to consider plans for a
motorway which would cross the protected natural area of the south-east regional park in the Madrid region . The
Ministry of Public Works has already carried out a preliminary study, a technical report to identify possible
options for the planned motorway .

The option which is considered viable proposes crossing the park in the north, the centre or the south . Each of
these three routes would harm the natural environment and endanger the survival of protected animals in the area .

This project is in direct conflict with Directive 79 / 409 / EEC (') on nesting areas for protected species of birds and
Directive 85 / 337 / EEC ( 2 ) on the assessment of the effects of certain projects on the environment ; Article 2 of
Directive 85 / 337 / EEC lays down that the Member States must take all necessary steps to ensure that projects
likely to have a serious environmental impact, as in this case, are subject to an environmental impact assessment .

In view of the above and the existence of less environmentally damaging alternatives, such as improving the
N-IV national road,

— would not the construction of a motorway along this route contravene European law ?

— what action must be taken to ensure that the directives are applied ?

— does this project come within the scope of ERDF aid ?

— in the circumstances, could the project receive this aid ?

(') OJ L 103, 25.4.1979, p . 1 .
( 2 ) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p . 40 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 28 February 1997 )

The Commission was not aware of the plans referred to . It will look into the matter and ensure that all applicable
directives are fully complied with .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 153

( 97 / C 186 / 260 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3986 / 96

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Future of the FIFG in the fish canning industry in Galicia ( Spain )

The distortions which are affecting the European fish and seafood canning sector, particularly in Galicia, an
Objective 1 region, and which are basically the result of bilateral agreements with third countries, are a serious
threat to its continued existence .

Is the Commission aware of this situation ?

What steps does it intend to take to guarantee that the fish canning industries and employment in Galicia will not
suffer irreversible damage and that everything possible will be done to halt their decline ?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

( 13 February 1997 )

The Commission does not share the Honourable Member 's view of the effects on the canning industry of the
dismantling of tariffs under bilateral agreements with third countries . This dismantling of tariffs is not likely to
affect competitiveness between imports and Community products given their effect on retail prices, which
cannot alter the conditions of competition .

A reprogramming initiative under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance ( FIFG ) for the grant to the
processing industry of a larger allocation than was originally envisaged has been taken by the Spanish authorities
and is being examined by the Commission .

The Commission 's answer, lastly, to the Honourable Member 's Written Question E-3226 / 96 ('), concerning
concessions for fisheries under the Agreement with Morocco, on the Commission 's undertaking to support the
organization of a campaign in Europe to promote the consumption of fishery products, continues to apply .

(') See page 51 .

( 97 / C 186 / 261 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3987 / 96

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Adjustment of the fish canning sector

1 . In what form have the various Member States incorporated into their national laws the Community rules on
bringing industries into line with Directive 91 / 493 / EEC (')• To what extent do industries comply with this
Directive, and how is compliance monitored ?

2 . How many canning undertakings had been licensed by each of the EU Member States as of 31 December
1995 ?

3 . How many semi-preserving undertakings had been licensed by each of the EU Member States as of
31 December 1995 ?

4 . How much economic aid in the years 1 996 — 1 999 is to be given from the FIFG funds to each Member State
for the fish processing, semi-preserving and canning industry ?

( j ) OJ L 268, 24.9.1991, p . 15 .

No C 186 / 154 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 19 February 1997 )

1 . In each of the 12 Member States visited so far since the end of 1995 ( Austria, Luxembourg and Portugal
will be visited before June 1997 ), Council Directive 91 / 493 / EEC has been transposed into national law .

The compliance of establishments with Community rules is checked by each national authority, and the
Commission has been informed that establishments either already conform, or are nearing completion of work to
bring them into line with Community standards .

2 . & 3 . The Commission is not in a position to know the number of establishments preparing preserved or
semi-preserved products . The total number of establishments in the Community is approximately 14 000 .

4 . According to the various programming documents, aid from the Financial Instrument for Fisheries
Guidance for the 1994-99 programming period ( 1995-99 in the case of the new Member States ) is allocated as
follows ( in million ECU ):

Belgium 5.9
Denmark 30.1

Germany 67.8
Greece 42.2

Spain 222.9
France 57.7

Ireland 12.0

Italy 69.1
Luxembourg 0.3
Netherlands 14.8

Austria 0.9

Portugal 31.2
Finland 7.6

Sweden 9.0

United Kingdom 30.2

There is no separate programming, and therefore no special allocation, for the preserved and semi-preserved fish
industry . Nor is there a specific sub-total for the years 1996-97 .

( 97 / C 186 / 262 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3988 / 96

by Raimo Ilaskivi ( PPE ), Marjo Matikainen              - Kallstrom ( PPE ),

Jyrki Otila ( PPE ) and Kirsi Piha ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Measures taken by the Russian authorities against Finnish trucks

For a long time, the Russian customs and border control authorities have imposed arbitrary and unpredictable
levies on Finnish trucks, delayed customs clearance and disregarded TIR regulations, which has caused constant
criticism in Finland .

When the Russian Minister of Transport was visiting Finland at the end of November and beginning of
December, he refused to go on a pre-arranged helicopter flight which had been intended to enable him to
familiarize himself with the situation at the border, thereby displaying an arrogant attitude .

As such problems apparently do not occur, at least on such a wide scale, at Russia 's other borders, what measures
will the Commission take to get all its Member States to demand lawful and non-discriminatory treatment of road
hauliers ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

( 25 February 1997 )

The Commission is fully aware of the increasing problems cited by the Honourable Member . The current
conditions at some border crossings between Finland and Russia and in particular the long waiting times caused
by complicated customs clearance procedures create major problems .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 155

As these problems are not limited to Finnish drivers but are beginning to affect transport relations between
Russia and the Community significantly, the Commission has taken several opportunities to raise these issues at
a high level with Russian counterparts . Given the provisions on border crossings and customs co-operation in the
memorandum of understanding on the development of Crete corridor No . IX (a multimodal transport corridor
linking Helsinki with St. Petersburg and Moscow and further south ) signed by all the parties concerned and the
Commission, strong concern was expressed by both the Commission and the Member States about existing and
possible new impediments to trade at the borders and the treatment of drivers .

The Russian authorities have recognized the problem and indicated their intention to take up the matter and, as a
first step, to organise high level meetings of the ministry of transport with the federal border control services and
the state customs committee in order to improve cooperation between the various services at the road border
crossings .

The importance attached by the Community to improve the situation at the borders is also reflected in the new
Tacis programme for cross-border co-operation . One of the objectives is to improve the speed of clearance of
traffic at the border between Finland and Russia . A considerable part of the 30 MECU budget for 1996 had been
attributed to small-scale infrastructure projects mainly at the border between Finland and Russia .

Under a separate Tacis customs programme the Commission co-operates closely with the Russian customs
authorities on general improvements in this field, assisting them in the improvement of their legislation and
organisation and in the establishment of an effective training system .

( 97 / C 186 / 263 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3989 / 96

by Heidi Hautala ( V ) to the Commission

( 14 January J 997 )

Subject : Use of EU regional aid to support a tourism enterprise in Finnish Lapland

At Pyhatunturi Fell in Pelkosenniemi, Finnish Lapland, a project has been launched, with EU regional funding, to
expand a tourism enterprise, which involves clearing eight ski-slopes and building four ski-lifts in a former
national park area . In addition, car parks, service areas and holiday homes are to be built on land adjoining the
present national park . The slopes of the fell are clad with primeval pine forest almost all the way up to the crest .

Such projects are liable to damage the Union 's reputation in the eyes of its citizens .

Is the Commission aware that EU regional funding is being used to support such projects ? In the Commission 's
opinion, do the regulations governing the Structural and Regional Funds lay down sufficiently clear
environmental criteria for projects ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 28 February 1997 )

Funds from the European regional development fund ( ERDF ) are distributed through regional programmes
which give guidelines and conditions for the use of the funding . In approving a given regional development
programme within an eligible region, in this case the Finnish objective 6 region, the Commission agrees the
budgetary allocations for particular development priorities . In addition, it lays down particular implementation
conditions, including specific eligibility criteria, which are designed to ensure that individual projects approved
under the programme meet the aims and objectives of the programme, are within a particular priority set out in
the programme and are sound from an economic and environmental point of view . Individual projects are not
normally subject to specific evaluation in the Commission at that stage .

Community funding is subject to compliance with Community environmental law . If there is a breach of
Community law, then the Commission reserves its right to defer, suspend or refuse to support such a project and
may seek repayment of any funds paid under Article 24 of Regulation ( EEC ) No 4253 / 88 as amended (').

No C 186 / 156 | EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

The information given by the Honourable Member does not indicate that Community law on nature conservation
has been breached in connection with the project . However, if it is shown to the Commission that the rules in the
habitats Directive ( 92 / 43 / EEC ( 2 )) have not been met, the Commission will exercise its powers under Regulation
( EEC ) No 4253 / 88 .

(') OJ L 193 . 31.7.1993 .

( : ) OJ L 206 . 22.7.1992 .

( 97 / C 186 / 264 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3990 / 96

by Doris Pack ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : European voluntary service for young people

Given that the lack of a European legal status for youth volunteers is hindering implementation of this initiative,
can the Commission state :

1 . what barriers stand in the way of the free movement of young people ( legal and administrative problems ),
and what practical solutions to such problems it has to offer young people ?

2 . what type of legal and legislative framework it intends to put forward with a view to ensuring that European
voluntary service for young people develops in an optimal and appropriate manner ?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

( 19 February 1997 )

The Commission agrees on the need to facilitate the free movement of young people participating in European
voluntary service .

It is true that transnational voluntary service activities of the kind supported through European voluntary service
raise a number of questions relating to right of residence, social security and taxation . The Commission
highlighted these issues in its working document ' Towards a European voluntary service for young people ' (')
which marked the launch of the pilot action in January 1996 . The potential obstacles to free movement faced by
volunteers have also been dealt with in the Commission 's green paper ' Education-training-research : obstacles to
transnational mobility ' ( 2 ).

The main responsibility for overcoming potential obstacles to the free movement of volunteers lies with the
Member States . The need to take appropriate action at national level in order to facilitate the granting of right of
residence and adequate social protection to volunteers was recognised in the conclusions approved by the
Council on 30 November 1994 C ).

Following the launch of the pilot action, the Commission held a series of bilateral meetings with each Member
State . The main aim of these meetings was to gain a clear picture of the relevant provisions currently in force in
each Member State and to determine which administrative measures could be taken at national level in order to

facilitate the situation for young people participating in the pilot action .

The Commission approved on 4 December 1996 a communication and a proposal for a decision of the Parliament
and the Council with a view to establishing a multiannual programme of European voluntary service for young
people ( 4 ). The Commission has proposed that Member States confirm, in the framework of a Council resolution,
their detailed commitment to take the necessary steps to facilitate the free movement of participants in European
voluntary service . Moreover, the draft decision proposed by the Commission includes a legal commitment on
this question :

' Member States shall endeavour to adopt the measures necessary to ensure that the young people participating in
the programme do not encounter obstacles, especially as regards the right of residence in the host Member State
for the period of voluntary service and the maintenance of their entitlements, in particular those linked to their
social protection .'

C ) SEC(95 ) 2268 .
( : ) COM(96 ) 462 .
O OJ C 348, 9.12.1994 .
( 4 ) COM(96 ) 610 final .

18.6 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 157

( 97 / C 186 / 265 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3991 / 96

by Miguel Arias Canete ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Member States ' legislation with regard to application of the Common Fisheries Policy

Regulation ( EEC ) 2847 / 93 (') lays down that the Member States should adopt appropriate measures to prevent
violations of the CFP and then inform the Commission . But the Court of Auditors in its Annual Report for

1995 ( 2 ) noted that the Commission did not have up-to-date versions of the relevant legislation of all the Member
States .

Which Member States have not fulfilled this obligation, and what steps does the Commission intend to take to
obtain the documents in question ?

C ) OJ L 261, 20.10.1993, p . 1 .
<-) OJ C 340, 12.11.1996 . p . I.

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

( 12 February 1997 )

Article 34(1 ) of Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 2847 / 93 of 12 October 1993 establishing a control system
applicable to the common fisheries policy requires Member States to notify the Commission of any laws,
regulations or administrative provisions adopted by them in order to prevent and prosecute irregularities . Such
measures either refer to a general framework law or lay down in their final provisions specific penalties intended
to prevent infringements of the other provisions laid down in the text . As stated in the Commission 's reply (') to
the Court of Auditors ' report in question, when the Commission finds that a national fisheries measure neither
refers to a framework law, nor lays down specific penalties, it takes steps to ensure that the Member State in
question supplements the notified text accordingly . Such steps can stretch to the opening of the procedure
referred to in Article 169 of the EC treaty with regard to the Member State concerned .

Moreover, in order to obtain a better overview of the national legal systems in the fisheries sector, the
Commission ordered a study which revealed the heterogeneity of the national procedures . The results of the
study have been sent to the Member States . The Commission will continue this work, particularly by studying the
legislation in force in the Member States not covered by the original study ( Greece, Italy, Sweden and Finland ).
In addition, the penalties that Member States apply in the event of infringement of fisheries legislation was dealt
with in the annual report on monitoring the common fisheries policy ( 2 ) ( for fishing activities in 1994 ). The report
revealed, in particular, a delay in the implementation of procedures for legal cooperation between Member
States .

(') OJ C 340, 12.12.1996 .

( : ) COM(96 ) 100 .

( 97 / C 186 / 266 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3992 / 96

by Miguel Arias Canete ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Reductions in ESF payments in Spain

The Court of Auditors in its Annual Report for 1995 (') noted that in February 1996 the Commission froze ESF
payments to Spain, worth ECU 543.7 m, which concerned only the National Employment Institute and the
Further Education Foundation . The Commission replied to the Court of Auditors that it was preparing a decision
on reducing payment .

Can the Commission say what reduction it plans to make ?

(') OJ C 340, 12.11.1996, p . 1 .

No C 186 / 158 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 10 March 1997 )

Following problems identified in the report on the audit mission carried out at the National Employment Institute
( INEM ) on 26 and 27 October 1993 concerning the increase in direct and indirect costs charged by Inem in the

1992 balances, the Commission, in accordance with the provisions of Article 24 of the Coordination Regulation
( EEC Regulation No 4255 / 88, as amended (')), proceeded to block payments of the balances of the four
programmes audited .

The technical discussions between the Commission and the Member State led to a satisfactory solution to the
problems identified in the report . On the basis of the explanations supplied by the Spanish authorities concerning
the increase in the indirect costs, the Commission on 30 November 1996 accepted Inem 's proposal to reduce the
initial 1992 balance by 4 644 516 361 pesetas .

However, in contrast to what is claimed in the Court of Auditors ' report, the Commission has not blocked
payment of the balances for the two operational programmes managed by the Continuing Training Foundation
( FORCEM ).

(') OJ L 193, 31.7.1993 .

( 97 / C 186 / 267 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3993 / 96

by Miguel Arias Canete ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Canadian Draft Law No . C-62 on fisheries : the ' Fisheries Act '

On 3 October 1996 the Canadian Minister for Fisheries and Oceans submitted to the House of Commons the draft

of a new law on fisheries . The draft extends Canadian jurisdiction beyond its economic exclusion zone and
shows that Canada intends unilaterally to assume the task of regulating NAFO waters, to the detriment of the
powers and duties of that organization .

Similarly, Canada claims that its laws apply to its ships and citizens wherever they carry out their activities .

Is the Commission aware that many elements of this draft law infringe international law, and that it does not take
into account the unanimous opposition of the EU to the extraterritoriality of Canadian fisheries laws ?

What position does the Commission plan to adopt on this matter ?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

(5 February 1997 )

The Commission is aware that a draft fisheries law Jias been introduced in the Canadian House of Commons .

The draft consolidates, among other things, the 1994 Canadian Law on the protection of coastal fisheries . The
Community protested to Canada when this law was adopted . It still believes that parts of the law run counter to
international law in spirit and content, even though they do not currently apply to Community vessels .

The draft Canadian law on fisheries is being studied to assess its overall compatibility with international law .

Once this assessment has been concluded, the Council and the Commission will decide, if necessary, how and
when the Community should best react to the Canadian authorities .

18 . 6 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 159

( 97 / C 186 / 268 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3994 / 96

by Miguel Arias Canete ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Operation of the CMO in flax and hemp

In its replies to the observations by the Court of Auditors in its Annual Report for 1995 ('), the Commission states
that its inspection visits to four Member States growing flax and hemp revealed very serious failures to operate
the CMO properly and substantial risks of non-compliance with requirements of expenditure financed by the
EAGGF .

Can the Commission say which are the countries in question, and what kind of failures are referred to ?

(') OJ C 340, 12.11.1996, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 11 February 1997 )

In total, inspections under the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund clearance of accounts
procedure were conducted in respect of the 1994 and 1995 financial years in five Member States growing flax
and hemp, namely Belgium ( visited in October 1996 ), Spain, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom .

The failings observed differ according to the Member State, with each displaying one or more of the following :

— lack of coordination between national authorities responsible for administering, checking and paying aid ;

— non-regulation levy covering part of production aid for fibre flax ;

— marketing of certified fibre-flax seed with germinating power lower than stipulated minimum ;

— application of unsuitable cultivation methods, with the result that straw collected cannot be used for
processing ;

— large-scale use of flax varieties not contemplated by regulations ;

— harvesting of hemp before formation of seed ;

— insufficient scope of documentary and on-the-spot checks of areas declared by producers ;

— lack of on-the-spot checks of aid applications ;

— lack of checks on imported hemp seed ;

— specified penalties not applied in cases of observed irregularities .

( 97 / C 186 / 269 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3995 / 96

by Miguel Arias Canete ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Changes to the rules on the CMO in flax and hemp

In its replies to the observations on the CMO in flax and hemp made by the Court of Auditors in its Annual
Report for 1995 ('), the Commission states that it will propose financial corrections in the accounts clearance and
proposals for changing the current rules .

Can the Commission say what these corrections will be, and what is the general thrust of its proposed changes ?

(') OJ C 340 . 12.11.1996, p . 1 .

No c 186 / 160 ΓΕΝ Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 11 February 1997 )

Controls carried out in connection with the clearance of accounts under the European Agricultural Guidance and
Guarantee Fund ( Guarantee Section ) have found that the national management and inspection systems in several
Member States are not adequate for protecting Community funds against risks of misapplication, irregularities
and fraud . The clearance exercises to which these controls relate have not yet been completed and possible
corrections to the expenditure declared by some Member States must still be decided on .

The Commission has sent the Council two draft amendments to the regulatory requirements ( the current farm
prices package (') and amendments to Regulation ( EEC ) No 1308 / 70 ( 2 )). The general lines of these changes are :

— aid payment to be reduced where, because of the methods of cultivation and harvesting used, the fibre
obtained has not been marketable in the textiles sector,

— introduction of a maximum guaranteed area system, with a reduction in aid proportional to any overshoot of
this area ;

— introduction of mandatory contracts between producers and manufacturers approved by the Member State
and a requirement that the fibre produced must be processed ;

— checks on areas declared using data gathered under the Integrated Administration and Control System
( IACS );

— introduction of criteria defining what normal cultivation shall consist of, and in particular setting a minimum
yield that must be complied with .

(') COM(96 ) 44 final .

( : ) COM(96 ) 629 final .

( 97 / C 186 / 270 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3996 / 96

by Miguel Anas Canete ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Abuse of the aid system tor cotton

In its Annual Report for 1995 (') the Court of Auditors reveals various ways in which the aid system for cotton
has been abused, particularly in Greece, which has resulted in aid being paid unduly . The Court recommends that
the Commission take action against those responsible for this widespread abuse, in order to recover these

payments .

What steps does the Commission intend to take to monitor this aid and ensure that only justified payments are
made ?

(') OJ C 340, 12.11.1996, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

Controls in Greece have been stepped up progressively over the last few years, particularly since the
Commission took part in a joint working party ( Greece-Commission ) in 1994 and 1995 .

In this connection the Commission has monitored the implementation of additional controls increasingly targeted
at the players concerned ( ginning undertakings, producers and intermediaries ) and of new checks introduced .
Among the most important of these are checks of stocks of unginned cotton held by producers, of the final
destination or use of bales of ginned cotton and of total parcels under cotton in certain municipalities, the
crosschecking of parcels declared under the cotton aid scheme and the integrated system for arable crops, the
stepping-up of additional unannounced checks, the introduction of uniform accounting systems for ginning
undertakings, more stringent checks on deliveries of unginned cotton, verification of observance of contracts
between producers and ginning undertakings, stricter administration when rates of aid to be applied are
calculated, checks of documents to accompany declarations of areas and aid applications, and verification of
abnormal yields .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 161

Applied together, the above controls have brought about a distinct improvement in the situation over 1992, and in
particular in the effectiveness of prevention and detection of irregularities by the national authorities . The
Commission continues to keep this sector under constant surveillance .

( 97 / C 186 / 271 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3997 / 96

by Miguel Arias Canete ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Registers and monitoring of land cultivated tor rice

Both the Council and Parliament have pointed out on various occasions the need to introduce a land register of
areas cultivated for rice, in order to improve the existing monitoring systems and permit sound financial
management of Community appropriations .

In its Annual Report for 1995 (') the Court of Auditors reminds the Commission of this request and recommends
that the Commission take the necessary steps to improve the control system .

Could the Commission explain what progress it has made in creating this register, and what action it intends to
take in response to the Court of Auditors ?

(') OJ C 340 . 12.11.1996 . p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler for the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

As a result of the reform of the common organisation of the market in rice a maximum guaranteed area was
established for each producer Member State by Regulation ( EC ) No 3072 / 95 on the common organisation of the
market in rice ('), and from the 1997 / 98 marketing year such areas, which are the basis for the compensatory
payment provided to offset the reduction in the intervention price, will be included in the integrated control
system established by Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 3508 / 92 establishing an integrated administration and
control system for certain Community aid schemes ( 2 ) and Commission Regulation ( EEC ) No 3887 / 92 ( 3 ).

( ') OJ L 329, 30.12.1995 .
C -) OJ L 355, 5.12.1992 .

( <) OJ L 391, 31.12.1992 .

( 97 / C 186 / 272 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3998 / 96

by Miguel Arias Canete ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Changes to the EU agrimonetary system

The Court of Auditors in its Annual Report for 1995 (') points out that pre     - 1995 reforms to the agrimonetary
system, which were initially intended to reduce expenditure under the EAGGF Guarantee Fund, were ineffective .

Does the Commission intend to take any action to improve the efficiency of the system ?

(') OJ C 340, 12.11.1996, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

The Court of Auditors points out ( point 2.20 ) that the reduction to a minimum of the costs of the Guarantee
Section of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund is one of the four non-prioritized

No C 186 / 162 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

objectives pursued in the agri-monetary system . An assessment of the system on the basis of this criterion can be
made only in the light of what has been achieved in regard to the other three criteria, and the Commission restates
in its response to point 2.32 that the importance attributed to the various objectives is of course subjective and
political .

Moreover, the Court of Auditors ' conclusion is not as clear-cut as the Honourable Member 's .

In the meantime, the Commission has produced a report for the Council and Parliament on the agri-monetary
system for the single market (')■ The Commission 's findings on the basis of an analysis of the present
arrangements and future prospects are that the current agri-monetary arrangements should continue to operate
along the same lines pending their revision with a view to the third stage of economic and monetary union on

1 January 1999 .

(') Doc . COM(96 ) 636 final .

( 97 / C 186 / 273 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3999 / 96

by Miguel Arias Canete ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Differences in support levels in the Member States as a result of freezing agricultural interest rates

The Court of Auditors says in its Annual Report on the financial year 1995 (') that the freezing of agricultural
conversion rates for direct payment has resulted in different levels of support in different Member States,
undermining the principle of common support levels . This means that the MacSharry premiums are being paid
by applying different conversion rates in the various Member States .

Is the Commission aware of the discriminatory situation that this is causing ?

What measures would it be prepared to take to deal with it ?

(') OJ C 340, 12.11.1996, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 12 February 1997 )

The Commission is quite aware of the aid level differences in national currencies which result from the
agri-monetary system and from the freeze on the rates applying to some of them . The objective in Article 39 of
the EC Treaty to protect farm incomes and the need to take account of financial constraints justify this situation .

The Court of Auditors does not conclude however that the differences result in discrimination . Indeed, such a
conclusion cannot be reached in haste or without considering other economic criteria, such as price trends for
example .

No risks of difficulties in the short or medium term could be identified in the agri-monetary report (') already
mentioned in the reply to the Honourable Member 's written question E-3998 / 96 ( 2 ). On the other hand, the
Commission does state in the report that, were the freeze on the agricultural conversion rates to be maintained,
long-term structural differences could result . The freeze on the agricultural conversion rates expires on 1 January

1999, however .

Thus, as the above report concludes, the agri-monetary regime as currently operated should be maintained until
its revision with a view to the third stage of Economic and Monetary Union on 1 January 1999 .

(') COM(96 ) 636 final .

( 2 ) See page 161 .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 163

( 97 / C 186 / 274 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4001 / 96

by Miguel Arias Canete ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Situation of the Italian olive oil register

Can the Commission say what is the present position with regard to updating of the Italian olive oil register ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 31 January 1997 )

The Italian register of olive cultivation is being updated in two phases . In March 1997, the Italian authorities will
complete validation, on the basis of aerial photographs taken up to 1995, of around 175 000 parcels for which the
figures are in dispute and for which the producers ( around 70 000 ) have requested a joint on-site inspection . The
updating plan for the period 1996-98 provides for updating the figures for 1 200 000 parcels . In 1996,
380 000 parcels were covered in the Regions of Calabria, Sicily and Apulia, plus 225 000 parcels in other regions
in which the Italian authorities intend to update the register because of discrepancies, new cultivation
declarations or amendments .

The Commission is closely monitoring both the technical aspects of the updating process and the quality of the
procedures being used to check the register 's accuracy .

( 97 / C 186 / 275 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4002 / 96

by Miguel Anas Canete ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Olive oil production aid control scheme in Greece

Following the audit of the 1992 settlement of accounts, the Commission proposed requiring Greece to make a
financial correction equivalent to 10% of the declared expenditure on olive oil in 1992, totalling GRD 5 252 .

Can the Commission say what was the correction finally adopted in this regard ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(4 February 1997 )

On 20 November 1996, the Commission adopted Decison 96 / 701 / EC amending Decision 96 / 31 1 / EC on the
clearance of accounts presented by the Member States in respect of the expenditure for 1992 of the Guarantee
Section of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund ( EAGGF ) and in respect of certain
expenditure for 1993 ('), in which a correction of DMA 5 251 911 509 ( i.e. a deduction of 10% of the total
declared for olive oil production aid ) was applied to Greece for the 1992 clearance of accounts .

(') OJ L 323 . 13.12.1996 .

( 97 / C 186 / 276 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4004 / 96

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Development of the River Danube

1 . Does the Commission know whether the Council of Ministers has approved the Convention on the
Protection and Sustainable Use of the Danube, and if not, why ?

No C 186 / 164 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 8 . 6 . 97

2 . If the Convention on the Protection of the Danube has been approved already, is the Commission aware that
the planned development of the Danube involving the construction of dams between Straubing and Vilshofen
runs counter to the international commitments entered into by the Federal Government and the Free State of
Bavaria in the Danube action plan and the Convention on the Protection of the Danube ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 77 February 1997 )

The proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Community, of the Convention on
cooperation for the protection and sustainable use of the Danube ('), on which the Parliament and the Economic
and social committee have given a favourable opinion, will be on the agenda of a forthcoming Council meeting .
As this Convention has not entered into force, there can, obviously, be no contravention of it .

(') COM(96 ) 269 .

( 91IC 1 86 / 277 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4005 / 96

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Development of the River Danube

1 . What pressure does the Commission intend to bring to bear upon the Federal Republic of Germany and the
Free State of Bavaria to immediately classify the Danube between Straubing and Vilshofen — including the
confluence with the Isar — as a protected area within the meaning of the EU directive on the conservation of wild
birds and the directive on natural habitats and fauna and flora ?

2 . Has the Commission sought more detailed information from the German Government on the planned
projects — which involve the construction of damming stages at Waltendorf and Osterhofen — and their possible
implications for the protected areas of the Danube ?

3 . Have deadlines been set for the Federal Republic and the Free State of Bavaria ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 12 February 1997 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to her Written Question P-235 1 / 96 (') where
it stated that it has opened infringement proceedings against Germany for failing to properly designate special
protection areas including those in Bavaria in accordance with Article 4 of Directive 79 / 409 / EEC on the
conservation of wild birds ( 2 ). The specific areas ' Donau-Tal : Regensburg — Vilshofen ' and TsartaF : Gottfried
         - Pattling einschlieBlich Isar-Miindungsgebiet ' are subject to a complaint . At the end of 1996 the Commission
invited the German authorities to take a detailed position on this specific case . The Commission pursues both the
infringement and the complaint procedure actively .

(') OJ C 385, 19.12.1996 .

( : ) OJ L 103, 25.4.1979 .

( 97 / C 186 / 278 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4006 / 96

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Development of the River Danube

Directorate-General XI is represented on a task force and the Programme Coordination Unit ( PCU ) of the
international Environmental Programme for the Danube River Basin .

1 . Are the task force, the Commission and / or the PCU integrated into the International Commission for the
Protection of the Danube River ( Annex IV to the Convention on the Protection of the Danube )?

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 86 / 65

2 . What are the exact terms of the relationship of the international Working Group and the EU Commission to
the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River ?

Answer given by Mrs Bierregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 17 February 1997 )

The Commission is involved in the two principal international activities in the Danube area . The environmental
programme for the Danube river basin ( EPDRB ), financed by Phare and other donors, aims to improve and
maintain the environmental quality in the Danube river basin . To ensure coordination and streamlining of the
efforts between the donors, international financing institutions and the Danubian countries, a task force chaired
by the Commission and a project coordinating unit were set up in 1991 as steering and implementation bodies,
respectively .

In addition, the Commission is a contracting party to the Convention on cooperation for the protection and
sustainable use of the Danube river ( Danube river protection convention — DRPC ). The main organisational
body of the DRPC is the international commission for the protection of the Danube river .

The Commission aim regarding the Danubian countries has been to secure close cooperation in environmental
activities . This was also reflected in a ministerial declaration by the ministers of the Danubian countries from
June 1994 . Since then, the attempts to intensify the collaboration developed even further, culminating in the idea
of integrating the task force ( including its project coordination unit ) of the EPDR-B into the work of the
International Commission for the protection of the Danube river . The details of this new structure still have to be
negotiated .

( 97 / C 186 / 279 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4009 / 96

by Hilde Hawlicek ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Cultural cooperation with Central and Eastern European countries and with the Council of Europe

The Vienna Declaration of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe of October 1993
recommended better coordination of the activities of the Council of Europe with those of other organizations
involved in the building of a democratic and secure Europe . The aim was to ensure complementarity and better
use of resources .

This declaration welcomes ' the cooperation established — in the first instance, on the basis of the 1987
Arrangement — with the European Community, particularly the development of joint projects notably in favour
of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe ', and suggests that ' such a partnership in increasingly varied fields
of activity reflects the specific and open-ended institutional relationship existing between the two institutions .'

The following questions arise :

1 . What cultural projects involving CEECs preceded this declaration, and what became of them ?

2 . By means of what cultural projects has the Commission attempted to pursue this course, and what are its
aims for future cultural projects involving CEECs ?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

( 27 February 1997 )

On the basis of Article 128 of the EC Treaty and in the spirit of the Vienna declaration of heads of state and
government of the Council of Europe of October 1993, the Commission and the Council of Europe are jointly
supporting initiatives in the field of cultural heritage . The European heritage days and the European foundation
for further training in heritage skills both involve participation from central and eastern European countries .

No C 186 / 166 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Furthermore, in the framework of its pilot actions in favour of the preservation of European cultural heritage, the
Commission has, since 1992, supported projects for the restoration of monuments and sites in central and eastern
European countries associated with the Community .

As to the future, it is foreseen that this cooperation will continue so that countries of central and eastern Europe
will benefit both through participation in Community actions in the field of heritage and through initiatives that
could be undertaken jointly by the Commission and the Council of Europe, such as the inauguration of the
European heritage days for 1997 in Sarajevo .

( 97 / C 186 / 280 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4010 / 96

by Hilde Hawhcek ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : The Commission 's reaction to Sir Russel Johnston 's report on cultural cooperatipn between the Council

of Europe and the EU

As a former Council of Europe rapporteur on European cultural cooperation and a present member of the
European Parliament 's Committee on Cultural Affairs, I was invited to attend a meeting of the Council of
Europe 's Committee on Culture iin Thessaloniki at which, on 27 May 1996, the report by Sir Russel Johnson on
European cultural cooperation and the European Union was adopted .

Is the Commission aware of this report ?

Does the Commission have an opinion — and suggestions — with regard to cooperation with the Council of
Europe ?

Do concrete projects for cooperation already exist ?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

( 26 February 1997 )

The Commission is aware of the report mentioned by the Honourable Member . This report and notably its
cultural cooperation proposal is in accordance with Article 128 of the EC Treaty, which also encourages cultural
cooperation between the Community and the Council of Europe . In this context, the Commission welcomes the
report on further cooperation, based on mutual recognition of each institution 's specific character in legal and

competence terms .

As to existing cooperation, the Commission would like to cite the support that both institutions provide for the
European heritage days initiative and for the European foundation for further training in the heritage skills, and
the successful results obtained through these two concrete cooperation projects in the last few years .

( 97 / C 1 86 / 28 1 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-4015 / 96

by Mark Watts ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 18 December 1996 )

Subject : Export of live cattle from the EU to the Middle East

As the Commission will be aware, a new film shown on German television in October 1996 has highlighted the
extreme cruelty involved in the export of live cattle from the EU to the Middle East . The film shows cattle being
transported by road from Germany via Austria to Trieste . There the animals are loaded onto a ship for the sea
journey to Lebanon .

In Trieste we see the loading of an injured cow which cannot walk . A rope is tied round one front leg and the
animal is then winched up by a crane, swung through the air and lowered on to the ship . The unloading in Beirut
of animals who are injured or too weak to walk is horrific . A rope is fastened to one or both front legs and a crane
then hoists the animal from the ship and swings it across to a waiting truck .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 167

The film also shows the cruelty meted out during the unloading of injured animals at the Lebanese
slaughterhouse . One cow that cannot get up is kicked and hit with a stick ; when this fails, a worker pokes his
finger with great vigour into the animal 's eye and then tries to drag it by its horns .

The worst thing is that this appalling trade is subsidised by the EU taxpayer . Generous subsidies are paid to
dealers who export cattle to non-EU countries . According to the German programme, around £235 1 23 000 was
paid to exporters in subsidies in 1995 . Each animal attracts a subsidy of around £450 257 338 cattle were
exported from Germany in 1995 . What action is the Commission taking in light of the above ?

Does the Commission not think that it is wrong for EU taxpayers to subsidise such cruelty ? Would it not be better
if subsidies were only available for meat exports, not live exports ? How is the Commission proposing to develop
policies which would help to shift the trade from live exports to meat exports ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 20 January 1997 )

The Commission is aware of the television film mentioned by the Honourable Member concerning the transport
of bovine animals from Germany via Trieste to the Lebanon, and deplores the scenes of cruelty to animals which
it reveals .

The Commission has become increasingly concerned about the welfare situation of animals traded between the
Community and third countries . Although the Community has adopted various measures to protect transported
animals both within its territory and also where part of the journey involves the territory of third countries,
problems of inadequate enforcement by the authorities and inadequate respect of the rules by commercial
operators cannot be denied .

Particular difficulties are involved in trade with third countries as, of course, Community directives cannot
directly apply within those countries . Directive 91 / 628 / EEC, as amended by Directive 95 / 29 / EC (') however,
contains provisions designed to ensure the respect of adequate welfare conditions by transport operators
transporting animals from the Community territory to third countries . In particular the authorities of the
exporting Member State must ensure that no animal is transported unless suitable provisions have been made for
its care during the journey and on arrival at the place of destination . Under these provisions the authorities of a
Member State should normally be able to ensure that the operator carrying out the export is obliged to respect the
provisions of the Directive throughout the journey and carries out the transport in lorries and vessels which are
adequate for the purpose .

In view of recent complaints the Commission intends to intervene further with the Italian and German authorities
about this matter .

In order to increase the degree of protection for animals transported to third countries, the Commission is at
present examining the possibility of withdrawing export refunds from exporters where it is shown that they have
not respected the rules on the welfare of animals during transport . The Commission can inform the Honourable
Member that considerable progress has been made on this matter and that it hopes to be in a position to put
forward a proposal within the near future .

(') OJ L 148, 30.6.1995 .

( 97 / C 186 / 282 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4017 / 96

by Marianne Thyssen ( PPE ) to the Council

(9 January 1997 )

Subject : Amendment of the VAT rate for ornamental plants

On 25 June 1996, the Council of Ministers adopted Council Directive 96 / 42 / EC (') amending Directive
77 / 388 / EEC ( 2 ) on the common system of value added tax, thereby giving Member States the option of applying
a reduced rate of VAT to supplies of live plants and other products from the floricultural sector .

No C 186 / 168 EN Official Journal ot the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

the reduced VAT rate is applied where the simple supply of flowers and plants is subject to a reduced VAT rate,
while the supply of flowers and plants as part of the provision of services, specifically in the case of garden
construction, not regarded as a commercial activity separate from the provision of services, is therefore subject to
the standard VAT rate .

1 . Does not the Council feel that this gives rise to a situation where the providers of a service that involves the
supply of plants and flowers are at a competitive disadvantage compared with those who simply supply plants
and flowers ?

2 . Does not the Council feel that this rule will encourage the black economy or at least discourage consumers
from calling in professional service providers ?

3 . Would it not be appropriate to make the supply of products subject to its own VAT rate when it is part and
parcel of the provision of services ?

(') OJ L 170 . 9.7.1996, p . 34 .

( : ) OJ L 145, 13.6.1977, p . 1 .

Answer

( 24 March 1997 )

The Honourable Member s question relates to the application of Community secondary legislation, which is a
matter for the Commission . We suggest, therefore, that the Honourable Member refer to the Commission 's reply
to her Question No 4016 / 96 .

( 97 / C 186 / 283 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4018 / 96

by Christian Rovsing ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Probable inconsistency between the new German labour market law and the provisions of the Treaty

concerning free movement of labour and freedom to provide services

Under the Law on ' statutory working conditions in connection with the cross-border provision of services '
(' Arbeitnehmer-Endsendegesetz ') of 26 February 1996, which entered into force on 1 March 1996, employers
are required to report all non-German nationals, including other EU nationals, employed in the construction
industry to the local authorities . Although the law should be seen in the context of efforts to tighten controls on
importing illegal labour from Central and Eastern Europe, the obligation to provide the German authorities with
complete and continually updated reports represents a very considerable administrative burden on Danish
building firms, among others, which traditionally have a large number of employees on a substantial number of
building sites in Germany . The law would therefore seem to have a strongly inhibiting effect on mobility and
consequently undermine the effectiveness of the internal market .

What is the Commission 's view of the relationship between the provisions of the law requiring the reporting of
workers who are nationals of one of the EU Member States and the provisions of the Treaty concerning
discrimination ( Article 6 ), free movement of labour ( Article 48 ) and freedom to provide services ( Article 59 ff .)?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(6 March 1997 )

The German law governing the terms and conditions of employment of workers posted to German territory in the
construction sector applies to an area which is now covered by Community law .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 169

The Directive of 16 December 1996 on the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services (')
provides for a hard core of minimum labour-law rules which must be observed by all undertakings posting
workers to the territory of a Member State in connection with the transnational provision of services . With a view
to facilitating proper application of the Directive, in respect of which the deadline for implementation is

16 December 1999, provision is made for the establishment of administrative cooperation between the Member
States .

Such cooperation entails, in particular, replying to reasoned requests from public authorities for information on
the transnational hiring-out of workers, including manifest abuses or suspected unlawful transnational activities .

Although it is currently up to the Member States to keep a check on legislation in this field, administrative
cooperation will pave the way for improved coordination and resultant simplification of the procedures for
monitoring application of the law concerning the posting of workers .

In any case, all relevant national measures must comply with the provisions of the EC Treaty to which the
Honourable Member refers .

The Commission does not at present have grounds for considering that the German law in question is
incompatible with the provisions of the Treaty .

C ) Directive 96 / 7 1 / EC : OJ L 18, 21.1.1997 .

( 97 / C 186 / 284 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4019 / 96

by Nikitas Kaklamanis ( UPE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Irregularities in the payment of sums due under an EU programme

In 1995 the European Commission ( Directorate-General I / B ) approved the ' ESCALES MEDITERRA ­
NEENNES ' project, which included presentation of European Mediterranean ports, one of which was Kavalla,
Greece .

Among the organizations working together to implement the programme are the French company ' CEFIS ' ( 12
rue Bel Air 13006, Marseille ) and the Greek company ' ΛΟΓΟΣ ' ( Kiprou 12, Kavalla ), which signed an
agreement between themselves on implementation of the programme .

In have been in contact with DG I / B and was told that CEFIS has been paid in full by the Commission . The
French company, however, is refusing to pay the Greek company 65% of the money agreed ( approximately
DR 2.6 million ), even though the programme has been duly completed and the Greek company has accomplished
in full all that had originally been agreed .

Bearing in mind that as yet there has been no reaction from the Commission and, consequently, the company
concerned, ΛΟΓΟΣ, has not been kept informed, what steps have been taken so far and what will the
Commission do to ensure that the Greek company receives the money to which it is entitled ?

Answer given by Mr Mann on behalf of the Commission

( 24 February 1997 )

The Commission concluded a contract with ARTM ( Agence pour les reseaux transméditerranéens ) for
implementation of the Med-Media financing decision ('). The agency undertook to manage the programme in
accordance with the Commission decision and hence in its turn, to conclude contracts with the 35 networks
receiving financial support for the purpose of making the aid payments . One of those 35 networks is CEFIS,
which was responsible for running the Escales Méditerranéennes project .

The Commission 's contract is with ARTM ; Logos should therefore press its claim under the terms of its
agreement with CEFIS .

(') OJ L 181, 1.7.1992 .

No C 186 / 170 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 186 / 285 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4024 / 96

by Franz Linser ( NI ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Inadmissible subsidies — complaints against Tirol Werbung and TIS-Tourismusinformationssystem

GmbH

I understand that the company Feratel Produktions        - und Warenvertriebs GmbH submitted a complaint on

12 September 1995 against the activities of Tirol Werbung and its fully-owned subsidiary TIS-Tourismusinfor ­
mationssystem GmbH to the Commission, as it considered that the activities of Tirol Werbung and TIS as public
bodies were detrimental to competition and contrary to the relevant EU legislation . Proceedings were initiated
and there were several exchanges of letters .

1 . What is the current situation in these proceedings ?

2 . When will they be completed ?

3 . Will proceedings be instituted against the Republic of Austria ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

(4 February 1997 )

Following the complaint, the Commission sent a request for information to Austria and received a reply on
22 January 1996 . In order to be in a better position to investigate the possible aid character of the measures in
question and their compatibility with the common market, the Commission is at present examining studies
concerning the financing of booking and reservation systems . The complainants will be informed as a matter of
course of the result of the examination .

Regarding the duration of the examination, there is no formalised complaint procedure in the state aid field and
the Commission is not bound by the two-month period for the preliminary assessment which applies in cases of
notified aid . Third parties can however, on the basis of the direct effect of Article 93, paragraph 3, 3rd sentence
EC Treaty, obtain legal protection before national courts against infringements    - of the ban on putting aid into
effect prior to the Commission 's authorisation .

( 97 / C 186 / 286 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4025 / 96

by Christof Tannert ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Implementation in the individual Member States of the Directive on the contained use of genetically

modified micro-organisms

What is the situation with regard to the implementation in the individual Member States of Directive
90 / 219 / EEC (') on the contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms ?

How does the Commission assess the experiences with Directive 90 / 219 / EEC in the individual Member States ?

Has the Commission received any reports on the experience gained, pursuant to Article 18(2 )?

What view does the Commission take in summarizing these reports pursuant to Article 18(3 )?

(') OJ L 117, 5.5.1990, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 27 February 1997 )

The state of the implementation of Directive 90 / 219 / EEC in the Member States is shown in a table sent direct to
the Honourable Member and to the Parliament 's secretariat .

The Commission has evaluated the experience gained by the Member States with the Directive by way of the
reports submitted to the Commission under Article 18 of the Directive . The Commission has also held meetings
with competent authorities and other interested parties at which information on experience with the Directive has
been exchanged . From these sources of information the Commission concluded that there was a need to amend
the Directive in line with technical progress and to rectify weaknesses, as indicated in the June 1994
communication ' Biotechnology and the white paper on growth, competitiveness and employment     - preparing

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 171

the next stage . Accordingly the Commission has proposed an amendment to Directive 90 / 219 / EEC whilst
ensuring that the same level of protection for human health and the environment is maintained .

The Commission will, during the course of 1997, publish a report on the Member States ' experience of the
Directive as required by Article 1 8.3 . This will be based on the reports submitted by the Member States, when all
have been received, in accordance with their obligations under Article 18.2 of the Directive .

( 97 / C 186 / 287 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4026 / 96

by Karin Junker ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Cultural region of Europe — implementation of the remarks to budget item B3-2001

In the 1996 budget the following new paragraph was inserted in the remarks to budget item B3-2001
( Kaleidoscope 2000 — programme to support artistic and cultural activities having a European dimension ):

This appropriation also covers support for artistic and cultural activities in one region chosen each year as an
exemplary ' cultural region of Europe '.'

What steps has the Commission taken to implement this approach ? If it has not yet taken any measures, what is
planned for the future ?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

( 21 February 1997 )

Budgetary heading B3-2001 is for the implementation of ' Kaleidoscope ', a programme to support cultural
cooperation projects in the Community . Community support granted on the basis of heading B3-2001 is provided
in accordance with the conditions and criteria laid down by Decision No 719 / 96 / ECC ) establishing this
programme, which Parliament and the Council adopted by the codecision procedure on 29 March 1996 after
almost two years of discussions .

The Kaleidoscope programme contains no provisions on a specific initiative entitled ' European region of
culture '.

Cultural cooperation projects presented by operators from different regions in at least three Member States are
eligible for the programme in accordance with the objectives set out in Article 2 of the Decision .

The Commission, as it is duty-bound, intends to continue to use budgetary heading B3-2001 for the
implementation of the Kaleidoscope programme in accordance with Decision No 719 / 96 / EC establishing the

programme .

(>) OJ L 99 . 20.4.1996 .

( 97 / C 186 / 288 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4033 / 96

by Richard Howitt ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Study on parking cards for people with disabilities

Will the Commission give details about the proposed study on parking cards, stating how much it will cost and
how it fits in with terms of equal opportunities and pilot actions for a new programme as specified by Parliament
in the budget line ?

No C 186 / 172 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(6 March 1997 )

The Commission 's proposed study on parking cards for people with disabilities will seek to establish precise
information on the general parking facilities associated with such cards in each Member State, and to compile a
list of useful addresses for obtaining further information .

As stated in the remarks relating to budget heading B3-4102, which is designed to provide support for
preparatory measures in connection with equality of opportunity for people with disabilities, a ' maximum of
ECU 200 000 may cover expenditure on studies, meetings of experts, conferences, congresses, information and
publications directly linked with the achievement of the objective of the measure of which they form an integral
part ; this excludes expenditure involved in the management of these measures or in general administration
( Commission communication of 22 April 1992 )'. The study to which the Honourable Member refers would
therefore be covered by this appropriation .

As to the actual cost of the operation, the Commission will not be in a position to specify the amount involved
until the tendering procedure for selection of the contractor responsible for carrying out the study has been
completed .

( 97 / C 186 / 289 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4034 / 96

by Thomas Megahy ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Health warnings on alcoholic drinks

According to reports in the British press, plans by the Cooperative chain of supermarkets to label its own-brand
wines, spirits and beers with information on government-recommended daily alcohol intake limits may be
subject to challenge on the basis of EU product labelling rules . Is this true ?

If so, would the Commission consider proposing amendments to the relevant legislation in order to

1 . allow this valuable initiative to proceed and

2 . in general, allow manufacturers to offer, if they wish, information beyond the statutory minimum ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

( 19 February 1997 )

The Commission is committed to the integration of health protection requirements in its various areas of policy
( Article 129 EC Treaty ). An important element enabling consumers to take informed decisions is the provision of
comprehensive information . Labelling plays an important role in this .

Subject to these conditions, manufacturers or distributors of alcoholic drinks are therefore permitted to provide
whatever additional information on the alcohol content of drinks they wish, in addition to the compulsory
declaration of the alcoholic strength by volume .

However, in the case of wine labelling, additional information on the alcohol content in wine, apart from the
compulsory indication of alcoholic strength by volume, is not permitted . Community rules on the labelling of
wines are exhaustive and therefore only the permitted optional indications are allowed .

As to the possibility of the Commission considering proposing amendments to the relevant legislation, this was
discussed in the context of the last modification of the labelling of wine legislation, in June 1996 . It was
recognised that this information could be interesting for consumers if it is harmonised at Community level for all
alcoholic drinks . The Commission is in the process of analysing how the concerns voiced by the Council could
be integrated into Community legislation .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 173

( 97 / C 186 / 290 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4035 / 96

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Contribution of the Structural Funds to the restoration and conservation of Europe 's historic and artistic

heritage

Can the Commission provide a list of European historic monuments which were restored with assistance from
the Structural Funds over the period 1 989      - 1 994 and also in 1 995 and 1 996, giving a breakdown per Member State
detailng the projects in question, the amount of aid in Ecus and the Fund providing the aid ? Can it also supply
details of the amounts earmarked for such projects in the Community Support Frameworks for the period

1997-1999 ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 11 February 1997 )

In its recent communication ' Cohesion policy and culture — A contribution to employment ' ('), the Commission
illustrated the role structural funds play in providing assistance to culture .

Given that the Member States approve and implement structural funds projects under their own responsibility the
Commission does not have systematic information on specific types of projects such as those linked to European
cultural heritage .

Moreover, it is difficult to identify exact figures for structural funds assistance to cultural heritage, as cultural
measures are often contained within other programme priorities ( e.g. tourism, environment, assistance to small
and medium sized enterprises, vocational training ). However, estimates suggest that approximately 400 MECU
under the structural funds programmes 1989-1993 went directly to the cultural sector . For the current period

1994-1999, estimates do not yet exist .

O COM(96 ) 512 final .

( 97 / C 186 / 291 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4037 / 96

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : ' Symbolic ' Commission initiatives tor the restoration of historic monuments

The Commission has granted direct subsidies since 1983, at the behest of the European Parliament, for projects
involving the restoration of European monuments and sites of highly symbolic historic interest .

Can the Commission provide a list of the monuments which have benefited from such funding since its inception,
giving details of the projects which have received subsidies, the amount of aid and the year in which it was
granted ?

Can the Commission provide information about the requirements needed to qualify for such subsidies ?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

( 24 February 1997 )

At the behest of the Parliament and in implementing the Community budget, the Commission has, since 1983,
contributed financially towards the restoration of European monuments and sites of highly symbolic historic
interest . These monuments and sites are the Acropolis of Athens, the historic centre of Chiado ( Lisbon ), the
Mount Athos monasteries, the monuments of the pilgrimage route of St Jacques de Compostella ( Spain ), the
Cathedral of Burgos ( Spain ) and the European college of the University of Coimbra ( Portugal ).

The Commission 's financial contributions were based on the commentary of the Community 's budget as well as
on detailed technical and budgetary reports submitted by the national authorities responsible for the
implementation of the restoration works .

No C 186 / 174 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Detailed information on the amounts granted for these monuments and sites during the period in question, is
forwarded direct to the Honourable Member and to the Parliament ' secretariat .

( 97 / C 186 / 292 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4040 / 96

by Jose Barros Moura ( PSE ) to the Council

(9 January 1997 )

Subject : Alqueva project

Article 3(e ) of the Convention between Portugal and Spain on the Use and Hydraulic Exploitation of the
International Stretches of the Rivers Minho, Lima, Tagus, Guadiana, Chan§a and Tributaries thereof, which has
been in force since 7 April 1969, guarantees to Portugal the use of the international part of the River Guadiana .
Moreover, there is no dispute between the two countries regarding the interpretation and implementation of the

agreement .

Despite this, in connection with the funding of the Alqueva project the Commission has demanded unilateral
guarantees from Portugal on the water-flow for the project . What is the Council 's view of the serious and totally
unfounded suspicion which this reveals that Spain might not comply with the agreement ?

Answer

( 24 March 1996 )

The topic raised by the Honourable Member is a matter for the competent authorities of the Member States
mentioned .

( 97 / C 186 / 293 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-4044 / 96

by Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz ( V ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Annex VI of the Pesticides Directive 91 / 414 / EEC

The Court ' annuls Council Directive 94 / 43 / EEC (') of 27 July 1994 establishing Annex VI to Directive
91 / 414 / EEC ( 2 ) concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market '. This was the wording of the
judgment given by the European Court of Justice on 18 June 1996 .

1 . Exactly what steps has the Commission taken as regards this matter following the judgment ?

2 . Will the Commission submit a new annex to Parliament and when will this happen ?

3 . How much progress has been made in the work for the submission of such a proposal and what is the exact
content of the work ?

(') OJ L 227, 1.9.1994, p . 31 .

( 2 ) OJ L 230, 19.8.1991, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 31 January 1997 )

The Commission is currently preparing a new proposal for a Council Directive establishing Annex VI to
Directive 91 / 414 / EEC . In preparing this proposal the Commission is taking particular account of the conclusions
of the Court 's judgment in Case C-303 / 94 .

The Commission considers that there is an urgent need for the Council to adopt this new proposal, because the
first proposals for the inclusion of active substances in Annex I to Directive 91 / 414 / EEC can be expected during
the first quarter of 1997 . The Commission therefore hopes to be able to adopt the proposal before the end of the
first quarter of 1997 . The Commission will respect all its commitments to consult or inform Parliament .

18 . 6 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 175

( 97 / C 186 / 294 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-4045 / 96

by Mair Morgan ( PSE ) to the Commission

(6 January 1997 )

Subject : Import duty tax on commercial vehicles

Is the Commission aware that, under the current regulations, vehicles such as the Isuzu double-cab pick-ups
( 2771 cc ) are considered as motor vehicles for the transport of goods ( Heading 8704 ) and as such are subject to a
duty of 22% ? The UK Government appears to be treating the vehicles as cars for the purpose of import tax and
refusing to refund VAT .

Is this selective categorization legal under single market legislation ? Do any directives currently prevent Member
States from maximizing their duty and tax revenues by treating imported vehicles differently from their EU
classifications ?

Will the Commission agree that when a vehicle is classified as a commercial vehicle for import duties, it ought to
be classified as such for the payment of VAT and other sales taxes, and that such classification should be
standardized across the single market ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 12 February 1997 )

Import duty and VAT, although both sources of revenue, function on entirely different principles . There is no
connection between the criteria for deciding the duty rate and for determining the right to deduction of VAT .

Under the common customs tariff, agreed standard definitions exist for determining liability to customs duty of
different types of imported motor vehicles . However, no such standard definition exists in the VAT field to
determine deductibility of tax .

In accordance with the sixth VAT Directive ( 77 / 388 / EEC (')), VAT is not deductible on purchases of goods and
services which are not strictly for business purposes . It is a matter for Member States to decide on the method of
apportioning, pro-rata, the VAT incurred on the purchase of vehicles which, are used for both business and
private purposes . However, Article 17.6 of the Directive also allows Member States to maintain exclusions which
they applied prior to adoption of the Directive and some Member States have continued to disallow deduction of
tax paid on the purchase of certain types of vehicles as usable for both business and private purposes .

VAT deduction on purchases of goods and services is related to business use and the Commission considers that
a common definition of motor vehicles for VAT and customs purposes is neither desirable nor possible . However
it does consider it desirable to harmonise the rules relating to deduction of VAT within the single market and that
is one of the objectives of the Commission 's current work programme for a new single market VAT system .

(') OJ L 145, 13.6.1977 .

( 97 / C 186 / 295 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4048 / 96

by Caroline Jackson ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Organophosphates and BSE

Can the Commission confirm that the question of a possible connection between the use of organophosphorus
compounds and the susceptibility of cattle to BSE is being investigated within the Community research effort
into BSE ?

If not, why not ?

No C 186 / 176 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 18 February 1997 )

The Commission has asked the multi-disciplinary scientific committee for its advice on a possible connection
between organophosphate compounds and the susceptibility of cattle to bovine spongiform encephalopathy . The
committee, at its meeting on 19 December 1996, asked the Commission for a complete dossier of published,
peer-reviewed information before it felt it could be in the position to give proper advice . This dossier is now
being assembled .

The call for proposals for research and technological development activities on transmissible spongiform
encephalopathies, published on 17 December 1996, includes the possibility to fund projects for the investigation
of the determination of co-factors which aid, delay or prevent the development of animal transmissible
spongiform encephalopathies . Suitable projects will be accorded an appropriate priority .

( 97 / C 186 / 296 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4049 / 96

by Caroline Jackson ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Incorporation of environmental considerations into the Commission 's work programme

In response to a written question of 6 March 1996 ( P-0623 / 96 (')), the Commissioner states :

— that the explanatory memorandum accompanying a particular proposal should describe the impact on the
environment and the environment costs and benefits ; and

— that in the published version of the Commission 's work programme, an annex will indicate items likely to
have a significant impact on the environment .

Could the Commission explain why these commitments have not been put into effect, ( Commission 's Work
Programme ( 2 )), and state what it intends to do to ensure that they are in future ?

(') OJ C 297, 8.10.1996, p . 11 .
( 2 ) OJ C 282, 26.9.1996, p . 4 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 14 February 1997 )

As indicated in response to Written Question P-623 / 96 by Mrs Riis-J0rgensen, the Commission has decided that
it is only in the case of measures which are likely to have a significant impact on the environment that the
explanatory memorandum accompanying a particular proposal should describe the impact on the environment
and environmental costs and benefits .

These are provisionally identified in the work programme .

The Commission will shortly publish its 1997 work programme in the official journal as well as in the bulletin of
the European Union with an indication of those items for which an evaluation of their impact on the environment
is likely to be necessary .

( 97 / C 186 / 297 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4051 / 96

by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Privatization of IRI

The conditions surrounding the sale by part of IRI of Cirio-Bertolli-de Rica are puzzling . Without entering into
the substance of the matter, which is the subject of a judicial inquiry, can the Commission say :

1 . whether it was aware of the operation ?

2 . Whether the difference between the sale price and the presumed market price can be regarded as constituting
state aid ?

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 177

If so,

3 . what conclusions does it intend to draw in order to restore the rules and prevent such operations from being
carried out again ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 1997 )

The Commission was not formally informed of the conditions under which the sale by IRI of the Cirio — Bertolli
— De Rica group was carried out, and therefore it did not have the necessary information to asses the involvement
of state aid elements in favour of the buyer .

In order to be able to analyze the case and ascertain the existence of state aid elements, the Commission
addressed a request for information to the Italian authorities .

( 97 / C 186 / 298 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4052 / 96

by Cnstiana Muscardini ( NI ) and Gastone Parigi ( NI ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Project for an organic market-gardening process in the Province of Belluno

The Belluno association of organic farmers ( ABAB ) has submitted a project, via the Region of Veneto, for an
organic market-gardening process in the Province of Belluno, with the aim of receiving funds under Objective 5b
of the Structural Funds .

1 . Can the Commission say whether the project has been approved ?

If so,

2 . can it indicate the level of funding ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

The selection of individual projects and the granting ot aid under schemes in the single programming documents
for Objective 5(b ) are solely a matter for the national authority responsible for the implementation of the
programmes, which means, in Italy, the region or the autonomous province .

Programmes are monitored by monitoring committees on which the Commission is represented ; there are two
main tasks : financial and physical monitoring of the measures, which does not involve, for aid schemes,
scrutinizing detailed information such as recipients ' names ; and evaluation of the impact of operations in three
stages : upon adoption of the programmes ( prior appraisal ), during implementation ( on-going assessment ) and
after completion of the measure ( ex-post assessment ).

Consequently, the only official department in a position to provide information on the project to which the
Honourable Member refers is the Veneto region at the following address :

Segreteria regionale per le attività produttive ed economiche del settore primario — via Torino 1 10 — 30173
Mestre-Venezia .

( 97 / C 186 / 299 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4053 / 96

by Elly Plooij-van Gorsel ( ELDR ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Discrimination against SMEs on the electricity market

1 . Is the Commission aware that the electricity producers in the Netherlands will, in all probability, establish a
single large production company on the liberalized electricity market ?

2 . Is the Commission aware that this will be accompanied by considerable rationalization costs ?

No C 186 / 178 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18.6 . 97

3 . Is the Commission aware that SMEs in the Netherlands are afraid that these costs will be passed onto them
over the next ten years because they will still not have any freedom of choice on the electricity market ?

4 . Does the Commission believe that this places SMEs at a a disadvantage compared with the large company
and that they will therefore suffer a loss of competitiveness ?

5 . Does the Commission feel this is in accordance with the principles of the internal market ? If not, what
action is it considering ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

( 21 Februar y 1997 )

1.-5 . The Commission has learned about preliminary steps taken in the context of plans to merge electricity
producers in the Netherlands into one single production company, but has not been formally informed of any
definite agreements . Any agreement would in principle have to be assessed under Council Regulation No
4064 / 89 of 21 December 1989 on the control of concentration between undertakings . No notification under this
Regulation has yet been received .

If the concentration does not have a Community dimension, the Member State concerned is entitled to request
that the Commission deal with it under the provisions of the Regulation .

The Commission will also closely monitor the evolution of national electricity sectors, including the
consequences of such mergers where authorised, in the light of Directive 96 / 92 / EC of 19 December 1996 of the
Parliament and of the Council concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity .

2 . The Commission has no knowledge of any cost implications .

3 . and 4 . The Commission has not been informed of any concerns of Netherlands small and medium sized
enterprises . Any assessment of a concentration by the Commission would involve a review of its effect on the
market, including the effect of pricing on competitors and customers of the undertakings proposing the merger .

As far as Directive 96 / 92 / EC is concerned, the opening of the electricity market will benefit mainly large
customers in the first stage, in order to improve their competitiveness vis-a-vis third country competitors .
However, electricity undertakings will not be allowed to compensate these discounts by higher prices to captive
consumers . On the contrary, the Commission expects that the process of modernisation of the electricity sector
will benefit all consumers .

( 97 / C 186 / 300 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4054 / 96

by Elly Plooij-van Gorsel ( ELDR ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Mutual recognition of certificates for professional divers

In the Netherlands professional divers are assigned to categories and registered in accordance with the ' Decision
on work under excess pressure '. They receive a diver 's certificate issued by the National Diving Centre on behalf
of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment . However, it appears that this certificate is not recognized in
the EU because it is valid only within the Netherlands . Mutual recognition by the Member States of the EU is
very important for professional divers, given that their work often spans national borders .

1 . Should the Member States of the EU recognise each other 's national professional diving certificates ?

2 . Does the Commission think that failure to recognise the Dutch diving certificate on the part of the other
Member States of the EU is an obstacle to the free movement of workers and / or services ?

3 . If so, does the Commission intend to harmonize legislation in this respect ?

4 . If not, what action is the Commission taking to complete the internal market for professional divers ?

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 179

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 21 February 1997 )

The mutual recognition of professional diving certificates falls within the scope of the Community 's general
system for the recognition of qualifications, which is based on two Directives .

Council Directive 89 / 48 / EEC of 21 December 1988 (0 introduced a general system for the recognition of
higher-education diplomas awarded on completion of professional education and training of at least three years '
duration . This was later supplemented by Council Directive 92 / 51 / EEC of 18 June 1992 ( 2 ) on a second general
system for the recognition of professional education and training, which relates to qualifications that are not
covered by Directive 89 / 48 / EEC . According to the standard of training to which they attest, professional diving
certificates fall within the scope of one or other of these Directives ; the same general principles apply in both

cases .

Under the general system, a person who is fully qualified to pursue a profession in one Member State must
normally be allowed to pursue the same profession in another Member State . Recognition of the diploma,
certificate or other evidence of qualification is therefore the rule . There are, however, some exceptions to this
rule : for example, where the subjects covered by the education and training received by the applicant in the
Member State from which he comes differ substantially from those covered by the diploma required in the host
Member State . In such cases, the host Member State is entitled to require the applicant to undergo an adaptation
period or take an aptitude test .

Both Directives apply to regulated professions, i.e. professions the taking-up or pursuit of which is by law subject
to possession of a particular diploma . If the certificate issued by the National Diving Centre on behalf of the
Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment is compulsory in order to take up or pursue the profession in
the Netherlands, then professional diving is a regulated profession in that Member State within the meaning of
the Directives . If evidence of qualification is required in another Member State in order to take up or pursue the
profession, then it is also a regulated profession there and the Dutch certificate should be taken into account . It
should therefore be examined by a national authority in accordance with the rules laid down in the Directives ; the
applicant should be given a reply within four months, and any refusal to grant recognition should set out the
reasons for refusal and should be able to be challenged before the courts . In accordance with the principles laid
down in the Directives, refusal to grant recognition would be justified only where there are substantial
differences between the training received by the applicant and that required in the host Member State .

The Commission does not intend to harmonize training requirements in this field . Each Member State remains
free to adopt its own rules and regulations governing professions within its territory . The Commission 's action is
aimed at ensuring, on the basis of Directives 89 / 48 / EEC and 92 / 5 1 / EEC and the relevant case-law of the Court of
Justice, the mutual recognition of professional qualifications despite any differences there may be between
national training systems .

(') OJ L 19, 24.1.1989 .

( : ) OJ L 209, 24.7.1992 .

( 97 / C 186 / 301 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4060 / 96

by John Iversen ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Bosman judgment

Is it the case that the Swedish Handball League can continue to collect fees for transfers to Swedish clubs when a
player 's contract has expired ?

Can a club or league withhold a contract player 's certificate after expiry of a contract if it thinks it can demand
transfer or training fees, or must it always hand back players ' certificates if they want to change their place of
work ( club ) on expiry of a contract ?

Can a club or league withhold a player 's certificate in any circumstances, or is it always reduced to civil
proceedings against a player it thinks it can charge a fee ?

No C 186 / 180 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Can a club or league demand training or transfer fees for amateur players if they want to turn professional with
another club ?

Can an amateur player, by registering with a club, be bound to that club for life until another club wants to buy
out the player for a transfer or training fee ?

Does the Bosman judgment apply to both EU and EEA countries ?

Are non-EU citizens guaranteed the same rights as regards freedom of transfer on expiry of a contract if they are
engaged by a club in an EU or EEA country ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(5 March 1997 )

Since the question does not mention details, the Commission assumes that the Honourable Member is referring to
the situation of a player who wants to exercise his right to move freely on the territory of another Member State .
Otherwise the Commission would recall that the Court has consistently held that Community law provisions
governing the freedom of movement for workers are not applicable when all the elements of the situation
concerned are confined to one Member State . Moreover, the Bosman ruling applies only to citizens of the
Member States of the European Union and the European Economic Area .

In Bosman, the Court of Justice held that exercise of the right to freedom of movement by a professional
sportsman on termination of a contract cannot be subject to payment of a transfer or training fee . Thus a club or
federation cannot withdraw a player 's licence with a view to securing payment of a transfer fee . This conclusion
also applies to amateurs who have concluded a professional sports contract with a club established in another
Member State .

On the other hand, the status of purely amateur players cannot be examined in the light of the Community
provisions governing freedeom of movement for workers insofar as their activity is not an economic activity
within the meaning of the Treaty .

( 97 / C 186 / 302 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4065 / 96

by Jesus Cabezon Alonso ( rSE ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : State aids and the Spanish undertaking SNIACE

Has the Commission given notice to the Spanish Government in respect of state aids granted to the Spanish
undertaking SNIACE in Torrelavega ( Cantabria )?

What specific reasons is the Commission citing for thus giving notice to the Spanish Government ? Has the
Commission received any reply from the Spanish Government to these allegations ?

Is the Commission aware of the impact which the definitive closure of the SNIACE undertaking would have on
employment ?

Is the Commission aware of the recent agreements between the relevant parties to relaunch SNIACE ' s
production ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert on behalf of the Commission

( 12 February 1997 )

In response to a detailed complaint which alleged various kinds of illegal state aid had been granted in favour of
Sniace over a period of several years, the Commission wrote seeking the reaction of the Spanish government . In
view of the nature of the allegations and the lack of a full response from the Spanish authorities within the
requested time, the Commission registered the case as one of non-notified aid . The Commission has written
again to the Spanish government requesting additional information so that the Commission can have all the
necessary elements at its disposal to complete its preliminary examination of the compatibility with the common
market of any aid received by Sniace . The Commission is aware of the sensitive nature of this case and is aware
of a recent agreement to restart production at Sniace . It cannot indicate at this stage what the outcome of the
examination will be .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 181

( 97 / C 186 / 303 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-4074 / 96

by Nikitas Kaklamanis ( UPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : Award of grants under the programme for the training and mobility of researchers ( TMR )

Comments have abounded recently about the way in which grants are awarded under DG XII ' s TMR programme
and about the transparency of the selection procedure . Since it is of paramount importance to preserve the
reputation of such procedures, will the Commission say whether :

1 . the selection criteria are stringently and consistently applied ?

2 . candidates 7 qualifications are studied and compared in detail ?

3 . there is any precedent for re-examining proposals at any level of research ( 2nd, 3rd, 4th or other ) which were
rejected during the scheduled evaluation periods but finally approved outside those periods, e.g. August

1996 ?

4 . there has been any case in the past of an application being examined and rejected by the team of experts but
finally appearing on the list of approved proposals ?

5 . the names of the successful applicants under the TMR programme are publicly announced ? If not, why not ?
If so, how exactly are they made public ?

6 . it intends to reform the entire system of awarding grants under the TMR programme to ensure that the
selection procedure is not subject to criticism and that the selection criteria are absolutely transparent ?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

( 11 February 1977 )

1 . The proposals for grants under the training and mobility of researchers ( TMR ) programme are assessed and
selected in accordance with a fair, efficient process on the basis of the criteria published in the ' Guide to the
evaluation and selection of training through research proposals ', which are scrupuously met . In this connection
the Commission invites independent observers to monitor the assessment process .

2 . The individual merits of the candidates are assessed in accordance with the criteria of research experience
and publications, the reference letter, the asset of mobility, and training potential . The assessment is based on the
information provided by the candidate 's application, and in particular curriculum vitae, list of publications and
results obtained at university .

3 . Any applications rejected during an assessment and then resubmitted subsequently are treated as other
applications . Where possible the chairman of the panel of experts assigns these to assessors other than those
dealing with the first assessment .

4 . No proposal that has not been recommended by the panels of experts may appear in the list of successful
applications . No such instance has occurred during the TMR Programme nor during the Human Capital and
Mobility ( HCM ) programme that preceded this .

5 . The names of the candidates selected are published in the annual reports on the TMR programme ( the first
of these is still due to appear ). An Internet publication is currently in preparation .

6 . The assessment system for the TMR grants is accepted as being fair and efficient, and there are no plans to
revise it .

( 97 / C 186 / 304 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4077 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Surveillance and control of communicable diseases

The Commission proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision creating a network for
the epidemiological surveillance and control of communicable diseases in the European Community
( COM(96 ) 0078 ) (') approves the principle of setting up a transnational epidemiological network for the

No C 186 / 182 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

effective prevention and combating of such diseases and the advantages that such synergy entails . However, the
funding earmarked for ' putting into permanent communication with one another ' and implementing a series of
measures is a cause for concern . Can the Commission review the funding that has been allocated, bearing in mind
in particular the great need at present to ensure epidemiological surveillance of the new strain of
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease ?

(') OJ C 123, 26.4.1996, p . 10 .

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 19 February 1997 )

As explained in the Commission communication accompanying the proposal for a Parliament and Council
decision creating a network for the epidemiological surveillance and control of communicable diseases in the
European Community ('), Community funds are being extensively used to develop and support collaboration and
networking between the Member States with regard to communicable disease surveillance ( principally under the
Aids and other communicable diseases programme ( 2 ) and the Biomed programme ) and to provide a telematic
network linking public health administrations ( under the IDA programme ( 3 )). The proposed network will greatly
benefit from this funding as regards both its technical infrastructure and the procedures to be used in its
operation . It is noteworthy that the Parliament in its opinion on the first reading of this proposal on 1 1 November

1996 did not seek to add any financial clauses to it .

The Commission intends, however, to keep under review the situation as regards the operational requirements
for the network, once the relevant decision is adopted . The decision provides for a framework under which other
binding instruments may be issued and for a periodic evaluation of the network .

(') OJ C 123, 26.4.1996 .
( 2 ) OJ L 95, 16.4.1996 .

(-<) OJ L 269, 11.11.1995 .

( 97 / C 186 / 305 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4084 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : The Strasbourg Chamber

With reference to the report of the Court of Auditors, can the Commission confirm whether it is true that the
contract for the new Chamber in Strasbourg was concluded without the prior approval of the Financial
Controller ? If so, how can this have happened and what consequences could it have ?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

( 11 February 1997 )

The question deals with a matter which has nothing to do with the Commission . It is suggested that the
Honourable Member put the question direct to the institution concerned .

( 97 / C 186 / 306 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4085 / 96

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

( 17 January                                             - 1997 )

Subject : Classical swine fever in Germany

In view of certain disturbing facts which appear in the report by the Court of Auditors, can the Commission
confirm whether it is true that it has not been possible to identify the marketing channels for pigs which may have
been suffering from classical swine fever and that therefore affected pigmeat may have found its way onto the
market ?

18 . 6 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 183

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 14 February 1997 )

Germany experienced from 1993 to 1995 an epidemic of classical swine fever and disease outbreaks were
reported by several Lander . In 1996 the disease in the domestic pig population was brought under control and
measures have been taken to control the disease in the 3 areas of Germany where the infection is present in the
wild boar population .

The 3 areas are well defined in surveillance and eradication plans presented by Germany to all Member States
and the Commission for a review before the plans are finally adopted by a Commission decision . All wild boars
shot in these defined areas are subjected to virological and serological laboratory examination for classical swine
fever . Only meat from virologically and serologically classical swine fever negative wild boars can be marketed
and it can only be marketed within the Land where the disease affected area is situated . Meat of wild boar cannot
be marketed outside the Land in question before 24 months elapse after the last detection of classical swine fever
virus in an area covered by a surveillance and eradication plan .

These measures were adopted to ensure that meat containing virus could not circulate .

( 97 / C 186 / 307 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-4086 / 96

by Joaquim Miranda ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : Storm on the island of Sao Miguel, Azores

The Azores have recently been devastated by a number of storms, which have hit the islands of Graciosa, Pico,
Faial and Flores .

More recently, on 14 December, torrential rain swept over the island of Sao Miguel, causing considerable
damage, the cost of which has been estimated at Esc 3.7 bn .

Is the Commission aware of these events and what aid does it plan to provide to repair the damage ?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

(6 Februar \> 1997 )

The Commission wishes to extend its fullest sympathy to the victims of the storms and torrential rain which hit
the islands of Graciosa, Pico, Flores and Sao Miguel in the Azores at the end of 1996 .

It is aware of the scale of the damage affecting people on the islands, but since the budget heading for
Community emergency aid only carries a token entry, it is unable, under present circumstances, to grant
immediate aid to the victims .

As far as damage and losses affecting public infrastructures and production are concerned, the Commission has
informed the Portuguese authorities that it is ready in principle to increase the operational programme for the
Azores region by ECU 26 million, drawn from the reserve for the Portuguese Community support framework .
The extra funds will be used to repair public and agricultural infrastructures damaged by the bad weather .

( 97 / C 186 / 308 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4088 / 96

by Ulla Sandbaek ( I-EDN ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Debt alleviation for the highly indebted poor countries ( HIPC )

In September 1996 an initiative was launched to alleviate the debt of the HIPC . The aim is to reduce the HIPCs '
multilateral debt to a tolerable level . The Commission 's Green Paper on relations between the European Union

No C 186 / 184 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

and the ACP countries on the eve of the 21st century refers to the debt question and indicates the Commission 's
intention of examining in greater detail the possibilities of reducing the ACP countries ' foreign debt .

Will the Commission say how it intends to participate in the funding of the above initiative and, in particular,
how it will take part in the World Bank 's H1PC Debt Initiative Trust Fund which has been set up for that purpose ?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission

( 25 February 1997 )

Debt burdens remain heavy for a number of low-income countries, most of which are African, Caribbean and
Pacific countries, in spite of their efforts to implement economic reform programmes . In recent years, creditors
have implemented various debt relief measures, but for a group of heavily indebted poor countries ( HIPCs ), these
measures have not been sufficient to reduce debt burdens to sustainable levels .

The principal objective of the HIPC initiative is to ensure that HIPCs which pursue sound economic policies and
economic reforms do not find their development efforts constrained by an unsustainable debt burden . The HIPC
initiative is based on a commitment by the international financial community to take action to reduce these
countries ' debt burdens to more manageable levels, provided that the countries concerned continue to improve
their macroeconomic policies and to implement structural and social policy reforms, in particular actions to
improve basic health and education . A key element of the HIPC initiative is its aim to deal with the debt problems
of the HIPCs in a comprehensive and coordinated way, including action by bilateral, multilateral and commercial
creditors .

The Community is concerned by the HIPC initiative, first of all, as a major development partner of the countries
which are expected to benefit from this initiative . As a donor, the Community is already providing substantial
resources to these countries within the framework of the Lome Convention . But the Community is also present as
a creditor to these countries . This exposure falls within the framework of the Lome cooperation and takes the
form of special loans from earlier Lome Conventions, risk capital loans and European investment bank loans on
own resources . As a creditor, the Community is expected to take action, together with other creditors, to reduce
the debt burdens of the countries concerned, in line with the requirements of the initiative .

The Commission is currently preparing a communication on this subject, in order to present proposals on how
the Community should participate in the HIPC initiative . As these proposals are not yet finalised, the
Commission is not yet in a position to explain in detail how it envisages the Community contribution to this
initiative .

( 97 / C 186 / 309 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4090 / 96

by Nikitas Kaklamanis ( UPE ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Blood donation in Albania

The Pathology Clinic of Patras University Medical Faculty informs me that the blood given to patients in Albania
is probably not screened for hepatitis C. The Faculty 's staff propose that, if this is so, they should offer whatever
assistance they can .

Does the Commission know whether this information is correct and, if it is, what are the Commission 's options
for providing assistance ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 11 March 1997 )

The Commission is keen to improve our knowledge of the hepatitis C problem, the associated risk factors and
how to prevent it within the Community . For this reason two projects in this area were financed in 1996, making
it possible to better describe the characteristics of this epidemic in the Member States .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 185

According to the information ar the Commission 's disposal, Albania in principle conducts hepatitis C screening
in the framework of blood transfusions . Moreover, Albania is currently being assisted by the World Health
Organisation ( WHO ) in regard to all aspects of blood transfusion, including serological screening .

( 97 / C 186 / 310 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4095 / 96

by Ulla Sandbaek ( I-EDN ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Fisheries agreement between EU and Mozambique

Which type of bilateral or business agreements allow fishing vessels from Spain and other countries to fish for
shrimp, among others, in Mozambique waters ? Are such agreements in accordance with the common fisheries
policy of the EU and will such fishing be permitted to continue after the implementation of the new fisheries
agreement ?

Has the Commission considered how the new fisheries agreement with the Government of Mozambique will
impact the craft fishermen, who fish close to the coastline of Mozambique ? More specifically, what will the
Commission do to ensure a sufficient amount of fish will remain for the c raft fishermen after the new agreement
has been implemented ?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

(4 February 1997 )

There has been no fisheries agreement between the Community and Mozambique since 1993 when Mozambique
denounced the former fisheries agreement .

If some fishing vessels from Member States fish in Mozambican waters, it is through private agreement or
charter agreement .

Negotiations with Mozambique for a conclusion of a third generation fisheries agreement will probably take
place in 1997 .

The Commission is well aware of the importance of the fisheries sector for the local economy and it is certainly
not the intention of the Commission to compete with the local fishermen . During the negotiations, this aspect will
be taken into account by both parties .

( 97 / C 1 86 / 3 1 1 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4097 / 96

by Mana Sornosa Martinez ( GUE / NGL ), Angela Sierra Gonzalez ( GUE / NGL ),

Abdelkader Mohamed Ali ( GUE / NGL ), Laura González Alvarez ( GUE / NGL )

and Carlos Carnero Gonzalez ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Violation of human rights by the Moroccan police

In October 1996 Mohamed Fidaoui, a Moroccan citizen resident in Holland for eight years, died in peculiar
circumstances after leaving a police station in Tangiers .

Investigations by the press and human rights groups have revealed that at least seven persons detained in the
police station, including a German citizen, witnessed the alleged torture of Fidaoui .

This is not the first case of death in peculiar circumstances in Moroccan police stations . According to figures
compiled by human rights activists, more than 20 people have died during the past two years in similar situations
to that of Fidaoui, four of them in the past four weeks .

Can the Commission take any steps to exert pressure to prevent such incidents from recurring ?

Does the Commission consider that economic and trade measures by the Member States to exert pressure on
Morocco might help to end such flagrant violations of human rights in that country ?

No C 186 / 186 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Answer given by Mr Mann on behalf of the Com mis sion

( 12 February 1997 )

The Commission takes note of the events described by the Honourable Member . In its opinion, the human rights
situation in Morocco should be seen in the light of its and Morocco 's political and contractual commitments on
this question since November 1995, when the Barcelona Declaration on the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership was
signed .

In accordance with the provisions of the political section of the Declaration, the partners in question undertook to
promote the rule of law and democracy and to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms .

Furthermore, on 26 February 1996, Morocco and the Community signed an Association Agreement that should
enter into force once ratified by the Member States . Respect for democracy and human rights are a central part of
the agreement . A political dialogue is envisaged for all subjects of common interest .

( 97 / C 1 86 / 3 1 2 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4098 / 96

by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : European Union participation in the Flag project

The Flag project, currently the most advanced of all terrestrial telecommunications infrastructures, will make it
possible to lay the longest fibre optic cable designed until now, which will unite Great Britain and Japan with a
length of 28 000 kilometres, and which will connect Europe, Asia and the Middle East with more than 120 000
circuits capable of transmitting 600 000 simultaneous calls .

Because of its scale, more than 73 telephone companies from all over the world are participating in this project,
which is scheduled for completion in September 1997, and these companies will share the commercial
exploitation of Flag once it comes into service .

Given the strategic and logistic importance of the Flag project, can the Commission say in what way it might
associate itself with the project and what participation by the European Union as such it might propose to ensure
that the Flag budget, providing for investments amounting to Ptas 190 000 million, has a Community aspect and
involvement, with all that this entails ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(6 February 1997 )

The Flag project to which the Honourable Member refers consists of laying eight sections of fibre-optic cable
which will connect Europe to Asia via the Middle East . This 28 000 kilometre cable starts in the United Kingdom,
goes through Gibraltar, the Mediterranean, Suez, Djibouti, the United Arab Emirates ( spur ), India, Malaysia,
Hong Kong and South Korea ( spur ), and ends in Japan . The cable, which should come into service in 1997, has a
capacity of 605 000 lines operating at up to 10 gigabits per second ( gb / s ) for an access charge of USD 1 500 per
voice path . The total cost of the project is USD 1 600 million and the financial pool includes, in particular,
Nymex, Gulf Associates, General Electric and AT&T from the United States, Marubeni Corporation from Japan
and Dallah-Al-Baraka Group from Saudi Arabia .

Three other projects to establish links between Europe, the Middle East and Asia are also under construction . An
underwater cable similar to Flag, Sea-Me-We 3, with a capacity of 10 gb / s, should be completed in 1998-1999
and brings together various investors such as France Telecom, Singapore Telecom, KDD and 75 other partners .
The Trans-Siberian Link, which should be operational in 1997, has a capacity of 1.2 gb / s and involves
Rostelecom and other European operators . Finally, Trans-Asia-Europe has a capacity of between 5 10 kilobits per
second and 1 gb / s and involves three investors ( Deutsche Telecom, Turk Telecom and MPT China ). Its entry into
service is scheduled for 1997 .

These infrastructure projects demonstrate the dynamism of the telecommunications industry, a profitable field,
and are all private initiatives . Many European operators and financiers are associated with their realization,

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 187

but a contribution from the Commission would not seem desirable, either economically ( possible distortion of
competition ) or politically, bearing in mind the Community 's liberalization policies . On the other hand, these
projects are eligible for co-funding by the European Investment Bank which has already provided financial
assistance for similar projects ( including Sea-Me-We 2 in 1982 and the link between the United Kingdom, the
United States and the Caribbean in 1989 ). It is not currently contributing to any of the projects mentioned but this
would be a possibility if one of the European partners were to request it .

( 97 / C 186 / 313 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4099 / 96

by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 17 January ' 1997 )

Subject : Reducing violence in television programmes

A study financed by the four main television channels in the United States has shown that the level of violence in
programmes and films shown on North American television has been reduced in the period 1995-1996, even
though it is still far from being eliminated completely, both in mainstream broadcasting and in programmes for
children .

A comparison with previous years shows that these efforts are having a lasting effect, the intention being to
prevent these programmes from having a negative impact on viewers in general, and children in particular, with
all the harmful consequences which the glorification of violence may produce .

Can the Commission say whether it considers that a study should be carried out and follow-up action taken on the
level of violence in television programmes in the Member States with a view to its progressive reduction, which
could have an immediate impact in reducing the number of crimes motivated by violence on television screens ?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

( 27 February 1997 )

The Commission shares the concern of the Honourable Member about violence on television . Although to a large
extent the responsibility of the national authorities, this matter undeniably has a Community dimension .

In Directive 89 / 552 / EC ('), known as the ' television without frontiers ' directive, which is the basis for the free
movement of television programmes in the Community, Community law has already laid down a rule on
minimum protection for minors with regard to violent programmes . Article 22 of the directive bans programmes
with gratuitously violent scenes and provides for the protection of minors ( through broadcasting times or
technical measures ) against other programmes which could impair the physical, psychological or moral
development of minors .

In addition to the transposal of the Directive into national law, various national public and private bodies monitor
programmes for violence, among other things . In some Member States, detailed rules and codes of professional
ethics are applied by broadcasting bodies specifically in order to protect minors more effectively against any
form of assault on their sensibilities via the television, particularly violence .

Apart from these national developments, the Commission believes that the protection of minors is one of the
prime challenges to be faced in the development of the information society . In this connection, it recently
adopted a Green paper on the protection of minors and human dignity in audiovisual and information services ( 2 )
on which wide-ranging consultations are being held . The depiction of violence will obviously be at the centre of
the debate and will be among the points on which the Commission will have to present conclusions and submit
proposals for action .

(') OJ L 298, 17.10.1989 .
(-) COM(96 ) 483 final .

No C 186 / 188 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 186 / 314 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4100 / 96

by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Bilateral agreements between Member States on installing joint police stations in border areas

The recent agreement between France and Spain on establishing joint police stations along their border has
highlighted the desirability of consolidating this form of cooperation between Member States in the light of the
various Community provisions aimed at facilitating the free movement of persons throughout the Union .

Given the large number of borders within the EU, the above model should be supported as much as possible, not
only through Community provisions on the general establishment of joint police stations in border areas but also
in the form of significant logistical support involving the relevant Community policies .

Can the Commission say what role the EU should play in extending the above model, and what role the
Commission should play in relation to joint police stations, thus bringing Community policies to bear alongside
the respective bilateral cooperation agreements between the Member States ?

Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission

( 24 February 1997 )

The installation of joint police stations is an example of police cooperation between Member States . Although
police cooperation has been considered a matter of common interest by the Treaty on European Union in its Title
VI, this specific issue of joint police stations has not, to date, been raised at Union level . The Commission
considers that other significant aspects of police cooperation such as ' hot pursuit ' and joint cross border
operational teams could be usefully examined at Union level .

A major practical step in fostering police cooperation in the Union for the purposes of combating international
crime was the signature of the Europol Convention . But the provisions laid down by the Convention have not yet
entered into force as conventions are subject to the adoption by all the Member States in accordance with their
respective constitutional requirements . In this respect, the Commission recalls that the European Council
meeting in Dublin in December 1996 urged Member States to ratify, by the end of 1997, the Europol Convention
and its subsequent Protocol .

( 97 / C 186 / 315 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4103 / 96

by Umberto Bossi ( NI ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Availability in the various Community languages of application forms for participation in the Phare

Partnership Programme — 1996

The Commission published a call for proposals in Official Journal C 361 of 30 November 1996 for the Phare
Partnership Programme — 1996 . The call for proposals states that the application documents are available in
German and French ( and also in English, taking into account the forms available via the Internet ).

With reference to the Commission 's reply to my previous questions, in particular No E-2249 / 96 (') ( disparities in
the dates of publication in the various national languages of information and application forms relating to
participation in Community programmes ) and No E      - 1256 / 96 ( 2 ) ( paragraph ( vi ): ' Under Article 2 of Regulation
No 1 laying down the rules governing the languages of the institutions of the Community, candidates may submit
applications in whichever official Community languages they choose '), can there be any justification for the
arbitrary choice of just two Community languages used for the publication of the documents in question ?

How does the Commission reconcile the choice of these two languages with Article 2 of Regulation No 1 ?

(') OJ C 11 ot 13.1.1997, p . 71 .
( 2 ) OJ C 322, 28.10.1996, p . 46 .

18.6.97 P EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 189

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

( 19 February 1997 )

The practice of using English as the working language of Phare grew up because it is the most frequently used by
counterparts of the Commission in Central and Eastern Europe . Widespread adoption of English in 1989 enabled
the Commission to become operational in rapid order in extremely difficult conditions . No official language has
been excluded by the Commission but the realities of the situation remain that English, French and German
remain the languages most frequently understood by those with whom the Commission cooperates within the
framework of the Phare programme .

( 97 / C 186 / 316 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-4104 / 96

by Kann Rns-J0rgensen ( ELDR ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : European environment communications strategy

The Commission Directorate-General for the Environment, Nuclear Safety and Civil Protection has been
working on a communications strategy for European environmental matters for some time now .

Can the Commission state whether this task has already been entrusted to a private consultancy on the basis of
instructions from the Environment Commissioner and, if so, whether the job of developing a European
environment communications strategy was put out to public tender ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 10 February 1997 )

Commission internal regulations include provisions for the appointment of special advisers . These advisers have
limited contracts which normally allow for payment at a fixed rate per day plus expenses for missions . As the
sums involved are significantly lower than those which require competitive tendering, members of the
Commission are permitted to make these engagements by personal choice . In 1996 the member of the
Commission in charge of environment, within this scheme, appointed an adviser for information and
communication matters .

( 97 / C 186 / 317 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-4107 / 96

by Michael Elliott ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : Free movement of chemists

Does the European Commission feel that the European Communities Chemistry Council has helped further the
free circulation of professionals from chemical industries across the European Union ? Further to this, to what
extent could the title EurChem facilitate the recognition of national diplomas among Member States ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 27 January 1997 )

The Commission considers that the work of the European Communities chemistry council ( ECCC ) is an
excellent example of self      - regulation of a profession at European level .

Although the EurChem title cannot itself be considered as a diploma within the meaning of Article 1(a ) of
Council Directive 89 / 48 / EEC of 21 December 1988 on a general system of recognition of diplomas ('),

No C 186 / 190 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

it may nevertheless be of assistance to the national authorities when they examine a request for recognition under
Article 3 of the Directive . Registration on the ECCC register indicates that, whatever the duration or content of
his initial training, the chemist has reached a certain level of professional competence, certified by his peers both
at national and European level . Bearing in mind that Member States are required by the case law of the Court of
justice ( 2 ) to take post-diploma professional experience into consideration when reaching their decision on

recognition, the Commission considers that a chemist who has obtained the title of EurChem should not normally
be required to undertake an adaptation period or sit an aptitude test as provided in Article 4 of Directive
89 / 48 / EEC .

(') OJ L 19, 24.1.1989 .
( : ) Cf . Case C             - 340 / 89 Vlassopoulou ( 1989 ) ECR 1-2357 .

( 97 / C 186 / 318 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-4108 / 96

by Riccardo Garosci ( UPE ) to the Commission

( 10 January 1997 )

Subject : Legal recognition for informal groupings between SMUs ( small and medium-sized undertakings )

Would the Commission not agree that it should take appropriate steps to provide legal recognition for informal
groupings between SMUs, with a view to promoting the formation of such groupings ( which are quite different
from cooperatives ) in dynamic sectors such as distribution, the crafts industry, services and tourism ?

An appropriate legal status would enable firms in a given sector within the various Member States to implement
joint projects and coordinate their activities, and would be particularly valuable in the commercial sector, where

firms which have long had informal links are not legally recognized at Community level and are therefore unable
to take advantage of direct funding ( e.g. buying associations and voluntary chains ) and other EU and national
instruments available to SMUs .

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 1997 )

The Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that companies which wish to participate in joint
activities such as purchasing, co-production or selling, or which seek to form multidisciplinary consortia in order
to tender for public or private contracts, currently have at their disposal the European Economic Interest
Grouping ( EEIG)O ), which is a Community legal instrument intended to promote cross-border cooperation
between small and medium-sized enterprises in particular .

In order to facilitate the cross-border activities of non-profit-making associations, mutual societies and
cooperatives, which are special forms of small and medium-sized enterprises, the Commission has also
submitted three proposals for regulations on the creation of European forms of the three aforesaid types of
enterprises . These regulations, which were proposed in 1992 and amended in 1993 ( 2 ) following the opinions of
the European Parliament and the Economic and Social Committee, are still the subject of Council discussions .

Finally, it should be noted that the Commission has submitted for adoption by the Council the draft regulation on
a European company statute ( 3 ), which is another form of company allowing enterprises to reorganise and
cooperate at Community level .

0 )
( 2 )

(-)

Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 2137 / 85 of 25.7.1985, OJ L 199 of 31.7.1985 .
Initial proposals in OJ C 99 of 21.4.1992 and amended proposals in COM(93 ) 252 .
Amended proposal in OJ C 176 of 8.7.1991 .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 191

( 97 / C 186 / 319 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4109 / 96

by Ralf Walter ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Travel insolvency insurance

Under the EU Directive on travel insolvency insurance, tour operators are required to take out the necessary
insurance . Union rules, however, make no distinction between a large tour operator and small clubs . Costly travel
insolvency insurance even has to be taken out when a football club hires a coach to travel overnight to an away
match .

What is the Commission 's view of this state of affairs ?

Are Union rules intended to make it more difficult for sports clubs to take part in competitions ?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

( 27 February 1997 )

Council Directive 90 / 314 / EEC of 13 June 1990 (') on package travel, package holidays and package tours,
provides that ' the organizer and / or retailer party to the contract shall provide sufficient evidence of security for
the refund of money paid over and for the repatriation of the consumer in the event of insolvency .' The purpose
of this provision is to protect the consumer 's financial interests in the case that a tour operator with whom he has
booked a package subsequently goes bankrupt .

The Commission does not see how this provision could make it more difficult for sports clubs to take part in
competitions . In the example quoted, where a football club hires a coach to transport its team overnight to take
part in an away match, the Directive would not apply, since transport is the only service which is being offered,
whereas the Directive defines a package as a pre-arranged combination of at least two elements, e.g. transport
and accommodation, sold or offered for sale at an inclusive price . In addition, the Directive excludes tour
operators who only organise packages occasionally .

(') OJ L 158, 23.6.1990 .

( 97 / C 186 / 320 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-41 10 / 96

by Hilde Hawlicek ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Shorter waiting time for authorization of Socrates applications

The application form for university contracts under the Socrates programme ( Version 1.0 — July 1995 ) states that
the closing date for applications for the 1997 / 98 academic year is 1 July 1996 .

According to a letter received from the Socrates and Youth Technical Assistance Office in August 1996, the
authorizations are unlikely to be announced before May 1997 .

The extremely lengthy waiting time for authorization of the mobility measures covered in the applications, in
connection with teacher and student exchanges or other Europe-wide cooperation programmes, greatly lessens
the attractiveness of the programme .

1 . Does the Commission think that it could bring forward the date on which authorizations are announced or
extend the 1 July deadline ?

2 . Does it believe that the above steps could be taken next year ?

In the case of colleges of art, the dates of entrance examinations or enrolment for 1997 / 98 fall before the time at
which authorized cooperation programmes are announced . There is consequently a danger that Socrates student
exchanges at colleges of art will be impossible to organize in the 1997 / 98 academic year .

No C 186 / 192 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

( 18 February 1997 )

The Commission is aware that in the first year of the three-year project there was a relatively long period between
the date of application for Socrates-Erasmus institutional contracts and the date of approval . This resulted from
the quantity of the activities proposed ( 1,582 contracts, concerning 180,000 students, 30,000 teachers and some
3,000 other cooperation activities ) and the necessary steps in the quality assessment of applications and the
decision procedure, including the consultation of academic experts and the programme committees .

The Commission aims to reduce the period for the announcement of the approval decisions and to postpone the

1 July deadline for applications to a date in the autumn in 1997, concerning the implementation in the academic
year 1998 / 1999 .

There is no risk of non-participation of newly registered students in arts and any other study field in 1997 / 1998 as
first year students are not eligible to participate in the programme Erasmus part of Socrates .

( 91 IC 186 / 321 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4112 / 96

by Ursula Schleicher ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Translation of international documents into the Community languages

Council Decision 94 / 1067 / Euratom on provisional application of the Energy Charter Treaty was published in the
Official Journal on 31 December 1994 ('). Experts are pointing out that the German text of the Energy Charter,
the basis of the debate in the national Parliament, is different from the version in the Official Journal .

1 . Is the Commission aware of this problem ?

2 . Does it know whether similar problems exist in other Member States ?

3 . What is its view of the legal implications ?

4 . Does it believe that the language versions published in the Official Journal could be declared legally
binding for the purposes of the national texts ?

(') OJ L 380, 31.12.1994, p . 113 .

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission

( 21 February 1997 )

The Energy charter treaty (' the treaty ') was signed by the Communities and the Member States in Lisbon on

17 December 1994 . It was signed in English, French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish, each text being
equally authentic . The government of the Portuguese Republic is the depositary of this treaty .

After the signature of the treaty, which had been negotiated in English, the German version had to be improved at
the request of the German speaking signatory countries . Improvements also had to be made in the Russian
language version . Therefore, in 1995 the Energy charter secretariat, at the request and on behalf of the Portuguese
government, circulated the modified language versions to the signatories . After agreement to the proposed
modifications, the final text of the treaty was certified by the Portuguese government, and certified true copies
were transmitted to all signatories . This is therefore the authentic text which is binding on the parties . It is also on
the basis of these modified final versions of the Treaty that national parliaments are deliberating .

18.6.97 I EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 193

Only the depositary of the Treaty can certify the authenticity of the different language versions . The Commission
cannot influence the authenticity of the various language versions and cannot declare any text legally binding
which has not been certified by the depositary .

The Energy charter treaty will be fully binding for the Communities and their Member States after deposit of
their ratification instruments and when it enters into force i.e. on the 90th day after the date of deposit of the
30th instrument of ratification . Then the Community language versions and the Russian version, certified by the
depositary, will be equally applicable .

( 97 / C 186 / 322 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4115 / 96

by Herbert Bosch ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : EU bodies in the new Member States

According to the Agence Europe bulletin of 9-10 December 1996, the Council has decided that the seat of the EU
Plant Variety Office will be established in Angers, France .

Finland, Sweden, and Austria have also been members of the Union since 1 January 1995 . To my knowledge
there are as yet no European agencies or offices in any of these Member States .

1 . To date, has the Government of any new Member State formally approached the Commission and requested
that an EU office or agency be set up in its country ?

If so, which government or governments have made such a request ?

2 . Is the Commission planning to set up any EU bodies in the new Member States in the near future ?

3 . Which bodies are involved ?

4 . When does it expect to carry out its plans ?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 1997 )

The Commission is in continuous contact with all Member States and is in touch with their concerns, and this of

course includes the new Member States .

However, the Commission would like to point out that the establishment of a decentralized Community body or
agency is not motivated by any principle of broad or even geographical coverage, but by the need to develop
certain technical skills or raise the profile in a particular area . Each agency has a specific function to perform, as
laid down in the regulations by which it was established .

Two proposals for the establishment of agencies are currently before the Council and the Parliament . The first
proposal under consideration (') concerns a change in the status of the Office for Veterinary and Plant-Health
Inspection, at present situated in Ireland and totally separate from the Commission, while the second is for a
Council Regulation establishing a European Monitoring Centre for Racism and Xenophobia ( 2 ).

The geographical location of existing or planned agencies is decided by the Member States at the highest level .
So far the European Council alone has taken these decisions . The Commission does not intervene in its choice or
in the selection of proposed locations .

(') COM(96 ) 223 final .

( : ) COM(96 ) 615 .

No C 186 / 194 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 186 / 323 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-41 18 / 96

by Mark Watts ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Problem of urban waste disposal for the western Costa del Sol

The village of Casares is 3.5 kilometres away from a proposed urban waste dump and processing plant,
accommodating the entire detritus of the western Costa del Sol ( referred to in Spain as the Mancomunidad ). The
daily minimum estimate is 500 metric tons of unselected rubbish . European Community money has been
allocated to fund such projects in Spain, including this one .

What mechanisms are in place and what powers are exercised by the Commission to evaluate the technical and
environmental aspects of site location, plant construction and operation ?

Has the Commission made a full evaluation of the project prior to allocating funds ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 20 February 1997 )

The Commission understands that the construction of an urban solid waste treatment plant is planned in Casares,
and that the authority concerned has carried out an environmental impact assessment ( EIA ) in accordance with
Directive 85 / 337 / CEE on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the
environment (')■ This kind of installation is included in Annex II of the Directive, which means that the national
authority is responsible for deciding whether the environmental impact assessment is necessary or not . Only the
projects listed under Annex I have to be submitted to such an assessment .

The principle of subsidiarity establishes that Member States are responsible for the planning and management of
waste treatment projects, as well as determining where such plants can be constructed, and in the first instance,
whether they are in accordance with Community legislation . At this stage, the Commission has no evidence to
indicate that Community legislation has been infringed .

(') OJ L 175 . 5.7.1985 .

( 97 / C 186 / 324 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-41 19 / 96

by Alfonso Novo Belenguer ( ARE ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Fourth Fisheries Restructuring Plan

The Fourth Fisheries Restructuring Plan which came into force on 1 January 1997 runs until December 2002,
principally in the North Sea and Baltic fishing grounds, with the purpose of reducing fishing percentages and
regenerating the fishing grounds . The situation in the Mediterranean is not as serious as in the North Sea and
Baltic fishing grounds .

1 . Is it true that the Commission intends to cut the fishing fleet by up to 30% in the areas affected ?

2 . Does the Commission intend to include the Mediterranean along with the Baltic and North Sea for fishing
fleet reductions of up to 30% ?

3 . If so, has the Commission provided for any measures to alleviate the loss which a reduction of up to 30% of
the Mediterranean fishing fleet would involve, which in the specific case of the Valencian Autonomous
Community would affect 10,000 families and 800 boats ?

18.6.97 r EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 195

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

(6 February 1997 )

The Honourable Member is asked to refer to the Commission proposal on the multiannual guidance programme
( MGP IV ) (') and in particular the annex to it which sets out the fishing effort reductions that are proposed for
each large zone, the Mediterranean included .

Community rules provide for a whole series of measures to restructure the fishing fleet concerned, as well as
accompanying socio-economic measures for the fishermen affected by the cessation of fishing .

The Commission would draw the Honourable Member 's attention to the fact that the Fisheries Council on 19 and

20 December 1996 was unable to reach agreement on the implementation of these programmes, but undertook to
adopt them by 30 April 1997 at the latest .

(') OJ L 259 . 6 . 9.1996 .

( 91 IC 186 / 325 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4121 / 96

by Francisca Sauquillo Perez del Arco ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Child labour

Does the Commission intend to support projects and programmes designed to prevent the contracting of child
labour in certain industrial sectors, such as carpet weaving, where the majority of those currently being recruited
into the workforce are children ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(5 March 1997 )

In its communication on the link between the trading system and internationally recognised labour standards ('),
the Commission seeks to promote respect for fundamental social rights, including the elimination of child labour,
with the emphasis on consolidating the role of the International Labour Organisation ( ILO ) in terms of
monitoring the proper application of international labour conventions and supporting technical assistance
measures undertaken by the ILO, in particular the international programme on the elimination of child labour
( IPEC ).

In the context of bilateral cooperation, the Commission is currently making arrangements with the ILO, under the
IPEC programme in Pakistan, for joint financing of a pilot project aimed at eliminating child labour in that

country .

Finally, the revised Community scheme of generalised tariff preferences ( 2 ) provides that additional preferences
may be granted, as from 1 January 1998, to countries which provide proof that they have adopted and are actually
applying domestic legal provisions incorporating the substance of the standards laid down in certain ILO
conventions, including Convention No 138 relating to child labour .

(') COM ( 96 ) 402 tinal .

< : ) Council Regulations ( EC ) No 3281 / 94 ( industrial products ) and No 1256 / 96 ( agricultural products ): OJ L 348, 31.12.1994 and OJ L 160,
29.6.1996 respectively .

No C 186 / 196 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18.6 . 97

( 97 / C 186 / 326 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4122 / 96

by Joaquin Siso Cruellas ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Organ transplants in Europe

In recent years, waiting lists for transplants have steadily increased worldwide . The international body
Eurotransplant claims that between 1 990 and 1 994 in the Benelux countries, Germany and Austria alone, the
number of patients waiting for transplants rose by 25% for kidneys, 57% for livers, 71% for combined hearts and
lungs, 1 1 8% for hearts alone and 238% for lungs . The shortage of available organs is due to the massive increase
in the number of candidates for transplants combined with a fall in the number of donors ; the fact that the most
recent scientific findings are increasingly in favour of transplants should also be taken into account .

Can the Commission tell me whether it is carrying out any information campaigns, both at street level and in the
media, with the goal of raising European citizens ' awareness of the importance of donating organs ? If so, what
results have been forthcoming ?

Given that one of the principle sources of discouragement for many donors or potential donors is the existence of
illegal trade in organs, what measures has the European Union put in hand to stop such activities ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 11 February 1997 )

Organ transplantation is characterised by cultural, ethical, legal, medical, administrative, and organisational
circumstances particular to each Member State . It is not appropriate, in this context, for the Commission to
undertake Community-wide campaigns on the issue of organ transplantation . Moreover, the organisation and
delivery of relevant services is a matter for the Member States . The Commission, however, participates in the
work of international organisations competent in this field, such as the Council of Europe, especially with respect
to the issue of the commercial trade in organs, and has supported cooperation between the Member States and the
exchange of information on policies and programmes .

( 97 / C 186 / 327 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4124 / 96

by Joaquin Sisô Cruellas ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Marketing of controversial dolls

The Christmas season saw the Spanish toy industry putting two dolls on the market which have caused disquiet
amongst members of the public . Hard on the heels of the scandal caused by a ' battered baby ' doll, a toy firm in
Alicante started marketing a doll whose distinguishing feature was its ostentatious touching of its genitals .

Given the danger of encouraging insensitivity and callousness amongst minors with toys of this kind, has the
Commission investigated the possibility of establishing regulations protecting them from such outrages ?

( 97 / C 186 / 328 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4125 / 96

by Mana Sornosa Martinez ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : ' Battered baby ' doll in the shops

The Spanish media have reported the existence of a doll designed to look like a battered baby . It is marketed
under the trademark ' Joimy ' in the ' Peti Gestos ' collection, and is on sale through the popular ' Todo a Cien '
chain stores for 300 pesetas .

18 . 6 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 197

The doll has a black eye, sticking plaster on its face, two teeth missing and a bruise on its forehead . It is
manufactured by the Alicante toy firm Ferre Fuster .

The marketing of this doll has led to widespread protests, notably from the children 's rights association Pro
Derechos del Nino ( Prodeni ), which has called for it to be withdrawn .

Given that there are European safety rules for the handling of toys by children,

1 . Is there any European directive on preventing the manufacture of toys likely to cause psychological damage
to children ?

2 . Does the Commission think that in view of the proliferation of toys which serve no pedagogical purpose and
are even harmful to children, a code of behaviour in the toy sector needs to be drawn up ?

3 . Does the Commission intend to engage specialists to draw up a study in this connection ?

4 . What measures can the Commission take to prevent the manufacture and sale of toys which could have
psychologically counterproductive effects on children ?

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-4124 / 96 and E-4125 / 96
given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

(3 March 1997 )

Although there is Community legislation on the safety of toys ( Council Directive 88 / 378 / EEC of May 1988 on
the approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning the safety of toys (')), it deals exclusively with
mechanical, chemical, electrical and other physical aspects of health and safety relating to toys . It is not possible
for the Commission to intervene, on the basis of the Directive, in the situation described by the Honourable
Members .

Intervention or regulation with regard to moral or psychological damage that toys can cause, is within the
competence of Member States . Also in the case of intra-Community trade, Member States can restrict the
marketing of toys for reasons of public morality or public policy, on the basis of Article 36 of the EC Treaty,
provided the measures they adopt are proportionate to the objectives of protection .

The Commission therefore believes that sufficient possibilities exist for public authorities to intervene on the
market .

(') OJ L 187 . 16.7.1988 .

( 97 / C 186 / 329 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4127 / 96

by Alonso Puerta ( GUE / NGL ) and Laura González Alvarez ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Emissions of suffocating gases and poisonous smoke in Ajalvir ( Madrid — Spain ).

The Cartera Ambiental company, located in Ajalvir ( Autonomous Community of Madrid ) stores, analyses and

manages waste .

The company is causing the local population major health problems with the poisonous effluent, gas and smoke it
produces, and furthermore refuses to provide them with any information as to the characteristics and nature of
the waste in question .

1 . What action can the Commission take to ensure the correct application of :

( a ) Directive 91 / 689 / EEC (') on dangerous waste ;

( b ) Directive 90 / 3 1 3 / EEC ( 2 ) on freedom of access to information on the environment ?

2 . Does the Commission not think that the Spanish authorities should adopt appropriate measures to guarantee
the protection of the health of the people of Ajalvir ?

(') OJ L 377, 31.12.1991, p . 20 .

C~ ) OJ L 158 . 23.6.1990, p . 56 .

No C 186 / 198 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 20 February 1997 )

It should be pointed out first of all that Spain has still not communicated its national measures for transposition of
Council Directive 91 / 1 56 / EEC (') of 18 March 1991 amending Directive 75 / 442 / EEC ( 2 ) on waste nor of Council
Directive 91 / 689 / EEC ( 3 ) of 12 December 1991 on hazardous waste .

The Commission has brought an action against Spain before the Court of Justice for failure to communicate
national measures for transposition of Directive 91 / 156 / EEC ( Case No C-107 / 96 ). As regards Directive
91 / 689 / EEC, the Commission has likewise decided to bring an action before the Court of Justice .

Under Article 9 of Directive 91 / 156 / EEC any establishment or undertaking which carries out waste disposal
operations must obtain a permit . This permit must cover in particular the types and quantities of waste, the
technical requirements, the security precautions to be taken and the treatment method . Establishments carrying
out waste disposal operations have to undergo appropriate periodical inspections by the authorities . It therefore
falls to the authority with the task of implementing the Directive to see to it that the conditions of the permit are
complied with and to refuse it if the method of disposal is unacceptable from the point of view of public health or
environmental protection .

Furthermore, under Article 14 of Directive 91 / 156 / EEC all establishments or undertakings carrying out waste
disposal operations must keep a record of the quantity and nature of the waste disposed of . They must also make
this information available, on request, to the authorities in charge of implementing the Directive .

Under Council Directive 90 / 3 1 3 / EEC ( 4 ) of 7 June 1990 on the freedom of access to information on the
environment, the authorities must make information in this record available to any natural or legal person at his
request and without his having to prove an interest . The authority must reply to the person concerned as soon as
possible and within two months at the latest . Reasons must be given for any refusal to supply the information .

(') OJ L 78, 26.3.1991 .

( 2 ) OJ L 194, 25.7.1975 .

(■') OJ L 377, 31.12.1991 .

( 4 ) OJ L 158, 23.6.1990 .

( 97 / C 186 / 330 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4128 / 96

by Roberta Angelilli ( NI ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : The unchecked growth of supermarkets and hard discount stores

Supermarkets and hard discount stores have mushroomed in Italy in the past few years . This has been due to a
national law ( the Marcora Law ) which ratifies administrative mechanisms preventing any kind of monitoring and
planning activities regarding the growth and number of supermarkets . In particular, the second subparagraph of
Article 8 of Decree-Law No 697 of 1982 ( which was converted into law with modifications by Law No 887 of
29 November 1982 and most recently replaced by Article 1 of Decree-Law No 9 of 1987, converted into law with
modifications by Law No 121 of 1987 ) grants any operator working for at least four financial years in the same
market sector ( in operation for at least three years ) automatic authorization to extend the sales area of its store to
up to 600 nr .

Can the Commission ascertain whether this law has benefited large stores at the expense of small and
medium-sized shopowners ( in the last few years around 50 000 shopowners have been forced to close down ),
given that there are many restrictions on granting commercial licences to such shopowners in Italy, and they are
subject to planning decisions by the regional and municipal authorities ?

Can the Commission state whether or not this law allows for a monopoly, which is contrary to the European
Union 's rules on free competition ?

18.6.97 I EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 199

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission

( 21 February 1997 )

It is the national or local authorities which are responsible for regulations governing the siting or extension of
large supermarkets and the rules on carrying out commercial activities ( licencing ), and, provided that these are
uniformly applied in law and in fact to all Community nationals, they would not appear to be contrary to
Community law . I would refer the Honourable Member to the answer given by the Commission to the written
question put by Mr Rauti ( E-2943 / 96 ) (')•

As regards the concentration aspect, it should be pointed out that the legislation on merger control in the
Community lays down the criteria and conditions by which the Commission may, if required, undertake a
detailed examination of any merger operations planned on a cross-border basis within the Community . The
Commission 's Green Paper on Commerce and Distribution ( 2 ) has sparked off discussions on the commercial
sector, and the Honourable Member 's concerns could, of course, form part of this debate . Any reactions to the
Green Paper should be transmitted to the Commission by 31 May 1997 at the latest . The Commission is keenly
awaiting the European Parliament 's opinion on this matter .

(') OJ C 60, 26.2.1997 .
(-) COM(96 ) 530 final .

( 97 / C 186 / 331 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-4129 / 96

by Johanna Maij-Weggen ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Participation by Dutch firms in European Union development programmes

Can the Commission say which Dutch firms carried out projects in 1996 or are still doing so, in the context of the
European Union 's development cooperation programmes ( including EDF programmes ), what these projects
involved and how much money per project was allocated to the relevant Dutch firms ?

( NB The Commission is requested to provide a precise and specific answer .)

Can the Commission say what proportion of the total of European development cooperation projects ( including
the EDF ) is carried out by Dutch firms ?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission

( 26 February 1997 )

The Commission does not prepare a digest of the results of invitations to tender according to the nationality of the
businesses concerned over the entire field of development cooperation . Having said, in the case of operations
specifically under the European Development Fund ( EDF ), the Commission publishes contracts funded annually
in the Official Journal, with information on the name of the business concerned, the amount and the type of
contract ( for supplies, works or services ).

The latest report on the EDF, with full information broken down by nationality, covering contracts entered into
during financial year 1995 and largely being carried out in 1996, was presented to the Council in September

1996 (').

The report is fairly bulky and is being sent direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament 's Secretariat .

(') SEC(96 ) 1544 Final .

No C 186 / 200 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 91 !C 186 / 332 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0001 / 97

by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Common policy on safety at sea

The Commission 's Communication 'A Common Policy on Safe Seas ' ( COM ( 93 ) 66 ) states that ' The effect of
the rising graph of the vanishing bulk carriers deserves special attention . The facts are startling . Since 1975 more
than 280 bulk carriers have been lost ... A directive setting adequate provisions ... ( watertight bulkheads, use of
high tensile steel, stringent issuing of licences and certificates, use of full vessel capacity, etc )... could bring a
substantial contribution to the solution of the problems for vessels operating under Member States ' flags .'

Despite these observations and the fact that three years have elapsed, during which the Commission has issued
four directives and two regulations on the safety of vessels, no directive on bulk carriers has been forthcoming .
Following the tragic wreck of the ' Dystos ' on 28 December 1996 and the loss of 18 Greek seamen, will the Union
finally issue such a directive ?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

( 17 February 1997 )

In its communication 'A common policy on safe seas ' of 24 February 1993 ('), the Commission, recognising the
increasing casualty rate of bulk carriers, indicated possible courses of action to remedy this alarming situation .

A first course of action envisaged was the development of measures aimed at the convergent application of
International Maritime Organisation conventions, which should ensure direct government involvement in the
issuing of certificates or delegation only to highly qualified classification societies under strict supervision of the
administrations . This aim was achieved through the adoption on 22 November 1994, and the implementation by
31 December 1995, of Council Directive 94 / 57 / EC on common rules and standards for ship inspection and
survey organisations and for the relevant activities of maritime administrations ( 2 ).

A second course of action was the proposal of port State control measures to check and enforce the requirement
that vessels trading to European ports comply with international conventions related to maritime safety . This
resulted in the adoption on 19 June 1995, and the implementation, by 30 June 1996, of Council Directive
95 / 21 / EC concerning the enforcement, in respect of shipping using Community ports and sailing in the waters
under the jurisdiction of the Member States, of international standards for ship safety, pollution prevention and
shipboard living and working conditions ( port State control ) ( 3 ). Within the framework of this Directive, bulk
carriers more than 12 years old are considered to be ships that are subjected to an expanded inspection by the
authorities of the Member States .

Finally a specific Directive providing for the mandatory application of classification society recommendations
on bulk carriers was envisaged . Important in this respect is the recent decision by the International Association of
Classification Societies ( IACS ) requiring existing single hull bulk carriers to be reinforced where necessary . In
addition, within the International Maritime Organisation, amendments to the 1974 Solas Convention are being
developed, to enhance the safety of both new and existing bulk carriers . To take account of these recent
developments at international level, the Commission has initiated a study of the extent to which the decisions at
international level could be used as a basis for a possible legislative initiative to guarantee safe bulk carrier trades
to and from Community ports .

(') COM(93 ) 66 .

( : ) OJ L 319, 12.12.1994 .

O OJ L 157 . 7.7.1995 .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 201

( 97 / C 186 / 333 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0003 / 97

by Glyn Ford ( PSE ) to the Commission

f 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Move of Gallaher from Hyde to Lisnafillan

Can the Commission confirm that the removal of Gallaher ' s factory in Hyde, Greater Manchester — at the
expense of nearly 1000 jobs over four years — announced this week as part of ' concentration ., of UK cigarette
production in one factory at Lisnafillan, Northern Ireland ' and projected to create around 300 additional jobs, is
not and will not be funded by European grants ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(// February 1997 )

The Commission can confirm that any removal of Gallagher 's factory from Hyde, Greater Manchester, to
Lisnafillan in Northern Ireland is not and will not be cofinanced by European grants .

( 97 / C 186 / 334 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0008 / 97

by Gerhard Hager ( NI ) to the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

Subject : Funding for the ' Gute Nachricht ' ( Good News ) religious centre

According to its own information the Christian religious centre ' Gute Nachricht ' is an interdenominational
association which aims to communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ to those people who are no longer reached by
the established churches .

The November 1996 Newsletter indicated that the revival services in the Wels religious centre, with Rick and
Randy from California, had been a great blessing to many people . There was great freedom in the Holy Spirit
with many people being healed from all types of bondage, illness etc . The interested reader was then informed
that these revival services would continue to be held daily until further notice .

' Living Success ' seminars under the slogan Come and See were advertised and leaders seminars for executives
from the world of economics and politics . The target group for these seminars are people who are active in a
leadership or advisory capacity in economics or politics . Two-thirds of the funding for seminar costs is received
from the Land of Upper Austria and the EU .

1 . Does the Commission know about these seminars ?

2 . Is the Commission aware of the personal background of the organizers ?

3 . From which budget heading does the funding come ?

4 . Who authorized this funding ?

5 . How much money in total has been made available ?

6 . What are the special qualifications of the ' Gute Nachricht ' religious centre which entitle it to receive this
funding ?

7 . Will the Commission continue to support this religious centre in the future ?

8 . If so, why ?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

( 13 March 1997 )

The Commission had no knowledge of initiatives organized by the Gute Nachricht Christian religious centre, and
has certainly never given it financial support . The Commission has no powers in respect of the organization of
religious information or awareness-raising events where there is an admission charge ; this can only be a matter
for religious bodies in the Member States or private initiatives .

No C 186 / 202 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 186 / 335 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0011 / 97

by Anita Pollack ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

Subject : Bihari refugees in Bangladesh

What actions, if any, has the Commission taken to help improve the position of Bihari refugees in Bangladesh ?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission

(6 February 1997 )

The Commission has taken no specific actions regarding the Biharis in Bangladesh .

However, all development cooperation projects that the Commission is at present implementing in Bangladesh
are aimed at the population of the country as a whole and the Biharis are part of this population .

( 97 / C 186 / 336 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0012 / 97

by Anita Pollack ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

Subject : Asia / Urbs

Is the Commission aware that this exciting new project has aroused considerable interest amongst local
authorities in England, but that there is concern about what seem to be delays in getting started ? Rumours are that
there is some kind of waiting list consisting of MEDA, then Asia Invest, then Asia / Urbs .

What is going on and when will it be possible for the call for proposals to begin ?

Answer given by Mr Mann on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 1997 )

The Commission is aware of the interest by local authorities in Europe for the Asia-Urbs programme . The
Commission receives requests from many European authorities and replies in writing to all of them . The first call
for proposals will begin just after the setting up of the support agency and the nomination of the steering
committee members . The open tendering for the support agency will be published soon . If everything proceeds
as expected, the call for proposals could be in June or July 1997 .

( 97 / C 186 / 337 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0014 / 97

by Mary Banotti ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

Subject : Radiation risk experiments

As a follow-up to my Questions E-0560 / 96 (') and E-2463 / 96 ( 2 ) on radiation risk experiments, how many
persons advised the Commission on the choice of research priorities and then subsequently obtained funding for
research proposals ?

Why has the Commission not adopted the more correct method of excluding those who advise on the choice of
research priorities from submitting research proposals under programmes they have advised on ?

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 203

Can the Commission confirm that it accepts that the study of tumour suppressor genes in mice will not be as
relevant as the study of tumour suppressor genes in humans ?

Can the Commission confirm that it accepts that there is growing evidence for the view that humans are uniquely
resistant to the harmful effects of radiation ?

(') OJ C 185 . 25.6.1996, p. 71 .
(-) OJ C 83 of 14.3.1997, p. 18 .

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

( 18 February 1997 )

The Commission receives advice from a wide cross section of scientists and scientific bodies involved in the

research areas covered by its programmes, as well as from members of committees . The responsibility for
weighing up such advice and preparing programme proposals rests with the Commission . These proposals are
amended if necessary and the programmes are adopted following the normal interinstitutional discussions which
involve the Parliament and the Council .

The issuing of calls for proposals and the subsequent selection of projects to be funded is a normal programme
management process which has no connection with the provision of advice on programme priorities . In
evaluating project proposals, the Commission is assisted by independent experts who are asked to examine the
proposals for their overall quality and relevance to the programme 's objectives irrespective of the identity of the
proposers . As equal access to all eligible researchers is a fundamental management tenet in all Community
research programmes, the Commission has no intention of excluding researchers from participating solely on the
grounds that they may have provided advice in the past .

With respect to the understanding of the mechanism of radiation induced carcinogenesis, the Commission does
not accept a priori that the study of tumour suppressor genes in mice will be less relevant than the study of tumour
suppressor genes in humans . Radiation experiments with human beings are not possible . Based on a continuing
close evaluation of all relevant scientific literature, there is no growing evidence to suggest that humans are
uniquely resistant to the harmful effects of radiation .

( 97 / C 186 / 338 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0017 / 97

by Miguel Anas Canete ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

Subject : The United States and the cumulative recovery system

There has been discussion once again of the possibility that the US may lodge an appeal with the WTO about the
system for importing cereals and rice in the Community .

The US are continually threatening the Commission that they will appeal to the ' panel ' in order to obtain more
concessions which will jeopardize the possibility of finding outlets for Community-produced rice .

Is the Commission aware that the granting of the cumulative recovery system will directly endanger the system
of trade between the Community and third countries by eliminating even the last margins of the Community
preference, thereby exposing Community production to competition from the rest of the world ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 17 February 1997 )

The decision to set up the cumulative recovery system for husked rice was taken by the Council in an exchange of
letters with the United States Government ( Annex II to the decision of the Council at its meeting on 22 December

1995 (')) within the framework of the negotiations on Article XXIV(6 ) of the GATT .

The system is not yet in force and when the Commission lays down the detailed rules it will have to take account
of the existence of the undertakings in the Uruguay Round agreements .

(') OJ L 334, 30.12.1995 .

No C 186 / 204 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 186 / 339 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0019 / 97

by Miguel Arias Canete ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

Subject : Egyptian rice

Egypt already enjoys a tariff reduction of 25% on its rice exports and the influx of this rice will make it necessary
to use intervention .

Is the Commission aware that its proposal to eliminate completely the customs duty on quantities amounting to
32 000 tonnes will aggravate the situation caused by surpluses of Community japonica rice ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 17 February 1997 )

The Commission proposal concerning rice imports from Egypt was made within the framework of a number of
measures concerning several products which, overall, benefit the Community . However, the repercussions of
these imports will be limited because the quantity envisaged ( 32 000 tonnes husked rice equivalent ) is equivalent
to only 2% of the Community 's output of japonica rice in 1996 .

( 97 / C 186 / 340 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0024 / 97

by Armelle Guinebertiere ( UPE ) to the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

Subject : Implementation of the Directive on nitrates

Can the Commission confirm that the Directive on nitrates ( 91 / 676 / EEC ('), of 12 December 1991 ) only concerns
nitrogen-based pollution and covers all substances containing nitrates applied to agricultural land ? Does the
nitrates Directive, in seeking to strike a balance, limit only the amount of livestock manure to 170 kg of nitrogen
per hectare per year ( 210 kg for the first programme ), taking no account of other nitrogen sources, such as
chemical fertilizers, sewage plant and abattoir effluents, sludge, compost and vinasse ?

Such an interpretation would raise problems in France .

(') OJ L 375, 31.12.1991, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 28 February 1997 )

Annex III . 2 of the nitrates Directive states that ' the amount of livestock manure applied to the land each year,
including by the animals themselves, shall not exceed a specified amount per hectare '. In Article 2 livestock
manure is defined as ' waste products excreted by livestock or a mixture of litter and waste products excreted by
livestock even in processed form '. It is therefore the case that these amounts only apply to waste products
excreted by livestock .

Nevertheless, Annex III . 1 lays down the necessity of taking into account the balance between the nitrogen supply
to the crops from the soil and from fertilisers . As the Directive defines fertiliser as ' any substance containing a
nitrogen compound or nitrogen compounds utilised on land to enhance growth of vegetation ...' it is true to state
that in practice the application of the other fertilising substances listed in the question will have to be restricted
where necessary because they contain nitrogen compounds .

8 . 6 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 205

( 97 / C 186 / 341 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0025 / 97

by Armelle Guinebertiere ( UPE ) to the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

Subject : Use of original language in EU Member States

Steps must be taken to support and develop a cultural policy aimed at restoring the strength and dignity of the
languages of the various European Union Member States .

Does the Commission intend to initiate or give its backing to such measures, in particular to ensure that each
European capital city is given back its own name, to be used in the original language by all European citizens ( in
school books, maps, etc .), e.g. that French people refer to the British capital as London and not Londres, and to
the Italian capital as Roma ?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

(7 March 1997 )

The Commission has taken a number of initiatives to promote language diversity in the Community, in particular
measures relating to the learning of foreign languages ( Socrates programme ), multilingualism in the information
society ( SIML programme ), the translation of information services and products, audiovisual products and
literary works ( Infor 2000, Media II, Ariane programmes and proposal ).

The sustained efforts of the Commission and other institutions to provide translations and interpretation in the
eleven languages through the translation and interpretation services are an integral part of all the initiatives to
promote language diversity .

The Commission manages all these measures in compliance with the principle of subsidiarity . It considers that
the name of each European capital in the various national or regional languages of the Member States, being the
result of the evolution of their languages, customs and histories, should be used in all their diversity and that
responsibility here lies with the Member States .

( 97 / C 186 / 342 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0026 / 97

by Bertel Haarder ( ELDR ) to the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

Subject : Trade union membership

The main provision of Article 2(1 ) of the Danish law of 1 July 1982 on protection against dismissal on the
grounds of trade union affiliation is that an employer may not dismiss an employee because he is not a member of
a trade union . However, Article 2(2 ) and ( 3 ) provide for two exceptions to the rule : if the employee was aware
when recruited that the employer made employment conditional upon membership of a trade union, and if an
employee who is a member of a trade union is informed after being recruited that membership is a requirement
for continued employment in the company .

The supplementary report on the bill on Danish accession to the European Communities ( bill L 240 ) states that
any employer or employee is free to join or not to join such organizations ( employers ' associations or trade
unions ) without detriment to him personally or professionally .

Article 11(1 ) of the European Convention on Human Rights states that ' everyone has the right to freedom of
peaceful assembly and to freedom of association with others, including the right to form and to join trade unions
for the protection of his interests '. Article 1 1(2 ) allows certain restrictions to be placed on the rights accorded
under Article 11(1 ); they must however be prescribed by law and be necessary in a democratic society ( on the
terms specified ).

No C 186 / 206 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Does it conflict with EU or Danish legislation to make recruitment conditional on membership of a particular
trade union ?

What, in view of European legislation and case law, is the Commission 's reaction to dismissal of a person on the
sole grounds that he is not a member of a specific trade union ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 19 February 1997 )

The is no general Community legislation on trade union rights . According to Article 2(6 ) of the Agreement on
social policy annexed to the EC Treaty, the Community does not have legislative competence with regard to the
right of association . Furthermore, there is no Community legislation on individual dismissals . The question falls
exclusively within the scope of the national legislation of the Member States .

In this context, reference can be made to paragraph 1 1 of the Community charter of the fundamental social rights
of workers which, although not a legally binding document, states that

' Employers and workers of the European Community shall have the right of association in order to constitute
professional organizations or trade unions of their choice for the defence of their economic and social interest .

Every employer and every worker shall have the freedom to join or not to join such organizations without any
personal or occupational damage thereby suffered by him .'

( 97 / C 186 / 343 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0030 / 97

by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 22 Januar \ 1997 )

Subject : Closure of the Kurdish-Turkish newspaper, Ronahi, by the Turkish authorities

On 10 October 1996, the Criminal Court of Istanbul banned the weekly newspaper, Ronahi, which was published
in Kurdish and Turkish and advocated a peaceful, non-violent settlement of the country 's social problems .

Prior to the ban, dozens of editions of the newspaper had been seized, its editors arrested and detained on
numerous occasions, during which they were abused and threatened, the post office had impeded its distribution
and its correspondents outside Istanbul had been persecuted, in particular Ahmet Bulut who was beaten to death
in Diyarbakir .

1 . Will the Commission intercede to enable the newspaper to circulate unhindered again and to secure an
annulment of the Criminal Court 's decision ?

2 . How will the Community intervene to halt the unacceptable practice of persecuting the press in a country
that wishes to become a Member State ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

( 24 February 1997 )

According to the Commission 's information, the weekly Ronahi was shut down for a month by order of a State
Security Court in Istanbul under a judgment handed down on 10 October 1996 . The express ground given by the
court was the refusal on the part of this publication to state the identity of the responsible publisher .

It seems that after the month 's closure ordered by the Court had expired the management of Ronahi itself decided
to close it permanently .

Since the closure a new weekly, named Hevi, apparently similar in content to Ronahi, has been published for
eleven weeks by the same group .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 207

( 97 / C 186 / 344 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0032 / 97

by Wilfried Telkamper ( V ) to the Commission

( 22 January 1997                                         

Subject : Child labour in India

What is the present contribution of the District Primary Education Programme in the Indian state of Madhya
Pradesh, which is at present the largest EU-funded programme in India, to the eradication of child labour in that
state ? What is the targeted number of children to be enrolled and retained in school in Madhya Pradesh, who were
formerly working or likely to work without this programme ?

Is the Commission of the opinion that strategies to withdraw children from work and to get them into school, as
for example the non-governmental MV Foundation in Andhra Pradesh is applying on a rather large scale, should
be increasingly integrated into the EU-funded DPEP programme in Madhya Pradesh ?

Answer given by Mr Mann on behalf of the Commission

( 19 February 1997 )

The aim of the district primary education programme ( DPEP ) is effective universalisation of elementary
education, including universal access and enrolment, universal retention of children up to 14 years of age, and a
substantial improvement in quality of education to enable all children to achieve essential levels of learning .
Targets regarding enrolment, retention and learning achievements have been defined in each DPEP district plan
for the programme period . Strategies have been developed to address the educational needs of girls, scheduled
tribes and scheduled casts, children and disabled children . These groups of children are also the most vulnerable
in terms of child labour . The implementation of the DPEP started in November 1994 in 42 districts in 14 states .
Currently, the DPEP covers about one-third of the Indian population aged 6 to 14 years . International agencies
estimate that in the states and districts currently involved in the DPEP there are up to 30 million children who do
not regularly go to school .

The Commission shares the view of the Honourable Member that child labour issue should be increasingly
integrated in the DPEP programme . In this regard, in December 1996, the Supreme court of India ordered that
compensation be paid to each child labourer in nine major industries across the country . Each employer of a child
in a hazardous industry would have to make a one-time contribution of 25,000 Rupees to a state managed fund
for their employees ' education . In the event of the child labourer 's parents not being given the vacant job, a cash
stipend would be given to the family on the interest from this payment, subject to the child being sent to school .
In addition, employers will have to pay a fine of 20,000 Rupees to be deposited in a state scheme for child
labourer 's welfare and rehabilitation . Partly due to the increased attention to the issue of child labour, the DPEP
bureau has recently indicated that child labourers will now be considered as one of the disadvantaged groups it
will target . A five day workshop was organised with experts from the different states experienced in child labour
issues . The DPEP bureau is in the process of preparing a concept paper on the specific strategies and actions that
DPEP will be contemplating with regard to the matter .

( 97 / C 186 / 345 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0035 / 97

by Odile Leperre-Verrier ( ARE ) to the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

Subject : Leonardo programme

Can the Commission state how many young people are currently undergoing training under the Leonardo
programme and provide details of the nationalities of those involved and the level and type of training provided ?

Can it also provide some information on the outcome of such traineeships ? In particular, how many of the young
people involved have found a job since completing their training ?

In this connection, it would be useful to know whether the financial organizations involved are obliged to
monitor the progress of the young people for whom they are responsible, and what criteria are used for the
selection of such organizations .

No C 186 / 208 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Answer given by Ms Cresson on behalf of the Commission

( 14 February 1997 )

According to the figures currently available, around 40 000 young people in initial vocational training or in
employment benefited from transnational placements under the Leonardo programme in 1995 and 1996, along
with some 14 000 students in higher education, who worked on temporary transnational placements in industry .
A considerable number of young people are also involved in the new innovative pilot projects ( almost 1 200 of
which received financial support from the Commission in 1995 and 1996 ). The Commission will supply the
Honourable Member directly with details of the nationality of the young people concerned and the level and type
of training as soon as more precise information is available .

As far as the future of the participants is concerned, it is as yet too early to obtain reliable information,
particularly in respect of those young people still engaged in training . The Commission will pay particular
attention to this aspect when evaluating the programme, and in taking steps to ensure the quality of the
placements organised, one of the main concerns being to provide a more adequate basis for the recognition of
qualifications obtained as part of the programme and thereby to improve the young participants ' employment

prospects .

The bodies organising the placements are selected via a public tendering procedure, either at Community level
( in the case of students ) or at national level ( in the case of young people in initial training or in employment ).
They are responsible for providing the appropriate support for the young people involved and for monitoring and
evaluation of the placements .

( 97 / C 186 / 346 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0036 / 97

by Odile Leperre-Verrier ( ARE ) to the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

Subject : Mutual recognition of diplomas

What steps does the Commission intend to take with a view to ensuring that ski instructors ' diplomas guarantee
the same degree of expertise in all EU Member States ?

Serious safety problems have demonstrated that only the training undergone by instructors in the Alpine area
( France, Italy and Austria ) provides adequate safety guarantees ?

Would the Commission not agree that, with due regard for the principles of freedom of movement and mutual
recognition of diplomas, it should lay down basic requirements for the exercise of this profession ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 10 February 1997 )

The Commission is not at present considering adopting special rules governing the profession of ski instructor by
setting, for example, a minimum level of qualification to be complied with in each Member State . In principle,
each Member State has the right to regulate a profession within its own territory . The Commission simply
encourages the free movement of qualified persons from all the Member States by setting up machinery for the
recognition of diplomas . There is already a directive that applies to ski instructors — Council Directive
92 / 51 / EEC of 18 June 1992 on a second general system for the recognition of professional education and
training (')•

This system for the recognition of diplomas is based on a fundamental principle, namely, that a person fully
qualified to exercise a profession in one Member State must, in principle, be able to pursue that same profession
in another Member State . By virtue of the principle of mutual trust, recognition is thus the rule .

It is important to note that, in order for a diploma to be recognized, a qualified person must be fully qualified in
another Member State . The skills of the person applying for recognition will thus already have been verified and
validated in the Member State of origin .

In addition, diplomas are not recognized automatically . An application must be made in all cases to an authority
in the host Member State in accordance with the procedure provided for in Directive 92 / 5 1 / EEC . The application
is then considered in accordance with the principles laid down by Community law .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 86 / 209

Lastly, there are exceptions to the principle of recognition, in particular where the training received in the
Member State of origin by the applicant covers substantially different subjects from those covered by the
diploma required in the host Member State . In that case, the latter is entitled to require the applicant to complete
an adaptation period or take an aptitude test ( compensation measures ). The authorities therefore have the means
to check the qualifications of instructors trained in another Member State .

The Commission acknowledges that, owing to their special responsibilities, ski instructors must have
qualifications that guarantee the safety of their pupils . However, it also believes that Directive 92 / 51 / EEC
establishes rules allowing safety requirements to be taken into account when examining an application for
recognition . Major shortcomings in the case of a diploma submitted by a person from another Member State may
constitute substantial differences and thus require completion of an adaptation period or an aptitude test .

( ! ) OJ L 209 . 24.7.1992 .

( 97 / C 186 / 347 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0040 / 97

by Florus Wijsenbeek ( ELDR ) to the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

Subject : Application of Directives 85 / 3 / EEC and 96 / 53 / EC

Is the Commission aware that problems are arising with the application of EU legislation on the length of
truck-trailer combinations ( Directive 85 / 3 (') as subsequently amended ) in the Republic of France ?

Does the Commission agree that, under point 1 .4 of Annex I, removable superstructures and standardized freight
items are included for the purposes of determining loading length pursuant to point 1 .7 of the same annex to
Directive 96 / 53 ( 2 ) and that as a result yet further problems are to be anticipated ?

Does the Commission agree, moreover, that Article 4(6 ) of the Directive provides for a transitional period for
existing vehicles or vehicle combinations, at least on condition that they were purchased before 17 September

1997, expiring on 31 December 2006 ?

Does not the Commission also agree, therefore, that these vehicles or combinations which are to be permitted
until 2006 must also be eligible for use for transport within the Community in accordance with the transitional
provision ?

If so, is the Commission aware that Article R 61 of the French traffic regulations does not accord with this, and
should be amended by 17 September 1997 ?

If so, will the Commission ask the French authorities to arrange for this amendment ?

Does not the Commission also agree that, in view of recent actions damaging to European road transport, such as
the road blockades and French farmers ' unloading of refrigerated vehicles under the supervision of the
Gendarmerie, for which the French Government officially apologized on 17 December 1996, it is inappropriate
for the French authorities to resort to such chicanery as meticulous application of the wrongfully unamended
provisions of Article R 61 of the French traffic regulations, accompanied by the imposition of not insubstantial
fines ?

Will the Commission also contact the French authorities about this and urge them to be flexible until the law has
been amended ?

If so, will the Commission do this as soon as possible ? If not, why not ?

(') OJ L 2 . 3.1.1985, p . 14 .

( ; ) OJ L 235 . 17.9.1996, p . 59 .

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(3 March 1997 )

The Commission is not aware of problems with the application of Directive 85 / 3 / EEC in France and invites the
Honourable Member to provide more specific information .

No C 186 / 210 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

As of 1 7 September 1996, Directive 96 / 5 3 / EC lays down Community rules for certain road vehicles circulating in
the Community on the maximum authorised dimensions all traffic and the weights ( international traffic only ).
Member States should comply with this Directive by 17 September 1997 . The Commission agrees with the
comments of the Honourable Member on points 1 .4 and 1 .7 of Annex I and Article 4 paragraph 6 of the Directive .
However, it should be emphasised that according to Article 4.6 Member States may allow ' grandfather rights ' in
their territory but are not obliged to do so . In other words, France cannot be obliged to allow after 17 September

1997 the circulation on its territory of vehicles that do not meet the dimensions as laid down in Directive 96 / 53 .

Concerning the other points mentioned by the Honourable Member regarding problems of hauliers on French
roads with farmers, blockades or unjustified fines, the Commission would like to point out that it can only act on
the basis of well specified complaints indicating discriminatory treatment by public authorities .

( 97 / C 186 / 348 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0041 / 97

by Petrus Cornehssen ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

Subject : Driving bans for trucks

1 . Is the Commission aware of the extent and considerable diversity of the driving bans applicable to goods
transport in the EU ? ( See the circular, ' Rijverboden en feestdagen 1996 ' ( Driving bans and public holidays in

1996 ) issued by the EVO ( General Association of Shippers and Own     - Account Carriers ) in Zoetermeer ).

2 . Does the Commission agree with industry that the numerous driving bans which currently exist constitute a
serious obstacle to goods transport and to trade and distribution within the EU, and entail serious restrictions of
the logistical process ?

3 . Can the Commission confirm that the driving bans often also lead to social problems for the international
drivers concerned, and in some cases also adversely affect road safety ?

4 . Does the Commission agree with industry that the driving bans often result in extra traffic congestion
during the period which remains available ?

5 . Can the Commission confirm that the lack of harmonization of driving bans creates a confused situation
and imposes extra costs on industry ?

6 . Will the Commission investigate how unnecessary obstacles caused by driving bans to goods transport in
the EU and between the EU and third countries can be eliminated ?

7 . Will the Commission consult with industry about this problem in early 1997 so that any improvements can
be implemented in the summer of 1997 ?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

( 26 February 1997 )

The Commission is aware of the differences in driving bans for commercial hauliers within the Community and
of some of the negative effects cited by the Honourable Member . Such bans are, however, based on safety and
environmental considerations of national or local authorities in the Member States and there are no specific
Community rules which apply in those cases .

Some degree of harmonisation of these rules might be desirable but the Commission is aware that this could be
difficult to achieve, since many of these bans have been introduced to take into account different local
circumstances, national and local holidays and specific environmental problems .

The Commission will discuss this issue with Member States, third countries, and industry with a view to seeing
whether a Community action in this field may be desirable and possible .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 211

( 97 / C 186 / 349 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0042 / 97

by Petrus Cornelissen ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

Subject : Driving hours and rest periods

1 . What is the situation with regard to amendment of Regulation 3820 / 85 (')?

2 . Is there a possibility that, by analogy with the Dutch legislation on driving hours, the concept of ' duty time '
( all the time worked, including breaks ) may be introduced in the interests of better labour protection and road
safety ?

3 . Is there a possibility that the ban on one of the drivers resting while the vehicle is in motion may be lifted ? If
so, what implications does this have for road safety in general and the working conditions of the employees
concerned in particular ?

4 . What are the results of checks carried out by the authorities responsible for enforcement in the various
Member States, and what conclusions can be drawn from them ?

(') OJ L 370, 31.12.1985 . p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

( 27 February 1997 )

There is currently no Commission proposal to amend the Community rules on driving time and rest periods for
drivers laid down in Regulation ( EEC ) No 3820 / 85 . However, the Commission is studying the question of
working time in sectors and activities that were excluded from Council Directive 93 / 104 / EEC on certain aspects
of the organisation of working time (' ) and will publish a white paper on this matter . Since transport is one of the
excluded sectors, the white paper will contain a discussion on road haulage and the introduction of the concept of
duty time in Community legislation is one of the options the Commission will address in that context .

There is currently no intention of removing the present ban on rest periods being taken while the lorry is in
motion . This is to maintain the level of health and safety provision .

The Commission 's 17th report on the implementation of the social legislation relating to road transport ( 2 ) sets
out the data on monitoring and enforcement of Council Regulation 3820 / 85 by the Member States . In the
conclusions of this report, the Commission recognises the need for the Regulation to be applied as effectively and
uniformly as possible . To this end, the Commission encourages a common interpretation of the legislation and a
consistent approach to its application and enforcement through dialogue with national representatives, and the
development of a completely electronic tachograph .

(') OJ L 307, 13.12.1993 .

( : ) COM(95 ) 713 final .

( 97 / C 186 / 350 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0046 / 97

by Thomas Megahy ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

Subject : Supply of staff to hotels in the Haute Savoie region of France — pay rates

According to Mr Michel Marnier, French Minister for European Union affairs, a British company, Hotel and
Catering Staff Supplies of Rotherham, is currently offering to supply staff to hotels in the Haute Savoie region of
France at rates substantially below those customarily paid to hotel workers in the area . This is possible because
UK citizens are able to work on short-term contracts in France while continuing to pay Britain 's lower social
security contributions .

No C 186 / 212 TEN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Whilst this may be reasonable under many circumstances, does the Commission agree that it should not be
possible for employment-supplying firms to take advantage of this right to undercut local wage rates ?

Would the Commission consider proposing a measure to close this loophole and end this form of social
dumping ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 19 February 1997 )

The Commission would like to draw the Honourable Member 's attention to the recently adopted European
Parliament and Council Directive 96 / 7 1 / EC concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision
of services ('), which introduces the principle that any undertaking which provides services in the territory of a
Member State and posts workers there for this purpose must comply with a ' hard core ' of minimum labour law
rules in force in that Member State . The period allowed for the transposition of the Directive is three years from
the date of adoption . As emphasised by the Commission in its Communication to the European Parliament and
the Council dated 30 October 1996 on the ' Impact and Effectiveness of the Single Market ' ( 2 ), this Directive

' supports the free movement of people and ensures that the Single Market prevents competition based on
lowering levels of social protection '.

Referring more specifically to social security, the Commission draws the Honourable Member 's attention to
Article 14(l)(a ) of Regulation ( EEC ) No 1408 / 71, as amended and updated by Regulation ( EC ) No 1 18 / 97 ( 3 ),
which states that an employed person who is posted by his undertaking to a Member State other than that by
whose social security scheme he is normally covered remains subject to that scheme during the posting .
However, the anticipated duration of the work may not exceed 12 months . Furthermore, the work must be carried
out on behalf of the undertaking which has posted the worker, i.e. there must continue to be a direct employment
relationship between that undertaking and the worker . Decision No 162 of the Administrative Commission on
Social Security for Migrant Workers is concerned with the interpretation of this provision ( 4 ).

(') OJ L 18 . 21.1.1997 .

( 2 ) COM(96 ) 520 final .

(■') OJ L 28, 30.1.1997 .

( 4 ) OJ L 241, 21.9.1996 .

( 97 / C 186 / 351 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0047 / 97

by Edith Muller ( V ) to the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

Subject : Photochemical pollution at Gijon ( Spain )

The Spanish town of Gijon is affected by photochemical pollution caused by ozone concentrations which,
between January 1995 and March 1996, were nine times above the threshold for informing the population and
20 times above the health protection threshold . These thresholds are set by the Real Decreto 1494 / 1995 of
8 September 1995 on air pollution by ozone, implementing Directive 92 / 72 / EEC (') of 21 September 1992 .

Despite the relevant requirement in this directive ( Article 5 ), the population of Gijon was not informed when the
information threshold was exceeded .

Following the forwarding of the values for air pollution by ozone measured by the national authorities ( as
provided for in Article 6 of the directive ), the Commission had already indicated at the end of 1995 the high
values of photochemical pollution recorded in Spanish towns, including Gijon, and must therefore draw up
appropriate plans for the reduction of this pollution .

Does the Commission intend, pursuant to Article 169 of the Treaty on the European Union, to initiate
infringement proceedings against the Spanish state for non-compliance with Article 5 of Directive 92 / 72 / EEC in
the town of Gijon ?

18 . 6 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 213

What steps does the Commission intend to take to ensure that plans to combat pollution by ozone are really
established in this town ?

(') OJ L 297 . 1.110.1992, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 26 February 1997 )

The Commission was in fact informed that the population information and health protection thresholds had been
exceeded in Gijen during the period mentioned by the Honourable Member . However, it is not aware that the
population of Gijen was not notified when the information threshold was exceeded . It will contact the necessary
authorities to verify the accuracy of these facts and to ensure that Council Directive 92 / 72 / EEC of 21 September

1992 on air pollution by ozone is correctly applied .

In accordance with Article 8 of the Directive, the Commission will prepare a report in March 1998 on the
information collected and on the evaluation of photochemical pollution in the Community . This report will be
accompanied by any proposals the Commission deems appropriate on the control of air pollution by ozone . The
proposals will complement measures taken by Member States on a national, regional or local level to reduce peak
ozone concentrations .

( 97 / C 186 / 352 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0048 / 97

by Olivier Dupuis ( ARE ) to the Commission

( 15 January 1997 )

Subject : Human rights situation in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Since 22 August 1996, Dr Fadil Sulejmani, the Rector of the University of Tetova, has been imprisoned by the
Macedonian authorities . He is condemned for the ' separatist ' act of heading the first and only Albanian language
university .

This university was set up in February 1995 by the community of ethnic Albanians ( who constitute at least 25%
of the population in Macedonia ). It was the practical outcome of protest to the non-existence of classes in
Albanian and the restricted access of ethnic Albanians to education in general .

In November 1996, when the Delegation for Relations with South East Europe of the European Parliament
visited FYROM, it raised the question of Dr Sulejmani . In response, the FYROM Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr
Ljubomir Frekovski, made the commitment to the delegation during the conclusion of the visit that Dr Sulejmani
would be released before the end of the year 1996, or at the very beginning of 1997 . At this time, however, he is
still in prison .

What concrete actions is the Commission planning to take with regard to the release of Dr Sulejmani and, more
generally, with regard to the growing problem of the Albanian community in Macedonia who — after have
supported the establishment of the new state of Macedonia from the very beginning with great loyalty — are
becoming more and more concerned about the refusal of the Macedonian majority to recognize their own
specificity and fundamental rights ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

( 13 February 1997 )

The Commission considers that the human rights situation of the Albanian community in the Former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia ( representing 22,9% of the population according to the 1994 census ) has improved in the
last years, offering globally satisfactory levels of fundamental rights including in the fields of media and
education . The new law on local self-government of October 1995, prepared in co-operation with the Council of
Europe, has also introduced the official use of minority languages at municipal level .

There is no doubt, however, that the educational situation of the Albanian community in the Former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia remains an important concern . The school system is faced with serious difficulties due to

No C 186 / 214 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

limited resources, in particular shortages of secondary school teachers for education in the Albanian language .
The number of students of the Albanian minority at the University of Skopje is therefore disproportionately low
although the situation has improved in recent years, reaching 9% in 1996 ( 2% in 1991 ) due inter alia to the
introduction of a 10 per cent minority quota in 1993 . In October 1995, the government adopted a directive on
teaching in languages of national minorities at the Pedagogical Faculty but this directive has not been
implemented yet .

As in the past, the Commission will encourage the authorities of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to
continue their efforts to ensure equal access by the national minorities, in particular the Albanian community, to
education at all levels, and, where appropriate, to higher education in their own language . To that end, the
Commission will urge rapid adoption of the outstanding law on higher education which should set the necessary
legal framework .

In respect of the imprisonment of Mr Sulejmani, the Commission has raised the issue on various occasions and
has been assured by the authorities of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia that the case is treated strictly
in accordance with the new penal code which has been drafted in cooperation with the Council of Europe .
Following a transfer, at his own request, from the prison in Bitola to Skopje, Mr Sulejmani was released
prematurely on 2 February 1997 .

( 97 / C 186 / 353 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0049 / 97

by Fernando Perez Royo ( PSE ) to the Council

( 14 January 1997 )

Subject : Statements by the Dutch Finance Minister

Can the Council explain the statements made by the Dutch Finance Minister and President-in-Office of the
Ecofin Council, Mr Gerrit Zalm, in which he proposed an initially reduced monetary union ? His statements also
revealed that he is opposed in principle to the inclusion of southern European countries ( Spain, Portugal and
Italy ) among the countries participating in monetary union from the start, and those countries ' aim of joining the
Euro from 1999 was described as hysteria .

Answer

( 24 March 1997 )

It is for the Council — at the level of Heads of State or government — to decide, in strict compliance with Article

109j of the Treaty, which States are in a position to adopt the single currency when the time comes .

( 97 /C 186 / 354 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0054 / 97

by Yves Verwaerde ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

Subject : Forum on the Information Society

Can the Commission inform me of the membership of the Forum on the Information Society and forward to me
the first report on its activities ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

( 20 February 1997 )

The information society forum was set up by the Commission in July 1995 in order to create a new and
authoritative source for reflection, debate and advice on the challenges of the information society . The 128
members of the forum were appointed for a three-year mandate by the Commission, half on nomination by the
Member States and half selected by the Commission on an individual basis . A Europe-wide balance was sought .
The members of the forum are drawn from six main fields of activity :

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 215

— users of the new technologies : industry, public services, consumer groups, small and medium-sized
enterprises and the professions ;

— social groups : academics, employers ' organisations, trade unions, youth groups, regional and city
representatives ;

— content and service providers : publishers and authors, film and television producers, broadcasters, computer
software producers and information service providers ;

— network operators : fixed telecommunications, cable television, mobile and satellite operators ;

— equipment manufacturers : network, consumers ' electronics, computer industry ;

— institutions : members of the Parliament, of the Economic and social committee and of the Committee of the
regions .

The list of the members of the forum is annexed to the forum 's first annual report, a copy of which is forwarded
direct to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat general of the Parliament . As a result of the extended
dialogue amongst a large variety of groups, the report provides a valuable contribution in terms of ideas and
recommendations covering social, cultural, political and economic aspects of the information society . It reflects
the issues that have been under discussion during the first year of work including the impact on the economy and
employment ; basic social and democratic values in the ' virtual community '; the influence on public services ;
education, training and learning in the information society ; the cultural dimension and the future of the media ;
and sustainable development, technology and infrastructure .

On 21 October 1996, the plenary session of the forum elected a new board for its second year of activity . The
forum also decided to set up working groups on employment and job creation ; social and democratic values ;
culture and the future of new services and the media ; universal access and consumer protection and support ;
sustainability in an information society ; public services : bringing administration closer to citizens ; and lifelong
learning .

It was agreed in the second year 's work of the forum to provide counsel and to be a sounding board for
Commission activities, to continue the medium and longer-term strategic ' brainstorming ' work characteristic of
much of the first year 's work, and to promote public awareness of the issues of the information society .

( 97 / C 186 / 355 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0057 / 97

by Yiannis Roubatis ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 24 January 1997 )

Subject : Illegal immigration and drug trafficking across the Greek-Albanian border

There has recently been a noticeable increase in the number of illegal Albanian immigrants entering Greece
through the Epirus region and in the trafficking of large quantities of drugs from Albania across the
Greek-Albanian border .

Will the Commission ask the Albanian Government to take measures to curb illegal immigration and drug
trafficking across the Greek-Albanian border ?

Will it provide the Greek national administration and the region of Epirus with financial or other aid to combat
these activities ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(3 March 1997 )

The Commission is aware of the substantial flow of illegal immigrants into Greece from Albania . The
Commission also shares the Honourable Member 's concern about drug trafficking between Albania and Greece
in the Epirus district . It has to inform the Honourable Member, however, that the 1992 Agreement on
Commercial and Economic Cooperation between the Community and Albania makes no provision for
cooperation in these fields and is not an appropriate framework for approaching the Albanian authorities in this

context .

No C 186 / 216 EN Official Journal ot the European Communities 18.6 . 97

The rules governing the crossing of Member States ' frontiers are among matters of common interest according to
Title VI of the Treaty on European Union . The Commission regrets that its 1993 proposal for a Convention (' ) on
common rules for controls has not yet been agreed by the Council . In the recitals it was made clear that particular
attention had to be paid to questions of infrastructure and of frontier surveillance in Member States exposed to
increased migratory pressure .

In the absence of a framework which is European in the proper sense, but in view of the fact that the Balkan route
is undoubtedly one of the most heavily used for drug traffic into the Community, the Commission, as part of the
Phare multi-country programme, plans to develop a specific aid programme to build up the ability of the
non-member countries in the region ( including Albania ) to enforce the ban on drug trafficking, notably at
territorial frontiers ( including ports and airports ). A preparatory team will visit the countries concerned in April
and May 1997 to assess the exact needs in this field . The programme will be carried out in conjunction with the
United Nations International Drug Control Programme and once it has been formulated aid should begin to flow
during the second half of the year . And the 1 996 national Phare programme for Albania already makes provision
for aid to modernize the country 's Customs services ; this should improve its ability to operate frontier controls .

As part of the Interreg     - Phare crossborder cooperation programme action is also to be taken at both countries '
frontier posts, primarily to facilitate and normalize movement of goods and persons between them and so reduce
clandestine immigration and the drug traffic . It is planned to put Nark-Control installations into several frontier
posts on the Greek side for that purpose .

(') OJ C 11, 15.1.1994 .

( 97 / C 186 / 356 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0058 / 97

by Kenneth Coates ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 24 January ' 1997 )

Subject : Employment : transfer of benefits

A fact sheet issued by the Department of Social Security, Pensions and Overseas Benefits Directorate states that

' Under United Kingdom rules Jobseeker 's Allowance is not normally payable to people who go abroad .
However, as the United Kingdom is a member of the EEA there are special arrangements which enable
contribution-based Jobseeker 's Allowance to be transferred abroad for payment in the ( appropriate ) countries ...'.

Is this consistent with the right of European Union citizens who are unemployed and wish to seek work
elsewhere in the Union '... to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States ...'? Is ' abroad ' an
accurate and appropriate terminology to describe transfer of benefits within the European Union ?

( 97 / C 186 / 357 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0059 / 97

by Kenneth Coates ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 24 January 1997 )

Subject : Employment : transfer of benefits

In order to qualify for the transfer of the United Kingdom contribution-based Jobseeker 's Allowance to another
EEA country it is necessary to satisfy each of four conditions . These include entitlement to receive payment of
the United Kingdom Jobseeker 's Allowance normally to the day of departure from the United Kingdom . But,
contribution-based Jobseeker 's Allowance is not payable for any period covered by a ' sanction ' or a
' disallowance '. This means the condition would not be met and the allowance could not be transferred elsewhere

in the EEA .

Is this consistent with the right of European Union citizens who are unemployed and wish to seek work
elsewhere in the Union '... to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States ...'?

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 217

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-0058 / 97 and E-0059 / 97
given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 21 February 1997 )

The social security schemes of the Member States are coordinated by Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 1408 / 71 of

14 June 197 1 ('), amended and updated by Regulation ( EC ) No 1 1 8 / 97 ( 2 ). According to Article 69 of Regulation
( EEC ) No 1408 / 71 and under certain conditions ' an employed or self-employed person who is wholly
unemployed and who satisfies the conditions of the legislation of a Member State for entitlement to benefits and
who goes to one or more other Member States in order to seek employment there shall retain his entitlement to
such benefits '.

According to the British authorities, in certain circumstances a person may be subject to a sanction, but their
entitlment remains and only payment of the benefit is affected . A person can export entitlement even if he or she
was not receiving the benefit immediately before leaving the United Kingdom . Benefit would be payable once
the sanction ceased . In effect, although a person may be temporarily sanctioned from receiving payment of
contribution-based jobseeker 's allowance, the entitlement to receive benefit may still be exported, and the
claimant will begin to receive benefit once the sanction has come to an end, whether this occurs while still in the
United Kingdom, or after the person has left the United Kingdom to look for work in another Member State . In
certain cases a claimant may be disallowed contribution-based jobseeker 's allowance, for example because he or
she is not available for work or actively seeking work . When a certain period is covered by a disallowance, this
means that the claimant does not in fact have entitlement to the benfit . During the period of a disallowance, the
claimant does not fulfil one of the conditions contained in Article 69, namely that he or she ' satisfies the
conditions of the legislation of a Member State for entitlement to benefits ', and therefore does not have the right
to export benefits .

Under the Jobseekers Act 1995, a person will be treated as available for employment ' if he is temporarily absent
from Great Britain to attend an interview for employment and has given notice to an employment officer, in
writing if so required by the employment officer, that he will be so absent for a maximum of one week '.
Furthermore, a person will be treated as available for employment if they are temporarily absent from the United
Kingdom because they are taking a member of their family who is a child or young person abroad for treatment,
for a maximum of eight weeks .

As regards the use of the term ' abroad ' to describe transfer of benefits to another state within the European
economic area, the Commission can only comment that the phrase ' another state within the European Economic
Area ' would be more accurate in this context .

(>) OJ L 149 . 5.7.1971 .

( : ) OJ L 28 . 30.1.1997 .

( 97 / C 186 / 358 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0060 / 97

by Kenneth Coates ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 24 January 1997 )

Subject : Employment : freedom of movement

The Treaty on European Union, Article 8a(l ) states that ' Every citizen of the Union shall have the right to move
and reside freely within the territory of the Member States, subject to the limitations and conditions laid down in
this Treaty and by the measures adopted to give it effect .'

Do unemployed citizens have this right ? Are any ' limitations and conditions laid down ' which restrict
unemployed European Union citizens from exercising this right ?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 19 February 1997 )

As quoted by the Honourable Member, Article 8a § 1 of the EC Treaty states that every citizen of the Union shall
have the right to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States, subject to the limitations and
conditions laid down in the Treaty and by the measures adopted to give it effect .

No C 186 / 218 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

By virtue of this secondary legislation, a citizen of the Union can enter and remain in any Member State for a
period of time not exceeding three months, on the basis of a valid identity document . However, a residence
permit must be obtained in order to remain for a longer period .

As regards the unemployed, there is no specific regulation in Community law concerning their right of residence .
The Court of justice has upheld (') in the Antonissen case the right for the nationals of a Member State to stay in
the territory of another Member State for the purposes of seeking employment . In the absence of secondary
legislation, the Court considers that this right stems directly from Article 48 of the EC Treaty . The period of time
for which the person seeking employment may stay may be limited by the host Member State, but those
concerned must be given a reasonable time in which to appraise themselves, in the territory of the Member State
concerned, of offers of employment corresponding to their occupational qualifications and to take, where
appropriate, the necessary steps in order to be engaged . Once the period of time fixed by the Member State has
elapsed, the person may be required to leave the territory of that Member State if he has not found employment,
unless he provides evidence that he is continuing to seek employment and he has genuine possibilities of being
engaged . Following the judgement in the Antonissen case, the Commission considers a reasonable time to be at
least six months .

Nevertheless, Directive 90 / 364 / EC ( 2 ) on the right of residence states that a residence permit must be granted to
an economically inactive person, provided that he fulfils the twin conditions of being ' covered by sickness
insurance in respect of all risks in the host Member State ' and ' having sufficient resources to avoid becoming a
burden on the social assistance system of the host Member State '. In these circumstances, the person will be
issued a five year residence permit . However, the Member States may, when they seem it to be necessary, require
revalidation of the permit at the end of the first two years of residence .

O Case C-292 / 89 Antonissen ( 1991 ) ECR 1-745 .
( 2 ) OJ L 180, 13.7.1990 .

( 97 / C 186 / 359 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0062 / 97

by Kenneth Coates ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 24 January J 997 )

Subject : Employment : rates of unemployment benefit

Since 1988, what rates of benefit have been payable in Member States to employed or self-employed persons
who are wholly unemployed and who satisfy the conditions of the legislation of a Member States for entitlement
to benefits and who go to one or more other Member States in order to seek employment ? What rates of exchange
has the European Commission determined for these payments ?

( 97 / C 186 / 360 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0063 / 97

by Kenneth Coates ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 24 January 1997 )

Subject : Employment : unemployment benefits

How much in unemployment benefits has been paid out by each Member State since 1988 to employed or
self-employed persons who are wholly unemployed and who satisfy the conditions of the legislation of a
Member State for entitlement to benefits and who go to one or more other Member States in order to seek
employment ? How many people have received benefit paid in this way ?

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-0062 / 97 and E-0063 / 97
given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(6 March 1997 )

The social security schemes of the Member States are coordinated by Council Regulations ( EEC ) No 1408 / 71 (')
and . 574 / 72 ( 2 ), amended and updated by Regulation ( EC ) No 1 1 8 / 97 ( 3 ). Article 69 of Regulation

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 219

( EEC ) No 1408 / 71 provides for the exportation of unemployment benefits for up to three months when an
unemployed person goes to look for work in another Member State . This right is subject to certain conditions .
For example, before departure the person must have been registered as unemployed for at least four weeks in the
Member State paying benefits . Within seven days of ceasing to be available for work in the home Member State,
the person must register with the employment services of the host Member State . While looking for work, the
person concerned must fulfil any administrative procedures required by the employment services in the host
Member State .

The rates of benefit payable to a person seeking work in another Member State are the same as if the person had
remained in the Member State which is paying the benefits . The method of obtaining the exchange rate to be used
for payment in the other Member State is specified in Article 107 of Regulation ( EEC ) No 574 / 72 . The rate for
conversion into national currency of amounts denominated in another currency is that calculated by the
Commission on the basis of the average rates of exchange during a particular month ( the reference period ) in the
preceding quarter . For example, the reference period is the preceding October for rates of conversion applicable
in the first quarter of the calendar year . The conversion rates to be applied during a particular quarter are
published in advance in the official journal .

The Commission has limited information on the numbers of people who export their unemployment benefit
according to Article 69 of Regulation ( EEC ) No 14*08 / 71 . Recommendation No 17 of the administrative
commission on social security for migrant workers of 12 December 1984 recommends the Member States to take
the measures necessary to ensure that certain items of information can be collected, if possible, and supplied each
year . Among the categories of information is the number of wholly unemployed persons who make use of their
right under Article 69 of Regulation ( EEC ) No 1408 / 71 .

In recent years only some Member States have communicated this information to the Commission . However, the
Commission will ask Member States to forward such statistics as are available, which will then be communicated
to the Honourable Member . By way of illustration, France, Portugal and the United Kingdom have reported the
numbers of people who have exported unemployment benefits from other Member States, according to Article
69 of Regulation ( EEC ) No 1408 / 71, as follows :

Total amount paid

( local currency )

No of days for which

benefit was paid

Year Receiving
Member State

No

of cases

1992 France 842 53 802 FF 6 757 570

1993 France 1152 73 739 FF 9 551 400

1992 Portugal 324 22 923 Esc 97 317 731

1993 Portugal 515 36 579 Esc 159 408 078

1992 United Kingdom 1428 83 403 £ 1 574 544

1993 United Kingdom 2050 1 12 239 £ 2 231 561

The United Kingdom has also supplied statistics on the number of people who have obtained authorization to
have their United Kingdom unemployment benefit paid in another Member State

Year Number of

authorizations

1993 2,826

1994 2,173

1995 1,584

(') OJ L 149 of 5.7.1971 .
( : ) OJ L 74 of 27.3.1972 .
C ) OJ L 28 of 30.1.1997 .

No C 186 / 220 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 186 / 361 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0067 / 97

by Guido Podesta ( UPE ) to the Commission

( 24 January 1997 )

Subject : Terrorist incidents in Algeria

In view of the incidence of violence by religious extremists in Algeria in recent months, which has caused the
death of many innocent people including women and children, and the various terrorist attacks carried out by
extreme fundamentalist organizations bent on bringing the democratic process in that country to a halt, would the
Commission state :

1 . How it intends to urge the Algerian authorities to do everything in their power to bring the culprits to justice
and, at the same time, to draw up proposals for negotiations to allow all political forces, without exception,
jointly to seek ways of enabling the country to emerge from the current climate of political violence ;

2 . What steps it intends to take to combat all acts and attitudes inspired by religious fanaticism and to prevent
any recourse to violence, whether in Algeria or elsewhere, bearing in mind that the threat of terrorism by
religious extremists makes cooperation between the police forces of the countries of the Europen Union
more important and urgently required than ever ;

3 . Whether it intends to set up a special working group to study and combat terrorism in all its forms, with
particular reference to the possibility of attacks on strategic centres on Community territory .

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission

( 25 February 1997 )

1 . The answer to the Honourable Member 's first question falls under the common foreign and security policy
and its internal procedures as laid down in Article J of the Treaty on European Union .

With regard to Algeria, the Union has stated ( European Council, Madrid, 15-16 December 1995 ) that it ' trusts
that there will shortly be new moves towards restoring a normal political situation in the country through
dialogue and the holding of free and above-board general and local elections .'

2 . & 3 . The provisions of the Treaty on European Union relating to police cooperation for the prevention and
combating of terrorism include reserving to Member States alone the right to take the initiative ( second indent of
Article K.3(2 )). The Council ( justice and home affairs ) adopted a declaration on terrorism in November 1995 and
conducts an annual review of the terrorist threat . There is also a specific working party on terrorism, part of the
third pillar dealing with issues of cooperation between Member States, on which the Commission is represented .
Special seminars have also been held on specific subjects, such as improvised weapons developed by terrorist
movements . And the Europol Convention provides that the European Police Office may also deal, not later than
two years after its entry into force, with infringements committed or liable to be committed as part of terrorist
activities .

( 97 / C 186 / 362 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0074 / 97

by Mair Morgan ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Selection of Commission stagiaires

1 am particularly concerned that an economic and political elite is emerging in the European institutions and that
the current system is exacerbating and increasing the influence of this political class .

If we are purporting to be an equal opportunity employer, the opportunity to apply and be accepted on the
Commission stagiaire scheme should be open and accessible to all . Why are some stagiaires paid and others are
not ? How many stagiaires have been paid in the last five years and how many have not ? Only stagiaires from
wealthy backgrounds can afford to live in Brussels for six months without payment or financial support from the
Commission . This precludes some of the most talented, poor, but able young people in Europe from this
excellent scheme .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 221

How many stagiaires in the last five years have been the relatives of employees of the Commission or other EU
institutions ?

In the last five years, how many entrants through the Commission 's open competition scheme have previously
completed a stage ( in % and actual numbers )?

How many applicants have received endorsements, recommendations or letters of support from ( a ) Commis ­
sioners, ( b ) Commission staff, ( c ) Members of Parliament ?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

The Commission shares the view of the Honourable Member that the Commission 's stagiaire scheme should be
open and accessible to all .

The Commission 's ability to recruit paid stagiaires is determined by the appropriations decided by the budgetary
authority . Because of the very large number of applications for each five-month stage period ( 5-7 000 candidates )
and the success within the Commission of the stagiaire programme, the Commission also recruits unpaid
stagiaires . The numbers of paid and unpaid stagiaires recruited in the last five years are as follows :

Paid Unpaid

1992 816 365

1993 769 414

1994 852 478

1995 931 452

1996 717 441

It should be noted that some unpaid stagiaires receive financial support for their stage from government schemes,
study scholarships or the private sector .

The Commission does not have the information requested regarding the numbers of stagiaires who are relatives
of employees of the Commission or other institutions nor concerning the number of stagiaires who have
subsequently succeeded in a Commission open competition .

The Commission does not have precise information regarding the number of applicants who receive
endorsements from commissioners, Commission staff and members of Parliament .

( 97 / C 186 / 363 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0075 / 97

by Horst Schnellhardt ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 24 January 1997 )

Subject : Information Centres for Rural Areas (' Carrefours ') — future planning and financial allocation

Information centres for rural areas (' Carrefours ') have been set up by the European Union in the Member States .
The Commission provides financial and organizational support to those responsible for developing these offices
locally . This form of public relations work has proved its worth and extensive use is made by local people in the
regions of the facilities provided . In recent months it has been observed that some offices have had to cease
operating for financial reasons . This is regrettable .

1 . Is the Commission aware that many ' Carrefours ' offices are in a precarious financial situation and more
offices are threatened with closure ?

2 . Will the Commission introduce measures to maintain these offices by ( a ) increasing financial allocations or
( b ) changing the arrangements for their support ?

3 . Has the Commission drawn up proposals for expanding this type of public-relations work or are other
proposals relevant ?

No C 186 / 222 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

( 28 February 1997 )

Firstly, the Commission is pleased to find that the important part played by Information centres for rural areas
(' Carrefours ') has been highlighted by the Honourable Member . At present, the network has 85 relays in

15 Member States . The aim is to cover all rural areas in the European Union . With regard to their financial
situation, the Commission would point out that the 85 existing Carrefours have signed a convention which
regulates their relationship with the Commission . This convention sets the financial contribution by the
Commission at ECU 15 000 in start-up aid and ECU 10 000 in operating aid per year .

The Commission is aware that the amount of aid given is not large and that a few of the Carrefours may therefore
be in financial difficulties . Even though, to its knowledge, this has not so far caused any of them to cease
operating, such a possibility cannot be ruled out completely . The Commission therefore remains particularly
mindful of this type of situation and is prepared to examine specific cases with a view to supplying appropriate
solutions, up to and including an increase in the amount of aid given .

The Commission will endeavour to put the limited resources of heading B3-301 to the best possible use and to
achieve a satisfactory solution to specific cases . Moreover, the Commission has always ensured that the bodies
which accommodate Carrefours are firm structures . This will be particularly essential in the case of the 15 or so
Carrefours which it proposes to set up during the current year .

( 97 / C 186 / 364 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0077 / 97

by Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 29 January 1997 )

Subject : ' Lilandio Pedio ' ( Lilas River plain )

The landscape of ' Lilandio Pedio ' ( an area of about 2 000 hectares to the South and South East of Halkida on the

island of Euboea ), which is officially classified as ' highly fertile ' ( containing market gardens side-by-side with
vineyards and olive groves ) is being transformed to an unbelievable extent and the natural environment
destroyed . The clay soil, which is of extremely high quality, has from time immemorial been used by local kilns .
However, while the latter are diminishing rapidly in number, the volume of soil being removed is drastically
increasing to supply an unprecedented level of trade both within the surrounding region and abroad ( Cyprus,
Israel, etc .), the soil being used for various purposes . This form of ' production ' involves enormous excavation
operations over entire hectares of land to a depth of four to six metres and in certain cases, up to 20 metres, going
as far down as the water table . The excavations are sometimes left uncovered with all the dangers of accidents,
landslips and flooding this implies . Alternatively, attempts are made to fill them in with refuse, rubble, old tyres,
etc . Although all this is totally illegal, the authorities have to date failed to take any radical measures or apply
sanctions . In view of the enormous extejit of the environmental damage caused by the removal of the soil ( about
400 000 — 450 000 cubic metres annually ), is the Commission aware of the resulting destruction of the ' Lilandio
Pedio ' area and of protests by organizations and residents '. Will it call on the Greek Government for
explanations, accompanied by assurances that, from now on . environmental legislation will be complied with so
as to ensure sustainable development in the ' Lilandio Pedio ' area ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 27 February 1997 )

The Commission was not aware of the plans referred to by the Honourable Member . Since extractive industry
installations are included in Annex II to Directive 85 / 337 / EEC ('), it falls to the national authorities to examine
whether the project may have an impact on the environment and, if so, to request an environmental impact
assessment . If, on the other hand, the extraction operations are illegal, as the Honourable Member suggests, the
matter needs to be dealt with through the national legal system .

(') OJ L 175 . 5.7.1985 .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 223

( 97 / C 186 / 365 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0084 / 97

by Mark Killilea ( UPE ) to the Commission

( 29 January 1997 )

Subject : Administration costs — Irish Leader projects

Under the current regulations, 20% of administration costs for programmes under Leader II in Ireland must be
raised from non-public sources . This is a particularly onerous requirement for the Leader II project which is
currently in place for the inhabited offshore islands of Ireland . In trying to raise this 20%, the administrative
organization finds itself forced to charge various fees to those people that it is trying to assist under the
programme . It also limits the possible involvement of the administrative organization in research or transnational
cooperation programmes which are an essential element of the Leader Programme, as again the requirement for
matched funding is there .

Under these particular circumstances of disadvantage that clearly pertain to the island regions, would the
Commission give consideration to the reduction in the level of matched funding required for administration costs
for this Leader project ?

( 97 / C 186 / 366 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0085 / 97

by Mark Killilea ( UPE ) to the Commission

( 29 January 1997                                                

Subject : Matched funding / Irish Leader projects

Given the particular circumstances that pertain on the inhabited offshore islands of Ireland, and the higher costs
involved in bringing projects to fruition, would the Commission not consider raising the level of funding for
these particular projects under Leader II to 75% of the total costs ?

At present the majority of projects being put forward under the Leader II programme for the inhabited offshore
islands are under £5 000, due mainly to the difficulties of sourcing matched funding at the 50% rate and the
higher cost of implementation of same .

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-0084 / 97 and E-0085 / 97
given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 20 February 1997 )

The contracts agreed with individual Leader Il-groups are the responsibility of the intermediary body responsible
for implementation of the programme in Ireland . However, the issues raised by the Honourable Member are
being examined in partnership with the Irish authorities in the course of the mid-term review of the
implementation of Leader II in Ireland .

At this point the Commission would be reluctant to agree to any proposals which amount to a reduction in the
volume of the agreed workplan .

( 97 / C 186 / 367 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0088 / 97

by Jesus Cabezon Alonso ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 29 January 1997 )

Subject : Spain and the URBAN programme

How many projects has the Spanish Government selected and submitted to the Commission under the URBAN
programme ?

Which towns are included in this selection ?

What proposals in each project are expected to be financed by the European Union ?

When will the Commission approve definitively the projects submitted under the URBAN programme by Spain ?

No C 186 / 224 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 18 February 1997 )

In its decision on the utilisation of the Community initiative reserve, the Commission allocated 77.6 MECU to
Urban in Spain, of which 56.2 MECU is destined for cities in objective 1 regions and 21.4 MECU for cities
outside objective 1 regions .

The Commission received from the Spanish government at the beginning of January a draft operational
programme for the extension of Urban . The Spanish government proposes to select 8 cities in objective 1 regions
and 4 cities outside objective 1 regions .

The Commission will examine the number of cities . Each city finally selected should obtain a viable budget . The
resources allocated to each such city should make it possible to achieve a worthwhile socio-economic impact in
the urban areas involved .

The Commission will decide on the operational programme after having examined the draft proposal thoroughly .
Any comments on the cities that will be selected and on the projects that will be cofinanced would therefore be
premature at this stage .

( 97 / C 186 / 368 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0090 / 97

by Freddy Blak ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 29 January 1997 )

Subject : Working environment

In a new wide-ranging survey by the European Institute for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions,
fully one in four employees say they feel stressed at work .

Nine percent of all employees are also exposed to practically all the physical strains considered in the survey .

Stress and other problems connected with the psychological working environment have increased, and an
increasing proportion of employees are in an uncertain legal position .,

What is the Commission 's reaction to these conclusions ?

What measures will the Commission take to change this regrettable and unacceptable state of affairs ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 19 February 1997 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to his Written Question E-3570 / 96 (') and
recalls that it is now considering the report of the advisory committee on safety, hygiene and health protection at
work on work-related stress to see how its recommendations can most effectively be taken forward .

The Commission can confirm that it considers the results of the 1996 working environment survey by the
European foundation for the improvement of working and living conditions to be a valuable contribution to the
work of the Commission in identifying future priorities for action in occupational health and safety .

C ) OJ C 105 of 3.4.1997, p . 87 .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 225

( 97 / C 186 / 369 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0099 / 97

by Edouard des Places ( I-EDN ) to the Commission

( 17 January 1997 )

Subject : Lentil production

Lentil production is governed by Council Regulation ( EC ) No 1577 / 96 (') of 30 July 1996, which provides for a
maximum guaranteed area ( MGA ) of 400 000 hectares for dried legumes .

As a result of a large increase in the cultivation of dried legumes in Spain ( particularly vetches ), the area in the
European Union under dried legumes now reportedly exceeds 550 000 hectares, which will result in the
application of a penalty of 27% to Community aid, despite transitional measures . Thus, the aid of ECU 181 per
hectare provided for will be cut to ECU 131.69 per hectare .

In France, where a policy of quality has been developed and surfaces under cultivation have remained stable
( approximately 5000 hectares ), the consequences will be catastrophic for local industries set up with marks of
quality .

The problem affecting the European Union 's lentil sector, and the dried legumes sector in general, is going to be
made worse because customs duties are due to be reduced in 1997, even though imports have flooded the
European market . In 1995, 200.000 tonnes of lentils were imported, most notably from Canada, while Union
production stood at approximately 36 000 tonnes . It is planned to reduce import duties on imports of dried
legumes as of 1 January 1997 ( Regulation ( EC ) No 1734 / 96 of 9 September 1996 ( 2 )) from 1.7% to 1.3% . On

1 July 1997 the rate is due to be further reduced from 1.3% to 1% .

Does the Commission plan to implement specific measures for dried legumes, in particular lentils, products
which are covered by recognized marks of quality in the European Union ( PGI, PDO )?

Does the Commission possess any information that would explain the excessively low price of imported lentils
when they reach the European market, and any data on the trend in the volumes of lentils imported into the
European Union ?

Will the Commission review the Regulation on aid for dried legumes in the light of the area overruns established
during the last marketing year and the disruption that lower customs duties will inevitably cause ?

(') OJ L 206, 16.8.1996, p . 4 .

( : ) OJ L 238 . 19.9.1996, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(5 February 1997 )

Regulation ( EEC ) No 2081 / 92 on geographical indications and designations of origin ('), which provides for
particular names of agricultural products to be registered, also applies to lentils . In fact, several requests
regarding the registration of certain lentil types have already been received .

Over the last four years the price of imported lentils has varied between ECU 0.3 and 0.45 / kilogram, reaching a
peak in 1996 . Between 1993 and 1995, an average of 200 000 tonnes of lentils ( CN 0713 40 90 ) were imported .
Forecasts for 1996 indicate that this figure will fall to 125 000 tonnes . The Commission has no information on
import trends .

Under Article 6(3 ) of Regulation ( EC ) No 1577 / 96 the Commission will submit a report on the application of the
arrangement for grain legumes after three marketing years, making appropriate proposals where necessary . The
Commission does not consider that a reduction in customs duties from 1 . 7% to 1% will have a major impact on
the Community lentil market . If, however, this does turn out to be the case, it will be reflected in the report .

(') OJ L 208, 24.07.1992 .

No C 186 / 226 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 186 / 370 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0105 / 97

by Nikitas Kaklamanis ( UPE ) to the Commission

( 29 January 1997 )

Subject : EU funding for the ECMI

Germany and Denmark jointly set up the European Centre for Minority Issues ( ECMI ) in Flensburg, Germany .
The Centre monitors the situation of national minorities and other indigenous population groups throughout
Europe .

Dr Stefan Troebst was appointed director of the ECMI . He is an historian and reader in Eastern European history
at the Free University of Berlin . Mr Troebst has on occasion ( most recently in the ' Frankfurter Allgemeine
Zeitung ' of 31 July 1996 ) expressed views on the alleged existence of an Albanian minority in Greece, and he has
emerged as an advocate of the annexation of Kosovo to Albania .

His inflammatory remarks on ' Macedonian and Greek nationalism ' in the same newspaper raise legitimate
questions about the ECMI 's entire activities .

This is a very serious matter, and there are reports that a generous subsidy is going to paid to the ECMI under the
EU 's Interreg programme . The ECMI has already received money from the EU for its establishment .

1 . Is the Commission acquainted with the character and the activities of the director of the ECMI, Mr Troebst,
who, during the inauguration of the ECMI ( on 4 December 1996 ), went so far as to state that ' if the Pomaks
in Greece or Bulgaria were to organize an ethnic movement and demand an independent State, that would be
a difficult, but in certain cases, pressing matter '?

2 . Has the ECMI — a ' Centre ' whose activities could turn out to be a time-bomb for the Balkans as well as other

regions of the EU — received funding, or are there plans to fund it, under any EU programme ?

3 . Is the ECMI directly or indirectly related to any of the EU institutions ? If not, should it not be made clear to
the Centre that, with its title and with the official involvement of two EU Member States, it is tarnishing the
image of the EU, which badly needs a genuinely independent body to monitor minorities and not a ' Centre '
with ambiguous and suspicious aims .

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 17 March 1997 )

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question . It will communicate its findings as
soon as possible .

( 97 / C 186 / 371 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-01 12 / 97

by Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

Subject : Disasters in Greece

Following the torrential rain which hit Greece on 12 January 1997, claiming numerous lives and wreaking havoc,
will the Commission make a financial contribution towards repairing the damage caused by floods and will it
give absolute priority to the Greek Government 's requests for structural aid to cover the urgent need for
investment in infrastructure, principally anti-flood installations and drainage systems in towns and rivers ?

How many drainage and anti-flooding projects have been funded since Greece became a member of the
European Union and which are they ? What amounts were involved and how many of those projects have been
completed to date or at what stage of completion are they ? In the Commission 's view, how effective has Greece 's
anti-flooding policy proven to date ?

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 227

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

( 21 February 1997 )

The Commission knows about the damage caused by bad weather in January 1997 in certain regions of Greece
and deeply regrets the loss of life and material damage .

The Community has no ' catastrophe fund ' as the Honourable Member appears to assume . Some work could
however be selected for part-financing by inclusion in the operational programmes in progress under the 1994-99
Community support framework for Greece . It will be up to the Greek authorities and not to the Commission to
decide what public works are to be given priority .

Since 1981 the Community has part-financed in Greece many programmes under which inter alia installation of
drainage systems could be part-financed . By way of example may be mentioned the integrated Mediterranean
programmes, the programmes of the 1989-93 Community support framework, in particular its operational
programmes for the 13 Greek regions, the Community Initiatives for the same period such as Envireg, and the
projects financed by the temporary Cohesion Instrument . At the present time financial assistance to Greece is
being provided both from the Cohesion Fund and under the 1994-99 Community support framework and in
particular its 1 3 operational programmes for the Greek regions and operational programme for the environment .

The Commission has no detailed information on the public works part-financed in Greece since 1981 . A detailed
study was completed in 1996 of projects for drainage of waste and rain water and treatment stations for urban
waste water . This runs to several volumes and is held by the Greek Ministry for Public Works and the
Environment . The Honourable Member is therefore asked to address his request to the Greek authorities .

As far as floods are concerned, leaving aside a number of isolated works, notably in Attica, no specific
programme has been part-financed .

At the moment the Commission is preparing with the Member States ' authorities for implementation of the
Interreg II Initiative . This makes specific provision for transnational cooperation in structural flood prevention
work, including work in the river basins shared by Greece and Bulgaria . The Commission awaits Greece 's
proposed operational programme .

( 97 / C 186 / 372 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-01 14 / 97

by Alan Donnelly ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 22 Januar y 1997 )

Subject : Establishment of a European new car assessment programme

Given the importance of reducing the unacceptably high number of deaths and serious injuries in automobile
accidents in the EU and of reducing the resulting external costs of road transport, along with the important role
that consumer crash test information can play in building a market for safety, does the Commission support the
establishment of a European new car assessment programme ?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

( 14 February 1997 )

The Commission has followed the development of the new car assessment programmes ( NCAP ) both within
Europe and world-wide .

As regards road safety policy, the Commission is conscious of the potential benefit that such a programme could
have in enhancing safety awareness and promoting improvements in car design . This is why such schemes were
favoured in the Commission 's Green Paper ' Towards fair and efficient pricing in transport ' (') and research and
development programmes .

It must be noted, however, that concerns have been voiced about the proliferation of such programmes and their
possible negative effect on the functioning of the internal market in passenger cars and on the European

No C 186 / 228 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

type-approval system, applied through existing Parliament and Council directives on front ( 96 / 27 / EC (-)) and
side ( 96 / 79 / EC ( 3 )) impact . Commission is currently considering whether means can be found to meet such
concerns so that the Commission can become directly involved in supporting a European NCAP and if so what
should be the nature of that involvement .

(') COM(95 ) 691 .

( 2 ) OJ L 169, 8.7.1996 .
(') OJ L 18, 21.1.1997 .

( 97 / C 186 / 373 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0121 / 97

by Jean-Pierre Cot ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 29 January 1997 )

Subject : Protection of cormorants

The spread of cormorants to areas where they were hitherto unknown is now endangering the fish population
equilibrium of rivers, lakes and reservoirs and the economic future of fisheries and fish farms and is ruining
efforts to restore aquatic eco systems .

Given that the underlying conditions which led to the protection of cormorants in the shape of Directive
79 / 409 / EEC (') have changed, could the European Commission not devise measures to restore a balance in areas
where cormorants are now becoming a problem, and to regulate their numbers during the breeding period ?

(') OJ L 103, 25.4.1979, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 27 February 1997 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-3950 / 96 by
MrBebear (')    

(') See page 139 .

( 97 / C 186 / 374 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0122 / 97

by Aline Pailler ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 29 January 1997 )

Subject : Community subsidies allocated to the Aquitaine region in 1994 and 1995

What were the figures for the Community appropriations allocated to the Aquitaine region under the following
headings :

   - ERDF

— EAGGF — Guidance

— ESF

— research programmes

— programmes in the energy sector

— programmes concerning the environment

— other programmes concerning human resources, education, training and youth ?

Can the Commission state who were the beneficiaries of these appropriations ?

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 229

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

( 17 March 1997 )

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question . It will communicate its findings as
soon as possible .

( 97 / C 186 / 375 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0123 / 97

by René-Emile Piquet ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 29 January 1997 )

Subject : Community subsidies allocated to the Nord-Pas de Calais region in 1994 and 1995

What were the figures for the Community appropriations allocated to the Nord-Pas de Calais region under the
following headings :

   - ERDF

— EAGGF Guidance

— ESF

— research programmes

— programmes in the energy sector

— programmes concerning the environment

— other programmes concerning human resources, education, training and youth ?

Can the Commission state who were the beneficiaries of these appropriations ?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

( 11 March 1997 )

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question . It will communicate its findings as
soon as possible .

( 97 / C 186 / 376 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0124 / 97

by Mireille Elmalan ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 29 January 1997 )

Subject : Community subsidies allocated to the Rhone-Alpes region in 1994 and 1995

What were the figures for the Community appropriations allocated to the Rhone-Alpes region under the
following headings :

   - ERDF

— EAGGF — Guidance

— ESF

— research programmes

— programmes in the energy sector

— programmes concerning the environment

— other programmes concerning human resources, education, training and youth ?

Can the Commission state who were the beneficiaries of these appropriations ?

No C 186 / 230 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

17 March 1997 )

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question . It will communicate its findings as
soon as possible .

( 97 / C 186 / 377 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0125 / 97

by Sylviane Ainardi ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 29 January 1997 )

Subject : Community subsidies allocated to the Midi-Pyrenees region in 1994 and 1995

What were the figures for the Community appropriations allocated to the Midi-Pyrenees region under the
following headings :

   - ERDF

— EAGGF — Guidance

— ESF

— research programmes

— programmes in the energy sector

— programmes concerning the environment

— other programmes concerning human resources, education, training and youth ?

Can the Commission state who were the beneficiaries of these appropriations ?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

( 17 March 1997 )

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question . It will communicate its findings as
soon as possible .

( 97 / C 186 / 378 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0126 / 97

by Sylviane Ainardi ( GUE / NGL ) to the Commission

( 29 January 1997 )

Subject : Community subsidies allocated to the Provence Cote d'Azur region in 1994 and 1995

What were the figures for the Community appropriations allocated to the Provence Cote d'Azur region under the
following headings :

   - ERDF

   - EAGGF    - Guidance

— ESF

— research programmes

— programmes in the energy sector

— programmes concerning the environment

— other programmes concerning human resources, education, training and youth ?

Can the Commission state who were the beneficiaries of these appropriations ?

18 . 6 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 231

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

( 10 March 1997 )

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question . It will communicate its findings as
soon as possible .

( 97 / C 186 / 379 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0128 / 97

by Antonio Tajani ( UPE ) to the Commission

( 29 January 1997 )

Subject : Safeguarding democratic rights in Serbia

Thousands of people have been on the streets in Belgrade over the past few weeks demonstrating their opposition
to the regime of Slobodan Milosevic and their support for the election victory of the Zajeduo opposition
coalition .

1 . What immediate steps does the Commission intend to take to safeguard democratic rights in Serbia ?

2 . How does the Commission intend to ensure that the will of the people, as expressed by the vote in support
of the opposition (a choice whose legitimacy has been confirmed by the OSCE report drawn up by Felipe
Gonzalez ), is respected ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

( 24 February 1997 )

The Commission shares the Honourable Member s concern about the situation in the Federal Republic of
Yugoslavia ( FRY ) following the municipal elections in Serbia in November 1996 . It has, however, only limited
leverage to intervene in favour of the protection of democratic principles, given that at present the FRY does not
benefit from any assistance programme other than humanitarian aid nor from contractual relations with the
Communities .

The Commission fully supports the Presidency 's declaration of 9 January 1997 on behalf of the Union, calling
upon the Serb authorities to accept fully the conclusions and recommendations made by Mr Gonzales as personal
representative of the OSCE chairman-in-office in December 1996, namely to recognize the opposition victory in

13 cities as well as in Belgrade . Without such unconditional recognition, an improvement of the relations
between the Union and the FRY cannot be envisaged .

Meanwhile the Commission will continue its support to independent media and democracy projects under the
relevant budget lines .

( 91 /C 186 / 380 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0129 / 97

by Marianne Thyssen ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 22 January 1997 )

Subject : Comitology

On 15 January 1997 the European Parliament approved the joint text for a regulation concerning novel foods and
novel food ingredients, the main aim of which is the protection of public health . The quality of such protection
will be determined to a considerable extent by the quality of the opinions of the Scientific Committee on
Foodstuffs and how they are dealt with .

The President of the Commission, Mr Santer, speaking before the European Parliament 's Temporary Committee
of Inquiry into BSE, announced a reorganization of the scientific committees which included taking them away
from the tutelage of the departments which draw up the rules .

In the interests of public confidence in novel foods and in the relevant policy this change needs to be
implemented quickly .

1 . Can the Commission say whether this reform will be carried out before implementation of the regulation on
novel foods ?

2 . If not, can the Commission say approximately when this reform will be carried out ?

No C 186 / 232 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

( 18 February 1997 )

Addressing Parliament 's Committee of Inquiry on bovine spongiform encephalopathy on 15 January, the
President of the Commission outlined the reforms to be made to both the scientific committees and at the level of

monitoring the proper application of the legislation . The Commission is currently working on a reorganization
plan which, among other things, will make a clearer separation between departments responsible for legislation
and those responsible for monitoring the scientific committees .

The regulation on novel foods was published in the Official Journal on 14 February 1997 (') and will enter into
force on the 90th day following the date of publication .

(') OJ L 43, 14.2.1997 .

( 97 / C 186 / 381 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0131 / 97

by Nikitas Kaklamanis ( UPE ) to the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

Subject : Conviction of a prelate in Turkey

With unprecedented interference in the freedom and autonomy of the Orthodox Church, the Turkish authorities
have sentenced a prelate of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Metropolitan Jacob of Laodicea, to five months
imprisonment for attending an evening service held at the Holy Church of the Bulgarian community of Fener in
Istanbul .

Clearly, this is a case which could have dangerous implications for relations between Greece and Turkey and is
further evidence of how Turkey interprets freedom of religious expression .

How will the Commission respond to these flagrant violations of fundamental human rights in a country with
which the EU has a customs union ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(6 March 1997 )

The Commission has no information on the case reported by the Honourable Member and has asked its
Representation in Ankara to find out . As soon as the information reaches the Commission it will send the
Honourable Member its answer .

( 97 / C 186 / 382 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0138 / 97

by Claudio Azzolini ( UPE ) and Antonio Taiani ( UPE ) to the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

Subject : Abolition of ' spadare ' in Italy

On 25 April 1996, after extensive consultations with the trade unions and professional organizations, the Italian
Government submitted a conversion plan aimed at abolishing ' spadare ', the drift-nets used to catch swordfish . A
range of financial incentives, funded by the FIFG, are to be provided under the scheme for fishermen and
shipowners who hand in their nets by 31 January 1997 and agree to take early retirement or promise to switch to
different fishing methods or change occupation .

Meeting within the Council on 19 and 20 December 1996, the Ministers for Fisheries merely declared their
approval of the plan submitted by the Italian authorities . Adoption of the Council decision on the Community
financial contribution to the scheme was postponed until the meting on 14 and 15 April 1997 .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 233

However, shipowners have to fit out and prepare their vessels for catching swordfish in March, and, if no final
decision has been taken, fishing will thus start in the normal way, even though it might have to stop shortly
afterwards, resulting in obvious economic damage to an already sorely tried group who have shown their
willingness to change to other occupations .

Will the Commission propose special measures to deal with these difficulties, which will affect some 3 000
fishermen, virtually all of whom are based in Objective 1 regions ?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

( 25 February 1997 )

The restructuring plan for the ' spadare ' fleet was submitted to the Commission on 25 July 1996 . Based on this
plan, the Commission rapidly drew up a proposal for a Council Decision introducing specific and exceptional
measures for the Italians engaged in this type of fishing . The proposal was officially sent to the Council on

16 December 1996 ('), which examined it at the Fisheries Council held on 19 and 20 December 1996 .

The Commission is now implementing the procedure needed to have the proposal rapidly approved, so that
approval might be achieved, if possible, before the Fisheries Council in April 1997 .

The Commission has thus done all in its power to ensure that the legislative procedure for the approval of the
Council Decision, including the opinion of Parliament, is completed before the beginning of the ' spadare ' fleet 's
next fishing season . The Commission has every confidence in the ability of the institutions concerned to act
within the deadline mentioned by the Honourable Member .

(') COM(96 ) 682 final .

( 97 / C 186 / 383 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0139 / 97

by Doeke Eisma ( ELDR ) to the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

Subject : Strategy to ensure safety and self-sufficiency of blood in the European Union

The Netherlands has indicated its intention, with regard to public health, to make progress on blood safety during
its Presidency .

1 . What action has the Commission taken in the meantime and does it intend to take to guarantee the safety of
blood, particularly with regard to blood transfusions, in the European Union ?

2 . What action has the Commission taken in the meantime and does it intend to take to promote blood
self-sufficiency in the EU ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

( 20 February 1997 )

The Commission 's communication on blood safety and self-sufficiency in the Community (') identified the need
for a blood strategy in order to ensure the safety of the blood transfusion chain . Council Resolutions of 2 June

1995 ( 2 ) and 12 November 1996 ( 3 ) invited the Commission to work with the Member States towards defining
such a strategy and to submit proposals as a matter of urgency in support of their actions with a view to
encouraging the development of a coordinated approach to the safety of blood and blood products . Taking into
account the conclusions and recommendations of a colloquium on blood safety and self-sufficiency convened in
Adare, Ireland under the Irish Presidency, the Commission is currently pursuing these matters in consulation
with the Member States .

No C 186 / 234 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Directive 89 / 381 / EEC ( 4 ) of 14 June 1989 extending the scope of Directives 65 / 65 / EEC and 75 / 319 / EEC on the
approximation of provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action relating to proprietary
medicinal products and laying down special provisions for medicinal products derived from human blood or
human plasma requires Member States to take the necessary measures to promote Community self-sufficiency in
human blood and plasma and to develop the production and use of products derived from these sources coming
from voluntary unpaid donations . The Commission will continue to produce reports on the progress that has been
made in the Community towards self-sufficiency .

(') COM(94 ) 652 final .
(-) Council Resolution, 2.6.1995 on blood safety and self-sufficiency in the Community ( OJ C 164, 30.6.1995 ).
(- 1 ) Council Resolution, 12.1 1.1996 on a strategy towards blood safety and self-sufficiency in the Community ( OJ C 374, 1 1.12.1996 ).
( 4 ) OJ L 181, 28.6.1989 .

( 97 / C 186 / 384 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0141 / 97

by Roberta Angelilli ( NI ) to the Commission

( 24 January 1997 )

Subject : Construction of the Casaletto to Largo Argentina high-speed tramway by Rome City Council

Some months ago Rome City Council began to build a high-speed tramway linking Casaletto and Largo
Argentina . The building of the tramway is giving rise to fairly considerable uncertainty, especially in view of the
fact that barriers ( an obvious environmental eyesore ) are to be erected to protect the tram lane .

Many Romans have asked the city authorities for further details about the specifications of the project, bearing in
mind not least that the tramway will cross a very old bridge which, it is suspected, may be structurally weak . The
authorities, however, have failed to give complete answers .

1 . Can the Commission say whether Rome City Council has conducted an environmental impact assessment
of the works in question, in accordance with Directive 85 / 337 / EEC ? (')

2 . Also with reference to the above Directive, has Rome City Council observed the principle of transparency
and taken the prescribed steps to inform and consult the public and local bodies while the project implementation
procedures have been under way ?

3 . Finally, can the Commission say whether Community funds have been used for the project ? If so, do the
above-mentioned protective barriers have to be included in order that the project may qualify for Union funding ?

(') OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p . 40 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 18 February 1997 )

1 . Tramways are included in Annex II to Directive 85 / 337 / EEC (') on the assessment of the impact of certain
public and private projects on the environment .

In accordance with Article 4 of the Directive, projects of the classes listed in Annex II must be made subject to an
assessment where Member States consider that their characteristics so require .

2 . The Commission will contact the Italian authorities to ascertain whether, in view of the nature, size and
location of the project, they considered that an environmental impact assessment was required .

3 . The project is not being funded by the Community .

(') OJ L 175, 5.7.1985

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 235

( 97 / C 186 / 385 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0145 / 97

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) and Spalato Bellere ( NI ) to the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

Subject : Action programme to assist tourism

With reference to the Proposal for a Council Decision on a First Multiannual Programme to Assist European
Tourism ' PHILOXENIA ' ( 1997-2000 ) ( COM(96 ) 168 final ) (') and given the need for a foreign tourism policy
which has political, economic, social and moral components, will the Commission draw up measures to combat
sex tourism and promote various alternative forms of tourism with, for example, measures to encourage
communication between tourists and host populations, which is, too often, reduced to a mere profit transaction ?

(') OJ C 222, 31.7.1996, p . 9 .

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission

(7 March 1997 )

As the Honourable Members will recall, the presentation of the proposal for a Council Decision on a first
multiannual programme to assist European tourism ( Philoxenia ) ('), adopted by the Commission in April 1996,
had already made specific reference to the problem of child sex tourism .

As part of the general contribution to reinforcing the prevention of the sexual abuse and exploitation of children,
the Commission has since approved a Communication on the combating of child sex tourism ( 2 ) which provides
a specific and concrete initial response on the subject .

The various measures which are anticipated in this paper concern both the supply of and demand for child sex
tourism . A limited number of targeted objectives are set forth responding to the need to deter and punish child sex
abusers, to stem the flow of sex tourists from the Member States, to help combat sex tourism in third countries
and to encourage the EU Member States to take a united stand against this scourge .

Given the growing importance of tourism development projects in developing countries, the Commission feels
that measures to assist the development of tourism in the destinations concerned should aim to offer a genuine
alternative in terms of balanced and sustainable development, largely on the basis of measures to improve the
quality of tourist services offered in these countries, together with measures for diversification where
appropriate . The transfer of know-how and the exchange of good practice could play a useful role in this context .

For the Commission, the use of financial resources available to combat child sex tourism will also be seen as an
opportunity, on the one hand, to promote an integrated response to the more general problem of the sexual
exploitation of children for commercial purposes in countries affected by this scourge, and on the other, to
increase coordination between the Community and third countries on the question of cooperation in general .

(') OJ C 222 of 31.7.1996 .

( : ) Doc . COMI96 ) 547 final .

( 97 / C 186 / 386 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0146 / 97

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

Subject : Speeding by motorists

Action against speeding offences on the roads of the Community 's Member States is in disarray : huge numbers
of appeals are lodged and won by motorists convicted of breaking the speed limit and it takes time to prove that
the speed limit was broken and establish the identify of the person who was actually at the wheel .

Will the Commission draw up an opinion on the legal situation concerning speeding and, in particular, a directive
on common rules, which must always be designed to prevent speeding, for the sentencing of motorists who break
the speed limit ?

No C 186 / 236 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

( 26 February 1997 )

The sanctions for the enforcement of traffic laws are exclusively of national competence, on condition that they
respect the principles of non-discrimination, proportionality and territoriality .

For this reason, if in some Member States the penalty system for the enforcement of speed limits by motor
vehicles does not work effectively, it is up to the Member States authorities to take the administrative or legal
measures that they consider justified in order to improve this situation .

This matter receives consistent attention by the Commission but, to date, Member States have indicated no
willingness to agree to common rules of the kind sought by the Honourable Member .

( 97 / C 186 / 387 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0150 / 97

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

Subject : Consumer credit

The Commission has issued a Report on the Operation of Directive 90 / 88 — Proposal for a European Parliament
and Council directive amending Directive 87 / 102 ( as amended by Directive 90 / 88 ) for the approximation of the
laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States concerning consumer credit ( COM(96 )
79)0 ).

This report on the operation of Directive 90 / 88 / EEC ( 2 ), containing the proposal under consideration, was
submitted in accordance with Article la 5.(b ) of the amended Directive 87 / 102 ( 3 ). The report describes the
situation in the Member States on expiry of the transition period which permitted them to use a different
mathematical formula . In addition to a few linguistic modifications and alterations of form which remove the
references to the transition period which ended on 1 January 1996, the report proposes the introduction of a
symbol to accompany the terms used in the Member States in advertisements and written agreements .

Will the Commission extend the option granted to some Member States of using a different method for
calculating the annual percentage rate of charge until the directive is adopted, given the cost of adapting
computer programmes ? In view of the marginal intrinsic importance of the amendments proposed, will the
Commission also postpone the directive 's entry into force until the date of the introduction of the single
currency ?

(') OJ C 235, 13.8.1996, p . 8 .
( 2 ) OJ L 61, 10.3.1990, p . 14 .
C ) OJ L 42, 12.2.1987, p . 48 .

( 97 / C 186 / 388 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0151 / 97

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

Subject : Consumer credit

The proposal set out in the Report on the Operation of Directive 90 / 88 — Proposal for a European Parliament and
Council directive amending Directive 87 / 102 ( as amended by Directive 90 / 88 ) for the approximation of the laws,
regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States concerning consumer credit ( COM(96 ) 79 ) (') is
the logical and expected outcome of the work on the revision of the first directive on consumer credit .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 237

The aim of the proposal — the general harmonization of the method for calculating the annual percentage rate of
charge in order to enable comparisons to be made between credit rates in the different countries belonging to the
European Economic Area — is laudable .

Will the Commission, however, warn consumers of the danger of oversimplification, particularly in comparing
exchange rates without taking into account the value of the currencies or the state of the economies of the
Member States, and in interpreting the European symbol accompanying the annual percentage rate of charge as
official approval ?

(') OJ C 235, 13.8.1996 . p . 8 .

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-0150 / 97 and E-0151 / 97
given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

(6 March 1997 )

The Honourable Member should consult the Commission 's statement delivered at the Parliament 's plenary
session on 19 February 1997, during the debate and vote at the first reading on the proposal for a Directive
amending Directive 87 / 102 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the
Member States concerning consumer credit .

( 97 / C 186 / 389 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0156 / 97

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

Subject : Products processed from lemons

The Proposal for a Council Regulation ( EC ) derogating, for the 1996 / 97 marketing year, from Regulation ( EC )
No 1035 / 77 laying down special measures to encourage the marketing of products processed from lemons and
the Proposal for a Council Regulation ( EC ) amending Regulation ( EC ) No 1543 / 95 as regards the period of
application ( COM(96 ) 240 final ) (') seeks to establish the generalized application, i.e. its application to the whole
of the citrus fruit sector, of the derogation permitting the Member States to pay financial compensation directly to
citrus fruit producers . This is welcome but it is not appropriate to continue extending these arrangements year by
year . Does the Commission not agree that the mechanism for paying producers the processing premium should
be institutionalized, i.e. made permanent ?

(') OJ C 208, 19.7.1996, p . 16 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 17 February 1997 )

The Council adopted Regulation ( EC ) No 2202 / 96 introducing a Community aid scheme for producers of certain
citrus fruits (') on 28 October 1996 in the context of the reform of the common organization of the market .

The Regulation provides for the permanent grant of aid to producers ' organizations delivering certain citrus
fruits ( oranges, mandarins, Clementines, satsumas, grapefruit and lemons ) harvested in the Community for
processing .

Producers ' organizations must, under the supervision of the Member State, pay the amount of the aid to their
members and to individual producers who undertake to market their entire production of citrus fruits for
processing through them .

(') OJ L 297, 21.11.1996 .

No C 186 / 238 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 186 / 390 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0157 / 97

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

Subject : Marketing of seeds

The Commission has issued a Proposal for a Council directive amending Council Directives 66 / 400 / EEC,
66 / 401 / EEC, 66 / 402 / EEC, 66 / 403 / EEC, 69 / 403 / EEC, 69 / 208 / EEC and 70 / 458 / EEC on the marketing of
beet seed, fodder plant seed, cereal seed, seed potatoes, seed of oil and fibre plants and vegetable seed
( COM(96 ) 127 final ) (').

In view of the financial impact these measures will have on the undertakings concerned, the transition period ( six
months ) is too short to use up stocks of labels bearing the abbreviation ' EEC '. Will the Commission therefore
extend the transition period and at the same time set a firm date for the transposal of the provisions ?

n OJ C 157, 1.6.1996, p . 15 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Co mm ission

( 18 February 1997 )

The Honourable Member 's requests are satisfied by Council Directive 96 / 72 / EC of 1 8 November 1996 amending
Directives 66 / 400 / EEC, 66 / 40 1 / EEC, 66 / 402 / EEC, 66 / 403 / EEC, 69 / 208 / EEC and 70 / 458 / EEC on the marketing
of beet seed, fodder plant seed, cereal seed, seed potatoes, seed of oil and fibre plants and vegetable seed (').

This Directive stipulates that the remaining stocks of labels carrying the ' EEC ' abbreviation can be used until
31 December 2001 .

The Council has decided that the new provisions are to enter into force on 1 July 1997 .

(') OJ L 304 . 27.11.1996 .

( 97 / C 1 86 / 39 1 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0158 / 97

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

(3 February ' 1997 )

Subject : Assistance in the fisheries and aquaculture sector

In connection with the Proposal for a Council Regulation ( EC ) amending for the fourth time Regulation ( EEC )
No 3699 / 93 laying down criteria and arrangements regarding Community structural assistance in the fisheries
and aquaculture sector and for processing and marketing of its products ( COM(96 ) 189 final ) ('),

will the Commission present a proposal to the Council to amend Regulation No 2081 / 92 ( 2 ) to ensure that fish
possessing intrinsic characteristics as a result of the aquaculture techniques used and which meet the conditions
set out in Article 2(4 ) are not excluded from registration ?

(') OJ C 178, 21.6.1996 . p . 20 .
( 2 ) OJ L 208 . 24.7.1992, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

( 18 February 1997 )

The proposal for a Council Regulation amending for the fourth time Regulation ( EC ) No 3699 / 93 ('), to which
the Honourable Member refers, was adopted by the Council on 20 December 1996 ( Regulation ( EC )
No 25 / 97 ( 2 )).

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 239

The Commission considers that Regulation ( EEC ) No 2081 / 92 on the protection of geographical indications and
designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs ( 3 ) is already applicable to aquaculture products,
so no amendment is needed .

(') OJ L 346, 31.12.1993 .
( : ) OJ L 6, 10.1.1997 .
O OJ L 208, 24.7.1992 .

( 97 / C 186 / 392 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0159 / 97

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

Subject : Universal telecommunications service

The Commission is right, in its ' Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament,
the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Universal service for telecommuni ­
cations in the perspective of a fully liberalized environment — An essential element of the Information Society
( COM(96 ) 73 ), to take the view that the concept of universal service must provide an anchor for the legislative
reforms in the Member States aimed at completing the liberalization of telecommunications in Europe and it
should press the Member States to introduce universal service as soon as possible .

In order to develop the information society, will the Commission and the Member States take all the measures
needed to support the disadvantaged regions, speed up the digitalization of networks in those regions and thus
reduce the disparities between the Community 's regions, with the aim of giving every citizen access to a
qualitatively complete universal service ?

( 91 IC 1 86 / 393 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0160 / 97

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

Subject : Universal telecommunications service

The Commission is right to state, in its ' Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European
Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Universal service for
telecommunications in the perspective of a fully liberalized environment — An essential element of the
Information Society ' ( COM(96 ) 73 ), that users must be more closely involved, at national and European level, in
decisions on quality targets, standards and the future scope of universal service . The establishment of a European
consumer watchdog committee is also welcome .

Will the Commission ensure that this committee will include representatives of the consumer organizations
which were actively involved in the Commission 's consultations ? Will the Commission also ensure that the
committee is allocated the funds needed to operate properly ?

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-0159 / 97 and E-0160 / 97
given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

( 28 February 1997 )

Universal service is a key element in the steps taken both by the Community and by the Member States to open
the markets in the Community to full and effective competition . The measures taken at a European level seek to
ensure that there is a common concept of universal service throughout the Community which guarantees users a
defined level of service at an affordable price, as well as rules concerning the finance of that service in a
competitive environment . It is therefore essential that both the Community institutions and the Member States
make rapid progress in the adoption and implementation of relevant legislation in this area .

No C 186 / 240 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18.6 . 97

Beyond the guaranteed level of service which universal service implies, the need for the broader deployment of
advanced communications was recently reiterated in the Commission 's communication on cohesion and the
information society ('). The Commission seeks to support the diffusion of the information society in less
favoured regions and this is reflected in the current review of the structural funds and in specific projects aimed at
stimulating awareness and harnessing public-private partnerships, such as the interregional information society
initiative ( IRISI ) which combines regional resources, private capital and funding from both the European
regional development fund and European social fund . Additionally, the importance of cohesion will be reflected
in the preparation of the fifth research and development framework programme and in the monitoring of
universal service for telecommunications .

The Commission in its communication on universal service recognised the importance of consultation of
consumers in decisions at both European and national level concerning universal service and service quality . For
this reason, the Commission will continue to consult widely on the basis of green papers in all areas of
telecommunications policy . Whether such consultation should be formalised and the ways of achieving that are
issues of general importance within the framework of consumer policy and should be treated as such rather than
on a sector by sector basis .

( ! ) COM(97 ) 7 .

( 97 / C 186 / 394 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0167 / 97

by Bernie Malone ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 24 January 1997 )

Subject : Publication of annual audit accounts of LEADER companies

Under the terms of the LEADER programme, who is responsible for the publication of annual audit accounts of
companies involved in the programme, when must these be published, and are these accounts made available for
public inspection ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 12 February 1997 )

Leader II is a Community initiative for rural development . Under this initiative, the Member States were
invited (') to submit applications for assistance in the form of integrated operational programmes .

The Commission has not itself established rules for companies involved in Leader programmes relating to audit
or the publication of audited accounts, as this depends on the legal status of the bodies concerned and the relevant
national legislation .

The Commission did however require in its notice ' that the Member State 's description of the management and
verification systems it intended to establish be attached to the Leader II programmes to be approved by the
Commission .

(') OJ C 180, 1.7.1994 .

( 97 / C 186 / 395 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0168 / 97

by Helena Torres Marques ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 24 January 1997 )

Subject : Ratification of the new EU Treaty and enlargement

Setting out the programme of the Dutch Presidency, the Agence Europe bulletin of 21 December 1996 reported
that accession negotiations with applicant countries would begin after the IGC had ended, that is to say, after the
new EU Treaty had been adopted .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal ot the European Communities No C 186 / 241

The implication of the above appears to be that the negotiations could be opened even though the Treaty might
not have been ratified by the 15 Member States .

Given that ratification could prove to be a slow, arduous procedure, the Treaty might not be valid at the time of
the negotiations .

Could the Commission say when the negotiations will in fact start ?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

( 14 March 1997 )

The Madrid European Council ( 15 and 16 December 1995 ) reiterated that ' the accession negotiations with Malta
and Cyprus to the Union will commence, on the basis of Commission proposals, six months after the conclusion
of the 1996 Intergovernmental Conference and will take its results into account '.

With regard to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, the Madrid European Council expressed the hope
that ' the initial phase of negotiations will coincide with the start of negotiations with Cyprus and Malta ' (').

Following the conclusion of the Conference and in the light of its results, and on the basis of opinions and reports
from the Commission, the Council will take the necessary decisions to launch accession negotiations as soon as
possible .

The Commission will do its utmost to ensure that the Council can observe the timetable laid down by the
European Council .

(') The Maltese Government has since requested that its application for membership of the Union be ' frozen '.

( 97 / C 186 / 396 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0174 / 97

by Anita Pollack ( PSE ) to the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

Subject : EU subsidies for bulls used in bullfighting and fiestas

In May 1996 Parliament called for a ban on payments to breeders of bulls for use in bull rings and fiestas .

What action has the Commission taken to implement this call for action to stop Europe 's taxpayers unwittingly
supporting acts of cruelty ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 24 February 1997 )

In its memorandum to accompany the 1996 / 97 farm price proposals ('), the Commission pointed out that
abolishing the special beef premium for the second age-class would also have the effect of removing the —
unintended — eligibility of producers of bull-fighting animals for this premium .

The Council adopted the Commission 's proposal on 18 November 1996 ( Regulation ( EC ) No 2222 / 96 amending
Regulation ( EEC ) No 805 / 68 on the common organisation of the market in beef and veal ( 2 )), so that as from

1 January 1997 the second instalment of the special premium has been abolished for all non-castrated animals
except bulls bred in traditional areas of extensive production, in respect of which Member States may continue to
pay the second premium instalment in 1997 and 1998 on a transitional basis and subject to various conditions .

(') Doc . COM(96 ) 44 final .

( : ) OJ L 296 of 21.11.1996 .

No C 186 / 242 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 186 / 397 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0176 / 97

by Edith Miiller ( V ) to the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

Subject : Underwater pipelines in Gijon ( Spain )

The European Union is funding, inter alia under Resider II, a substantial part of plans lor the treatment of waste
water on the Asturian coast drawn up by the Confederacion Hidrografica del Norte .

Using these funds, underwater pipelines to discharge waste water into the sea are about to the built at Aviles and
Gijon before detailed plans for the construction of treatment plants have been drawn up, which will mean that
waste water is discharged into the sea without first having been treated .

This goes against the provisions of the ' Plan Nacional de Saneamiento y Depuracion de Aguas Residuales '
adopted on 1 7 February 1 995 by the Spanish Cabinet, which stipulates that urban waste water entering collection
systems must first be treated, and Directive 9 1 / 271 / EEC (') of 21 May 1991 concerning urban waste water

treatment .

It is also in breach of the ' precautionary ' and ' preventive action ' principles on which Community environment
policy is based, pursuant to Article 130r of the Treaty on European Union .

The coastal area affected by the underwater pipeline projects is of considerable ecological and economic
importance ( tourism and fishing ); this applies in particular to the western coastline of Capo Penas, which has
been designated a ' protected landscape ' under the ' Plan de Ordenacion de los Recursos Naturales de Asturias '.

The Commission has itself stated — in an interpretation of Directive 85 / 337 / EEC ( 2 ) on the assessment of the
effects of certain public and private projects on the environment — that waste water treatment projects with a
major environmental impact — such as the one before us — must be subjected to an assessment .

What steps does the Commission intend to take with a view to ensuring that the above treatment plans comply
with Community legislation on the treatment of urban waste water ? Can it state whether an environmental impact
assessment is to be carried out on the planned pipelines ?

Does it intend to institute infringement proceedings, pursuant to Article 169 of the Treaty on European Union,
against the Spanish Government for failing to comply with the provisions of Article 1 30r of the Treaty, regarding
the ' precautionary ' and ' preventive action ' principles which apply in the environmental field ?

Is it willing, if necessary, to freeze the Community funds if the plans are not revised and the treatment plants built
before any sewage is discharged into the sea ?

(') OJ L 135, 30.5.1991, p . 40 .

( : ) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p . 40 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 13 March 1997 )

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question . It will communicate its findings as
soon as possible .

( 97 / C 186 / 398 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0179 / 97

by Roberta Angelilli ( NI ) to the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

Subject : Italian legislation on amateur radio

The Italian legislation on amateur radio dates back to Single Text No 645 of 27 February 1936 . A subsequent
attempt was made to regulate amateur radio broadcasting in Decree No 1 2 1 4 of 5 August 1 966, which established
a licensing system .

In 1973 a new Single Text, Presidential Decree No 156 of 29 March 1973, was adopted to reform the 1936 text,
but a regulation has still to be adopted to implement that decree .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 243

In Presidential Decree No 740 of 29 July 1980 the Italian Government took over the international decisions
relating to amateur radio taken at the World Administrative Radio Conference ( WARC ), held in Geneva on
6 December 1979 .

Since 1980, however, the Ministry of Posts has adopted a series of ministerial circulars, and the thrust of its
legislation has often seemed contrary to European guidelines . On 31 January 1983, for example, it adopted
nation-wide frequency distribution plan in which the share allocated to amateur radio stations was less than even
a tenth of what had been laid down and endorsed at the 1979 WARC .

Can the Commission clarify and state its views on the matter ? Does it believe Italian legislation on amateur radio
broadcasting to be consistent with Community law ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

( 28 February 1997 )

Communications by amateur radio operators are outside the scope of current Community legislation and
competence, and are more a matter for international and overall European co-ordination .

The ' Conference europeenne des administrations des Postes et Telecommunications ' ( CEPT ) has been issuing
recommendations concerning co-ordinated use of frequencies for amateur radio operators communications since
the 1950s . Following Council Resolution 90 / C 166 / 02 (') and Council Resolution 92 / C 318 / 1 ( 2 ), as well as the
conclusions of the Council on 7 December 1993, frequency co-ordination in Europe is ensured by the European
radiocommunications committee ( ERC ), created within the framework of the CEPT . ERC prepares for the
International Telecommunications Union ( ITU ) conferences ( World administrative radio conferences —
WARCs ). whereby global harmonisation is ensured as far as possible . Any national discrepancies from CEPT
recommendations should be discussed within this framework for co-ordination .

Terminal equipment for communications by amateur radio operators is currently not covered by Council
Directive 91 / 263 / EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning telecommunications
terminal equipment, including the mutual recognition of their conformity, which only addresses certain
categories of radio equipment . On the other hand, the Commission is currently working on a proposal for a new
directive, replacing Directive 91 / 263 / EEC . The new draft directive should harmonise conditions for the placing
on the market and the putting into service of all radio equipment, including amateur radio operators ' equipment .
Special provisions should mean that a priori testing of amateur radio operators ' equipment is no longer required .

(') OJ C 166, 7 . 7.1990 .

( : ) OJ C 318 . 4.12.1992 .

( 97 / C 186 / 399 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0182 / 97

by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI ) to the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

Subject : Violence against children

Reports of violence of all types, and in particular sexual assaults on children, are occupying increasing space in
the news . In a resolution adopted in 1996 Parliament maintained that all the Member States, supported by the
Union, had to fight sexual exploitation of children as a matter of the very highest priority .

Can the Commission say :

1 . what progress has been made in drawing up comprehensive strategies to prevent and tackle trafficking in
children ;

2 . what results Europol has achieved in tracking down criminal networks, including the one accessible via the
Internet, which, though seemingly virtual, is in fact a scandalous reality ;

3 . what resources the Union will employ not just to combat violence against children, but also to help those
who fall victim to this form of crime ;

4 . whether it will keep Parliament regularly informed about the breakthroughs made in this area ?

No C 186 / 244 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission

( 27 February 1997 )

1 . and 3 . In August 1 996, the world congress in Stockholm adopted an action programme to combat one of the
most abhorrent forms of violence against children, namely, sexual exploitation for commercial purposes . In
September 1996, the Commission forwarded a memorandum on contributing to the implementation of this action
programme to the Council and Parliament . The memorandum referred to ongoing initiatives which included both
Community instruments and instruments falling within the third pillar, justice and home affairs, and some areas
for new measures .

The paper supports a comprehensive ( prevention, prosecutions of those who profit from and perpetrate sexual
violence, rehabilitation ) and multidisciplinary ( cooperation between the various people responsible for the
preventive action ) approach, such as that recommended by the Stockholm action programme . In November 1996,
the Council adopted several joint actions relating more generally to the prevention of trafficking in human beings
and more especially the sexual exploitation of children . These measures included :

— extending the terms of reference of the Europol Drug Unit ( EDU ), forerunner of Europol, to the areas in
question ;

— establishing a multiannual programme ( the STOP programme ) on encouragement and exchanges for people
responsible for action against trafficking in human beings and the sexual exploitation of children . This
programme, which is already in operation, will make it possible to launch research, studies and seminars and
to improve training and information ;

— adopting in principle a joint action to make behaviour such as trafficking in and the sexual exploitation of
children criminal offences, to make it possible to pursue perpetrators of sexual violence against children for
acts committed outside their Member State or their Member State of residence ( extra-territoriality ). The
definition of the concept of the sexual exploitation of children includes the production, sale and distribution
of pornography showing children . There is also provision for initiating criminal proceedings for possession
of this type of material .

2 . The detailed terms of reference of the EDU, now under preparation, should also include the examination of
offences committed on the Internet by paedophile networks .

4 . The Commission undertakes to keep Parliament informed of progress made in the implementation of the
STOP programme and the utilization of the new budgetary heading B3-4109, measures for combating violence
against children, adolescents and women .

( 97 / C 186 / 400 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0192 / 97

by Nuala Ahern ( V ) to the Commission

(5 February 1997 )

Subject : Projects under Commission programmes

What projects are sponsored under Commission programmes on the French Territories of Kerguelen Island and
Crozet Island in the South Indian Ocean ?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission

( 17 February 1997 )

There are no projects financed by the European Development Fund under way on the Kerguelen or Crozet islands
at the moment . A study was carried out several months ago on the siting of wind turbines on the Kerguelen
islands . The project is still being appraised and no financing decision has been taken .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 245

( 97 / C 186 / 401 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0195 / 97

by Nuala Ahern ( V ) to the Commission

(5 February 1997 )

Subject : Environmental status and radiological safety in the Pacific

What replies have been received :

— from France

and

— the International Atomic Energy Agency

during the last 1 2 months in regard to the environmental status and radiological safety at the French nuclear test
sites at Mururoa and Fangataufa in the Pacific, and what role will be played by Euratom in the environmental
oversight of the sites following their closure by the French Government on 31 December 1996 ?

Answer given by Mrs Bierregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 27 February 1997 )

On 1 March 1996, the International atomic energy agency announced that it had agreed, following a request from
France, to set up an international advisory committee, comprising a wide range of experts from many different
countries including Pacific nations, to conduct a study of the radiological situation at the Mururoa and
Fangataufa atolls . To assist it in its work the committee has established two subsidiary groups, tasks groups
A and B, concerned with the evaluation of, respectively, the present situation and its potential evolution . The
Commission plays an active role in the committee and the two groups .

Following an initial preparatory mission, a sample collection expedition to the atolls in July 1996 was organized
by task group A. The wide range of samples acquired were forwarded to a number of laboratories of international
standing for detailed analysis and the results will be examined by the group before being forwarded to the
advisory committee .

It can be noted that the work of task group B extends not only to such matters as possible long term leakage of
radioactive materials trapped within the atoll but also to the potential for events such as landslips, and in such
cases the possible implications in terms of an accelerated release of these materials to the surrounding
environment .

The report of the advisory committee ( which has itself visited the atolls ) will cover all of the above aspects and is
scheduled for publication in early 1998 . It will be sent to the French authorities to allow them to take it into
account in deciding on future measures . Meanwhile any access to the atolls remains subject to the French
authorities ' approval and, if granted, to the supervision of personnel remaining on Mururoa .

The Commission will continue to ensure that Article 35 of the Euratom Treaty is respected .

( 97 / C 186 / 402 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0197 / 97

by Mark Watts ( PSE ) to the Commission

(5 February 1997 )

Subject : Church-aided schools

Can the Commission provide some information on the existence of church-aided schools in the European Union ?

Which other Member States have church-aided schools ?

Are they funded by local taxpayers, as is the case in the UK ?

Does the Commission have any competence in the area of church-aided schools in Europe ?

No C 186 / 246 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

( 18 February 1997 )

Church-aided schools exist in various Member States, and their funding is provided by the competent authorities
according to national provisions and legislation . The Commission does not collect information on the subject .

As provided by Article 126 of the EC Treaty Member States are responsible for the content of teaching and for
the organisation of educational systems and their cultural and linguistic diversity . The Commission does not have
any competence in the area of church-aided schools .

( 97 / C 186 / 403 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0203 / 97

by Johanna Man-Weggen ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 February 1997 )

Subject : Assistance for Palestinian areas

Can the Commission say which aid and development projects in the Palestinian areas are funded by the Union ?

Which projects are financed by individual Member States in the Palestinian areas ?

How are European Union and Member State projects in the Palestinian areas coordinated in order to achieve the
optimum effect ?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission

(4 March 1997 )

The Commission is forwarding direct to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat general of the Parliament
one table listing all projects financed out of the Community budget in the West bank and Gaza strip for the years

1994-1996, together with the amount of commitments to each project ( figures in MECU ) and another table
detailing Member State bilateral assistance to the West bank and Gaza strip . Although the Commission does not
have listings of each and every project financed by the Member States, it is able to break down their interventions
according to types of assistance .

The sharing of information on project funding in the West bank and Gaza strip permits the Community — the
Member States and the Commission — to coordinate assistance to the Palestinians . At the strategic level, each
year the Commission presents to the Member States its indicative programme for the West bank and Gaza strip,
which covers a three year period . This enables all partners to share information on their intended priority areas of
intervention for the coming period . This cooperation is continued in the forum of the World Bank consultative
group on the West bank and Gaza strip . This meeting is held around once a year and is the opportunity for the
Palestinian authority to present the Palestinian public investment programme to its donors . The Commission and
Member States agree to fund projects according to the guidelines they have already discussed, taking care not to
duplicate their funding efforts .

There also exists an ad hoc liaison committee on assistance to the Palestinians ( AHLC ), set up in the wake of the
declaration of principles of September 1993 . The group is made up of the major donors to the West bank and
Gaza strip, and its purpose is to oversee the donor effort for the Palestinians in order to ensure the most effective
implementation of these efforts . The European Union is represented by the Presidency and the Commission, and
the position at each meeting is the subject of prior consultation between the Member States .

The AHLC and the consultative group have their local counterparts in the joint liaison committee ( JLC ) and the
local aid coordination committee respectively ( LACC ). The LACC in turn is made up of a number of sectoral
working groups . Both the JLC and the LACC meet frequently, the Union being represented by the Presidency
and Commission at the JLC, and by the Member States and the Commission at the LACC .

LACC meetings are intended to review the implementation of donor assistance projects . If necessary, problems
can then be passed to the JLC, where they can be dealt with in a smaller group . The LACC also reviews the
recommendations of the sectoral working groups, in which donors identify areas of duplication

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 247

or of unmet needs for project funding . These recommendations feed in turn into the formulation of the
Palestinian public investment programme . The purpose of the meetings of the JLC is to examine problems with
the implementation of the donor assistance programme . If they cannot be resolved at the local level, they are
passed up to the AHLC for resolution .

Finally it may be noted that consuls-general of the Union, along with the Commission, meet on a regular basis . If
necessary project matters can also be raised at these meetings, which provide an invaluable opportunity for
coordination in the West bank and Gaza strip .

( 97 / C 186 / 404 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0205 / 97

by Alex Smith ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 29 January 1997 )

Subject : South African citrus exports

The recognition of protected zones for all citrus fruits, with the exception of grapefruit, through Community
legislation has not been extended beyond 1 April 1996 by Commission Directive 96 / 15 / EC (')■ This decision was
taken on the grounds that a ban aimed at protection against unspecified harmful organisms has been considered
inappropriate under internationally established principles .

Against this background :

Is the Commission aware that the non-application of Commission Directive 96 / 15 / EC by certain Member States
could be regarded as a technical barrier to trade by third country supplies of citrus fruit and therefore put the
Community at risk with a possible WTO panel ?

Does the Commission Directive 96 / 15 / EC indicate a movement away from the principle of regionalization in the
protection against the introduction of harmful organisms from third countries as concerns fresh citrus fruit ?

(') OJ L 70 . 20.3.1996, p . 35 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 18 February 1997 )

The Commission confirms that its decision, through Directive 96 / 15 / EC, not to extend the recognition of
protected zones for citrus beyond 1 April 1 996 was based solely on the grounds that a ban aimed at protection
against unspecified harmful organisms has been considered as inappropriate under internationally established
principles . Consideration is being given to the adoption of alternative safeguards, possibly including recognition
of protected zones, aimed at protection against specified harmful organisms .

The Commission is aware that phytosanitary measures not in accordance with Community provisions, including
those permitting the adoption of emergency measures under the Community plant health regime, could be
challenged for non-compliance with the provisions of the World trade organisation agreement on the application
of sanitary and phytosanitary measures .

Commission Directive 96 / 15 / EC does not indicate a movement away from the principle of regionalisation in the
protection against the introduction on citrus fruit of specified harmful organisms which are not present in the
Community or in certain citrus growing regions .

( 97 / C 186 / 405 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0206 / 97

by Hugh McMahon ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 29 January 1997 )

Subject : ESF negotiations with the UK — Objective 4

Can the Commission inform Parliament of the outcome of negotiations on the ESF with the UK for the period of

1997-1999 ?

No C 186 / 248 PEN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Will the Commission confirm that the UK has agreed in principle to participate in Objective 4 and will the
Commission give an assurance that there will be improvements in the execution of Objective 4 funds ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(5 March 1997 )

The single programming document for objective 3 in Great Britain was approved by the Commission in
December 1996 . During the negotiations on the objective 3 programme, the United Kingdom authorities and the
Commission agreed to set aside 244.4 MECU ( in 1997 prices ) for an objective 4 programme to cover the
remainder of this programming period ( to 1999 ). The Commission now expects to receive a plan from the British
authorities detailing the manner in which objective 4 resources will be used in the United Kingdom . The
Commission will, of course, seek to ensure that this plan provides a strong strategic framework for the
implementation of objective 4 funds in the United Kingdom .

( 97 / C 186 / 406 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0209 / 97

by Michl Ebner ( PPE ) to the Commission

(5 February 1997 )

Subject : Recognition of higher education qualifications in the Member States of the Union

Given that the exercise of the right of establishment and the freedom to provide services are regulated by Articles
57 and 66 of the EC Treaty and that the recognition of higher-education qualifications in general is governed at
EU level by Directives 85 / 384 / EEC (') and 89 / 48 / EEC ( 2 ), what does the Commission intend to do to ensure that
technical higher education courses are harmonized at EU level, or mutually recognized, thus ensuring also that
qualifications are recognized ?

O OJ L 223, 21.8.1985, p . 15 .

( : ) OJ L 19 . 24.1.1989, p . 16 .

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

( 14 March 1997 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-85 / 95 by
Mrs Muscardini (')•

(') OJ C 190, 24.7.1995 .

( 97 / C 186 / 407 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0225 / 97

by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI ) to the Commission

(5 February 1997 )

Subject : Milk imports from Eastern Europe

In recent protest demonstrations in northern Italy, milk producers and farmers publicly condemned the
fraudulent practices of certain EU Member States which are importing milk from eastern European countries and
marketing it in the Community as a national product .

1 . Is the Commission aware of these practices ?

2 . If so, what steps have been taken to put an end to the fraud ?

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 249

3 . If not, is it prepared to conduct investigations to establish the truth of these allegations and act accordingly ?

Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission

(5 March 1997 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its 1995 annual report on the fight against fraud (') in
which particular transnational cases of fraud involving milk products are described .

These cases clearly show that the Commission is working constantly with the Member States to ensure that such
fraudulent practices ( which damage the Community budget and undermine the competitive positions of all
Community milk producers ) are detected and prosecuted . The inquiries involve, where necessary, the active
participation of national officials from the Eastern Europe countries concerned .

As indicated in its reply to the written question E-3949 / 96 by M. Valverde Lopez ( 2 ), the Commission is paying
particular attention to the implementation of the relevant measures of its anti-fraud work programme C ).

If the Honourable Member has more specific information on this matter, the Commission would be grateful to
receive it in order to take the appropriate action .

(') COM(96 ) 173 final .

( : ) See page 139 .
(■') COM<96 ) 17 final .

( 97 / C 186 / 408 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0227 / 97

by Jose Escudero ( PPE ) to the Commission

(3 February 1997 )

Subject : Announcement of the annual Raphael theme

The timing of the publication of the Raphael programme and the announcement of its particular theme for any
given year is such that very little time is available for the submission of projects, for which reason the organizers
of cultural events are required to improvise as they go along .

The purpose of the programme and, in particular, of its annual theme is to help finance large-scale trans-national
projects which are technically sophisticated and both artistically and culturally innovative .

Could the Commission therefore arrange for the Raphael programme themes to be announced one or two years in
advance ?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

(5 March 1997 )

The Commission is aware that publication of calls for projects the same year as they have to be submitted and
selected can cause problems for the operators in question . That is one of the reasons why, in 1995, it proposed a
Raphael programme for five years ( 1996-2000 ) (')• However, as the programme has not yet been adopted, the
Commission regrets that it cannot set projects on European cultural heritage in a long-term perspective and
cannot therefore act as requested by the Honourable Member .

(') COM(95 ) 1 10 . as amended by COM(96 ) 333 and COM(96 ) 627 .

( 97 / C 186 / 409 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0230 / 97

by Paul Rubig ( PPE ) to the Commission

(7 February                             - 1997 )

Subject : Statistics on the enforcement of legislation on the protection of workers

The Commission has . statistics on the implementation and enforcement of legislation on the protection of
workers in the Member States .

No C 186 / 250 EN Official Journal ol the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Of particular interest are the hours of employment of safety experts and company doctors ( occupational
physicians in companies ) for which the other Member States provide .

Can the Commission state

1 . how long occupational physicians ( company doctors ) and salety experts must be present in companies in the
various Member States,

2 . what progress has been made in the implementation of the directives in this sphere,

3 . what level of safety and health documentation exists in the various Member States ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(5 March 1997 )

1 . The Commission wishes to inform the Honourable Member that Council Directive 89 / 391 / EEC of 12 June

1989 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work (')
contains no specific provisions concerning the hours of employment of safety experts and company doctors, and
that the Commission has no statistics on this matter . Nevertheless, national legislations may define durations of
time during which safety experts and company doctors must be present in companies and establishments, this not
being necessary for the transposal of the Directive .

2 . All Member States have already communicated to the Commission their national measures implementing
the Directive in question . The conformity of these measures is currently being examined .

3 . The Commission has no information on the general volume of occupational health and safety
documentation in the various Member States . However, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work in
Bilbao should be able to contribute in this regard once it becomes fully operational .

(') OJ L 183 . 29.6.1989 .

( 97 / C 186 / 410 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0237 / 97

by Gianni Tamino ( V ) to the Commission

(7 February 1997 )

Subject : Human brain transplants at the hospital of Kiev in Ukraine

In Cleveland Ohio ( USA ) a Doctor White has for decades been carrying out ' experiments ' in a hospital involving
the transplant of baboons ' brains and heads to animals of the same species and has for many years been
publicizing the fact that he would like to transplant human heads and / or brains to other human beings in order to
solve the problems of tetraplegics . He claims that this would result in the transfer of memory, feelings,
knowledge, personality and even ' soul ' from one person to another .

As can be easily imagined, this hypothesis raises serious ethical and scientific problems . In order to overcome
any ethical and moral difficulties, Doctor White has, according to an interview he gave to the Italian weekly

' Sette ', chosen to continue his ' experiments ' at the hospital in Kiev, Ukraine, where he has already worked in the

past .

On 6 December 1996 the General Affairs Council adopted an action plan for the development of relations with
Ukraine, which envisages, inter alia, measures in the field of universities, health and bringing of Ukrainian
standards into line with those of the Community .

Does the Commission not consider that it should inform the Ukrainian Government that experiments involving
human brain transplants contravene the Bioethics Convention and are a crime against humanity and that to
permit such ' experiments ' could compromise the EU / Ukraine cooperation programmes ?

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 251

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

( 72 March 1997 )

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question . It will communicate its findings as
soon as possible .

( 97 / C 1 86 / 4 1 1 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0242 / 97

by Ria Oomen-Ruijten ( PPE ) to the Commission

(7 February 1997 )

Subject : Primary education

1 . Does the Commission agree that it would be appropriate to have common principles and objectives for
primary education in the Union so that the Member States can compare the advantages and disadvantages of
different school systems and learn from each other 's experience ?

2 . In this connection, what importance does the Commission attach to cooperation between primary schools
and the fact that primary education systems in the European Union are coming closer together ?

3 . Research shows that stereotypes and prejudices are formed at quite an early age and that they are based
largely on an ignorance of others . Could the gradual coming together of European primary schooling and the
process of getting to know one another be simplified, for example by fostering contacts at an early stage between
children and teachers in adjoining European regions ?

4 . For a number of years partner schools in the Union have been working together through exchange schemes
and joint projects . It is difficult for primary schools for 4-12-year olds in the Netherlands to take part in these
projects, because none of the projects covers the costs of the additional teaching staff required by exchanges .

Is the Commission prepared to facilitate the financing of these exchange projects ?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

( 27 February 1997 )

1 . The Commission is convinced that exchanges of information and experience in the area of education cannot
fail to bring education systems closer together in a natural way, while at the same time respecting the diversity
and responsibilities of the Member States . The Socrates programme is helping to develop high-quality education
and to establish an open European area of cooperation on education . The Eurydice network, whose task it is to
facilitate the exchange of information, is producing a database on the Member States ' education systems and is
publishing various comparative analyses .

2 . The Commission sets great store by cooperation between all establishments, especially primary schools,
which it encourages to participate in the European partnerships provided for by the Socrates programme
( Comenius chapter on school education ). Primary schools receive more funding in order to overcome the specific
obstacles which make it more difficult for them to take part in a European project .

3 . The Socrates programme encourages the introduction of the European dimension into studies at all levels,
thereby consolidating the sense of European citizenship, notably on the basis of the Member States ' cultural
heritage . The partnerships provided for by the Comenius chapter encourage contacts between teachers and
pupils, thereby helping them to get to know one another better .

4 . One of the priorities of the Comenius chapter is to encourage teachers ' mobility in order to give a European
dimension to studies and to help improve the quality of teachers ' skills . To this end, grants are available for
exchanges of teachers at all levels from pre-primary to upper-secondary . However, the Community grant may
not be used to cover the costs of replacing a teacher who is taking part in an exchange ; such costs remain the
responsibility of the Member States, having regard to the principle of subsidiarity .

No C 186 / 252 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

( 97 / C 1 86 / 4 1 2 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0246 / 97

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) to the Commission

(7 February 1997 )

Subject : Meadow ecosystem between Straubing and Vilshofen

Is the Commission willing to propose that the meadow ecosystem between Straubing and Vilshofen, in particular
the Isar confluence area and the nature reserves of Staatshaufen, Winzerer Letten and the Mtihlhammerschleife,

should be designated a protected area within the meaning of the wild bird directive and the flora and fauna habitat
directive, given that for years the Federal Republic of Germany and the Free State of Bavaria have refused to
fulfil their obligations in designating protected areas under the wild bird directive and the flora and fauna habitat
directive ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(3 March 1997 )

The Member States and not the Commission have the duty to propose Natura 2000 areas . These proposals have to
be based on a scientific identification of the areas concerned . Germany has until now failed to propose a complete
national list of sites of Community importance to be considered for inclusion in Natura 2000 as required under
the habitats Directive ( 92 / 43 / EEC )('). Therefore, the Commission has already launched an infringement
procedure .

So far no proposal was sent to the Commission by Germany concerning the area mentioned in the question but
available scientific information indicates that the area qualifies to be designated as a special protected area
pursuant to Article 4 of the birds Directive ( 79 / 409 / EEC ) ( 2 ) and that this area also qualifies as a site of
Community importance within the framework of the habitat Directive . The Commission has invited Germany to
clarify its position on this matter .

(') OJ L 206, 22.7.1992 .

( ; ) OJ L 103 . 25.4.1979 .

( 97 / C 186 / 413 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0248 / 97

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) to the Commission

(7 February J 997 )

Subject : Transposition of the flora and fauna habitats directive into German law

1 . How does the Commission consider it can prevent further delays in the transposition of the flora and fauna
habitats directive into Berman law ?

2 . Will the Commission initiate proceedings for infringement of the Treaty against the Federal Republic of
Germany ?

3 . What has been the Commission 's response to the complaints from the German environment and nature
protection association and the Bienwald association ?

4 . Why has the Commission not yet succeeded in suspending or breaking off the planning approval
procedures the upgrading the B9 road to become the A65 through the Bienwald ?

5 . What other action does the Commission plan to take to protect the Bienwald against the planned
intervention ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(7 March 1997 )

1 . and 2 . Council Directive 92 / 43 / EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of world
fauna and flora (') provides for the creation across the Community of a network of protected natural habitats
known as Natura 2000 . The creation of Natura 2000 involves a detailed step-by-step process following a
time-table set out in the Directive . Each step depends on previous steps having been correctly and completely
carried out . The first key step is the preparation of national lists of sites hosting a range of natural

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 253

habitat types and species . Article 4(1 ) of the Directive provides that this list shall be transmitted to the
Commission, within three years of the notification of the Directive ( i.e. by 5 June 1995 ), together with
information on each site in a format established by the Commission .

Given that Germany until now only transmitted a partial list, the Commission opened infringement proceedings
in order to oblige Germany to fulfil its obligations under the said Directive . Furthermore it is to be noted that
financial support for site projects by the Life-Nature programme will only be granted for those areas which are
already included in or proposed for Nature 2000 . Therefore Member States which do not propose their national
list will have financial disadvantages .

3 . and 4 . The Commission has carefully assessed the complaint concerning the envisaged extension of the
existing motorway across the area called Bienwald . The Commission, on the basis of the information received so
far, came to the conclusion that the extension will not give rise to an infringement of Community law, in
particular Directive 92 / 43 / EEC . This Directive gives little scope to prevent the deterioration of areas as long as
they are not yet proposed by the Community for designation as special areas of conservation . Although the
presence of some priority habitats ( riparian alder and ash forests ) might justify the inclusion of large parts of the
Bienwald in the German national list, this did not necessarily apply, on the basis of the information which the
Commission at first received, to the area bordering the existing road .

5 . Very recently the Commission has been informed about the presence of priority habitats bordering the
existing road . The Commission will therefore invite the German authorities to take a position on this information .
It then will decide if infringement proceedings should be opened .

C ) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992 .

( 97 / C 186 / 414 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0256 / 97

by Richard Howitt ( PSE ) to the Commission

(7 February 1997 )

Subject : European guidance on adoption of children

Is the Commission aware of, or party to, any guidelines for the adoption of children within or between Member
States, and can it precisely state the status of such guidelines ?

Does the Commission believe that restrictions on prospective parents because of their personal weight are
compatible with such guidelines ?

Does the Commission believe there are also human rights implications in this question ?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

( 10 March 1997 )

The matter to which reference is made does not fall within the jurisdiction of the Community .

( 97 / C 186 / 415 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0265 / 97

by Richard Howitt ( PSE ) to the Commission

(7 February 1997 )

Subject : Future of Ward 1 1 at Basildon Hospital

Is the Commission aware of any European legal requirement under public procurement or other rules which
would require consultation with patients and relatives of patients before the transfer of a contract for medical
services on which they depend ?

No C 186 / 254 [ EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Will the Commission specifically investigate the example of Ward 1 1 at Basildon Hospital in my constituency,
where a change of contract has apparently been agreed for elderly mentally ill patients, without such consultation
taking place ?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

( 17 March 1997 )

The matter to which reference is made does not fall within the jurisdiction of the Community .

( 91 IC 186 / 416 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0269 / 97

by Carmen Fraga Estévez ( PPE ) to the Commission

(7 February 1997 )

Subject : Rice imports from Egypt

Given that the negotiations between the Community and Egypt designed to give Egyptian rice favourable tariff
arrangements will further exacerbate the problem of Community surpluses and bearing in mind that Egypt
already enjoys a 25% reduction in duties, does the Commission not consider that granting exemption from duty
to 32 000 tonnes of rice runs counter to Community interests ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(5 March 1997 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-00 19 / 97 by
Mr Arias Canete (')•

(') See page 204 .

( 97 / C 186 / 417 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0271 / 97

by Carmen Fraga Estévez ( PPE ) to the Commission

(7 February 1997 )

Subject : Trade in fresh and canned tuna with the GSP-Andean Pact countries

With reference to the trade arrangements under the generalized system of preferences with the Andean Pact
countries, will the Commission give details of trends in exports to the EU of fresh and canned tuna from the
GSP-Andean Pact countries, with particular reference to the period from 1986 to 1995 ?

Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission

( 17 March 1997 )

The Commission is sending direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament 's Secretariat a table containing
the information requested .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 255

( 97 / C 186 / 418 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0273 / 97

by Carmen Fraga Estevez ( PPE ) to the Commission

(7 February 1997 )

Subject : Compliance with EU environment legislation by sardine canning and anchovy processing industries in

Morocco which export to the EU

In view of the importance of exports of canned sardines and processed anchovies from Morocco and the
requirement that these products comply with Community environment regulations, will the Commission say to
what extent these regulations are being observed and what kind of specific checks it is undertaking ?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 14 March 1997 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-3224 / 96 by
Mr Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (')•

(') See page 51 .

( 97 / C 186 / 419 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0283 / 97

by Riccardo Nencini ( PSE ) and Ernesto Caccavale ( UPE ) to the Commission

( 13 February J 997 )

Subject : Compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights

Article 6 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms sets forth
the right of any person charged with a criminal offence ' to examine or have examined witnesses against him and
to obtain the attendance and examination of witnesses on his behalf under the same conditions as witnesses

against him '. The second paragraph of Article 513 of the Italian Code of Criminal Procedure infringes the
principles enshrined in Article 6 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights, particularly the
provisions of paragraph 3(d ) quoted above .

What action does the Commission intend to take to induce Italy to comply with the European Convention for the
Protection of Human Rights ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(3 March 1997 )

The Commission is greatly concerned about respect for human rights . The Treaties, however, give it only general
powers to ensure that fundamental rights are observed subject to Community law . In the field of criminal law,
inter-governmental cooperation, with which the Commission is fully associated on the basis of Title VI of the
Treaty on European Union, does not extend to national procedural law .

Consequently, any infringement of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights by Italian law
must be raised in the appropriate political forms ( draft amendment and referenda ) or legal forms with the Italian
authorities and, where necessary, after all domestic channels of appeal have been used up, with the European
Commission and Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg .

( 97 / C 186 / 420 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0293 / 97

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

( 13 February 1 997 )

Subject : EU-Turkey customs agreement

With reference to the observations made by the Court of Auditors concerning the Commission 's revenue and
operating appropriations and the European development funds, will the Commission say why nearly all the
Member States have failed properly to apply the EC-Turkey customs agreement of 1973, which has resulted in
the losses of tens of thousands of ECU in unpaid customs duties ?

No C 186 / 256 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18.6 . 97

Which states have been the worst offenders in this respect and what steps will be taken to remedy this situation in
the future ?

Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(3 March J 997 )

The Court of Auditors did indeed point out in its report on financial year 1995 that some Member States had
failed properly to apply certain provisions of the Additional Protocol to the Association Agreement between the
Community and Turkey . Specifically, these Member States are reported to have improperly issued in the past
ATR certificates ( customs documents under which goods may move freely in the territory of the Customs Union )
in respect of products exported to Turkey which were not in free circulation ( i.e., did not fulfil the conditions
referred to in Articles 2 and 3 of the Additional Protocol ).

The Court of Auditors came to the conclusion that in those circumstances the validation of ATR certificates gave
rise to a customs debt and that, consequently, the Member States concerned had to effect post-clearance recovery
of customs duties on the products in question or, alternatively, had to cancel the certificates involved and inform
the Turkish authorities that they had been improperly issued .

The Commission is now considering further action to be taken on the findings of the Court of Auditors and will if
necessary inform the Member States concerned of the action to be taken .

( 97 / C 186 / 421 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0304 / 97

by Amedeo Amadeo ( NI ) to the Commission

( 13 February 1997 )

Subject : Social Fund

In its annual report for the financial year 1995 ('), the Court of Auditors ' monitoring of the European Social
Fund, which includes Community initiatives, focuses on the closure of the ESF for the period 1990 to 1993, the
implementation of the ESF reform for the period 1994 to 1999 and the assessments carried out with a view to
ensuring the launch of new operative programmes .

It emerges that the old programmes are far from being completed and the Member States have failed or been only
partly successful in carrying out assessments which the Commission could have used for future planning .

The mismatch between the programme and the management capacities, of the Member States in particular,
resulted in substantial underutilization of ESF appropriations in 1994 and 1995 .

Will the Commission say which Member States have been least successful in completing the old Social Fund
programmes and which body is responsible for the situation ?

(') OJ C 340, 12.1 1.1996 .

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(6 March 1997 )

The Commission wishes to inform the Honourable Member that payments under the European Social Fund
effected on 3 1 December 1996 for the programming period relating to the first Community Support Framework
( 1990-1993 ) amount to 93.5% of commitments relating to the same period .

Up to now it has not been possible to close a certain number of operational programmes because of pending
judicial inquiries .

A table, which has been sent directly to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat-General of the Parliament,
presents the situation with a breakdown by Member State .

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 257

( 97 / C 186 / 422 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0418 / 97

by Gianni Tamino ( V ) to the Commission

( 13 February 1 997 )

Subject : Deadline for the application of Directive 93 / 35 / EEC ( cosmetic products tested on animals )

The third subparagraph of Article 1 of Directive 93 / 35 / EEC (') amending for the sixth time Directive 76 / 768 / EEC
on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to cosmetic products stipulated that ' the
Commission shall, by 1 January 1997, submit draft measures to postpone the date of implementation of this
provision ...', in other words, making 1 January 1998 the deadline by which the marketing of cosmetic products
with ingredients or combinations of ingredients tested on animals shall be banned . I have been informed by the
departments of the Commissioner responsible for consumer protection that the date of implementation has
definitely been postponed but that there are not yet any ' draft measures '.

1 . Have any ' draft measures ' on postponement of the date been submitted and, if so, to whom have they been
submitted and what do they consist of ?

2 . If no such measures have been submitted, should the above-mentioned ban be deemed to be confirmed with
effect from 1 January 1998 ?

(') OJ L 151, 23.6.1993, p . 32 .

Answer given by Mrs Bomno on behalf of the Commission

( 17 March 1997 )

Article 4 of the Cosmetics Directive referred to by the Honourable Member, as amended by Directive 93 / 35 / EC,
states that ' if there has been insufficient progress in developing satisfactory methods to replace animal testing,
and in particular in those cases where alternative methods of testing, despite all reasonable endeavours, have not
been scientifically validated as offering an equivalent level of protection for the consumer, taking into account
OECD toxicity test guidelines, the Commission shall, by 1 January 1997, submit draft measures to postpone the
date of implementation of this provision, for a sufficient period, and in any case for no less than two years '. The
Commission has prepared a preliminary draft proposal for a Directive on this subject and transmitted it to
Parliament and to the Committee on Adaptation to Technical Progress, which will meet on 20 March 1997 .

The Commission would also like to draw the Honourable Member 's attention to the fact that in December 1994 it

adopted and transmitted to the Council and Parliament its first annual progress report on the development,
validation and legal acceptance of alternative methods to animal experiments in the field of cosmetic
products (')• On 24 July 1996 it adopted a second annual report on progress made in 1995 ( 2 ), which was
transmitted to Parliament and the Council . The 1996 report is now being prepared and should be adopted by the
Commission soon .

The Commission is making every effort to ensure the development, validation and legal acceptance of alternative
methods .

(') COM(94 ) 606 .

( : ) COM(96 ) 365 .

( 97 / C 186 / 423 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0419 / 97

by Elisabeth Schroedter ( V ) to the Commission

(4 February 1997 )

Subject : River development by the Federal Waterways and Navigation Administration on the middle reaches of

the Elbe in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany

River development work is being carried out on the middle reaches of the Elbe in Saxony-Anhalt without the
statutory environmental impact assessment having been conducted to determine its possible harmful effects on
sensitive water meadows .

This work was declared by the Federal Waterways and Navigation Administration, the body responsible, to be
nothing more than maintenance, although, owing to its nature and scope, it is altering the flow-rate and hence

No C 186 / 258 EN Official Journal ol the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

having a direct impact on adjacent water meadows and their water balance . The Federal Office for Nature
Conservation has drawn attention to the ecological threats posed to the river, its banks and riparian woodland, as
the feared continuation and intensification of vertical erosion would harm riparian flora and fauna . The mid-Elbe
and its water meadows, recognized as a UNESCO biosphere reserve, constitute a habitat, migratory route, resting
place and overwintering area for 230 species of bird .

Is the Commission aware that the mid-Elbe and its water meadows, which can been proved to be a natural
habitat requiring protection within the meaning of the habitats directive ( No 92 / 437 / EEC ) ('), is currently
being developed without a statutory environmental impact assessment pursuant to the EIA Directive,
No 85 / 337 / EEC ( 2 )?

If so, what steps has it taken to remedy this situation ?

If not, what prospects does it see for requiring Germany to comply with EU environmental protection directives
and preventing further destruction of the Elbe water meadows ?

(') OJ L 206 . 22.7.1992, p . 7 .

( : ) OJ L 175 . 5.7.1985, p . 40 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 28 February 1997 )

The Commission is not aware of problems of European significance concerning nature protection along the Elbe
river . On the contrary, publications of German non-governmental organizations at the end of 1996 were referring
to a satisfactory compromise reached between the interests of traffic and nature conservation along the river
Elbe .

Problems of regional or local importance on the Elbe river should be solved by the relevant authorities with full
regard for existing Community nature protection legislation .

However, if the Honourable Member has more detailed information showing the conservation status of existing
or proposed Natura 2000 sites could be endangered she is invited to supply it to the Commission .

( 97 / C 186 / 424 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0445 / 97

by Joaquin Siso Cruellas ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 19 February 1997 )

Subject : European voluntary service

In the light of the positive results of a pilot project tor voluntary service in a foreign country over the past year,
the Commission has come up with a proposal for a Youth Voluntary Service Programme 1998-2002 . The
proposed voluntary service duties vary widely ( teaching and cultural projects ; urban and rural renewal schemes ;
helping the elderly, disabled or homeless ; protecting the environment, etc .) and carT last from three weeks to one
year, with the Commission financing volunteers ' travel costs and a small monthly allowance ; the host
organization will be responsible for the young people 's board and lodging .

Bearing in mind that the Commission has seen a need to create a European legal framework to encourage the
mobility of young voluntary service workers within the Union, could it indicate what are the main proposals that
the Commission wishes to include in such a framework ?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

( 7 . marts 1997 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-3990 / 96 by
Mrs Pack (').

(') See page 156 .

18 . 6 . 97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 259

( 97 / C 186 / 425 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0447 / 97

by Joaquin Siso Cruellas ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 19 February 1997 )

Subject : Termination of customs concessions for Burmese agricultural products

On 18 December 1996 the Commission proposed terminating the application of the generalized system of
preferences to industrial products originating in Burma, following an investigation into the use of enforced
labour by the Burmese authorities . In order to keep up their pressure on enforced labour in Burma, the
International Confederation of Free Trade Unions, ICFTU, and the European Trade Unions Confederation,
ETUC have announced that they will be demanding similar action on agricultural products with effect from the
entry into force of the generalized system of preferences .

Will the Commission carry out an investigation to establish whether enforced labour is being used systematically
in Burma, as the ICFTU and ETUC maintain ?

If it is, will the Commission be making a formal proposal to the Council for customs concessions on agricultural
products to be terminated as well ?

Answer given by Mr Mann on behalf of the Commission

(5 March 1997 )

As it pointed out in the explanatory memorandum to its proposal for temporarily withdrawing access to
generalized tariff preferences for industrial goods from Myanmar ('), the investigation by the Commission
following the joint complaint from the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions ( ICFTU ) and the
European Trade Union Confederation ( ETUC ) in 1995 provided ample proof of the Myanmar authorities '
systematic and general use of forced labour .

On 2 January 1997 the ICFTU and ETUC actually extended the scope of their complaint to agriculture and on

1 7 January the Commission adopted a proposal for a Regulation on this subject .

(') OJ C 35 . 4.2.1997 .

( 97 / C 186 / 426 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0448 / 97

by Georges Berthu ( I-EDN ) to the Commission

( 19 February 1997 )

Subject : Respect for language pluralism in the Union

Surprisingly, 'A practical guide for tourists in Europe ', published under the auspices of the Tourism Unit in
Commission DG XXIII, exists in English only . However, there is a very simple reason for that fact, namely that
the invitation to tender published in the Official Journal ( 94 / C 1 22 / 07 ) called for the document to be produced in
a single language version .

How does the Commission account for this anomaly and how does it propose to correct it ?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission

( 13 March 1997 )

As the Honourable Member pointed out, the Commission financed the production of a practical guide for tourists
in Europe, following an invitation to tender (') and as part of the Community action plan to assist tourism
( 1993-1995 ) ( 2 ).

As with most of the measures implemented under the action plan, the main purpose of this exercise was to serve
as an example, in order to encourage public and private operators to provide better information on the rights of
tourists, thereby helping to protect them .

This is why plans were made to provide the main tourist information channels with a large range of useful
information on measures offering protection and assistance introduced in the Member States of the European
Economic Area .

No C 186 / 260 EN Official Journal ol the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Given the large amount of information collected, an electronic medium was chosen as the most suitable for rapid
consultation and updating of the guide . Although, for reasons of efficiency, it was decided to make this electronic
guide available in one language version only, all parties interested in this tool can, if they so wish, adapt its
linguistic content to take account of specific regional and national needs or interests .

(') OJ C 122 of 4.5.1994 .

( 2 ) Council Decision 92 / 421 / EEC of 13.7.1992               - OJ L 231 of 13.8.1992 .

( 97 / C 186 / 427 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0455 / 97

by Maria Izquierdo Rojo ( PSE ) to the Commission

(7 February 1997 )

Subject : Decision of the Galician regional government rerouting the electrical power line ( 400 kw ) through the

locality of Merza ( Pontevedra ), with adverse effects extending to EU investment

The EU has invested, and will continue to invest, substantial funds in rural regional development in this area
( Leader Portodemouros, river beach, bathing complex, crafts centre, hostel, woodland footpath, etc — Leader I
and II and ERDF ).

The decision of September 1996 by the Galician regional government ( Xunta ) to reroute the electrical power line
( 400 kw ) so that it passes right through the locality of Merza ( Pontevedra ), which has over 800 inhabitants,
represents a serious danger, an attack on the environment and a decisive blow to the hopes of tourist development
in the area .

Is the Commission aware of these plans on the part of the Xunta ? Does it intend to ask it to withdraw its
proposals ? Does it intend to ask for compensation in relation to the EU investment ?

What action does the Commission propose to resolve this problem ?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission

(7 March 1997 )

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question . It will communicate its findings as
soon as possible .

( 97 / C 186 / 428 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0457 / 97

by Maj-Lis Ltidw ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 12 February 1997 )

Subject : Tobacco and public health

In connection with the Helsinki Conference, the High Level Cancer Experts Committee of the Europe Against
Cancer Programme submitted eight recommendations for reducing disease caused by tobacco ( Doc . CAN 43 / 96
DG V / F / 2 ). The first '... recommends to the European Union that measures to reduce tobacco consumption be the
top health priority for the European Union for the quinquennium 1997-2001 '. What steps does the Commission
intend to take to comply with this recommendation ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(6 March 1997 )

The Commission organised on 2 October 1996 a consensus conference on tobacco control, under the auspices of
its high level cancer experts committee . Participants included international cancer prevention specialists,

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 261

representatives of Member State chief medical officers, and health promotion and education experts . The
conference presented to the Commission a series of recommendations on tobacco control . On 18 December 1996,
the Commission adopted a communication on smoking prevention ('), which relates to and annexes the
above-mentioned recommendations . This communication has now been sent to the other institutions for

comments . The Commission will examine the reactions and in the light of its examination may bring forward
appropriate proposals for actions and measures .

(') COM(96 ) 609 .

( 97 / C 186 / 429 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0501 / 97

by Armelle Guinebertiere ( UPE ) to the Commission

( 19 February 1997 )

Subject : The problem of the cormorant in European fishing regions

The cormorant poses an increasing problem for the Member States of the European Union, with France
particularly badly affected . A cormorant is estimated to consume some 500 grammes of fish per day . Against this
background, it is unacceptable that these fish-eating, web-footed birds should be protected .

There is a risk of an imbalance developing in the marine environment and regulatory measures are required .

Should not the European Union impose a new Community-wide solution through its rules and, in particular, the
revision of Directive 79 / 409 / EEC (') on the conservation of wild birds ?

(') OJ L 103 . 25.4.1979, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 13 March 1997 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question E-3950 / 96 by
Mr Bebear (').

(') See page 139 .

( 97 / C 186 / 430 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0508 / 97

by Roberta Angelilli ( NI ) to the Commission

( 19 February ' 1997 )

Subject : Construction of the high-speed rail link between Rome and Naples

Directive 85 / 337 / EEC (') stipulates that an environmental impact assessment must be carried out ( Article 4 ) in
accordance with Articles 5 to 10 prior to the construction of lines for long-distance railway traffic ( Annex I ).

Despite this, Rome City Council has authorized the commencement of work in the Tor Sapienza area on the
high-speed Rome to Naples link .

Contrary to the provisions of Directive 85 / 337 / EEC, this project makes no provision for consultation of the local
inhabitants of the areas affected ( which include the La Rustica and Casal Bertone districts ).

The project, which will have an enormous environmental impact, involves the quadrupling of the track and an
increase in daily traffic levels from 30 to 330 trains .

No C 186 / 262 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

Would the Commission :

1 . give its views on this matter ?

2 . state whether it considers that representations should be made to the relevant Italian authorities with a view
to ensuring compliance with Community law ?

(') OJ L 175 . 5.7.1985, p . 40 .

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 13 March 1997 )

The Commission has no knowledge of the facts referred to by the Honourable Member . It has asked the Member
State concerned for information and will inform the Honourable Member of its findings .

( 97 / C 186 / 431 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0575 / 97

by Giovanni Burtone ( PPE ) to the Commission

( 19 February 1997 )

Subject : Violation of Article 48 of the Treaty on European Union

Under Decree Law No 478 / 96, the Italian Government permits local health authorities ( USSL — Unita
socio-sanitaria locale ) and hospitals to use doctors from the locum service and medical staff contracted to work
for the Italian national health service ( SSN — Servizio Sanitario Nazionale ) to provide night, weekend and
emergency medical services .

Given the provisions of Directive 82 / 76 / EEC (') and of the Treaty on European Union, do these arrangements, in
the Commission 's view, violate Article 48 of the TEU ( principle of freedom of movement for workers )?
What measures does the Commission intend to adopt vis-a-vis the Italian Government in order to guarantee that
this principle is applied fully and effectively ?

(') OJ L 43, 15.2.1982, p . 21 .

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(7 March 1997 )

The Commission does not have sufficient details of the matter to be able to investigate the problem raised and is
not therefore in a position to answer the question at the moment . It would ask the Honourable Member to provide
more details .

( 97 / C 1 86 / 432 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0579 / 97

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V ) to the Commission

( 25 February 1997 )

Subject : Application of the flora and fauna habitats directive to the Bienwald

1 . How does the Commission consider it can prevent further delays in the transposition of the flora and fauna
habitats directive into German law ?

2 . Does the Commission consider that it must initiate proceedings for infringement of the Treaty against the
Federal Republic of Germany ?

3 . What action has the Commission taken in response to the complaints from the German environment and
nature protection association and the Bienwald association ?

18.6.97 EN Official Journal of the European Communities No C 186 / 263

4 . Why has the Commission not yet initiated action for or succeeded in ensuring the suspension or
abandonment of the planning approval procedures for the upgrading the B9 road to become the A65 through the
Bienwald ?

5 . If such action should not be successful, how does the Commission plan to protect the Bienwald against the
planned intervention ?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

( 18 March 1997 )

The Commission would point out that this question is exactly the same as the Honourable Member 's Written
Question E-248 / 97 .

The Commission would therefore refer the Honourable Member to the answer it has already given to that
question (').

(') See page 252 .

( 97 / C 186 / 433 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0591 / 97

by Jesus Cabezon Alonso ( PSE ) to the Commission

( 25 February 1997 )

Subject : Correct use of the letter 'n in the European Union

Spanish citizens who study abroad in a Member State of the European Union and whose surnames contain the
letter ' ff encounter insuperable difficulties in trying to ensure that the academic institutes or universities where
they study send them their diplomas or certificates in the correct form, i.e. spelling their names with the letter ' n '.

Would it be possible for the Commission to adopt some kind of initiative to prevent these situations from arising,
since they can in fact cause administrative problems, in that the surnames, as written, do not match the students '
actual names ?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

(6 March 1997 )

The matter to which reference is made does not fall within the jurisdiction of the Community .

( 97 / C 1 86 / 434 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0617 / 97

by Heinz Kindermann ( PSE ) to the Commission

(4 March 1997 )

Subject : Use of the nerve agent ivermectin in Scottish salmon farms

According to reports in the New Scientist in September 1996 the use of the nerve agent ivermectin, developed to
control parasites in cattle, sheep and pigs, is becoming increasingly widespread in Scottish salmon farms . As far
as I am aware, the use of this substance in fish farming was prohibited throughout the EU until September 1996 .
At that stage the Scottish environmental authority SEPA decided to license ivermectin for use in fish farming .
But the illegal use of ivermectin was evidently widespread already . In any event the veterinary department of the
British Ministry of Agriculture has according to its own reports over the past three years detected traces of
ivermectin in as much as ten per cent of salmon sold in Britain .

Experts take the view that ivermectin fed to salmon or passing into the water could also reach humans, in toxic
concentrations . The possibility of damage to the human embryo, the human baby through breastmilk, and the
elderly cannot be ruled out . Ivermectin is a very stable chemical, does not dissolve easily in water and
accumulates with each step up the food chain in the same way as DDT, as tests with mussels have shown .

No C 186 / 264 EN Official Journal ol the European Communities 18 . 6 . 97

1 . Is the Commission familiar with these facts ?

2 . In the view of the Commission, is the SEPA contravening European law by licensing ivermectin for use in
fish farms ?

3 . What steps have been taken or are proposed by the Commission, to stop the use of ivermectin in salmon
production and protect European consumers from any possible risks to public health ?

4 . Does the Commission have information on i vermectin residues in salmon exported from the UK to other
EU Member States for human consumption ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

( 26 March 1997 )

The Commission has no knowledge of the facts referred to by the Honourable Member . It has asked the Member
State concerned for information and will inform the Honourable Member of its findings .

( 97 / C 186 / 435 ) WRITTEN QUESTION P-0950 / 97

by Niels Kofoed ( ELDR ) to the Commission

(5 March 1997 )

Subject : Seed certification — Council Directive 66 / 401 / EEC ot 14 June 1966 on the marketing of fodder plant

seeds

Can the Danish State oppose the testing of seeds at officially recognized ( ISTA ) test stations in other Member
States as a prerequisite for the payment of EU support and the approval of seeds for certification ?

Can the provisions of Danish administrative law on competence to act be used as a basis for preventing
employees of private seed companies from being accredited to perform ' official ' seed certification tasks as
provided for by Article 1(a ), ( b ) and ( c ) of Council Directive 66 / 401 / EEC (')?

(') OJ 125, 1 1.7.1966, p . 2298 .

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

( 24 March 1997 )

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question . It will communicate its findings as
soon as possible .