Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

# Official Journal

## of the European Communities

### English edition Information and Notices

**ISSN 0378-6986**

## C 25

Volume 37

28 January 1994

Notice No Contents p a g e

_I_ _Information_

European Parliament

_Written Questions with answer_

94/C 25/01 No 1040/91 by Mr Philippe Douste-Blazy to the Commission

**Subject: Aid for tropical products from French overseas departments** **1**

94/C 25/02 No 550/92 by Mr Pierre Bernard-Reymond to the Commission

**Subject: GATT negotiations on services provided by the legal professions** **2**

94/C 25/03 No 1350/92 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission

**Subject: Reclassification of the Espierre canal** **3**

94/C 25/04 No 1728/92 by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission

**Subject: Languages used by the Commission** **3**

94/C 25/05 No 1843/92 by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission

**Subject: Incorporation of directives into national law** **4**

94/C 25/06 No 1991/92 by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek to the Commission

**Subject: Funding of infrastructure** **4**

94/C 25/07 No 2696/92 by Hiltrud Breyer, Paul Lannoye, Virginio Bettini and Marguerite-Marie
Dinguirard to the Commission

**Subject: The Tacis programme** **5**

94/C 25/08 No 2771/92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission

**Subject: Extension of the Texaco plant in Achaia (Supplementary answer)** **5**

94/C 25/09 No 2810/92 by Mrs Mary Banotti to the Commission

**Subject: EC and sport** **6**

Price: E C U 1 8 **(Continued overleaf)**

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

94 / C 25 / 10 No 2983 / 92 by Mr Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission
Subject : Failure of the Spanish government to implement the directives on public work and supply
contracts 6

94 / C 25 / 11 No 3006 / 92 by Mr Alex Smith to the Council

Subject : Research Council 6

94 / C 25 / 12

94 / C 25 / 13

94 / C 25 / 14

94 / C 25 / 15

94 / C 25 / 16

94 / C 25 / 17

94 / C 25 / 18

94 / C 25 / 19

No 3033 / 92 by Mr Yves Verwaerde to the Commission
Subject : Final-year student trainees 7

No 3511 / 92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Restoration of sites in Attica where waste is buried for public health reasons 7

No 135 / 93 by Mr Gijs de Vries to the Commission
Subject : American exports of maize and sorghum to Spain 7

No 171 / 93 by Mrs Christine Oddy to the Commission

Subject : Overseas aid budget 8

No 175 / 93 by Mr Gerd Müller to the Commission
Subject : Endeavours to harmonize vehicle taxes and road tolls in the Community 8

No 192 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Environment disaster in the Shetland Islands 9

No 208 / 93 by Mrs Annemarie Goedmakers to the Commission
Subject : Nuclear power station at Kozloduy ( Bulgaria ) 9

No 228 / 93 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to the Council

Subject : Nuclear test ban 10

94 / C 25 / 20 No 270 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : The petrified forest of Mytilini 10

94 / C 25 / 21

No 298 / 93 by Mr Alman Metten to the Commission
Subject : Reserves accumulated for civil service pensions and the criteria for admittance to

EMU 11

94 / C 25 / 22 No 360 / 93 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission
Subject : Nuclear proliferation in South Africa 12

94 / C 25 / 23 No 460 / 93 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffin to the Commission

Subject : Biodiversity and forestry 12

94 / C 25 / 24 No 481 / 93 by Mrs Anita Pollack to the Commission
Subject : European Community information policy 13

94 / C 25 / 25 No 659 / 93 by Mrs Christine Oddy to the Commission

Subject : Phare programme 13

94 / C 25 / 26 No 740 / 93 by Mrs Barbara Schmidbauer to the Commission
Subject : EC-recognized passes for the disabled and senior citizens 13

94 / C 25 / 27

No 763 / 93 by Mr Hemmo Muntingh to the Commission
Subject : Windmill park in Curaçao 14

Notice No Contents ( continued ) - — ' Page

94 / C 25 / 28 No 777 / 93 by Mr Eisso Woltjer to the Commission
Subject : Publication of explanatory memoranda 15

94 / C 25 / 29 No 779 / 93 by Mr Bouke Beumer to the Commission
Subject : Use of pension funds to purchase shares in the relevant company 15

94 / C 25 / 30 No 781 / 93 by Mr Lode van Outrive to the Commission
Subject : DAF redundancies — Eindhoven and Westerlo and the implications for the Belgian regions
of northern Limburg and northern Campine 16

94 / C 25 / 31 No 830 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Monetary system 17

94 / C 25 / 32 No 891 / 93 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission
Subject : Aid and contracts for Belgium in the nuclear sector 18

94 / C 25 / 33 No 914 / 93 by Mr Panayotis Roumeliotis to the Commission
Subject : Unlawful occupation of woodland in Greece 18

94 / C 25 / 34 No 960 / 93 by Mr Filippos Pierros to the Commission
Subject : Community energy priorities for 1994 — 2000 in favour of the less-prosperous Member
States . 18

94 / C 25 / 35 No 963 / 93 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffin to the Commission
Subject : Destruction of a site of environmental importance 19

94 / C 25 / 36 No 975 / 93 by Laura Gonzalez Alvarez and Alonso Puerta to the Commission
Subject : Construction of a rubbish dump in the municipal district of Alcaraz ( Albacete —
Spain ) 19

94 / C 25 / 37 No 995 / 93 by Mr Bouke Beumer to the Commission

Subject : Electricity supplies from Eastern Europe 20

94 / C 25 / 38 No 1071 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Aid for Greek Ouzo and Italian Grappa 20

94 / C 25 / 39 No 1074 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission

Subject : Fundamental principles for professional authors t 21

94 / C 25 / 40 No 1078 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : ' Soft                   - tourism programmes . . 21

94 / C 25 / 41 No 1168 / 93 by Mr David Bowe to the Commission

Subject : Port subsidies 22

94 / C 25 / 42 No 1174 / 93 by Mr John Bird to the Commission
Subject : Draft Directive oil parental leave 22

94 / C 25 / 43 No 1189 / 93 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffin to the Commission
Subject : Poaching of turtle doves in south-western France < 22

94 / C 25 / 44 No 1692 / 93 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffin to the Commission
Subject : Illegal hunting of turtledoves in France in May 1993 — Action taken by the
Commission 23

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1189 / 93 and 1692 / 93 23

( Continued overleaf )

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

94 / C 25 / 45 No 1200 / 93 by Mr Gerd Müller to the Commission
Subject : Production and marketing of violent videos and computer games in the Community 23

94 / C 25 / 46 No 1205 / 93 by Mr Neil Blaney to the Commission

Subject : Discrimination by employers 23

94 / C 25 / 47 " No 1209 / 93 by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek to the Commission
Subject : Amendment of the directive on maximum dimensions of heavy goods vehicles 24

94 / C 25 / 48 No 1232 / 93 by Mr Detlev Samland to the Commission

Subject : Involvement of private organizations in Commission training courses 24

94 / C 25 / 49 No 1238 / 93 by Mr Gerard Deprez to the Commission
Subject : Proposal for a directive on parental leave and leave for family reasons 25

94 / C 25 / 50 No 1259 / 93 by Mr Diego de los Santos López to the Commission
Subject : Programmes shown on television which are unsuitable for minors 25

94 / C 25 / 51 No 1269 / 93 by Mr Maxime Verhagen to the Commission
Subject : Interpretation by the Court of Justice of Article 8 A of the Single European Act .... 26

94 / C 25 / 52 No 1284 / 93 by Mr Bartho Pronk to the Commission
Subject : Health and safety directives 26

94 / C 25 / 53 No 1300 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : State of the road in Thesprotia 28

94 / C 25 / 54 No 1302 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Greek exports of canned peaches 28

94 / C 25 / 55 No 1303 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Production quotas in respect of the tomato industry 29

94 / C 25 / 56 No 1308 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Advertising in European markets 29

94 / C 25 / 57 E-1318 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Rules on pornography 29

94 / C 25 / 58 No 1335 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : The introduction of more detailed Community directives on environmental protection 30

94 / C 25 / 59 No 1336 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Protection of major water reserves from excessive use of fertilizers 30

94 / C 25 / 60 No 1341 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : The Ftelia wetland, Mykonos 31

94 / C 25 / 61 No 1342 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Legislation drafted by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment 31

94 / C 25 / 62 No 1353 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Products of child and prison labour 32

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

94 / C 25 / 63 No 1389 / 93 by Mrs Jessica Larive to the Commission
Subject : ISTC ( International Science and Technology Centre ) 32

. ?

94 / C 25 / 64 No 1419 / 93 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to the Commission
Subject : Radiological protection 33

94 / C 25 / 65 No 1428 / 93 by Mr Klaus Riskær Pedersen to the Commission
Subject : German shipyards 33

94 / C 25 / 66 No 1434 / 93 by Mr Dimitrios Pagoropoulos and Alexandros Alavanos to the
Commission

Subject : Fatal accident at the Petrola Hellas plant at Elefsina and failure to apply, and monitor ~

" compliance with, Community law 34

94 / C 25 / 67 No 1454 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission

                                           - Subject : Living conditions of animals in Athens Zoo 35

94 / C 25 / 68 No 1463 / 93 by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission
Subject : Import duties on printed circuits and semiconductors 35

94 / C 25 / 69 No 1470 / 93 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission
Subject : Protection of technology creativity 35

94 / C 25 / 70 No 1479 / 93 by Mr Marc Galle to the Commission
Subject : Enabling the blind and partially sighted to read 36

94 / C 25 / 71 No 1482 / 93 by Mrs Marie Isler Beguin to the Commission
Subject : Status of the professions of PE and sports instructor 37

94 / C 25 / 72 No 1492 / 93 by Mr Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Protection and upgrading of the historic site of Makronisos 37

94 / C 25 / 73 No 1512 / 93 by Mr Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Situation of the fur industry in Greece — 38

94 / C 25 / 74 No 1514 / 93 by Mr Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Establishment of a new cheese factory in Thrace 38

94 / C 25 / 75 No 1524 / 93 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : Vehicle impact experiments using animals 39

94 / C 25 / 76 No 1530 / 93 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : Rice project 39

94 / C 25 / 77 No 1532 / 93 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : Social activities at the Joint Research Centre at Ispra 40

94 / C 25 / 78 No 1533 / 93 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : Dioxin at Seveso 40

( Continued overleaf )

Notice No Contents ( continued ) p age

94 / C 25 / 79 No 1549 / 93 by Mr Alex Smith to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Disappearance of radioactive material 41

94 / C 25 / 80 No 1558 / 93 by Mr Alex Smith to the Commission
Subject : Transportation of plutonium : 41

94 / C 25 / 81 No 1574 / 93 by Mr Michael Welsh to the Commission
Subject : State aids to the Belgian textile industry 42

94 / C 25 / 82 No 1581 / 93 by Alonso Puerta and Laura Gonzalez Alvarez to the Commission
Subject : Directive 90 / 313 / EEC 43

94 / C 25 / 83 No 1586 / 93 by . Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission
Subject : Insertion of a social clause in the System of Generalized Preferences 43

94 / C 25 / 84 No 1587 / 93 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission
Subject : Humanitarian aid : introduction of a line in the Community budget for ' rehabilitation '
programmes 43

94 / C 25 / 85 No 1621 / 93 by Mr Yves Verwaerde to the Commission
Subject : General arrangements for the recognition of higher education qualifications — French
Doctor of Laws 44

94 / C 25 / 86 No 1651 / 93 by Mr Christos Papoutsis to the Commission
Subject : Community emergency humanitarian aid channelled through non-governmental
organizations . 44

94 / C 25 / 87 No 1660 / 93 by Mrs Maartje van Putten to the Commission
Subject : Expenditure by the ACP-EEC Cultural Cooperation Foundation 45

94 / C 25 / 88 No 1683 / 93 by Mr Jose Apolinario to the Commission
Subject : Setubal-Alentejo-Algarve motorway 46

94 / C 25 / 89 No 1690 / 93 by Mr Jan Bertens to the Commission
Subject : Special projects in Turkey . . 47

94 / C 25 / 90 No 1710 / 93 by Mr Karel De Gucht to the Commission
Subject : Italian Government aid . measures 47

94 / C 25 / 91 No 1711 / 93 by Mr Karel De Gucht to the Commission
Subject : French Government aid measures 47

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1710 / 93 and 1711 / 93 48

94 / C 25 / 92 No 1721 / 93 by Mr Alex Smith to the Commission
Subject : Price of compact disc recordings 48

94 / C 25 / 93 No 1729 / 93 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission
Subject : Official approval of language courses abroad 48

94 / C 25 / 94 No 1733 / 93 by Mr Paul Howell to the Commission
Subject : Spanish shipping restrictions 49

94 / C 25 / 95 No 1738 / 93 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : Application of special VAT scheme for farmers 49

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

94 / C 25 / 96 E-2204 / 93 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission

, Subject : Penalization of Italian agriculture 49

Joint answer to Written Questions No 1738 / 93 and E-2204 / 93 49

94 / C 25 / 97 No 1746 / 93 by Mr Andre Sainjon to the Commission
Subject : Import treatment of newsprint in the European Community 50

94 / C 25 / 98 E-1777 / 93 by Mr Gerardo Fernández-Albor to the Commission
Subject : Position of the Commission towards the new constitution of Andorra 50

94 / C 25 / 99 E-l 778 / 93 by Mr Gerardo Fernandez Albor to the Commission
Subject : Community campaign to promote the adoption of children from the Third World ... 51

94 / C 25 / 100 E-1782 / 93 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission
Subject : European capital yields tax 51

94 / C 25 / 101 E-1799 / 93 by Leo Tindemans, Alberto Michelini, Sir Christopher Prout, Pierre
Bernard-Reymond and Friedrich Merz to the Commission
Subject : Malta 's application to join the EC 52

94 / C 25 / 102 E-l 83 1 / 93 by Mrs Brigitte Ernst de la Graete to the Commission
Subject : Seventh protocol on beef and veal in Lomé IV 52

94 / C 25 / 103 E-1835 / 93 by Mr Panayotis Roumeliotis to the Commission
Subject : Strike ban on GSEE ( Greek General Confederation of Labour ) 53

94 / C 25 / 104 E-1873 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Accidents in the home 53

94 / C 25 / 105 E-1881 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Western Sahara 54

94 / C 25 / 106 E-l 893 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Cohesion Fund aid programmes for Greece 54

94 / C 25 / 107 E-1895 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Discrimination in employment contracts and in workers ' rights in general 54

94 / C 25 / 108 E-1912 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Programmes to combat poverty among women 55

94 / C 25 / 109 E-l 943 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Refugees in Africa 55

94 / C 25 / 110 E-1955 / 93 by Mr Henry Chabert to the Commission
Subject : Uruguay Round negotiations and audiovisual sector 56

( Continued overleaf )

Notice No Contents ( continued ) p a 

94 / C 25 / 111 E-1964 / 93 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Council
Subject : Community attitude towards the dictatorship in Haiti 57

94 / C 25 / 112 E-1973 / 93 by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission
Subject : Conference on ' social exclusion ' in Copenhagen 57

94 / C 25 / 113 E-l 977 / 93 by Mrs Astrid Lulling to the Commission
Subject : Appointment of a new Consumers ' Consultative Committee 58

94 / C 25 / 114 E-2021 / 93 by Mr Filippos Pierros to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Torture in Turkish prisons 58

94 / C 25 / 115 E-2033 / 93 by Mr Yves Verwaerde to the Commission
Subject : Negotiations on the accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden to the European
Communities ." 59

94 / C 25 / 116 E-2045 / 93 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini, Giuseppe Rauti, Pietro Mitolo, Antonio
Mazzone, Johanna-Christina Grund, Emil Schlee, Sotiris Kostopoulos, Karl Partsch,
Virginio Bettini, Klaus-Peter Köhler, Enrico Falqui, David Morris, Hiltrud Breyer, Paul
Staes, Gianfranco Amendola, Mary Banotti, Marco Pannella, Gepa Maibaum, Doris
Pack, Roberto Barzanti, Arie Oostlander, Yvan Blot, Michael Elliott, Jean-Pierre Raffin,
Marco Taradash, Francesco Guidolin, Bruno Boissière and Léon Schwartzenberg to the
Council

Subject : Protection of animals during transport 59

94 / C 25 / 117 E-2050 / 93 by Mr Andre Sainjon to the Commission
Subject : Introduction of social clauses intro trade agreements 60

94 / C 25 / 118 E-2085 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Uncontrolled killing of stray animals and wild animals threatened with extinction in
Greece 60

94 / C 25 / 119 E-2093 / 93 by Mr Jose Mendes Bota to the Commission

i Subject : Is East Timor now considered to be Indonesian territory ? 60

94 / C 25 / 120 E-2 103 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Human rights of indigenous populations 61

94 / C 25 / 121 E-2165 / 93 by Mrs Christine Oddy to the Commission
Subject : Promotion and safeguard of less widespread languages and cultures 61

94 / C 25 / 122 E-2206 / 93 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : Reemployment of Italian customs agents 61

94 / C 25 / 123 E-2222 / 93 by Mrs Johanna-Christina Grund to the Commission
Subject : Codification of fundamental rights in the EC 62

94 / C 25 / 124 E-2370 / 93 by Jose Alvarez de Paz and Pedro Bofill Abeilhe to the Commission
Subject : The need to protect the European social model 62

94 / C 25 / 125 E-2444 / 93 by Mr Arie Oostlander to the Commission
Subject : European Youth Parliament . . 63

94 / C 25 / 126 E-2457 / 93 by Mr Otto Habsburg to the Commission
Subject : The Commission 's failure to answer letters punctually 64

( Continued on page 74 )

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

94 / C 25 / 127 E-2534 / 93 by Mr Jose Lafuente Lopez to the Commission
Subject : Media terrorism against the tourist trade on the Island of Ibiza 64

94 / C 25 / 128 E-2555 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Council
Subject : Provisions governing the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons and methyl bromide 64

94 / C 25 / 129 E-2585 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Food products and drugs beyond their sell-by-date 65

94 / C 25 / 130 E-2625 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Security and cooperation in the Mediterranean and the Middle East 65

94 / C 25 / 131 E-2741 / 93 by Mrs Christine Oddy to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Human Rights in the Occupied Territories 66

##### 94 / C 25 / 132, " E-2742 / 93 by Mrs Christine Oddy to European Political Cooperation

Subject : Palestinians and the Occupied Territories 66

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2741 / 93 and E-2742 / 93 66

94 / C 25 / 133 E-2791 / 93 by Mr Georgios Saridakis to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Vandalism at the Christian cemetery at Neochorio in Istanbul on 25 August 1993 . . 67

94 / C 25 / 134 E-2794 / 93 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Conscientious objectors in Greece 67

94 / C 25 / 135 E-2796 / 93 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Desecration of Baha'i graves in Iran 68

94 / C 25 / 136 E-28 10 / 93 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Asiatom 68

94 / C 25 / 137 E-28 13 / 93 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Worrying barter trade between the Ukraine and Iran 68

94 / C 25 / 138 E-2844 / 93 by Mr Alex Smith to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Nuclear safeguards 69

94 / C 25 / 139 E-2850 / 93 by Mr Alex Smith to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Transport of plutonium 69

94 / C 25 / 140 E-2860 / 93 by Mr Vincenzo Mattina to the Council
Subject : The EMS crisis and its adverse repercussions for the citizens of Europe 70

Notice No Contents ( continued ) P age

94 / C 25 / 141 E-2869 / 93 by Mr Sergio Ribeiro to the Council
Subject : Conditions for achieving the aims and meeting the deadlines set at Maastricht 70

94 / C 25 / 142 E-2899 / 93 by Mr Henry Chabert to European Political Cooperation
Subject : European security and the situation in the Caucasus 70

94 / C 25 / 143 E-2901 / 93 by Mr Jean-Claude Pasty to the Council
Subject : Structural Funds in Portugal 71

94 / C 25 / 144 E-2953 / 93 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Human rights of ethnic Greeks in northern Epirus 72

94 / C 25 / 145 E-2962 / 93 by Mr Frederic Rosmini to the Council
Subject : Bluefin tuna fishing 72

94 / C 25 / 146 E-2970 / 93 by Mrs Christine Oddy to the Council
Subject : Whaling in Norway 73

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 1

I

,( Information )

#### EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1040 / 91

by Mr Philippe Douste-Blazy ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 22 May 1991 )

94 / C 25 / 01

Subject : Aid for tropical products from French overseas

departments

In view of competition from Latin American products and
with the 1993 single market in sight, has the Commission
any plans for aid programmes in respect of bananas, rum
and shrimps from the French overseas departments ?

What action does it intend to take in respect of the special
measures requested by France including a new tax on
imported bananas ( in addition to the usual customs duty )
and excise duty exemption for rum ?

What attitude will it adopt in the GATT negotiations ?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

( 14 October 1993 )

The Commission is fully aware of the problems tropical
products from the French overseas departments have in
competing, and various measures have been taken pursuant
to the programme of options specific to the remote and
insular nature of the French overseas departments
( Poseidom ) ( 1 ). They include :

— a specific agricultural mechanism under the EAGGF

( guarantee ), including targeted aid to develop fruit,
vegetable, plant and flower production and market of
 - the products in the rest of the Community, and aid for

the rum sugar cane sector ( 2 );

— specific structural measures for the banana and rum

sugar cane sectors on top of the CSF and current
Community initiatives ( 3 );.

— the continuation after 1992 of the specific VAT ( 4 ) and

excise duty ( 5 ) arrangements for traditional rum from
the overseas departments consumed in mainland
France ( 6 ).

As regards the tropical shrimps, the Commission ensured
that this product, of jpreat economic and social importance
for Guyana, was included in both the common organization
of the fisheries market, as reformed by Council Regulation
( EEC ) No 3759 / 92 ( 7 ), and more especially in the private
storage aid scheme . In conjunction with the relevant
national and regional authorities, the Commission is also
looking at the possibility of supplementary measures for the
product .

In the GATT Uruguay Round negotiations, the Community
in March last year put forward its offer ( supplemented the
following December ) for all agricultural products on the
basis of the draft final act, and satisfied itself that the level of
protection was adequate .

For bananas, the Community reserved the right to submit an
offer at a later date, which it did early this year . Following
the Commission proposal ( 8 ) the Council on 17 December
agreed on guidelines for the new Community arrangements,
which it implemented on 13 February this year through the
Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 404 / 93 on the common
organization of the market in bananas ( 9 ). The
arrangements, in force since 1 July, enable the Community

No C 25 / 2 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

to achieve its aim of disposing satisfactorily of its own
production and meeting its objectives as regards
non-member producer countries . For the first half of the
year, the Commission authorized France to continue using
national measures under Article 115 of the Treaty for a
transitional period, to protect the production of overseas
departments and traditional imports from ACP countries .

In the current GATT negotiations, the Community, which is
aware of its producers ' interests, has no plans to allow its
non-preferential rum imports from non-member countries
to be opened up to more liberalization than most other
agricultural products . The retention of an adequate level of
customs duty, in addition to the above Poseidom measures,
should ensure the survival of production in the overseas
departments .

(!) Council Decision 89 / 687 / EEC, OJ No L 399, 31 . 12 . 1989 .
( 2 ) Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 3763 / 91, OJ No L 356, 27 . 6 .

1992 and Commission implementing regulations .

( 3 ) Commission Decision 92 / 21 16 / EEC, 10 . 9 . 1992 .
( 4 ) Commission Directive 91 / 680 / EEC, OJ No L 376, 31 . 12 .

1991 .

( 5 ) Council Directive 92 / 12 / EEC, OJ No L 76, 23 . 3 . 1992 .
( 6 ) Council Directive 92 / 83 / EEC, OJ No L 316, 31 . 10 . 1992 .

( 7 ) OJ No L 388, 31 . 12 . 1992 .
( 8 ) COM(92 ) 359 final, OJ No C 232, 10 . 9 . 1992 .
( 9 ) OJ No L 47, 25 . 2 . 1993 and Commission implementing

regulations .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 550 / 92

by Mr Pierre Bernard-Reymond ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 16 March 1992 )

( 94 / C 25 / 02 )

Subject : GATT negotiations on services provided by the

legal professions

With regard to the GATT negotiations on freedom to
provide services, is the Commission considering specific
agreements for the legal professions, given the particular
nature of these services which, in Europe, fall within the
scope of public policy and require well defined areas of
competence ?

Given the specific nature of legal activities and their relation
to public policy, will the Commission consult
representatives of the legal profession and involve them in
future negotiations, in particular on according access to the

European market to practitioners of American law, for
whom legal services are in the same category as ordinary
commercial services ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

(5 October 1993 )

1 . Neither the Community or its partners . in the
negotiations considered it necessary to draft a sectoral
annex laying down specific rules for the liberalization of
legal services under the General Agreement on Trade in
Services ( GATS ). The working party on professional
services, set up in Geneva on the initiative of the GNS
( Group of Negotiations on Services ), did not feel that the
sector on the whole had any particular characteristics which
required the drafting of a comprehensive sectoral annex, nor
that sub-sectors such as legal services warranted recourse to
special rules . Thus this sectors will be governed only by the
framework agreement laying down general rules and
provisions for the liberalization of trade in services .

Nevertheless, the importance of competence and vocational
qualifications for certain types of activity, and for the
professions in particular, has not been overlooked and
Article VI of the framework agreement gives each party the
right to establish its own rules and qualifications and
commits the parties to laying down appropriate procedures
to assess the competence of professionals from other parties
to provide professional services . Under Article VII,
recognition of training or experience gained could be based
on harmonization or on an agreement or arrangements with
the country concerned, or granted independently .

The draft framework agreement does not cover services
supplied in connection with governmental functions and the
Community is actively contributing to the definition of
' governmental functions ' within the meaning of the GATS,
so that the concept includes activities as defined by
Community law, which are connected, even occasionally,
with the exercise of official authority . The Commission
would remind the Honourable Member that in the Reyners
judgment of 21 June 1974 the Court of Justice of the
European Communities took the view that a lawyer 's
activities, such as consultation and legal assistance and also
representation and the defence of parties in court did not
entail a direct and specific connection with the exercise of
official authority .

2 . As already stated in its answer to Written Question
No 283 / 92 (*), for many years now the Commission has
held regular meetings with the Consultative Committee of
the Bars and Law Societies of the European Community

( CCBE ) and the European Secretariat of the Liberal
Intellectual and Social Professions ( SEPLIS ) on all issues
arising from inclusion of the professions in the GATS . Since
the launching of the current round of GATT negotiations,

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 3

the two bodies have been closely involved in the discussions,
both at informal meetings with the Community negotiators
and during formal consultations . Over the last two years,
the Commission has organized a number of widely attended
meetings on all aspects of the GATT negotiations . The
Commission feels that such ongoing consultations have
enabled it to take into account the specific concerns of the
professions covered by the negotiations, notably the legal
profession, and to represent them fairly at the Geneva round
of discussions .

(!) OJ No C 168, 4 . 7 . 1992 .

Community financing for the project is dependent upon
Regulation ( EEC ) No 1738 / 93 of 25 June 1993 on the

1993 —94 programme for transport infrastructures ( 2 ),
which stipulates that any application for support should be
sent to the Commission via the relevant Member State . No
such application has so far been received .

(!) COM(92 ) 231 .
( 2 ) OJ No L 161, 2 . 7 . 1993 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1728 / 92
by Mr Taak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARC )
to the Commission of the European Communities

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1350 / 92 ( 29 June 1992 )

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

(5 June 1992 )

( 94 / C 25 / 04 )

( 94 / C 25 / 03 Subject : Languages used by the Commission

Subject : Reclassification of the Espierre canal

The authorities responsible for the Mouscron ­
Estaimpuis-Wattrelos ' Eurozone ' are considering the need
to reclassify the Espierre canal . Has the Commission been
informed of the matter, and is it aware of the measures being
considered by the Member States within whose territory the
canal falls with a view to reclassifying the canal and
developing the site ? Is there any possibility of Community
aid being granted in this connection ?

In its relations with Community citizens, the Commission is
increasingly using only English or French . Mrs Scrivener 's
brochure ' Guide to VAT in 1993 ' was initially released in
English and French ( the Dutch version is supposed to
follow ), Mr Van Miert produced his Green Paper in
identical circumstances ( and four months after the English
version appeared, still no Dutch version is available ), and

Community relief operations are always published under
the heading of ' European Community — Communaute
Europeenne '.

It appears that the Commission has imposed the use of
English or French in its relations with Flemish European
information centres .

Does the Commission think that the other Community

Answer given by Mr Matutes languages should no longer be used ? Does it not think that

on behalf of the Commission this is a form of discrimination against the vast majority of

( 21 September 1993 ) Community citizens in their relations with Community

institutions ? Does it not think that all Community citizens
are entitled to have access to all documents in their own
language at the same time ? Does not the lapse of time mean
Last year, the Commission, in conjunction with Member that the Commission itself is responsible for distorting
State experts, prepared a draft masterplan for inland competition ?
waterways of Community interest ( 1 ). The plan highlights
the missing links and bottlenecks in the Community
network and outlines the necessary medium - and long-term
infrastructure developments . It also identifies projects of
Community interest which should be undertaken as and
when the money for them becomes available . The Council Answer given by Mr Delors
meeting on transport on 7 June gave the plan a warm on behalf of the Commission
reception .

Answer given by Mr Matutes

on behalf of the Commission

( 21 September 1993 )

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

( 30 September 1993 )

The plan 's short - and medium-term priorities include
improved connections with Dunkirk by upgrading the
Espierre-Deule Canal to at least grade IV standard .

The Commission has certainly not officially sanctioned the
practice of using particular languages in preference to

No C 25 / 4 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

others . It does all it can with the resources at its disposal to
allow Community citizens to use their own language in their
dealings with the institutions .

twelve White Paper measures, mostly relating to the
veterinary sector .

To date, Belgium has taken the necessary steps to transpose
into national law 189 of the 218 measures concerned, i.e.

89,2 % of the total .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1843 / 92

by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARC )
to the Commission of the European Communities

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1991 / 92
( 23 July 1992 )

by Mr Floras Wijsenbeek ( LDR )
( 94 / C 25 / 05 )
to the Commission of the European Communities

Subject : Incorporation of directives into national law

Can the Commission state how many of the Community
directives relating to the internal market have been
incorporated into Belgian national law ?

What truth is there in the statement by the competent
Belgian minister that the Belgian Government recently
carried out a ' catching-up operation '?

Can the Commission state what problems Belgium is
encountering in incorporating certain directives into
national law, particularly in the areas of agriculture, health
regulation and veterinary assessments ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

(1 September 1992 )

( 94 / C 25 / 06 )

Subject : Funding of infrastructure

Title XII of the Maastricht Treaty states that the
Community is responsible for creating trans-European
networks . What are the budgetary arrangements for the
financing of infrastructure in the Member States ?

Which Member States permit private sector funding of
transport infrastructure in particular ?

Which Member States have a capital account for
infrastructure in their budget, and which ones include
infrastructure in the ordinary budget ?

( 11 October 1993 ) Answer on behalf given of the by Commission Mr Matutes

The Commission 's seventh report concerning the
implementation of the White Paper on the completion of the
internal market includes annexes on the state of

transposition into national law of White Paper measures . A
copy of the report is being sent direct to the Honourable
Member and to Parliament 's Secretariat .

The rate of transposition into Belgian law was negative from
September 1991 and throughout 1992 . Lost ground meant
that the level of transposition remained stable over that
period, below the Community average .

However, the Commission 's periodic progress reports on
implementation show a steady improvement since the end of

1992, evidence that the Belgian authorities are aware of
their obligations under the EEC Treaty . During October the
Belgian authorities gave notification of the transposition of

( 18 October 1993 )

The Commission shares the Honourable Member 's concern
as regards the financing of transport infrastructure which is
part of the trans-European networks provided for by the
new Treaty on European Union . The Commission has to
wait for ratification to be completed before it can begin to
implement the new Treaty .

Nevertheless, at the European Councils held in Edinburgh
and Copenhagen it was decided to adopt temporary
measures enabling certain mechanisms for the financing of
trans-European network infrastructure to be set in motion,
such as the new EIB 's lending facility and the Cohesion
Fund .

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 5

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2696 / 92 WRITTEN QUESTION No 2771 / 92

by Hiltrud Breyer, Paul Lannoye, Virginio Bettini and by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI )

Marguerite-Marie Dinguirard ( V ) to the Commission of the European Communities
to the Commission of the European Communities (6 November 1992 )
( 29 October 1992 ) ( 94 / C 25 / 08 )

( 94 / C 25 / 07 )

Subject : The Tacis programme Subject : Extension of the Texaco plant in Achaia

1 . Is the Commission aware what percentage of the
electricity currently produced by the CIS is exported ?

2 . Is the Commission aware that the Ukraine, a member
of the CIS, is contractually bound to export 800 million
kilowatts per annum of electricity to Austria over a five year
period ?

3 . Is the Commission aware of any further contracts for
electricity exports from the CIS states, and if so can it
provide details ?

4 . How does the Commission view plans to export the
bulk of the electricity produced in the CIS reactors
earmarked for refitting ?

5 . How do these plans square with the Commission 's
position that these reactors must be refitted to ensure
security of supplies in the CIS ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

The decision by the Prefectual Council of Achaia to

authorize an extension of the Texaco plant in defiance of the
wishes of local inhabitants that it should be transferred

elsewhere has provoked a storm of protest in Rio, an area
undergoing very rapid urban development . This decision
has been opposed by the presidents of the communities of
Aktaio, Rio and Aghio Vasileio and the head of the
Association for the Protection of the Environment and the

Landscape who maintain that extension of the Texaco plant
in this densely inhabited region is inadmissible, given its
proximity to the university campus, a new hospital, hotels
and a large number of shops and private dwellings . This
decision by the Prefectural Council is also opposed by the
Inspectorate for Byzantine Antiquities, since the planned
fuel installations will be only 500 metres from an
archaeological site . In view of the above, does the
Commission intend to remind the Greek authorities of the

need to have this decision by the Achaia Prefectural Council
revoked ?

( 28 October 1993 ) Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

1 . Although the exact percentage of the electricity
production capacity of the CIS which is exported is not
known, this percentage is not of a significant order of
magnitude .

2 and 3 . While not informed of private contracts
concerning electricity export, the Commission is aware that
the net import of electricity to the West European
interconnected system from the Central and Eastern
European countries bordering this system reduced between

1991 and 1992 by some 12 %, to 2 400 GWh . This amount
represented less than 0,2 % of the total electricity
consumption of the Western European countries .

4 . It is doubtful that the countries of the CIS will be able

to raise significantly the currently minor share of exported
electricity in the near future . The meeting of domestic needs
is presently the major concern .

5 . The Commission considers that certain actions are

necessary in order to raise the safety standards of nuclear
power plants in the CIS to those deemed sufficient " at plants
in the Community . Again, the electricity produced by these
plants will to a great extent be employed for domestic
consumption, as it represents an integral part of the
economic structure .

( 11 August 1993 )

Subsequent to its answer of 9 February 1993 (*), the
Commission is now in a position to inform the Honourable
Member that it has heard from the Greek authorities that

the Texaco installations at Achaia are not subject to the
provisions of Directive 82 / 501 / EEC since they comprise fuel
storage plant with a maximum capacity of 6 032 tonnes .

The procedure laid down in Directive 85 / 337 / EEC ( impact
study ) ( 2 ) has been carried out for these installations, and the
operating conditions approved with regard to the protection
of the environment . Consequently, Texaco has met all the
requirements of Directive 85 / 537 / EEC .

As regards the possible extension of these installations, the
procedure for the approval of the planned land use has been
suspended . The industrial activity in question is not
compatible with the land use provision laid down in the
Patras town planning scheme about to be adopted .

0 ) OJ No C 127, 7 . 5 . 1993 .
( 2 ) OJ No L 175, 5 . 7 . 1985 .

No C 25 / 6 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2810 / 92

by Mrs Mary Banotti ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

national implementing measures in respect of Directive
71 / 305 / EEC (*), Articles 30 and 59 of the EEC Treaty and
Directive 77 / 62 / EEC ( 2 )P

( 16 November 1992 ) (!) OJ No L 185, 16 . 8 . 1971, p . 5 .
( 94 / C 25 / 09 ) ( 2 ) OJ No L 13, 15 . 1 . 1977, p . 1 .

Subject : EC and sport

Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi

Could the Commission inform me whether it is prepared to on behalf of the Commission
establish a truly European sports policy following its ( 11 October 1993 )
communication on sport I 1 ) and could it provide
information as to the type of sports projects it is presently
funding ? The Honourable Member is asked to refer to the report for
the hearing prepared by the Court of Justice in Case
(!) SEC(91 ) 1438 . C-71 / 92 .

on behalf of the Commission

( 11 October 1993 )

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro

on behalf of the Commission

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3006 / 92
(2 July 1993 )

As the European Community has no direct powers in the
field of sport, the Commission has no plans for a sports
policy . As it points out in ' The European Community and
Sport ', the Commission 's approach is threefold — to
provide information for sporting circles, to encourage
communication through sport and to organize Community
aid .

A study on the impact of Community activities in the field of
sport is currently being carried out and will be completed by
July . On the basis of the findings of this survey, the

Commission will organize meetings with sporting
authorities and organizations with the aim of drawing up an
action programme .

The Commission is currently financing two sorts of projects
in the field of sport — to promote sport for the handicapped
and to encourage communication through sport .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2983 / 92

by Mr José Valverde Lopez ( PPE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 30 November 1992 )

( 94 / C 25 / 10

Subject : Failure of the Spanish government to implement

the directives on public work and supply

contracts

Can the Commission state what reasons have been invoked
by the Spanish government for the inadequacy of the

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

( 30 November 1992 )

( 94 / C 25 / 11 )

Subject : Research Council

What changes have been agreed in the funding of the

Community 's third research framework programme
1990 — 1994 ; and will the President-in-Office make a
statement on the plans for the Research Council to date ( late

1992 )?

Answer

( 10 December 1993 )

1 . The Commission submitted a proposal for a Council
Decision concerning supplementary financing of the third
framework programme of Community R&D activities on
29 July 1992 (*). The proposal was for an ECU 1 600
million supplement to be distributed on a selective basis
between the different activities .

2 . In December 1992 the Council reached a compromise
on a supplement of ECU 900 million and, notwithstanding
the abstention of Belgium and Italy, thus adopted a
' common orientation ' which was forwarded to the

European Parliament on 13 January 1993 .

The Council 's orientation was designed to ensure the
continuity of the Community 's research programme . On the
question of the expenditure breakdown, the Council
orientation takes into account, particularly as regards the
' Energy ' heading, the concern which Parliament expressed
in its Opinion .

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 7

3 . Finally, the Council adopted on 15 March 1993 the
Decision concerning supplementary financing of the third
framework programme of research and development .

The Belgian delegation abstained, taking the view that a
supplement of ECU 900 million was insufficient to ensure
the continuity of the Community 's research activities .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3511 / 92

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

( 28 January 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 13

(!) OJ No C 225, 1 . 9 . 1992, p . 9 . Subject : Restoration of sites in Attica where waste is buried

for public health reasons

Having regard to the plans by the United Association of
Municipalities and Communes in the prefecture of Attica

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3033 / 92

by Mr Yves Verwaerde ( LDR )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 14 December 1992 )

( 94 / C 25 / 12 )

( ESDKNA ) to restore sites where waste is buried for public
health reasons and in particular the waste tips of Schisto and
Ano Liossia, can the Commission say whether there is any
scope for funding projects of this kind ?

Answer given by Mr Mill an

Subject : Final-year student trainees on behalf of the Commission
(5 April 1993 )

Can the Commission give the number of final-year
student trainees by nationality in the Commission 's
directorates-general and specialized department in 1991 ? The Commission would be willing to consider an
application from the Greek authorities for structural fund
assistance to the sites in question in the context of the
Regional Operational Programme for Attica .

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

( 24 September 1993 )

The breakdown by nationality of student traineeships
awarded in 1991 is as follows ( trainees from non-member WRITTEN QUESTION No 135 / 93
countries have been grouped together ):

by Mr Giis de Vries ( LDR )

to the Commission of the European Communities

Nationality Total

Belgium 69

Denmark 57

Germany 128

Greece 66

Spain 83

France 104

Ireland 41

Italy 141

Luxembourg 12

Netherlands 66

Portugal 15

United Kingdom 97

Total EUR 12 879

Non-member countries 157

Total EUR 12 +

Non-member countries 1 036

( 15 February 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 14 )

Subject : American exports of maize and sorghum to

Spain

In 1987 the EC undertook to grant the United States an
annual quota of 2 million tonnes of maize and 0,3 million
tonnes of sorghum for import into Spain between 1987 and

1990 . This arrangement, which stemmed from the problems
surrounding Spain 's accession to the EEC, is based on
Article XXIV, section 6 of GATT .

This agreement was renewed at the end of 1990 and again at
the end of 1991 for a year at a time . The Commission is
currently proposing a further extension . Does the
Commission consider that the agreement should be ended
no later than the moment final agreement is reached in the
Uruguay Round ?

No C 25 / 8 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

( 16 September 1993 )

In addition, the European Development Fund provides for a
total allocation of ECU 10,8 billions for the period 1990 to

1995, i.e. an average amount of 2,16 billions by year .

In consequence, the total Development Public Aid managed
The import arrangements for maize and sorghum into by the Commission in 1993 will be near ECU

Spain, stemming from Spain 's accession to the Community, 6,5 billions .
have been extended to the end of 1993 .

In the framework of the Uruguay Round discussions they
are to be treated as current access in accordance with the

provisions of the Draft Final Act embodying the results of
the Multilateral Trade Negotiations . Consequently, the

Commission considers that a definite resolution would be

included in the final agreement reached in those
negotations .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 171 / 93

by Mrs Christine Oddy ( S )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 17 February 1993 )

94 / C 25 / 15 )

Subject : Overseas aid budget

Now that the 1993 budget has been finalized, can the
Commission confirm what the level of overseas aid budget
will be this year ?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

WRITTEN QUESTION No 175 / 93

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

( 17 February 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 16 )

Subject : Endeavours to harmonize vehicle taxes and road

tolls in the Community

The repeated failure of attempts to harmonize vehicle taxes
and road tolls in the Community has caused considerable
market distortion, and discrimination against, undertakings
in Member States with high vehicle taxes and no road
tolls .

What immediate steps will the Commission take to ensure
that liberalization of market access is accompanied by
harmonization of conditions of competition ?

In the event of a further failure of efforts to achieve
harmonization or an adverse preliminary ruling by the ECJ
on freedom of cabotage, would the Commission be
prepared to authorize Germany to introduce a road toll and
reduce its vehicle taxes in accordance with the Commission

proposals ?

( 11 May 1993 )
Answer given by Mr Matutes

on behalf of the Commission

The Commission can inform the Honourable Member that (3 September 1993 )
the 1993 budget provides for the following commitment
appropriations for overseas aid :

( ECU )

Food aid 574 000 000

Cooperation with ALA countries ' 634 000 000

Cooperation with Mediterranean countries 408 700 000

Other cooperation measures 626 700 000

Cooperation with countries of Central and
Eastern Europe and the independent states of
the former Soviet Union 1 573 000 000

External aspects of certain Community
policies 293 700 000

Reserve for humanitarian aid - 209 000 000

Total 4 319 100 000

The Commission has consistently made every possible effort
to ensure that Community decisions are adopted regarding
road and motor vehicle taxation . Thus :

— It was at the Commission 's insistence that the Council

set the minimum rate of excise duty on diesel oil at ECU
254 per 1 000 litres ( 1 ).

— In 1988 the Commission submitted to the Council

proposals ( 2 ), amended in 1991 ( 3 ) and 1992 ( 4 ), for
decisions on vehicle taxes and the charging of transport
infrastructure costs to heavy goods vehicles on the basis
of their real use of these infrastructures .

— The Commission has worked unremittingly in
cooperation with successive Presidencies to find
compromise solutions within Council bodies .

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 9

In Luxembourg on 9 June 1993 the Council did arrive at
compromise, the most important points of which are as

follows :

1 . From 1 January 1995 Member States must comply with
the minimum rates for the tax on vehicles used for road

haulage .

A limited number of temporary exemptions have been
granted to certain Member States ( until 31 December

1997 ) and to certain vehicles ( until 1 July 1998 ).

2 . Member States may introduce road user charges for the
use of their motorway networks or dual-carriageway
roads with similar characteristics . In the absence of a
Community procedure, user charges may also be applied
on other sections of the main road network ( safety
reasons ).

(!) OJ No L 316, 19 . 10 . 1992 .

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

(3 September 1993 )

The Commission has already granted financial support of
ECU 300 000 for ecological studies of the Shetland coast
and ECU 25 000 for the protection of wildlife .

The investigation now in progress into the accident

involving the Braer will show whether or not international
agreements have been observed .

The Commission is currently looking into the protection of
ecologically sensitive areas and the need for better
regulation of oil tanker movements at sea .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 208 / 93

( 2 ) OJ No C 79, 26 . 3 . 1988 .
( 3 ) OJ No C 75, 20 . 3 . 1991 .

( 3 ) OJ No C 75, 20 . 3 . 1991 . by Mrs Annemarie Goedmakers ( S )

( 4 ) OJNoC 311, 27 . 11 . 1992 .
to the Commission of the European Communities

WRITTEN QUESTION No 192 / 93

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

( 17 February 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 17 )

Subject : Environment disaster in the Shetland Islands

The wreck of the tanker Braer recently caused an
environmental catastrophe in the waters off the Shetland
Islands . The disaster could not have happened in a worse
place as the area is one of the last sanctuaries for wild
animals in Britain . Eight thousand seals, hundred of otters
and 30 000 sea-birds nest and reproduce in the Shetland
Islands and along the coast of northern Scotland ; these areas
are therefore protected by international agreements .
However, the environmental organization Greenpeace has
observed that in practice these high-principled agreements
are circumvented by the oil industry in its efforts to save time
and money . The result of this is appalling environmental
disasters : more than 150 000 sea-birds die each year in the
North Atlantic alon ^. Will the Commission examine the
possibility of making a financial contribution to the
environmental organizations fighting to save the birds and
mammals in Shetland waters ? Will it call on the North Sea
countries to respect their agreements in practice and prevent
the passage of tankers through environmentally sensitive
areas ?

( 18 February 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 18 )

Subject : Nuclear power station at Kozloduy ( Bulgaria )

According to a report in De Volkskrant of 18 January 1993,
the Bulgarian nuclear power station at Kozloduy is the first
of dozens of elderly, unsafe installations in Eastern Europe
that will be modernized with Western aid . This was
announced in a statement by the chairman of the Bulgarian
Atomic Energy Committee, Janko Janev, on 17 January

1993 .

1 . Is the Commission aware of Mr Janko Janev 's statement
on 17 January 1993 ?

2 . What have the Community and the Member States

contributed ( financially ) to date and what will be the
Community 's share of the total investment costs for the
modernization of the nuclear power station at
Kozloduy ?

3 . Which banks are involved in the financing of the

necessary investment ?

4 . Which companies are involved in the modernizing of the

power station ?

5 . What reports and opinions have been produced by

which organizations on the question of whether and

„ how the Kozloduy nuclear power station should be

modernized ?

6 . On the basis of what considerations and when was it

decided to modernize the power station ?

7 . What variables and assumptions were included in the

weighing up of costs and profits that provided the basis
for the decision to modernize the nuclear power station ?
What are the alternatives ?

No C 25 / 10 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

given by Sir Leon Brittan contamination they cause could never be justified in the past

of the Commission and even less so today .

(5 October 1993 )

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

1 . The Commission is regularly informed of the situation
and of possible request from Bulgaria by that country 's
authorities or their contractors .

2 . In the context of the 1991 and 1992 budgets, the
Community 's contribution exceeded ECU 26 million . The
Commission intends to continue to contribute, within
budgetary constraints, to the modernization programme for
the nuclear power station at Kozloduy .

3 . As far as the Commission is aware, the EBRD intends
to make a financial contribution to the necessary
investments from its multilateral funds .

Furthermore, the Commission has proposed the extension
of Euratom loans to help improve the safety of nuclear
installations in Eastern Europe ; the power station at
Kozloduy will certainly be taken into consideration in this
context at the appropriate moment .

4 . Community operations are managed by firms selected
in accordance with existing procedures .

5 . With regard to the modernization of the power
station, a study was conducted into Bulgaria 's energy
situation within the framework of the 1991 emergency
programme ; on the basis of that study the Bulgarian
authorities have postponed a feasibility study into the
conversion of units 1 to 4 at Kozloduy into a combined cycle
plant .

6 and 7 . Decisions on modernization of the power
station are in the hands of the Bulgarian authorities alone,
who take into account not only the advice of international
bodies such as the IAEA but also studies on the cost of

alternatives . Given the importance of nuclear energy ( more
than 40 % share ), the Bulgarian government does not, to the
Commission 's knowledge, intend to decommission units 1
to 4 in the short term .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 228 / 93

by Mrs Winifred Ewing
to the Council of the European Communities

( 18 February 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 19 )

Subject : Nuclear test ban

What action is the Council taking to promote an
international nuclear test ban ? The environmental

Answer

( 21 December 1993 )

The matter raised by the Honourable Member has been
discussed in the context of European Union business .

The European Union has noted attentively the decisions by
France, the United States and Russia on the suspension of
their nuclear tests and the United Kingdom 's confirmation
that it will not carry out any tests for the duration of the
moratorium decided on by the United States .

In this connection the European Union cannot remain
indifferent in the face of recent Chinese nuclear testing, the
first since September 1992 .

The European Union has noted with satisfaction the
decision by the Conference on Disarmament to give its
special Committee on a nuclear test ban a remit to negotiate
a treaty for the complete cessation of nuclear testing . The
European Union would point to the importance, in order to
prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons, of a
universally applicable and internationally, effectively
verifiable test ban treaty .

The European Union stated its views along these lines at the
48th General Assembly in New York .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 270 / 93

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

( 24 February 1993 )

( 94 1 C 25 / 20

Subject : The petrified forest of Mytilini

The petrified forest of Mytilini, situated in the north-west of
the island of Lesbos between the villages of Antissa, Sigri,
and Eressos, was declared a nature conservation area in

1995 . This unique forest, which dates back some 20 million
years, has been repeatedly ' looted ' by jewellery makers and
collectors who have often smashed up huge petrified trees .
In 1986, efforts were made to ' house ' some of the large trees
and it was announced that a study would be carried out for
the construction of a natural history museum at Sigri .
Preparatory work was carried out in 1988 and the study
incorporated into the IMP with a budget of DR 100 million

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 11

since when no other information has been forthcoming . Can
the Commission provide any information as to how this
matter is developing ?

4 . Does the Commission agree that if one were to weigh
up a government 's liabilities against its assets and its
debt-servicing deficit against its return on accumulated
pension reserves, the Netherlands ( with a government debt
of 49 % GDP and a government deficit of 1,28 % GDP in

1991 ) would already be well within the EMU criteria and
would have room to pursue a policy stimulating growth and
employment in the Community ?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

( 27 September 1993 )

Answer given by Mr Delors

The project to which the Honourable Member refers has on behalf of the Commission
suffered from long delays, mainly due to problems of a (8 October 1993 )
procedural nature . However, a call for tenders was recently
published, the procedure for which terminated on 4 July

1993 .

It now seems likely that the first phase of the work will begin
in the near future .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 298 / 93

by Mr Alman Metten ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(1 March 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 21 )

Subject : Reserves accumulated for civil service pensions

and the criteria for admittance to EMU

1 . Is it true that the ' government ' debt criterion for
admittance to the third phase of EMU takes account of the
total debts, in the broadest sense of the word, incurred by a
government, but not of the reserves that government has
accumulated with a view to future payments ?

2 . Is it true that the ' government deficit ' criterion for
admittance to the third phase of EMU takes account of
interest paid out in servicing existing debts but not of the
return on reserves accumulated, for example, for the
payment of civil service pensions ?

3 . Does the Commission agree that this pointless
distinction, which includes in its calculation debts but not
reserves, interest paid out but not interest received, results in
far too gloomy an assessment of the government finances in
those Member States which use a fully funded system rather
than a pay-as-you-go system for the payment of civil service
pensions ?

1 . Article 2 of the Protocol on the excessive deficit

procedure annexed to the Treaty on European Union
defines public debt for the purposes of Article 104c of the
Treaty as total gross debt at nominal value outstanding at
the end for the year and consolidated between and within
the sectors of general government . Unlike net debt, gross
debt does not take account of financial assets in the form of

general government 's claims on other sectors of the

economy .

2 . The European System of Integrated Economic
Accounts ( ESA ) classifies the payment of interest on general
government debt as current expenditure . Similarly, interest
accruing to general government from financial assets is
classified as current revenue . Consequently, interest paid
and interest received both affect the budget deficit ( defined
by the protocol as net general government borrowing ). In
the Netherlands, the Algemeen Burgerlijk Pensioenfonds
( ABP ) is an autonomous institution administered on a fully
funded basis, which retains ownership of the interest
accruing on its assets . Under ESA national accounts, the
ABP pension fund is classified in the insurance enterprises
sector, not as part of general government . Its revenue and
expenditure are included in the figures for insurance
enterprises .

3 . As mentioned in the answer to Written Question
No 1442 / 92 (*), an important special feature of ABP is that
it has built up reserves ; a fully funded pension fund that
builds up reserves in anticipation of future pension
payments would clearly seem to be somewhat better placed
than a fund based on a pay-as-you-go system if the
population is tending to age .

4 . The Honourable Member 's suggested calculations are
not compatible with the application of ESA rules to the
calculation of budget deficits and government debt as
defined in the Treaty on European Union .

OJ No C 6, 11 . 1 . 1993 .

No C 25 / 12 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION No 360 / 93

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

(3 March 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 22 )

Subject : Nuclear proliferation in South Africa

According to information provided by the ANC, South
Africa has secretly manufactured over 200 kg of enriched
uranium, sufficient to produce 25 nuclear warheads .

In addition, according to the International Atomic Energy
Agency, it has the necessary technology and metallurgical
resources to manufacture nuclear weapons at Pelindaba .

The Commission was pleased to take note of this
information . It wishes to point out that the Community and
its Member States have come out firmly in favour of tighter
nuclear non-proliferation arrangements . Preparation for the

1995 Conference on extending the NPT and the recent
conclusion of cooperation and partnership agreements with
the IAEA in the field of safeguards reflect this position .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 460 / 93

by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffin ( V )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 11 March 1993 )

Is the Commission aware of this ? ( 94 / C 25 / 23 )

If these allegations prove to be true, what steps will the Subject : Biodiversity and forestry
Commission take to prevent any further nuclear weapons
proliferation ? Following the Rio Conference, the Commission has, on

several occasions, expressed its concern with preserving
' biodiversity and taking specific measures in this area .

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

( 22 October 1993 )

The Honourable Member is doubtless aware of President de

Klerk 's statement of 24 March 1993 to the effect that South
Africa had developed a nuclear weapons programme in the

80 's, but that his government had taken the decision to put
an end to this programme in 1989 .

Subsequently South Africa acceded to the Treaty on the
Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons ( NPT ) on 10 July

1991, as a non-nuclear-weapon State . Under this Treaty, it
undertook, in particular, not to ' manufacture or otherwise
acquire nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive
devices '.

In order to verify compliance with all NPT provisions, a
safeguards agreement was concluded, as demanded by the
Treaty, between South Africa and the International Atomic
Energy Agency on 16 September 1991 . The agreement
entered into force on the same day and led to South Africa
submitting an Initial Report to the IAEA on 30 October

1991, containing a list of all the country 's nuclear materials
and its activities in the nuclear sector . Since then, IAEA
inspectors have carried out over 130 inspections in South
Africa in order to check that the information provided was
accurate and complete .

In connection with his March 1993 statement, President de
Klerk stipulated that the dismantling and destruction of
military equipment and devices had been completed in
September 1991, before the IAEA agreement had entered
into force . He also invited the IAEA to inspect those South
African installations formerly involved in the weapons
programme, so as to satisfy itself that the programme had
indeed been abandoned and that all nuclear materials used

had been listed and placed under the IAEA 's control .

Certain forestry techniques, such as clear felling, have an
unfavourable effect, not only on soil quality ( erosion ) but
also water quality ( increase in suspended particles ) and a
serious reduction in biodiversity . This applies not only to
tropical forests, which have been very much in the public
eye, but also forests in the northern hemisphere, in
particular British Columbia ( Canada ) or Scandinavia .

In view of this, what steps will the Commission take to limit
or prohibit the import of forestry products obtained by such
methods, thereby putting its words into action ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 30 September 1993 )

At the Rio Conference ( Unced ) in June 1992 the European
Community adopted the declaration of principles
concerning the management, conservation and sustainable
development of all types of forests . It also signed the
Convention on Biological Diversity . The Commission
actively supports the implementation of these

agreements .

With regard to boreal and temperate forests, the
Commission helped prepare the 2nd Ministerial Conference
on the Protection of Forests in Europe . At the Conference, in
Helsinki in June 1993, the Commission signed, on behalf of
the Community, resolutions concerning the sustainable
management of forests and the conservation of their
biological diversity .

In addition, as part of the follow-up to the undertakings
given in Rio, the Commission is now preparing two
communications to the Council on the management,

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 13

conservation and sustainable development of forests . One
concerns forests in the Community, the other concerns
tropical forests .

With regard to the sustainable management of forests on a
global scale, it would point out that before the Rio
Conference the Community gave an undertaking, which it
has repeated on several occasions, to endeavour to pave the
way for a legally binding international instrument
concerning the management, conservation and sustainable
development of all types of forests .

The Commission therefore vigorously supports the
implementation of the ITTO Resolution aimed at ensuring
that as from the year 2000 the tropical wood trade is based

solely on timber from forests managed in a sustainable

way .

Lastly, the Commission is examining the commercial
instruments which could be used to encourage all economic
operators to become involved in the sustainable
management of the global forest heritage . However, it takes
the view that any measure that might be considered must
comply with the international trade agreements and

undertakings .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 481 / 93

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

( 12 March 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 24 )

Subject : European Community information policy

Since each institution has specific responsibilities, a merging
of the offices has so far not been envisaged .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 659 / 93

by Mrs Christine Oddy ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(6 April 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 25 )

Subject : Phare programme

What arrangements does the Commission have for
evaluating the effectiveness of the Phare programme ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

(4 October 1993 )

Evaluations of Phare programmes are foreseen usually at the
end of a programme or — if programmes last for more than
three years — during programme implementation .

While monitoring information is collected internally,
evaluations are undertaken by external evaluators based on
specific terms of reference and key criteria for
evaluation .

At present, Phare is working towards a more systematic
approach to evaluations . In this respect, a system of
permanent evaluation has been developed by the
Commission . This system will become operational after a
test period which is to be initiated forthwith on a selective
basis with regard to several sectoral and country

programmes .

Given the perceived lack of transparency in its dealings with basis with regard to several sectoral
the the lack public of, does public the understanding Commission accept of the that functions one problem of the is programmes .
different institutions of the Community ? In that context,
would it agree it would be an important step forward in
simplifying public access to information if the Commission
and Parliament Information Offices in the Member States
were to be merged to provide a single access point for WRITTEN QUESTION No 740 / 93
information ?

by Mrs Barbara Schmidbauer ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 14 April 1993 )
Answer given by Mr Pinheiro 94 / C 25 / 26

on behalf of the Commission

( 94 / C 25 / 26 )

( 11 October 1993 )
Subject : EC-recognized passes for the disabled and senior

citizens

The Commission encourages close cooperation between
Commission offices and offices of the European Parliament .
Recent efforts in this direction are bearing fruit . Several joint
projects are being carried out by the offices in the Member
States . In six Member States, Parliament and Commission
offices are in the same building as a result of the systematic
policy of the two institutions .

Guaranteed freedom of movement of persons was supposed
to be one of results of the completion of the internal
market .

However, problems are arising for holders of disabled
persons ' or senior citizens ' passes issued by the national

No C 25 / 14 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

authorities entitling the holders to the necessary assistance
to guarantee their full integration in society ( special
facilities, free travel for an accompanying person, etc .), since
these passes are not yet recognized throughout the EC and
' privileges ' may be lost on the crossing of an internal border
thereby considerably restricting their freedom of

movement .

What steps will the Commission take to remedy this

problem ?

Is it prepared to draw up guidelines for the
Community-wide recognition of disabled persons and
senior citizens ?

When will a pass recognized throughout the Community be

issued to disabled persons or senior citizens ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 16 July 1993 )

The recognition of disability cards issued by other Member
States, so that disabled people can benefit from existing
national laws concerning disability cards, is the
responsibility of each Member State .

The introduction of a European disability card presupposes

standardization in all Member States of the definition of
disability, and of disability cards . Under the Community
programme Helios II, a preliminary study into the
possibilities of establishing a European disability card will
be proposed .

As far as the European Senior Citizens Card is concerned the

Commission is engaged in discussions with Member States
on the basis of the existing Recommendation on the
European Senior Citizens Card .

In the meantime a Travelguide, showing special advantages
available to Older People travelling in Europe, has been
published in May of this year .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 763 / 93

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

( 15 April 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 27 )

Subject : Windmill park in Curasao

1 . Is it true that the Commission has paid Fl 2 million to
Kodela NV for the development of a windmill park in
Curacao ?

2 . Is the Commission aware that the park is to be located
on terraces along the northern coast between Hato and
Boca, one of the eight main major nature areas on the island
being considered for designation as a protected area ?

3 . Is it true that, to date, no overall energy plan has been
drawn up for Curasao for the purposes of assessing such
projects ?

4 . What efforts have been made to consider alternative

locations, for example the Ronde Klip / St Catharina area to
the east of the Playa Canoa ?

5 . Does not the Commission stipulate that an overall
energy plan and site survey, preferably in the form of an
environmental impact assessment, are conditions for the
granting of aid ?

6 . Does the Commission agree that an environmental
impact assessment should be carried out since the necessary
time now appears to be available ?

7 . What steps can the Commission take to prevent any
recurrence of such developments in future ?

Answer given by Mr Matutes

on behalf of the Commission

( 12 October 1993 )

On 16 December 1991, the Commission, following the
favourable opinion of the Thermie Advisory Committee,
granted ECU 941 311 for the implementation of a 3 MW
wind farm in the island of Curasao . Presently the project is
under completion and the wind farm consisting of 12 wind
turbines is scheduled to be in operation in summer 1993 .

The permission for the realization of the project was given
by the local government, after the introduction of the
' Eilandelijk Ontwikkelings Plan ' ( EOP ). According to this
plan the island has been divided into development and
conservation areas in order to ensure optimum and
controlled economic development on the territory . The EOP
introduced the possibility for the public to participate and
express its opinion before reaching a final decision about the
granting of building permission .

The project was fully supported by the local government,
and the public utility . A study entitled ' Energy and water
supply planning for Curasao, 1984 — 1994 ' was carried out
for KAE, the local power utility, by DHV Consulting
engineers in November 1984 . In order to operate its power
and water distillation system the island imports all its fuel by
tanker . The 3 MW wind plant will generate nearly 2 % of
the yearly electricity requirements of the island, substituting
about 1 805 tonnes oil equivalent a year . Studies on the

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 15

wind potential, the electrical integration of the wind farm to
the existing power system and geo-technical research, have

also been conducted .

The Commission received a proposal, specifying the region
of Tera Cora as the installation site . All calculations referred

to this site . It should also be pointed out that the area has
been allocated since 1983 for the installation of 24 wind

turbines and that a wind turbine is in operation in the same
site since 1986 .

The following authorizations have been given to the wind

farm developer :

— plan permit, excavation permit for cable trenches and

In view of this, does the Commission consider that, in
addition to Commission proposals, the explanatory
memoranda contained in the COM documents should also

be published in the Official Journal ?

If the Commission agrees, when will it put this into
practice ?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

( 11 October 1993 )

nuisance permit As it stated in the answer to oral question H-206 / 93 by Mr

— building permit for electrical substations

— building permit for wind turbines, foundations and

transformer and control buildings .

When permission is given by the local authorities, the

Commission can only assume that environmental
considerations have been taken into account . It is not the

responsibility of the Commission to interfere with local
issues .

Given the progress already made towards the realization of
the project in Tera Cora it will not be possible to relocate the
wind farm without harming the economic profitability of
the project . Nevertheless the contractor has undertaken the
obligation to monitor and report the level of the noise
emitted by the wind turbines .

The Commission launched the Altener programme with the
aim of harmonizing requirements and accelerating
procedures for the necessary authorization and to ensure the
strengthening of environmental awareness .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 777 / 93

by Mr Eisso Woltjer ( S )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 19 April 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 28 )

Subject : Publication of explanatory memoranda

The Treaty on European Union contains a declaration on
the right of access to information stating that ' the
transparency of the decision-making process strengthens the
democratic nature of the institutions and the public 's
confidence in the administration '.

Cassidy (*), the Commission has been publishing a weekly
list of documents it has sent to the Council since

January .

In addition to adoption and transmission dates, this list
gives catalogue number, thereby enabling readers to order
them from the Publications Office and thus to acquaint
themselves not only with the explanatory memoranda but
also the impact assessments and financial statements .

0 ) European Parliament Debate No 430 ( April 1993 ).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 779 / 93

by Mr Bouke Beumer ( PPE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 19 April 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 29 )

Subject : Use of pension funds to purchase shares in the

relevant company

1 . Is the Commission aware that the pension funds of the
Nedlloyd shipping company have been used to buy shares in
that company ?

2 . Does the Commission agree with the unwritten rule of
business ethics that staff pension funds must not be used to
finance the risk capital of the company itself ?

3 . To what extent does the Commission agree that the
members of the company board must not be on the
management board or advisory committee of the pension
fund of the same company ?

4 . Does the Commission consider that, in view of the
foreknowledge implied — particularly for companies
quoted on the stock exchange — any purchase or sale of
shares by the company pension fund and the company itself
is in principle an infringement of business ethics ?

No C 25 / 16 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

5 . Does the Commission consider that measures should

be taken at European level to introduce a stricter separation
between pension funds and risk capital in the same
undertaking ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

(8 July 1993 )

1 . The Commission has not been formally informed of
this .

2 . The Commission considers that the investments of
pension funds must be made in the sole interests of the
members and beneficiaries of those funds and that prudent
principles should be employed in relation to suitable
diversification of those investments . Within those basic

principles situations can exist in which it would not be
improper for a part of the fund to be invested in shares of the
sponsoring undertaking or of some associated or affiliated
undertaking, or in the property occupied by the sponsoring
or associated undertaking . In fact, Member States '
legislation does allow for self investment up to a prudent
ceiling, which is often absolutely prescribed by the Member
State . For example in the Netherlands this ceiling is
normally 5 % of the total pension fund assets, but this can be
increased to 10% in certain circumstances .

3 . The Commission considers that it is perfectly proper
for management of the sponsoring company to be
represented on the management board or advisory
committee of the pension fund . It is also proper for
employee representatives to form part of those bodies . The
precise division between management, employees and those
with independent interests depends upon individual
Member State legislation and practice and is not a matter
upon which it is proper for the Commission to enact
legislation .

4 . Dealing in shares must at all times take full account of
the insider dealing provisions enshrined in Community law
( Directive 89 / 592 / EEC (*)) and in national law . Pension
fund assets are not different in this respect from other assets
and those managing the fund must act accordingly,
accepting any possible restriction of dealing freedom as part
of their investment decision .

5 . Different methods have developed in the Member
States for the funding of pension promises . The methods
include pay-as-you-go, book reserves and full funding . It is
not appropriate for the Commission to prevent any of these
national methods provided that the payment of pensions is
guaranteed even in the event of insolvency of the employer .
Member States have to take the necessary measures to that
effect according to Article 8 of Directive 80 / 987 / EEC on the
approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to
the protection of employees in the event of the insolvency of

their employer ( 2 ) which reads as follows : ' Member States
shall ensure that the necessary measures are taken to protect
the interests of employees and of persons having already left
the employer 's undertaking or business at the date of the
onset of the employer 's insolvency in respect of rights
conferring on them immediate or prospective entitlement to
old-age benefits, including survivors ' benefits, under
supplementary company or inter-company pension schemes
outside the national statutory social security schemes '.

It should be noted that a Commission proposal for a
directive ( 3 ), which is currently being amended following its
First Reading by the European Parliament addresses some of
these questions directly . Article 4.1 of this proposal sets out
the basic principle of prudence to be followed in the
investment of the funds of institutions for retirement
provision and subparagraph ( c ) of this refers directly to
investment in the sponsoring undertaking . In accordance
with the wishes of Parliament this self investment ban will be
extended to affiliated undertakings and to associated
undertakings, using the provisions of the Seventh Accounts
Directive 83 / 349 / EEC ( 4 ) to define those companies where
dominant influence may be exercised . At the same time the
ban is also being extended to transactions such as loans to
bodies, e.g. trade unions, which may also be the sponsoring
body in sectorial arrangements .

(!) OJ No L 334, 18 . 11 . 1989 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 283, 20 . 10 . 1980 .

( 3 ) COM(91 ) 301 final .

( 4 ) OJ No L 193, 18 . 7 . 1983 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 781 / 93

by Mr Lode van Outrive ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 19 April 1993 )

94 / C 25 / 30 )

Subject : DAF redundancies — Eindhoven and Westerlo

and the implications for the Belgian regions of
northern Limburg and northern Campine

According to a statement made by Commissioner Van Miert
on Tuesday, 2 March 1993, it will not be possible for ESF
funds to be used to provide assistance for employees in
Eindhoven, Westerlo or Aartselaar who have lost their jobs .
In addition, about 1 000 employees from northern Campine
and northern Limburg, which are Objective 2 regions, have
lost their jobs . Will these regions receive supplementary
funds to cope with the social consequences of the DAF
redundancies and contribute to the conversion of the

automobile sector ? What will be the amount of these

appropriations, and for what specific purposes will they be

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 17

earmarked in the areas concerned ( northern Campine and
northern Limburg )?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 830 / 93

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

( 21 April 1993 )

Answer given by Mr Flynn ( 94 / C 25 / 31
on behalf of the Commission

( 21 October 1993 )

Subject : Monetary system

Mr Van Miert 's statement on 2 March 1993, to which the
Honourable Member refers, is correct in that there is no
provision for special aid for the automobile sector under the
European Social Fund .

As part of the general activities of the Social Fund and
subject to the financial constraints imposed by its
programming, there are several options for dealing with the
redundancies at DAF .

Under Objective 3, a certain contribution can be made

under the ESF for training and redeployment, if the Flemish
Community requests a derogation from the provisions for
long-term unemployment, as recently approved by the
Commission ( 1 ). This allows the 12-month qualification
period for long-term unemployment laid down in the ESF
regulation to be reduced for workers who have been made
redundant and who have difficulty in finding work because
of their age, a handicap or the nature of their vocational
skills if they satisfy one of the two following criteria :

— they are in a depressed region suffering severe recession

and a sharp rise in unemployment ;

— they have been dismissed from undertakings which are

in serious difficulty due to changes in the economic
environment, especially as regards the international
situation .

Under this derogation action could be taken to assist,
redundant DAF workers, who will be the hardest to place in
alternative employment .

The district of Turnhout and the province of Limburg are
currently eligible under Objective 2 of the Structural Funds .
Under the current programmes for 1992 — 1993, and so far
as the funds still available permit, a grant can be made for
the training of workers who are employed at DAF or have
been made redundant . However, these programmes do not
provide for assistance for redeployment measures .

In accordance with the regulations concerning the
Structural Funds as amended by the Council on 20 July
1993 and in consultation with the Member States

concerned, the Commission will in the course of this autumn
draw up a list of zones eligible under Objective 2 for the
period 1994 — 1996 . At that time, it will make its position
known with regard to the inclusion in the list of the two
areas in question .

(!) COM(93 ) 128 final .

In the present economic circumstances, where the main
problem for the Community is no longer inflation but
recession and unemployment, the monetary system has been
transformed from a source of stability into a source of
instability . Today the Community and its Member States
have two choices : either to loosen the links between the

European currencies so that each country is free to follow its
own economic policy according to its internal needs, or to
accelerate the monetary union provided for in the
Maastricht Treaty . What are the Commission 's views on
this serious issue ?

Answer given by Mr Christophersen

on behalf of the Commission

( 24 September 1993 )

The short-term prospects for growth in the Community
economy are poor . Real GDP in the Community is forecast
to decline by 0,4 % in 1993 and to grow by a modest 1,3 %
in 1994 . The disappointing trend in economic growth and
the associated rise in unemployment have been major
sources of difficulty in the EMS, beginning in the second half
of 1992 and culminating in the modification of the system at
the end of July 1993 . Exchange-rate tensions largely reflect
concerns in the financial markets relating to the future of the
Treaty on European Union and thus EMU, in an
environment of economic recession and divergence among
Member States . There is a widespread perception in the
markets that the commitment of Member States to

achieving nominal convergence in advance of EMU has
declined . If exchange-rate stability is to be restored on a
more permanent basis, it is essential to reinforce the
credibility of the EMU project by a reaffirmation of the
convergence efforts of Member States ; this will not only
serve to re-launch the integration process but will help to
provide the conditions for a safe reduction in interest rates
across the Community . In addition, the Commission is
convinced of the need for more direct measures to stimulate

a sustainable recovery in the Community economy and
reverse the upward trend in unemployment . In this regard,
the conclusions of the European Council in Copenhagen on
the need for a coordinated effort to boost investment and

employment creation, together with the ' growth initiative '
launched by the Council in December 1992, are of major
significance . Finally, the Commission intends to propose
broad guidelines for the implementation of Member State

No C 25 / 18 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

and Community economic policies before the end of this
year, in accordance with the Treaty on European Union .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 891 / 93

highly polluted environment will be disastrous and existing
legislation seems to be having little effect in curbing it .

What is the Commission 's position on the problem in

general and how will it discourage similar incidents in the
future ?

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

on behalf of the Commission
( 23 April 1993 )

( 30 September 1993 )
( 94 / C 25 / 32 )

Subject : Aid and contracts for Belgium in the nuclear

sector

What Community aid and contracts were allocated to

Belgium in the nuclear sector in 1990, 1991, and 1992,
broken down by region ( Wallonia, Flanders, Brussels ) and
beneficiary ?

Answer given by Mr Matutes

on behalf of the Commission

It is unclear from the information provided in the question
whether the incidents referred to are covered by Community
legislation .

However, the Commission would be happy to consider
further relevant information from the Honourable

Member .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 960 / 93
(5 October 1993 )

As a general rule, the Commission makes no distinction
regarding nationality or region in awarding contracts to
tendering firms . Only financial and technical aspects are
taken into consideration in the Commission 's calls for

tender .

However, the Commission is sending documents direct to
the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat-General of

the European Parliament with the information requested for
the whole of Belgium, inasmuch as such information is not
confidential .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 914 / 93

by Mr Panayotis Roumeliotis ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 27 April 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 33 )

Subject : Unlawful occupation of woodland in Greece

There has recently been a widespread spate of incidents in

Greece in which woodland and areas designated for
reafforestation have been unlawfully occupied, typical
examples being the region of Aghios Stephanos and
Vouliagmeni .

Experts and local authorities predict that such trespassing
will increase in the future . The effects of this on an already

by Mr Filippos Pierros ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 29 April 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 34 )

Subject : Community energy priorities for 1994 — 2000 in

favour of the less-prosperous Member States

European Regional Fund aid has played a very constructive
role in developing energy resources in the less prosperous
Member States . Some ECU 400 million annually are already
being allocated for this purpose . However, according to
reliable estimates this is not enough to meet requirements
since ECU 46 billion are needed for the 1994 — 2000 period
for the production, transport and distribution of different
forms of energy . In view of this serious imbalance between
requirements and available resources, the Community
should draw up clear funding priorities in respect of the
energy development of the less prosperous Member States
over this period . What priorities has the Commission
selected and what level of funding does it intend to allocate
to these priorities ?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

(9 September 1993 )

Under recently agreed regulations, it is not the
Commission 's role to make precise proposals for the
allocation of Structural Fund resources between individual
expenditure areas . Instead the amount of Structural Fund

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 19

resources allocated to investment in energy infrastructures
under the next Community Support Frameworks will, to a
very large extent, be determined by the development
priorities which the national and regional authorities in the
less prosperous regions have defined on the basis of their
assessment of the socio-economic situation in these

regions .

Moreover, it should be kept in mind that energy
infrastructure generates substantial revenues . Loan finance
could therefore play an important role in this field .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 963 / 93

by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffin ( V )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 29 April 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 35

Subject : Destruction of a site of environmental

importance

Written Question No 1772 / 92, tabled more than six months
ago by Mrs Trautmann, Mr Giscard d'Estaing, Mr
Reymann, Mr Bombard and Mr Raffin, has still not been
answered .

The rural district of Rhinau ( Bas-Rhin, France ) contains an
area of special biological interest listed as a ' natural area of
special environmental interest for its fauna and flora '. A site
with such a wealth of plant and animal species comes within
the purview of Directive 92 / 43 / EEC (*) on the conservation
of natural habitats and wild fauna and flora . Despite its
exceptional quality, this area of approximately 20 hectares,
known as Ried de Rhinau, is under serious threat from a
plan to build a motocross track .

What action does the Commission propose to take to
prevent the destruction of a natural environment so close to
the European Parliament ?

Is the Commission awaiting the destruction of this site
before answering ?

H OJ No L 206, 22 . 7 . 1992, p . 7 .

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 18 October 1993 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its

answer to Written Question No 1772 / 92 by Mr Giscard
d'Estaing and others (*).

OJ No C 155, 7 . 6 . 1993 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 975 / 93

by Laura Gonzalez Alvarez and Alonso Puerta ( NI )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 29 April 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 36 )

Subject : Construction of a rubbish dump in the municipal

district of Alcaraz ( Albacete — Spain )

The Albacete provincial authority has began to construct a
dump for solid urban waste in the municipal district of
Alcaraz .

This kind of installation is covered in Annex II to Directive

85 / 337 / EEC (*) on the assessment of the effects of certain
projects on the environment .

The project also falls within the scope of Directive
75 / 442 / EEC ( 2 ), as amended by Directive 91 / 156 / EEC ( 3 ),
on waste in general . Article 4 thereof provides for waste to
be managed and disposed of without endangering human
health and without harming the environment, and in
particular :

— without risk to water, air, soil, plants or animals,

— without causing a nuisance through noise or odours,

— without adversely affecting the countryside or places of

special interest .

Account must also be taken of Directive 80 / 68 / EEC ( 4 ), the
purpose of which is to ensure effective protection for
groundwater against any pollution caused by substances
which might leach from the waste . Houses at Aldea de la
Rambla, which is very near where it has been decided to site
the rubbish dump, get their drinking water from wells and
the river Jardfn, which irrigates the whole plain of Balazote,
is about 1 000 metres from the area where the waste will be

dumped .

As the dump is being constructed with Community
funds,

1 . what steps is the Commission thinking of taking to

ensure that the authorities in question ensure that
Community provisions on the environment are correctly
implemented ?

2 . does the Commission not consider that if Community
policies and, in particular, the Community 's
environmental policy are ignored, payment for the
project out of Community funds should be halted ?

(!) OJ No L 175, 5 . 7 . 1985, p . 40 .
( 2 ) OJ No L 194, 25 . 7 . 1975, p . 39 .

( 3 ) OJ No L 78, 26 . 3 . 1991, p . 32 .
( 4 ) OJ No L 20, 26 . 1 . 1980, p . 43 .

No C 25 / 20 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 20 October 1993 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its

answer to Written Question No 105 / 93 by Mr Valverde
Lopez ( 1 ).

(!) OJ No C 333, 8 . 12 . 1993, p . 8 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 995 / 93

by Mr Bouke Beumer ( PPE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

(3 May 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 37 )

Subject : Electricity supplies from Eastern Europe

1 . Is the Commission aware that Western Europe is
taking an increasing amount of electricity from Eastern
Europe following the link-up of their electricity grids ?

2 . Is the Commission aware that most of this electricity is
generated by nuclear plants regarded as highly unsafe ?

3 . Is the Commission aware of the criticism that
dilapidated and dangerous nuclear plants are being kept in
service because of these supplies to Western Europe ?

4 . Apart from the question of whether most of the
nuclear plants in Eastern Europe would still be in operation
if they were not supplying electricity to Western Europe,
under-cutting also seems to be a factor . Can the
Commission say on what terms electricity is supplied to
Western Europe ?

5 . If electricity is supplied from Eastern Europe at low or
very low prices, should there not be provision for a price
supplement to set up a safety fund ? Could safety measures
for nuclear plants in Eastern Europe also be financed from
such a fund ?

6 . Will the Commission consider whether a price
supplement for such a safety fund is feasible and
worthwhile ?

Answer given by Mr Matutes

on behalf of the Commission

(1 October 1993 )

1 . The information available to the Commission

indicates that the net import of electricity to the West

European interconnected system from the Central and East
European countries bordering this system reduced between

1991 and 1992 by some 12%, to 2 400 GWh . This
represents less than 0,2 % of the total electricity
consumption of the West European countries .

2 and 3 . In the Central and East European countries,
nuclear electrical production represents 14% of total
capacity ( thermal, hydro and nuclear ), but only 7 % consists
of reactors considered to be insecure or ' unsafe ' ( Types
RBMK, WER 440 / 230 ). In most of the countries
concerned, nuclear electrical production is responsible for a
higher share of total production than the capacity share
would suggest .

4 . The Commission is not informed of the conditions

under which the electricity exchanges between West and
East take place, nor the associated prices . Such exchanges
are the subject of private contracts between the utilities
concerned .

5 and 6 . The improvement of the safety of nuclear power
plants in countries of Central and Eastern Europe and of the
former Soviet Union is the object of assistance programmes
under Phare and Tacis . The programmes contain projects
directed towards operational safety, short-term technical
improvements, training and strengthening of safety
authorities . The Commission has furthermore proposed a
financing mechanism through Euratom loans and a
Community contribution to the Nuclear Safety Account
administered by the EBRD . Other donors provide assistance
either directly or through multilateral channels . The various
bilateral programmes are coordinated within the G-24
coordination mechanism managed by the Commission . It is
the view of the Commission that the existing assistance and
aid funds should operate for some time until consideration
has been given to a new supplementary financing scheme
such as a levy .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1071 / 93

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

(6 May 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 38 )

Subject : Aid for Greek Ouzo and Italian Grappa

The European Community and the USA are to sign an
agreement to protect certain alcoholic beverages whose
name is connected with specific regions, but neither Greek
Ouzo nor Italian Grappa have apparently been included in

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 21

this agreement - What scope does the Commission have for
further action to ensure that these two beverages are
protected ?

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

( 27 September 1993 )

The Commission wishes to assure the Honourable Member

that every effort is being and will continue to be made to
obtain the recognition and protection df all Community
names, including Ouzo and Grappa . The draft exchange of
letters between the Community and the United States
provides for an undertaking to continue negotiations in this

respect .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1074 / 93

The Commission 's work on the guide, which is due for
publication before the end of the year, is well under

way .

H OJ No C 183, 20 . 7 . 1989 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1078 / 93

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 10 May 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 40 )

Subject : ' Soft ' tourism programmes

What additional measures will the Commission take to

increase the range of ' soft ' tourism programmes
( ecotourism, skiing holidays etc .), which respect the
environment and preserve and promote the architectural
and cultural heritage ?

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI )
to the Commission of the European Communities Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi

(6 May 1993 ) on behalf of the Commission

( 94 / C 25 / 39 ) (4 October 1993 )

Subject : Fundamental principles for professional authors

In view of the need to draw up a set of fundamental
principles for professional authors in the Community, does
the Commission intend to draft a European Charter of
Authors ' Rights and if so, when ?

Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi

on behalf of the Commission

( 12 October 1993 )

Among the eight priority actions adopted by the Council
and the Ministers responsible for cultural matters meeting
within the Council and contained in the annex to the
resolution of 18 May 1989 concerning the promotion of
books and reading (') is the preparation of a guide for
authors and translators .

The purpose of this guide will be to facilitate freedom of
movement and establishment for authors and translators by
providing them with information on the legal status ( basic
principles of copyright ), social status and tax status of
authors and translators in the Member States, a directory of
authors ' societies and associations in the Community, and a
description of Community copyright legislation .

One of the Commission 's priorities for the three-year
Community action plan to assist tourism, which was
approved by Council Decision of 13 July 1982 (*), is greater
respect for the environment in tourism . The following
specific measures are envisaged :

— creation of a European prize for tourism and the

environment :

— innovative pilot projects ;

— support for initiatives promoting ' soft ' tourism .

In addition, as part of the Community programme of policy
and action in relation to the environment and sustainable
development ( 2 ), with specific reference to Regulation
( EEC ) No 1973 / 92 of 21 May 1992 establishing a financial
instrument for the environment ( LIFE ) ( 3 ), the Commission
has launched actions to establish and develop models to
integrate environmental factors into land use planning and
socio-economic activities . As regards tourism in particular,
the Commission will support demonstration projects to
promote sustainable tourism and the introduction of new
concepts with particular attention to respect for the natural
environment .

(!) OJ No L 231, 13 . 8 . 1992 .
( 2 ) COM(92 ) 23 final .

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

No C 25 / 22 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1168 / 93

by Mr David Bowe ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1174 / 93

by Mr John Bird ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 13 May 1993 ) ( 13 May 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 41 94 / C 25 / 42 )

Subject : Port subsidies

Having regard to the present unfair subsidies given by some
member countries to their ports which distort fair
competition :

1 . What action has the Commission taken / will it take

under the competition rules of the Treaty of Rome to
ensure that the Communities ' ports operate under fair
financial circumstances ?

2 . What use has the Commission made of its legal powers

. to obtain information on the financial relationship

between ports and the relevant public authorities ?

3 . What use has the Commission made of its powers to

prevent state aid which distorts competition ?

Subject : Draft Directive on parental leave

What actions has the Commission undertaken, or is
planning to undertake, with a view to ensuring the full
passage into law of the draft Directive on parental leave ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 29 July 1993 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its

answer to Written Question No 1238 / 93 by Mr
Deprez ( 1 ).

H See page 25 of this Official Journal .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1189 / 93

Answer given by Mr Matutes by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffin ( V )

on behalf of the Commission to the Commission of the European Communities
(4 October 1993 ) ( 13 May 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 43

1 . The Commission seeks to apply fully the provisions of
the EC Treaty relating to State aids ( in particular Articles 92
and 93 ). All plans to grant or alter aid which are notified to
the Commission are examined to ensure that any aid
granted is in conformity with the provisions of the
Treaty .

2 . The Commission acted to obtain information on the

financial arrangements between public authorities and ports
whenever aid schemes are being examined in the light of EC
Treaty provisions . Further, a study on the transparency of
these financial relationships has recently been
commissioned from an independent consultant . The study
will be based on a direct survey of a selection of ports
throughout the Community .

3 . The Commission publishes an annual report on
competition policy which provides an overview of all recent
cases . As far as the port sector is concerned, the Commission
is presently examining a number of cases in various Member
States . Particular attention is being paid to State subsidies
for commercial activities which are generally likely to be
incompatible with Article 92 of the EC Treaty .

Subject : Poaching of turtle doves in south-western
France

In spite of numerous parliamentary questions ( for instance
Nos 1518 / 90 ('), 1048 / 91 ( 2 ), 1296 / 91 ( 3 ), 1669 / 92 ( 4 ),
2360 / 92 ( 5 )), and several complaints for infringement of
Directive 79 / 409 / EEC ( 6 ) ( including complaint No 896 / 90
filed in May 1990 !), the Commission is allowing the
poaching of the turtle dove, carried on openly in
south-western France, to continue year after year . In answer
to Members ' questions the Copimission sees fit to announce
that it is ' closely following ' the issue, that infringement
proceedings have been launched etc . Commissioner Van
Miert said in December 1992 that the Commission had

questioned the French Minister for the Environment in May

1992 and would be taking action in the light of the answers
given .

Has France replied to the Commission ? When will the
Commission take its decision ?

0 ) OJ No C 150, 10 . 6 . 1991, p . 10,
( 2 ) OJ No C 20, 27 . 1 . 1992, p . 9 .
( 3 ) OJ No C 66, 16 . 3 . 1992, p . 12 .
( 4 ) OJ No C 51, 22 . 2 . 1993, p . 15 .
( 5 ) OJ No C 61, 3 . 3 . 1993, p . 28 .
( 6 ) OJ No L 103, 25 . 4 . 1979, p . 1 .

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 23

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1692 / 93

by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffin ( V )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 28 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 44 )

Subject : Illegal hunting of turtledoves in France in May

1993 — Action taken by the Commission

This year poachers are openly continuing to hunt
turtledoves ( Streptopelia turtur ) in south-west France,
thereby infringing both French law and Council Directive
79 / 409 / EEC . The matter was raised with the Commission in

1990, 1991 and 1992 . The Commission has merely replied
that it is ' closely monitoring ' the situation . However, no
action has yet been taken on a complaint which was
registered in 1990 .

How does the Commission define ' closely monitoring '?

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1189 / 93 and

1692 / 93

given by Mr Paleokrassas
on behalf of the Commission

( 30 September 1993 )

Complaints to the Commission about the poaching of turtle
doves in south-western France are always examined in
detail . The infringement proceedings referred to by the
Honourable Member for failure to comply with Directive
79 / 409 / EEC on the conservation of wild birds are still under

way .

depicted in computer games, where there is also a noticeable
trend towards games with an extreme right-wing bias . This
trend needs to be halted .

What steps is the Commission taking with a view to
prohibiting the production, distribution and possession of
such products ?

Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi

on behalf of the Commission

(S October 1993 )

Under the EEC Treaty rules on free movement of goods and
services, Member States can ban the production,
distribution and possession of products on the grounds of
public morality, public policy or public health as long as
such prohibitions do not constitute a means of
discrimination or a disguished restriction on trade between
Member States .

The repression of anti-racial behaviour falls within the
competence of Member States, according to Community
law .

So far free circulation of audio-visual material contained in

television broadcasts is concerned, Council Directive
89 / 552 / EEC established a common minimum standard for
the protection of minors ( Article 22 ). Article 22 also obliges
Member States to ensure that television programmes do not
contain incitement to hatred on grounds of race, sex,
religion or nationality .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1205 / 93

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1200 / 93 by Mr Neil Blaney ( ARC )

by Mr Gerd Miiller ( PPE ) to the Commission of the European Communities
to the Commission of the European Communities ( 18 May 1993 )

( 18 May 1993 ) 94 / C 25 / 46 )

( 94 / C 25 / 45 )

Subject : Discrimination by employers

Subject : Production and marketing of violent videos and

computer games in the Community

Violence among children and young people is assuming
dangerous proportions . A particularly sad case was the
recent murder of a two-year-old child in England .

One of the major causes of this violence is the availability of
video films and computer games which glamorize or
trivialize violence . Ten-year-old children swap video films,
in which people have their eyes gouged out or their genitals
slashed, in the school playground . Similar things are

Is the Commission aware that discrimination on the basis of

religious belief is reputed to be practised by both public and
private sector employers in Northern Ireland when filling
job vacancies and making promotions ?

Would the Commission rule out Community financing — in
particular from the Structural Funds — for firms practising
such discrimination ?

Will the Commission institute an inquiry of its own into
allegations of discrimination ?

No C 25 / 24 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 25 October 1993 )

The Commission is aware that legislation has been
enacted (*) in response to the problem of discrimination to
make it unlawful in Northern Ireland to discriminate against
employees or prospective employees on the basis of their
religious belief or political opinion . It understands that this
legislation also establishes procedures for the investigation
and hearing of complaints as well as penalties against
employers who are found to have engaged in
discrimination .

The Structural Funds are made available to co-finance

programmes which are submitted by the governments of the
Member States . The Commission has been assured that

programmes are submitted in conformity with the
legislation which applies in the Member State concerned,
and in particular with the legislation referred to above .

The Commission is of course concerned that the
fundamental rights of citizens should be respected and in
this context the Joint Declaration of the European
Parliament, the Council and the Commission of 5 April

1977 ( 2 ), which stresses the prime importance to be attached
to the protection of these fundamental rights, is relevant .
Although it reserves the right to study the general problem
of discrimination with regard to access to employment
throughout the Community, the Commission would not
normally institute an enquiry of its own into allegations of
discrimination unless . breaches of Community law were
involved .

( 1 ) Fair Employment ( Northern Ireland ) Act 1976 ( as amended )

Fair Employment ( Northern Ireland ) Act 1989 .
( 2 ) OJ No C 103, 27 . 4 . 1977 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1209 / 93

by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek ( LDR )
to the Commission of the European Communities

Can the Commission also state whether the European
Parliament will be consulted ?

If so, when will the Commission proposal amending the
directive be forwarded to the European Parliament ?

Answer given by Mr Matutes

on behalf of the Commission

(6 October 1993 )

Directive 85 / 3 / EEC (*) provides ( Annex I, item 1.4 ) that
removable superstructures and standardized freight items
such as containers are included in the dimensions specified
under items 1.1 ( maximum length ), 1.2 ( maximum width )
and 1.3 ( maximum height ).

By amending Directives 89 / 460 / EEC ( 2 ) and 91 / 60 / EEC ( 3 )
additional prescriptions were added to ensure that the
driver 's working place was not further deteriorated by
increasing the load length of articulated vehicles and road
trains within a maximum permitted total length .

Ideally, the provision in 1.4 should have been extended to
cover these additional specifications in order to avoid any
ambiguity . However, the recitals of both amending
directives leave no doubt about the interpretation of these
new items, neither was this the case in the discussions in
Parliament and Council .

Nevertheless, in order to avoid any further uncertainty the
Commission will, in the forthcoming proposal for a
consolidated and extended version of Directive 85 / 3 / EEC,
extend the references in point 1.4 to these additional
specifications .

The Parliament will be consulted on this proposal according
to the usual procedures .

(M OJ No L 2, 3 . 1 . 1985 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 226, 3 . 8 . 1989 .
( 3 ) OJ No L 37, 9 . 2 . 1991 .

( 18 May 1993 ) WRITTEN QUESTION No 1232 / 93

( 94 / C 25 / 47 ) by Mr Detlev Samland ( S )

to the Commission of the European Communities

Subject : Amendment of the directive on maximum ( 18 May 1993 )
dimensions of heavy goods vehicles ( 94 / C 25 / 48 )

Can the Commission state whether it regards the lack of a
ban on containers which exceed the maximum dimensions

of heavy goods vehicles as a loophole in the directive
referred to above ?

Can the Commission state whether it intends to amend that

directive ?

Subject : Involvement of . private organizations in
Commission training courses

Further to the Commission 's reply to Written Question
No 2420 / 92 of 16 December 1992 (*), can it indicate how
many category A officials took part in professional training
courses in 1992 ?

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 25

How can the Commission account for its choice of institutes
for further training ? Are Community-wide invitations to
tender issued ? Why is there not a single German institute
among those providing training ?

(!) OJ No C 90, 31 . 3 . 1993, p . 30 .

Does the Commission think that it will be able to ensure
significant progress in the deliberations of the Council on
this proposal under the Danish Presidency ?

(!) OJ No C 316, 27 . 11 . 1984, p . 7 .

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

Answer given by Mr Van Miert (8 July 1993 )

on behalf of the Commission

(1 October 1993 ) The Commission 's proposal for a directive on parental leave
and leave for family reasons was based on Article 100 of the
EEC Treaty, which required unanimity in the Council for its

In 1992, 1 440 A-grade officials and temporary staff and adoption . The proposal was discussed regularly in the

648 L A-grade officials and temporary staff attended Council from November 1983 until December 1985 . After
training courses, other than language courses, organized by that time discussions were suspended, as the necessary
the Commission . support for adoption of the directive was not

forthcoming .

613 A-grade officials and temporary staff and 498 LA-grade
officials and temporary staff attended language courses
organized by the Commission .

These figures do not include A and LA officials and
temporary staff who took part in training courses designed
for all categories and grades ( such as lectures and general
further training courses ).

Contractors for training courses are selected by the
Commission 's Training Unit on the basis of tenders .

German or German-speaking consultants are quite at liberty
to reply to the invitations to tender issued regularly by the
Training Unit .

In addition, as part of the new training policy, several
courses are being organized in German, particularly in the
field of data-processing for beginners and individual
training . Preparations are under way for other courses .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1238 / 93

by Mr Gérard Deprez ( PPE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 18 May 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 49 )

Subject : Proposal for a directive on parental leave and leave

for family reasons

Could the Commission explain why the amended proposals
for a directive on parental leave and leave for family reasons

( COM(84 ) 631 final ) (*) has made no progress in Council
since 1984 ?

The resumption of discussions within the Council is clearly a
matter which is primarily within the control of the
Presidency of the Council rather than the Commission .

The Commission is however anxious to see the resumption
of discussions on parental leave and is exploring the
possibilities for this at present .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1259 / 93

by Mr Diego de los Santos López ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 19 May 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 50 )

Subject : Programmes shown on television which are

unsuitable for minors

Article 22 of Directive 89 / 552 / EEC (*) on the pursuit of
television broadcasting activities clearly stipulates that
Member States shall take appropriate measures to ensure
that television programmes do not impair the physical,
mental or moral development of minors, in particular those
programmes that involve gratuitous violence .

Public television in Spain, particularly in Andalusia,
broadcasts series aimed at minors which particularly incite
violence by encouraging unreasonably competitive
activities .

The directive in question should already have been
transposed into national law .

Can the Commission ascertain whether the directive is being
complied with in Spain ?

What is its view on the broadcasting of violent series
intended for minors on public television in Andalusia ?

No C 25 / 26 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

Can the Commission draw up measures banning such
programmes ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1284 / 93

programmes by Mr Bartho Pronk ( PPE )

to the Commission of the European Communities
(!) OJ No L 298, 17 . 10 . 1989, p . 23 .

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro

on behalf of the Commission

(8 October 1993 )

As stated by the Honourable Member, Article 22 of
Directive 89 / 552 / EEC, known as the ' Television without
frontiers Directive ', stipulates that the Member States must
take appropriate measures to ensure that television
programmes transmitted by the broadcasting corporations
falling within their jurisdiction do not impair the physical,
mental or moral development of minors, in particular those
programmes that involve gratuitous violence .

As Spain has failed to provide notification of measures to
implement the directive, the Commission has initiated
infringement proceedings against that Member State under
Article 169 of the EEC Treaty .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1269 / 93

by Mr Maxime Verhagen ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 19 May 1993 )

( 19 May 1993 )

94 / C 25 / 52 )

Subject : Health and safety directives

In its reply to my Question 3151 / 92 (*), the Commission
says that it is under no obligation to respond to any
declaration made at the conference to which I referred, nor
to assess the various points of the declaration in relation to
the Commission 's powers .

1 . Is this reply an April 1 joke ?

2 . Does the Commission realize — assuming that the reply
was not an April 1 joke — that I have not received a
proper reply " to my question, which referred to 24
specific points ?

3 . Is the Commission aware that, according to Article 140
of the EEC Treaty, questions from Members of
Parliament must receive a reply ?

4 . Does the Commission intend to reply to my question
now ? If so, it could categorize the 24 points according to
whether they have been implemented fully, partially or
not at all .

5 . If the Commission is unable to classify the points in this
way, does that not indicate that the directives are
extraordinarily opaque ?

94 / C 25 / 51 ) (!) OJ No C 162, 14 . 6 . 1993, p . 6 .

Subject : Interpretation by the Court of Justice of Article 8 A

of the Single European Act

Does the Commission consider that the European Court of
Justice should be - called on to issue a judgment on the

interpretation of Article 8 A of the Single European Act,
which describes the internal market as ' an area without

internal frontiers ', in order to clarify the meaning of the
concept of an internal market without internal frontiers ? If
so, when does the Commission intend to take such a
measure ? If not, on what considerations is its decision
based ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 25 October 1993 )

The reply to the Honourable Member 's Written Question
No 3151 / 92, although in general terms, answered the
question adequately by referring to Council Directive
89 / 391 / EEC (*) (' the framework Directive ') and its
associated particular directives which address the majority
of the 24 points of the declaration adopted in the Fourth
European Work Hazards Conference .

Nevertheless, the Commission wishes to satisfy fully the

by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi Honourable Member 's request by providing a detailed

the Commission assessment of the coverage of the 24 points by Community

( 12 October 1993 ) health and safety legislation .

Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi

on behalf of the Commission

Point 1 — Employer's responsibilites :
The Commission is not in a position to ask the Court of
Justice to rule on the meaning of Article 8a other than by Article 5 of the framework Directive

initiating a specific procedure provided for in the Treaty .

Article 5 of the framework Directive states ' The employer
shall have a duty to ensure the safety and health of workers
in every aspect related to the work '. None of the obligations
conferred upon workers nor the intervention of protection

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 27

or preventive services can affect the principle of this Point 11 :
responsibility . It can only be diminished or excluded in case
of unforeseeable circumstances beyond the control of the
employer . The main

Points 2 to 4 :

These points concern the workers ' right to information,
consultation and participation and are fully addressed by
Articles 6, 10 and 11 of the framework Directive .

The main objective of the Community health and safety
legislation is the harmonization regarding health, safety and
hygiene at work by laying down minimum requirements
applicable to all Member States . This will result in minimum
common levels of safety and health protection across the
Community and will avoid competition at the expense of
safety and health of the workers . This point is fully taken
into account by the Community health and safety
legislation .

Point 5 : Point 12 :

This point concerns the right of workers to free access to The Community legislation on the free movement of goods
independent experts . Article 7 and Article 11 of the establishes essential requirements regarding the protection
framework Directive cover this point stating ' The workers of the health and safety of workers . These lay down values
designated must have the necessary capabilities and of protection and the public authorities of Member States
necessary means ' and ' Employers must allow workers ' are not authorized to require higher levels of protection ( e . g .
representatives with specific responsibilities for the health higher standards of labelling of chemicals ) which would put
and safety of workers adequate time off work, without into question the principle of free circulation .
loss of pay and provide them with the necessary means to
enable such representatives to exercise their rights and
functions . . .'.
Point 13 :

Point 6 : Articles 4 and 11 of the framework Directive adequately
address the inspection of work places and the right of
workers or their representatives to appeal or submit

Article 14 of the framework Directive specifies that observations during the inspection visits by the competent
measures shall be introduced in accordance with national authorities . The form of those inspections is not covered by
law and / or practices to ensure that workers receive health Community legislation but left to national inspection bodies
surveillance appropriate to the risks they incur at work . It is to establish according to national practice .
left to the Member States to regulate further this area . In
consequence, the banning of the use of health systems to
select the workers most resistant to health hazards is not
covered by Community legislation . Point 14 :

Points 7 and 8 :

These points relate to compensation for occupational
diseases or injuries and work injuries insurance and are not
covered by Community health and safety legislation .

Point 9 :

The framework Directive defines workers ' representatives
with specific responsibilities for safety and health of
workers as ' any person elected, chosen or designated in
accordance with national laws and practices to represent
workers where problems arise relating to the safety and
health protection of workers at work '. Community health
and safety legislation does not preclude the right of workers
to elect their representatives .

Point 15 :

This point concerning the right of withdrawal of workers in
the event of serious and imminent danger is fully covered by
Article 8 of the framework Directive .

Community health and safety legislation does not make any

Article 8 of the framework Directive . reference to trade unions, but giv^s the rights of

information, consultation and balanced participation to
workers or their representatives elected, chosen or

Point 10 : designated in accordance with national laws and / or

practices . It purposely avoids making reference to trade
unions due to the different roles they play in Member States
Article 11, paragraph 4 of the framework Directive fully and gives the rights and obligations of safety representatives
addresses this point . to the workers or their representatives .

Point 10 :

No C 25 / 28 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

Point 16 : WRITTEN QUESTION No 1300 / 93

Articles 11 and 12 of the framework Directive fully
implement this point .

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

(1 June 1993 )

Point 17 : ( 94 / C 25 / 53 )

This point is fully covered by Articles 5 and 6 of the
framework Directive .

Point 18 :

No derogations or discriminations are . made from
Community health and safety legislation based on ethnic,
religious, personal beliefs or other reasons .

Point 19 :

Subject : State of the road in Thesprotia

The road from Keramitsa to Malouni in Thesprotia is in an
appalling state, despite the fact that it is no more than 5 km
long . Can the Commission say, in the context of subsidiarity
and decentralization in the European Union, what scope the
Community has to persuade the Greek authorities of the
need for funding to develop and asphalt this road ?

Homeworkers are not excluded from the scope of
Community health and safety legislation and their on Answer behalf given of the by Commission Mr Mill an
employers have the duty to ensure their health and safety in
every aspect related to their work according to Articles 3 and ( 29 September 1993 )
5 of the framework Directive .

Within the partnership, even if the Community
Point 20 : part-finances a project, any initiative to finance provincial
roads is the responsibility of the competent authorities, who
The rights of the worker to all necessary information establish their priorities on a regional level, taking all
concerning safety and health risks and protective and proposals into account .
preventive measures and activities in respect of both the
undertaking in general and each type of workstation or job
is contemplated in Article 10 of the framework Directive .

Point 21 :

Article 5, paragraph 2 ( d ) of the framework Directive fully
addresses this point .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1302 / 93

addresses this point . by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI )

to the Commission of the European Communities
Point 22 : (1 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 54 )
This point is not covered by existing Community health and
safety legislation .

Subject : Greek exports of canned peaches

Point 23 :

Last year Greek exports of canned peaches fell by 1 million

The occupational health services based on prevention and boxes . According to information from the Greek Union of
workers ' participation are covered by Article 7 of the Canners, exports of peaches in 1992 amounted to some 12,5
framework Directive . million boxes compared with 13,5 million the previous year .

In view of this, what measures will the Commission take to
Point 24 : support Greek exports of canned peaches ?

Article 6, paragraph 2 ( f ) of the framework Directive fully
addresses this point .

Answer given by Mr Steichen

In summary, only points 7, 8 and 22 concerning
compensation for occupational injuries, insurance and
environmental research are not covered by Community
legislation on health and safety .

( i ) OJ No L 183, 29 . 6 . 1989 .

on behalf of the Commission

( 29 September 1993 )

Greek production of peaches in syrup increased by 15 % in
1992 over 1991, i.e. from 317 542 to 364 183 tonnes, and
exports by 18 %, from 258 258 to 305 538 tonnes, most of
this rise being accounted for by higher exports to
non-Community destinations .

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 29

This favourable development demonstrates the effectiveness
of the Community production aid scheme applied in this
sector for a number of years . The Commission has no plans
for measures to support canned peach exports .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1303 / 93

advertised and the advertising companies themselves tend in
practice to ignore the cultural differences between the
various European countries when launching European - wide
advertising campaigns in the Single Market . In view of this
admission, does the Commission intend to bring pressure to
bear on advertising companies to respect as far as possible
the cultural specificity of the various European markets, and
if so what measures does it have in mind ?

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI )
to the Commission of the European Communities Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi

(1 June 1993 ) on behalf of the Commission

( 94 / C 25 / 55 ) (4 October 1993 )

Subject : Production quotas in respect of the tomato

industry

As from this year 's harvest, our production quotas are being
reintroduced for the tomato industry . Greece has requested
that the quota for tomato industry products be increased by
300 000 tonnes . Does the Commission intend to meet this

request by Greece ?

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

( 29 September 1993 )

The level of production quotas per Member State is fixed by
the Council on a proposal from the Commission, as
stipulated in Article 2 ( 3 ) of Regulation ( EEC )
No 426 / 86 ( 1 ). Thus, for the 1993 / 94 marketing year
onward, the level was fixed by Council Regulation ( EEC )
No 668 / 93 of 17 March 1993 ( 2 ).

As regards the level of the quotas, taking account of the
difficult situation on the market in tomatoes for processing,
characterized by an increase in third country production
and by the collapse of markets in the Eastern European
countries, the Commission has proposed that the Council
maintain the quotas at the same level as for the 1990 / 91 and

1991 / 92 marketing years .

í 1 ) OJ No L 49, 27 . 2 . 1986 .
( 2 ) OJ No L 72, 25 . 3 . 1993 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1308 / 93

Advertising like all forms of commercial communication is
an economic activity aimed at promoting brand or
corporate images so that consumers are encouraged to buy
the product or services provided by the advertiser .
Advertising is not an instrument that can in itself promote
cultural diversity .

In order to be effective in the Community, advertising has to
take account of the cultural diversity characterizing the
Internal Market . This does not imply that advertisements
are instruments for promoting or reflecting cultural
differences . Certain commercial messages can cross borders
without having to be modified .

Advertising indirectly helps to maintain and promote the .
cultural diversity of the Community since it represents the
largest source of revenue for the European media .

Given that the effectiveness of advertising - depends on the
sensitivity of advertisers and agencies to cultural differences
across borders, any measures of the type suggested in the
question could reduce the economic effectiveness of the
commercial communication and thus lower total
advertising expenditure . The resulting loss of revenue to the
media Would have a harmful effect on the preservation of
European cultural diversity .

The Commission is accordingly of the opinion that there is
no justification for measures of the type suggested in the
question .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-13 18 / 93

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

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

(3 June 1993 )
(1 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 57 )
( 94 / C 25 / 56 )

Subject : Advertising in European markets

According to a recent report by European Marketing
Information, companies which have their products

Subject : Rules on pornography

Given the absence of general rules in the European
Community on child pornography, does the Commission

No C 25 / 30 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

intend to submit legislation at Community level establishing
very stringent regulations, possibly modelled on those
obtaining in the UK ?

Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi

on behalf of the Commission

(4 October 1993 )

Community legislation has addressed the question of
protection of minors in the context of the coordination of
certain rules relating to broadcasting activities in the
' television without frontiers ' Directive ( Council Directive
8 9 / 5 52 / EEC of 3 October 1989 on the coordination of
certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or
administrative action in Member States concerning the
pursuit of television broadcasting activities ) (*). According
to Article 22 of this Directive, Member States are required to
take appropriate measures to ensure that broadcasts do not
include programmes which might seriously impair the
physical, mental or moral development of minors, in
particular involving pornography .

In the absence of any other Community provisions, the
Treaty rules on the free movement of goods and services
govern this field . Articles 36 and 56 of the EC Treaty allow
Member States to derogate from the rules on free circulation
on the grounds of public morality and public policy .
However, since these derogations are exceptions to the basic
freedom they are to be interpreted in the light of the
principle of proportionality according to which the measure
invoked must be proportionate to the objective pursued .

(M OJ No L 298, 17 . 10 . 1989, p . 23 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1335 / 93

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

(3 June 1993 )

94 / C 25 / 58

Subject : The introduction of more detailed Community

directives on environmental protection

Public and private projects are being implemented
throughout the Community in a way which is damaging to
the environment . Bearing in mind that many such projects
are adversely affecting fauna, flora ( e.g. forests ) and water

resources, can the Commission draw up proposals for
stricter and more detailed Community directives which do
not lend themselves to circumvention by certain authorities
which currently show utter disregard for the
environment ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

(4 October 1993 )

The report on the first five years of implementation of
Directive 85 / 337 / EEC adopted by the Commission in April

1993 (*) highlights a number of problems inherent in formal
transposition and the practical application thereof in the
Member States .

As a result, the evaluation procedure established by the
Directive has not yet enabled all the expected benefits in
terms of safeguarding the environment to be felt .

The Commission therefore plans to adapt the scope and
content of the existing Directive with due regard to the
findings of the abovementioned report .

This revision of Directive 85 / 337 / EEC forms part of the
Commission 's legislative programme for the current year .

(!) COM(93 ) 28 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1336 / 93

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

(3 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 59 )

Subject : Protection of major water reserves from excessive

use of fertilizers

Community farmers make excessive use of vast quantities of
fertilizers which are polluting water resources generally
degrading the environment .

Does the Commission intend to call for the imposition of
Community measures preventing regions where major
water reserves are to be found from being used for farming
in order to save water, reduce the pollution of soil, lakes,
rivers and the sea by nitrate fertilizers and, at the same time,
help to achieve the objectives of the common agricultural
policy ?

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 31

given by Mr Paleokrassas Consequently, it is the responsibility of the Greek

of the Commission authorities to take the necessary measures for the wise use

(1 October 1993 ) and protection of the biotope in question .

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

Council Directive 91 / 676 / EEC concerning the protection of
water against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural

sources (*) has the aim of reducing water pollution caused or
induced by nitrates from agricultural sources and preventing
further pollution . Member States must designate vulnerable
zones and draw up action programmes including codes of
good agricultural practice which will be mandatory in these

zones .

(!) OJ No L 375, 31 . 12 . 1991 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1341 / 93

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

(3 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 60 )

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1342 / 93

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

(3 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 61

Subject : Legislation drafted by the German Federal
Ministry for the Environment

The German Federal Ministry for the Environment recently
drafted a pioneering piece of environmental legislation in
the European context . The legislation will require every
industry in Germany to recycle its own waste . Does the
Commission intend to look into the possibility of imposing a
similar requirement at Community level ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

Subject : The Ftelia wetland, Mykonos
(4 October 1993 )

Ecologists claim that certain individuals have dumped
rubble in the small salt marsh at Ftelia on the island of

Mykonos in an attempt to fill in this valuable wetland which
is a refuge for large numbers of birds, particularly during the
winter . Will the Commission look into this matter with a

view to saving the wetland at Ftelia ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

(5 October 1993 )

Greece has not classified the zone under consideration as a

Special Protection Area according to Article 4 of Directive
79 / 409 / EEC, concerning the conservation of wild birds,
which is the only legal basis for Community intervention for
nature conservation applicable at present . The area in
question has not been identified as being of Community
importance with a view to the aforementioned Directive,
neither it is included in the Corine-biotopes inventory .

However, according to Article 4 of Directive 91 / 156 / EEC on
waste, Member States have to take the necessary measures
to ensure that waste is disposed of without harming the
environment, and in particular without risk to water, air,
soil, plants and animals, and without adversely affecting the
countryside or places of special interest .

1 . The draft legislation referred to by the Honourable
Member has not been the subject of notification, in
particular under Article 3 ( 2 ) of Directive 75 / 442 / EEC on

waste .

2 . When the German authorities send the draft in
question under the information procedure laid down by the
abovementioned provisions, the Commission will not fail to
examine the scope of the national provisions in the light of
the principles of Directive 75 / 442 / EEC on waste, as
amended by Directive 91 / 156 / EEC . Article 3 of this
Directive states in particular that measures ( to
encourage ):

'( i ) the recovery of waste by means of recycling, re-use or
reclamation or any other process with a view to
extracting secondary raw materials, or

( ii ) the use of waste as a source of energy '

constitute appropriate measures for achieving the objectives
of the Directive .

3 . It is for the Member States to take the appropriate
measures to promote the principles set out in the
abovementioned Directive and to apply them in the national

context .

No C 25 / 32 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1353 / 93

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

(4 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 62

Subject : Products of child and prison labour

As certain products are manufactured in third countries by
particular population groups such as children or prisoners,
and as some countries have banned imports of products so
manufactured, can the Commission state whether it will be
seeking agreement between the Member States on a
common policy on the matter ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

has placed the International Science and Technology Centre
in Moscow (a joint project involving the USA, Japan, the
Russian Federation and the European Community enabling
Russian nuclear scientists to switch from military to civil
research ) under the responsibility of the Ministry for
Nuclear Science ( Minatom ), which in fact serves both civil
and military nuclear technology .

1 . Does the Commission not consider that, as a result, it is
impossible to establish whether European funds are
being used exclusively for civil nuclear projects ?

2 . In the light of Mr Linkohr 's conclusions, can the

Commission explain how the International Science and
Technology Centre has been functioning to date and
how the Commission is monitoring its activities ?

3 . Can it report on its visit to Moscow in early February

1993 ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan
( 18 October 1993 ) on behalf of the Commission

The Commission deplores the fact that goods produced in
contravention of internationally agreed rules with regard to
the labour of children and prisoners still find their way on to
the international markets .

Attempts to prohibit the import of such goods have up till
now met considerable difficulties with identification of the

goods at the customs level . For this reason the Commission
has not been able to make specific proposals to the Council
in this respect .

The Commission will however, in cooperation with the
Member States, continue its efforts within the appropriate
international fora to combat the practices referred to in the
question .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1389 / 93

by Mrs Jessica Larive ( LDR )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(8 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 63 )

Subject : ISTC ( International Science and Technology
Centre )

The report by Mr Linkohr of March 1993 concerning his
visit to Moscow ( PE 203.951 ), states that President Yeltsin

( 20 October 1993 )

1 . The objective of the ISTC Agreement is to provide CIS
weapon scientists and engineers with opportunities to
redirect their talents to peaceful activities, responsive to civil
needs, and to promote their interaction with the
international scientific and industrial communities . The
Centre will enable them to engage in basic and applied
research technology development in fields such as
environmental protection, energy production and nuclear
safety .

It follows that ISTC funding will not sustain any project
related to military applications or activities and, in
particular in the nuclear sector, will exclusively be directed
towards civilian projects .

2 . The ISTC Agreement has not yet entered into force,
since ratification by the Russian Federation is still
outstanding . Therefore, the ISTC is not yet operational .

A Preparatory Committee with representatives from the
four parties has been set up in the meantime . The aim is to
prepare the first meeting of the ISTC Governing board, to be
held in due course, and to develop and review initial project
proposals .

3 . The Commission attended the ISTC Preparatory
Committee meeting held in Moscow from 8 to 12 February

1993 .

The meeting focused on the following items :

— finalizing certain statutory provisions on the auditing

and monitoring of projects and on intellectual property
rights,

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 33

— criteria for the admission of new members to the ISTC 1990 recommendations of the ICRP in particular as regards

Governing Board, reduction of the dose limits both for workers and for

members of the public ( 3 ).
— financial issues .

— criteria for the admission of new members to the ISTC

Governing Board,

H OJ No L 246, 17 . 9 . 1980 .

More generally, all relevant documents due to be adopted by ( 2 ) OJ No L 265, 5 . 10 . 1984 .
the Governing Board were reviewed and largely finalized . ( 3 ) SEC(92 ) 1322 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1428 / 93

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1419 / 93 by Mr Klaus Riskær Pedersen ( LDR )

by Mrs Winifred Ewing ( ARC )
to the Commission of the European Communities

to the Commission of the European Communities

(9 June 1993 )
(9 June 1993 ) ( 94 / C 25 / 65 )

( 94 / C 25 / 64 )

Subject : Radiological protection

Does the Commission have information on the

International Commission on Radiological Protection 's
recommendations on permissible levels of exposure to
radiation ? Is it satisfied that they give adequate protection to
nuclear industry workers and the general public ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 29 September 1993 )

The main Community instrument for protection against
ionizing radiation is the Council Directive laying down the
basic safety standards for the health protection of the
general public and workers against the dangers of ionizing
radiation . This Directive has always taken into account
the scientific recommendations of the International

Commission on Radiological Protection ( ICRP ). The
Directive presently in force was adopted in 1980 (*) and
amended, mainly in its annexes in 1984 ( 2 ), taking into
consideration ICRP publication 26, 30, 31, 32 .

In view of the revision of the abovementioned Directive the

Commission, in collaboration with the scientific experts
mentioned under Article 31 of the Euratom Treaty, closely
followed the activities of the ICRP and its ongoing work on
the revision of its scientific recommendations . In particular
it organized a scientific informative seminar on the ICRP
publication 60, replacing ICRP publication 26, with the
participation of members of the ICRP, members of the
Group of Experts under Article 31 Euratom Treaty, the
international organizations concerned with radiation
protection, the social partners, etc .

In 1992, the Commission, having taken into account the
opinion of the Group of experts under Article 31 of the
Euratom Treaty, proposed a Council Directive amending
the existing basic safety standards Directive in view of the

Subject : German shipyards

In June 1 992 the Community amended the seventh Directive
on aid to shipbuilding in order to permit higher levels of aid
to shipyards in the new German Lander . The European
Parliament adopted amendments to the Commission 's
proposal for Council Directive ( J ) suggesting changes that
would prevent distortion of competition between shipyards
in the Community .

Recently, the Danish Company Scan Con A / S, which had
agreed on full contractual terms after a public tender to
construct three vessels and, possibly, eight vessels for
Wasser - und Schiffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes in Miinster,
has been unable to conclude the final contract . According to
the person in charge of the project, Mr Ralle in Heme, the
agreed contract will not be finally concluded because the
order has been transferred to a German shipyard operating
under the Subvention programme .

1 . Can the Commission confirm that this transfer of an
order to a shipyard that has not participated in the
tender will be a violation of competition rules ?

2 . Will the Commission take urgent measures to ensure

that the German authorities do not commit themselves

contractually to the German shipyard before a full
investigation has been completed ?

3 . What measures does the Commission plan to introduce

in order to avoid a further deterioration of the

competitiveness of non-German shipyards ?

(!) Doc . SEC(92 ) 991 final .

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

( 12 October 1993 )

On the basis of the information supplied the Commission
cannot confirm or conclude that the transfer of the order is a
violation of competition rules . In this kind of situation the

No C 25 / 34 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

Commission can act only on the request of a Member State
and apply the new Article 10 ( a ) 3 of Council Directive
92 / 68 / EEC . In this article it is stated that the Commission

shall ensure that the extra aid for the shipyards in the former
GDR ' does not affect trading conditions to an extent
contrary to the common interest '.

In a case where a former GDR shipyard is bidding for a
contract together with other Community yards and there
exists no substantiated competition from third country
yards, the Commission will apply this principle by
examining on request of the Member State concerned if the
price offered by the aided former GDR yard is unjustifiably
low . In this examination the Commission will apply the
principles laid down in the Seventh Directive and, in
particular, Article 4 ( 5 ) thereof and can demand that the
price be adjusted upwards to, as a maximum, the lowest
price offered by the yard of the other Member State(s )
concerned .

In addition, the Commission 's enquiries do not disclose any
evidence that the Community rules on public procurement
have been infringed in the context to which the Honourable
Member refers . In particular, it appears that the German
firm to which the contract was awarded had participated in
the award procedure from the very beginning and had
submitted its tender ( which was the most economically
advantageous tender ) within the time limits laid down for
this purpose .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1434 / 93

by Mr Dimitrios Pagoropoulos ( S ) and Alexandros
Alavanos ( CG )

to the Commission of the European Communities

(9 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 66

Subject : Fatal accident at the Petrola Hellas plant at

Elefsina and failure to apply, and monitor
compliance with, Community law

In January 1990, the Committee on Petitions began
examining Petition No 41 1 / 89 by the Ecological Movement
of the Citizens of Elefsina on the decision to authorize an

extension to the Petrola Hellas plant which, it alleged,
constituted a violation of Greek and Community legislation
and posed a serious risk of a major accident .

It emerged from the information provided by the
Commission, in accordance with Rule 129 of the Rules of
Procedure, that the relevant Community directives, and
notably Directive 82 / 501 / EEC ( J ), commonly called the
Seveso Directive, which had been drawn up to prevent any

repetition of the Seveso disaster, had not been properly
implemented in Greece . On 1 September 1992, a serious
accident took place at the plant in question, killing 14
people and injuring 20 more .

In the light of the above, it is clear that compliance with
Community environmental provisions and notably the
provisions of Directive 82 / 501 / EEC ( the Seveso Directive )
has not been properly monitored .

How does the Commission consider it can meet its

obligation to ensure that the provisions of the EEC Treaty
and acts adopted in compliance with this Treaty are
implemented if the Community has no power to force
Member States to cease violating Community provisions,
even in cases — such as the present one — in which precise
and well-documented complaints have been made,
complaints which the Member State in question has so far
ignored ? Given this structural weakness — and there is no
sign of any real desire to remedy this situation using other
Community instruments — does the Commission consider
that a repetition of similar tragic accidents can be avoided in
future ?

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

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

(4 October 1993 )

The Commission is of the opinion that if the relevant
legislation, in particular Directive 82 / 60 1 / EEC ( the ' Seveso '
Directive ), is applied fully and correctly, the risk of major
accidents at industrial installations will be reduced to a

minimum .

In discharging its duties as the guardian of Community law,
in accordance with Article 155 of the EEC Treaty, the
Commission was already in contact with the Greek
authorities with regard to problems of implementing the
Directive in Greece . This contact was stepped up in the wake
of the Petrola Hellas accident .

Effective protection of workers and the general public can
only be ensured by positive measures taken by the Member
States, which have the authority and responsibility here . The
Community may act only in so far as it is empowered to do
so by the division of areas of competence laid down by the
treaties . How and to what extent the Commission may act in
the event of incorrect application of a directive by a Member
State is defined by Articles 169 and 170 of the EEC Treaty .
These give no authority to either the Commission or any
other . institution to adopt necessary positive measures
instead of the Member States or to impose such measures on
them .

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 35

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1454 / 93 Answer given by Mrs Scrivener
on behalf of the Commission

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI )
to the Commission of the European Communities ( 30 September 1993 )

(9 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 67 )

Subject : Living conditions of animals in Athens Zoo

According to the World Wildlife Fund, animals in Athens
Zoo are kept under unsuitable conditions resulting in a
mortality rate of over 50 % . Will the Commission call on the
Greek authorities to take measures to improve living
conditions for animals in the Zoo ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 30 September 1993 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to

the debate in Plenary on 25 June on the second report by Sir
James Scott Hopkins for the Committee on the
Environment, Public Health and consumer protection on a
Commission proposal for a Council directive laying down
minimum standards for the keeping of animals in
zoos ( ).

(') OJ No C 249, 24 . 9 . 1991, p. 14 and Verbatim Report of

proceedings 25 June, pp . 393-396 .

Printed or assembled circuits subject to customs duty of
6,2% on import into the Community are listed under
heading 85.34 of the Harmonized System . Note No 4 on
Chapter 85 of the Harmonized System explicitly excludes
from this heading any element which can produce, rectify,
modulate or amplify an electrical signal ( for example,
semiconductor elements ).

Contrary to the information referred to by the Honourable
Member, printed circuits which have already been
assembled with semiconductors are subject to 14 % customs
duty on import ( heading 85.42 of the HS ).

The Commission is aware of the difference in customs rates

applied to passive printed circuits and to integrated circuits
and electronic microassemblies . This is due to previous
GATT tariff negotiations .

Customs duties are currently being discussed in the Uruguay
Round negotiations .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1470 / 93

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

( 14 June 1993 )

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1463 / 93
( 94 / C 25 / 69 )
by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARC )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(9 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 68

Subject : Import duties on printed circuits and
semiconductors

At present import duties are charged on printed circuits,
assembled printed circuits and semiconductors . The duty is
6,2 % for the first two and 14 % for semiconductors .

The different rates make it more advantageous to buy in
printed circuits which have already been assembled with
semiconductors, as the import duty is only 6,2% .

Does the Commission consider that there is a valid reason to

maintain this difference in import duties ? Would it not be
better to introduce the same levy for all semiconductors
( assembled or not )?

Subject : Protection of technology creativity

The Economist of 17 April 1993 refers to a patent office
estimate which asserts that British companies are losing
billions of pounds every year by not patenting their ideas . It
would seem that interesting comparative results can be
consulted in a study carried out by the American
consultancy CHI ( on ORBIT Online Service ).

Would the Commission give details of :

1 . Patents registered in their respective offices by
undertakings in the Member States, Japan and the
United States ;

2 . Patents registered in the United States by undertakings
from each of the above countries and their percentage
growth during the period 1980 to 1991 ?

No C 25 / 36 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi

on behalf of the Commission

(1 October 1993 )

The Commission is not in a position to answer the question
put by the Honourable Member since it does not possess the
necessary statistical data . The European Patent Office,
which has that information, has sent it to its EC Liaison
Office, which will contact the Honourable Member
direct .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1479 / 93

by Mr Marc Galle ( S )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 14 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 70 )

Subject : Enabling the blind and partially sighted to read

Regrettably there are many blind and partially sighted
people in the Community . In many cases, neither technical
nor medical aids can give them even a modicum of eyesight .
As a result they are not only excluded from employment but
cannot read either .

One solution is for them to learn Braille . This enables them

to read and write, which in many cases provides their only
independent link with the outside world .

What support does the Commission provide for projects to
teach people to read and write Braille ? It would also be
useful to know what support is provided for publication of
existing literature in large-print editions . Lastly, will the
Commission provide support for electronic aids for the
blind and partially sighted ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 29 October 1993 )

While the teaching of Braille and the question of subsidies
for library equipment and the purchase of electronic aids are
the responsibility of the Member States and regions rather
than of the Commission, the Commission nevertheless
demonstrates the importance it attaches to Braille and
electronic aids as a means of creating equal opportunities for
the visually handicapped by itself setting an example . At the
recent elections held by the advisory bodies for the Helios

programme, for example, the ballot papers were printed in
both Braille and extra-bold type . Information on the Helios
programme is produced in Braille on request, and
Handynet, the Community databank on technical aids, set
up under the Helios programme, can also be made available
in Braille .

To meet the needs of the visually handicapped, the
Commission has for several years been providing direct or
indirect assistance by improving access to the written word
and producing textual material .

Under the Helios programme, 16 local model projects
focusing specifically on the problems of the visually
handicapped were subsidized over the period 1988 — 1991 .
Helios also supports many of the activities of the European
Blind Union, the most representative European
non-governmental organization bringing together
associations of the blind and partially-sighted in all the
Member States . One such activity was the conference on ' the
role of libraries for the blind as disseminators of

information ' held in Fredericia, Denmark, in 1992 .

Under the co-financing arrangements for humanitarian
projects by NGOs in non-Community countries — budget
heading B 7-5001 managed by Phare the Commission has
subsidized a new Braille printing works in Bucharest and the
training of its staff .

The Horizon initiative provides support for around 20
vocational training and employment projects for the blind
using new information technologies . Provision is generally
made for financing of the electronic aids needed for this
training .

Equipment providing help with reading also exists in the
form of portable aids which enlarge text or images on screen
or in tactile form . Because of the extreme fragmentation of
the European market, there is a general lack of awareness of
the existence of such equipment, and one of the main
objectives of the TIDE programme is to prompt unification
and structuring of the market, to enable these products, at
present advertised only in restricted areas, to be distributed
throughout Europe .

Within the TIDE programme, there are four specific projects
developing aid for the blind :

— the VISA and GUIB projects, working on electronic aids

enabling the blind and partially sighted to use advanced
computer systems including graphic display facilities ;

— the CAPS project, developing newspaper presentation in

the form of Braille and synthetic speech ;

— the Audetel project, providing blind people with a

voice-over description of television images .

28, 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 37

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1482 / 93

by Mrs Marie Isler Béguin ( V )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 14 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 71 )

Subject : Status of the professions of PE and sports

instructor

The professions of instructors for PE, sports and human
development techniques are increasingly in demand .

They are covered by a wide variety of regulations in the
individual Member States : these are not always harmonized
either nationally or internationally and implementing rules
are frequently lacking . However, the absence of
harmonization at European level increasingly poses a
number of risks and problems :

— the spread of cowboy operators,

— safety risks for users,

— the proliferation of professional qualifications entitling

persons to practise these professions, although the levels
certified by these qualifications vary considerably,

— the disparity between existing training schemes and

diplomas in the various EC countries,

— the failure to respect professional codes of conduct,

— the lack of mutual recognition of diplomas, preventing a

number of foreign residents from legally exercising their
profession .

1 . What bodies represent these professions vis-a-vis the

Commission ? Does the latter have any information on
national regulations, professional qualifications — and
the levels certified by these qualifications — and existing
training schemes and diplomas ?

2 . What is the Commission 's policy in this field ? Does it

intend to establish a framework for an inter-Community
dialogue and Community regulations governing all the
activities of these professions and to propose the
harmonization at European level of qualifications,
training schemes and diplomas guaranteeing a minimum
level of professional competence ?

Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi

on behalf of the Commission

(4 October 1993 )

1 . Any person carrying on these professions may contact
the Commission as well as their representative
organizations, preferably at European level . The
Commission does not possess full information on this
matter, given the wide variety and ever-changing nature of
the regulations, titles, training schemes and diplomas in
question .

2 . The Commission sees no need to establish a

framework for an inter-Community dialogue or
Community regulations governing all the activities of these
professions . Depending on the length of training required,
these professions are covered either by Directive 89 / 48 / EEC
on a general system for the recognition of higher-education
diplomas awarded on completion of professional education
of at least three years ' duration (*) or by the supplementing
Directive 92 / 51 / EEC for the recognition of professional
education and training of a shorter duration ( 2 ). These
Directives provide for the recognition of diplomas, without
prior coordination of training schemes, with a view to the
taking-up and pursuit of professions the qualifications for
which are subject to regulation . For instance, the host
Member State has to recognize the diploma enabling the
migrant to pursue the same profession in the home Member
State, though it may require compensatory measures
( aptitude test or adaptation period ) where there are
substantial differences in the duration or content of the

education and training . Harmonization of qualifications,
training schemes and diplomas guaranteeing a minimum
level of professional competence would require preparatory
work over a long period which the profession, broadly
defined, is better able to carry out than the Commission .
Such a minimum level of competence would make it easier to
apply the general systems laid down by Directives
89 / 48 / EEC and 92 / 51 / EEC . If it were accepted by the
competent authorities of the Member States, and in
particular by the national coordinators responsible for
applying the general systems, the compensatory measures
could be dispensed with for the holders of diplomas
satisfying this minimum level, since it would eliminate the
substantial differences in education and training .

H OJ No L 19, 24 . 1 . 1989 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 209, 24 . 7 . 1992 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1492 / 93

by Mr Alexandros Alavanos ( CG )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 14 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 72

Subject : Protection and upgrading of the historic site of

Makronisos

Makronisos a former concentration camp and prison, has
been designated a historic site because of its profound
significance in modern Greek history . It is a memorial for all
Greeks, in particular the younger generations, a symbolic
condemnation of all torture and repression . Significant early

Cycladic and palaeoanthropological buildings and mines
have been made on the island and the Ministry of the
Environment, Regional Planning and Public Works has
proposed that it be included on the list of Mediterranean
historic sites . However, according to a special working party
set up by the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of the
Environment, Regional Planning and Public Works, the site

No C 25 / 38 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

is currently in very poor condition and it therefore proposes
that the island be designated a historic and cultural
memorial . In its resolution of 11 February 1993 on
concentration camps the European Parliament, observing
that the number of victims who sacrificed themselves for

freedom, human rights and peace must serve as an example
for the education of our young people, calls on the
Commission and Council to provide financial and other
support to all measures designed to preserve the special
significance of the concentration camps . In the same
resolution, the European Parliament insists that it is the duty
of the Commission, the Council and the European
Parliament to use all possible means to combat all
manifestations of neo-Nazism in the Community and any
denial of the fact that extermination took place in the
camps !

Does the Commission intend to incorporate Makronisos as
part of the new Community Support Framework or any
other initiative in order to create a memorial worthy of this
historic site ?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

(1 October 1993 )

are produced in third countries and imported into the
Community .

Will the Commission say :

1 . Whether it has studied the situation of the fur industry in

Greece ;

2 . Whether it has been informed of the crisis facing this

sector by the Greek Government ;

3 . What measures it intends to take to ensure the survival

of the fur sector in Western Macedonia where it is a

traditional activity and the mainstay of economic
life ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

(4 October 1993 )

1 . The Commission has received general information
from industry representatives regarding a number of
problems facing the Community fur industry, but it has no
specific information on the situation facing the industry in
Greece .

The Commission is ready to analyse the problems in this
sector, in conjunction with the public and private operators
It is for the Greek authorities to propose adequate measures involved, and to consider possible action to be taken at the
to protect and promote the historic site of Makronissos . most suitable level .

In the context of such a proposal, the Commission would be
willing to examine any measures which might be eligible for
Structural Funds financing under the new Community
Support Framework for Greece for the period
1994—1999 .

2 . No .

new 3 . Western Macedonia is an assisted region under
Framework for Greece for the period Objective 1 of the Structural Funds . The national authorities
. should therefore have at their disposal, within the

Community Support Framework for Greece, a range of
measures for contributing to modernization of the sector or
diversification of the regions most affected by competition .
It should also be stressed that Community initiative
programmes, in particular Retex, can be used for similar
purposes, in so far as they apply in the region
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1512 / 93 mentioned .

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

( 14 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 73 )

Subject : Situation of the fur industry in Greece

Fur production undertakings in Greece, and notably in
Western Macedonia, are facing a serious crisis mainly owing
to competition from similar undertakings in the Far East .
Part of the population of this region has been forced to
emigrate owing to this crisis .

Producers ' organizations in the region are demanding that
tariffs, levies and quotas be imposed on fur products which

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1514 / 93

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

( 14 June 1993 )

94 / C 25 / 74

Subject : Establishment of a new cheese factory in Thrace

There are 15 dairy plants in Thrace, some of which have
recently received Community funding for modernization .
Owing to the large number of plants already operating in

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 39

this region and the lack of the raw material — fresh sheep
and goat milk — Community co-funding to Greece in this
respect is provided only for the modernization of existing
plants .

Local organizations have informed me that the relevant
service at prefectural level ( the Prefecture of Rodopi
Agricultural Directorate ) has refused to include the ABEE
Thrace Cheese factory which represents a total investment
of some Drs 9 billion within the scope of Regulation ( EEC )
No 866 / 90 (*) which provides for Community co-funding at
50% .

In a region in which the lack of milk forces existing
industries to work below capacity the establishment of a
new plant will have a damaging effect on other dairy plants
in the region — principally owing to the shortage of milk
supplies — and lead to economic stagnation .

Given that, if this application for the establishment of a
further dairy plant is accepted, this may mean simply adding
to the list of industrial units of questionable viability already
in existence and given also that the Community has already
funded certain existing units to help them modernize :

will the Commission say, whether, if the Ministry of
Agriculture approves this investment, it intends to examine
the basic objections which have been put forward and to
rechannel the funds available to help modernize existing
cooperative organizations ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1524 / 93

by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini ( NI )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 14 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 75 )

Subject : Vehicle impact experiments using animals

General Motors appears to be at the centre of an
international campaign against the vehicle impact tests it has
carried out using over 20 000 animals, smashed to pieces
at incredibly high speeds, while all the other motor
manufacturers use dummies .

Can the Commission say whether this is true, and what it
intends to do to stop this alleged massacre of animals by
General Motors ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 30 September 1993 )

The Commission has no knowledge of the matter referred to
by the Honourable Member .

organizations ? Nonetheless, under the terms of Directive 86 / 609 / EEC .( 1 )

authorization to carry out experiments is granted by the

, 6 . 4 . 1990, p . 1 . competent national authorities following examination of

the experimental protocol and, in particular, of the
possibility of obtaining the required information by
alternative methods . If the experiments referred to by the
Honourable Member took place outside the Community the
Answer given by Mr Steichen Directive is clearly inapplicable .

(!) OJ No L 91, 6 . 4 . 1990, p . 1 .

on behalf of the Commission

( 29 September 1 993 ) (») OJ No L 358, 18 . 12 . 1986 .

Selection of investments proposed for EAGGF assistance
under Regulation ( EEC ) No 866 / 90 is the responsibility of
the Member State .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1530 / 93

Among the requirement that investments must satisfy
should be mentioned the selection criteria laid down by
Commission Decision 90 / 342 / EEC (*) and the provisions of
the Community support framework for application of
Regulations ( EEC ) No 866 / 90 and ( EEC ) No 867 / 90
in Greece, approved by Commission Decision
92 / 80 / EEC ( 2 ).

Given these requirements the Commission invariably seeks
information on the situation in regions in which a Member
State is proposing investment . Its procedure, varying as
appropriate, involves comprehensive analysis by sector and
region .

( ) OJ No L 163,-7 . 6 . 1990 .
( 2 ) OJ No L 31, 7 . 2 . 1992 .

by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini ( NI )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 15 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 76 )

Subject : Rice project

The use of rice as a self-sufficient dietary element is quite
unknown because it is not traditional .

In the north of the Community rice is considered vaguely
exotic ; packets do not state where it comes from or the
variety . Italian rice cultivation is not included in the reform
of Community support projects in the agri-foods sector .

Does the Commission not consider it advisable to start a rice

promotion campaign ?

No C 25 / 40 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

Will the Commission also take action for the publication, in

all the Community languages, of information on the
nutritional values of rice together with widely available
recipe booklets and a series of other promotional
measures ?

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

( 27 September 1993 )

Although rice forms part of the traditional diet of people in
the south of the Community, it does not feature to the same
extent in the diet of North Europeans because it is used in a
different way . In the south, rice is a main dish, whereas in the
north it is served as accompaniment to other dishes .

Rice could play a much more important part in the diet of
the inhabitants of the Community . Consumption per head is
about 4,4 kg, whilst in other industrialized western
countries, in particular the United States, it is as high as 8 kg
per head .

Owing to budgetary restrictions, particularly in the
agricultural sector, the Community does not at present have
the financial resources to fund a rice promotion campaign .
Such a campaign, extolling the nutritional value of rice and
its dietary virtues, should be launched by the rice sector
itself .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1532 / 93

by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini ( NI )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( IS June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 77 )

Subject : Social activities at the Joint Research Centre at

Ispra

Ecological considerations, energy-saving criteria and an eye
to improving the quality of life should promote the
restructuring of staff social facilities at the Joint Research
Centre at Ispra . Will the Commission set up a task force
to draw up projects and to promote the necessary
improvements ?

and Administration and with staff representatives, initiated
a general review of the social activities of the JRC as part of
the Commission 's social policy for its staff .

The programme of improvements agreed with the
representatives of the staff is now being implemented and
has yielded some initial results . All the activities are based on
criteria such as those established for the Ecocentre project (a
plan for the ecological and economic modernization of the
facilities of the JRC at Ispra ) which began in 1993 and was
included in the 1993 general budget on Parliament 's
initiative .

All proposed improvements to the social infrastructure are
debated in the standing committee ^ ( joint social committee
and local consultation committee ) which comprise elected
representatives of the staff .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1533 / 93

by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini ( NI )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( IS June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 78 )

Subject : Dioxin at Seveso

For the last 17 years the citizens of Seveso have been
awaiting compensation for the moral damage suffered when
the main reactor of the ICMESA plant released a toxic cloud
of dioxin over the town .

ICMESA was ordered to pay Lit 2 million in moral damages
to every citizen living in the area affected by the toxic cloud,
but the company contested the ruling .

Given that a recent survey has revealed a significant increase
in the number of cancer cases in Seveso, will the Commission
draw up a report on the environmental situation in the
town, plan periodic checks and set up a specialized centre
for early diagnosis which would monitor the health of the
population ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission
Answer given by Mr Ruberti
on behalf of the Commission ( 12 October 1993 )

( 30 September 1993 )

In 1991 the Joint Research Centre ( JRC ), in close
collaboration with the Directorate-General for Personnel

The Commission cofinanced, through its ' Europe against
cancer ' programme, the study referred to by the Honourable
Member, which was undertaken by the Institute of

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 41

Occupational Health of Milan ( Prof. Bertazzi ) in
collaboration with the Lombardy regional authorities and
the national cancer institute, on the link between the Seveso
accident and cancer incidence and mortality in the exposed
population .

The study used the medical surveillance programmes
initiated after the explosion of 1976, which aimed at a long
term follow-up of around 31 000 people residing for any
period in the contaminated areas . All Lombardy hospitals
routinely proved specific information on any hospitalization
of these people, and these data are linked to the
epidemiological findings and provide a satisfactory input
to the surveillance system . It is expected that the study
will continue until at least 1996, but the preliminary
results indicate that there may be increased risk of certain
cancers following 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin
( TCDD ) exposure . At present, new studies to refine the
hypotheses are in the planning phase .

Concerning the particular issue of early diagnosis and
screening, the setting up of specific screening facilities does
not seem scientifically justified as adequate screening
techniques are not yet available for the types of cancer
concerned .

In view of all these considerations, the Commission does not
intend at this stage to undertake supplementary
initiatives .

Answer

( 21 December 1993 )

The verification of the Lithuanian inventory of nuclear
material including possible changes is in principle
incumbent on the IAEO in cooperation with Lithuania .

The Community and its Member States are concerned over
reports about illegal trade in nuclear materials . Member
States on whose territory such trade is alleged to have
occurred or whose nationals have been involved investigate
all such incidents . The Community and its Member States
discuss this issue both bilaterally and in European Political
Cooperation . Fortunately thus far, materials recovered in
incidents which have come to light have been of no
proliferation concern . But the Community and its Member
States are not complacent and will continue to treat this
matter with the seriousness it deserves .

The safeguards of nuclear material imported to Member
States is not of the competence of European Political
Cooperation .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1558 / 93

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

( 17 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 80 )

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1549 / 93

by Mr Alex Smith ( S )

Subject : Transportation of plutonium
to European Political Cooperation

( 15 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 79 ) Further to the Commission reply to the Hon. Member, Mrs
Marguerite-Marie Dinguirard, to Question No 2254 / 92 on
the transportation of plutonium ( a ), will it now state what
amount, and with what fissile content, plutonium was

of radioactive material shipped from Cherbourg to Japan between November 1992

and January 1993 ; how many previous such plutonium
shipments or air-freights have been notified to the

investigate the reports in the Daily Commission, involving what amounts and qualities of

1993, published in the United plutonium ; whether the Commission is participating with
of hundreds of kilograms the International Atomic Energy Agency in its review and
, including strontium and update of plutonium and other fissile material transport
from Lithuania ; guidelines ; what assessment was made by the Commission

of Japan 's requirement for plutonium prior to permitting
the export from without the Special Fissile Materials

are taken to halt the trafficking of Financial Account ; what representations the Commission
from the CIS and Eastern European received in regard to the export of plutonium to Japan from
Community ; EC Member States ; and if it will institute a review of fissile

material export policies of the Community ?

Subject : Disappearance of radioactive material

Will EPC undertake to investigate the reports in the Daily

Telegraph of 13 April 1993, published in the United
Kingdom, of the disappearance of hundreds of kilograms
of radio active ' materials, including strontium and
weapon-useable uranium from Lithuania ;

what protective measures are taken to halt the trafficking of
illicit nuclear materials from the CIS and Eastern European
States into the European Community ;

and what role is played by EPC in support of Euratom
inspection measures on nuclear imports ? (!) OJ No C 90, 31 . 3 . 1993, p . 24 .

No C 25 / 42 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

Answer given by Mr Matutes the Walloon Authorities had provided state subsidies in

on behalf of the Commission breach of Articles 92 and 93 of the Treaty of Rome to the

( 24 September 1993 ) following enterprises in the Textile Industry :

The Commission regrets to inform the Honourable Member
that it is not at liberty to disclose information about nuclear
material stocks at specific facilities and certain other
information about safeguards .

With respect to the IAEA guidelines for the transport of
fissile materials the Commission participates together with
the Member States in the continuous IAEA review and
revision process of the safety standards and guidelines on
the safe transport of radioactive materials . The last meeting
was held in May 1993 . Two or three further Technical
Committee revision meetings will take place before the
publication of the new edition of the regulations .

The spent fuel from which the plutonium involved in the
transaction mentioned by the Honourable Member was

separated, had been imported for reprocessing under the
provisions of Article 75 ( C ) of the Eur atom Treaty . The
shipment was carried out in compliance with those
provisions and with the international non-proliferation
commitments of the Community and its Member States .

As to the before mentioned export of plutonium to japan
there were no representations received from Member States .
In this context the Commission would draw the attention of
the Honourable Member to the open and extensive
discussion which was held in the European Parliament on

18 November . 1992 on this issue to provide as much
transparency as possible with respect to this operation .

As regards the fissile material export policy, the Community
and its Member States abide by the highest international
standards on non-proliferation and safe transport and
actively participate in the ongoing negotiations to
strengthen those regimes .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1574 / 93

by Mr Michael Welsh ( PPE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 17 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 81 )

Subject : State aids to the Belgian textile industry

In a letter dated 16 October 1992 to the Competition
Directorate, the British Textile Confederation alleged that

— De Poortere Freres,

— Groupe Verbeke,

— Filature Tiberghien,

 - — Filature Hersautoise .

Can the Commission say what steps it has taken to
investigate these complaints and when it expects to arrive at
a conclusion ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

( 12 October 1993 )

The Commission acknowledged the British Textile
Confederation 's letter in November and immediately
proceeded to require detailed information from the Belgian
authorities on these alleged aids . On the basis of answers
forwarded by these authorities, it was possible to answer the
letter on 14 April 1993 .

In the meantime, a meeting has also taken place between
representatives of the British Textile Confederation and the
Commission, where the nature and content of the measures
In question were explained in detail .

With regard to the financial interventions referred to in the
Honourable Member 's question as well as in the letter of the
British Textile Confederation, they concern mostly increases
in the capital base of certain of the enterprises mentioned .
These measures take the form of either Walloon region
participation in the capital increase by buying privileged
non-voting shares in these firms, or loans to these firms, or a
combination of the two .

After examination, the Commission has found that these
interventions were of a purely commercial character . Such
privileged non-voting shares carry commercial level
dividends and the conditions of their emission, buy back and
reimbursement respect market conditions . The regions 's
participation in the capital of these companies is always of a
minority nature, with private shareholders and loans
covering the rest . Private investors have, brought forward
fresh funds to the enterprises, while all loans were approved
on strictly market conditions .

The Commission will continue, as in the past, to follow
diligently all cases of alleged State aids, taking all necessary
steps to redress the situation if it is found that irregularities
do exist .

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 43

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1581 / 93

by Alonso Puerta and Laura Gonzalez Alvarez ( NI )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 17 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 82 )

Subject : Directive 90 / 313 / EEC

On 7 June 1990 the Council adopted Directive
90 / 313 / EEC 0 ) on the freedom of access to information on
the environment . Article 9 of the Directive reads as

follows :

' 1 . Member States shall bring into force the laws,
regulations and administrative provisions necessary to
comply with this Directive by 31 December 1992 at the
latest . They shall forthwith inform the Commission
thereof .'

1 . Has the Spanish Government forwarded to the
Commission the text of the basic provisions of national
law it has adopted in the area covered by this
Directive ?

2 . Does the Commission not consider that even in the

absence of a legal instrument to incorporate it into
national law, this Directive could take immediate
effect ?

schemes in force since the 1980s concerning international
and Community trade agreements and the system of
generalized preferences .

In 1993 it appears that revision of the system of generalized
preferences is on the Commission 's agenda . There is even the
possibility of including a positive and objective social clause
on ' the rights of people at work ' in the 1994 SGP scheme on
an experimental basis .

In view of the exceptional nature of this measure, can the
Commission say which economic areas and professional
sectors would benefit from this clause ? Might the
Commission be committing itself to promoting this type of
clause in the future at European level ? Finally, could the
Commission not put forward a new SGP scheme including
these ' workers ' rights ' at the coming GATT negotiations ?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 12 October 1993 )

The Commission is not considering proposing a clause on
' the rights of people at work ' at this stage of preparations for
the new Generalized System of Preferences for 1994 .

O OJ No L 158, 23 . 6 . 1990, p . 56 .

, 23 . 6 . 1990, p . 56 . There will be a more thorough revision in 1995 and this

interval will enable the Commission to take full account of
the outcome of the Uruguay Round and give it time to go
into more detail over the political, legal and technical
Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas problems of including a clause to this effect .

on behalf of the Commission

( 29 September 1993 )

Spain has forwarded its national measures implementing
Council Directive 90 / 313 / EEC on the freedom of access to
information on the environment . The provisions of national
law adopted in the field governed by the Directive refer to
Law No 30 / 1992 of 26 November 1993 ( Ley de Regimen
Juridico de las Administraciones Publicas y del
Procedimiento de Administration Comun ). The conformity
of this text with Directive 90 / 313 / EEC is being
examined .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1586 / 93

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

( 17 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 83 )

Subject : Insertion of a social clause in the System of

Generalized Preferences

For some years, because of the failure of the Uruguay Round
talks, the Commission has been content simply to extend the

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1587 / 93

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

( 18 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 84 )

Subject : Humanitarian aid : introduction of a line in the

Community budget for ' rehabilitation '

programmes

For some years the European Community has made a firm
commitment to helping victims of disasters or wars . NGOs
are the active channels of the Community 's humanitarian
commitment, either through the co-financing they receive
under ' emergency ' aid or by distributing a significant
portion of the Community 's overall humanitarian aid on the
ground .

However, there appears to be a gap in the Community 's
range of action, i.e. aid to the people affected from the time
the ' emergency ' phase is deemed to have ended up to the
time ' development ' projects start . The Community does

No C 25 / 44 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

nothing during this period . In 1992 many cases illustrated
that having made a serious commitment at the emergency
aid stage, the Community refuses to go further .

Given that European humanitarian aid is currently in the
process of restructuring, is the setting up of the ECHO
( European Community Humanitarian Office ) likely to
resolve these problems ? Is it not time to consider
introducing a line in the budget from 1994 on specifically
for ' rehabilitation ' programmes following eftiergency aid
operations ?

This is the backdrop for the Commission 's bid to achieve
greater complementarity between humanitarian aid, which
is the sole domain of ECHO, and rehabilitation, which is a
prerequisite fey any resumption of the development

process .

(M COM(93 ) 204 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1621 / 93

by Mr Yves Verwaerde ( LDR )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 22 June 1993 )
Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission ( 94 / C 25 / 85 )

(1 October 1993 )

Subject : General arrangements for the recognition of higher

education qualifications — French Doctor of
Laws

The Commission is fully aware of the gaps in Community
arrangements for aid to developing countries, which does
not always meet the specific rehabilitation needs between
periods of war, civil unrest or natural disasters and the
resumption of long-term development aid .

This is why it proposed :

( a ) the inclusion in next year 's draft budget of a new

heading to cover rehabilitation measures for developing
countries, with provisional funding of ECU 10 million
to meet the specific nature of rehabilitation needs and
pave the way for bigger operations ;

Further to the answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi
on behalf of the Commission to Written Question
No 3032 / 92 (*) concerning the French Doctor of Laws
degree, can the Commission say whether it intends to make
specific provisions for this degree as part of the present and
future general arrangements for the recognition of higher
education qualifications ?

(!) OJ No C 185, 7 . 7 . 1993, p . 24 .

Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi

on behalf of the Commission
( b ) the launch, in a communication to the Council and

the launch, in a communication to the Council and
Parliament which it adopted on 12 May I 1 ), of a (8 October 1993 )
' Special rehabilitation support programme in
developing countries ', which would mobilize ECU 1

The Commission is unable to add

billion, 60 % of which would come from Community
funds . gave previously to Written Question

The Commission is unable to add anything to the answer it
gave previously to Written Question No 3032 / 92 by the
Honourable Member .

Without waiting for these new initiatives, now under
examination by the Council, to bear fruit, the Commission
has become actively involved in rehabilitation support
programmes, using EDF rtiechanisms and resources or
relevant budget headings ( rehabilitation in southern Africa,
food aid, cofinancing with NGOs and cooperation with
MED states and developing countries in Asia and Latin
America ). Last year, it adopted four such programmes for
Angola, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Mozambique worth a total of
ECU 273 million . Outside the ACP group, similar
programmes have been approved or are being prepared for
Nicaragua, Lebanon, El Salvador and Cambodia .

However, such programmes suffer from specific constraints
in current development aid procedures, which are not
always suited to the urgency of needs or the delicate
situation in the recipient countries . The special programme
put forward by the Commission addresses the need to find
more flexible and quicker solutions .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1651 / 93

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

( 28 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 86

Subject : Community emergency humanitarian aid
channelled through non-governmental
organizations

It will be recalled that :

1 . Appropriations have been entered in the general budget

of the European Communities ( Chapter B7-51 ) for

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 45

unforeseen events and emergencies as a result of wars or
natural disasters in third countries ;

2 . The European Council in Edinburgh approved the

setting up of a special reserve of ECU 200 million for

1994 and ECU 300 million from 1995 to 1999 for

emergency aid to third countries .

However, no Community aid to third country populations
in need is provided during the period between the end of the
' emergency relief ' phase and the commencement of
' development ' aid projects .

In view of this, will the Commission, acting within its terms
of reference, take measures to ensure that Community aid is
provided to bridge this gap and that the populations
concerned are given the necessary means to carry out
' recovery ' programmes immediately following the
emergency relief stage ?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

using all the instruments and resources at its disposal under
the EDF or relevant budget headings ( rehabilitation in
southern Africa, food aid cofinancing with NGOs,
cooperation with MED countries and developing / ALA
countries ). In 1992 it approved four rehabilitation
programmes in Angola, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Mozambique
totalling ECU 273 million . Outside the ACP group of
countries, similar programmes have been approved or are
being put together for Nicaragua, Lebanon, El Salvador and
Cambodia .

However, implementation of these programmes suffers
from the specific constraints due to current procedures
applicable to development aid, which are not always suited
to urgent rehabilitation needs, and to the precarious
situation of the recipient countries . The need for more
flexible and speedier procedures is one of the points covered
by the special programme put forward by the
Commission .

H COM(93 ) 204 .

(5 October 1993 )
WRITTEN QUESTION No 1660 / 93

The Commission is well aware of the gaps which exist in the
Community machinery to assist developing countries facing
specific rehabilitation and reconstruction needs following a
war, civil unrest or natural disaster, and before long-term
development aid can be resumed .

It is indeed to deal with this kind of situation that the

Commission took the initiative in proposing :

( a ) the insertion of a new heading ' Rehabilitation and
reconstruction measures for the developing countries '
in the preliminary draft budget for 1994, with a
provisional appropriation of ECU 10 million, designed
to meet specific rehabilitation needs and pave the way
for more substantial contributions ;

( b ) the launch of a ' Special rehabilitation support
programme in developing countries ', put forward in the
communication to the Council and Parliament adopted
on 12 May 1993 (*), under which ECU 1000 million
would be mobilized, of which ECU 600 million in
Community funds .

However, it is incorrect to say that no Community aid is
provided between the end of the emergency phase and the
launch of development projects . First of all, the funds set
aside for emergency humanitarian aid may be spent on
specific rehabilitation initiatives enabling the recipient
groups to lay the basis of self-sufficiency . Secondly, and
without waiting for the outcome of the new initiatives which
are pending before the Council, the Commission has played
a very active role in rehabilitation support programmes by

by Mrs Maartje van Putten ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 28 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 87 )

Subject : Expenditure by the ACP-EEC Cultural
Cooperation Foundation

Since 1969 the European Development Fund ( EDF ) has
been financing the ACP-EEC Cultural Cooperation
Foundation in order to meet the objectives set out in
Article 141 of the Fourth Convention of Lome . A critical

progress report has been drawn up concerning the activities
of this Foundation, of which the Commission is aware, as
shown by the answer given by Commissioner Marin during
Question Time at the meeting of the ACP-EEC Joint
Assembly in Botswana .

1 . Can the Commission give the reasons why the EDF
Committee has no less than twice referred back the new

budget for the Foundation ?

2 . Can the Commission provide an annual survey of
cultural projects carried out by the Foundation since its
creation ?

3 . Can the Commission say what percentage of the
expenditure of the Foundation now goes to meet
' overheads '?

4 . Does the Commission approve the new budget proposed
for the Foundation and, in particular, the proposed
policy in respect of staff remuneration ?

No C 25 / 46 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

Answer given by Mr Mann
on behalf of the Commission

(5 October 1993 )

Community funding for the Foundation for ACP-EEC
Cultural Cooperation dates back to March 1988 .

Since then the Community has part-financed a hundred or
so cultural initiatives launched by the Foundation, totalling
some ECU 4,5 million, of which ECU 3 million under the
sixth EDF and ECU 1,5 million under the seventh .

The Foundation 's operating, personnel and technical

assistance costs account, on average, for 25 % of such
subsidies . The figure, which reached 26,6 % for the period
1988— 91, was down to 20% in 1992 . However, it is
expected to rise again from the second half of 1993 inview of
the decision taken by the Foundation 's administrative
council to remunerate its Secretary-General, whose services
have so far been provided on a voluntary basis .

At any rate, the Foundation has undertaken to limit its
operating and technical assistance costs to 25% of the
subsidies granted by the Community ; this clause is included
in the draft financing protocol .

The evaluation report is only a component of the overall
assessment of Foundation 's activities financed by the
Community, as its conclusions are compared with and
analysed in the light of other internal reviews . The
Commission feels that on the whole the results of the
evaluation procedure justify the continuation of its
cooperation with the Foundation, provided certain
guidelines are reviewed, a consistent strategy is defined and
implementing procedures are improved . The Commission
and the Foundation 's administrators are working to this
end .

To answer the questions put by the Honourable
Member :

1 . To be precise, the two financing proposals presented by

the Commission to the EDF Committee were not
rejected : discussion of them was postponed because
Member States considered that they did not have at their
disposal sufficient information concerning the activities
carried out by the Foundation, and in particular its
objectives and programme of activities for the coming

years .

2 . Under the Third Lome Convention the Commission did
not fund the Foundation 's general programme of
activities but has provided funding for individual
initiatives . Under Lome IV, should the EDF Committee
agree to fund a multiannual programme proposed by the
Foundation, the Commission undertakes to put before
the Member States an annual evaluation report .

3 . The answer to this question has already been given .

4 . It is not for the Commission to interfere in the
Foundation 's wages and salaries policy . Given its status

as an association under private law, this is the
prerogative of its Administrative Council .

The Commission has no ambition to fund an institution,
but rather to provide funds for a programme of cultural
cooperation activities, for which it is accepted that up to
25 % of the expenditure should go on operating and
technical assistance costs incurred by the body
implementing it, in this case the Foundation .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1683 / 93

by Mr José Apolinario ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 28 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 88 )

Subject : Setubal-Alentejo-Algarve motorway

The Commission proposal to the Council for a decision on a
trans-European road network for the year 2002 includes the
Setubal-Alentejo-Algarve motorway . Despite the indicative
nature of this proposal, it is necessary for the Community
and Portuguese authorities to make efforts to achieve this
objective by making regions more accessible and promoting
their harmonious development .

In addressing the Portuguese Parliament, the Portuguese
Government allowed that it had put forward the project for
financing from the Cohesion Fund, thereby justifying the
projected Setubal-Marateca-Grandola section ( scheduled
for 1996 ). This had been agreed on in consultation with the
local and national authorities, business associations and
various regional representatives of the Lisbon
Government .

The Portuguese Government has just announced the
projects to be submitted to the Commission for assistance
under the Cohesion Fund and the Community Support
Framework, thereby establishing major infrastructural
projects up to the year 2000 . Under current plans of the
Portuguese Government, the Alentejo and the Algarve will
not be linked by motorway until the end of the 20th

century .

In view of the Community 's responsibilities concerning the
implementation of this proposal, and if Portugal submits a
project for the construction of a motorway to the Algarve, is
the Commission prepared to ensure that it can be put into
effect ?

Answer given by Mr Schmidhuber

on behalf of the Commission

(4 October 1993 )

The Portuguese authorities submitted a request for
Community financing for the Polmela-Marateca section of

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 47

the motorway under the Cohesion financial instrument for 5, drive against pollution ( ECU 2,8 million );

1993 . This proposal is currently being examined in
accordance with the procedures referred to in Council
Regulation ( EEC ) No 792 / 93 of 30 March 1993 ( J ) which
established that financial instrument .

The question of financing for other sections or for the whole
of the proposed motorway will be examined in the future, if
the Portuguese Government submits a proposal, once the
Cohesion Fund in its final form has been adopted following
ratification of the Treaty on European Union .

(!) OJ No L 79, 1 . 4 . 1993 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1690 / 93

6 . professional training in the tourism and mining sectors

( ECU 5,4 million );

7 . deepening EEC-Turkey relations ( ECU 3,4 million ) via a
programme of scholarships for Turkish postgraduate
students .

Some ECU 1 1 million has already been disbursed for these
projects, with further payments totalling ECU 5 million
scheduled for the current financial year .

Overall, the programme is being carried out more slowly
than expected . Some projects have been delayed by
adjustments made necessary by organizational changes in
the Turkish civil service .

by Mr Jan Bertens ( LDR )
to the Commission of the European Communities WRITTEN QUESTION No 1710 / 93

( 28 June 1993 ) by Mr Karel De Gucht ( LDR )

( 94 / C 25 / 89 ) to the Commission of the European Communities

( 29 June 1993 )

94 / C 25 / 90
Subject : Special projects in Turkey

On 9 November 1992, the EC / Turkey Association Council
decided to strengthen relations between the EC and Turkey .
It is therefore extremely important to make full and timely
use of all relevant instruments .

Can the Commission submit a progress report in the near
future concerning special aid / action projects for which
purpose the programme was relaunched in 1988 ?

Subject : Italian Government aid measures

Was the aid granted by the Italian Government in
connection with an investment for the production of
synthetic fibres by Rhone-Poulenc and Enia in Pisticci
registered in accordance with the provisions of the
Treaty ?

What was the actual amount of the aid ?

Is it compatible with Article 92 et seq . of the EEC
Treaty ?
Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

(8 October 1993 )

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1711 / 93

ECU 75 million in special aid was granted to Turkey in 1980
to relieve the pressure on an economy that was in some
difficulty, notably owing to a chronic dearth of foreign

currency .

In addition to this commitment, between April 1988 and
September 1991 financing agreements worth a total of ECU
28,3 million were signed for the following seven projects :

1, drive against malaria ( ECU 1,5 million );

2 . geothermic energy research ( ECU 8 million );

3 . improving the training of local collective staff ( ECU 1,4
million );

4 . improving health care ( ECU 5,8 million );

by Mr Karel De Gucht ( LDR )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 29 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 91 )

Subject : French Government aid measures

Was the aid granted by the French Government to
Rhone-Poulenc 's investment in the restructuring of its
synthetic fibres plant in Arras registered in accordance with
the Treaty ?

What was the actual amount of the aid ?

Is it compatible with Article 92 et seq . of the EEC
Treaty ?

No C 25 / 48 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1710 / 93 and WRITTEN QUESTION No 1729 /

1711 / 93

by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE )

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1729 / 93

1711 / 93

by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE )

given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission to the Commission of the European Communities

( 11 October 1993 ) ( 29 June 1993 )

. ( 94 / C 25 / 93 )

The Commission does not at present possess any
information to the effect that the Italian and / or French

authorities have granted aid to Enia in Pisticci ( Italy ) and to
Rhone-Poulenc in Arras ( France ).

It has contacted the authorities concerned and will inform

the Honourable Member of any action taken in this
connection .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1721 / 93

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

( 29 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 92 )

Subject : Price of compact disc recordings

In the light of the recent report by the UK House of
Commons National Heritage Select Committee on the price
of compact discs, the conclusion of which was that a price
cut of almost £3 should be made, does the Commission
intend to take any action on what appears to be a cartel
operating in this industry ?

Subject : Official approval of language courses abroad

With the approach of the school summer holidays
preparations are being made for the complex organization
of language courses abroad for younger people and older
people wishing to combine intensive language study with
closer knowledge of other countries ' cultures and
peoples .

However, the availability and organization of ' traditional '
language courses abroad is such that prospective students
invariably find themselves on a ' blind date ', since they have
no information concerning the quality of courses,
accommodation and other facilities available at their

destination, having generally made a random choice since,
in many cases, not even the agency has taken the trouble to
check the relevant details .

For this reasoa various national bodies promoting language
courses abroad are calling for the national authorities to
take steps to regulate this sector and lay down specific
criteria in the form of standards and approval procedures so
that prospective students are given a reasonable idea of what
to expect of their courses and other arrangements .

Does the Commission consider that it should support such a
move and propose the adoption of standards in this sector,
which would serve as a guarantee for those wishing to
Answer given by Mr Van Miert attend a language course abroad ?

on behalf of the Commission

(8 October 1993 )

The Commission has no evidence of a cartel operating in the
recorded music industry affecting the prices of compact
discs traded between Member States . .

It has noted the Select Committee 's report together with the
fact that in the light of the evidence presented to the
Committee and the report itself the Director General of Fair
Trading has now asked the Monopolies and Mergers
Commission ( MMC ) to investigate the supply of recorded
music in the United Kingdom .

Careful consideration will be given by the Commission to
any aspect of the MMC report, when published, which
could point to the existence of a cartel or other
anti-competitive practices at Community level affecting
compact disc prices . If substantive evidence of this nature
emerges the Commission will take appropriate action .

Answer given by Mr Ruberti
on behalf of the Commission

( 20 October 1993 }

The Commission is aware of the difficulties encountered by
students in obtaining information on the quality of the
language courses on offer . However, responsibility for
certification rests with the Member States and the

Commission cannot intervene in this area . Moreover,
language courses in some countries are mainly organized by
the private sector .

Under the Lingua programme, assistance can be provided
for establishments developing language teaching
programmes and certification systems for business and for

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 49

the promotion of transnational recognition of certification

systems .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1733 / 93

by Mr Paul Howell ( PPE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 29 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 94 )

Subject : Spanish shipping restrictions

The Spanish Government has recently introduced
restrictions on shipping between North Africa and Spain
involving a British shipping company . This is in clear breach
of the Single European Act . What action is the Commission
taking in this matter ?

into question all the concessions to all companies with share
capital and agricultural undertakings with a turnover of
more than Lit 360 million, i.e. practically all business .

This has been done despite the fact that the special VAT
scheme for farmers incorporated in EEC rules is applied in
all the other countries of the Community . By excluding itself
Italy will inevitably aggravate its own agricultural position
which is already well in deficit .

Does the Commission not believe that application of the
special VAT scheme for farmers ought to be subject to the
same conditions throughout the Community and not leave
too much discretion to local decision-making bodies which
are often short-sighted or guided by extremely narrow
interests ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2204 / 93

by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini ( NI )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 29 July 1993 )

94 / C 25 / 96
Answer given by Mr Matutes

on behalf of the Commission

( 22 October 1993 )
Subject : Penalization of Italian agriculture

The Commission is aware of a bilateral agreement between
Spain and Morocco which contains cargo-sharing clauses .
These clauses should have been phased out or adjusted, by

1 January 1993, to provide for fair, free and
non-dicriminatory access to the cargo-shares due to Spain,
by all Community nationals, as defined in Article 1 of
Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 4055 / 86 of 22 December
1986 . This Regulation applies the principle of freedom to
provide services to maritime transport between Member
States and between Member States and third countries .

Does the Commission consider that order in Council No 47

( on the VAT system ) recently adopted by the Italian
Government, which abolishes the special agricultural
scheme for individual farmers with a turnover of over Lit
360 million, is compatible with Community law since, in
addition to conflicting with the relevant Community
policies, it is resulting in a big drop in income on the vast
majority of farms and is laying the conditions for a serious
crisis on such farms ?

The Commission will seek to ensure that the Spanish
authorities put an end to any discrimination resulting and
fully comply with Community legislation . Joint answer to Written Questions

No 1738 / 93 and E-2204 / 93

given by Mrs Scrivener
on behalf of the Commission

( 13 October 1993 )

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1738 / 93

by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini ( NI )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 29 June 1993 )

' ( 94 / C 25 / 95 )

Subject : Application of special VAT scheme for farmers

On 2 April 1993 the Italian Senate adopted decree No 47
altering the special scheme for farmers . The alteration calls

According to the information at the Commission 's disposal,
the Italian Government has now issued a decree law

repealing the provision under which farmers with a turnover
of more than Lit 360 million are excluded from the special
VATscheme .

However, the Commission would remind the Honourable
Member that, under Article 25 of Directive 77 / 388 / EEC, it
is left to the discretion of Member States whether to

introduce a special scheme for farmers or to exclude certain
categories of them from that scheme . This is why not all

i

No C 25 / 50 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

Member States apply the special scheme and differences benefits imports from Canada and 50 000 tonnes of imports
remain among those which do concerning its scope and the from other third non-EFTA countries .
rules under which it is applied .

The Canadian quota was filled in 1989, 1990, 1991 and

The discretion left to Member States is not explained solely
by the concern to take account of certain national
peculiarities . The way in which Article 25 was drafted by the
Community legislator was designed to encourage farmers
gradually to modernize their operations and shift towards
the normal VAT arrangements .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1746 / 93

by Mr André Sainjon ( PSE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 29 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 97 )

Subject : Import treatment of newsprint in the European

Community

European imports of newsprint from third countries or

- EFTA countries are subject to a 9 % customs duty beyond a

zero-duty quota of 650 000 tonnes . This quota may be
raised automatically in the course of the year to 680 000
tonnes should the need arise .

This tax exemption is essentially of benefit to Canadian
newsprint, a basic quota of 650 000 tonnes being opened
for this country at the beginning of every year . If the quota
were altered or abolished, this would be a serious blow to
the European newsprint industry .

Given the pressure from EEC publishers brought together
under the Community of Associations of Newspaper
Publishers who are pushing for the abolition of restrictions
on newsprint imports, does the Commission intend to react
firmly by rejecting any proposal to abolish or relax the quota
of 650 000 tonnes ?

The EEC 's paper-making industry is experiencing serious
difficulties and a new round of redundancies is to be
expected . Is the Commission prepared to lower the quota if
this situation persists ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

( 22 October 1993 )

The Community maintains a GATT-bound duty-free
import quota of 600 000 tonnes of newsprint, which

1992 and was increased by 5 % ( 30 000 tonnes ) for each
year according to a long-standing agreement between
Canada and the Community .

Imports from EFTA countries enter duty free pursuant to
the free trade agreements . These represent 75% of
Community imports .

In the context of the Uruguay Round, the US and Canada
have proposed elimination of duties in the paper sector in
general . Newsprint is a specific part of the proposal . This
proposal has been accepted by Japan, but there are no duties
in the US and Canada in this sector, and only low duties in
Japan .

The Community 's current Uruguay Round offer, which is

subjects negotiations, is a reduced duty for the quantities
not covered by a duty free quota . The formula proposed
would reduce the duty for newsprint which has a ' waterline of 4,9 to 3,7 % and from 9 to 6,4 % duty for newsprint
without a ' waterline '.

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1777 / 93

by Mr Gerardo Fernandez-Albor ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 12 July 1993 )

94 / C 25 / 98

Subject : Position of the Commission towards the new

constitution of Andorra

When the head of the Government of Andorra began
negotiating with representatives of Spain and France a
trilateral treaty to define the Principality 's relations with
these two countries, some people wondered what form the
Community 's relations with Andorra would take as a result
of the greater prominence given to external relations under
the new Andorra constitution .

While the Spanish Government has indicated through a
communique its intention of maintaining close, cordial
relations with the new state, the Community 's
constitutionalists continue to ponder how the EC should

react . x

Is the Commission preparing a proposal for practical
Community measures, in the light of the external relations
developments in the new Andorran constitution, and does it
intend to ratify these developments by establishing a
physical presence in Andorra ?

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 51

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 12 October 1993 ) ( 20 October 1993 )

The Commission welcomes the adoption of the new
Andorran constitution, approved in the referendum of

14 March, which makes the Principality a sovereign,
democratic state . It also welcomes the signing on 1 June in
Paris and Madrid and on 3 June in Andorra of the Treaty of
good neighbourliness, friendship and cooperation between
the country and France and Spain, both of which agreed to
recognize Andorra as a sovereign state and to establish
diplomatic relations .

Relations between the Community and Andorra are still
defined by the agreement, in the form of an exchange of
letters, signed in Luxembourg on 28 June 1990 . The
agreement is not affected by the latest constitutional

moves .

Relations are developing satisfactorily under the joint
committee overseeing the agreement and through regular
contacts between the Commission and the Andorran

authorities . The Commission does not see any need to
accredit a mission to the Principality for the time being .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 778 / 93

by Mr Gerardo Fernández Albor ( PPE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 12 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 99 )

Subject : Community campaign to promote the adoption of

children from the Third World

The results of a survey conducted in a number of
Community countries showing that the overwhelming
majority of white mothers questioned were against adopting
children of other races are devastating .

Possibly the only way for many Third World children to
escape poverty is to strike lucky by being adopted by a
family in the economically developed world . The result
of the survey is therefore disheartening, since it reveals
a mixture of selfishness, racism and a lack of
understanding .

This picture might be altered by persuading families in our
society to think differently . Does the Commission think that
a Community campaign in the Member States would help
reverse current attitudes and facilitate the adoption of Third
World children by white Community families ?

It is not the Commission 's role to encourage European
families to adopt children from the Third World . It merely
encourages the comparison of experience and exchange of
information on adoption matters, in accordance with the
conclusions regarding familiy policies of the ministers
responsible for family affairs meeting within the Council in
September 1989 .

In March 1993, the Commission thus organized a seminar
on adoption for lawyers, research workers and those active
in the field . The proceedings will shortly be available .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1782 / 93

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

( 12 July 1993 )

94 / C 25 / 100 )

Subject : European capital yields tax

The Community 's economic indicators are all in the red

( recession, rising unemployment, stormy times for the EMS
and a fall in the EC 's share of world trade ). The recession is
having a very adverse effect on tax receipts and is increasing
social expenditure in all the Member States .

Given the serious risk of a flight of capital if any Member
State were to raise taxes unilaterally, is the Commission
considering making proposals to raise and harmonize
capital yields taxation throughout the Community ?

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener

on behalf of the Commission

(4 October 1993 )

The Commission put forward in 1989 a proposal for a
Directive introducing a common system of withholding tax
on investment income under which interest payments made
to all Community residents would attract tax at a minimum
rate of 15 % ( r ). The aim was to ensure, in accordance with
Article 6 of Council Directive 88 / 36 1 / EEC of 24 June

1988 ( 2 ), that the liberalization of capital movements would
be underpinned by measures to eliminate or reduce the risks
of distortion, tax evasion and tax avoidance linked to the
diversity of national systems for the taxation of savings .

The proposal, which reflects the concerns expressed by the
Honourable Member, did not meet with the Council 's

No C 25 / 52 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

approval, in particular because certain Member States had
reservations regarding the risks of capital currently invested
within the Community being moved to non-member
countries .

The Belgian Presidency has included the question of the
taxation of savings in the Council 's work programme for the
second half of 1993 with a view to getting discussion of this
proposal moving again .

(M See Commission communication to the Council COM(89 ) 60

final / 3 of 12 May 1989 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 178, 8 . 7 . 1988 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 799 / 93

by Leo Tindemans ( PPE ), Alberto Michelini ( PPE ), Sir
Christopher Prout ( PPE ), Pierre Bernard-Reymond ( PPE )

and Friedrich Merz ( PPE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 12 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 101 )

Subject : Malta 's application to join the EC

Can the Commission explain why it has not yet adopted its
opinion on Malta 's application to join the EC when it is well
known that the staff work on this was completed some
months ago and indeed the Commission had promised to
issue this opinion before the end of 1992 ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

( 29 October 1993 )

On 30 June 1993, the Commission released its opinion on
Malta 's application to join the Community ( J ).

(M COM(93 ) 312 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1831 / 93

by Mrs Brigitte Ernst de la Graete ( V )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 13 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 102 )

Subject : Seventh protocol on beef and veal in Lome IV

In 1989, the Commission signed the 7th protocol on beef
and veal under which Botswana was allocated a quota of

19 000 tonnes on imports of boneless beef into the
Community, carrying with it a 75 % reduction in import
duties . The protocol also guarantees producers a
substantially higher sales price than on world markets .

1 . How does the Commission justify this decision in view

of the large beef surpluses inside the Community ?

2 . How does the Commission reconcile this policy of

indirect encouragement to breeders with its policy of
protecting Botswana 's environment which, as is
well-known, is threatened by over-grazing ?

3 . Has the Commission attempted to influence ( or can it do

so in the future ) the manner in which the Botswanan
authorities use the sums saved on import duties ?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 26 October 1993 )

1 . The Beef Protocol was introduced in Lome I and

continued in the subsequent Lome Conventions . It dates
therefore from the time when the Community was a deficit
beef producer . As in other arrangements, the objective of the
Protocol is to maintain the traditional trade flows with third

countries .

The Commission thinks it reasonable not to subordinate the

pursuit of this objective to the variation of production in the
Community .

2 . The Commission is well aware of the problem of
overgrazing in Botswana . This is mainly due to sheep and
goat farming which adversely affects the available pastoral
land . Several projects have therefore been funded since
Lome II to encourage reductions in the sheep and goat
stock .

In addition the need to conserve and develop natural
resources has been emphasized in Lome III and Lome IV
National Indicative Programmes . This has led to the
Wildlife Conservation and Development Programme in
Northern Botswana which is currently being implemented
and to the Wildlife Conservation and Development
Programme in Central / Southern Botswana which is now
under preparation .

3 . In accordance with dispositions of the Beef Protocol,
Botswana benefits from a reduction of the levy on imports of
an agreed quantity of beef into the Community . Restitutions
are not paid . The result of this system is that the income
arising from the sale of traditional quantities on the
Community market is higher than the income arising from
sales on the world market, thus benefiting Botswana
producers .

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 53

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1835 / 93 Answer given by Mrs Scrivener
on behalf of the Commission

by Mr Panayotis Roumeliotis ( PSE )
to the Commission of the European Communities ( 13 October 1993 )

( 15 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 103 )

The Commission fully shares the concern of the Honourable
Member about home and leisure accidents in general and
Subject : Strike ban on GSEE ( Greek General Confederation concerning children in particular .

of Labour )

For the first time in the 81 - year history of the GSEE, a court
order has been issued banning strikes declared by the
organization .

The ban applies to the strikes by workers at the Elefsina
shipyards which the GSEE called while it takes their case to
the International Labour Office and Community bodies .

Can the Commission provide more detailed information on
this matter ?

The Commission is of the opinion that the provision of

appropriate information can play a significant role in
promoting child safety and is an essential complement to
legislation in this field . However, experience has shown that
safety information campaigns of the type envisaged by the
Honourable Member are best undertaken by local, regional
or national organizations which have the advantage of being
directly in touch with child safety issues in their own areas
and can thus target their action at specific problems, which
tends to be more cost effective than general information
campaigns . The conference on ' Communicating child

safety : European approaches to accident prevention
campaigns ', held in Brussels in November 1991, served to
confirm that this particular example of subsidiarity was the
Answer given by Mr Flynn right approach to take on this issue .
on behalf of the Commission

(9 November 1993 )

The Honourable Member 's question does not come within
the Commission 's jurisdiction .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 873 / 93

Indeed, the credits available in the Community 's budget in

1990, 1991 and 1992, were used to stimulate and extend
information campaigns undertaken by a variety of external
organizations ( e.g. family organizations, consumer
associations and institutions specializing in child safety ).
There are no credits specifically directed at child safety
information campaigns in the 1993 EC budget, nor in the
draft budget for 1994 . If the Commission does not currently
intend to launch a Community wide campaign, nevertheless
it gives its financial support to specific actions concerning
child safety in the Member States .

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI ) More generally speaking the Commission has initiated three
to the Commission of the European Communities instruments to help to ensure and develop product safety

within the Community and thus help to prevent domestic
( IS July 1993 ) accidents .

( 94 / C 25 / 104 )

Subject : Accidents in the home

According to the newspaper Rizos of 15 April 1993, there
are 10 times as many ( fatal ) accidents in the home as there
are on the roads and 20 times as many as there are in the
workplace . Since the majority of accidents in the home
involve children, a special campaign must be mounted and
infant schools, junior schools and parents must be given
more information through local authorities and the media .
The newspaper emphasizes that it is possible to prevent such
accidents and that any delay would be criminal .

Will the Commission take any steps to reduce the number of
accidents in the home ?

Firstly Council Decision 90 / 352 / EEC of 29 June 1990 (*)
ensures that if a Member State finds a product which is
considered to be seriously and immediately dangerous to the
health and safety of consumers, it informs the Commission .
This enables the Commission to inform the other Member

States, asking them to verify whether the product in
question is sold on their territory and if this is the case, what
measures they have taken .

Secondly Council Directive 92 / 59 / EEC of 29 June 1992,
coming into force on 29 June 1994, on general product
safety ( 2 ) imposes on producers and Member States the
obligation only to place safe products on the market . The
directive integrates and strengthens the rapid exchange
system, as, under certain specific conditions, a notification

No C 25 / 54 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

of a dangerous product may lead to a Community measure
concerning that product .

Thirdly the system of information on home and leisure
accidents ( Couhcil Decision 86 / 138 / EEC of 22 April 1986
concerning a demonstration project with a view to
introducing a Community system of information on
accidents involving consumer products ) ( 3 ), was first
introduced as a demonstration project in 1986 and in
February 1993 ( 4 ) the Commission proposed to install the
system for five years . This system will be a significant
indicator, enabling the Member States to take the
appropriate measures, and enabling the Commission to
make an evaluation of the possible Community dimension
of a problem .

Provided that the Member States fulfil their responsibilities,
the combination of all these instruments should, in the view
of the Commission, contribute to reducing the number of
accidents involving products .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 893 / 93

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

( 15 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 106 )

Subject : Cohesion Fund aid programmes for Greece

Will the Commission give details of the programmes under
which Greece has to date submitted applications for aid
from the Cohesion Fund ?

Answer given by Mr Schmidhuber

on behalf of the Commission

(!) OJ No L 173, 6 . 7 . 1990 . (1 October 1993 )

( 2 ) OJ No L 228, 11 . 8 . 1992 .
( 3 ) OJ No L 109, 26 . 4 . 1986 .
( 4 ) Proposal for a Council Decision introducing a Community

system of information on home and leisure accidents —
COM(93 ) 18 final .

On 2 July 1993 Greece submitted 94 projects to the
Commission for assistance from the cohesion financial
instrument set up by Regulation ( EEC ) No 729 / 93 of
3 March 1993 f 1 ).

The decisions will be made public and published in the
Official Journal .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1881 / 93
(M OJ No L 79, 1 . 4 . 1993 .

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

( 15 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 105 )

Subject : Western Sahara

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 895 / 93

Western Sahara is the only colony in Africa still to gain its by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI )
independence . In view of this, can the Commission say
whether the Community has taken any measures to speed up to the Commission of the European
the independence process for that country ? ( 15 July 1993 )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 15 July 1993 )

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

( 27 October 1993 )

The matter raised by the Honourable Member is one which
comes within the competence of European Political
Cooperation .

( 94 / C 25 / 107 )

Subject : Discrimination in employment contracts and in

workers ' rights in general

How does the Commission believe the Community could
help deal with discriminatory treatment in employment
contracts and more generally in respect of workers ' rights on
Community territory, with particular reference to
discrimination on the grounds of sex and discrimination in
the application of European policies according to age,
religion, race or nationality, political convictions and
membership of trade unions ?

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 55

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 29 October 1993 )

The Commission, acting on the basis of the relevant
provisions of the EEC Treaty and the principles established
in the Community Charter of basic social rights for workers,
is pursuing a policy which seeks to guarantee equal
treatment for all workers, regardless of sex or nationality, by
presenting proposals for directives on equal treatment and
implementing action programmes to raise awareness of
Community legislation in this field .

Furthermore, according to consistent case law of the Court
of Justice, generally recognized principles in the field of
human rights, including the prohibition of this type of
discrimination, must be taken into account when
interpreting and applying any provisions of Community
law .

action on the economic and social integration of poor
women is now being drawn up .

The main purpose of the European Social Fund is,
furthermore, to combat unemployment — especially
long-term unemployment which affects women
particularly . It is also the Commission 's most valuable
financial means of promoting equal opportunities in
employment and vocational training . Thus, by developing
measures to help long-term unemployed women, the ESF
helps to anticipate cases of poverty .

Specific measures to promote the vocational training and
integration of women are being developed under the
Community support frameworks ( CSF ) for objectives 1, 3
and 4 regions .

The NOW initiative ( 1991 — 1993 ) also involves
transnational and innovatory measures to promote the
training and employment of women . Several such projects
are geared to underpriviliged women ( migrant women,
heads of family, etc .).

Promoting equal opportunities remains a priority under the
ESF for the period 1994 — 1999 and projects to combat
poverty among women may be jointly financed .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1912 / 93

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

( IS July 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 108 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1943 / 93

Subject : Programmes to combat poverty among women

The increase in poverty among women in all sectors is a
problem even in Europe .

What are the Commission 's views on the adequacy of the
funding for the existing programmes to combat poverty
( Poverty III ), and to promote equal opportunities for
women in the sphere of employment and vocational training
( NOW )?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 12 October 1993 )

The Community programme Poverty III has given rise to a
number of innovatory measures as part of integrated local
projects geared particularly to poor women .

The Commission has, moreover, supported measures
proposed by the networks covering single parent families
and underprivileged women and is in constant contact with
these associations as part of the European Anti-Poverty
Network . A guide to recommendations on effective positive

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( NI )

to European Political Cooperation

( 19 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 109

Subject : Refugees in Africa

The number of refugees in Africa has reached 6 million ( 15
million if displaced populations within the same state are
included ), and the problem there can therefore no longer be
ignored .

Will EPC express the concern of the Community and its
Member States and call on the African States concerned to
take measures ot ensure that the human rights of the
refugees are respected ?

Answer

(9 December 1993 )

The European Union shares the concern of the Honourable
Member at the plight of the great number of refugees in

No C 25 / 56 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

Africa . It has expressed its concern on numerous occasions
in contacts with the governments of the countries
concerned . Respect for basic human rights has become one
of the cornerstones of relations between the European
Union and other countries, also in Africa .

sector in the United States (a 3,5 billion deficit for the
Community ). The Community must therefore be extremely
vigilant during the negotiations in this sector .

Does the Commission not therefore consider it essential

for the cultural clause to be taken into account in GATT to

ensure the survival of the European audiovisual market ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1955 / 93 Answer given by Sir Leon
on behalf of the Commission

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

by Mr Henry Chabert ( PPE ) on behalf of the
to the Commission of the European Communities ( 12 October 1993 )

( 19 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 110 )

Subject : Uruguay Round negotiations and audiovisual

sector

The audiovisual sector is one of the key sectors in which the
GATT negotiators have not yet been able to reach
agreement because of the administration 's refusal to include
any reference to culture as requested by the Community, or
derogations from the GATT most-favoured-nation clause
so as to prevent dismantling of the ' television without
frontiers ' directive, international co-production agreements
and the Media programme .

As regards the cultural clause, in GATT the United States are
refusing to include a provision which they granted their
Canadian and Mexican partners in the recent Alena

agreement .

Does the Commission intend to adopt an unwavering
position of principle in the Uruguay Round negotiations in
the audiovisual sector so that the Community is not
subjected to discriminatory treatment ?

The threat which the American attitude presents to the
' television without frontiers ' directive could also mean that

there are no rules for the Community 's audiovisual market
as a whole which, without some form of protection, would
become totally deregulated .

Is the Commission aware that this threat could be extremely
detrimental to the creation of European audiovisual
programmes and, if so, what protective measures does it
intend to propose ?

In 1990 American audiovisual programmes brought in 15
times more in Europe than did the European audiovisual

The Commission stands fast on the principle of
safeguarding the cultural specificity of the audiovisual
industry in the working text of the agreement on services, in
keeping with the stance consistently taken by the
Community . To the Commission, to take account of the
cultural specificity of this industry under GATT is indeed
essential, if not for the market to survive, then at least for the
proper defence of the industry 's legitimate interests .

This line is in no way comparable to the terms negotiated by
the USA with its NAFTA partners, because the NAFTA
agreement, despite including a ' cultural exception ', permits
the USA to take unilateral action on terms which would be

unacceptable to the Community under GATT . Owing to the
Community 's adherence to the principle that the Agreement
on trade in services should exclude any sector, it is in favour
of including the audiovisual industry in GATT, subject to
recognition of that industry 's cultural specificity ; this is
intended as a means of defending the legitimacy of its
anti-protectionist policy in this field .

The Commission agrees that it would be impossible to
accept the US demand for dismantling the provisions of
Directive 89 / 552 / EEC ( on ' television without frontiers ')
giving preferential access to broadcasters ' air time for
' European works ' on the terms laid down in the Directive .
Such a concession would be prejudicial to the development
of European audiovisual programme-making . The
Commission is also of the opinion, in view of the figures
quoted by the Honourable Member himself, that there is no
serious threat to access to the Community market for US
audiovisual programmes . In the present circumstances the
Commission sees no need for interim protective measures
but will continue to look at proposals it could put forward
to promote the development of a strong and competitive
European cultural industry producing audiovisual

programmes .

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 57

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1964 / 93

by Mr Ernest Glinne ( PSE )
to the Council of the European Communities

( 19 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 111 )

Subject : Community attitude towards the dictatorship in

Haiti

At its recent meeting the ACP / EEC Joint Assembly listed six
principles which, for the good of Haiti, should form a basis
for negotiation in accordance with the Washington draft
treaty drawn up in February by President Aristide and
members of parliament .

On the ground, however, the Zinglandos, successors to the
Tontons Macoutes, are with impunity stepping up their
campaign of violence, as are the regular army (7 000
' tisoldats ' in Creole ) and a large proportion of the police .
Haiti is a hell where the blood never stops flowing ;
possessing a photo of President Artistide or audibly
mentioning the Head of State democratically elected on

16 December 1990, then deposed and forced into exile by
the army on 30 September 1991 ' justifies ' execution,
torture, rape and disappearances .

The embargo on imports and exports has trebled the price of
commodities and increased the number of Haitians leaving
the country ( without succeeding more often than not if their
destination is Florida, because of US navy interception ).

What then is the Council 's reaction to the position of the
Joint Assembly, given the need to organize proper
democratic elections in Haiti and ensure respect for
democratic values ?

Is it not essential to use the human righs provisions of
Lome IV to suspend participation by the present regime in
Haiti in the Convention and to intervene from now on only
through NGOs trying to help the defenceless people ?

witnessed by the important resolution adopted by the
ACP / EEC Joint Assembly at its meeting from 29 March to
2 April 1993 in Gaborone ( Botswana ).

The Council would also inform the Honourable Member

that since October 1991 economic and financial

cooperation under the Lome Convention has been
suspended with regard to Haiti, with the exception of
humanitarian aid which directly benefits the Haitian people .
The same attitude has been adopted by the Member States

on a bilateral level .

Among the other measures which could be taken, the
Council has also discussed the possibility of denouncing the
Lome Convention with regard to Haiti . It thought it was not
necessary to adopt such an extreme measure, bearing in
mind as well the negative attitude taken by the Group of
ACP States .

The possibility of imposing a trade embargo on Haiti has
also been discussed . The Council noted that imposing an
embargo would encounter serious legal difficulties, in
particular in connection with compliance with the
obligations arising from the Lome Convention and with the
absence of a decision by the Security Council pursuant to
Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter .

Once these obstacles had been removed following the
adoption by the United Nations Security Council of
Resolution 841 ( 1993 ) on 16 June 1993, the Council
adopted on 24 June 1993 a Regulation introducing an
embargo concerning certain trade between the Community
and Haiti . That embargo, lifted on 13 September 1993
following Security Council Resolution 861 ( 1993 ), was
however reimposed on 28 October 1993 by Regulation

( EEC ) No 3028 / 93 following a further Security Council
Resolution adopted on 13 October 1993 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1973 / 93

by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARC )
to the Commission of the European Communities
Answer

( 19 July 1993 )
( 10 December 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 112 )

Since the military coup d'etat which in September 1991
toppled the first democratically elected President in Haiti the
Council and the political cooperation authorities have
consistently denounced the suffering and numerous
violations of human righs inflicted on the Haitian people,
demanded the re-introduction of constitutional order in
Haiti and supported the international community 's efforts
and pressure to this end .

The Council welcomes the convergence of views which
exists between the Community and its ACP partners as

Subject : Conference on ' social exclusion ' in Copenhagen

Is it true that the Commission held a conference on ' social

exclusion ' on 2 — 4 June 1993 ?

Which organizations took part, and how were they
selected ?

No C 25 / 58 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

Was the Commission aware of any interest expressed by
other organizations ? If so, were those organizations also
invited ?

What action does the Commission intend to take to

overcome this obvious obstruction ?

If the old CCC remains in operation until replaced with the
new CCC, why have there not yet been any plenary meetings
and why is none planned for the foreseeable future ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn (!) OJ No C 320, 26 . 11 . 1993, p . 23 .
on behalf of the Commission

( 12 October 1993 )

The Commission and the Danish Presidency were jointly
responsible for organizing the conference ' Combating social
'
exclusion — a challenge for the nineties which was held in
Copenhagen on 2— 3 June 1993 .

The conference was attended by about 370 people
representing national, regional and local authorities,
non-governmental organizations, the two sides of industry
and networks of local projects to combat social exclusion,

etc .

According to the number of places available, organizations
were invited on the basis of their current involvement in the

European networks and regular contacts with the
Commission — particularly as part of the Poverty III
programme ( see Council Decision of 18 July 1989 ) (*), their
cooperation with non-governmental organizations under
the EAPN ( European Anti-Poverty Network ) or their
contribution to social dialogue at European level .

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener

on behalf of the Commission

( 26 October 1993 )

The only consumer organization represented in the CCC

( Consumers ' Consultative Council ) which has not yet
proposed its candidates for renewal of the CCC is BEUC

( Bureau Europeen des Unions de Consommateurs ).

However, the renewal process is not being actively pursued
at present since the Commission is currently consulting the
consumer organizations on a possible reform of the CCC,
which might imply changes in its structure and thus affect
the renewal procedure . It is expected that conclusions will
be drawn from the outcome of these consultations by the
end of 1993 .

A plenary meeting of the existing CCC is foreseen for

18—19 October 1993 .
(!) OJ No L 224, 2 . 8 . 1989 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2021 / 93

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1977 / 93

by Mrs Astrid Lulling ( PPE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

by Mr Filippos Pierros ( PPE )

to European Political Cooperation

( 23 July 1993 )
( 19 July 1993 ) ( 94 / C 25 / 114
( 94 / C 25 / 113

Subject : Appointment of a new Consumers ' Consultative

Committee

In its reply to my Written Question No 890 / 93 (')
concerning the appointment of a new Consumers '
Consultative Committee the Commission confirms that a

new committee has not been appointed because not all
organizations have responded to the appeal for the
nomination of candidates .

Would the Commission please specify which organizations
have yet to respond to its appeal of 20 November 1992 to
nominate candidates for the new CCC which was to have

been appointed on 1 January 1993 ?

Subject : Torture in Turkish prisons

Despite promises by the Turkish Government to modernize
its penal system and put an end to torture, the latter
continues to be standard practice in Turkish prisons . In
April 1993 representatives of Amnesty International and
Helsinki Watch submitted irrefutable evidence to the

Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe
concerning the methods of torture which continue to be
used in Turkish prisons : beatings on the soles of the feet
(' falaka ') and other forms of assault, hanging by the wrists
and electric shocks to toes, fingers and sexual organs .

What steps will EPC take in response to these flagrant
violations of human rights in Turkey ?

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 59

Answer WRITTEN QUESTION E-2045 / 93

(8 December 1993 )

The Honourable Member is referred to the answer given to

his question No 2022 / 93 .

by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini ( NI ), Giuseppe Rauti ( NI ),
Pietro Mitolo ( NI ), Antonio Mazzone ( NI ),
Johanna-Christina Grund ( NI ), Emil Schlee ( NI ), Sotiris

Kostopoulos ( PSE ), Karl Partsch ( LDR ), Virginio Bettini

( V ), Klaus-Peter Köhler ( DR ), Enrico Falqui ( V ), David
Morris ( PSE ), Hiltrud Breyer ( V ), Paul Staes ( V ),
Gianfranco Amendola ( V ), Mary Banotti ( PPE ), Marco
Pannella ( NI ), Gepa Maibaum ( PSE ), Doris Pack ( PPE ),
Roberto Barzanti ( PSE ), Arie Oostlander ( PPE ), Yvan Blot

( DR ), Michael Elliott ( PSE ), Jean-Pierre Raffin ( V ), Marco
Taradash ( V ), Francesco Guidolin ( PPE ), Bruno Boissière

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2033 / 93 Taradash ( V ), Francesco Guidolin ( PPE ),

Mr Yves Verwaerde LDR ( V ) and Leon Schwartzenberg ( PSE )

by Mr Yves Verwaerde ( LDR )
to the Commission of the European Communities to the Council of the European Communities

( 23 July 1993 ) ( 23 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 115 ) ( 94 / C 25 / 116 )

Subject : Negotiations on the accession of Austria, Finland

and Sweden to the European Communities

Will the Commission state what progress has been made in
the negotiations on the accession of Austria, Finland and
Sweden to the European Communities which were officially
opened on 1 February 1993 ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

(8 October 1993 )

Since the formal opening of negotiations with Austria,
Finland and Sweden on 1 February and Norway on 5 April
this year, substantial progress has been made in the
negotiations for the accession of these countries to the
European Union, and most recently, at the meetings of the
conference at Deputies ' level held on 22 July ( with Austria )
and on 28 July 1993 ( with Sweden, Finland and
Norway ).

The meeting of the European Council in Copenhagen on
21 - — 22 June took note of progress in the enlargement
negotiations with the four applicant countries, and noted
that the initial difficulties encountered had now been
overcome, and that the pace of the negotiations was
speeding up . It recalled that the negotiations would as far as
possible be conducted in parallel, while dealing with each
candidate on its own merit .

As the Commission reported to the Parliament on 14 July

1993, even though negotiations are now beginning on the
key chapters, the speed and atmosphere of the talks so far
gives ground for cautious optimism . On most of the more
complex issues ( agriculture, regional policy, fisheries and
trade policy issues ) bilateral exploratory talks have already
taken place between the Commission and the candidates . As
soon as the applicant countries have made their positions
sufficiently clear, the Commission will prepare and dispatch
to Council draft common positions .

Subject : Protection of animals during transport

What measures have been taken to ascertain the actual

conditions of animal transport in the EEC in relation to
the two specific Community Directives ( 77 / 489 / EEC ( x )
and 81 / 389 / EEC ( 2 )) and the more recent Directive
91 / 628 / EEC ( 3 )? There are reports of serious violations of
these Directives in the media every day .

Will there be a thorough investigation into the events of

9 September 1 992, when 220 sheep being transported on the
ferry from Bari to Patras were found dead from
asphyxiation after a journey in appalling conditions ? The
transport had been arranged by the company ' Smeets &
Zonen ' of Peer ( Grote-Brogel ), in Hasselt .

(!) OJ No L 200, 8 . 8 . 1977, p . 10 .
( 2 ) OJ No L 150, 6 . 6 . 1981, p . 1 .
( 3 ) OJ No L 340, 11 . 12 . 1991, p . 17 .

Answer

(9 December 1993 )

On 19 December 1991 the Council adopted Directive
91 / 628 / EEC on the protection of animals during transport
which introduced stricter provisions and repealed Directives
77 / 489 / EEC and 81 / 389 / EEC as from 1 January 1993 .

The Member States must comply with the new rules as from

1 January 1993 .

It is for Member States to take all measures needed to ensure
actual implementation of the Directive concerned .

In particular Article 18 of Directive 91 / 628 / EEC provides
that States :

( a ) must take the appropriate specific measures to penalize

any infringement of the Directive by natural or legal

persons ;

( b ) may also, without prejudice to the other sanctions

imposed, take the measures necessary to correct the

No C 25 / 60 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

shortcomings noted in the event of repeated
infringements or an infringement resulting in severe
suffering to animals .

In the case raised by the Honourable Members, it is
therefore for the Member States concerned by the facts
established to take all the measures called for following the
occurrence mentioned in the question .

It should also be pointed out that it is the Commission 's role
to ensure that Community law is applied and, where
appropriate, to take the necessary measures to this end .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2050 / 93

by Mr André Sainjon ( PSE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 23 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 117 )

Subject : Introduction of social clauses into trade

agreements

According to the ILO annual report, millions of men and
women are nowadays subjected the world over to some
form of forced labour, whether traditional slavery as in
Africa or debt obligations as in Asia . Child labour, which
was the subject of the previous annual report, also
represents the most alarming and intolerable aspect of this
problem .

At a time when increasing importance is being given to
general human rights issues, it would seem appropriate to
establish a link between workers ' rights and the
forthcoming SGP 94 . To this end, does the Commission
intend to ask its services to prepare draft proposals for the
Scheme of Generalized Preferences for 1994, containing a
minimum basis for change, which would be the first step
towards a more substantial reform to be prepared after the
end of the Uruguay Round ?

In my view, this clause should include three conditions : a
ban on forced labour, a ban on child labour, trade union
freedom and collective negotiation .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2085 / 93

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

( 23 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 118 )

Subject : Uncontrolled killing of stray animals and wild

animals threatened with extinction in Greece

A Ministerial Decision has been adopted in Greece
implementing Presidential Decree 289 / 92 which authorized
the arbitrary killing of animals by anyone, untrained gangs
of animal catchers, the compulsory putting-down of
animals, the subsidized building of essentially uncontrolled
animal homes by private individuals which, according to the
views of vets and animal welfare organizations, will end up
as crematoria subsidized by the Delors II package . The same
decision also provides for the uncontrolled slaugthter of
wild animals threatened by extinction : wolves, jackals,
foxes, etc . In the light of this, what action will the
Commission take to protect stray animals and wild animals
threatened by extinction in Greece ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

(4 October 1993 )

The management of indigenous wild animal species is
regulated in Council Directive 92 / 43 / EEC of 21 May 1992
on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna
and flora (*).

The control of stray animals falls outside the sphere of
Community competence .

(!) OJ No L 206, 22 . 7 . 1992, p . 7 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2093 / 93

by Mr José Mendes Bota ( LDR )
to the Commission of the European Communities
Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission ( 23 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 119 )
( 25 October 1993 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to

its answer to Written Question No 1586 / 93 by Mrs
Dury (*).

{ x ) See page 43 of this Official Journal .

Subject : Is East Timor now considered to be Indonesian

territory ?

The map published by the Commission of the geographical
areas and countries with which the Community has
cooperation and development aid agreements shows the
territory of East Timor as distinct from Indonesia, despite

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 61

the latter 's illegal occupation thereof . Anyone visiting the
premises of DG VIII will thus be surprised to discover there a
map which is identical to the one referred to above, except
for the fact that the annexation of East Timor by the
occupying power is shown as a ' fait accompli '.

Which of these maps represents the Commission 's true
position ? What steps does the Commission plan to take to
standardize its maps ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2165 / 93

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

( 28 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 121 )

Subject : Promotion and safeguard of less widespread

languages and cultures

How much money has been allocated to the budget line
Answer given by Mr Marin designed to promote and safeguard less widespread
on behalf of the Commission languages and cultures ?

( 25 October 1993 )

What has this money been spent on ?

Although a previous version of the map cited in the question What are the main decision criteria for allocating the
might have given rise to some ambiguity, this has now been money ?
revised and shows East Timor as a specific entity on the
island of Timor, shaded in white, whereas Indonesia in How should applications be made ?
general is coloured green .

What specific examples of projects have been funded under
this budget line ?

In particular, what specific projects have been funded to
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2103 / 93 promote Asiatic languages which are spoken in the

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) European Community, such as Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi ?
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 23 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 120 ) Answer given by Mr Ruberti
on behalf of the Commission

Subject : Human rights of indigenous populations

According to Amnesty International, indigenous
communities remain the principal victims of violations of
human rights . In a report on the matter it reveals that the
rights of 300 million indigenous people are under, serious
threat in more than 70 countries . Many have been abducted,
tortured and killed for their land or its wealth . Typically,
according to Amnesty International, these ' operations ' are
carried out by large landowners with the aid of hired
gunmen and frequently with the tacit support of the
authorities . The UN has designated 1993 International year
for the World 's Indigenous People .

Has the Community taken action to eliminate ( or at least
reduce ) the violations of human rights in the various
countries ?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

( 15 November 1993 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its
answer to his Written Question No 1315 / 93 (*).

(!) OJ No C 333, 8 . 12 . 1993, p . 19 .

( 15 November 1993 )

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

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2206 / 93

by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini ( NI )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 29 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 122 )

Subject : Reemployment of Italian customs agents

What representations does the Commission intend to make
to the Italian Government to persuade it to create jobs for
customs agents who, despite their considerable professional
abilities, are out of work as a result of the opening of the
Community 's borders ?

Does the Commission not consider that, following the
action taken by other Member States, the Italian
Government ( which has already broken a series of promises
made to the agents, including the promise that 2 000

No C 25 / 62 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

customs agents, executives or auxiliaries would be taken on

by the Finance Ministry ) should, nonetheless, implement a
series of support measures, such as compensation payments,
conversion courses and early retirement ?

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener

on behalf of the Commission

( 27 October 1993 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to

its replies to Written Questions Nos 526 / 93 ( Mr
Kostopoulos ) (*) and 2448 / 92 ( Mr Cushnahan ) ( 2 ).

Like the other Member States, Italy is eligible for the
measures provided for in Council Regulation ( EEC )
No 3904 / 92 .

If, in addition to the procedures already established under
the structural funds, these measures benefiting customs

agents are to be as effective as possible, both in Italy and in
other Member States, the greatest care must be taken with
their implementation .

(!) OJ No C 258, 27 . 9 . 1993 .
( 2 ) OJ No C 90, 31 . 3 . 1993 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2222 / 93
by Mrs Johanna-Christina Grand ( NI )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 29 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 123 )

Subject : Codification of fundamental rights in the EC

As a full member of the EP 's Committee on Legal Affairs and
Citizens ' Rights I should be grateful if the Commission
could give me an outline of ECJ case law, listing all cases
relating to fundamental rights guaranteed by the European
Court of Justice .

In this connection, can the Commission also codify the
fundamental rights acknowledged by the ECJ for the
purpose of comparison with the protection of fundamental
rights at national level ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

( 26 October 1993 )

The Court of Justice has repeatedly ruled on the scope and
the protection of fundamental rights at Community level . In

doing so, it bases itself on the precedent of the traditional
constitutional principles common to all Member States and
on the international agreements binding on it in this area, in
particular the European Convention for the Protection of
Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms . The White
Paper presented by the Parliament 's Institutional
Committee in 1988 on the fundamental rights and freedoms
of European citizens ( rapporteur : Karel de Gucht ), provides
an insight into the Court of Justice 's case-law on this

matter .

As yet, the Community does not have its own binding list of
the human rights and fundamental freedoms enjoyed by its
citizens . Nonetheless, the Parliament, Council and
Commission, in their joint declaration of 5 April 1977,
committed themselves to guaranteeing and protecting
fundamental rights in the pursuit of their activities,
explicitly referring to the European Convention on Human
Rights . The preamble to the Single European Act of 1986
and Article F(2 ) of the draft Treaty on European Union
contain similar provisions . Moreover the Commission, in

1979 and again in 1990, proposed to the Council that the
Community should accede to the Convention on Human
Rights . Such a step would not only enable all Community
citizens to receive the same degree of protection against
Community actions as against those of the Member States,
but would also symbolize the Community 's common values
and the identity of Europe and would add credibility to the
commitment of the Community and its Member States to
defending human rights at international level . Parliament 's

1989 declaration on fundamental rights and freedoms was
an important contribution to the discussion on the
Community 's compilation of its own list of fundamental
rights .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2370 / 93

by José Alvarez de Paz ( PSE ) and

Pedro Bofill Abeilhe ( PSE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 124 )

Subject : The need to protect the European social model

The communication by Mr Flynn, Commissioner, entitled
' Community - wide framework for employment ' (*),
compares growth in the Community with that in the USA
and states that a larger proportion of the United States
population ' has had access to paid employment '.

In the first place, all employment must be paid, as wages are
the first fruit of social progress and the right to paid work is
a fundamental right .

In the second place, would the Commission not agree that in
the USA these jobs are badly paid and that workers have

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 63

little protection as a result of antisocial policies to reduce
public expenditure implemented by previous US
administrations ?

Does the Commission believe that this experiment can be
exported to the Community, taking into acount the level of
unemployment and our traditional social model, without
jeopardizing industrial relations ?

(>) COM(93 ) 238 .

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

(6 October 1993 )

In the Commission communication COM(93 ) 238,
Community-wide framework for employment, the
expression ' paid employment ' is used to represent the total
employment in the economy which is measured statistically
as such . This does not, however, exclude the existence of
other types of employment which are not paid in a formal
sense, such as voluntary work, or the work carried out by
women in the home .

The problem set out in the Community Framework
Initiative is based on analyses presented in the ' Employment
in Europe ' report 1993, which compares growth of output
and employment in the Community, the US and Japan . The
report notes that since the early 1970s, the US has succeeded
in increasing the numbers in employment by some 30
million, three times as many as the Community, though
many, but by no means all, of these were low paid,
low-productivity jobs . The report also notes that experience
in the Community and elsewhere shows that relatively high
employment growth tends to be associated more with
increases in labour force participation than with falling
unemployment .

This is why the aim of the Community Framework Initiative
is to focus on the employment problem, and not just on the
unemployment problem .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2444 / 93

by Mr Arie Oostlander ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 125 )

Subject : European Youth Parliament

1 . Is the Commission aware that the national committees
are : distancing themselves from the ' European Youth
Parliament ', which is registered in Oxford as a charity ?

2 . Is the Commission aware of the material and financial

considerations which have led to the rift between the

' European Youth Parliament ' and the national
committees ?

3 . Does the Commission monitor the subsidies which it

pays to the European Youth Parliament ( ECU 50 000 in

1992 and 1993 ) to ensure that they are properly used ?

4 . Does the Commission approve of the manner in which
the European Youth Parliament has accounted for the funds
it has received ?

Answer given by Mr Ruberti
on behalf of the Commission

(4 November 1993 )

1 . The Commission has been informed of certain

difficulties which have arisen between the Netherlands

national committee and the central organization known as
the ' European Youth Parliament '.

2 . The Netherlands national committee was of the

opinion that expenditure at central level was too high, that
the organization was not sufficiently democratic and that
the proposed activities were in fact reserved for an elite,
given that the high cost prevented many interested young
people from taking part .

3 . The European Youth Parliament is one of many
non-governmental organizations whose aim is to promote
the introduction of a European dimension in schools . Its
objective is to encourage contact between students and it is
totally independent of Community institutions at both
national and regional level . The Commission may provide
funding for activities undertaken by such organizations
provided that they meet the established criteria . One of these
criteria is that the subsidy received from the Commission
must not be used to cover ordinary operating costs, but must
be used for the benefit of the students themselves,
particularly those who are most in need of such help .

The Commission applied normal financial rules to the

subsidies of ECU 50 000 granted in 1992 and 1993, as
requested by Parliament in its remarks on Article B31001 of
the budget . Under those rules, a budget must be submitted in
advance and, prior to the subsidy being paid, a report on the
organization 's activities and a financial statement must be
sent to the Commission before the stipulated time limit .

4 . According to the information available, 1992 's
subsidy was used to cover accommodation and travel
expenses for participating students . It is expected that the

No C 25 / 64 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

1993 subsidy will be used in the same way with a view to
helping those schools and students most in need .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2457 / 93

by Mr Otto Habsburg ( PPE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 126 )

Subject : The Commission 's failure to answer letters
punctually

On 31 October 1992 Mr Willibald Jan Fabian, a member of
the Polish Sejm, wrote to Mrs Karen Fogg at the
Commission ( Directorate-General for External Relations,
Phare Operational Service 3 ) about the possibility of
cultural projects in Upper Silesia receiving financial support
from the Phare programme .

He has not yet had a reply .

1 . Is there any justification for failing to answer a letter for
over six months ?

2 . What are the reasons for this incident ?

3 . Does the Commission share my view that this practice,
particularly in relation to a member of the parliament of
a friendly nation, harms the reputation of our
Community ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2534 / 93

by Mr José Lafuente Lôpez ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 127

Subject : Media terrorism against the tourist trade on the

Island of Ibiza

Those responsible for tourism on the Island of Ibiza, Spain,
are greatly alarmed and concerned at sensationalist and false
reports in the British press that Ibiza is one of the worst areas
in the world for numbers of people affected by AIDS . It was
also reported in the evening news on BBC 2 television on
22 June that one in 30 people on the island carried the HIV
virus .

This campaign to discredit and blacken Ibiza 's image has
been resisted by the island 's health authorities, who have
produced figures showing that, out of Ibiza 's population of
72 000, 49 are AIDS sufferers, 158 are HIV positive and 29
sufferers have died of AIDS since 1981 .

In the light of these figures, the sensationalist British reports
can be regarded as a real act of terrorism against the tourist
industry — possibly as a shield for obscure economic
interests ; the Commission could be of particular service to
tourism on Ibiza by using its authority to condemn such
terrorist tactics and publicly confirm the figures provided by
the local health authority, while condemning the
publication of misleading information likely to cause
considerable damage to Ibiza 's economy, which largely
depends on tourism .

Answer given by Mr Flynn
Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan on behalf of the Commission

on behalf of the Commission ( 10 November 1993 )
( 18 October 1993 )

The Commission has no trace of the letter in question .
Through its Delegation in Warsaw, it has since made contact
with Mr Fabian to obtain a copy and ensure a full reply to
this enquiry .

Generally speaking, cultural projects are not eligible for
financial support from Phare unless they form an integral
part of a programme of policy reform or economic
restructuring . Priority sectors for Phare support are
determined by the national authorities of the beneficiary
countries in agreement with the Commission .

General enquiries to the Commission about the Phare
programme are handled by the Phare Advisory Unit in
Brussels ( phone : 299-135 6 — fax : 299-1777 ) or by the
Delegation in Warsaw ( phone : + 48 / 2 / 625-0770 — fax :
+ 48 / 2 / 625-0430 ).

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

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2555 / 93

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Council of the European Communities

(1 September 1993 )

94 / C 25 / 128 )

Subject : Provisions governing the use of hydro ­
chlorofluorocarbons and methyl bromide

The Commission is demanding more radical and swifter
measures to restrict the substances damaging the ozone layer

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 65

and has adopted a new proposal for a regulation submitted food products and drugs which are beyond their
by the Commissioner responsible for the environment, Mr sell-by-date ?
Yannis Paleokrassas . The Commission is calling on the
Member States once again to adopt more stringent limits
than those laid down in the Montreal Protocol, the
agreement reached by the entire international community to
combat the problem . Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

Does the Council support the Commission 's new proposal
for a regulation and, in particular, the provisions governing
the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons and methyl
bromide ?

( 11 November 1993 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its
answer to his Written Question No 519 / 93 ( 1 ).

(M OJ No C 264, 29 . 9 . 1993 .
Answer

(9 December 1993 )

1 . The proposal for a Regulation on substances that
deplete the ozone layer, submitted by the Commission on

13 August 1993, does indeed include more stringent
provisions than those decided under the Montreal Protocol
at the Copenhagen meeting in November 1992, in particular
as regards methyl bromide and hydrofluorocarbons .

For these substances, the proposal prescribes stricter
measures than the Protocol : for HCFCs, it provides for a
lower ceiling on consumption and a tighter timetable
phasing them out by 2015 ( instead of 2030 ) and, for methyl
bromide, it provides for a 25% reduction by 1996 in
addition to the freeze which the Copenhagen meeting
stipulated for 1995 . The proposal further includes inter alia
measures to recover controlled substances and to reduce
leakages thereof .

2 . As the European Parliament has not yet delivered an
opinion on the proposal, an initial preliminary discussion
was held at the Environment Council on 5 October

1993 .

The discussion established guidelines on the principal
questions involved — in particular the advisability of
further-reaching provisions than those decided under the
Protocol — with a view to further work in the light of, inter
alia, the European Parliament 's opinion .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-25 85 / 93

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission of the European Communities

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 129

Subject : Food products and drugs beyond their
sell-by-date

Will the Commission propose amending Community
directives to prevent the sale throughout the Community of

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2625 / 93

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )
to European Political Cooperation

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 130 )

Subject : Security and cooperation in the Mediterranean

and the Middle East

European security depends on stability in neighbouring
regions, particularly in the Mediterranean and the Middle
East . The most satisfactory way of ensuring security would
be to hold a conference on security and cooperation in the
Mediterranean and the Middle East which could draw on
the previous experience of the CSCE and of the UN and
would include all the states in the region . Will the Council,
therefore, take ( or even support ) steps in the near future to
bring about this conference ?

Answer

(9 December 1993 )

The European Community and its Member States have
always attached key importance to stability and prosperity
in the Mediterranean as a precondition for security in
Europe . It is against this background that one should see
both the Declaration of the Lisbon European Council on
25 June 1992 on relations between Europe and the Maghreb
and the EC 's involvement in the Middle East peace

process .

The issue has been discussed in particular within the
framework of the CSCE . At the close of the 1992 Helsinki

Summit, the Heads of State or Government stated as
follows : ' We reaffirm our conviction that strengthening
security and cooperation in the Mediterranean is important

No C 25 / 66 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

for stability in the CSCE region . We recognize that the just and lasting peace as a prerequisite for regional economic
changes which have taken place in Europe are relevant to the cooperation .
Mediterranean region and that, conversely, economic,
social," political and security developments in that region
have a direct bearing on Europe . We will therefore widen
our cooperation and enlarge our dialogue with the
non-participating Mediterranean States as a means to
promote social and economic development, thereby
enhancing stability in the region, in order to narrow the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2741 / 93
prosperity gap between Europe and its Mediterranean by Mrs Christine Oddy ( PSE )
neighbours and protect the Mediterranean ecosystems . We
stress the importance of intra-Mediterranean relations and to European Political Cooperation
the need for increased cooperation within the region . We ( 16 September 1993 )
welcome and encourage the continuation of initiatives and ( 94 / C 25 / 131 )
negotiations aimed at finding just, lasting and viable
solutions, through peaceful means, to the outstanding
crucial problems of the Mediterranean region .' : Human in the Territories

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2741 / 93

by Mrs Christine Oddy ( PSE )
to European Political Cooperation

( 16 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 131 )

Subject : Human Rights in the Occupied Territories

What measures is European Political Cooperation
Thus the Helsinki Declaration of 10 July 1992 established undertaking on the monitoring of the human rights
the framework within which the CSCE, and through it the situation in the Occupied Territories ?
Community and its Member States, plan to widen
cooperation and enlarge dialogue which, in terms of
security, will include Mediterranean countries not
participating in the Conference .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2742 / 93

To implement this approach, the Chairman-in-Office of the

by Mrs Christine Oddy ( PSE )
to European Political Cooperation

CSO was encouraged to promote contacts with these
countries in order to institute an effective exchange of ( 16 September
information . ( 94 / C 25 / 132 )

( 16 September 1993 )

Accordingly, the recent CSCE seminar on the
Mediterranean at La Vallette ( 1 7 to 2 1 May 1 993 ), to which
non-CSCE Mediterranean countries had been invited,
discussed ways of enlarging the dialogue with them,
particularly on security problems in the region .

On that occasion, the Community and its Member States
proposed that representatives of non-participating
Mediterranean countries be invited to meetings of the CSCE
Council of Ministers for Foreign Affairs .

Subject : Palestinians and the Occupied Territories

Will European Political Cooperation renew pressure on

Israel to :

— immediately end repressive measures in the Occupied

Territories ;

— immediately halt the killing of Palestinians by Israel

soldiers and undercover units ;

— unseal the Occupied T erritories and immediately remove

restrictions on the ability of Palestinans to work in
Israel ?
In so doing, the European Community and its Member
States are showing both drive and a constructive spirit in the
debate on the framing of such a security system within the
CSCE .

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-2741 / 93 and E-2742 / 93

It should also be noted that the Community and its Member (8 December 1993 )
States are preparing a joint reply to the United Nations
Secretary-General concerning Resolution UN 47 / 58 entitled
' Strengthening of security and cooperation in the The Community and its Member States have repeatedly
Mediterranean region '. The reply will be presented in New called on Israel to meet fully its obligations towards the
York at the 48th session of the United Nations General

Palestinians in the Occupied Territories, to assure respect

Assembly . for human rights and to abide by the provisions of the 4th

Geneva Convention . They have stressed the importance of
implementing confidence-building measures as a means of
Moreover, European policy in the Middle East is guided by increasing the level of trust between the parties . Consuls
the same concern to promote regional stability by seeking a General in Jerusalem provide regular reports on the

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 67

situation in the Occupied Territories as do various
non-governmental organizations, which are drawn on in
contacts with the Israeli authorities .

The Community and its Member States have also made
repeated representations to the Israeli authorities to
encourage them to adopt measures to foster economic
activity and employment in the Occupied Territories, such
as easing restrictions on the Palestinian private sector and
removing obstacles to trade . They expressed concern about
the economic and social consequences of the closure of the
Gaza Strip and the West Bank at the end of March, noting
that the separation of the West Bank from East Jerusalem
had caused particular hardship . They acknowledged the
consequent reduction in violence on the Israeli side of the
Green Line but were concerned about the continuing death
toll in the Occupied Territories .

On the subject of the Palestinian prisoners in Israel, M.
Rabin has informed M. Arafat during their meeting in Cairo
at the beginning of October that their case would be
discussed as soon as the negotiations start .

The Community and its Member States warmly welcomed
the historic agreement reached between the Palestinians and
the Israelis on 13 September . The establishment of an
Israeli-Palestinian Economic Cooperation Committee
within the terms of the agreement to foster cooperation in
the fields of water, electricity, energy, the financial sector,
trade, industry, the environment and human resources
development is a particularly encouraging sign .

The Community and its Member States will continue to
support these efforts both politically and financially . They
have provided ECU 20 million of immediate aid in support
of emergency needs in the Occupied Territories . A package
of ECU 500 million is under consideration over the medium

term ( 1994— 1998 ). Significant financial support was also
pledged by the international donor community as a whole at
the Conference hostecf by the US on October in Washington
to support Middle East Peace .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2791 / 93

by Mr Georgios Saridakis ( PPE )
to European Political Cooperation

( 28 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 133 )

Subject : Vandalism at the Christian cemetery at Neochorio

in Istanbul on 25 August 1993

Will EPC call on the Government of Turkey — a country
linked to the EEC by an association agreement, which has
also applied for membership of the EEC :

1 . to condemn the vandalism which took place at the

Christian cemetery in the district of Neochorio in
Istanbul on 25 August 1993,

2 . to discover and exact exemplary punishment on those

who desecrated the Christian graves, scattered the bones
and remains of corpses and committed unimaginable
atrocities,

3 . to investigate the causes of the vandalism which recalls
the great wave of persecution, pillaging and murder of
Christians in 1955 and endeavour to prevent similar
barbarities in future ?

Answer

(9 December 1993 )

I would refer the Honourable Member to the reply given to
Oral Questions Nos 928 / 93 and 934 / 93 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2794 / 93

by Mrs Winifred Ewing ( ARC )
to European Political Cooperation

(4 October 1993 )

94 / C 25 / 134 )

Subject : Conscientious objectors in Greece

In March 1993 there were as many as 390 imprisoned
religious conscientious objectors in Greece . Given the
widespread opposition to such harsh punishment will the
Foreign Ministers request that the Greek authorities review
their position on the matter and henceforth show greater
leniency to all conscientious objectors ?

Answer

(9 December 1993 )

The issue raised by the Honourable Member does not fall
within the province of the Common Foreign and Security
Policy .

It should be added however that while Greece does have
compulsory military service, it has introduced unarmed
service . There is no alternative service outside the military

No C 25 / 68 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

structures and the abandonment of compulsory military
service would require an amendment to the Greek
Constitution .

the relevant international forums at the United Nations,
particularly in the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva
and at the General Assembly in New York,

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2810 / 93
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2796 / 93

by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE )

by Mrs Winifred Ewing ( ARC )
to European Political Cooperation
to European Political Cooperation

(4 October 1993 )

(4 October 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 136 )
( 94 / C 25 / 135 )

Subject : Asiatom
Subject : Desecration of Baha'i graves in Iran

According to recent reports ( Foreign Report, 22 65, 29 July

Will the Foreign Ministers meeting in political cooperation
make an immediate protest to the Iranian Government
about the desecration of graves at the Baha'i cemetery in
Teheran ? Bodies of Baha'is have been callously dug up and
loaded into trucks and transported to unknown
destinations . This latest outrage now adds to the catalogue
of repressive actions by the Iranian Government against the
Baha'i population .

1993 ) the Japanese Science and Technology Agency is
planning to establish Asiatom, an organization for the
peaceful use of atomic energy whose membership would
consist of Japan and any of its neighbours who wished to
join .

The new institution has a very similar name to Euratom and,
it appears, very similar aims .

Does the EPC have any further relevant information ? If the
organization becomes a reality, could the Ministers express
Answer a collective opinion as to the positive or negative aspects of
this organization ?

( 21 December 1993 )

The European Union shares the Honourable Member 's
concern at the treatment of the Baha'i community in
Iran .

The European Union has made a number of representations
to the Iranian authorities in this connection, highlighting the
need to respect the freedom of religion and the civil rights of
Baha'is .

Following those representations, the Iranian authorities
arranged for a visit by the Troika to the site of the Baha'i
cemetery referred to by the Honourable Member .

They pointed out that the Iranian Government was applying
in practice a law allowing building on land containing
graves after a 30-year period .

In more general terms, the European Union 's points of
concern with regard to Iran were set out in a special
statement issued following the European Council meeting in
Edinburgh on 12 December 1992 .

That statement reaffirms that a critical dialogue should be
maintained which reflects concern about Iranian behaviour

and calls for improvements in a number of areas,
particularly human rights .

For years now, the European Union has been active in the
drafting of resolutions on human rights in Iran adopted in

Answer

( 18 December 1993 )

The question raised by the Honourable Member has not
been discussed within the EPC framework . As Euratom
issues fall within the Council 's competence, the Honourable
Member is asked to address himself to the Council for

further information on the Asian initiative to which he

refers .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2813 / 93

by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE )

to European Political Cooperation

(4 October 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 137 )

Subject : Worrying barter trade between the Ukraine and

Iran

Are the Ministers meeting in European Political
Cooperation adequately informed about the recent barter
trade between the Ukraine and Iran involving Ukrainian war
material ? According to confidential information, last May

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 2 5 69

the Ukraine delivered eight cruise missiles, several extremely
modern MIG-29s, more than 200 T-72 tanks and other air
defence equipment in exchange for Iranian oil .

Answer

(8 December 1993 )

The European Union fully shares the concern expressed by
the Honourable Member . It would recall its concern for
transparency and restraint in the field of conventional arms
transfer, which led it to propose together with Japan a draft
Resolution in this respect at the 46th session of the United
Nations General Assembly in December 1991 . This
Resolution was adopted almost unanimously by the
Member States of the United Nations . Resolution 46 / 36L

provides for the establishment of a Register of Conventional
Arms by the United Nations Secretary-General, open to all
States . National data on imports and exports of seven
categories of conventional arms over the previous year must
be provided before 30 April of each year . The Register
became operational on 1 January 1992 .

To date 77 countries have provided the Secretary-General
with the required data . However, neither the Ukraine nor
Iran have contributed to the Register . Further to steps taken
by the European Union, the Ukrainian authorities have
confirmed their unreserved support for the Register and
have undertaken to do their utmost to provide the required
data as soon as possible . The Iranian authorities stated that
they had no objections in principle but wished to submit the
question to political discussion .

The European Union will continue with its endeavours to
convince those countries who have not yet contributed to
the Register ( including the Ukraine and Iran ) to comply with
the undertakings given in Resolution 46 / 36L . It should,
however, be pointed out that, if the transfers mentioned by
the Honourable Member did in fact take place in 1993, they
ought to be included in the data to be provided by these two
States before 30 April 1994 for publication in the
Secretary-General 's report at the end of 1994 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2844 / 93

by Mr Alex Smith ( PSE )
to European Political Cooperation

Euratom / International Atomic Agency safeguards on
nuclear facilities and materials had to be strengthened ?

Answer

( 21 December 1993 )

The matter raised by the Honourable Member has been
discussed and regularly monitored within the Working
Party on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons .

The Commission and the IAEA have begun technical talks
on implementing the partnership agreement between the
IAEA and Euratom . These talks culminated in an initial

technical agreement reached at the meeting in Vienna on 29
and 30 July 1993 regarding light - water reactors and
low-enriched uranium fuel manufacturing plants .

The trial phase for those agreements is at present under way .
Discussions on other types of plant are continuing between
the two organizations . It is hoped that the partnership
agreement can be implemented in full in 1994 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2850 / 93

by Mr Alex Smith ( PSE )

to European Political Cooperation

(4 October 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 139 )

Subject : Transport of plutonium

Has PC received any report from the International Atomic
Energy Agency 's Standing Advisory Group on the safe
transport of radioactive materials ( SAGSTRAM ) in regard
to new measures for the physical protection of plutonium in
transport against terrorist attack ?

Answer

(4 October 1993 ) (8 December 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 138 )

The problem raised by the Honourable Member has not
Subject : Nuclear safeguards been discussed within the framework of EPC .

What progress has been made following the agreement at
the EPC meeting of 4 September 1992 that joint

No C 25 / 70 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2860 / 93

by Mr Vincenzo Mattina ( PSE )

to the Council of the European Communities

(4 October 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 140

Subject : The EMS crisis and its advejse repercussions for

the citizens of Europe

Having regard to the decision adopted on 2 August 1993 by
the Finance Ministers and the Governors of the Central

Banks of the Member States to widen the compulsory
intervention thresholds within the EMS,

Whereas this decision has and will continue to have adverse

repercussions for private citizens and economic operators
who, counting on the fact that the rate for the ECU was set
within the EMS, have taken out loans in ECU,

Whereas the monetary crisis was not caused by
unforeseeable, uncontrollable events but by the failure of
national governments to stand by their monetary
commitments,

Does the Council not feel that it should see to it that steps are
taken to ensure that such loans are converted by the banks
into local currency, on the basis of the ECU rate at the time
at which they were taken out ?

Answer

(9 December 1993 )

The Council does not intend to take any steps to make banks
bear any exchange-rate losses incurred by ecu borrowers .

political leaders during the summer months, Chancellor
Kohl said at the beginning of August that the EMU schedule
might be put back if the conditions for its achievement were
not met (a fair assumption, by any standards ).

As this statement caused an outcry because it was contrary
to the sacrosanct principle whereby all the Maastricht
decisions must be implemented, whatever the conditions (I
do n't quite see how . . .), Chancellor Kohl later ' corrected '
his statement by saying that ' we ( Germans ) will make every
possible effort to keep to schedule and meet the conditions
for achieving the Union '. He apparently added that ' if the
conditions are met sooner, the deadlines will be brought
forward ', and thus left everyone happy and relieved .

While I realize that there is a political difference between the
two statements, I fail to see any substantive or even semantic
difference . The first statement said that, if the conditions
were not met, implementation would be postponed ; and the
second that, if the conditions were met, everything would
proceed according to schedule or, if they were met earlier
than expected, ahead of schedule . Clearly, everything hinges
on the conditions .

Will the Council therefore state whether it feels that the

conditions for compliance with the EMU timetable, as set
out at Maastricht, are likely to be met ?

Answer

(9 December 1993 )

The deadlines and conditions for transition to the third
phase of Economic and Monetary Union are laid down in
Article 109j of the Treaty on European Union .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2899 / 93

by Mr Henry Chabert ( PPE )

to European Political Cooperation

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2869 / 93
( 11 October 1993 )

by Mr Sérgio Ribeiro ( CG )
to the Council of the European Communities ( 94 / C 25 / 142 )

(4 October 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 141 ) Subject : European security and the situation in the
Caucasus

Subject : Conditions for achieving the aims and meeting the

deadlines set at Maastricht

If I have properly understood the translated versions of one
of a number of confused and confusing statements made by

For many months now, a fierce, one-sided battle has been
pitting the 200 000 Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh
against several million Azeris who, by placing a blockade on
food, oil and transport have been trying for some time to
gain a stranglehold over the region .

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 71

Furthermore, the Armenian economy has now been reduced
to working at only 35 % of its capacity, while in the space of
a few months the standard of living has fallen to a third of its
previous level . The fact that recent clashes in the region have
gone in favour of the troops from Nagorno Karabakh
cannot conceal the underlying strategic situation .

Does EPC not feel it appropriate and, at last, possible, for
steps to be taken to meet the wishes of the people of
Nagorno Karabakh in respect of the right of nations to
self-determination ?

At the European Council meeting in Copenhagen on 21 and
22 June 1993, a proposal was put forward by French Prime
Minister, Edouard Balladur, for an initiative by the
European Union in favour of a pact on stability in Europe,
directed towards assuring in practice the application of the
principles agreed by European countries with regard to
respect for borders and minority rights .

The European Council agreed that recent events in Europe
had shown that action in these areas was timely and
appropriate .

With a view to the European Council meeting to be held in
December 1993 and the proposed convening of a
preparatory conference on such a European pact, does EPC
not feel that the approach set out in the French
Government 's proposal should be extended to the Caucasus
region ?

This region, which has long been a focal point for conflict, is
the point of convergence of the principal western and
Middle-Eastern civilizations . Should it not therefore also be

included in a global approach involving joint action in
respect of security in Europe and the extension of the area of
stability to the boundaries of Europe ?

The European Union has repeatedly reaffirmed its support
for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the States of
the region .

The European Union shares the Honourable Member 's
concern at the continuation of a conflict which has already
entailed the death of thousands of civilians and which has

caused hundreds of thousands of refugees to take to the
roads . The European Union will continue to provide
humanitarian aid for all civilian population groups affected .
It calls on the States of the region to allow this free

passage .

In line with a recent decision by the CSCE Committee of
Senior Officials and with Security Council Resolution 884
of 12 November, the European Union continues to
recognize the central role of the CSCE Minsk process in the
context of negotiations for a peaceful solution to the conflict
in Nagorno Karabakh .

While urging the parties directly concerned to step up their
efforts for a peaceful solution to the crisis, the European
Union also points to the importance of integrating the
Russian peace initiatives in the region within the Minsk

process .

As regards the geographical coverage of any Pact on
Stability in Europe, the working document on the matter
approved by the General Affairs Council on 4 October 1993
points out that, being an initiative in the field of preventive
diplomacy, the Pact will not address existing conflicts .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2901 / 93

by Mr Jean-Claude Pasty ( RDE )
to the Council of the European Communities

( 23 July 1993 )

Answer ( 94 / C 25 / 143 )

( 21 December 1993 )

Subject : Structural Funds in Portugal

From the outset of this crisis, the Community and its
Member States have taken a clear stance in favour of a

negotiated political settlement in accordance with UN and
CSCE principles . They condemned the recent offensives by
local Armenian forces from Nagorno Karabakh, pushing
further and further into Azerbaijani territory . They noted
with regret that the latest operations extended the
armed-conflict zone to ever-increasing areas of Azerbaijani
territory, giving rise to a very serious refugee problem in
Azerbaijan, which is already affecting neighbouring
countries and is accompanied by growing threats to the
security of the region .

1 . How much has been allocated to Portugal by the
Community since 1985 and what timetable and category of
funding were involved ?

2 . What sums have actually been utilized by the
Portuguese Government for each of the programmes or
Funds ?

3 . What measures have been taken to supervise or audit
the use made of these funds ?

No C 25 / 72 Official Journal of the European Communities 28 . 1 . 94

Answer

( 10 December 1993 )

Subject to the terms of the governing Council regulations,
these are matters for the Commission and Portuguese
Republic .

Albania Task Force, Albania 's accession to the Cultural
Convention and Albania 's participation with special guest
status in the activities of the Parliamentary Assembly . The
commitment to observe all democratic principles and
standards as well as human rights forms the basis for that
structured relationship .

The European Union seizes every opportunity to call on the
Albanian authorities to take the necessary steps . It will
continue to keep a very close watch on the human rights
situation .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2953 / 93

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )
to European Political Cooperation

( 20 October 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 144 )

Subject : Human rights of ethnic Greeks in northern

Epirus

Human rights violations are taking place in Albania and
ethnic Greeks in northern Epirus are particularly affected . In
view of this, Greece recently instructed its representative at
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to call on the Albanian
leadership to respect human rights and to abolish the
minority regions . Greece has stressed that it considers the
Albanian Government 's decision to set up minority regions
indefensible, since this restricts the ability of Albanians of
Greek extraction to enjoy the rights provided by
international agreements when they are outside these
regions . Does EPC intend to make representations to the
Albanian leadership to put an end to human rights
violations, in particular of ethnic Greeks in northern
Epirus ?

Answer

( 21 December 1993 )

The European Union has long been monitoring
developments in the human rights situation in Albania . It
has repeatedly voiced its concern at the measures taken by
the Albanian Government with regard to human rights . In
this connection it has on a number of occasions called on the

Albanian Government solemnly to honour all CSCE
commitments . The European Union regarded as an
encouraging development the adoption on 31 March 1993
of a constitutional law on human rights, Article 26 of which
deals with minority rights . However, it realizes that putting
those principles into practice will require further effort, as
recommended by the CSCE High Commissioner for
national minorities and accepted by the Albanian
Government .

The European Union has signed an Agreement on trade and
co-operation with Albania, which came into force on

1 December 1992 . Full observance of democratic principles
and human rights forms a key component of that
Agreement .

A structured relationship between Albania and the Council
of Europe has been introduced through the setting-up of an

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2962 / 93

by Mr Frédéric Rosmini ( PSE )

to the Council of the European Communities

( 20 October 1993 )

( 94 / C 25 / 145 )

Subject : Bluefin tuna fishing

Professional fishermen are concerned at the serious effect on

fish stocks of fishing for bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean,
particularly in the waters around the Balearic Islands .

This intensive fishing, carried out during the spawning
period by about 70 ships, results in excessive depletion of

stocks .

Consequently, the French Government has tabled a motion
to the ICAI, the international organization responsible for
tuna fishing in international waters .

The European Parliament, on a proposal by its rapporteur
Mr Borgo, approved the Commission proposal for a
Council regulation introducing a system for the statistical
monitoring of trade in bluefin tuna ( Thunnus Thynnus )
within the Community ( C3-0234 / 93 ).

Could the Council give its opinion on this proposal in the
very near future, in view of the problems facing professional
fishermen and the serious effect on fish stocks of
indiscriminate catches during the breeding season ?

Answer

( 10 December               - 1993 )

The Subordinate bodies of the Council — which is aware of

the importance of the problem raised by the Honourable
Member — began work on the proposal for a Regulation
concerned upon its transmission by the Commission in June

1993 .

During a further discussion in September, it emerged that in
the meantime three of the major member countries of
ICCAT ( International Convention for the Conservation of
Atlantic Tunas ) viz . Japan, the United States and Canada,
had submitted a statistical document which differed

considerably from that in the Commission proposal .

28 . 1 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 25 / 73

As all the ICCAT members want a single document to be join the European Community is welcomed, the practice of
used, it was agreed to wait until ICCAT drew tip a single commercial whaling is unacceptable ?
statistical document at its meeting in November 1993,
which could then be included in the proposal for a
Regulation . It is the Council 's firm intention to " act on the
proposal in December this year, so that the statistical
arrangements for catches can be applied from 1 January

1994 onwards .

Answer

( 10 December 1993 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2970 / 93

by Mrs Christine Oddy ( PSE )

to the Council of the European Communities

( 20 October 1993 ) ^

( 94 / C 25 / 146 ).

Subject : Whaling in Norway

What steps is the Council taking to make it clear to the
Norwegian Government that although their application to

1 . The question raised by the Honourable Member has
not been addressed in the context of negotiations on
Norway 's accession to the Community .

2 . It is recalled that the Community is not a member of
the International Whaling Commission, although several
Member States are members of that body . At its meeting on

19 October 1992, the Council, on a recommendation of the
Commission, discussed the question of the accession of the
Community to the IWC . Following that discussion, the
Council concluded that work on this issue should be

pursued so that a decision might be taken by the Council at
an early opportunity .