Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

^  - ^ / * / * •  - *fl " • " _A_ ISSN 0378-6986
# Orricial Journal C35

_ # # Volume 34
##### of the European Communities u [ February m i ]

###### English edition Information and Notices

Notice N o Contents Page

I _Information_

European Parliament

_Written Questions with_ _answer_

9 1 / C 35/01 N o 397/89 by M r Terence Wynn to the Commission

Subject: Legal aid (supplementary answer) 1

91 / C 35/02 N o 749/89 by M r James Ford to the Commission

Subject: Responsibilities and ability of DG 23 1

9 1 / C 35/03 N o 938/89 by M r Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission

Subject: A Community contribution to the feasibility studies for a fixed link across the Strait of
Gibraltar 2

9 1 / C 35/04 N o 972/89 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to the Commission

Subject: Main beneficiaries of the Erasmus programme 2

9 1 / C 35/05 N o 1067/89 by M r James Ford to the Commission

Subject: Recognition of agoraphobia 3

9 1 / C 35/06 N o 1169/89 by Mrs Jessica Larive to the Commission

Subject: Links between towns 3

9 1 / C 35/07 N o 541/90 by M r George Patterson to the Commission

Subject: Promotion of town twinning with Eastern Europe 3

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1169/89 and 541/90 4

9 1 / C 35/08 N o 1302/89 by M r Pedro Canavarro to the Commission

Subject: Environmental impact of the Via do Infante highway along the Portuguese Algarve . . 4

9 1 / C 35/09 N o 73/90 by M r Llewellyn Smith to the Commission

Subject: Access to information on nuclear materials by Environmental Agency 4

2 (Continued overleaf)

Notice No Contents (continued)

91/C35/10 No 137/90 by Mr Juan Bandres Molet to the Commission
Subject: Building project on the Valencian coastline 5

91/C 35/11 No 167/90 by Mrs Birgit Bjornvig to the Commission
Subject: Bovine Somatotrophin 5

91/C 35/12 No 168/90 by Mrs Birgit Bjornvig to the Commission

Subject: Bovine Somatotrophin 5

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 167/90 and 168/90 6

91/C35/13 No 247/90 by Mr Neil Blaney to the Commission

Subject: Effectiveness of Community funding in energy sector 6

91/C 35/14 No 268/90 by Mr Francisco Lucas Pires to the Commission

Subject: Number of Portuguese officials in the Commission 6

91/C 35/15 No 315/90 by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek and Mr Carlos Pimenta to the Commission
Subject: The Portuguese customs service 7

91 /C 35/16 No 327/90 by Mr Stephen Hughes to the Commission

Subject: Coal imports 7

91/C 35/17 No 337/90 by Mr Yves Verwaerde to the Commission
Subject: Ozone layer — international conference 7

91 /C 35/18 No 387/90 by Mr Honor Funk to the Commission

Subject: Implementation of land set-aside arrangements 8

91/C35/19 No 426/90 by Mr Francisco Lucas Pires to the Commission
Subject: Implementation of Parliament's resolutions on Timor 8

91/C 35/20 No 556/90 by Mr Hugh McMahon to the Commission
Subject: Social protection 9

91/C 35/21 No 599/90 by Mr Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission
Subject: Forthcoming publication of a European history text book 9

91/C 35/22 No 654/90 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission

Subject: Non-ratification by Belgium of instruments of the ILO 10

91/C 35/23 No 730/90 by Mrs Marijke Van Hemeldonck to the Commission
Subject: Difficulties caused by muskrats on the Belgian-Dutch border 10

91/C 35/24 No 743/90 by Mrs Lissy Groner to the Commission
Subject: Education policy 11

91/C 35/25 No 762/90 by Mr David Bowe to the Commission
Subject: Natural medicine 11

91 /C 35/26 No 907/90 by Mr Bartho Pronk to the Commission
Subject: Availability of the text of the Social Charter 11

91/C 35/27 No 1062/90 by Mrs Sylvie Mayer to the Commission
Subject: Equivalence of university diplomas 12

Notice N o Contents (continued)

9 1 / C 35/28 N o 1094/90 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission

Subject: The LINGUA programme 12

9 1 / C 35/29 N o 1126/90 by M r Filippos Pierros to the Commission

Subject: Reduction of technological and natural environmental hazards 13

9 1 / C 35/30 N o 1166/90 by M r Kenneth Stewart to the Commission

Subject: No redress for consumers presented with electricity bills or with phone bills due to the
use of chat lines 14

9 1 / C 35/31 N o 1186/90 by M r Stephen Hughes to the Commission

Subject: Energy and the environment 14

9 1 / C 35/32 N o 1196/90 by M r Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission

Subject: Environmental pollution and the exposure of workers in western Macedonia to
PCBs/PCTs 15

9 1 / C 35/33 N o 1200/90 by M r Mark Killilea to the Commission

Subject: Payment of social insurance contribution by employees to their country of origin while
working in another country 15.

9 1 / C 35/34 N o 1231/90 by M r Ernest Glinne to the Commission

Subject: Operation of the Mines Safety and Health Commission 16

9 1 / C 35/35 N o 1261/90 by M r Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission

Subject: Harmonization of securitization in the Community 16

9 1 / C 35/36 N o 1273/90 by Mrs Christine Crawley to the Commission

Subject: Implementing the pensioners' travel card 17

9 1 / C 35/37 N o 1294/90 by M r Jose Happart to the Commission

Subject: Protection of the European historical and cultural heritage — excavation of iguanodon
deposits 17

9 1 / C 35/38 N o 1296/90 by M r Karel Dillen to the Commission

Subject: Community subsidies to organizations opposed to 'racism and fascism' 18

9 1 / C 35/39 N o 1300/90 by Mrs Maartje van Putten to the Commission

Subject: Milk substitutes for babies in developing countries 18

9 1 / C 35/40 N o 1325/90 by M r John McCartin to the Commission

Subject: ESF allowances for agricultural students 18

9 1 / C 35/41 N o 1332/90 by M r Ernest Glinne to the Commission

Subject: Use of Article 310 of the 1989 budget promoting twinning arrangements between local
authorities 19

9 1 / C 35/42 N o 1569/90 by M r Ernest Glinne to the Commission

Subject: Grants for twinning arrangements in 1989 19

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1332/90 and 1569/90 19

9 1 / C 35/43 N o 1346/90 by M r Llewellyn Smith to the Commission

Subject: Euratom safeguards report — uranium mines and plants 20

(Continued overleaf)

Notice N o Contents (continued)

9 1 / C 35/44 N o 1358/90 by M r Llewellyn Smith to the Commission

Subject: Euratom safeguards report — Facility attachments 20

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1346/90 and 1358/90 20

9 1 / C 35/45 N o 1353/90 by M r Llewellyn Smith to the Commission

Subject: Euratom safeguards report — 'flag swaps' 20

9 1 / C 35/46 N o 1373/90 by M r Carlos RoblesPiquer to the Commission

Subject: Community participation in International Literacy Year 20

91 / C 35/47 N o 1381 /90 by M r Alex Smith to the Commission

Subject: Information disclosure on spent nuclear fuel 21

9 1 / C 35/48 N o 1394/90 by M r Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission

Subject: Destruction of the Valia Kalda national park 22

9 1 / C 35/49 N o 1400/90 by Miss Christine O d d y to the Commission

Subject: Comparison of Rhine River pollution and Severn River pollution (supplementary
answer) 22

9 1 / C 35/50 N o 1401/90 by Miss Christine O d d y to the Commission

Subject: Harmonization of pensions in Europe 23

9 1 / C 35/51 N o 1407/90 by Mrs Concepcio Ferrer to the Commission

Subject: Consumers' Consultative Committee 23

9 1 / C 35/52 N o 1420/90 by Mrs Sylvie Mayer to the Commission

Subject: Trade union rights in the European Patents Office 24

9 1 / C 35/53 N o 1443/90 by Mrs Christiana Muscardini to the Commission

Subject: First aid and emergency medical treatment 24

9 1 / C 35/54 N o 1457/90 by M r Jesus Cabezon Alonso to the Commission

Subject: The European Social Fund and Cantabria in 1989 24

9 1 / C 35/55 N o 1463/90 by Mrs Christiana Muscardini to the Commission

Subject: Prisons for offenders who are drug addicts 25

9 1 / C 35/56 N o 1475/90 by M r Lode Van Outrive to the Commission

Subject: European harmonization of medicoethical questions 25

9 1 / C 35/57 N o 1480/90 by M r Paul Staes to the Commission

Subject: The European Community and works of art 26

9 1 / C 35/58 N o 1485/90 by M r Ferruccio Pisoni to the Commission

Subject: Teaching of history to the children of migrant workers 26

9 1 / C 35/59 N o 1491/90 by Mrs Anita Pollack to the Commission

Subject: Status of FHV positive people 27

9 1 / C 35/60 N o 1496/90 by M r Kenneth Collins to the Commission

Subject: Travel restrictions for people with HIV 27

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1491/90 and 1496/90 27

9 1 / C 35/61 N o 1494/90 by Lord O ' H a g a n to the Commission

Subject: Child labour 27

Notice No Contents (continued)

91/C 35/62

91/C35/63

91/C35/64

91/C35/65

91/C 35/66

91/C 35/67

91/C35/68

91/C35/69

91/C35/70

91/C35/71

91/C35/72

91/C35/73

91/C 35/74

91/C35/75

91/C35/76

91/C 35/77

No 1502/90 by Mr Gianfranco Amendola, Mr Virginio Bettini and Mr Gerard
Monnier-Besombes to the Commission

Subject: Research and development in the field of the environment 28

No 1505/90 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission
Subject: Trade union representation in Food Lion establishments 29

No 1514/90 by Mr Yves Verwaerde and Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin to the Commission
Subject: Nuclear fission energy (storage) 29

No 1532/90 by Mrs Anita Pollack to the Commission

Subject: ERASMUS 30

No 1534/90 by Mr Miguel Arias Cafiete to the Commission
Subject: Catches off the Falkland Islands 30

No 1551/90 by Mrs Janey Buchan to the Commission
Subject: Committee of Cultural Consultants 30

No 1552/90 by Mrs Christine Crawley to the Commission
Subject: Alternative testing centre 31

No 1556/90 by Mr Taradash to the Commission

Subject: Communications in the ACP States and the application of Article 132 of the Fourth
Convention of Lome 31

No 1571/90 by Mr Mateo Sierra Bardaji and Mr Juan Colino Salamanca to the
Commission

Subject: Harmonization of social security arrangements for farmers 32

No 1572/90 by Mr Mateo Sierra Bardaji and Mr Juan Colino Salamanca to the
Commission

Subject: Harmonization of funding arrangements for agricultural investment 32

No 1575/90 by Mr Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission
Subject: Population problem in the Member States 33

No 1584/90 by Mr Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission

Subject: Protection of Lake Trikhonis 34

No 1600/90 by Mr Maxime Verhagen to the Commission
Subject: Transposition of Community Directives into national law 34

No 1612/90 by Mrs Maria Izquierdo Rojo, Mr Jesus Cabezon Alonso, Mr Josep
Pons Grau, Mr Pedro Bofill Abeilhe, Mr Jose Vazquez Fouz and Mr Mateo Sierra
Bardaji to the Commission
Subject: International cooperation in the management of Mediterranean fishery resources . . . . 35

No 1616/90 by Mr Claude Desama to the Commission
Subject: Toys: Indication of manufacturer's name and address 35

No 1619/90 by Mr Jesus Cabezon Alonso to the Commission
Subject: Community financial aid to fisheries and aquaculture for the first half of 1990 36

(Continued overleaf)

Notice N o Contents (continued)

9 1 / C 35/78 N o 1626/90 by M r Filippos Pierros to the Commission

Subject: Implementation of the VALUE programme 36

9 1 / C 35/79 N o 1634/90 by Mrs Dorothy Piermont to the Commission

Subject: Greenhouse effect and military experiments in the ionosphere 37

9 1 / C 35/80 N o 1640/90 by M r Friedrich Merz to the Commission

Subject: Obstacles to trade in textiles resulting from the standards imposed by the United
Kingdom on industrial and domestic furniture coverings 38

9 1 / C 35/81 N o 1665/90 by M r Victor Arbeloa Muru to the Commission

Subject: Failure to prosecute US drug traffickers 38

9 1 / C 35/82 N o 1673/90 by Mrs Christine O d d y to the Commission

Subject: Dental charges in Member States 39

9 1 / C 35/83 N o 1674/90 by Mrs Christine O d d y to the Commission

Subject: Medical charges in Member States 39

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1673/90 and 1674/90 39

9 1 / C 35/84 N o 1677/90 by M r Gianfranco Amendola to the Commission

Subject: Buildings policy of the Commission 39

9 1 / C 35/85 N o 1684/90 by M r Yves Verwaerde to the Commission

Subject: Aid to the film industry in Eastern Europe 40

9 1 / C 35/86 N o 1704/90 by M r H u g h M c M a h o n to the Commission

Subject: Implementation of the budget — with particular reference to budget line 6331 — Youth
for Europe 40

9 1 / C 35/87 N o 1706/90 by M r H u g h M c M a h o n to the Commission

Subject: Budget line 587 41

9 1 / C 35/88 N o 1726/90 by M r Ernest Glinne to the Commission

Subject: Political-military situation in Ethiopia and the aid programme 41

9 1 / C 35/89 N o 1730/90 by Miss Anne Mcintosh to the Commission

Subject: EC Directive on the conservation of wild birds 42

9 1 / C 35/90 N o 1736/90 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission

Subject: Schooling for the children of migrant workers 42

9 1 / C 35/91 N o 1737/90 by Mrs Mireille Elmalan to the Commission

Subject: Discrimination against foreigners 43

9 1 / C 35/92 N o 1745/90 by M r Lyndon Harrison to the Commission

Subject: Environmental assessment by the Commission of Structural Fund projects 43

9 1 / C 35/93 N o 1748/90 by Mrs Mechtild Rothe to the Commission

Subject: Treatment of apple skins 44

9 1 / C 35/94 N o 1763/90 by M r Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission

Subject: Energy recycling as a field of Community research 44

Notice N o Contents (continued)

9 1 / C 35/95 N o 1766/90 by M r Jean-Claude Pasty to the Commission

Subject: Hunting with decoy birds                   - 45

9 1 / C 35/96 N o 1771/90 by M r Juan Gangoiti Llaguno to the Commission

Subject: Marketing of breast-milk substitutes 45

9 1 / C 35/97 N o 1773/90 by M r Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission

Subject: Failure by the Federal Republic of Germany and Ireland to implement the Directive on
the application of the principles of good laboratory practice 45

9 1 / C 35/98 N o 1786/90 by M r Detlev Samland to the Commission

Subject: Validity of a divorce 46

9 1 / C 35/99 N o 1810/90 by M r Filippos Pierros to the Commission

Subject: Aid for forest protection in Greece 46

9 1 / C 3 5 / 1 0 0 N o 1830/90 by M r j o s e Valverde Lopez to the Commission

Subject: Infringement proceedings against Ireland for failure to comply with the directive on
cosmetics 46

9 1 / C 35/101 N o 1831/90 by M r Virgilio Pereira to the Commission

Subject: Maritime transport between mainland Portugal and Madeira 47

9 1 / C 35/102 N o 1857/90 by M r John Tomlinson to the Commission

Subject: Research expenditure 47

9 1 / C 35/103 N o 1870/90 by M r Francois-Xavier de Donnea to the Commission

Subject: EUREKA projects 48

9 1 / C 35/104 N o 1871/90 by M r Francois-Xavier de Donnea to the Commission

Subject: Delays in carrying out the work entrusted by the Commission to European standards
organizations 48

9 1 / C 35/105 N o 1895/90 by M r Louis Lauga to the Commission

Subject: Situation in respect of the ortolan hunting 49

9 1 / C 35/106 N o 1902/90 by Sir James Scott-Hopkins to the Commission

Subject: Definition of the word 'natural' 49

9 1 / C 35/107 N o 1924/90 by M r Carlos RoblesPiquer to the Commission

Subject: Backing from national governments for the Commission in the sphere of renewable
forms of energy 49

91 / C 35/108 N o 1951 /90 by M r Gianfranco Amendola to the Commission

Subject: Non-compliance with Council Directive 85/337/EEC of 27 June 1985 in connection
with the construction of the Voltri-Rivarolo motorway section (Italy) 50

91 / C 35/109 N o 1975/90 by M r Francesco Speroni to the Commission

Subject: Floods in the province of Como 51

9 1 / C 35/110 N o 1998/90 by M r Luigi Moretti to the Commission

Subject: Aid to areas affected by heavy storms in Italy 51

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1975/90 and 1998/90 51

(Continued overleaf)

Notice No Contents (continued)

91/C35/111

91/C35/112

91/C35/113

91/C35/114

91/C 35/115

91/C35/116

91/C35/117

91/C35/118

91/C35/119

91/C35/120

91/C35/121

91/C35/122

91/C35/123

91/C35/124

91/C35/125

91/C35/126

91/C35/127

No 1984/90 by Mr Hemmo Muntingh to the Commission

Subject: The building of a four-lane motorway across the Rio Aguas in Almeria, Spain 51

No 2004/90 by Mr Hugh McMahon to the Commission
Subject: Asylums in Greece — budget heading 649 52

No 2009/90 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin to the Commission
Subject: Study of the human genome 52

No 2014/90 by Mr Alonso Puerta to the Commission
Subject: Restructuring plan for the mining sector in Spain 53

No 2017/90 by Mr Adrien Zeller to the Commission
Subject: European social security card 53

No 2030/90 by Mr Ferruccio Pisoni to the Commission

Subject: Conference on future population trends in Europe 54

No 2031/90 by Mr Geoffrey Hoon to the Commission
Subject: Discrimination in the granting of research awards in the UK 55

No 2032/90 by Mr Enrico Falqui, Mr Gianfranco Amendola, Mr Virginio Bettini and
Mr Alexander Langer to the Commission
Subject: Risks for the population from the Farmoplant factory in Massa Carrara (Tuscany,
Italy) 55

No 2090/90 by Mr Di Rupo to the Commission
Subject: Homograft heart valves: Europe-wide cooperation 56

No 2160/90 by Mr Madron Seligman to the Commission
Subject: Capital gains tax on citizens' homes 56

No 2202/90 by Mr Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission

Subject: Construction of a toxic waste incineration plant 57

No 2261/90 by Mr Dieter Rogalla to the Council
Subject: Leisure time activities of European citizens 58

No 2308/90 by Mr Gerard Monnier-Besombes to the Commission
Subject: Marketing of breast-milk substitutes 58

No 2320/90 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission
Subject: Proposal for a directive on the marketing of breast-milk substitutes 58

No 2399/90 by Mrs Solange Fernex to the Commission

Subject: Marketing of breast-milk substitutes 59

No 2403/90 by Mr Jose Happart to the Commission
Subject: Marketing of breast-milk substitutes 59

No 2422/90 by Mr Yves Cochet to the Commission
Subject: Marketing of breast-milk substitutes 59

(Continued on inside back cover)

Notice No Contents (continued)

91/C 35/128 No 2423/90 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission
Subject: Marketing of breast-milk substitutes 59

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 2308/90, 2320/90, 2399/90, 2403/90,
2422/90 and 2423/90 60

91/C 35/129 No 2332/90 by Mrjaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission
Subject: Scientific research 60

91/C 35/130 No 2382/90 by Mrs Mary Banotti to the Commission
Subject: Glass recycling — EC action 60

91/C 35/131 No 2520/90 by Mrs Ria Oomen-Ruijten to the Commission
Subject: Amendment of Dutch legislation on student grants — discriminatory treatment of
students 60

11. 2. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 35/1

I

_(Information)_

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

WRITTEN QUESTION No 397/89

by Mr Terence Wynn (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 September 1989)_

(91/C 35/01)

_Subject:_ Legal aid

How is it possible to get the Greek Government to
honour their commitment to give legal aid to a British
citizen?

The person in question has not worked for eight years
because of an accident and has been seeking legal aid
from Greece during that time, to no avail.

Supplentary answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(24 January 1990)_

Further to its answer of 16 October 1989 ('), the
Commission is now able to provide the following
additional information.

The question raised by the Honourable Member
highlights the problems which Community citizens may
encounter is obtaining legal aid in a Member State other
than their country of origin.

There have been numerous cases where countries have

restricted legal aid — where such exists — to nations or
residents of the country in question. The Commission has
not taken steps hitherto to propose Community action in
this sphere and the sole international measures to which
recourse may be had in this case are the international

conventions on private law which, it would appear, have
been neither signed nor ratified by Greece.

Hence, the legislation in force concerning legal access
involving another Member State is evidently inadequate
and for this reason the Commission is currently studying
possible solutions to remedy this situation.

The operation of the large internal market will involve the
creation of a legal space in which national frontiers
should not interfere with the exercise of individual rights.

O OJ No C 305, 4. 11.1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 749/89

by Mr James Ford (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(23 November 1989)_

(91/C 35/02)

_Subject:_ Responsibilities and ability of DG 23

Now that the Commission has established DG 23 with

special responsibility for social economy activities
(activities that are managed by organizations that aim to
achieve social gain rather than profit maximization), can
the Commission say if new legislation is being considered
to harmonize such activities with the 1992 Single
European Act?

If so, as these activities re-invest all their surpluses in the
local community they serve to create more jobs and
provide social benefit, can you tell me if the new
regulations for social economy activities will be eligible

No C 35/2 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

for exemption on corporation tax and VAT whilst trading
internally within an umbrella structure?

Furthermore, can the Commission state whether DG 23
has been given the necessary brief and resources to
research and develop appropriate social audit techniques
in order for any new harmonized social economy
regulations to be adequately monitored and evaluated?

Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha
on behalf of the Commission

_(13 February 1990)_

The Commission approved a Communication on the
cooperative, mutual and non-profit sector and Europe's
frontier-free market (*) in December. This has been
forwarded to the Council, Parliament and the Economic

and Social Committee.

As it has already pointed out, the Commission considers
all enterprises exercising an economic activity should have
equal access to the open markets of a frontier-free Europe
irrespective of their size, location or legal personality.

For this reason it is looking at ways of applying the basic
principles governing the opening-up of markets such as
non-discrimination on the basis of nationality, free
movement and freedom to provide services and the use of
instruments of transnational cooperation under
Community law. Such provisions must also be applied in
appropriate form to mutual or cooperative enterprises
exercising economic activities.

The Commission's position on the tax matters referred to
by the Honourable Member is in no way altered by these
prinicples. VAT, which is a general tax on consumption,
must apply to all economic activities. This principle forms
the basis of the Commission's proposals on indirect
taxation under the internal market programme. However,
the Sixth VAT Directive (Directive 77/388/EEC ( [2] ) of 17
May 1977) does already exempt some services such as
those closely linked to welfare and social security and the
protection and education of children by bodies governed
by public law or by other recognized institutions.

The unit in DG XXIII responsible for this sector will be
fully operational in early 1990.

O SEC(89) 2187 final.
O OJNoL.145, 13.6. 1977.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 938/89

by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 December 1989)_

(91/C 35/03)

_Subject:_ A Community contribution to the feasibility
studies for a fixed link across the Strait of

Gibraltar

During his recent visit to Spain the King of Morocco
referred repeatedly to the construction of a fixed link
between Europe and Africa via the Strait of Gibraltar.

One result of this visit has been an awareness of the need

to develop and update the necessary feasibility studies for
this fixed link between the two continents.

To what extent would the Commission be willing to grant
technical and financial support for the preparation of
such feasibility studies?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(28 February 1990)_

The Commission is aware of the agreement concluded at
Fes on 16 June 1979 between the Kingdom of Spain and
the Kingdom of Morocco to promote the development of
a fixed link across the Strait of Gibraltar.

The Commission has been informed of the progress
achieved with the preliminary investigations concerning
such a project carried out by SECEG (Sociedad Espaflola
de Estudios para la Communicacion Fija a traves del
Estrecho de Gibraltar), the Spanish company officially
appointed to carry out feasibility studies for the link. The
Commission offered to collaborate in these studies,
notably in the field of statistics, during conversations with
the management of SECEG.

To date no request for financing the studies has been
made by the Spanish Government.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 972/89

by Mrs Winifred Ewing (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 December 1989)_

(91/C 35/04)

_Subject:_ Main beneficiaries of the Erasmus programme

Has the Commission undertaken a breakdown of the

principal beneficiaries of the Erasmus programme, and if
so, will it provide details of its findings?

11. 2. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 35/3

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(30 May 1990)_

Every year the Commission publishes an annual report on
ERASMUS which gives a breakdown by Member State,
by discipline and of the student flow between universities
participating in the inter-university cooperation
programmes. The Commission is sending directly to the
Honourable Member and to the Secretariat of Parliament

the 1989 report.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1067/89

by Mr James Ford (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(18 December 1989)_

(91/C 35/05)

_Subject:_ Recognition of agoraphobia

In which Member States is agoraphobia a recognized
medical condition (for the purposes of registration with
National Insurance and Social Security bodies)? What
proposals has the Commission made to harmonize
recognition of medical conditions in the move to a Single
Europe?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(15 February 1990)_

The Commission does not possess the information on
which Member States recognize agoraphobia as a medical
condition (for the purpose of registration with National
Insurance and Social Security bodies).

To speed up for migrant workers the granting of
invalidity pensions by avoiding disagreements as to the
invalidity of the worker concerned, Article 40 (4) of
Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 (') provides that the
decision taken by the institution of a Member State
regarding the condition of invalidity of the applicant is
binding upon the institution of any other Member State,
provided that the concordance between the legislation of
these Member States on conditions relating to the degree
of invalidity is acknowledged in Annex V.

When Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 was adopted in
1971, the laws of four Member States were included in
Annex IV (which became Annex V in 1981). Because of
specific provisions in German law (two degrees of
invalidity) and in Dutch law (a 15 % incapacity providing
entitlement to benefit), the Federal Republic of Germany
and the Netherlands were not covered by the concordance
tables.

When the Community was enlarged — in 1973, in 1981
and in 1986 — inclusion of the legislation of the new
Member States in Annex IV (which has become Annex V)

was reserved for a later date. The same applied when the
Regulations were extended to cover self-employed
workers in 1982.

For these reasons, the Commission took the view that it
was necessary to examine the possibility of new
concordance tables covering the maximum number of
schemes, tables which could be adopted by all the
Member States.

An analysis, of national legislations has been initiated to
examine the practical possibilities of achieving the
unanimous agreement of the Member States but it has to
be borne in mind that Article 51 of the EEC Treaty
requires unanimity for an amendment of Regulation
(EEC) No 1408/71.

O OJ No L 230, 22. 8. 1983, as last amended by Regulation
(EEC) No 3811/86; OJNo L 355,16. 12. 1986.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1169/89

by Mrs Jessica Larive (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(10 January 1990)_

(91/C 35/06)

_Subject:_ Links between towns

1. Can the Commission throw any light on the degree
of interest currently being shown by cities and towns in
the European Community in financial support for
establishing or strengthening links between towns ?

2. Is the Commission aware that Community local
authorities are now extremely interested in establishing
links with cities and towns in Central and Eastern

Europe?

3. Is the Commission willing to investigate possibilities
for supporting the establishment of links between
Community municipalities and countries in Central and
Eastern Europe, in order to promote mutual
understanding and assist the new democratic political
movements?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 541/90

by Mr George Patterson (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 March 1990)_

(91/C 35/07)

_Subject:_ Promotion of town twinning with Eastern
Europe

In view of the importance of sustaining democracy in the
countries of Eastern Europe, could the Commission make

No C 35/4 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

available through the section of the EEC budget devoted
to the promotion of town twinning, special funds to help
towns in the European Community establish twinning
arrangements with towns in Eastern Europe?

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1169/89

and 541/90

given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(18 June 1990)_

After Parliament entered appropriations in Item A-3 06
for the promotion of town twinning in the Community,
the Commission adopted provisions to give effect to
Parliament's guidelines, especially those referred to in the
report by Mrs Fontaine made for the Committee on
Youth, Culture, Education, the Media and Sport
(Ref. A2-0312/87). The growing number of requests for
subsidies submitted to the Commission would suggest
that towns are becoming increasingly interested in the
town-twinning opportunities offered by the Community.

The Commission has noted the amendment made by
Parliament to Item A-306 in the 1990 budget specifying
that part of the appropriations should also be used to
promote twinning between Community towns and towns
in Central and Eastern Europe. The Commission intends
to take account of this new guideline from Parliament in
the context of the financial aid to be granted for twinning
this year.

The Commission welcomes the fact that, with the support
of Parliament, action may be taken, by means of twinning,
to facilitate exchanges between the peoples and their local
representatives in the East and West of the European
continent, at a time when the Central and Eastern
European countries are initiating reforms to establish
democratic structures.

In addition, the Commission is examining the possibility
of launching a pilot project under Article 10 of the ERDF
regulation to enable regions and cities of the Community
to examine jointly how they can best exchange
information, cooperate with and assist their counterparts
in Eastern Europe. This initiative may be linked to related
activities at present being considered for funding under
the PHARE programme (budget line 996).

Such actions might best be organized through the
intermediary of a number of European-level
organizations of regional, local and city authorities. The
Consultative Council of Regional and Local Authorities,
which was established in 1988 to provide regional and
local authorities of the Community with an offical forum
through which to advise and engage in dialogue with the
Commission on policy matters of interest to them, has

expressed keen interest in cooperation with Eastern
Europe.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1302/89

by Mr Pedro Canavarro (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(15 January 1990)_

(91/C 35/08)

_Subject:_ Environmental impact of the Via do Infante
highway along the Portuguese Algarve

In view of the fact that, in a written reply given during the
part-session in November 1989, the Commission stated
that, in the event of the situation not being regularized
immediately, it would embark on the procedure laid down
in Article 169 of the EEC Treaty, and in view also the fact
that the proposed Via do Infante highway in the Algarve
region is in breach of Community directives, which
stipulate that preliminary environmental impact studies
must be carried out to assess the effect on the agricultural
environment and nature reserves and that the populations
affected must be consulted, I assume that the Commission
shares my concern over the Portuguese Government's
continued failure to respond to the Commission's request
and call upon the Commission to state whether there is a
date by which it intends to invoke Article 169.

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(13 March 1990)_

The Commission has started discussions with the

Portuguese Government on the construction of the Via
do Infante highway since it appears from the information
in its possession that Community law has not been fully
complied with.

The Commission will decide whether to initiate

infringement proceedings under Article 169 of the EEC
Treaty in the light of the outcome of these discussions.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 73/90

by Mr Llewellyn Smith (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(2 February 1990)_

(91/C 35/09)

_Subject:_ Access to information on nuclear materials by
Environmental Agency

Will the new Environmental Agency be given full access to
all environmentally relevant data held by the Euratom
supply and safeguards agencies?

11. 2. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 35/5

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(20 August 1990)_

There are no plans to give the European Environmental
Agency the right to request governments, government
departments or governmental organizations to make
public any of their data relating to the environment.
However, the aim of the Directive on the freedom of

access to information on the environment is to ensure

right of access to environmentally relevant data held by
the public authorities.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 137/90

by Mr Juan Bandres Molet (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(8 February 1990)_

(91/C 35/10)

_Subject:_ Building project on the Valencian coastline

The Mediterranean, the cradle of thousands of years of
culture, is being exposed to numerous and sustained
attacks on its features and natural equilibrium. One such
problem is that of indiscriminate construction along the
coastline which, among other unfavourable effects, upsets
the ecological balance, destroying dunes, encroaching on
beaches, damaging fauna and reducing nature areas.

The EEC is attempting to remedy this problem by
adopting environmental standards for Member States
with a view to curbing uncontrolled speculation and
construction along the coast. In the small Valencian
community of Finestrat (La Marina Baixa), a number of
additional urban development standards have been
adopted, designating 5 400 000 m [2] as suitable for
development. Most of this area is classified as residential,
the remainder is designated for an industrial estate.

What information does the Commission have concerning
these urban development projects?

Can the Commission guarantee that this project will be
carried out in compliance with Community rules and, in
this case, the Council Directive of 27 June 1985
(85/337/EEC) (') on the assessment of the effects of
certain public and private projects on the environment?

0) OJNoL175,5.7.1985, p. 40.

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(4 October 1990)_

The Commission has no information about Finesfrat

(Valencia) where, according to the Honourable Member,
an area of 5 400 000 m [2] has been designated as suitable
for urban development.

There is in fact no European legislation requiring the
Member States to inform the Commission of their urban

development plans.

The environmental impact Directive 85/337/EEC applies
to public or private projects (urban development projects
and industrial estate development projects, for example),
but does not cover urban development plans.

In view of the highly fragile ecology of many coastal areas
in the Community and the pressure of economic
development in those areas, the Commission will shortly
be preparing a proposal for a recommendation to the
Member States on the protection and development of
sensitive coastal areas in the Community.

In addition, the ENVIREG regional action programme
which is now before Parliament and will be operational by
the end of the year will enable the Commission to make a
contribution towards the more balanced development of
Mediterranean coastal areas eligible under the structural
Funds by co-financing physical land-use plans initiated by
the regions.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 167/90

by Mrs Birgit Bjornvig (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(8 February 1990)_

(91/C 35/11)

_Subject:_ Bovine Somatotrophin

Paragraph (c) of Annex I to the Commission's report to
the Council and Parliament on BST lists a number of

organizations is consulted. Can the Commission please
send me a copy of their answers?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 168/90

by Mrs Birgit Bjornvig (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(8 February 1990)_

(91/C 35/12)

_Subject:_ Bovine Somatotrophin

In its report to the Council and European Parliament on
Bovine Somatotrophin (BST), the Commission indicates

No C 35/6 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

that a number of important socio-economic and economic
factors, e.g. the effects of BST on agricultural production
and structures are not at present the subject of in-depth
studies. How does the Commission intend to remedy this
serious omission and when will it draw up a further
report?

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 167/90 and 168/90

given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(17 May 1990)_

The Commission is studying various aspects of the
possible effects of the introduction of BST into
agricultural production.

To this end it is supporting research work with funds
derived from the coresponsibility levy in the milk
sector, implemented by Council Regulation (EEC)
No 1079/77 0).

In its proposal to the Council for a decision concerning
the administration of BST ( [2] ) the Commission has
proposed to submit a report to the Council and the
European Parliament on the development of the situation
before 1 October 1990.

In that context the Commission is sending directly to the
Honourable Member and to the Secretariat of Parliament

a Summary record of the meeting of the Veterinary
Advisory Committee held on 15 March 1989.

O OJNoL.131,26. 5. 1977, p. 6.
O OJNoC272,25. 10. 1989, p. 9.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 247/90

byMrNeilBlaney(ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(19 February 1990)_

(91/C 35/13)

_Subject:_ Effectiveness of Community funding in energy

sector

What has been, over the past ten years, the ratio of
Community funds devoted to furthering nuclear energy,
fossil fuels, and renewable energy forms, and how does
the Commission rate the effectiveness of Community
funding over that period in those three areas?

Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha
on behalf of the Commission

_(7 May 1990)_

The direct promotion of different forms of energy at
Community level relates to renewable energy sources,

fossil fuels and energy saving, and is effected by means of
demonstration projects.

Between 1979 and 1989, the amounts expended on these
demonstration projects were as follows:

— fossile fuels: ECU 314 million

— renewable energy sources: ECU 900 million

— energy saving: ECU 700 million

The Commission would estimate that approximately
one-third of these projects have been successful and
found a place in the market.

Community actions in the field of nuclear energy are
restricted to scientific and technological research.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 268/90

by Mr Francisco Lucas Pires (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(19 February 1990)_

(91/C 35/14)

_Subject:_ Number of Portuguese officials in the
Commission

The number of Portuguese officials occupying senior
posts in the Commission is more or less the same as the
number of officials from countries such as Ireland and

Denmark, whose population is less than half that of
Portugal, only twenty percent more than Luxembourg,
which is represented by less than one-third of the number
of MEPs and whose population is less than one-twentieth
that of Portugal, about one-third of the number of
officials from Belgium, whose population is the same as
that of Portugal and which is represented by the same
number of MEPs and half the number of officials from

the Netherlands, whose advantage in terms of population
is proportionally much smaller and which is represented
by only one more MEP than Portugal.

What steps does the Commission accordingly intend to
take to ensure a fairer distribution of its senior

management posts?

Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha
on behalf of the Commission

_(25 July 1990)_

The Commission makes every endeavour to fill its posts
on the broadest possible geographical basis.

It takes care to ensure that senior posts in particular are
filled from a very broad geographical base.

11. 2. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 35/7

The Commission would assure the Honourable Member

that, where candidates' ability, efficiency and motivation
are more or less equal, it is determined to have in mind the
need to recruit staff of the most varied possible
geographical origins.

This explains why the number of senior posts filled by
officials from Portugal, Greece, Ireland or Denmark is
broadly similar.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 315/90

by Mr Floras Wijsenbeek and Mr Carlos Pimenta (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(26 February 1990)_

(91/C 35/15)

_Subject:_ The Portuguese customs service

Is the Commission aware that an article appeared in the
periodical _Transport_ of 19 January 1990, criticizing the
effects of the new Portuguese customs regulations?

Is the Commission in agreement with the conclusion of
this article that these regulations are having an adverse
effect on foreign dispatchers, especially small businesses?

Can the Commission, in the light of the completion of the
frontier-free internal market by 1 January 1993, make
representations to the Portuguese Government with a
view to removal of the expensive obligation on all foreign
dispatchers who do not possess their own premises in
Portugal of at least 500 m [2] to go through a 'Tertir'
(international road transport terminal) ?

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 September 1990)_

Despite much searching the Commission has been unable
to trace the article referred to by the Honourable
Members. It is, however, willing to examine its content
once it receives a copy.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 327/90

by Mr Stephen Hughes (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(21 February 1990)_

(91/C 35/16)

_Subject:_ Coal imports

Has the Commission been advised of, or calculated the
likely effect upon the level of coal imports into the

Community of the three-year supply agreement reached
between British Coal, National Power and Powergen in
the UK during December 1989?

Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha
on behalf of the Commission

_(6_ _April 1990)_

The Commission has not been advised of the likely effects
upon the level of coal imports into the Community of the
new three year supply agreement reached between British
Coal, National Power and Powergen.

It is, however, known to the Commission that both
National Power and Powergen have concluded contracts
which would result in considerably increased steam coal
imports. The purchases of these electricity companies
from British coal, on the other hand, are not expected to
be lower than 70 million tonnes in both 1990/91 and

1991/92 and 65 million tonnes in 1992/93.

In 1990, according to information from the UK
government, coal imports are estimated to be 5 million
tonnes higher than in the year before, bringing coal
imports to some 15% of inland consumption. As
minimum coal deliveries from British Coal to National

Power and Powergen are scheduled to decrease by 5
million tonnes in 1992/93, there could be room for
increased steam coal imports or for more use of
alternatives to coal.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 337/90

by Mr Yves Verwaerde (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(21 February 1990)_

(91/C 35/17)

_Subject:_ Ozone layer — international conference

What consequences will the ban on chlorofluorocarbons
(CFCs), due to take effect by 1997, have for European
producers of refrigerators and electronic components ?

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(4 May 1990)_

There have been many studies on the possibilities of
substitution of CFCs in the various areas of use, the latest
and most authoritative being the Technical Assessment of

No C 35/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

the United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP)
which was prepared in the context of the revision of the
Montreal Protocol.

These evaluations have shown that there are many
technical means for a high percentage reduction in CFC
use in electronics and refrigeration. In electronics
important economic savings can be realized through
economization of the use of CFCs. This is why many
electronic firms worldwide have adopted programmes for
the virtual elimination of CFCs.

It needs, however, to be stressed that in some electronics
used and, more importantly in refrigeration, total
elimination of CFCs will not be possible unless the current
effort for the development of appropriate substitutes is
successful. Current estimates by world producers are that
by around 1993 these substitutes should become
commercially available, permitting a practical phase-out
of CFCs by about 1997 except in cases of essential uses.

In conclusion, one would not except important economic
consequences in the area of electronics from this process
of substitution. In the case of refrigeration equipment
changes which might be required could imply negative
economic consequences in some sectors. However, this
induced technological change could ultimately be
beneficial to our industry in terms of increased economic
activity in the new market that will be created for these
new products.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 387/90

by Mr Honor Funk (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(26 February 1990)_

(91/C 35/18)

_Subject:_ Implementation of land set-aside arrangements

A land set-aside programme was adopted under Council
Regulation (EEC) No 1094/88 O of 25 April 1988. Initial
feedback has now been obtained — at least from those

Member States which adopted national implementing
provisions in respect of the programme by the deadline —
on how the programme has been applied.

Problems coming to light relate, inter alia, to the extent to
which the premium can be withheld if requirements are
not met in full. In the case in question, 0,36 ha of the
2,50 ha set aside was used for feeding sows. (The sows
were fed with green fodder.).

1. Does the Commission take the view that the premium
for the entire acreage set aside must be withheld if the
set-aside requirements are not met in full?

2. Does the Commission take the view that the

authorities responsible for monitoring the
implementation of set-aside arrangements can be
granted discretionary powers to decide to what extent
set-aside obligations have been met and hence be
empowered to decide whether or not to grant the
premium?

3. In connection with the instance referred to above, can
the Commission say whether it would be appropriate
for the premium to be completely axed, cut pro rata or
paid in full, since the extent to which the set-aside
obligations were not met was minimal?

4. Will this and similar cases prompt the Commission to
make the relevant Regulation and/or implementing
provisions more specific, or will it be left to the
Member States' discretion?

O OJ No L 106, 27. 4. 1988, p. 28.

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(20 April 1990)_

1 and 3. The Commission takes the view that if

beneficiaries fail to meet, even in part, the undertakings
they have given, this should normally result in the aid
being completely axed.

2 and 4. In the first instance, responsibility for
applying the rules lies with the national authorities. Those
authorities are required, in this respect, to comply with
the Community provisions in force, which restrict _inter_
_alia_ their discretionary powers when assessing the
particular circumstances of each individual case.

The Commission does not feel that it is necessary to lay
down more detailed rules on set-aside at present.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 426/90

by Mr Francisco Lucas Pires (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5 March 1990)_

(91/C 35/19)

_Subject:_ Implementation of Parliament's resolutions on
Timor

The behaviour of Indonesia in East Timor has been

repeatedly condemned by the European Parliament,

11. 2. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 35/9

which in one of its resolutions on the subject (Doc.
A 2-0143/88) requests the Commission to 'give a progress
report within six months'.

Why has such a report never been drawn up?

Answer given by Mr Matutes
on behalf of the Commission

_(6 September 1990)_

The issue of human rights in East Timor falls within the
scope of European Political Cooperation and has not
been the subject of any report drawn up by the
Commission. This matter is under constant review in the

framework of European Political Cooperation and,
where appropriate, the Twelve have not failed to address
the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 556/90

by Mr Hugh McMahon (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 March 1990)_

(91/C 35/20)

_Subject:_ Social protection

Can the Commission inform the House what was the

outcome of the seminar held in November 1989 on

minimum income levels in Member States reported in the
Bulletin of the European Communities 4/89? Has the
Commission any intention of publishing the findings of
this seminar in the Community and of making the report
readily available to the Members of the European
Parliament? In addition to this, has the Commission any
plans for future conferences of this nature?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(10 April 1990)_

A European conference on minimum income levels was
held in Windsor from 15 to 17 November 1989. It was

attended by national civil servants, independent experts
and representatives of the Commission departments
responsible for social security protection. It gave an
opportunity for a useful exchange of information and
views on the minimum income arrangements in the
various Member States and is therefore a step forward
along the path of Community thinking with a view to a
'recommendation on common criteria concerning
sufficient resources and social assistance in the social

protection systems', which is now being drafted (see the
Communication from the Commission concerning its

action programme relating to the implementation of the
Community Charter of Fundamental Social Rights for
Workers (')).

The proceedings of the conference are being drawn up
and will be ready by the middle of 1990, though there are
no plans for the proceedings to be specially published.

At this stage the Commission has no plans for a further
conference on this subject.

O COM(89) 568 final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 599/90

by Mr Mihail Papayannakis (GUE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 March 1990)_

(91/C 35/21)

_Subject:_ Forthcoming publication of a European history
text book

The Commission has announced more or less officially
and publicly its approval accompanied by various forms of
support for writing and publicizing a European history
text book. According to the press release and the more
detailed outline of this initiative contained in the Staff

Courrier (January 1990), this work is to circulate in every
Member State except Greece and in every language except
Greek. Apparently it is to be used as a type of general text
book at secondary school level to inform pupils of the
most important steps towards a common European
identity. As we understand it, it will contain no reference
to Greek classical antiquity or the Byzantine Empire. Of
course these matters strictly depend on the views and
professional capacity of the authors, whose freedom
should be scrupulously respected.

— What financial, moral and other forms of support
have been given to the writing and publication of this
book?

— Why does this totally praiseworthy initiative not
extend to the book's publication in Greece and in the
Greek language?

— Does the Commission consider it to be unimportant if
Greek-speaking readers are unable to read and assess
such an ambitious historical and intrinsically political
work? If so, why?

Answer given by Mr Dondelinger
on behalf of the Commission

_(9 July 1990)_

The project to which the Honourable Member refers is
the result of a private initiative by Professor J.B.

No C 35/10 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

Duroselle, the author, and Mr F. Delouche, who is in
charge of the publication side. They brought it to the
Commission's attention in 1985. The Commission is not,
of course, involved in any way in the planning or
production of the work, which is the sole responsibility of
the author. It gave its support to the venture — as it tries
to support any project liable to promote the European
ideal — on the basis of the academic reputation of the
author, who is a member of the Institute of France.

At the time, the Commission took the view that any
project designed to provide an overall view of Europe's
history and heritage and to highlight its shared historical
foundations would help to create an awareness of a
deep-seated European identity transcending even the
Community's frontiers. It goes without saying that a
history book which failed to take account of the
contribution of all European civilizations would not be
able to meet this objective.

The Commission provided modest financial support for
the project (ECU 19 000) in its early stages to enable
Professor Duroselle to hold discussions (at five meetings)
with other historians as work on his manuscript
progressed.

Publication is being organized by Mr Delouche, with
Bertelsmann Lexikon coordinating the group of
publishers involved. The Commission has not subsidized
this aspect at all, publication being a purely commercial
private-sector affair.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 654/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(23 March 1990)_

(91/C 35/22)

_Subject:_ Non-ratification by Belgium of instruments of
the ILO

At its 75th session (Geneva, June 1988), the International
Labour Conference adopted convention No 167
concerning health and safety in the construction industry
and Recommendation No 175 on the same subject.

Despite the opinion of the National Labour Council of
Belgium of 19 December 1989 stating that Belgium was in
a position to ratify these instruments, the Minister of
Employment and Labour opposes ratification on the
grounds that the European Community is preparing a
directive on the same subject. This argument has already

delayed or prevented ratification by Belgium of ILO
instruments throughout the 1980s.

Is Belgium's decision an isolated one or is it the result of a
concerted position among the Member States?

Are not such moves harmful to the interests of workers

from the Member States and even more to those of

workers from non-member countries, since they directly
inhibit the effectiveness of ILO instruments?

Does not the Commission fear that this attitude may
obstruct its role in carrying out the Council's instructions
to coordinate the adoption by the Member States, at the
International Labour Conference in June 1990, of
instruments aimed at protecting workers from chemical
substances?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(28 September 1990)_

It is not for the Commission to comment on ratification

by the Member States of ILO instruments, where the
scope of such instruments does not fall within the
Community's exclusive field of competence.

As regards the convention on safety in the use of
chemicals at work, on 30 November 1989 the Council
adopted a decision on negotiations at the International
Labour Conference on this topic.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 730/90

by Mrs Marijke Van Hemeldonck (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(2_ _7 March 1990)_

(91/C 35/23)

_Subject:_ Difficulties caused by muskrats on the
Belgian-Dutch border

Is the Commission aware that the number of muskrats

crossing from Belgium to the Netherlands (Zeeland) has
increased dramatically in recent years, rising from 8 500
in 1985 to 17 000 in 1987?

By burrowing, these animals cause problems at weirs and
dykes.

Does the Commission intend to take measures to control

muskrats in these areas?

11. 2.91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 35/11

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(29 August 1990)_

The Commission has no information on the increase in

the number of muskrats in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Muskrat control is the responsibility of the Member
States.

The Commission will therefore not be taking any action
in this regard.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 743/90

by Mrs Lissy Groner (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 March 1990)_

(91/C 35/24)

_Subject:_ Education policy

What progress has been made by the EC, through the
various agreements, political declarations of intent and
judgments that have been adopted and the political
practice of the Commission and Council of Ministers
responsible, towards achieving an education Community?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(9 October 1990)_

The development of the common vocational training
policy and of cooperation in the education field has
advanced considerably, particularly over the past few
years, given the increasing priority attached to human
resources in the Community as a whole.

The Commission is sending directly to the Honourable
Member and to the Secretariat-General of the European
Parliament the report on its activities in the fields of
education, training and youth, presented in 1989, and will
make available a report on its 1989 activities.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 762/90

by Mr David Bowe (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(29 March 1990)_

(91/C 35/25)

_Subject:_ Natural medicine

Will the Commission please inform the Parliament what
action it proposes to take to:

1. Recognize the different systems of medical
philosophies and schools of practice within medicine;

2. Safeguard the availability and appropriate regulation
of natural medicines used within the schools of

medicine, including homeopathy, phytotherapy
(medical herbalism), anthroposophical medicine and
biochemic medicine, other than the current orthodox
school;

3. Safeguard the therapeutic freedom of doctors ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(18 June 1990)_

1. The Commission is not empowered to recognize, or
to withhold recognition of, the various schools of medical
practice within the Community or to restrict the freedom .
of doctors to prescribe medicines.

2. With regard to the more specific aspects of natural
medicine, in particular phytotherapy and homeopathy,
the Commission would refer the Honourable Member to

its reply to Written Question No 513/89 by Mr Romera i
Alcazar ( [x] ).

3. The organization of the provision of medical care
falls entirely within the competence of the Member States.
The Member States set the regulations for therapeutic
procedures. From the point of view of Community law
these regulations must be applied without discrimination
to nationals and to migrant nationals from other Member
States. The Commission does not propose taking action in
the provision of natural medicine.

0) OJ No C 325, 24.12.1990, p. 3.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 907/90

by Mr Bartho Pronk (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(17 April 1990)_

(91/C 35/26)

_Subject:_ Availability of the text of the Social Charter

1. Does the Commission consider that the Social

Charter, adopted by the European Council in December
1989, is important?

2. If so, why has the text of the Social Charter not been
widely distributed and why is it virtually impossible to
obtain the text in the various Community languages?

3. Does the Commission consider that if the text of the

Social Charter were soon made available this would help
to broaden the debate on a further expansion of the social
dimension in Europe?

No C 35/12 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

4. Does the Commission intend to remedy this
situation by making the text of the Social Charter
available to the general public?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 June 1990)_

The text of the 'Community Charter of Fundamental
Social Rights for Workers', as approved by the Heads of
State or Government of eleven Member States at the

Strasbourg meeting of the European Council, has been
published in all the official languages (').

The Honourable Member's attention is drawn to issue
No 1/90 of the magazine _Social Europe_ ( [2] ), in which the
Commission published extensive information on this
subject, including not only the text of the Charter but also
the legislation which led up to it and the action
programme for its implementation.

O Catalogue No CB-57-89-183.
O Catalogue No CE-AA-90-001.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1062/90

by Mrs Sylvie Mayer (CG)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(10 May 1990)_

(91/C 35/27)

_Subject:_ Equivalence of university diplomas

In the framework of the completion of the internal market
can the Commission indicate what Commission proposals
concerning higher education diplomas and guarantees of
equivalence for exercising similar professions are pending
before the Council and what stage they have reached?

Has the Commission consulted the appropriate
professional organization, for example the European
federation of geologists and national unions?

If not, would it be prepared to do so?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(22 June 1990)_

On 21 December 1988 the Council adopted
Directive 89/48/EEC on a general system for the
recognition of higher-education diplomas awarded on
completion of professional education and training of at
least three years' duration ('). Member States are required

to transpose the Directive into national law within two
years of its notification, i.e. not later than 4 January 1991.

The Directive, which, being general rather than sectoral
in nature, marks a new approach by the Commission to
the recognition of diplomas and covers a wide variety of
occupations and professions. It can be applied to
geologists provided that they qualified by being awarded
a higher-education diploma on completion of education
and training of at least three years' duration.

The Commission has met the European Federation of
Geologists, and the contacts have provided an
opportunity to discuss the content and impact of the
Directive.

It would also draw the Honourable Member's attention to

the proposal for a Council Directive on a second general
system for the recognition of professional education and
training which complements Directive 89/48/EEC ( [2] ).

O OJ No L 19, 24. 1.1989.
O OJNoC263, 16. 10. 1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1094/90

by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(10 May 1990)_

(91/C 35/28)

_Subject:_ The LINGUA programme

Detailed scrutiny of the proposal for a Council decision
establishing the LINGUA programme shows that the
measures proposed are largely designed with the training
of future language teachers in mind and not the
promotion of language studies linked with the rest of the
curriculum. Only one passage refers to the provision of
opportunities for university students who so wish to
combine foreign language studies with the pursuit of their
main discipline/s. This provision is quite unrealistic: what
student is going to drop his main discipline to spend six
months in a foreign country learning a language?

To achieve the desired end it is not enough to promote the
development of language teaching techniques: it is
equally, if not more, important to motivate students to
learn languages.

This programme will certainly motivate language students
(travel grants, language academies, teaching methods,
and so on) but will fail to mobilize students as a whole.

Does the Commission not consider that steps should also
be taken to provide assistance to colleges wishing to
include language teaching in faculties where languages do
not constitute the main discipline?

11. 2. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 35/13

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(3 October 1990)_

The Lingua programme as adopted by the Council on 28
July 1989 (*) is chiefly directed towards teachers and
future teachers (Actions I and II), the promotion of the
use of foreign languages in working life (Action III) and
supporting exchange of young people undergoing
professional, technical or vocational education
(Action IV).

The Commission notes the Honourable Member's

_~t_ comment that it is unrealistic to expect students to
sacrifice their principal discipline in order to undertake six
months' study abroad of a foreign language. However,
grants are available under Action II to 'students who
study a foreign language in conjunction with another
discipline'. Furthermore, paragraph 5 (d) of Action II
stipulates that 'grants will be awarded only in cases where
the period of study to be spent in another Member State
will be granted full recognition by the student's home
university'. No question of sacrifice should therefore
arise.

The Honourable Member's suggestion that Community
action should be taken to promote the teaching of
languages in other university faculties cannot be carried
out under the Decision in its present form. However, the
Commission will bear the suggestion in mind when it
comes to review the operation of the programme at the
end of its second year.

The Commission would point out, however, that the
actions in favour of mobility for foreign language
students find their counterpart for students of other
subjects under the ERASMUS II programme ( [2] ).
Paragraph 1 of that Decision states that joint programmes
may include as necessary a period of foreign language
preparation which should, wherever possible, be
commenced in the country of origin before departure. To
this extent therefore, students of other academic
disciplines are already receiving Community support for
the learning of foreign languages.

O OJ No L 239,16. 8.1989.
O OJNoL395,30. 12. 1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1126/90

by Mr Filippos Pierros (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(14 May 1990)_

(91/C 35/29)

_Subject:_ Reduction of technological and natural
environmental hazards

In its resolution of 16 October 1989 on the reduction of

technological and natural environmental hazards, the

Council stressed the need for effective action in the event

of marine pollution resulting from accidents and called on
the Commission to take appropriate steps to intensify
cooperation between the competent authorities of the
Member States.

What specific steps has the Commission taken to comply
with the above Council resolution?

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 October 1990)_

Since 1985, the Commission has provided operational
arrangements in cases of major marine pollution. These
arrangements consist principally of a team which will
supply users of the information system with all necessary
assistance. This team is operational 24 hours a day
available by telex, number 21877 COMEU B. Each
message should begin with 'URGENT POLLUTION
ALERT SECTION'.

With these arrangements, the Commission will be able to
provide administrative and technical assistance to
operational authorities confronted with an emergency
situation by sending the Community Task Force.

The Task Force is composed essentially of governmental
experts. In case of emergency, these experts would be
called upon to advise and, above all, to attend the scene of
the incident to provide every possible assistance to the
authorities concerned.

Experts appointed to the Task Force have direct
experience of emergency situations and are particularly
qualified to give effective assistance.

The summit of the Arch held in Paris requested further
initiatives in the field of combating accidental pollution at
sea. In the same field of action, the Council adopted the
resolution evoked by the Honourable Member.

In view of the above, the Commission is now updating
and strengthening the organization of the EEC Task
Force and the related service in order to have an even

more professional and sophisticated tool.

The Member States were requested to:

— provide a list of experts e.g. one to five names in order
to permit the selection of the most appropriate expert
in each case,

— grant the experts included in the abovementioned list
a permanent travel authorization valid for immediate
departure to any destination indicated by the EEC
Task Force.

No C 35/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

In order to increase the operational capacity of the Task
Force, the Commission is trying to improve the
mobilization and transportation of experts on to the
scene, such as the emergency telecommunications system
and the agreement with international airlines for pre-paid
tickets.

The following list recalls the previous interventions of the
EEC Task Force:

1985: 'Patmos' tanker in the Messina Strait,

1986: 'Kowloon Bridge' and 'Capo Emma' in Iceland,

1987: 'Cason' stranded on the north west coast of Spain,

1989: 'Marao' tanker in Portugal,

1989—90: 'Khark 5' on Portuguese, Spanish and
Moroccan waters,

1990: 'Aragon' tanker in Spain,

1990: Porto Santo Island (Madeira) for clean up
operations.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1166/90

by Mr Kenneth Stewart (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(14 May 1990)_

(91/C 35/30)

_Subject:_ No redress for consumers presented with
electricity bills or with phone bills due to the use
of chat lines

Is the Commission aware that in the UK consumers are

presented with bills for electricity with no means of
querying the amount, that TV adverts encourage the use
of chat lines, and that in many cases minors have run up
bills of very high proportions unknown to their parents?

Does the Commission agree that such chat lines are not
providing a service and are a con to deprive ordinary
people of their hard-earned money; if so, will the
Commission investigate these practices and make the
necessary recommendations to the UK Government to
curb this type of advertising?

Will the Commission also introduce a harmonized system
of protection for the consumer throughout the
Community, demanding a breakdown of service bills and
a time period for query of those bills without the threat of
disconnection of the supply, given that already too many
people die each year from hypothermia due to being
deprived of heat and light?

Answer given by Mr Pandolfi
on behalf of the Commission

_(28 September 1990)_

In the area of telecommunications, the problem referred
to by the Honourable Member is associated with
'Chatlines' in the United Kingdom. 'Chatlines', in this
context, are a service which permit up to 10 persons to
talk to each other simultaneously, through calling a
special number and paying special tariffs. The problem
raised is principally that of children running up high
telephone bills through the use of this service, especially
where this use is unknown to their parents.

The Commission has noted that the UK Office of

Telecommunications (Oftel) is currently investigating this
matter. Oftel has recently noted that in some cases the
bills are so large the customers have no real prospect of
paying them, and are encumbered with debt for the
foreseeable future. The Commission is awaiting the
results of Oftel's investigation, and any action which
Oftel may find necessary as a result.

In the framework of its overall telecommunications

policy, the Commission will monitor whether this
problem develops at Community level. If this does occur,
it will investigate what specific measures may be called for
at Community level.

The Commission recalls that the new digital technologies
permit the establishment of itemized call statements, and
that current Commission proposals concerning data
protection and the protection of privacy in the area of
telecommunications, allow for such itemized call
statements. These itemized bills permit the customer to
monitor where and when calls are being made, which can
clearly help in the control of expenditures on such services
as Chatline.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1186/90

by Mr Stephen Hughes (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(14 May 1990)_

(91/C 35/31)

_Subject:_ Energy and the environment

Is the Commission aware that the UK Government has

cancelled plans to fit 12 000 MW of coal-fired generating
capacity with flue gas desulphurization equipment? Has
the Commission assessed the consequences for the UK's
ability to meet the 1998 and 2003 targets or SO2
reduction?

11. 2. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 35/15

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(30 August 1990)_

The Commission is not aware of the intention of the UK

Government to cancel plans to fit 12 000 MW of coal
fired generating capacity with flue gas desulphurization.

In any case, the Commission intends to have a bilateral
discussion with the UK Government on the

implementation of Council Directive 88/609/EEC (')
before the end of 1990.

During this discussion, programmes envisaged by the UK
Government to reduce SO2, NOx and dust emissions will

be examined in detail.

O OJNoL336,7. 12. 1988.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1196/90

by Mr Alexandras Alavanos (CG)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(14 May 1990)_

(91/C 35/32)

_Subject:_ Environmental pollution and the exposure of
workers in western Macedonia to PCBs/PCTs

At a meeting on environmental pollution held in western
Macedonia the Greek Electricity Board, which operates
16 thermal power plants in the area, was accused of
serious violations of Community legislation in general,
and notably of Directives 76/403/EEC ('), on the
disposal of polychlorinated biphenyls and
polychlorinated terphenyls, and 87/101/EEC ( [2] ) on the
disposal of waste oils.

The Board was accused of failing to inform staff and thus
exposing them to very serious health hazards (contact
with PCBs/PCTs, leakage of these substances into the
subsoil and ground water in the area and discharges of the
substances).

Will the Commission say whether:

— the relevant Community directives were implemented
within the specified time limits,

— a register is kept of the amounts of PCBs/PCTs,

— controls are carried out to establish whether the

temporary storage areas are suitable for the
substances in question,

— workers are adequately informed and protected, and

— it has been decided to draw up an environmental
study on the general consequences for the region and
on measures to protect the inhabitants?

(') OJ No L 168, 26. 4. 1976, p. 41.
O OJNoL42,12.2. 1987, p. 43.

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 October 1990)_

On 22 October 1985, under Departmental
Order 72751/3054, which entered into force on 1
December 1985, Greece transposed into national law
Directive 76/403/EEC on the disposal of polychlorinated
biphenyls and polychlorinated terphenyls.

Directive 87/101/EEC, on the other hand, has still not
been transposed into Greek law.

Directive 78/319/EEC on dangerous toxic wastes
provides for the drawing-up of waste-disposal
programmes. Having established that no such
programmes exist in Greece (under which provision is
made for the compiling of lists), the Commission has
taken steps to initiate the procedure laid down in
Article 169 of the EEC Treaty.

Greece has not yet transposed Directive 85/337/EEC
into national law, and the Commission has likewise
initiated the procedure laid down in Article 169. As
regards the impact study referred to by the Honourable
Member, the Commission would welcome more detailed
information so as to enable it to conduct a specific
examination of this matter.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1200/90

by Mr Mark Killilea (RDE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(14 May 1990)_

(91/C 35/33)

_Subject:_ Payment of social insurance contribution by
employees to their country of origin while
working in another country

What are the rights and entitlements of employees of
companies registered in an EC Member State, who are
sent by the company to work in another country, be it an
EC or non-EC country, and who meet with an industrial
accident while in that country, taking into account that
during this time they have paid full social insurance
contributions through the company to their country of
origin.

I refer to a particular case, the details of which are as
follows: a Mr Michael McHugh, now resident in Ireland,
was employed by an English construction company, who,
in 1978, sent a number of construction workers, Mr
McHugh included, to work on a project in Poland. While
there, Mr McHugh was involved in an industrial accident.
When he attempted to claim industrial injury benefit, he

No C 35/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

was told that as there was no reciprocal agreement with
Poland and the UK, he was not entitled to a claim, even
though he had paid full contributions at the UK rate while
in Poland.

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(22 June 1990)_

The Honourable Member seems to refer to the situation

where a worker, who is a national of one Member
State (A), is employed by an undertaking in another
Member State (B) to perform work outside the territory
of the European Communities and suffers an accident at
work there.

The provisions laid down in Title II of Regulation (EEC)
No 1408/71 (') are confined to determining the
legislation applicable for workers exercising an activity in
one of the Member States of the European Community.

If, however, under the national law of Member State B, a
national of that State, affiliated to its general social
security scheme, would remain covered by the scheme
even during a period of temporary employment outside
the territory of the Community, then the principle of
non-discrimination applies. It extends the protection of
that scheme to nationals of Member State A also, in
conformity with the judgement of the Court of Justice of
12 July 1984, Case No 237/83 Prodest ( [2] ).

(') OJ No L 230, 22. 8. 1983. Most recendy amended by
Regulation (EEC) No 3811/86 - OJNoL 355,16.12.1986.
O ECR 1984, p. 3153.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1231/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(22 May 1990)_

(91/C 35/34)

_Subject:_ Operation of the Mines Safety and Health
Commission

The Mines Safety and Health Commission (which covers
offshore oil and gas industries) has a tripartite structure
(administration, employers and workers), assigns tasks to
some ten working parties (which, theoretically, also have
a tripartite structure) and considers proposals for
directives in the run-up to 1992.

Could the Commission answer the following questions:

1. What is the substance of the proposals for directives
concerned (including the directives on machines

which specifically concern the safety of workers) and
which proposals are still pending?

2. On the basis of the records of attendance, how often
have trade union representatives attended the
meetings of the Mines Safety and Health Commission
and its working parties in recent years?

3. Is it true that the last Belgian trade union
representative on the Commission resigned in 1989
and has still not been replaced?

4. Following the example of trade union representation
in Germany and the United Kingdom, would it not be
constructive for trade union representatives to be
assisted by technical experts (who could accompany
them to meetings or deputize for them in their
absence) who are better able to make a worthwhile
contribution to highly technical discussions?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(22 June 1990)_

1. Directive 89/391 /EEC (*) on the use of working
equipment and Directive 89/392/EEC ( [2] ) on machinery,
as well as the specific directives or amendments arising
from them, apply to the extraction industries generally.

To complete the provisions in this particular field, the
Commission has decided to put proposals before the
Commission concerning the health and safety of workers
in this sector after consulting the Mines Safety and Health
Commission.

2. The Commission does not keep statistics concerning
attendance by members of the various committees.

3. It is not true that the Belgian representative on the
Mines Health and Safety Commission who resigned in
1989 has not been replaced. In actual fact, there are now
two Belgian trade union representatives on the
Commission.

4. The trade union representatives have always
possessed a high level of knowledge and professional
experience enabling them to hold their own in technical
discussions. Consequently, the trade union
representatives of the Member States did not call for their
substitutes to be involved.

O OJ No L 183, 29. 6.1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1261/90

by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(22 May 1990)_

(91/C 35/35)

_Subject:_ Harmonization of securitization in the
Community

Securitization, which involves packaging certain assets
(usually loans) and converting them into negotiable

I L ^ l COfficial journal of the European Communities ^oCo^BtB

securities is becoming increasingly commonpractice in
the Community

The conversion of loans into securities provides financial
institutions withameans of improving their own balances.
This makes it even harder to assess the solvency of these
institutions^ particularly since the banks themselves act as
guarantors forthesecuritized loans.

What measures will the Commission propose to
harmonize securitization in the Community^

AnswergivenbySirLeo^Brittan
o^ behalf ofthe Commission

With the adoption ofCouncilDirective^BD^BEEC of
18 December 1989 on a solvency ratio for credit
institutions^ the minimum capital requirements for
assets ^including those securitized^ and riskDbearing
off-balance sheet items ^including bank guarantees^
within thebanking sector havebeen harmonized. The
Commission proposal foraCouncil Directive on capital
adequacy of investment firmsandcredit institutions^
intends to harmonize inasimilar manner the minimum

capital requirements for such activities of investment
firmsandtoreinforce those for credit institutions with

regard to market risks.

The two abovementioned directives willmn the view of the

Commissions be sufficient to insure that banks and

investment firmshaveenoughcapitaltomeettherisks
involved.

C ^ I ^ o C t ^ ^ t D m ^ o

W ^ T E T E ^ ^ E ^ T ^ ^ l ^ o ^ ^ B ^

byMrsChristmeCrawley^S^

to the Commission ofthe European Communities

^ I B C ^ B ^

^^cr.lmplementingthe pensioners^ travel card

What Member States have begun the process of
implementing the EuropeanTravel Card for pensioners^
which was adopted as a Commission recommendation
in May 198^ What action does the Commission
intend taking in relationtothoseMember States which
have not implemented^ or started to implements the
recommendations

A^nswergivenbyMrsPapandreou
on behalf oftheCommission

^ ^ ^ ^ ^

The Commission is aware that Ireland^ Belgium and
Rortugal have started the process of implementing the
over^sixties^card^ which wasadoptedasaCommission
recommendationinMayl^^^.

The Commissions intention was and is to enquire m
m i d l ^ O a s t o s t e p s t a k e n b y M e m b e r S t a t e s towards
implementation of the recommendation.

^ C ^ O L t ^ g ^ ^ m ^ D ^

W ^ I T E P E ^ ^ E S T I ^ ^ ^ o t ^ ^ B ^ O

b y M r ] o s e ^ a p p a r t ^

to the Commission ofthe European Communities

^ I B C ^ B ^

^ ^ c r . Protection of the European historical and
cultural heritage ^ excavation of iguanodon
deposits

There are very few examples in Europe of the mesozoic
iguanodon.

A deposit of incalculable scientific value has been
discovered atadepth of about ^00 metres in the locality
of Bernissart^ in western rlainaut. This is a most

promising site^ unique in the worlds which is of particular
historical and cultural interest and is highly suitable for
Communitywide cooperation.

Civen that investment in research into prehistoric deposits
of this kind is inherently expensive^ but is nonetheless of
benefit to the entire historical and cultural heritage of the
Community^has the Commission made any provision for
the preparation ofculturalproiects for the conservation
ofprehistoricsites^

If so^ can it indicate on what basis local authorities may
benefit from Community funds for the protection of sites
ofhistoricinterest^

Answer^ivenbyMrDondelin^er
on behalf ofthe Commission

^ ^ ^ ^

The Commission shares the honourable Members

interest in and concern for the protection of the historical
and cultural heritage of the Community.

In this area the Commission has an annual scheme to

promote and give financial supportto specificcultural
projects ofEuropean scope and interest.

No C 35/18 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

At present the budget available for cultural heritage
projects is very limited, and consequently the support is
more symbolic than real.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1296/90

byMrKarelDillen(DR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(22 May 1990)_

(91/C 35/38)

_Subject:_ Community subsidies to organizations opposed
to 'racism and fascism'

Article 303, Item 3030 of the Community budget for 1990
includes appropriations of ECU 1 795 000 in the form of
'subsidies for certain activities of non-governmental
organizations pursuing humanitarian aims and promoting
human rights'.

Is it true that this item includes appropriations for
organizations opposed to 'racism and fascism'? If so,
which organizations were subsidized in this way in 1989
and 1990?

Does the 1990 budget include any other items involving
subsidies for such organizations? If so, which
organizations and what subsidies in 1989 and 1990?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(7 August 1990)_

In accordance with the priorities formulated by the
European Parliament, a part of the appropriation under
Article 303, Item 3030 of the Community budget is
allocated to non-governmental organizations concerned
with the dangers of racism and fascism. The comments for
Item 3030 in the 1990 budget specify that this
appropriation is intended to cover, among other things,
the grant of aid to 'non-governmental organizations
conducting informations campaigns of the dangers of
racism and fascism in accordance with the Joint

Declaration of 11 June 1986'.

Each year, at the request of the European Parliament, the
Commission informs Parliament of all the grants
allocated under Item 3030 during the preceeding
budgetary year. The Commission is sending directly to
the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat

the list for 1989. The list for 1990 can only be sent after
the budgetary year is closed.

The 1990 budget does not include any other items
specifically for such organizations.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1300/90

by Mrs Maartje van Putten (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(22 May 1990)_

(91/C 35/39)

_Subject:_ Milk substitutes for babies in developing
countries

Is the Commission prepared to set up an inquiry into
Nestle's continuing infringement of existing directives by
supplying milk substitutes free or at substantially reduced
prices to Third World countries?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(5 September 1990)_

The Commission considers that the monitoring of
marketing practices in third countries is the responsibility
of the competent authorities of the country concerned.
However, the Commission would be prepared to examine
any complaints or criticisms with respect to the marketing
practices of a manufacturer based in the Community
which were formulated by the competent authorities of a
third country or where export of a product was subject to
Community Regulation. Up till now, no such complaint
has been received.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1325/90

by Mr John McCartin (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(28 May 1990)_

(91/C 35/40)

_Subject:_ ESF allowances for agricultural students

Will the Commission state whether it intends to extend, or
state under what conditions it would be possible to
extend, the system operating in Ireland so that
agricultural students following part-time 'Certificate in
Farming' courses, (outside of agricultural colleges) will
benefit from the same allowances as students at

agricultural colleges?

11. 2. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 35/19

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 July 1990)_

Allowances payable to trainees following vocational
training courses, whether full-time or part-time, are
eligible for support from Community Structural Funds
(European Social Fund). However, the Commission has
no powers to determine which trainees should receive
allowances and this decision must therefore rest with the

relevant Member State body.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1332/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11 June 1990)_

(91/C 35/41)

_Subject:_ Use of Article 310 of the 1989 budget promoting
twinning arrangements between local authorities

Could the Commission provide a list of the local
authorities which have benefited from the ECU 3 million

entered against Article 310 of the 1989 budget to promote
twinning arrangements and indicate the amount of aid
each has received? Could it also provide Parliament's
Committee on Youth with a brief written assessment of

the results achieved?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1569/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 June 1990)_

(91/C 35/42)

_Subject:_ Grants for twinning arrangements in 1989

What was the breakdown of the ECU 3 million allocated

in the 1989 budget, at Community level and within each
of the Member States, between cities and municipalities in
the following categories:

— less than 25 000 inhabitants,

— 25 000 to 50 000 inhabitants,

— 50 000 to 100 000 inhabitants,

— 100 000 to 200 000 inhabitants,

— over 200 000 inhabitants?

Does the Commission not consider that special treatment
should be given to small and medium-sized municipalities
with financial difficulties?

How many grants were allocated to individual
municipalities for training courses connected with
twinning arrangements?

To what extent did the allocation of grants reflect closer
relations with Eastern Europe and the Third World?

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1332/90

and 1569/90

given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(2_ _August 1990)_

In 1989, the year when a new item (Town-twinning
schemes in the European Community) was entered in the
budget (Article A-310, now A-306), the Commission
approved nearly all the applications for subsidies it
received which satisfied the criteria established in

accordance with Parliament guidelines. The Commission
is sending the Honourable Member and Parliament's
Secretariat a list of the recipients.

For technical reasons, it is unfortunately impossible to
supply a breakdown of these subsidies by size of city as
requested by the Honourable Member.

To promote new town-twinnings and to improve the
quality of schemes, information and training campaigns
are carried out in each Member State with the help of the
large twinning organizations. The effects of these
activities will probably be felt only in the medium or even
the long term. So it is too early to make a qualitative
assessment of all the operations carried out in 1989.

The Commission nevertheless notes that local authorities

are generally aware of the existence of aid for twinning. It
also notes the increase in the number of new twinning
schemes, especially with countries on the periphery of the
Community. However, most of the local authorities
applying for support are located in countries that have a
tradition of town-twinning.

Lastly, with regard to relations with Eastern Europe and
the Third World, only intra-Community town-twinning
schemes were eligible in 1989. It was not until 1990 that,
at Parliament's request, financial support for twinning
schemes between towns in the Community and towns in
Central and Eastern Europe was made possible. In 1990
5% of the appropriations under item A-306 was set aside
for this type of support. Twinning schemes with towns in
the Third World are still not eligible for Community aid,
however.

No C 35/20 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1346/90

by Mr Llewellyn Smith (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11_ _June 1990)_

(91/C 35/43)

_Subject:_ Euratom safeguards report — uranium mines
and plants

Regarding table II-1 of the Euratom safeguards report
(SEC(90) 452 final), will the Commission (a) publish a
table showing the disaggregation of uranium mines and
uranium concentrate plants and state the volumes of
uranium safeguarded respectively at each plant and (b) list
by name and location each of the 175 installations and
stocks of nuclear material listed for the United Kingdom,
the 203 listed for the Federal Republic of Germany and
the 143 listed for France respectively?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1358/90

by Mr Llewellyn Smith (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11_ _June 1990)_

(91/C 35/44)

_Subject:_ Euratom safeguards report — Facility
attachments

In regard to paragraph 93 (d) of the report on the
operation of Euratom safeguards (SEC(90) 452 final),
will the Commission list those 50 or so facilities to which

general reference is made that Still require the completion
or negotiation of facility attachments?

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1346/90

and 1358/90

given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha

on behalf of the Commission

_(25 July 1990)_

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to
answer the Honourable Member's question.

It will inform him of its findings as soon as possible.

The Commission is not at liberty to disclose information
about the stocks of material at the installations.

The list under preparation referred to by the Honourable
Member will also indicate the status of facility
attachments, as appropriate.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1353/90

by Mr Llewellyn Smith (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11 June 1990)_

(91/C 35/45)

_Subject:_ Euratom safeguards report — 'flag swaps'

Regarding paragraph 62 of the report on the operation of
Euratom safeguards (SEC(90) 452 final), what were the
reasons for the refusal to permit eight requested 'flag
swaps' (out of 33) in 1988, and will the Commission give
details of the country of origin, amount of material
involved, and country or operator respectively requesting
the 25 'flag swaps' that were agreed to by Euratom 1988?

Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha
on behalf of the Commission

_(4 October 1990)_

Book transfers of safeguarding obligation, loosely
referred to as 'flag swaps', are not approved when such
book transfers involve non-equivalent materials. The
Honourable Member is referred to the statement by
Commissioner Mosar made to the Committee of Inquiry
of the European Parliament on 24 April 1988.

Regarding details on any transfers, including book
transfers, of nuclear material, the Commission is not at
liberty to provide such information due to its confidential

nature.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1373/90

by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11 June 1990)_

(91/C 35/46)

_Subject:_ Community participation in International
Literacy Year

The decision of Unesco to designate 1990 as International
Literacy Year has as its vital objective measures to combat
this scourge which still afflicts much of the Third World.
Financial institutions such as the World Bank, and
specialized organizations such as Unesco itself, Unicef
and the United Nations Development Programme,
together with non-governmental organizations, are all
contributing to this objective in response to the need for
Third World countries to make education a major
national priority and their desire to do so.

11.^.91 official Journal of the European Communities ^ o C ^ B ^ l

iOoes the Commission intend to participate actively
through specific contributions t o o n e o r several of the
programmes being carried out as part of International
Literacy^earB

Ans^er^ivenbyl^TsPapandreou
on behalf ofthe Commission

At the ^ o r l d Conference on Education for All in

Thailand o n ^ 9 ^ a r c h, the 1^ member states adopted
a common position on the conferences t^vo basic
documents. This common position ^vas presented at
Bangkok by the delegation of Ireland, ^vhich^vas Council
Rresidentforthe first half of the year.

Cm l^and 1^ ^viay asymposiumonthepreventionof
functional illiteracy in the Community,organi^ed by the
Commission, ^vas held at the Albert Borschette

Conference Centre.

^ ^ T T E ^ ^ E ^ T I C O ^ ^ o t ^ t ^ O

b y ^ r A i ^ ^ m i t h ^

to the Commission of the European Communities

^ ^ ^ ^ ^

r^91BC^B^

^ ^ c r . l n f o r m a t i o n disclosure on spent nuclearfuel

pursuant to the reply by the Environment Commissioner
to the Honourable member for ^outh East ^ales

written question ^o71B90C^ on information
disclosure on spentnuclearfuel,^vill the Commission no^v
bring forward proposals to require full public disclosure
of stocks and movements of nuclear materials, including
pastes, spent fuel and uranium, by nuclear fuels
companiesand^vastetreatmentcompaniesregisteredin
the European Community, independent on the draft
Regulation forthe European EnvironmentAgency^

^eoi^^ct^m^^t^o,DtD

Ans^ver^ivenby^r^ipadi^eana
on behalf ofthe Commission

iOirective^OB^DBEuratom^, laying do^vn the basic
safety standards for the health protection of the general
public and workers against the dangers of ionising
radiation requires that activities involving radioactive

materials are subject to notification and, in cases decided
upon by each member ^tate, to prior authorization,The
quantity, nature and characteristics of the radioactive
substances involved are an important element to be
addressed in the notificationBauthorization process in
order to enable the competent national authorities to
assess the radiological hazards.

The subject of informing the general public about health
protection measures to be applied and steps to be taken in
the eventof aradiologicalemergency is dealt ^vith by
directive ^9BDl^BEuratom^. The Toirective requires, in
particular, that the population likely to be affected in the
case of an accident receives appropriate information both
o n a p r i o r permanent basis and inthe case of an actual
accident.

The accidents to be considered are in particular those
attributable to the follo^vingfacilities or activities^

^ anynuclearreactor, wherever located,

^ anyothernuclearfuelcyclefacility,

^ anyradioactive^vastemanagementfacility,

^ the transport and storage of nuclear fuels or
radioactive pastes,

^ the manufacture, use, storage, disposal and transport
of radioisotopes for agricultural, industrials medical
and related scientific and research purposes,

^ the use of radioisotopes for po^ver generation in
space vehicles.

Information on the quality,nature and characteristics of
the radioactive materials involved, as far as they are
relevant to the protection measures,^vill then have to be
communicated to the population groups concerned.

The Commission adopted, on 17]ulyl990,after having
taken account of the opinion of the Economic and social
Committee,aproposalforaCouncillOirective amending
directive ^OB^DBEuratom laying do^vn the basic safety
standards for the health protection of the general public
and workers against the dangers of ionizing radiation as
regards prior authorization of shipment of radioactive
^aste^.TheproposalrequiresinparticularthatA

DD every tB^vo years member states shall forward to the
Commission reports comprising information on
quantity and type of radioactive ^vaste produced and
subsequently shipped, as^vell asof theradioactive
^vaste^vhich entered their territory.C^n the basis of
the reports,the Commission shall prepareasummary
report every t^vo years, to be submitted to the
European Rarliament and to the Council.

The Commission believes that the greatest transparency is
anecessarycondition forthe acceptance of anyactivity
involving nuclear energy and radioactive substances and it

No C 35/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

will continue to monitor the situation in order to take

appropriate steps should the need arise.

(') OJ No L 246,17.9.1980, p. 1.
( [2] ) OJNoL357,7. 12.1989, p. 31.
O COM(89)559.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1394/90

by Mr Mihail Papayannakis (GUE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 June 1990)_

(91/C 35/48)

_Subject:_ Destruction of the Valia Kalda national park

I should like to reopen the question of the destruction of
the Valia Kalda National Park (see Written Question
No 686/89 (') and Commission's answer of 28 February
1990), since, despite the outcry in Greece and at
international level, mechanical diggers are still opening up
a road through the national park and are now eight
kilometres from the Flenga lakes, preparing the ground
for completion of the project, which will have the
following consequences:

— the flooding of the Arkoudorema and Aoos Valleys,
progressive erosion caused by the resulting currents
and the disappearance of riverside flora and fauna,

— the disappearance of many species of rare mammals
and birds resulting from excavation and quarrying
operations, and the opening up of roads,

— the cutting down of 2 250 trees in one of the most
sensitive mountain eco-systems in Europe,

— the destruction of the landscape and forest resources
and of the Flenga Lakes (at an -altitude of 1 800
metres),

— the alteration of the local microclimate.

1. Have the Greek authorities provided the information
requested approximately 18 months ago? If so, does it
consider such information satisfactory? If not, what
pressure does it intend to exert to obtain a satisfactory
reply?

2. What stage has been reached in the infringement
proceedings against Greece on this matter and why are
the Greek authorities continuing with the work given
that infringement proceedings are underway?

3. Can the Commission send a delegation to carry out an
on-the-spot investigation into the scale of the
ecological disaster caused?

4. What subsequent measures will it take and will
they include the imposition of measures to repair

the damage already caused to the national
park?

O OJNoCl45,14.6.1990, p. 3.

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(11 October 1990)_

Valia Kalda is in the centre of the special protection area
of Pindos, which has been officially designated by the
Greek authorities under Article 4 of

Directive 79/490/EEC ('). The area therefore has to be
protected in accordance with Article 4.4 of the Directive.

Following a number of complaints about the destruction
of the area by work on the building of a hydroelectric
power station, the Commission decided to initiate
infringement proceedings against Greece under
Article 169 of the EEC Treaty.

The Greek authorities have informed the Commission

that they have not yet taken a final decision authorizing
the construction of the power station in that area.

In view of this reply, the Commission has suspended
infringement proceedings against Greece.

O OJ No L 103,25. 4. 1979.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1400/90

by Miss Christine Oddy (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 June 1990)_

(91/C 35/49)

_Subject:_ Comparison of Rhine River pollution and Severn
River pollution

Could the Commission give a comparative assessment of
the relative degree of pollution of the Rhine and the
Severn Rivers ?

Supplementary answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(25 September 1990)_

Further to its answer of 13 July 1990 (*), the Commission
is sending directly to the Honourable Member and the
Secretariat-General of the European Parliament a Table
containing values for various physical and chemical
parameters and micro-organic pollutants in respect of the
two stretches of water concerned (the Severn and the
Rhine) on which the Commission now has information.

O OJ No C 303, 3. 12. 1990, p. 54.

11. 2. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 35/23

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1401/90

by Miss Christine Oddy (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 June 1990)_

(91/C 35/50)

_Subject:_ Harmonization of pensions in Europe

When will the Commission introduce legislation to
harmonize pensions across the European Community? If
the Commission has no plans to harmonize pensions
across the Community, will the Commission state the
reasons for the lack of progress and state what other
proposals the Commission has to ensure that pensioners
in Britain enjoy a similar standard of living to pensioners
in other Member States.

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(13 July 1990)_

The Commission is not planning to introduce legislation
to harmonize pensions across the European Community.
Social security is to remain the competence of the
Member States.

However, in its 'Action programme relating to the
implementation of the Community Charter of basic social
rights for workers' the Commission has expressed its
intention to promote the convergence of social protection
levels in Europe. This is to be done by means of a
recommendation which will state common objectives on
social protection and encourage Member States to
formulate their policies in accordance with these
objectives. It is hoped that this initiative will eventually
lead to reduced disparities in social protection levels
throughout the Community without having to harmonize
national legislation in every respect.

Whereas the abovementioned recommendation deals with

social protection in general, and hence concerns the
population as a whole, the 'Action programme', also
announces a recommendation on 'common criteria

concerning sufficient resources and social assistance in
the social protection systems'. This recommendation will
promote a means guarantee as a fundamental component
of the fight against social exclusion. It may have some
positive impact on the situation of poor pensioners.

The Commission will also study supplementary pension
schemes, however, mainly with a view to removing
obstacles to cross-frontier mobility of workers who may
suffer from a limited portability of their pension rights. At
this stage, only a communication is being envisaged which
may be followed by further action. As a result, the impact
of Community activity in this area on the situation of
pensioners cannot yet be evaluated.

There may also be some impact on pensions resulting
from the Community policy on equal treatment of men
and women. The Community Directives 79/7/EEC ( [x] )
and 86/378/EEC ( [2] ) require equal treatment of men and
women with respect to pensions except as far as
retirement ages are concerned. However, a recent
judgement of the European Court of Justice (case 262/88,
Barber, 17 May 1990) confirms that benefits paid by
occupational pension schemes are part of the
remuneration in the sense of Article 119 of the Treaty of
Rome. The principle of equal treatment of men and
women has therefore to be respected in the case of
occupational pensions, which implies that different
pensionable ages are not lawful.

O OJN0L6,10.1.1979, p. 24.
O OJNoL225,12. 8. 1986, p. 40.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1407/90

by Mrs Concepcio Ferrer (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 June 1990)_

(91/C 35/51)

_Subject:_ Consumers' Consultative Committee

On 20 December 1989 the Commission decided to reform

the Consumers' Consultative Committee, increasing the
number of members to 39 _so_ as to give greater
representation to the three European Consumer
organizations. National consumer organizations already
have 17 representatives.

Bearing in mind the need to ensure that the composition
of the consultative committee gives the best possible
representation to the real interests of European
consumers, one might suppose that, in some cases, state
consumer organizations are relatively far removed from
the public, whose contact with the various regional
organizations is much closer and more effective. This is
all the more true of states with a regionalized political and
administrative structure, in some of which the laws on
consumer protection, health and the environment may
vary from one autonomous community to the other.

Does the Commission consider it possible for the
composition of the consumers' Consultative Committee
to be decided primarily on a regional basis?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(11 September 1990)_

On 20 December 1989, the Commission decided to
reorganize the former Consumers' Consultative
Committee as the Consumers' Consultative Council,

No C 35/24 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

adding a national element to the European consumer
organizations which made up the former Committee, with
a view to improving its representativeness and its
effectiveness.

Furthermore, some regional consumers' organizations,
whose powers vary considerably from one Member State
to another, have joined together within one European
institute, which is also represented within the new Council
in the group of experts. The regional approach to
consumer problems is therefore taken into account, as
proposed by the Honourable Member.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1420/90

by Mrs Sylvie Mayer (CG)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13_ _June 1990)_

(91/C 35/52)

_Subject:_ Trade union rights in the European Patents
Office

In response to the announcement of the creation of a
branch of the French research workers union, a French
research worker at the European Patents Office, Mr
Gerard Popineau, received a letter ordering him to close
down the branch and threatening him with sanctions.

However, the branch had been set up in accordance with
the strict criteria laid down by the EPO staff regulations,
in particular Article 30, and ILO Recommendation
No 143.

In 1985 certain EPO member states had already expressed
their opposition to the right of association within this
body.

Is the Commission aware of this situation?

Will it take measures in accordance with its avowed

intention of putting into practice the principles embodied
in the Social Charter? What measures does it intend to

take?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(17 July 1990)_

Freedom of association is covered in Article 11 of the

Community Charter of the Fundamental Social Rights of
Workers. According to the communication from the
Commission setting out its action programme, the
Member States are responsible for giving effect to the
rights in the Charter in the light of their national
traditions and policies.

In addition, freedom of association and protection of the
right to organize are assured at international level by ILO

Convention No 87, which has been ratified by all the
Member States of the Community.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1443/90

by Mrs Christiana Muscardini (NI)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 June 1990)_

(91/C 35/53)

_Subject:_ First aid and emergency medical treatment

Can the Commission say what stage has been reached in
the drawing up of a Community directive on first aid and
emergency medical treatment, in view of the lack of
coordination and the wide disparities between the
Member States, the fact that a Council of Europe report
has met with consensus from the Italian Society for
Emergency Medicine and the fact that overcrowding in
major casualty wards means that patients must be
transported immediately to emergency centres equipped
to deal with specific pathologies and that it would be
possible to exploit the enormous potential of the medical
staff on duty in hospitals?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(24 July 1990)_

No directive is being drawn up in this field, which is not
one of the Commission's current priorities.

Nonetheless, according to information received by the
Commission departments, some European hospitals
located in frontier regions have reportedly embarked on
local initiatives as regards the coordination of their
emergency services.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1457/90

by Mr Jesus Cabezon Alonso (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13_ _June 1990)_

(91/C 35/54)

_Subject:_ The European Social Fund and Cantabria in
1989

What were the amounts from the European Social Fund
invested in the Autonomous Community of Cantabria
(Spain) during 1989?

11.^.91 COfficial]ournal of the European Communities N o C ^ B ^

What specific programmes or projects were co-financed
with this aid^

What institutions and bodies in Cantabria received

European social Eund aid during!989B

Answer ^iven by Mrs Papandreou
on bebaifoftbe Commission

The European social Eund approved a total of ETA
9^1^D^11 fo^ the joint financing of projects to be
carried outinCantabriain!989.

The Commission is sending direct to the Honourable
Member and EarliamenCs secretariat a list of the

programmes funded. These programmes satisfy the
conditions laid down in the Cuidelines for the

management of the European social Eund in!989.They
concern vocational training schemes and recruitment aid
forthe long-term unemployed^ foryoung people u n d e r ^
with no vocational qualifications or whose qualifications
are inappropriate^ forwomen in industries where they are
under-represented^ and retraining for workers employed
in small firms.

The funds were paid out to the following organizations^

InstitutoNacionaldeEmpleo
L^ireccionCeneraldeCooperativasy^AL^
Institutode^ervicios^ociales^

^erviciode Extension Agrarian
EOireccionCeneraldeE^tensionyCapacitacion Agrarian
Miputacion Regional deCantabria^
Caritasespanola.

W ^ T T E N ^ t U ^ T ^ N N o ^ ^ B ^ O

by Mrs Christiana M^scardini^Nl^

to the Commission of the European Communities

^ ^ ^ ^ ^

^ 9 1 B C ^ B ^

^ ^ c e R ^ i s o n s f o r offenders who are drug addicts

An increasing number of prisoners are drug addicts. EOoes
the Commission therefore not believe that special prisons
should be set up throughout the Community specifically
for such prisoners and should be provided with the
necessary medical and nursing person^elB

Answer ^iven by Mrs Papandreou
on behaifofthe Commission

The Health Councils of 16 May 1989 and 13 November
1 9 8 9 ^ stressed the importance of exchanges of
experience and coordinated actions for prevention and
treatment of drug addiction with special reference to the
situation in prisons.

The Commissions as requested by the Councils is
currently setting up pilotstudies in this field.

^ e o ^ ^ C t ^, ^ . ^ m ^ ^ D . ^ ^ l ^ o C ^ t ^ . ^ m ^ o ^ m .

W ^ I T T E N ^ E ^ T ^ C O N N o ^ ^ ^ O

by Mr Lode Van Contrived

to the Commission ofthe European Communities

^ ^ ^ ^ ^

^91BC3^B^

^ ^ c r . E u r o p e a n harmonization of medicoethical
questions

C^nl^ September 1988 the European Earliament adopted
a resolution on European harmonization of
medicoethical questions^.

Have steps since beentakentowards the harmonization
of policy in the Member states and of their approach to
medicoethical questions^

1. Haveanymeasuresbeentakenorprojectedforthe
introduction ofEuropean medical disciplinary rules^

^. What progress has been made in setting up an ethical
committeetodealwithbio-medicalproblemsinthe
Member^tatesas called for inparagraphll of the
above resolutions Are such bodies operating or
projected in any of the Member ^tatesB

3. Can any moves be expected from the Commission
towards the creation of a European Council on
medicoethical questions as called for in paragraphs!^
and!3of the above resolutions

What bodies or organizations has the Commission
involved or does it plan to involve in an e^pert^ advisory
or consultative capacity in respect ofharmoni^ation in the
field of medical ethics and in specialized areasB

^ o ^ A ^ ^ B ^ ^ e ^ i ^ D ^ ^ ^ t o i o m ^ ^ D ^ o

No C 35/26 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(7 August 1990)_

Despite the resolution of the Parliament to which the
Honourable Member refers, the question of medical
ethics is primarily a matter for the Member States. In the
light of the limited resources available to it, the
Commission has not undertaken any initiatives in this
field and has no present intention of doing so.
Furthermore, the Commission does not have any
information concerning the question whether any
initiatives have been taken by any of the Member States in
the field.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1480/90

by Mr Paul Staes (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 June 1990)_

(91/C 35/57)

_Subject:_ The European Community and works of art

1. What works of art have been purchased or borrowed
by the Community for the buildings used by the
Parliament in Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg and
the Commission?

2. What was the cost of each of the purchases or loans,
the names of the works, the names of the artists and the
year of purchase/loan?

3. Which budget is used for this purpose?

4. How big is this budget?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(31 July 1990)_

There is no specific budget appropriation for the
Commission to purchase or borrow works of art.

For a number of years each Member State, during its term
as President of the Council, has put on, in cooperation
with the Commission, an exhibition of the works of
contemporary artists in the Community institutions' main
buildings.

These exhibitions give visitors an opportunity to view
Europe's artistic heritage and to keep in touch with
current trends.

The theme of the exhibition and presentation of works
are agreed by the organizers. The appropriate institution

in the Member State responsible for the exhibition
arranges for the selection and loan of works, the
production of a catalogue, insurance and transport.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1485/90

by Mr Ferruccio Pisoni (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 June 1990)_

(91/C 35/58)

_Subject:_ Teaching of history to the children of migrant
workers

Despite the measures proposed in the 1977 Directive on
education for the children of migrant workers concerning
the preservation of the language and culture of their
country of origin, many children, especially from third
countries, are given a distorted view of events which
occurred in connection with decolonization. The

discrepancies between what they are taught at school and
the accounts they hear at home are a source of severe
psychological strain for these children.

Does not the Commission consider that measures should

be taken under the ACP conventions to promote the
publication of history books produced by joint
committees which guarantee to give a true account of the
facts?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 September 1990)_

Directive 77/846/EEC (') establishes Community powers
only with regard to schooling for the children of
Community nationals who are or have been in paid
employment in another Member State.

The Community's conventions in the context of
cooperation with the ACP States similarly make no
provision for measures to help with the education of
children who have emigrated from an ACP country to a
Community Member State.

On the other hand, as part of the programme of
Community action in the field of education of 9 February
1976, the Commission, on the Member States' initiative,
has supported pilot projects covering various aspects of
schooling for migrant workers' children, whatever their
origins. Some of these projects have produced teaching
material designed for teaching, history from a
multicultural standpoint and presenting the historical
facts in a manner closer to the truth.

11. 2.91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 35/27

The Commission is sending samples of these kinds of
teaching material, produced in one of the pilot projects,
direct to the Honourable Member and Parliament's

Secretariat.

O OJNoLl99,6. 8. 1977, p. 2.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1491/90

by Mrs Anita Pollack (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(21 June 1990)_

(91/C 35/59)

_Subject:_ Status of HIV positive people

Is the Commission aware that the US Congress has
designated HIV as a 'dangerous contagious disease',
which means that admission to the US is only allowed to
HIV positive persons under certain specified conditions,
and only then following declaration of their HIV status
and the issue of a waiver; and does it agree this is an
infringement of basic human rights and a fundamental
erosion of civil liberties?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1496/90

by Mr Kenneth Collins (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(21 June 1990)_

(91/C 35/60)

_Subject:_ Travel restrictions for people with HIV

The Congress of the United States of America has
decided to classify HIV as a 'dangerous contagious
disease', when means that admission to the USA is only
allowed to HIV positive persons under certain specified
conditions and only then following declaration of their
HIV status and the issue of a waiver.

Will the Commission say whether or not this has been an
issue in bilateral agreements with the USA, and will it
consider taking steps to encourage the USA to follow a
more enlightened policy, in keeping with the World
Health Organization's guidelines?

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1491/90

and 1496/90

given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(6_ _August 1990)_

The Commission is aware of restrictions adopted by the
USA on the admission of HIV positive persons. The
Commission fully agrees with the Health Council of 17

May 1990 recalling the necessity to ensure freedom of
movement for seropositives and to guarantee medical
confidentiality with this respect.

Therefore the Commission has adopted on 23 May 1990 a
similar approach to the international conference of San
Francisco (20—24 June 1990), by deciding not to be
officially represented.

The Commission has already supported initiatives
allowing people with HIV/ AIDS, faced with
psycho-social and economic difficulties, to exchange their
experiences at European Community level. For instance,
in April 1989 the Commission co-organized in
Amsterdam with the Dutch Committee on AIDS the first

Conference on AIDS hotlines; moreover, the
Commission supported in May 1990 an International
Conference for people with HIV/AIDS, and organized
an exchange of information with representatives from
Member States. This will serve as a basis for future

proposals and actions from the Commission.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1494/90

byLordO'Hagan(ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(21 June 1990)_

(91/C 35/61)

_Subject:_ Child labour

Many people in the United Kingdom believe that the
Commission intends to issue proposals which will prevent
teenage children from taking on part-time jobs (such as
newspaper rounds) or will prohibit students from working
for additional money during holidays.

To what extent is this true?

There is a view in the United Kingdom that the
Commission proposals may unnecessarily increase
burdens on employers and reduce labour market
flexibility (thus causing the loss of jobs).

1. Does the Commission intend that its proposals should
have these consequences?

2. Will it ensure that its proposals do not contain these
weaknesses?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(17 September 1990)_

The programme of action to implement the Community
Charter of the Fundamental Social Rights of Workers
provides for the presentation to the Council of a proposal

No C 35/28 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

for a Directive on the harmonization of Member States'

legislation on the protection of young people.

The proposal seeks to ensure that young people do not
work in conditions detrimental to their health, safety or
development, but it is not the Commission's intention to
impair labour market flexibility or increase burdens on
employers.

The Commission assures the Honourable Member that

his concerns will be taken into account when the proposal
is being drafted.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1502/90

by Mr Gianfranco Amendola, Mr Virginio Bettini and Mr
Gerard Monnier-Besombes (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(21 June 1990)_

(91/C 35/62)

_Subject:_ Research and development in the field of the
environment

Under Council Decision 86/234/EEC ('), a number of
multiannual research and development projects in the
field of the environment (1986—1990) were adopted.
They are scheduled to end on 1 January 1991.

1. How have funds been used in each of the following
areas: protection of the environment, climatology and
natural disasters and pilot projects on major
technology hazards?

2. What is the Commission's assessment of these

programmes?

3. When the programmes are completed, will the
Commission present to Parliament a summary report
on the programmes carried out?

4. Will the Commission publish a report so that the
research findings obtained with public funds can be
put to extensive use?

5. Can the Commission say whether it will submit a
proposal for a decision for the renewal of these
programmes, giving an estimated breakdown of
appropriations for the implementation of the
programmes and the staffing, indicating the number
of persons considered necessary?

6. What relations, if any, will exist between the future
European Environmental Agency and the multiannual
research and development programmes in the field of
the environment?

O OJNoLl59, 14.6. 1986, p. 31.

Answer given by Mr Pandolfi
on behalf of the Commission

_(5 October 1990)_

1. The funds available have been used to finance the

following activities:

Protection of the environment: 72 multinational research

projects and five concerted actions, involving 211
research, study and expert contracts and 39 sectoral
training grants.

Climatology and natural hazards: 111 research contracts
covering 28 multinational research projects. Part of the
ECU 17 million available for this sub-programme was
devoted to 10 sectoral training grants and four courses of
the European School of Climatology and Natural
Hazards.

Pilot projects on major technological hazards: seven
projects with a total of 29 research, study and expert

contracts.

2. The first phase of the programme was evaluated by a
group of independent experts and the results were
published in the Evaluation report No 36 (EUR 11953
EN O).

3. A summary report will be prepared at the end of the
programme and this report will also be sent to the
European Parliament.

4. The results obtained in the programme are already
being published in the scientific literature and in a series
of special publications, e.g. Air pollution research reports,
Water pollution research reports. It is intended to issue a
number of sectorial research reviews at the end of the

programme.

5. The programmes STEP and EPOCH, which were
adopted by the Council on 20 November 1989 ( [2] ), assure
the continuation of the abovementioned research

activities for the period 1989—1992, the overlap in 1990
guaranteeing the continuity of the action.

6. As defined in Council Regulation (EEC)
No 1210/90 on the establishment of the European
Environment Agency and the European environment and
observation network ( [3] ), the Agency shall actively seek the
cooperation of the Community's environmental research
and development programmes.

(') Sent directly to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's

Secretariat.
O OJ No L 359, 8.12.1989.
(') OJNoLl20, 11.5. 1990.

11. 2. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 35/29

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1505/90

by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(21 June 1990)_

(91/C 35/63)

_Subject:_ Trade union representation in Food Lion
establishments

The United Food and Commercial Workers'

International Union (UFCW), a North American trade
union affiliated to the FIET, has come into conflict with
Food Lion, a supermarket chain controlled by the Belgian
transnational company Delhaize le Lion, which opposes
trade union membership among its employees.

Does the Commission not consider that since this is a

European company, it ought to prevail upon the company
to apply the principles recognized in the European Social
Charter, even outside Community territory?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(30 July 1990)_

Paragraph 11 of the Community Charter of the
Fundamental Social Rights of Workers provides for
freedom of association for workers in the Community.

In its communication setting out an action programme
relating to the implementation of the Charter, the
Commission made it clear that the Member States were

responsible for implementing the right of association in
accordance with their national traditions and policies.

The action programme refers to new measures concerning
the information, consultation and participation (notably
financial participation) of workers in European-scale
firms having establishments in more than one Member
State.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1514/90

by Mr Yves Verwaerde and Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin
(LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(21 June 1990)_

(91/C 35/64)

_Subject:_ Nuclear fission energy (storage)

In a recent answer to Written Question No 606/90 ('), Mr
Pandolfi stated that the general public must be informed

and develop an awareness of the need for, and the
soundness of, the decisions taken.

What specific measures will the Commission adopt with a
view to promoting a 'genuine political dialogue'?

O OJNo C 266, 22. 10. 1990, p. 37.

Answer given by Mr Pandolfi
on behalf of the Commission

_(28 September 1990)_

The Commission, "for its part, is contributing to the
political dialogue at all levels.

Where research is concerned, the new Community
programme in the field of management and storage of
radioactive waste ('), at the request of the European
Parliament, provides for the public to be informed about
the options studied under the programme.

In addition, the Standing Conference on Health and
Safety in the Nuclear Age referred to in paragraph 52 of
the Commission Communication to the Council of 1986

on the development of Community measures for the
application of Chapter III of the Euratom Treaty 'Health
and safety' ( [2] ) and set up by the Commission in 1987 will
be providing the public concerned with factual
information on subjects of general interest relating to
nuclear safety.

Furthermore, Community law includes provisions to
ensure that the public is informed about the nature and
hazards of and the protection measures for installations
intended for permanent storage or final disposal of
radioactive waste.

— Article 6 of Council Directive 85/337/EEC on the

assessment of the effects of certain public and private
projects on the environment ( [3] ) provides for the
public concerned to be informed and also to have the
opportunity to express its opinion before a project is
initiated.

— Article 5 of Council Directive 89/618/Euratom of 27

November 1989 on informing the general public
about health protection measures to be applied and
steps to be taken in the event of a radiological
emergency ( [4] ) provides for information to be
permanently available to the public on the emergency
measures to be implemented in order to alert, protect
and assist the population when an emergency-action
plan is put into effect in respect of a facility for
radioactive-waste management.

O OJNoL395, 30.12. 1989.
O COM(86)434.
( [J] ) OJ No L 175,5.7. 1985, p. 40.
O OJNoL357,7. 12. 1989, p. 31.

No C 35/30 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1532/90

by Mrs Anita Pollack (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(21 June 1990)_

(91/C 35/65)

_Subject:_ ERASMUS

Does the Commission plan to be able to extend the
ERASMUS scheme in the future to colleges of further
education, and if so, what is the projected timescale hoped
for?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(17 October 1990)_

Under the ERASMUS programme, the term 'university' is
used to describe all types of higher education institutions
— regardless of their designation in the individual
Member States — which are part of the State higher
education sector or are recognized or financed by the
competent national authorities.

The list of these institutions is updated on an annual basis
by the competent authorities of each Member State.

According to the competent authorities in the United
Kingdom, the majority of courses offered by further
education establishments are below the level of higher
education and therefore, as such, not eligible for
ERASMUS financial aid.

However, the Commission has been examining the
possibilities of promoting training exchanges for young
people in initial vocational education and training, as a
complement to the ERASMUS programme. This question
will be taken up in the forthcoming proposals of the
Commission with respect to the enlargement of the
PETRA programme, the Community action programme
for the vocational training of young people and their
preparation for adult and working life.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1534/90

by Mr Miguel Arias Cafiete (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 June 1990)_

(91/C 35/66)

_Subject:_ Catches off the Falkland Islands

In view of the activities of Community vessels in the
waters of the provisional conservation and management
zone of the Falkland Islands can the Commission say:

What catches have been made by Community vessels in
these waters in the last three years and, what are the
figures for the fleets of third countries ?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(3_ _August 1990)_

Since the Community fisheries policy does not cover
activities in the waters of the provisional conservation and
management zone of the Falkland Islands, Community
vessels are not required to declare their catches to the
Commission, which has no figures on the catches of either
Community or non-Community vessels.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1551/90

by Mrs Janey Buchan (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 June 1990)_

(91/C 35/67)

_Subject:_ Committee of Cultural Consultants

Recently I received a report on 'Culture and the European
Citizen in the Year 2000'. This report had been prepared
by 'the Committee of Cultural Consultants'.

Could the Commission provide more details on this
Committee, and more specifically when the Committee
was established; by whom was it set up; what was, or is, its
remit?

Are there other similar committees in existence?

Can we know the personnel serving on them.

What is the cost of this, and other possible committees,
and what fees are paid to the individual members?

Answer given by Mr Dondelinger
on behalf of the Commission

_(5 October 1990)_

The creation of the Committee of Cultural Consultants,
as a consultant body close to the Commission, was
announced in 'A fresh boost for culture 1988 —1992'. The

Committee was officially inaugurated by Mr Ripa di
Meana on the 8 November 1988.

1 P 2 . 9 1 official journal of the European Communities ^ o C ^ B ^ l

The mandate of the CCC comprises two main tasks^

^ a permanent task of advising the Commission in
definin^its cultural actions

^ a special task of producin^areport^Culture for the
European citizen in the ^ear 2000^ which was
officially submitted to the Commission on ^
Mecemherl9^9

This Committee is composed exclusively of professionals
intheartsandculture^

The Commissions in as far as it operates under an
individual management structure for each of its manv
areas of interests has the opportunitvmf the need arises^ to
consult similar consultativehodiesontopicsof cultural
importance.

The members of the Committee receive travel and

accommodation costs^ as well as their fees in accordance

with normal Commission consultancvprocedure.

W ^ I T T E ^ ^ U E ^ T I ^ ^ ^ o ^ ^ ^ O

hv^rsChristmeCrawiev^

to the Commission of the European Communities

r ^ 2 ^ ^ ^ ^

^ I B C ^ B D ^

^ ^ c r . Alternative testing centre

In the li^ht of unprecedented public concern about testing
ofcosmetics on animals^would the Commission indicate

whatpro^ress has been made on the setting up of an
Alternative testing centred Could the Commission
identify some of the wavssuchacentremi^ht be used to
reduce the amount and decree of testing which has to be
carried out on animals^

Answer ^ivenhv^rKipadi^eana
on behalf of the Commission

The establishment of the European centre for alternative
testing methods is now ur^entlv required since the
development and validation of alternatives to animal
testing is the onlvwav out of the dilemma of ^protection
of man and the environment a^ainstthe protection of
animals.

T^he Commission started working on this project earl^ in
1 9 ^ and included it in its workpro^ramme for the
followin^vear^9^9.

^owever^ during this preparatory sta^e^ it appeared that
manv le^al and institutional problems would have to be
solvedbeforesuch aCentrecouldbeestablished.^fhis

explains whv the Commission is at present studvin^ the
possibility of establishing such a Centre within the
e^istin^ institutions.

The work of the proposed Centre will contribute to
reducing animal testing bv validating alternative methods
and bv making available toresearchersallthe available
information on alternative techniques through a data
bank.

The Commissions within the framework of several

research programmes'e.^. BAP and BRIL^CE^ has been
supporting thedevelopmentof new invitrotests. This
tvpe of pre^normative research will lead toareduction in
thenumber of animalsused for testing whilst ensuring
adequate safeguards fortheproducts tested.

W ^ T T E ^ ^ t l E ^ T I C o ^ ^ o ^ ^ B ^ O

h v ^ r T a r a d a s h ^

to the Commission ofthe European Communities

r ^ 2 ^ ^ ^ ^

^ 9 1 B C ^ B ^

^ ^ c e Communications in the ACR states and the

application of Article 1^2 of the Eourth
Convention ofLome

Article 92oftheThirdLomeConventionprovidesfor
specific measures in the communications sector in the
ACR^tates^ and calls on the Commissionto undertake

specific tasks of coordination. In 1 9 ^ contacts aimed at
the effective implementation of these provisions were
made^ in particular with the RanAfrican Information
A^encv^bothbvtheCommunitv and bv competent bodies
in the ACP states. The EEC Commission drew up a
feasibility studv on the implementation of a specific
programme with RA^A^ the RanAfrican Information
A^encv over the period from COctober to ^ o v e m b e r ! 9 ^ .
^ince then^ however^ the programme has been on the
shelf^ and the necessarv structures for implementing
communications projects have not been created. The
problem has lentnewur^enc^b^ Article 1^2of the fourth
Lome Convention^which makes specific reference to this
subject and it seems odd that we have still not taken the
necessary action.

Whatdoes the Commission intend t o d o to create the

internal structures needed for the development and
implementation of communications projects^ and whv
e^actlvhastheRA^A project beenheldupsince 1 9 ^
until now^

Answer^ivenhv^r^arm

on behalf ofthe Commission

^ C ^ c ^ ^ r ^ ^

It is true that Lome IV contains provisions on the
communications sectorintheACP states.

No C 35/32 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

PANA has presented a project to the Commission on
improving its structures. The project has been studied in
detail by the Commission but in the light of the dossier it
has been decided not to follow it up.

The Commission will, however, hold regular, in-depth
consultations with any countries which express their
interest.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1571/90

by Mr Mateo Sierra Bardaji and Mr Juan Colino
Salamanca (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 June 1990)_

(91/C 35/70)

_Subject:_ Harmonization of social security arrangements
for farmers

In the last few years, the reform of the CAP has led to a
number of measures of a clearly social character in
relation to various COMs; the same applies to the reform
of the structural funds.

However, the basic instrument of social policy remains
the social security systems prevailing in the individual
Member States. These systems generally include specific
provisions for the agricultural sector, of a different nature
from the general arrangements applying to the other
national production sectors.

Could the Commission provide some basic information
on the social security arrangements for farmers in the
Member States (national budget allocations, funding,
contributions or state support, coverage, average cost per
producer, method of payment, etc.), with particular
emphasis on those mechanisms or elements which could
amount to concealed aid and therefore to a potential
distortion of competition, especially in view of the single
European market of 1993?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(20 July 1990)_

The Commission regrets that it does not have the
information requested by the Honourable Members.
Professional bodies, such as the 'Confederation
Europeenne de l'Agriculture' (CEA) in Switzerland may
be able to help in this respect.

In its 'Action programme relating to the implementation
of the Community Charter of basic social rights for
workers' the Commission states that the harmonization

of social security systems is illusory, given their diversity
and history. Instead, it proposes a strategy which would
try to achieve a convergence of national social protection
policies based on common objectives mainly with a view
to prevent obstacles to mobility.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1572/90

by Mr Mateo Sierra Bardaji and Mr Juan Colino
Salamanca (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27June 1990)_

(91/C 35/71)

_Subject:_ Harmonization of funding arrangements for
agricultural investment

While a number of Community programmes permit the
funding of investment in agriculture and the
food-processing industry, such funding usually takes
place on the basis of national programmes; as a result, the
credit and funding arrangements for modernization and
structural reform vary considerably from one Member
State to another. The matter is of particular importance
given the need to ensure equal conditions of competition,
in view of the forthcoming completion of the single
European market as of 1 January 1993.

1. Can the Commission provide a survey of the usual
conditions of funding, both private and public, of
agricultural investment in the different Member
States?

2. In particular, can information be provided on the
following essential aspects: the levels of private and
public credits and subsidies for investment, broken
down by Member States; provision of funding by
banks, savings banks and public bodies; the prevailing
interest rates for private credits; special interest rates
and grace periods; guarantees and other conditions
required, etc.?

3. Does the Commission intend, in the context of
competition policy, to go beyond the simple
supervision of government aid and introduce a policy
of gradual harmonization of financial support?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(8_ _August 1990)_

1. The conditions for the financing of investment in
agriculture are laid down, as regards aid for agricultural
holdings, in Regulation (EEC) No 797/85 (') and, as
regards the processing and marketing sectors, in

11. 2. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 35/33

Regulation (EEC) No 866/90 ( [2] ) for agricultural
products and Regulation (EEC) No 867/90 ( [3] ) for
forestry products.

Aid may be granted by the Member States in the form of a
capital grant or interest subsidy equivalent.

The Community scheme of farm investment aid,
introduced by Regulation (EEC) No 797/85, fixes the
maximum investment volumes and aid rates which may be
granted by the Member States. The value of the aid,
expressed as a percentage of the amount of investment, is
limited to 35 % for fixed assets and 20 % for other types of
investment. The rates may be increased by 10 points in
less-favoured areas within the meaning of Directive
75/268/EEC ( [4] ). In addition, up to 31 December 1991,
the rates may be increased by a further 10 points in Spain,
Greece, Ireland, Italy and Portugal. The EAGGF
intervenes by reimbursing a proportion of the eligible
expenditure incurred by the Member States. The rate of
reimbursement varies between 25 % and 65 % depending
on the region involved, in compliance with Regulation
(EEC) No 223/90 ( [5] ). For Spain the rate is 50% in the
regions covered by Objective 1, as defined in Article 1 of
Regulation (EEC) No 2052/88 ( [6] ) and in the
less-favoured areas marked with an asterisk in the Annex
to Directive 86/466/EEC ( [r] ) which are not covered by
Objective 1. It is 25% in the other regions of Spain.
Regulation (EEC) No 797/85 also lays down rules for
national aid which is not eligible under the Community
investment aid scheme. In particular, in order to promote
the Community scheme, the rate of aid must be lower in
the case of farmers who do not meet the conditions laid

down under the Community scheme. And such aid is not
reimbursed by the EAGGF.

As regards the processing and marketing of agricultural
and forestry products, investment financing must be
based on sectoral plans covering the various products to
be drawn up by the Member States, and on Community
Support Frameworks and criteria for the selection of
eligible investments to be laid down by the Commission.
The EAGGF provides assistance by making financial
contributions to operational programmes or by providing
global grants, which may not exceed 50 % of the eligible
costs in Objective 1 regions and 30% in other regions.
The additional part-financing by the Member States must
be at least 5 % of the eligible costs. The minimum
contribution by the recipients must be at least 25 % of the
eligible costs in Objective 1 regions and 45% in other
regions.

In addition a very limited amount of agricultural
investment aid is examined under the general competition
rules laid down by Articles 92—94 of the Treaty.

2. These various provisions ensure harmonized
financing conditions whilst allowing for the different

national and regional characteristics in line with the
principles laid down in Article 13 of Regulation (EEC)
No 2052/88. Within this framework the Member States

may apply their own internal financing rules which may
vary according to the type of recipient, investment, zone
and region. There are therefore a very large number of
individual investment aid arrangements. The main
information available is published annually in the general
report on the activities of the European Communities and
in the report on the agricultural situation in the
Community.

3. In the Commission's view the regulatory
instruments described above go well beyond the mere
supervision of national aid and already constitute a
common policy for the financing of agricultural
investments. The Commission does not think it advisable

to amend the instruments since they have just been revised
in the context of the reform of the structural Funds.

O OJNoL93,30. 3. 1985, p. 1.
O OJ No L 91, 6.4. 1990, p. 1.
O OJNoL91,6.4. 1990, p. 7.
O OJNoL128, 19. 5. 1975, p. 1.
0 OJNoL22,27.1.1990, p. 62.
0 OJNoL185, 15.7. 1988, p. 9.
O OJ No L 273, 24. 9. 1986.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1575/90

by Mr Alexandras Alavanos (CG)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 June 1990)_

(91/C 35/72)

_Subject:_ Population problem in the Member States

Given that all the Member States to a lesser or greater
extent are facing a population problem, with the serious
consequences this implies (economic, socio-political,
ethical, psychological, etc.) and that all the Member States
have different provisions on this matter:

1. Does the Commission intend to introduce

Community legislation in order to achieve upwards
harmonization of the Member States' provisions in
this area?

2. Does it intend to provide economic and financial
support for certain necessary measures, such as
centres for demographic studies, maternity grants,
special housing programmes, etc. as an initial means of
tackling this problem?

No C 35/34 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

3. In addition to these immediate short-term measures,
what long-term plans does the Commission have not
only to tackle the existing crisis but to encourage a
move towards renewed population growth?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(14 September 1990)_

The Commission is fully aware of demographic trends
(including developments in family structures) in the
Community and of their possible effects, which prompted
its Communication of 8 August 1989 on family policies _Q)_
and of which other aspects were discussed in its
Communication of 24 April 1990 on the elderly ( [2] ). The
conclusions of the Council and of the ministers

responsible for family affairs meeting within the Council
of 29 September 1989 ( [3] ) supply the framework for the
Commission's work in this area, without prejudice to any
operations arising out of the implementation of other
Community policies which also involve the family.

The Commission is not contemplating harmonizing
Member States' legislation on social protection, although
its action programme for the implementation of the
Community Charter of Fundamental Social Rights of
Workers includes proposals for encouraging a strategy to
bring social protection policies and objectives closer
together.

Direct aid for families is a matter for the Member States.

The Commission does, however, take steps to ensure that
the family dimension is taken into consideration in its
various social programmes. Similarly, in the action it takes
to promote exchanges of views and experience between
the Member States, the Commission supports the work of
the various associations representing families and the
professional and academic circles involved.

The object of the steps the Commission takes is to help
provide the family with an appropriate setting in which its
members can develop in harmony and realize their
potential, while respecting their freedom to choose the
types of associations in which they engage and the
number of children they have, and to find ways of
reconciling people's working and family lives.

The Commission is sending copies of the Council's
conclusions on family policy direct to the Honourable
Member and Parliament's Secretariat.

(') COM(89) 363 final.
( [2] ) COM(90) 80 final.
O OJNoC277,31.10.1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1584/90

by Mr Mihail Papayannakis (GUE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(2 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/73)

_Subject:_ Protection of Lake Trikhonis

Lake Trikhonis, together with Lake Prespa, is the largest
lake in Greece. There are some 70 species of rare birds
living and breeding in the reeds and the vegetation around
the lake includes a number of very rare flowers. The entire
area is supplied by the waters of the lake.

For the development of tourism, a road has now been
opened literally through the lake by cutting down a large
number of trees and blasting rock with incalculable
consequences for the delicate ecosystem of the lake.

Since the area is protected by the Bern Convention to
which Greece is a signatory and by Directive
79/409/EEC ( [x] ), can the Commission state what action it
intends to take against Greece given that the
aforementioned operations infringe Directive
79/409/EEC and the Bern Convention?

O OJNoL 103,25.4. 1979, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 October 1990)_

Lake Trikhonis is not listed at present as one of the areas
of Community interest for the conservation of wild birds.

The Commission will, however, look into the matter from
the standpoint of that site's importance and, if necessary,
will ask the Greek Government for whatever information

it needs to determine whether the project in question is in
breach of Directive 79/409/EEC.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1600/90

by Mr Maxime Verhagen (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(2 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/74)

_Subject:_ Transposition of Community Directives into
national law

1. Can the Commission say to what extent the
laborious process of transposing Community Directives
into national law is impeding progress towards
completing the internal market?

11. 2. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 35/35

2. In this connection, can the Commission say what is
the current position with regard to the establishment of a
Community database containing clearly laid out
information on what stage legislation has reached in the
transposition process and on how it is implemented?

3. What other measures does the Commission intend

to take to speed up the process of transposing Community
Directive into Member State law?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(31 July 1990)_

1. The Honourable Member is referred to the most
recent reports on this subject ( [x] ).

2. Two databases to which the public has access
contain the information he requires:

— CELEX includes a sector covering all Community
directives, with brief references to national
implementing measures,

— INFO 92 covers all Community instruments adopted
under the White Paper on the internal market and
provides additional information on measures
transposing them into national law.

3. Besides the procedure laid down in Article 169 of
the EEC Treaty, the Commission encourages contacts
and meetings with national authorities to give them
technical assistance, and above all seeks to ensure the
greatest transparency with regard to transposition status
so as incorporation to put pressure on any Member State
that may be lagging behind.

O COM(89) 422 final; COM(90) 90 final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1612/90

by Mrs Maria Izquierdo Rojo, Mr Jesus Cabezon Alonso,
Mr Josep Pons Grau, Mr Pedro Bofill Abeilhe, Mr Jose

Vazquez Fouz and Mr Mateo Sierra Bardaji (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(2 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/75)

_Subject:_ International cooperation in the management of
Mediterranean fishery resources

The complexity of managing fishery resources in the
Mediterranean, in view of the political, legal, economic

and other conditions involved, means that it is necessary
to work towards international cooperation in order to
tackle this major problem, in which the Community
should take the initiative in a responsible and effective
manner. Does the Commission agree and what specific
measures does it intend to take?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(3_ _August 1990)_

The Commission shares the Honourable Members'

opinion on the need for multilateral cooperation to devise
comprehensive policy measures for conservation and
management of Mediterranean fishery resources.

The most suitable action would be an intergovernmental
conference to establish a consultation procedure for the
framing of a convention containing binding common
rules on fishing activities.

The conference would have to bring together the
Mediterranean countries themselves, the relevant
international scientific organizations and
non-Mediterranean countries that fish in the

Mediterranean.

In view of its institutional importance and the close
cooperative links that it has already established with most
of the other Mediterranean countries, the Community
will have a primary role in the new structure.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1616/90

by Mr Claude Desama (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(2_ _July 1990)_

(91/C 35/76)

_Subject:_ Toys: Indication of manufacturer's name and
address

Under the Council Directive of 3 May 1988 on the
approximation of the laws of the Member States
concerning the safety of toys (88/378/EEC) ( [x] ), the
manufacturer's name/trade mark and address must be

shown in legible form on toys or their packaging.

1. Does the Commission understand the term 'legible' in
the sense of 'easy to read' or in the metaphorical sense
of 'immediately possible to interpret or comprehend' ?

No C 35/36 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2.91

2. If the second interpretation is the one favoured by the
Commission, is there not cause to fear that, if
enforced, this provision, whose effect is to reveal
retailers' and/or wholesalers' sources of supply, will
seriously destabilize the toy distribution sector?

3. If the first interpretation holds good, would the
Commission allow the requisite information to appear
in the form of an individual European manufacturer's
code symbol?

O OJNoL187, 16.7. 1988, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(7 September 1990)_

Article 11 (1) of Council Directive 88/378/EEC of 3 May
1988 states that certain particulars such as the name
and/or trade name and/or mark and address of the

manufacturer or his authorized representative or the
importer into the Community shall be affixed to the toy
or on the packaging in an easily legible form.

The aim of this provision is to enable both the inspection
authorities and consumers, whose attention is drawn to
the advisability of keeping this information if it is not
affixed to the toy, easily to identify the person in the
Community who is able to provide all the information or
who can be contacted in the event of a problem.

For the purpose of easily identifying the person to be
contacted in the Community, there seems to be little point
in using European codes which would be more difficult
for consumers to understand.

However, Article 11 (4) specifies that the particulars may
be abbreviated provided that the person concerned can
still be identified.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1619/90

by Mr Jesus Cabezon Alonso (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(2 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/77)

_Subject:_ Community financial aid to fisheries and
aquaculture for the first half of 1990

1. Do the projects in the fisheries and aquacultural
sectors which have received Community financial aid in
the first half of 1990 include any project in the

No project for the construction of fishing vessels or for
aquaculture has been financed out of this tranche.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1626/90

by Mr Filippos Pierros (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(2 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/78)

_Subject:_ Implementation of the VALUE programme

The special programme for the dissemination and
utilization of Community research results (VALUE)
provides for projects which are of particular importance
for the peripheral regions of the Community, namely:
(a) the setting-up of information and dissemination
centres in the Member States; (b) collaboration with, and
assistance to, organizations in the Member States in the
setting-up of mechanisms for dissemination; (c) support
from the Member States for the development of computer
communications networks (within the framework of the
COSINE programme).

These measures are crucial if research establishments and

undertakings in the outlying regions are to participate

autonomous region of Cantabria? If so, which specific
projects are involved and what funding has each of them
received?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(18 September 1990)_

The Commission would inform the Honourable Member

that six projects for the modernization of vessels in
Cantabria have been put forward for financial aid under
Council Regulation (EEC) No 4028/86 of 18 December
1986 from the first tranche for 1990.

Project number

ES.299.90.01

ES.300.90.01

ES.301.90.01

ES.302.90.01

ES.303.90.01

ES.306.90.01

Name of vessel

Ntra Sra d. Carmen d.s.

Ciprian

Nuevo Noche de Paz

Flor del Cielo

Nuevo Maite

Majo

Santillana del Mar

Aid to be granted
(in national currency)

1213 020 '

5 105 004

6 522 262

3 065 452

1 020 000

1 035 068

11. 2. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 35/37

more fully in Community research programmes. In the
case of undertakings which are generally small and with
limited resources, the distance from Commission
departments constitutes an additional obstacle to
obtaining speedy, accurate information about research
and technology programmes and opportunities of taking
part therein.

Can the Commission give details of the progress achieved
in implementing the VALUE programme? What measures
have been taken to attain the abovementioned objectives?
What special arrangements does the Commission
consider to be necessary for the less-developed regions of
the Community?

Answer given by Mr Pandolfi
on behalf of the Commission

_(11 October 1990)_

The VALUE programme helps to strengthen the
Community's scientific and technical base and reduce
disparities between Member States through the
dissemination of knowledge. Some 600 scientific works
and reports were published last year. In addition, the
CORDIS information service, which should provide
better information about programmes, projects and
findings which can be published or used, is being
developed. This service should be available to the public
on an experimental basis in the next few months.
CORDIS liaison officers will be responsible for
dissemination and promotion in each Community
Member State.

The VALUE programme furthers the transfer of
knowledge or technologies resulting from Community
research, e.g. the transfer to the CRES (Centre for
Renewable Energy Sources — Koropi) of the results of
solar energy research at the JRC at Ispra. There are also
plans this year to take part in EXPOTHERMA in Athens
where the results of Community research will be
presented to Greek specialists.

The VALUE programme should also contribute towards
the establishment of a network of relay centres in the
Member States to promote Community R&D activities.
Two feasibility studies are in progress concerning the
establishment of such centres in Greece and Portugal.

Special measures are also planned in order to improve the
network's infrastructure.

The measures in question are being defined under
subprogramme II of VALUE.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1634/90

by Mrs Dorothy Piermont (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 June 1990)_

(91/C 35/79)

_Subject:_ Greenhouse effect and military experiments in
the ionosphere

In her paper entitled 'The Greenhouse Effect and the
History of Military Experimentation on the Ionosphere'
Dr Rosalie Bertell of the Toronto International Institute

observes that: 'Space orbital manoeuvring systems and
deliberate experimentation have played a significant part
in the greenhouse effect and the subsequent depletion of
the ozone layer'.

1. Does the Commission have any more detailed
information on this question? What information does
it have?

2. In view of the disastrous consequences of the
greenhouse effect, is the Commission prepared to
urge NASA, the ESA and other world space agencies
to hand over or make available research results and

documentation on this question, which are still being
kept secret?

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(20 September 1990)_

A copy of the report on the scientific aspects of the
greenhouse effect drawn up by the IPCC
(Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, set up by
the World Meteorological Organization and the United
Nations Environment Programme) has been sent direct to
the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat.

The report, which explains the causes and mechanisms of
the greenhouse effect, has been widely acclaimed by top
scientists in this field.

It makes no mention of the aspects referred to by the
Honourable Member.

The Commission is therefore assuming that Dr Bertell's
theories cannot, at this stage, be considered to be an
important element in the debate on the greenhouse effect
and the ozone layer.

As regards the protection of the ozone layer, Commission
policy is based on the 'Scientific assessment of the
Montreal protocol measures' produced by the United
Nations Environment Programme. This report was
compiled by some of the world's leading scientists and
makes no mention of the adverse effects of activities in

space referred to by the Honourable Member.

No C 35/38 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1640/90

by Mr Friedrich Merz (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/80)

_Subject:_ Obstacles to trade in textiles resulting from the
standards imposed by the United Kingdom on
industrial and domestic furniture coverings

1. Does the Commission consider that the British

'Furniture and Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations 1988'
on the flammability of materials in domestic upholstered
furniture is a non-tariff barrier to trade, given that the
furniture coverings must be tested on standard foam
plastic, although the same regulation stipulates that
standard foamed plastic is no longer authorized?

In this context, is it admissible to subject furniture
coverings to different requirements in the form of special
provisions leading to discrimination in respect of certain
fibres and textiles?

2. Does the Commission intend to maintain its

proposal for a Council directive on the behaviour in
combustion of upholstered furniture including domestic
upholstered furniture.

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(30 October 1990)_

The United Kingdom government has twice notified
proposed rules in respect of UK flammability standards
for furniture and furnishings, i.e. in 1988 and 1989 (')
under Directive 83/189/EEC.

The Commission investigated the proposed UK rules and
consulted other Member States. The Commission issued

some comments pursuant to Article 8 (2) of the
abovementioned Directive and, among others, the
following:

'The match test for covering fabric is required to be
carried out with non-fire retardant polyurethane foam,
even though the regulations will prohibit the use of such
foam in furniture. It should really be sufficient to carry
out the test with combustion-modified foam, on the
assumption that manufacturers will conform to the new
regulations and that stocks of non-fire retardant foam
will be rapidly reduced.'

The Commission however did not contest the legitimacy
of the proposed regulation which comes from reasons of
protecting people's security and health.

As to the second question of the first paragraph, the
diversity of the qualities of the various materials and the
variability of the intervening parameters render it
impossible to establish that the application of different
tests to different fibres and fabrics is proportionate to the
legitimate objective set by the British legislation.

The approach followed by the Commission in the process
of preparing a draft directive on the same subject foresees
a unique application of test methods to the upholstered
furniture, related articles and constituent products or to
types of combinations of filling and coating materials.

In view of the likely impact of the United Kingdom
measures on intra-Community trade and the fact that
these are based on national analysis of risks and national
test methods, the Commission decided to have two
studies done: one concerning a survey of fire risk
assessment and another on test methods. The

Commission is also consulting representatives of the
Member States and other interested parties (industry and
consumer associations). As soon as these consultations
are concluded the Commission will decide whether to

propose a directive on this matter based on Article 100 A
of the EEC Treaty. Under this hypothesis, it would have
to take into consideration the large consensus expressed
in favour of the inclusion of upholstered furniture and
related articles for private use within the scope of the
directive.

(') The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations
1988 and The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety)
(Amendment) Regulations 1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1665/90

by Mr Victor Arbeloa Muru (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/81)

_Subject:_ Failure to prosecute US drug traffickers

What is the impact on crime within the Community of the
immunity apparently enjoyed by those who control drug
trafficking in the United States, the world's leading
consumer of drugs, which is not known to have arrested a
single Mafia boss involved in trafficking?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(11 October 1990)_

The Commission has no information which could enable

it to quantify the impact on crime in the Community of
characteristics of the situation in the USA, as described by

11. 2. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 35/39

the Honourable Member. The Commission notes,
however, that the US administration has stepped up its
antidrugs activities notably in its repressive aspects. 70 _%_
of its 1990 drug budget is dedicated to law enforcement
(5 700 million USD). Moreover, a mechanism is being
established to further cooperation in this field between
the Community and its Member States on the one hand
and the US and other developed countries on the other.
Arrangements to this end were discussed on 29 June at a
meeting in Dublin between the 'Comite Europeen de
Lutte Anti-Drogues' (CELAD) and representatives of the
USA, Japan, Australia, Canada and Sweden.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1673/90

by Mrs Christine Oddy (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/82)

_Subject:_ Dental charges in Member States

What proportion of dental charges is paid by the patient
and what proportion of dental charges is paid by the
National Health Service or Insurance Fund in each

Member State?

What additional charges, if any, are the responsibility of
the patient? Given that health costs are an important
factor for a worker in deciding to relocate to another
Member State, what steps does the Commission propose
to take to harmonize dental charges to promote the free
movement of workers ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1674/90

by Mrs Christine Oddy (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/83)

_Subject:_ Medical charges in Member States

What proportion of medical charges is paid by the patient
and what proportion of medical charges is paid by the
National Health Service or Insurance Fund in each

Member State?

What additional charges, if any, are the responsibility of
the patient?

Given that health costs are an important factor for a
worker in deciding to relocate to another Member State,
what steps does the Commission propose to take to
harmonize medical charges to encourage the free
movement of workers ?

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1673/90

and 1674/90

given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(20 July 1990)_

The proportions of both dental and medical charges paid
by the patient and by the National Health Service or
social protection scheme in each Member State are set out
in the section on 'Health care' of the Commission

publication 'Comparative tables of the social security
schemes in the Member States of the European
Communities'. The Commission will send directly to the
Honourable Member and to the Secretariat general of the
European Parliament a copy of the most recent edition
(15th). In future this publication will be included in an
annual report of the new information system on social
security (MISSOC).

In its programme of work to implement its Charter of
Fundamental Social Rights the Commission has indicated
that the harmonization of social security systems is
inadequate and has promoted the convergence of policies
for social protection with a view to improving mobility. A
recommendation is being prepared to this effect.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1677/90

by Mr Gianfranco Amendola (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/84)

_Subject:_ Buildings policy of the Commission

The Commission is asked to provide the following
information on the Berlaymont building:

1. Who is the owner?

2. How much rent has been paid for each year of its
occupancy?

3. What was the overall cost of the work to remove the

asbestos?

4. Who bore the cost of this work?

5. Who bore the cost of the resulting disruption ?

6. How much sick leave has been taken by the staff, in
absolute terms and in proportion to that taken in the
other buildings?

7. Have bacteriological tests ever been carried out to
determine the soundness of the building from the
point of view of health ?

8. How frequently are the filters of the air conditioning
system replaced?

No C 35/40 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2.91

Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha
on behalf of the Commission

_(10 August 1990)_

1 and 2. The Berlaymont building is the property of the
Belgian State. The first lease dates from 29 March 1968. It
has been renewed a number of times, and the current lease
is due to expire on 30 April 1994. The rent at present is
Bfrs 465 016 510 per annum.

3, 4 and 5. The cost of removing the asbestos is borne
by the owner. The work has been carried out only in part
(plinth). The remainder of the asbestos will be removed in
the near future.

6. The Medical Service has not detected an abnormal

number of specific illnesses among staff working in the
Berlaymont building.

7. The Commission regularly has a whole series of
analyses carried out by authorized bodies on the quality
of the air in the Berlaymont building, which complies with
the standards in force.

8. The air-conditioning system is subject to
appropriate checks and technical maintenance.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1684/90

by Mr Yves Verwaerde (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/85)

_Subject:_ Aid to the film industry in Eastern Europe

The film industry in the Eastern European countries is
going through serious difficulties since the production
system and the arrangements for aid have been seriously
affected by the political upheavals.

It would be paradoxical and hard for the people of those
countries to understand if a film industry represents
freedom of expression and is of obvious artistic quality
were to suffer as a result of what are otherwise favourable

developments. Does the Commission not consider that
arrangements for cooperation and support should be
devised at Community level to safeguard the development
of this industry and if so, what would they be?

Answer given by Mr Dondelinger
on behalf of the Commission

_(26 September 1990)_

The promotion of cooperation with film-makers in
Central and Eastern Europe is an important part of the

Action Programme for the European audiovisual media
products industry for the period 1991 — 1995 (the
MEDIA Programme), which was adopted by the
Commission on 4 May 1990 and is now being considered
by the Council and Parliament.

The Commission takes the view, for example:

— that in the field of training the measures taken under
the Action Programme to improve the economic
management of the European audiovisual industry
and to provide a better knowledge of the market will
be particularly useful to film-makers in Eastern
Europe, who are now facing the new problems arising
from the introduction of a mixed economy and free
competition. On the other hand, for instance,
film-makers in the Community will be able to benefit
from the excellent standards of teaching at the Polish
and Soviet film schools,

— that the application of new European technology will
encourage the adoption of European standards
throughout the continent, particularly in the sphere
of HDTV,

— that the films produced in some of the countries in
question will thus qualify for the Community
arrangements whereby advances are granted on
receipts for distribution, whilst films produced in the
Community will be distributed to cinemas and video
circuits in Central and Eastern Europe,

— that exchanges of television broadcasts between East
and West will help to reduce the European deficit on
the production side and to strengthen the 'second
market',

— that the animated cartoon studios in Czechoslovakia,
Yugoslavia, Hungary and elsewhere can collaborate
with the European studio network and thus help to
improve the quality and competitiveness of the
products concerned.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1704/90

by Mr Hugh McMahon (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/86)

_Subject:_ Implementation of the budget — with particular
reference to budget line 6331 — Youth for
Europe

Can the Commission inform the House what projects are
proposed under this budget line, which Member States
are involved and how many young Community citizens
will visit other Member States, and how much of the
budget line was executed by 31 May 1990?

11. 2. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 35/41

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(14 September 1990)_

The Youth for Europe programme was adopted by
Council Decision 88/348/EEC of 26 June 1988 ( [x] ). The
programme provides direct support for youth exchanges
as well as for a number of indirect support measures
(study visits for young workers, training courses in youth
exchange matters, etc.). The programme functions in all
Member States. No projects are proposed centrally: the
programme responds to initiatives taken by young people,
from all Member States.

The final reports on exchanges supported in 1989 have
not all been submitted yet, but statistics available indicate
that some 20 000 young people participated in about 800
exchanges with the programme's support. Trends suggest
that both these figures will be higher in 1990.

The budget available for the programme in 1990 amounts
to ECU 6,5 million. At 31 May 1990, ECU 3 632 989 had
been committed.

O OJNoL158,25.6.1988, p. 42.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1706/90

by Mr Hugh McMahon (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5_ _July 1990)_

(91/C 35/87)

_Subject:_ Budget line 587

Can the Commission inform Parliament what projects
and plans have been executed by (a) the Commission and
(b) the Member States by 31 May 1990, what future
proposals the Commission will bring forward in this field,
and whether European Year of Tourism comes under this
heading?

Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha
on behalf of the Commission

_(24 September 1990)_

Budget Article 587 is intended to finance specific
measures and surveys associated with implementation of
Community tourism policy and efforts to further the
concept of a 'people's Europe'.

It has an appropriation of ECU 4 million for 1990, of
which the Commission has decided to commit a

substantial proportion to such activities as:

— promoting Europe as a tourist destination in
non-member countries Japan, United States,
Australia, Latin America),

— supporting specific projects (publishing information
documents, promoting European gastronomy,
producing promotional material, etc.).

During the remainder of the year, more money will be
allocated to:

— supporting innovative transnational projects in the
tourism field,

— promoting European tourism on world markets,

— carrying out pilot projects relating to cultural
tourism, rural tourism and the impact of tourism on
the environment,

— implementing a programme to develop research,
information and statistics on tourism (*).

Budgetary commitments more directly associated with the
organization and financing of European Tourism Year
are covered by an additional budget item (A-3052), with
an appropriation of ECU 4,6 million for 1990, under
which Member States have been granted Community
assistance for financing national projects as part of
European Tourism Year ( [2] ).

O OJNoC 150,19.6.1990.
O OJNoL 17,21.1.1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1726/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5_ _July 1990)_

(91/C 35/88)

_Subject:_ Political-military situation in Ethiopia and the
aid programme

Once again, a million Ethiopians are threatened with
starvation. The civil war has changed the balance of
power against the regime of Lieutenant-Colonel
Mengistu: more than 85% of the population are now
living in areas controlled by the Eritrean and Tigre
liberation movements while the port of Massawa is no
longer under government control. Massive Israeli military
aid, in the form of equipment and advisers, given 'to
prevent the Red Sea becoming an Arab sea' is not
succeeding in altering the course of the civil war in favour
of Colonel Mengistu, while Soviet arms supplies to the
regime ($ 800 million in 1989) will cease in 1991.

Moreover, under the Mengistu regime human rights
violations have increased sharply: some 40 high-ranking

No C 35/42 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

military personnel have been put to death for not giving
the dictator their full support, and more than 200 civil and
military administrators have been arrested.

Can the Commission answer the following questions:

1. The Eritrean Popular Liberation Front has offered the
use of the port of Massawa as an entry and
distribution point for aid provided by the
international community. The Tigre Liberation
Movement has made similar proposals. Why does the
European Community persist in keeping the
hard-pressed Addis Ababa government supplied by air
without any guarantee that the aid is channelled to the
people?

2. If the proposals of the liberation movements are not
taken up, should not the various forms of Community
aid be suspended until such time as a representative
government is installed in Addis Ababa?

3. Can the Twelve still condone the continuation of the

Israeli military aid programme to Colonel Mengistu?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(7 September 1990)_

1. In line with its traditional policy, the Commission
sends its humanitarian aid to all those affected by drought
and famine, wherever they may be. The airlift arranged by
the international community of donors, under the
auspices of the United Nations and with the
Commission's participation, in order to help the civilian
population cut off by the war and affected by the drought
in Asmara and the surrounding region is therefore fully in
accord with this traditional policy.

The United Nations obtained guarantees for the donors
that the products airlifted would be distributed to the
vulnerable population groups by an NGO (Joint Relief
Partnership). The United Nations is also monitoring the
implementation of this operation through its personnel
based in Asmara.

2. The implementation of Community humanitarian
aid cannot, in the Commission's view, be linked with a
change of government, of whatever kind. Structural
development aid is at present implemented within the
contractual framework of the third Lome Convention and

on the basis of the relevant provisions of the Convention.

3. The Commission is unable to give an opinion on this

matter.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1730/90

by Miss Anne Mcintosh (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/89)

_Subject:_ EC Directive on the conservation of wild birds

To what extent are the Member States respecting the
conditions laid down in Directive 79/409/EEC (')
concerning the conservation of wild birds?

Does the Commission feel that the Directive should be

revised following a recent report, published by the RSPB,
which confirms that the illegal hunting of protected
species is continuing, in several of the Member States,
despite the alleged protection afforded by the provisions
of the Directive?

(') OJNoL 103,25.4. 1979, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(30 October 1990)_

The Commission is aware of the varying degree of correct
implementation of the bird directive throughout the
different Member States.

Its greatest concern is related to slow and, up to now,
insufficient designation of special protection areas, abuse
of derogations and the unsatisfactory control of hunting.

However, the Commission considers that the Directive
provides a modern, complete and sufficient legal
framework for the conservation of wild birds. The

implementation of the Directive is constantly improving
in legal terms as well as on the ground, even if the
necessary adaptations of old rooted structures and
traditions takes more time than initially expected.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1736/90

by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(12 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/90)

_Subject:_ Schooling for the children of migrant workers

I have been informed that the measures taken by the
Commission since 1976 in favour of the schooling of the

11. 2. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 35/43

children of migrant workers, and namely the cofinancing
of national measures, are to be severely reduced and may
even be completely abolished. In particular, the
appropriations allocated to budgetary heading 6300
which have been used for this purpose are apparently
being increasingly directed elsewhere. Will the
Commission explain its policy and intentions in this
matter and state whether it considers that measures of this

kind which promote social integration and cohesion
should be developed?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(26 September 1990)_

The Commission's contribution towards measures for the

schooling of migrant workers' children is not restricted to
those financed from budget heading B 6300. In fact the
largest Community contribution towards such measures
comes from the European Social Fund, which pays some
50 % of the expenditure incurred by the migrant families'
Member State of origin on the teaching of its language
and culture to the children of its nationals. Although it is
not possible, on the basis of the overall figures collected
by the ESF, to calculate the exact amount of the
appropriations used for this purpose, the total sum
allocated by the ESF to measures on behalf of migrant
workers and their families can be stated. In 1988 it

amounted to ECU 37 310 000.

In recent years the range of measures which the
Commission cofinances in the context of the schooling of
migrant workers' children has had to be slightly curtailed
because, under the action programme on education, a
growing number of initiatives have been taken in other
areas involving cooperation on educational matters and
because there has been little or no increase in the overall

level of the appropriations set aside for the said action

programme.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1737/90

by Mrs Mireille Elmalan (CG)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(12 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/91)

_Subject:_ Discrimination against foreigners

The Mayor of Sartrouville recently announced that he
would henceforth refuse to sign any proof of residence or
lodgings certificate for foreign nationals to prevent them
settling in his municipality. Is the Commission aware of
this state of affairs ? What measures does it intend to take

to help revoke this measure which is patently contrary to
the Treaties and to the joint declaration by the Council,
the Commission and the European Parliament of 11 June
against racism and xenophobia?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(2 October 1990)_

The Honourable Member is referred to the answer the

Commission gave to her oral question H-796/90 in
Question Time during Parliament's July part-session (*).

O _Debates,_ OJ Annex No 3-392 (July 1990).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1745/90

by Mr Lyndon Harrison (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(12 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/92)

_Subject:_ Environmental assessment by the Commission of
Structural Fund projects

The Commission's internal guidelines on the
environmental assessment of Structural Fund projects
state that in the case of developments covered by Annex II
of Directive 85/337/EEC (') for which environmental
impact assessment is not required in national legislation,
information on the project's environmental impact must
be supplied for projects in 'environmentally sensitive
areas'. These are defined as areas notified by the Member
States under Community legislation or those protected in
national legislation.

Does this specifically exclude areas designated by
autonomous regional authorities, such as the Natural
Parks of Spain, many of which are internationally
important for wildlife?

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

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(6 September 1990)_

The definition, to which the Honourable Member refers,
does not exclude areas designated by autonomous
regional authorities, since the term 'national legislation'

No C 35/44 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

includes legal acts at the regional level, as far as the
regions (e.g. Lander in the Federal Republic of Germany
and Communidades autdnomas in Spain) have
competence for the subject concerned, i.e. nature
conservation.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1748/90

by Mrs Mechtild Rothe (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(12 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/93)

_Subject:_ Treatment of apple skins

In the various Member States, the treatment of apple skins
with wax is subject to varying rules: it is permitted in
some, tolerated in others but, in the Federal Republic of
Germany, for example, it is prohibited.

To date, no conclusive proof has been put forward to
show the extent to which the consumption of large
quantities of apples treated in this way is harmful to
human health.

What is more, the consumer cannot always tell whether
the apples have been treated with wax or not.

As part of the completion of the internal market, does the
Commission intend to seek harmonization in the area

referred to? Does it consider that it would be sensible to

acquire more detailed information as to whether the
treating of apples with wax is harmful to human health or
not by means of studies into the topic, and does it already
have any relevant information at its disposal? If so, what
information does it have?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(25 September 1990)_

Waxes for apples are considered as glazing agents falling
within the scope of Directive 89/107/EEC (') on
additives authorized for use in food. The directive

requires that the Council shall adopt specific directives on
the use of food additives and their conditions of use and

that measures having an impact on human health are to be
taken only after consultation of the Scientific Committee
for Food.

Some glazing agents have been evaluated by the SCF,
while a final evaluation is pending for others.

The Commission is preparing proposals for common rules
for glazing agents, taking into account the opinion of the
Scientific Committee for Food.

Many of the waxes currently authorized in some Member
States for use on apples are also authorized in the Federal
Republic of Germany for other purposes, e.g. on
confectionery.

In the absence of specific Community provision, Member
States are required to admit to their territory foodstuffs
lawfully produced and marketed in the other Member
States, provided that the conditions set out in the
Commission's Communication on the free movement of
goods within the Community ( [2] ) are fulfilled.

O OJNoL40, 11.2. 1989.
O OJNoC271,28. 10. 1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1763/90

by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(12 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/94)

_Subject:_ Energy recycling as a field of Community
research

The uncertainties of the energy market and growing
environmental needs are the incentive in various parts of
the world for expensive research into the recycling of
energy which at present is wasted in large office blocks,
underground railways, incinerators and other
installations.

For example, the Natural Resources and Energy Agency
of the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and
Industry has launched a vast research programme to
increase the proportion of energy that can be recovered
(at least one-third) and try to reduce the cost of the
energy obtained by recycling (30 % more expensive than
primary energy).

Is the Commission sponsoring similar research or pilot
experiments such as those being carried out in this field in
Sweden, France, the United States or Japan?

Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha
on behalf of the Commission

_(5 October 1990)_

The Thermie programme (energy technology) comprises
the field of energy recycling in industrial-scale plant (and
not research) in the following sectors:

— recovery of residual energy in industry and buildings,

— recovery of energy from industrial and domestic

waste.

11. 2. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 35/45

The four Community non-nuclear energy R&D
programmes have given high priority to heat recovery,
using a variety of techniques, since 1975. Equipment such
as improved heat exchangers has resulted from such
support. Lately, the concept of process intensification
applied to heat exchangers has been pursued in a project
involving ten laboratories in four countries — a typical
example of a multinational project.

The Commission is sending the Honourable Member and
the Secretariat of the Parliament some documentation on

the subject.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1766/90

by Mr Jean-Claude Pasty (RDE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(12 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/95)

_Subject:_ Hunting with decoy birds

In several Member States, hunters use live decoy birds. In
the light of Directive 79/409/EEC (*), what is the exact
status of such birds?

O OJNoL 103,25.4. 1979, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(8 October 1990)_

Under Article 8 of Annex IV to Directive 79/409/EEC,
the use of live, blinded or mutilated birds as decoys is
forbidden.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1771/90

by Mr Juan Gangoiti Llaguno (NI)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(12 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/96)

_Subject:_ Marketing of breast-milk substitutes

In 1986, the European Parliament debated the marketing
of breast-milk substitutes (COM(84) 703 final) and
adopted two amendments (Docs A2-16/86 and A2-20/86)
with a view to drafting a directive that was more exacting
and broader in scope.

Why does the new proposal for a directive
(III/3712/90/NL) fail to take account of Parliament's
wishes, in particular as regards:

1. a ban on advertising,

2. a ban on the supply of free or cut-price products to
hospitals,

3. provisions on other breast-milk substitutes, bottles
and teats,

4. a minimum age of six months in connection with
follow-up milks?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(18 October 1990)_

Following the adoption of Council Directive
89/398/EEC (*) on foodstuffs intended for particular
nutritional uses, the subject of infant formulae and
follow-up foods will have to be covered by a number of
measures which the Commission is in the process of
elaborating.

The draft Commission directive to which reference is

made by the Honourable Member is one of these
measures. It is only a Commission working document on
the basis of which discussion on the technical and legal
aspects are still going on. As such, it is subject to revision.

The Commission will aim, with the different measures
under preparation, to fulfill the commitments it has made
in the Parliament.

O OJNoL 186,30.6.1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1773/90

by Mr Jose Valverde L6pez (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(12 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/97)

_Subject:_ Failure by the Federal Republic of Germany and
Ireland to implement the Directive on the
application of the principles of good laboratory
practice

Last year, the Commission instituted infringement
proceedings against the Federal Republic of Germany and
Ireland for failure to transpose Council Directive
87/18/EECC) of 18 December 1986 on the
harmonization of laws, regulations and administrative
provisions relating to the application of the principles of
good laboratory practice for tests on chemical substances.
What stage has been reached in the infringement
proceedings ?

0 OJNoL 15,17. 1.1987,p. 29.

No C 35/46 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(25 October 1990)_

As regards the Federal Republic of Germany, Directive
87/18/EEC has been transposed by a modification of the
law on chemicals, which was adopted on 14 March 1990
(BGBL I 1990, p. 493). The revised version of the
complete text of the Law is published in the Official
Journal of the Federal Republic of Germany of 22 March
1990 (BGBL I 1990, p. 521). Consequently the procedure
for non-communication of implementation measures with
respect to the abovementioned directive has been filed.

Having failed to respond to the letter of formal notice for
non-communication of implementation measures for
Directive 87/18/EEC, Ireland is the subject of ongoing
procedures under Article 169.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1786/90

by Mr Detlev Samland (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/98)

_Subject:_ Validity of a divorce

Does the Commission share the view that it represents an
inadmissible restriction on freedom of movement in the

Community if a married couple (husband Italian, wife
German) obtain a divorce in Germany which only then
becomes valid in Italy if:

1. the divorce ruling was translated by a sworn
translator;

2. the translation was authenticated by the Italian
Consulate;

3. an Italian lawyer is instructed to initiate fresh divorce
proceedings before the Italian family court.

Does the Commission share the view that this

infringement of Community law must be halted; what
steps will it take to do this?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(2 October 1990)_

Recognition of divorce judgment falls within the
competence of the Member States as a matter of domestic
law. The simplified requirements for recognition under
the Hague Convention of 1 June 1970 on the Recognition
of Divorces and Legal Separations do not apply between

Germany and Italy, since the Convention has been
acceeded to by Italy (in 1986) but not by Germany. The
Commission is looking into whether and how a basis for
removing such differences within the Community can be
found.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1810/90

by Mr Filippos Pierros (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/99)

_Subject:_ Aid for forest protection in Greece

In 1987, under Council Regulation (EEC)
No 3529/86 ( [x] ), as amended by Council Regulation
(EEC) No 1614/89 ( [2] ), the Community launched a
support programme for the protection of forests against
fires of which the estimated cost is ECU 31,5 million over
a five-year period.

Has financial support been granted to Greece under these
regulations and, if so, how much?

[O OJNo L326.21.il.](http://L326.21.il) 1986, p. 5,
O OJNoLl65, 15.6. 1989, p. 10.

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(25 October 1990)_

Under Regulation (EEC) No 3529/86 on protection of
the Community's forests against fire, as amended by
Regulation (EEC) No 1614/89, aid totalling ECU
5 172 062 was granted in respect of nine Greek projects,
between 1987 and 1990: ECU 906 092 for 1987, ECU
697 933 for 1988, ECU 927 499 for 1989 and ECU

2 640 538 for 1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1830/90

by Mr Jose Valverde Lopez (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(20 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/100)

_Subject:_ Infringement proceedings against Ireland for
failure to comply with the directive on cosmetics

Last year the Commission began infringement
proceedings against Ireland for failing to transpose
Directive 88/233/EEC (') on the approximation of the

11. 2. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 35/47

laws of Member States on cosmetics into national law.

What is the present situation? Have all the other Member
States transposed this directive into their legislation?

O OJNoL 105,26.4. 1988, p. 11.

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(6 September 1990)_

The Commission is pursuing the procedure laid down in
Article 169 of the EEC Treaty, initiated against Ireland
for failure to communicate the measures taken to

transpose Directive 88/233/EEC.

All the other Member States have already communicated
these measures.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1831/90

by Mr Virgilio Pereira (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(20 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/101)

_Subject:_ Maritime transport between mainland Portugal
and Madeira

Is the Commission aware of the extraordinarily high
freight charges imposed by three shipping companies
which enjoy a monopoly of maritime transport between
the Portuguese mainland and the Autonomous Region of
Madeira?

Might the agreements between the three companies —
Portline, Transinsular and the Empresa de Navegacao
Madeirense — to keep charges at a high level and then
divide up the market in a way which could affect trade
between Madeira and the Portuguese mainland and other
Member States not be in breach of Articles 85 and 86 of

the Treaty of Rome ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan
on behalf of the Commission

_(11 October 1990)_

The Commission is not aware of the particular freight
rates mentioned by the Honourable Member.

Council Regulation (EEC) No 4056/86 of 22 December
1986 laying down detailed rules for the application of
Articles 85 and 86 of the Treaty to maritime transport (')
provides for a block exemption from competition rules
for certain categories of restrictive agreements in shipping

— liner conferences — with some conditions and

obligations. Paramount among them, outsider
competition, actual or potential, must be effective.
According to Article 1 (2) of this Regulation 'it shall apply
only to international maritime transport services from or
to one or more Community ports, other than tramp vessel
services'.

The situation that the Honourable Member denounces

(restrictive agreements in national trades) seems to be
outside the scope of the abovementioned Regulation, thus
interested parties should better look for remedies under
national competition law. Any action of the Commission
would require, in any event, that the agreements under
consideration affected trade between Member States.

O OJNo L 378, 31.12.1986, pp. 4-13.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1857/90

by Mr John Tomlinson (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(20 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/102)

_Subject:_ Research expenditure

Could the Commission provide up-to-date figures for
basic and applied technological research public
expenditure, in each of the Member States, the growth in
the last ten years, and the breakdown between military
and civil research spending? Could the Commission also
provide a similar breakdown for research carried out in
the private sector in each Member State?

Answer given by Mr Pandolfi
on behalf of the Commission

_(4 October 1990)_

The Commission is sending the Honourable Member and
the Secretariat of the Parliament the following
information:

— Member States' public R&D spending broken down
into civil and military expenditure (source:
EUROSTAT),

— Member States' total R&D expenditure (source:
EUROSTAT),

— the percentage of R&D expenditure financed by
industry (source: OECD).

No C 35/48 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1870/90

by Mr Francois-Xavier de Donnea (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(20 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/103)

_Subject:_ EUREKA projects

Only three of the 91 projects adopted by the Council of
Ministers for Research under the EUREKA programme
concern Belgium.

1. What is the nature of the projects concerning
Belgium?

2. What is the total cost of the Belgian projects and the
level of the Community contribution?

3. How many projects were initially proposed by
Belgium?

Answer given by Mr Pandolfi
on behalf of the Commission

_(20 September 1990)_

The Council of Ministers for Research does not adopt
Eureka projects. These are adopted by the Eureka
Ministerial Conference.

According to the information available to the
Commission, three research projects involving Belgium
were adopted at the Eureka Ministerial Conference in
Rome on 11 June 1990.

The projects are as follows:

— Eureka project 390: EUROCARE — Development of
an optical disc having a long life cycle for archiving,

— Eureka project 424: ENVIB — Development of
integrated systems for environmental mechanical
vibration testing,

                                      — Eureka project 506: EUROENVIRON RECAP
Recovery and reuse of plastic materials derived from
automobile production and scrapping.

The Commission is sending detailed information on the
projects direct to the Honourable Member and
Parliament's Secretariat.

The Commission would remind the Honourable Member

that it is only a participating member of Eureka, which is
not — especially from a budgetary point of view — a
Community programme.

The Community is not contributing to the cost of the
three projects listed above, which totals ECU
18,5 million. Further information may be obtained from
the Belgian coordinator:

Mr Guillaume Dedeurwaerder

Programmation de la Politique Scientifique

Service du Premier Ministre

rue de la Science 8

B-1040 Brussels.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1871/90

by Mr Francois-Xavier de Donnea (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(20 July 1990)_

(91/C 35/104)

_Subject:_ Delays in carrying out the work entrusted by the
Commission to European standards
organizations

A note of 10 April 1990 from the Commission's DG
III/B/4 (Ref. EX/JP/pcd-450) lists numerous cases of
failure by the European Committee for Standardization
to adopt standards under Directives 88/378/EEC ('),
87/404/EEC ( [2] ), 89/106/EEC ( [J] ), 89/392/EEC ( [4] ), and
89/336/EEC ( [5] ) by the target date.

What steps has the Commission taken to speed up the
adoption of standards still outstanding?

O OJNoL87, 16.7. 1988, p. 1.
O OJNoL220,8.8.1987, p. 48.
O OJNoL40,11.2.1989, p. 12.
O OJ No L 183,29.6.1989, p. 9.
O OJ No L 139,23.5.1989, p. 19.

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(5 September 1990)_

The Commission took the following action as soon as the
delays in the standards work assigned became apparent:

In 1988 it was decided to hold meetings every six months
of the standards bodies responsible for the preparation of
European standards and the Member States to review all
of the standardization assignments in order to identify the
problems and propose solutions. At the same time, the
Commission drew attention to the delays and initiated a
discussion on them in the administrative and technical

groups of the European standards bodies on the basis of
documents similar to note EX/JP/PCD-450. The groups
concerned in these bodies carried out a parallel
examination.

Following these joint initiatives, specific measures were
programmed by the European standards bodies,
consisting essentially of

11. 2. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 35/49

— the establishment of priorities in respect of standards
work assigned concerning the 'new approach'
directives,

— the placing at the disposal of the Secretariat-General
and the Technical Bureau of a list of the names of

experienced standards personnel in the national
standards organizations who are able to intervene
where delays are found,

— the setting up of an 'automatic alert' system during
the monitoring of progress for the early detection of
any delays,

— various steps to shorten the procedures,

— better coordination between European and
international standardization.

The Commission welcomes these decisions but is still

concerned about the standards becoming available in
good time following the entry into force of the directives.

It plans to propose other measures to improve the
efficiency of European standardization in a Green Paper
on the future development of European standardization
which should appear in a few weeks. The measures
suggested in the Green Paper include the systematic use
of 'project teams' and 'associated standardization bodies'
to speed up the initial stages of the drafting of standards,
broader application of the principle of a qualified
majority, a shortening of the administrative procedures
for the adoption and application of European standards
and the laying down in the near future of priorities in the
light of what is absolutely essential for a European
standard to be used to presume conformity with the
essential requirements.

The Commission hopes that, with continuing good
cooperation between the Community and the European
standards bodies, the latter will be able to take additional
decisions to speed up European standardization even
further.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1895/90

by Mr Louis Lauga (RDE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(2_ _August 1990)_

(91/C 35/105)

_Subject:_ Situation in respect of the ortolan hunting

1. Can the Commission give any explanation for
omission of the Emberiza hortulana species from
Annex II to Directive 70/409/EEC (') of 2 April 1979?

2. Does it intend to remedy this by including the above
species in the list of birds to which hunting laws apply?

O OJNoL 103,25.4. 1979, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(5 October 1990)_

The Commission does not intend to propose the inclusion
of the species _Emberiza hortulana_ in Annex II to Directive
79/409/EEC for the moment.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1902/90

by Sir James Scott-Hopkins (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(2_ _August 1990)_

(91/C 35/106)

_Subject:_ Definition of the word 'natural'

When will the Commission bring forward proposals for
legislation to define the word 'natural' in the context of
food labelling?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(17 October 1990)_

The Commission is preparing a draft proposal on claims
in relation to food, and the definition of the word

'natural' is under consideration in this context.

Consultations are taking place on the draft with interested
parties and the Commission hopes that a proposal can be
put to the Council shortly.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1924/90

by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(2_ _August 1990)_

(91/C 35/107)

_Subject:_ Backing from national governments for the
Commission in the sphere of renewable forms of

energy

In view of the fact that renewable forms of energy still
only account for 8% of the Community's energy

No C 35/50 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

consumption, can the Commission say why the national
governments have not supported its appeals for increased
efforts to develop clean energy processes?

Research and development efforts in the field of
renewable energy sources must be stepped up if progress
is to be made in developing photovoltaic, wind and
biomass energy.

Since positive support from all the governments is vital for
this purpose, can the Commission say what steps it has
taken to encourage government intervention in this field
and what proposals it considers it should submit to the
Council in order to ensure that the governments endorse
and support a definite policy for developing renewable
sources of energy?

Answer given by Mr Pandolfi
on behalf of the Commission

_(9 October 1990)_

All the Member States are undeniably aware of the
considerable contribution which renewable energy
sources can make with regard to the environment and the
security of energy supply, and of their possible industrial
and social role.

The Commission has noted with great interest that public
spending in the Member States on renewable energy
research and development has increased considerably in
recent years, with the result that the budgets in question
are now much greater than the funds available to the
Commission itself.

It is striking, moreover, that support for renewable energy
sources is not confined just to the south of the
Community, but is at least as significant in the north. The
European dimension is particularly propicious for the
development of renewable energies given the
complementarity between regions with regard to
technologies and market prospects.

Where Community measures are concerned, on 21 May
1990 the Council adopted the five-year THERMIE
programme and its budget for 1990-92. Under this
programme acitve support will be given for the
demonstration and marketing of new renewable energy
technologies.

In addition, under the third framework programme
(1990-94) adopted by the Council on 23 April 1990 the
Commission has proposed a new specific research and
development programme for non-nuclear energies ('),
including renewable energies; the proposal in question is
at present before the European Parliament and the
Council.

The Commission considers that the programme will have
an additional knock-on effect for activities in the Member

States.

Lastly, in the second half of 1990 the Commission will be
preparing a new, non-technological programme for the
promotion of renewable energies, to be known as
ALTENER, the purpose of which will be to remove
barriers to the development of the market for renewable
energies and to promote this market by means of a series
of support measures.

O COM(90) 164 final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1951/90

by Mr Gianfranco Amendola (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1990)_

(91/C 35/108)

_Subject:_ Non-compliance with Council Directive
85/337/EEC of 27 June 1985 in connection with

the construction of the Voltri-Rivarolo

motorway section (Italy)

Under Council Directive 85/337/EEC (») of 27 June 1985
on the assessment of the effects of certain public and
private projects on the environment, the construction of
motorways and express roads (paragraph 7 of Annex I)
are subject to environmental impact assessments.

Council Directive 85/337/EEC has been incorporated in
Italian legislation under Article 6 of the Act of 8 July 1986
and the implementing legislation of 1988.

On 9 June 1988 the projected construction on the
Voltri-Rivarolo motorway section was approved by the
Italian authorities without any environmental impact
assessment having been carried out, thereby infringing
Community legislation.

This project cannot fail to have an environmental impact
since it is situated in the immediate vicinity of many
populated areas and will profoundly alter the character of
the area. For this reason, the Liguria Regional
Administrative Tribunal overruled the decree approving
the project on 9 November 1989 by its Judgment
No 98/90.

Both the City of Genoa and the Region of Liguria have
announced that they intend to appeal against the
judgment by the Regional Administrative Tribunal before
the Council of State, on the grounds that an
environmental impact survey is not necessary.

Will the Commission institute proceedings for
infringement of the Treaty?

O OJNoLl75,5.7.1985,p. 40.

11. 2. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 35/51

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(8 October 1990)_

The case to which the Honourable Member refers has

been registered as a suspected infringement.

The Commission will bring the matter to the attention of
the Italian authorities.

The Commission would be grateful if the Honourable
Member could provide it with any relevant information
concerning the national administrative and judicial
procedures involved, in order that they may be examined
when it takes evidence on the case.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1975/90

by Mr Francesco Speroni (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1990)_

(91/C 35/109)

_Subject:_ Floods in the province of Como

On 27 June 1990 torrential rain caused serious damage in
the towns of Civate, Suello and Valmadrera. Many
people's property was damaged and the production of
some firms was reduced or suspended because of damage
to factories. Does the Commission consider that it should

provide assistance for the flood victims in collaboration
with the competent State and regional authorities,
including adequate compensation for damage and loss of
income, to compensate for or mitigate the adverse effects
of the floods, including the financial losses incurred?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1998/90

by Mr Luigi Moretti (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1990)_

(91/C 35/110)

_Subject:_ Aid to areas affected by heavy storms in Italy

Continual heavy storms in June in the Provinces of
Brescia, Bergamo and Como in the Lombardy region and
the Provinces of Padua and Rovigo in the Veneto region,
caused floods and landslides, bringing down telephone
lines, resulting in damage estimated at tens of billions of

Lire in road repairs alone and inflicting enormous
financial losses on the agricultural, crafts and industrial

sectors.

— Does the Commission intend to provide economic aid
to all inhabitants and activities affected by this natural
disaster, as the Community has several times
expressed the intention of doing?

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1975/90

and 1998/90

given by the Commission

_(16 October 1990)_

The only type of aid which the Commission might have
considered granting following the bad weather referred to
by the Honourable Member is emergency aid under
Article B6690 of the budget.

Emergency aid is intended for families of victims and
those most affected by disasters, the consequences of
which are recognized as being particularly serious in
nature and extent for the inhabitants.

As the bad weather in question did not result in loss of
human life, it is not possible to grant emergency aid.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1984/90

by Mr Hemmo Muntingh (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1990)_

(91/C 35/111)

_Subject:_ The building of a four-lane motorway across the
Rio Aguas in Almeria, Spain

The Rio Aguas is the only non-seasonal river in the
increasingly arid province of Almeria. An area along this
river has been declared a nature reserve by the Andalusian
authorities. There are plans to build a four-lane
motorway through this reserve, and the Spanish
Government has granted concessions for gypsum mining
in the area. The reserve is the natural habitat of a colony
of turtles of the species Testudo sp., which will have to
make way for the construction of this road.

Can the Commission say:

1. whether an environmental impact assessment has
been carried out in accordance with Directive

85/337/EEC (*)? If so, what were the main
conclusions of the impact assessment?

2. whether studies have been carried out into alternatives

to building the seven kilometre-long stretch of
motorway through the nature reserve? If so, what are
the main arguments for and against carrying out the
project which emerge from them?

No C 35/52 Official Journal of the

3. what measures it can adopt on the basis of the
proposal for a directive on the protection of natural
habitats ( [2] )?

4. what steps it is prepared to take to persuade the
Spanish Government to postpone execution of this
project until the relevant Community directives have
been implemented?

5. whether it is willing to suspend the subsidy for this
project until compliance with Community legislation
on the protection of nature reserves is improved?

O OJNoL175, 5.7. 1985, p. 40.
O OJ No C 247, 21. 9. 1988.

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(17 October 1990)_

Directive 85/337/EEC was adopted on 3 July 1985 and
entered into force on 3 July 1988.

According to the information in the Commission's
possession, the motorway building project was approved
in 1986, i.e. well before the Directive entered into force.
Nevertheless, the Spanish authorities examined nine
alternatives to the route in question in an attempt to avoid
possible environmental problems in the area. These
alternatives had to be rejected because of serious
geotechnical problems.

The decision to build the motorway therefore falls within
the sphere of competence of the Spanish authorities. The
proposal for a Directive on the protection of habitats will
not change this state of affairs.

There are no plans for the ERDF to fund this section of
motorway since the geographical area of the Rio Aguas
does not coincide with the territory of the operational
programme approved by the Commission in the
Almeria-Levante area.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2004/90

by Mr Hugh McMahon (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1990)_

(91/C 35/112)

_Subject:_ Asylums in Greece — budget heading 649

Can the Commission inform the House what sums of

money were disbursed to the Greek Government under
budget heading 649 after the European Parliament
granting discharge in April of this year? Can the

European Communities 11. 2. 91

Commission also give details of whether the terms of the
arrangements with the Greek Government to set up a
special monitoring committee to investigate the problems
have been adhered to and can the Commission inform the

House what have been the results of the initial studies

carried out by the committee?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(14 September 1990)_

The Commission is sending directly to the Honourable
Member and to Parliament's Secretariat a list of payments
made for projects coming under programme (b) —
psychiatric reform — of Regulation (EEC) No 814/84 (').
These relate to final payments for projects already
approved by the Commission in 1985 and 1986,
completed according to the conditions laid down in the
Commission's decision and already operating. No new
psychiatric projects have been approved in 1989 or 1990.

The Greek authorities are preparing, with the help of
independent experts, a monitoring report and a revised
version of the psychiatric reform which will be
communicated to the Parliament when ready. It is
expected that the monitoring committee will meet for the
first time in Athens in September 1990.

O OJNoL88,31.3. 1984,p. 1.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2009/90

by Mr Jean-Pierre Raff arm (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1990)_

(91/C 35/113)

_Subject:_ Study of the human genome

Will the specific programme of research on the study of
the human genome as a basis for predictive medicine be
carried out in cooperation with the major biological
research projects already under way in this field in the
United States and Japan?

Answer given by Mr Pandolfi
on behalf of the Commission

_(3 October 1990)_

Yes.

The intention to cooperate with the United States and
Japan in the research projects for the study of the human

11 2 9 1 COHicial Journal of the European communities N o C M ^ B ^

genome was clearly expressed during the preparation of
theGommunityprogramme.

The programme was adopted by Decision of 29 June
1 9 9 0 ^ and cooperation can now take place in
accordance withArticle^^l^.

C ^ j ^ L t ^ D B m ^ o

^ ^ I T T E N ^ E S T I ^ N N o ^ O t ^ ^ O

hy^AlonsoPuerta^GUE^

to the commission of the European communities

^91BC^BH^

^^cr.Restructuringplanforthe miningsectorin Spain

TheSpanish(Government has recently submittedtothe
commission aplanfortherestructuringof themining
sector,as part of the new system of contracting in respect
of coal and requesting authorization to grant state aid to
the undertakings concerned.

1. Does the commission have information concerning^

^ the redundancies involved in this plan and means
of absorbing them,

^ the investments earmarked underthis plan forthe
rationalization of this sector and the organization
of mining activities withafuture,

^ investment earmarked for economic recovery and
environmental protection in the mining basins to
be restructured^

2. Can the Commission e^plain^

^ the measures submitted by the Spanish
(Government to improve productivity and cut
losses in undertakings^

^ the plans submitted for industrial recovery in the
basins affected^

^. ^ h a t are the commissions intentions concerning
authorization for state aid to Spanishundertakings
included in this planB

Answer^ivenhy^irC^ardosoeC^unha
on behalf oftheGommiss^ion

^ C ^ ^ s B ^

1. ^ The commission has information concerning the
redundancies involved inthe plan but not about
the means of absorbing them.

d^ The commission has information concerning the
overall amount of investments earmarked for the

rationalization of the sector,

^ The commission has no information concerning
investments earmarked for economic recovery and
environmental protection in the mining basins to
be restructured.

2. ^ The interministerial committee set up by the
Spanish (Government has carried out a detailed
study of the Spanish coalmining undertakings. An
improvementinproductivity and areduction in
losses are to be achieved by promoting
undertakings which are competitive or may
becomesoafterrationalizationandby reducing
the activities of undertakings which, according to
the forecasts, cannot become competitive.

The criterion adopted by the Spanish authorities
to define the level of competitiveness is the
production cost of the undertaking,which would
be less thanthe sales price using the formula in
force in Spain.

^ No detailed plan for the conversion of the basins
affected hasbeensubmitted.Thisobiectivewas

indicated in the declaration of intent in the plan.

^5 C^n 25 July 1990 the commission adopted a
decision concerning the Spanish undertakings
which have signed programme contracts with the
State, calling foraplan for the reduction of aid to
cover operatinglosses, aspart of apian for the
restructuring, modernizationand rationalisation
ofthe Spanish coalmining industry,which should
be submitted to the commission before ^1

Decemberl990.

The Commission will ask the Spanish authorities
for additional information about the document

submitted to it,whichwas in response to Decision
90B198BECSC^ abased on Decision

20^B8DBEGSC^ ^ ^ ^ dns will not

concern aspects not covered by those two
decisions.

C ^ J ^ o L t o ^ ^ m ^ o
C^J^oLrBBmBm^D

^ ^ I T T E N ^ E S T l ^ N N o ^ O t ^ B ^ O

hylvirAdrien^eller^PPE^

to the commission of the European communities

^91BC^5B11^

^ ^ c r . European social security card

In answer to my previous written question
No 1250B89^onaEuropean social securitycard,the

No C 35/54 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

Commission indicated that it was 'currently examining
the possibility of having a study carried out on procedures
for recognition by the Member States of national social
security cards issued by other Member States'.

1. Has the Commission concluded that such a study is
feasible?

2. If not, can the Commission say what are the main
obstacles to this study?

3. If the Commission has decided to have the study
carried out, can it indicate the main areas to be
covered and, if possible, the time it will take to submit
its conclusions?

O OJNoC 125,21.5. 1990,p. 48.

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(26 September 1990)_

The Honourable Member's question refers to the
European card for provision of immediate care.

In answer to the Honourable Member's previous question
(No 1250/89) on this subject, the Commission stated, on
31 January 1990, that it was examining the possibility of
commissioning a study as requested by the Council on 29
September 1989.

The Commission is now able to inform the Honourable

Member that it has concluded that this study is in fact
feasible and is therefore carrying out a preliminary review
of the possibility of introducing a European social
security card in due course.

The Commission is unable to give the Honourable
Member further details at this stage.

As stated in its answer of 31 January 1990, it will inform
the European Parliament of the results of its work in good
time.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2030/90

by Mr Ferruccio Pisoni (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5 September 1990)_

(91/C 35/116)

_Subject:_ Conference on future population trends in
Europe

In view of recently published population statistics and the
role of immigration in the Community's growing

population does the Commission not agree that there is a
needs for:

1. A detailed study to be published on future population
trends in Europe, containing an analysis by country;

2. a study to be published on the extent and contribution
of immigration in individual countries including
overall figures and specific features (age distribution,
countries of origin, family composition, educational
and professional levels, areas of employment)?

3. Does the Commission not also believe that, on the
basis of these studies, a conference should be held as a
matter of urgency on ways of sustaining and
developing population growth levels in Europe?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(17 October 1990)_

On 29 September 1989 the Commission presented the
Council and the Ministers for Family Affairs meeting
within the Council with a communication on family
policies (*) in response to the conclusions of the
Copenhagen European Council, which mentioned the
disturbing demographic situation in Europe.

The Commission communication analyses the impact of
the demographic and socio-economic context on the
family and sets out a possible Community approach to
family policy.

The conclusions contained in the communication call for

a Community plan to undertake or continue 'actions
seeking to inform and to increase awareness, particularly
through the production of regular information on
demography and measures concerning families', relying
on the European Observatory on Family Policy set up by
the Commission and on specific studies.

The following documents on the subject are now
available:

— a summary report by the European Observatory on
Family Policy containing one chapter on changes in
the main population indices,

— studies on women in employment and fertility, and on
European public opinion on having children and the
role of the family today ( [2] ) and on having children
and reasons for deciding not to have children ( [3] ).

The Commission has also instructed the Forward Studies

Unit to contribute to the analysis of long-term population
trends in the Community and its international partners in
order to draw whatever conclusions there may be for

11. 2. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 35/55

policies affecting these trends in one way or another.
Particular attention is being paid to migration.

The Commission is also closely monitoring the activities
of national and international agencies and institutes on
population trends — in particular, the work of the
Council of Europe and the OECD group of experts who
drew up a number of studies in 1988 on the contribution
which immigration makes to the population of host
countries in the OECD area.

In publications such as _Demographic statistics_ and
_Employment and Unemployment,_ the Statistical Office of
the European Communities supplies statistics on the main
population factors — fertility, mortality, net migration —
and population projections up to the year 2020. It also
supplies figures on foreign residents. Finally, it is making
preparations for a major conference in November 1991 on
European human capital at the dawn of the 21st century,
which will deal with the matters raised by the Honourable
Member.

(') COM(89) 363 final.
( [2] ) Eurobarometer No 32.
( [3] ) Study based on previous Eurobarometers.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2031/90

by Mr Geoffrey Hoon (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5 September 1990)_

(91/C 35/117)

_Subject:_ Discrimination in the granting of research
awards in the UK

1. Is the Commission aware that research awards in the

UK are only available to students with three years of
British residence?

2. Is the Commission aware that time spent in higher
education in the UK is not considered as genuine
residence, and hence, that postgraduate students who
have taken their first degree in the UK after following a
secondary school course in another country, do not
qualify for a maintenance grant?

3. Does the Commission agree that this residence
requirement can constitute a way of avoiding possible
problems as regards EC rules (in particular Article 7 of
the EEC Treaty) ?

4. Does the Commission agree that, since most of the
students who do not fulfil the residence requirement are
not likely to have British nationality, this rule constitutes

a case of indirect discrimination against non-British
nationals?

5. What action does the Commission intend to pursue
so that an end can be put to this discrimination?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(9 October 1990)_

The Commission has recently become aware that a
requirement of three years' British residence exists in this
field.

The Commission has previously examined, with the
cooperation of the British authorities, many problems
concerning different aspects of Education awards.
However, in the present case, the problem concerns the
granting of research awards on which the Community has
no specific information.

Therefore, in view of the complex nature of this matter,
the Commission will make the necessary enquiries of the
British authorities.

The Commission will inform the Honourable Member as

soon as possible of the results.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2032/90

by Mr Enrico Falqui, Mr Gianfranco Amendola, Mr
Virginio Bettini and Mr Alexander Langer (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5 September 1990)_

(91/C 35/118)

_Subject:_ Risks for the population from the Farmoplant
factory in Massa Carrara (Tuscany, Italy)

Directive 82/501/EEC ('), as subsequently amended, lays
down rules for preventing serious accidents resulting
from certain industrial activities and was incorporated
into Italian law with Presidential Decree 175 of 17 May
1988.

Two years after the serious incident in the area around the
Farmoplant factory in the Massa Carrara industrial zone,
the situation is still dangerous due to the presence of
installations and storage tanks close to densely populated
urban districts.

Nothing has yet been done to dismantle the factory,
reclaim the land and thereby eliminate the risk, there are
not even any plans for this end and no reclamation plan
has been submitted by the Region of Tuscany in the
context of the Community support frameworks for
Objective No 2 of Regulation (EEC) No 2052/88 ( [2] ).

No C 35/56 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

1. Is the Commission aware of this dangerous situation
facing the population and the environment?

2. In view of this situation, is the Commission
considering infringement procedures against Italy?

3. Does the Commission not believe that it should bring
its authority to bear on the appropriate state and
regional bodies in order to remove this danger to the
population and the environment?

O OJ No L 230, 5. 8.1982, p. 1.
O OJNoL185, 15.7. 1988, p. 9.

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(31 October 1990)_

The Commission was notified by the Italian Government
of the accident at the Farmoplant factory in Massa
Carrara on 17 July 1988 in accordance with Directive
82/501/EEC. Since then the Italian Government has not

informed the Commission of any plans to dismantle or
repair the damaged plants or of any action to make them
more safe and ensure the safety of the people living in the
vicinity.

The Commission has requested the Italian Government to
provide it with information in this connection.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2090/90

by Mr Di Rupo (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(17 September 1990)_

(91/C 35/119)

_Subject:_ Homograft heart valves: Europe-wide
cooperation

Medical science has recently made spectacular advances in
the field of organ implants in general and implants of
homograft heart valves in particular.

It appears that the differences in the laws of the twelve
Member States as regards the procedures governing the
removal, storage, and movement of organs and their
release for patients are serving to create a 'two-speed
Europe' where transplants are concerned. This pernicious
situation is opening the way for a trade in human organs.

Would the Commission say what is the current legal
position in the twelve Member States as regards donations
of organs and human transplants?

How does the Commission view the idea of setting up an
ethics committee to lay down a code of conduct governing
donations of organs?

How does it view the idea of linking organ banks and
removal agencies in a European network under the
guidance of a Commission-sponsored watch-dog
committee?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(18 October 1990)_

With regard to the Honourable Member's first question,
in all Member States commercial dealings in organs are
regarded as unethical and the majority also have
legislative provisions banning such dealings. Some
Member States have introduced or are planning to
introduce severe restrictions on transplants from living
unrelated donors in order to facilitate the enforcement of

the prohibition of commercial dealings. As regards donor
consents (in the case of a dead donor), the majority of
Member States apply the 'opting-in' system, whereby an
organ may not be removed unless the donor gave his
express consent during his lifetime; some, however, apply
the 'opting-out' system, whereby an organ may be
removed from a cadaver unless the dead person registered
an objection during his lifetime. Evidence suggests that
application of the latter system may yield a higher rate of
'harvesting'.

With regard to the second question, the issue of medical
ethics is primarily a matter for the Member States and the
Commission has no present plans for any action in this
field.

With regard to the third question, the registration and
distribution of the available organs may be desirable in
order to maximize the donor pool and thereby facilitate
type-matching. However, certain organizations exist
already for this purpose (e.g. Eurotransplant and
Scandiatransplant) and their area of operation may also
include non-Community countries. The Commission has
no present plans to institute such a system under its own
control in the Community.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2160/90

by Mr Madron Seligman (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 September 1990)_

(91/C 35/120)

_Subject:_ Capital gains tax on citizens' homes

In the UK the sole or principal residence of a taxpayer is
exempt from Capital Gains Tax on its disposal. (Other

11. 2. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 35/57

properties owned by way of investment or as second
homes remain subject to CGT.)

Many British people have decided to live in Spain and,
when they purchased properties there, they were given to
understand that on eventual sale of their home, they
would not be liable to CGT.

I am now informed that the Spanish authorities have
decided to enforce a 35 % Capital Gains Tax on the sale of
such homes and that this is causing distress to a number of
families.

Whilst recognizing that the principle of subsidiarity
applies to domestic taxation at the present time, I would
enquire whether the Commission would be prepared to
advocate a measure of relief from CGT with regard to
people's homes throughout the Community, since —
irrespective of the purely social aspects of such a tax — it
must militate against the free movement of workers from
one Member State to another.

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener
on behalf of the Commission

_(30 October 1990)_

The Spanish capital gains tax applies at the rate of 35 % to
the sale of homes of non-residents and residents alike.

This tax does not therefore infringe the
non-discrimination provision of the EEC Treaty.

The Commission does not see the need to take any
initiative regarding capital gains tax on the sale of houses.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2202/90

by Mr Mihail Papayannakis (GUE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 October 1990)_

(91/C 35/121)

_Subject:_ Construction of a toxic waste incineration plant

According to protests from 30 organizations in the area,
on 19 June 1990 CBI HELLAS submitted an application
for approval to build a toxic waste incineration plant at
Platinghiali, in the Astakos district of Aitoloakarnania,
very close to the wetlands in the estuary of the river
Acheloos.

Given that (1) the wetlands are protected under the
RAMSAR Convention and Directive 79/409/EEC ('), (2)

according to the environmental study already drawn up,
the air pollution will damage the wetlands from the
Acheloos estuary as far as the salt marshes around
Mesolonghi, and (3) the project contravenes Article 4 of
Directive 75/442/EEC ( [2] ) on waste;

Has the Commission been informed of the plans to build
this toxic waste incineration plant? What action does it
intend to take and what representations will it make to the
Greek Government to prevent the plant from being built
in the middle of this sensitive ecosystem? What alternative
solutions does it propose?

O OJNoL103,25.4. 1979, p. 1.
O OJNoLl94,25.7. 1975, p. 39.

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(13 November 1990)_

Toxic waste incineration plants are subject to
authorization, under the terms of Directive 75/442/EEC

on waste and Directive 78/319/EEC on toxic and
dangerous waste ( [1] ). In the case of the project referred to
by the Honourable Member, authorization should be
issued by the Greek authorities, provided the project
satisfies the requirements of European legislation. It is
important to check, in pursuance of Directive
79/409/EEC, that the plant will not have any negative
effects on the protected area, some 20 kilometers away.
This type of plant is also subject to the provisions of
Directive 85/337/EEC on environmental impact
assessment ( [2] ).

As confirmed by the Council resolution of 7 May 1990 on
waste policy ( [3] ), incineration can be a useful means of
reducing the volume of waste and recovering energy,
provided that it is subject to adequate standards. The
Commission is now preparing a Directive on the
incineration of toxic waste. A technical paper on the best
available technologies in this field, showing that
emissions from this type of plant can be substantially
reduced, has already been drafted.

The Commission was informed of the plan to build the
plant by CBI Chemical Burning. In view of the scale of the
project, the Commission wished to draw the company's
attention to the principle established in the
aforementioned Council resolution.

If an adequate infrastructure for waste disposal is to be
created in the short term at Community level, it must
facilitate the disposal of waste in suitable facilities near
the place of production, thereby reducing the movement

No C 35/58 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

of waste. To achieve this, the Member States must do the
necessary planning.

O OJ No L 84, 31. 3. 1978.
O OJ No L 175, 5. 7. 1985.
O OJNoC 122, 18.5.1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2261/90

by Mr Dieter Rogalla (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(8 October 1990)_

(91/C 35/122)

_Subject:_ Leisure time activities of European citizens

1. Does the Council share my view that increased
leisure time for citizens entails a growing leisure industry
and that a parallel increase in the two is thus in the
Community's best interests?

2. Does the Council share my view that lotteries and
the activities of bookmakers and similar constitute

services which are part of the leisure industry within the
meaning of point 1 ?

3. What is the state of affairs in this area in the context

of the development of a true internal market?

4. Is free market access available to all types of business
operators referred to in point 2 in every Member State? If
not, why not, and what action has the Council taken
against Member States?

5. If the Council disagrees with point 2 above, what
position do the activities described in point 2 play in the
field of business, and what opportunities for growth does
the Council see here?

Answer

_(18 December 1990)_

The Council has not received any proposal for
Community measures regarding gaming, lotteries or
betting and has therefore not adopted any regulations in
this area.

The Honourable Member is no doubt aware that even

though the principle of freedom to provide services is
directly applicable — as has been confirmed by the Court
of Justice — derogations from this principle are possible
in the general interest or in the interests of public order,
safety and morality.

Starting from the standpoint that it is justified for gaming
to be covered by national laws in order to protect the
consumer, in particular in terms of equity and to ensure
that the considerations referred to above are upheld, the

Commission has asked for a survey to be carried out on
gaming laws and the situation regarding gaming activities
in each of the Member States.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2308/90

by Mr Gerard Monnier-Besombes (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(15 October 1990)_

(91/C 35/123)

_Subject:_ Marketing of breast-milk substitutes

In 1986 the European Parliament debated the question of
the marketing of breast-milk substitutes (COM(84) 703
final) and endorsed the amendments tabled by Mr van der
Lek (Doc. A2-0016/86) and Mrs Castellina (Doc.
A2-0020/86) to strengthen the directive and broaden its
scope. Why, then, does the new proposal for a directive
(111/3712/90) completely ignore Parliament's express
wishes, not least by omitting the following four points:

1. an advertising ban,

2. a ban on supplying free or cheap substitute milks to
maternity units and hospitals,

3. rules to control the promotion of products related to
breast milk substitutes, for example bottles and teats,

4. minimum age (4-6 months) for starting on follow-up
milks?

Can the Commission explain why the text makes no
mention of the key points covered in the WHO-UNICEF
International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk
Substitutes?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2320/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(18 October 1990)_

(91/C 35/124)

_Subject:_ Proposal for a directive on the marketing of
breast-milk substitutes

In 1986 the European Parliament discussed the marketing
of breast-milk substitutes (COM(84) 703 final) and
adopted the amendments tabled by Mr Van Der Lek
(Doc. A2-16/86) and Mrs Castellina (Doc. A2-20/86) so
as to have certain points made in the International Code
of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes, published by the
World Health Organization in 1981, incorporated into
the directive under consideration at that time.

11. 2. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 35/59

Why then has the Commission overlooked this vote in its
new proposal for a directive (111/3712/90) by omitting,
among other things, the following four points:

— a ban on advertising,

— a ban on the supply of free or reduced-price
breast-milk substitutes in maternity homes and
hospitals,

— restrictions on the advertising of other breast-milk
substitutes, feeding bottles and teats,

— the setting of a minimum age (four to six months) for
feeding infants with follow-up milk?

Why does the directive under preparation not incorporate
fully the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk
Substitutes published by the WHO?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2399/90

by Mrs Solange Fernex (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(25 October 1990)_

(91/C 35/125)

_Subject:_ Marketing of breast-milk substitutes

In 1986 the European Parliament debated the question of
the marketing of breast-milk substitutes (COM(84) 703
final) and endorsed the amendments tabled by Mr Van
Der Lek (Doc. A 2-0016/86) and Mrs Castellina (Doc. A
2-0020/86) to strengthen the directive and broaden its

scope.

Why, then, does the new proposal for a directive
(111/3712/90) completely ignore Parliament's express
wishes not least by omitting the following four points:

1. an advertising ban,

2. a ban on supplying free or cheap substitute milks to
maternity units and hospitals,

3. rules to control the promotion of products related to
breast-milk substitutes, for example bottles and teats,

4. minimum age (four to six months) for starting on
follow-up milks ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2403/90

by Mr Jose Happart (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(25 October 1990)_

(91/C 35/126)

_Subject:_ Marketing of breast-milk substitutes

In 1986 the European Parliament debated the marketing
of breast-milk substitutes (COM 84/703 final) and
endorsed the amendments tabled by Members of
Parliament (Doc. A 2-16/86 and Doc. A 2-20/86) to
strengthen the directive and broaden its scope.

Why, then, does the new proposal for a directive
(III/3712/90) completely ignore Parliament's express
wishes, not least by omitting the following four points:

1. an advertising ban,

2. a ban on supplying free or cheap substitute milks to
maternity units and hospitals,

3. rules on the promotion of other breast-milk
substitutes,

4. minimum age (four-six months) for starting on
follow-up milks?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2422/90

by Mr Yves Cochet (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 November 1990)_

(91/C 35/127)

_Subject:_ Marketing of breast-milk substitutes

In 1986 the European Parliament discussed the marketing
of breast-milk substitutes (COM(84) 703 final) and
adopted the amendments tabled by Mr Van der Lek (Doc.
A2-0016/86) and Mrs Castellina (Doc. A2-0020/86) to
strengthen the directive and broaden its scope. Why, then,
does the new proposal for a directive (111/3712/90)
completely ignore Parliament's express wish, not least by
omitting the following four points:

1. an advertising ban on publicity,

2. a ban on supplying free or cheap substitute milks to
maternity units and hospitals,

3. rules to control the promotion of products related to
breast-milk substitutes, for example bottles and teats,

4. minimum age (four to six months) for starting on
follow-up milks?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2423/90

by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 November 1990)_

(91/C 35/128)

_Subject:_ Marketing of breast-milk substitutes

In 1986 the European Parliament discussed the marketing
of breast-milk substitutes (COM(84) 703 final) and
adopted the amendments tabled by members of the
European Parliament to strengthen the directive and
broaden its scope.

No C 35/60 Official Journal of the European Communities 11. 2. 91

Will the Commission say why its proposal for a directive
(III/3712/90) completely ignores Parliament's express
wish, not least by omitting the following four points:

1. an advertising ban,

2. a ban on supplying free or cheap substitute milks to
maternity units and hospitals,

3. rules to control the promotion of products related to
breast-milk substitutes, for example bottles and teats,

4. minimum age (four to six months) for starting on
follow-up milks?

Joint answer to Written Questions No 2308/90, 2320/90,

2399/90,2403/90,2422/90 and 2423/90

given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(15 November 1990)_

The Commission would refer the Honourable Members

to its answer to Written Question No 1771/90 by Mr
Gangoiti Llaguno ( [l] ).

O See page 45 of this Official Journal.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2332/90

by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(18 October 1990)_

(91/C 35/129)

_Subject:_ Scientific research

What scientific research contracts have been concluded

for Belgium under the 1987-1991 framework programme,
with particular reference to projects involving the EC,
Belgian industry and universities, with the universities
acting as principal or subcontractors? What
appropriations have been allocated by the Community?
What is the breakdown per contractor and subcontractor
for each project?

Answer given by Mr Pandolfi
on behalf of the Commission

_(19 December 1990)_

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

information requested.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2382/90

by Mrs Mary Banotti (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(25 October 1990)_

(91/C 35/130)

_Subject:_ Glass recycling — EC action

What action does the Community undertake to help
companies in the different Member States to solve their
problems of

1. collecting glass,

2. getting the correct glass recycling technology,

3. assuring free access to glass producers?

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

_(13 November 1990)_

As indicated in its reply to oral question H-1041/90 by the
Honourable Member ('), the Commission does not intend
to propose any specific measures concerning glass
recycling at present.

Moreover, the Commission has not received any
proposals for glass recycling technology demonstration
projects in the context of action by the Community
relating to the environment.

(') Debates of the European Parliament No 3-394 (October I
1990).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2520/90

by Mrs Ria Oomen-Ruijten (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 November 1990)_

(91/C 35/131)

_Subject:_ Amendment of Dutch legislation on student
grants — discriminatory treatment of students

1. Is the Commission aware of the amendment to

Netherlands legislation on student grants under which the
basic grant for Dutch students studying abroad is reduced
by the amount of a public transport pass which is invalid
abroad?

2. Does the Commission agree that this might amount
to discriminatory treatment?

11. 2. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 35/61

3. Does this measure run counter to Community policy
as embodied laid down in the ERASMUS initiatives to
promote the mobility of students?

4. What measures could the Commission take to
promote equal treatment for students from the
Netherlands?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(11 December 1990)_

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to
answer the Honourable Member's question.

It will inform him of its findings as soon as possible.

### •

OFFICE DES PUBLICATIONS OFFICIELLES

DES COMMUNAUTES EUROPEENNES

Luxembourg

#### n [L'EMPLOI EN EUROPE 1990 ]

Le rapport sur I'emploi en 1990 est le deuxieme d'une serie a partition
annuelle. II cherche a toucher un large public dans les Etats membres:
les entreprises, les syndicats et les groupes d'interet aussi bien que les
gouvernements.

172 pages — 21 x 29,7 cm
ISBN 92-826-1518-9 — Numero de catalogue: CE-58-90-877-FR-C
Prix au Luxembourg, TVA exclue: 11,25 ecus
ES, DA, DE, GR, EN, FR, IT, NL, PT

UN ESPACE SOCIAL EUROPEEN A L'HORIZON 1992
par Patrick Venturini

L'objet de cette brochure est de presenter, apres une mise en perspective historique, les differentes composantes de la dimension sociale
du marche interieur, dans leur dynamique: emploi, circulation des
personnes et mobilite professionnelle, milieu de travail, droit des
societes. Autant de balises d'un «espace social europeen en devenir».
116 pages — 17,6 x 25 cm
ISBN 92-825-8704-5 — Numero de catalogue: CB-PP-88-B05-FR-C
Prix au Luxembourg, TVA exclue: 9,75 ecus
ES, DA, DE, GR, EN, FR, IT, NL, PT

|~"| DROIT DE CHOISIR ET IMPULSION ECONOMIQUE (deuxieme edition)
— L'objectif de la politique europeenne des consommateurs
par Eamonn Lawlor

L'objet de cette brochure est de souligner que les droits des consommateurs peuvent avoir des repercussions economiques, et que ceux qui
prennent les decisions economiques ont a s'en preoccuper tout autant
que ceux qui militent pour une justice sociale.
83 pages — 17,6 x 25 cm
ISBN 92-826-0153-6 — Numero de catalogue: CB-56-89-869-FR-C
Prix au Luxembourg, TVA exclue: 8 ecus
ES, DA, DE, GR, EN, FR, IT, NL, PT

BON DE COMMANDE A ENVOYER A:
Office des publications officielles des Communautes europeennes

2, rue Mercier, L-2985 Luxembourg

Veuillez m'envoyer les ouvrages coches H ci-dessus.

Norn:

Adresse:

Tel.:

Date:

Signature: