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^ - ^ y / * / * •  - *1 T "1 ISSN 0378-6986
# Orncial Journal C323

_C_ 1 -i—t x->  -  - Volume 34
### or the European Communities uDcaobrwi

##### English edition Information and Notices

Notice No Contents Page

I _Information_

European Parliament

_Written Questions with answer_

91 /C 323/01 No 2365/90 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission

Subject: Harmonization of staggered holiday arrangements in the EC 1

91 /C 323/02 No 2711/90 by Lord O'Hagan to the Commission

Subject: Commission financing of the activities of the social partners (Supplementary answer) 2

91/C 323/03 No 2933/90 by Mr Kenneth Collins to the Commission

Subject: Transfer of appropriations 21/90 (Omnibus Transfer) 2

91 /C 323/04 No 2934/90 by Mr Kenneth Collins to the Commission

Subject: Transfer of appropriations 21/90 (Omnibus Transfer) 3

91/C 323/05 No 3055/90 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to the Commission

Subject: Negotiations on imports of Norwegian salmon into the EC 3

91 /C 323/06 No 3066/90 by Mr John Cushnahan to the Commission

Subject: Dumping of fresh salmon on the EC market by Norway 3

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 3055/90 and 3066/90 3

91/C 323/07 No 27/91 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission

Subject: Role of the independent doctor in dealing with drug addicts 4

91 /C 323/08 No 40/91 by Mr Floras Wijsenbeek to the Commission

Subject: Training of driving instructors 4

91/C 323/09 No 287/91 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin to the Commission

Subject: Harmonization of the profession of driving instructor 4

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 40/91 and 287/91 5

2 (Continued overleaf)

Contents (continued) p age

91/C 323/10 No 204/91 by Mr Gerhard Schmid to the Commission

Subject: Monopoly held by the French armaments manufacturer GIAT 5

91/C 323/11 No 327/91 by Mr Hemmo Muntingh to the Commission

Subject: Extraction of water from the Okavango Delta in Botswana 5

91/C 323/12 No 341/91 by Mr George Patterson to the Commission

Subject: Barriers to free Trade in Ucits 6

91/C 323/13 No 404/91 by Mrs Mathilde van den Brink to the Commission

Subject: Internal competition at the Commission 7

91 / C 323/14 No 433/91 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission
Subject: Designation of the Eurofed seat 7

91/C 323/15 No 511/91 by Mr Pierre Bernard-Reymond to the Commission
Subject: Aid to national amateur theatrical federations 8

91/C 323/16 No 530/91 by Mr Peter Crampton to the Commission

Subject: Spanish illegal trade in animals 8

91/C 323/17 No 643/91 by Mr Reimer Boge to the Commission

Subject: Price support measures for sheep breeding 9

91/C 323/18 No 674/91 by Mr Alain Marleix to the Commission
Subject: Freedom of movement 9

91/C 323/19 No 675/91 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission

Subject: Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons (Supplementary answer) 10

91/C 323/20 No 742/91 by Mr Maxime Verhagen to the Commission

Subject: Programmes for the return of Guatemala refugees 10

91 /C 323/21 No 761/91 by Mr Bouke Beumer to the Commission

Subject: Less competition among mortgage lenders 11

91 / C 323/22 No 796/91 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raf f arin to the Commission

Subject: Excise duty and parafiscal charges on alcoholic beverages 12

91/C 323/23 No 911/91 by Mrs Caroline Jackson to the Commission

Subject: National targets for carbon dioxide emissions 13

91/C 323/24 No 925/91 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject: Fight against AIDS 14

91/C 323/25 No 949/91 by Mr Amedee Turner to the Commission

Subject: Telecommunications facilities in each Member State 14

91/C 323/26 No 951/91 by Mr Jan Bertens and Mrs Jessica Larive to the Commission
Subject: The return of refugees to Guatemala 15

91 /C 323/27 No 956/91 by Mr Llewellyn Smith to the Commission

Subject: Disposal of radioactive waste 16

91/C 323/28 No 966/91 by Mr Madron Seligman to the Commission

Subject: Patenting of new inventions and inward licencing 17

Notice No Contents (continued)

91/C 323/29 No 988/91 by Mr Louis Lauga to the Commission

Subject: Operation of the Tempus programme 17

91/C323/30 No 1004/91 by Mr Sergio Ribeiro to the Commission

Subject: Delays in transferring funds and situation of the local authorities involved in the Tejo
Valley Project 18

91/C 323/31 No 1061/91 by Mr Alex Smith and Mrs Christine Oddy to the Commission
Subject: Regional policy and 1992 18

91/C 323/32 No 1063/91 by Mr Alex Smith and Mrs Christine Oddy to the Commission

Subject: Regional policy and 1992, 18

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1061/91 and 1063/91 18

91/C323/33 No 1075/91 by Mr Edward Kellett-Bowman to the Commission

Subject: Trading products in ECU 19

91/C 323/34 No 1095/91 by Mr Dieter Rogalla to the Commission

Subject: Public awareness of the principles of Community law 19

91/C 323/35 No 1097/91 by Mr Dieter Rogalla to the Commission

Subject: Promotions policy and careers in the Community civil service 20

91/C 323/36 No 1158/91 by Mr Francois Musso to the Commission
Subject: Japanese cars 20

91/C323/37 No 1159/91 by Mr Joaquin SisoCruellas to the Commission

Subject: X-ray examinations 21

91/C 323/38 No 1193/91 by Mr Jacques Vernier to the Commission

Subject: Unfair competition in Community frontier regions 21

91/C 323/39 No 1197/91 by Mr Gary Titley to the Commission
Subject: Cults 22

91/C 323/40 No 1204/91 by Mr Antoni Gutierrez Diaz and Mrs Teresa Domingo Segarra to the

Commission

Subject: Outbreak of blue disease affecting pigs in certain areas of Spain 22

91/C 323/41 No 1205/91 by Mr James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Mystery pig disease (blue ear disease) 23

91/C 323/42 No 1213/91 by Mr James Ford to the Commission

Subject: Teaching of Esperanto in United Kingdom schools 23

91/C323/43 No 1264/91 by Mr Paul Staes to the Commission
Subject: Canal for push-tow vessels near Antwerp (Belgium) 24

91/C 323/44 No 1279/91 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission

Subject: Shortcomings of the World Health Organization 24

91/C 323/45 No 1286/91 by Mr George Patterson and Mr Brian Cassidy to the Commission

Subject: United Kingdom toy safety regulations 25

(Continued overleaf)

Notice No Contents (continued)

91/C 323/46 No 1289/91 by Mrs Pauline Green to the Commission

Subject: Implementation of the Commission's recommendation concerning a European
over-sixties card 25

91/C323/47 No 1307/91 by Mr ReimerBoge to the Commission

Subject: Principle of equality in respect of development programmes 26

91/C323/48 No 1314/91 by Mr Luigi Vertemati to the Commission

Subject: Use of anabolic substances in sport 26

91/C 323/49 No 1315/91 by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek to the Commission

Subject: Rail transport cooperative 27

91/C 323/50 No 1335/91 by Mr Otto Habsburg and Mr Joachim Dalsass to the Commission

Subject: Decisions of the Council of Europe on minorities 27

91/C 323/51 No 1339/91 by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission

Subject: Decisions of the Council of Europe on minorities 27

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1335/91 and 1339/91 27

91 / C 323/52 No 1465/91 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission

Subject: Public temporary employment agencies and freedom to provide services 28

91/C 323/53 No 1466/91 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission

Subject: Community rules for temporary employment agencies 28

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1465/91 and 1466/91 28

91/C 323/54 No 1481/91 by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission

Subject: Compensation for the children of haemophiliacs infected with the AIDS virus 29

91/C323/55 No 1485/91 by Mr Yves Verwaerde to the Commission
Subject: Masterplan for a European high-speed train network 29

91/C 323/56 No 1486/91 by Mr .Yves Verwaerde to the Council
Subject: Creation of a European Economic Area (EEA) 29

91/C323/57 No 1514/91 by Mrs Eva-Maria Quistorp to the Commission

Subject: Professions in the fields of the arts, social sciences and education 29

91/C 323/58 No 1520/91 by Mr Stephen Hughes to the Commission
Subject: United Kingdom's record on implementation: social dimension 30

91/C323/59 No 1552/91 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to the Commission
Subject: Exemption from competition rules for Scottish Nuclear Ltd 31

91/C 323/60 No 1568/91 by Mrs Carmen Llorca Vilaplana to the Commission
Subject: Midwives' training establishments in Spain 31

91/C323/61 No 1573/91 by Mr Gerardo Fernandez-Albor to the Commission

Subject: Vulnerability of savings banks in the future single market 32

(Continued on inside back cover)

Notice No Contents (continued) p age

91/C 323/62 No 1587/91 by Mr Fernand Herman to the Commission

Subject: Registration and approval in Belgium of a European Economic Interest Grouping
(EEIG) 32

91 /C 323/63 No 1616/91 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission

Subject: The 13th and 22nd recitals of the 'TV without frontiers' Directive 33

91/C 323/64 No 1633/91 by Mr Yves Verwaerde to the Commission

Subject: VAT on works of art, antiques and collectors' items 34

91/C 323/65 No 1642/91 by Mrs Dacia Valent to the Commission

Subject: Racism and xenophobia: implementation of the recommendations of the Committees of
Inquiry 34

91/C 323/66 No 1645/91 by Mr Christian de la Malene, Mr Pierre Lataillade and Mr Gene
Fitzgerald to the Commission

Subject: The new German proposals concerning economic and monetary union 34

91/C 323/67 No 1646/91 by Mr Christian de la Malene, Mr Pierre Lataillade, Mr Gene
Fitzgerald, Mr Henry Chabert and Mr Patrick Lalor to the Commission

Subject: Fiscal harmonization and the cost of German unification 36

91/C 323/68 No 1661/91 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission

Subject: Measures to prohibit the television broadcasting of war films for children 36

91/C 323/69 No 1663/91 by Mr Georgios Romeos to the Commission

Subject: Television advertising of children's toys in Greece 37

91/C 323/70 No 1671/91 by Mr Juan Bandres Molet to the Commission
Subject: Rural tourism and the environment 37

91/C 323/71 No 1702/91 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission
Subject: Community plan for tourism 38

91 /C 323/72 No 1711 /91 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raf f arin to the Commission

Subject: VAT on horticultural products 38

91/C 323/73 No 1714/91 by Mr Didier Anger and Mrs Solange Fernex to the Council
Subject: Incorporation of the new ICRP standards into Community regulations 38

91/C 323/74 No 1761/91 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission

Subject: Community measures in respect of 'head hunters' 39

91/C 323/75 No 1784/91 by Mr Diego de los Santos Lopez to the Commission
Subject: Professional training in nursing 39

91/C 323/76 No 1796/91 by Mrs Carmen Llorca Vilaplana to the Commission
Subject: Situation of nutritionists in Spain 40

91/C 323/77 No 1797/91 by Mr Joao Cravinho to the Commission

Subject: Assistance for customs agents in the private sector 41

91/C 323/78 No 1853/91 by Mr Diego de los Santos Lopez to the Commission
Subject: Granting of aid to the textile sector 41

91/C 323/79 No 1911/91 by Mr Bryan Cassidy and Mr George Patterson to the Commission
Subject: Economic and Monetary Union 42

13. 12. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 323/1

I

_(Information)_

###### EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2365/90

by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(18 October 1990)_

(91/C 323/01)

_Subject:_ Harmonization of staggered holiday
arrangements in the EC

In France and Germany a system of staggered holiday
arrangements applies in different areas. In Belgium
similar arrangements apply to the Easter holidays.

If such a system were generalized and harmonized in the
Community as a whole, would this not enable those
concerned to derive full benefit from their holidays, since
it would help to avoid the overburdening of transport
infrastructures, now a serious problem, and the
unfavourable environmental impact of the sudden,
temporary overpopulation of certain tourist areas?

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

_(27 September 1991)_

The staggering of holidays is a serious problem which
arises regularly each year when the holiday exodus occurs
and is a matter of increasing concern to those involved in
the tourist industry.

The excessive concentration of tourists in the same place
at particular times of the year has serious implicatiens for
the industry as a whole, with tourists and local people
alike being affected: travel delays, overbooking of
accommodation, higher prices, general decline in the
quality of services, and frequent deterioration of the
environment in overcrowded regions.

It is difficult to influence the seasonal spread of holidays
because of the complexity of the matter and the number
of variables influencing the decision as to when holidays
are to be taken (e.g. dates of school holidays in the various
countries, the dates of works' holidays or the fact that the
tourist industry does too little to encourage out-of-season
tourism) as well as the choice of holiday destination.

This problem has already been the subject of a
resolution (') in which the Council invited the Member
States to collaborate with one another and to coordinate

their efforts to achieve a better seasonal and geographical
distribution of tourism.

Among other things, the Council advocated measures to
promote and assist tourist activities making it possible to
diversify the opportunities available and to extend the
tourist season, such as cultural, rural and social tourism.

As stated in its Community action plan to assist
tourism( [2] ), which is now being discussed by the Council
and Parliament, the Commission is currently supporting
the Dutch initiative to organize a conference on 16 and 17
October 1991 on the staggering of holidays.

Moreover, in order to improve knowledge of the tourist
industry, a study entitled 'The experience, products and
suitable clientele for all-season tourism' is being carried
out on the Commission's behalf. The results will be

available in December 1991.

The Commission therefore intends to play a major role in
encouraging and coordinating national and regional
measures and initiatives to improve the staggering of
holidays in the Community.

(1) OJ No C 340, 31.12.1986.
O COM(91) 97 final.

No C 323/2 Official Journal of the European Communities 13. 12. 91

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2711/90

by Lord O'Hagan (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 December 1990)_

(91/C 323/02)

_Subject:_ Commission financing of the activities of the
social partners

Can the Commission state, in ECU, the amount of EC
money accorded to the following activities:

1. the ETUI (annual cost);

2. the Division for information to trade unions by DG X
(annual cost);

3. the health and safety unit of the ETUI (annual cost);

4. the trade union bulletin (annual cost);

5. other meetings and activities of the ETUC (1989) in
relation to the total financial support granted to
UNICE/CEEP?

Supplementary answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(5 September 1991)_

Further to its answer of 21 March 1991 (*), the
Commission would inform the Honourable Member that

it provides the social partners with financial aid for the
organization of information meetings under Article 250
of the general budget (ECU 50 000 in 1989). Social
dialogue and industrial relations meetings receive
assistance from Chapter 64 (ECU 340 000 in 1989).

In November 1989 the Commission financed the

organization of an ESC conference in Strasbourg on the
basic rights of European workers (ECU 50 000 charged to
Chapter 64). In the same year the ESC received a further
ECU 180 000 for preliminary consultation meetings with
trade union representatives (Article 256 of the budget).

(') OJNoCl77, 8.7.1991.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2933/90

by Mr Kenneth Collins (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11 January 1991)_

(91/C 323/03)

_Subject:_ Transfer of appropriations 21/90 (Omnibus
Transfer)

Omnibus transfer of appropriations 21/90 justifies
transferring - payments of 1 million ECU and

commitments of 2 million ECU from Chapter 100
allocated to Item 6618 (Special Action Programme for
pollution-free beaches and coasts of the Irish Sea and the
North Sea, the Baltic Sea and the North-Eastern Atlantic
Ocean) to other budget headings, on the grounds that 'it
is now materially impossible for the Council to adopt a
Regulation for this measure before 15 November 1990. In
contrast, a transfer of nearly 3,5 million ECU to Medspa
(Article 665) is justified on the grounds that payment
appropriations in the 1990 budget (of 4,8 million ECU)
for Medspa were 'underestimated'. The transfer proposal
will increase payment appropriations available to Medspa
in 1990 to over 8 million ECU. However, it is now
materially impossible for the Council to adopt a
Regulation relating to Medspa before 21 December.
Parliament will, at best, give its opinion during its
December part-session.

1. How does the Commission explain this remarkable
contradiction?

2. Will the Commission explain how it is possible that
funds for the largest single specific allocation for
environmental measures in the 1990 budget (i.e.
Medspa) have been 'underestimated', though no legal
base for spending will exist at best until ten days
before the end of 1990 ?

Answer given by Mr Schmidhuber
on behalf of the Commission

_(19 September 1991)_

Article 665 (Medspa) and item 6618 (Nordspa) are
separate budget lines with a different historical
background as far as the creation of legal bases is
concerned and in the way they are managed. For this
reason, the Commission does not see a contradiction in
the way both lines were included in the global transfer.

The appropriations reserved in Chapter 100 for Nordspa
were reallocated for the compensation of the negative
reserve, and the reinforcement of other budget lines
outside Chapter 66, for the reasons explained in the
justification for the global transfer.

The payment appropriations for Medspa were reinforced
in order to cover an unforeseen but considerable increase

in payments in order to accelerate the liquidation of
commitments entered into in previous years. These
commitments were entered into as part of _annual_ actions
of a preparatory nature approved by the Budgetary
Authority for the years 1988 and 1989. The Commission's
subsequent proposal for a _multiannual_ action was made in
March 1990.

13. 12. 91 Official Journal of th«

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2934/90

by Mr Kenneth Collins (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11 January 1991)_

(91/C 323/04)

_Subject:_ Transfer of appropriations 21/90 (Omnibus
Transfer)

Among the budgetary transfers provided for by omnibus
transfer 21/90 is an increase in commitment

appropriations of 500 000 ECU and payment
appropriations of 500 000 ECU for the European
Environment Agency. The justification, though there is
still no seat for the Agency, is to finance preparatory
measures 'so that the Agency can get off to a good start'.

Will the Commission list in detail what preparatory
measures are envisaged, particularly in view of the fact
that Council ensured that the regulation establishing the
Agency will not come into force until the day after the
competent authorities (sic) agree on where to site the
Agency?

Answer given by Mr Schmidhuber
on behalf of the Commission

_(19 September 1991)_

The Commission proposal for the global transfer
included a transfer of appropriations for the European
Environment Agency from the reserve chapter to the
operational budget line.

The justification for this transfer was based on the
possibility that, before the year's-end, a final solution
would be found for the Agency's seat, and that therefore
it would be necessary to finance preparatory measures.

Since there was no decision taken before the year's-end,
the appropriations transferred to Article 666 have not
been used and, in accordance with the Financial
Regulation, were cancelled on the 31 December 1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3055/90

by Mrs Winifred Ewing (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(28 January 1991)_

(91/C 323/05)

_Subject:_ Negotiations on imports of Norwegian salmon
into the EC

In a recent reply sent to me by Commissioner Marin in
response to a letter of mine regarding imports of

European Communities No C 323/3

Norwegian salmon into the EC, I was informed that
negotiations have taken place regarding the establishment
of approved minimum prices for the export of Norwegian
fresh salmon to the EC market.

Will the Commission please provide greater details of the
negotiations and give a clear statement on the present
situation in this regard?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3066/90

by Mr John Cushnahan (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(28 January 1991)_

(91/C 323/06)

_Subject:_ Dumping of fresh salmon on the EC market by
Norway

What action does the Commission propose to take in
relation to the continued dumping of fresh salmon on the
Community market by Norway, which is causing
dramatic slumps in prices for Community producers ?

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 3055/90

and 3066/90

given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(5 September 1991)_

The Commission started, at the beginning of 1990, a
formal anti-dumping procedure concerning imports of
farmed Atlantic salmon originating in Norway.

Despite the findings of dumping and material injury
caused by these imports to the Community industry, the
Commission decided to terminate the anti-dumping
proceedings without imposing trade protection measures,
mainly due to the series of measures adopted by the
Norwegian Government and industry in 1989 and 1990,
and to be continued during 1991, aiming at a restriction of
the volume of salmon entering the market. The
Norwegian Government further expressed its willingness
to enter into consultations with the Commission upon
notification of, a market problem causing abnormal
developments of prices, with a view to finding appropriate
solutions to such problems together with Norwegian
industry and exporters.

The Commission undertook at the same time to follow

closely the market trends for farmed salmon. For this
reason, and following the recent price disturbances on the
market, the Commission has introduced arrangements
for Community surveillance in respect of imports of
Atlantic salmon from 1 July 1991 (Regulation (EEC)
No 1658/91 O).

0) OJNoL 151,15.6.1991.

No C 323/4 Official Journal of th«

WRITTEN QUESTION No 27/91

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 February_ _1991)_

(91/C 323/07)

_Subject:_ Role of the independent doctor in dealing with
drug addicts

The Belgian medical organization has issued an
instruction that doctors practising on their own, whatever
their qualifications, may not take and treat drug addict
patients who have not withdrawn from the habit.

According to this instruction, such patients may be treated
only by multidisciplinary teams including psychiatrists
qualified to deal with drug addiction.

At present such training and qualifications do not exist in
Belgium, nor is there a sufficient number of specialist
centres in this field.

Moreover, the instruction is incompatible with the
programme for lifting the barriers to treating drug addicts
being conducted by the Department of Mental Health at
the Belgian Ministry of Public Health.

It also runs counter to the wishes of the European
Parliament which, via its committee of inquiry into the
drugs problem in the Member States, adopted a
recommendation in particular recognizing the importance
of the role played by general practitioners at the first line
of defence in dealing with drug addicts.

Does not the Commission regard the degree issued by the
Belgian medical organization as inadequate and
dangerous, as it removes the responsibility of family
doctors in the face of the advancing wave of drug
addiction?

What were the recommendations of the European
Committee for the fight against drugs (Celad) on the role
of doctors practising on their own and general
practitioners in the treatment of drug addicts?

Has Celad drawn up or supported a European
programme for training health specialists in drug
addiction, as the parliamentary committee of inquiry into
the drugs problem recommended in 1986?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(29 July 1991)_

The Commission fully agrees with the Honourable
Member on the importance of the role of physicians in the
treatment of drug addicts.

Regarding the Belgian circular mentioned by the
Honourable Member, the Commission has no

European Communities 13. 12. 91

competence for this matter and is unable to make a value
judgment on this issue.

As far as the European Committee to Combat Drugs
(Celad) is concerned, the European Plan against Drugs,
which was adopted by the European Council on 15
December 1990, refers to the training of qualified staff,
with suitable curricula for workers at technical and
professional, undergraduate and postgraduate level.

As a follow-up to the Parliament's 1986 recommendation
of the Committee of Enquiry, the Commission has
supported exchanges of information and experience at
European Community level concerning the continued
training of health professionals.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 40/91

by Mr Floras Wijsenbeek (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 February_ _1991)_

(91/C 323/08)

_Subject:_ Training of driving instructors

Can the Commission say how the training and
certification of driving instructors is regulated in the
Member States?

Does the Commission consider this a matter where there
is a need for harmonization by means of European
legislation, in the light of draft Directive COM(88)
705 O?

If so, what does the Commission consider the minimum
criteria for training and certification ?

If not, why not?

Does not the Commission consider that such matters
should be regulated by the national authorities and not by
private agencies-?

O OJNoC48,27.2.1989, p. 1.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 287/91

by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 February_ _1991)_

(91/C 323/09)

_Subject:_ Harmonization of the profession of driving
instructor

Towards the end of 1990, the Commission announced
that it would be submitting proposals on the
harmonization of training for the profession of driving
instructor and the mutual recognition of diplomas.

13. 12. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 323/5

What is the Commission's current thinking on this matter
and what consultation procedures are being and are to be
instituted with this profession?

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 40/91 and 287/91

given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(26 September 1991)_

In 1990 the Commission completed a study on the matter
raised by the Honourable Members with an eye to
establishing the 'state of the art' on the conditions relating
to the profession of driving instructpr within Member
States, and in particular with regard to the training and
certification of candidates.

During the course of this study, a working group was
formed consisting of representatives from the profession
as well as other interested parties.

A summary table on the study concerned drawn up by the
Commission's departments has been sent directly to the
Honourable Members as well as to the Secretariat of

Parliament.

The information gathered so far by the Commission does
not justify a proposal for a Directive on the
harmonization of training for the driving instructor
profession. This profession will effectively be covered by
the proposal for a Directive on a second general system
for the recognition of professional education and
training (') which complements Directive 89/48/EEC ( [2] ).

In these circumstances, the Commission cannot see a
reason for proposing a sectoral Directive specific to the
training of driving instructors which would represent a
departure from the horizontal approach adopted under
the Council Directive of 21 December 1988, 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 ( [2] ).

The Commission also thinks that the new measures

introduced in the proposal for a Directive on the driving
licence ( [J] ), concerning training and the requirements for
obtaining a driving licence, will lead to the adaptation if
necessary of existing training programmes for driving
instructors.

This being the case, and following current discussions in
the Council on the proposal for a Directive on the driving
licence, the Commission will examine the advisability of
formulating a recommendation giving Member States
suitable references for any necessary adjustment of the
training system for driving instructors.

As for the national bodies regulating this matter, the
Commission is in principle of the opinion that since this is
a profession where the issuing of certificates or
authorization for the practice of the profession are

already regulated, the national administrative authorities
should be involved, whether directly or via approved

centres.

(') OJ No C 263, 16. 10. 1989. Proposal modified — OJ No

C217,1.9.1990.
O OJNoL19,24. 10. 1989.
O OJNoC 48,27.2.1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 204/91

by Mr Gerhard Schmid (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(18 February 1991)_

(91/C 323/10)

_Subject:_ Monopoly held by the French armaments
manufacturer GIAT

The French armaments manufacturer GIAT has acquired
extensive holdings in European firms in the same
industry.

1. Has the Commission scrutinized current holdings in
accordance with Article 85 ff of the EEC Treaty?

2. If so, when did this take place, and what were the
Commission's findings?

3. Is the Commission aware of GIAT's intention to take

over the German armaments manufacturer Heckler

undKoch?

4. How does the Commission view this possible
acquisition with reference to anti-trust law?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan
on behalf of the Commission

_(17 September 1991)_

The Commission has not yet had an opportunity to
examine the acquisitions referred to in the Honourable
Member's question. It will not be able to examine them in
the light of competition policy until it has received the
relevant details.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 327/91

by Mr Hemmo Muntingh (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 March 1991)_

(91/C 323/11)

_Subject:_ Extraction of water from the Okavango Delta in
Botswana

At the end of 1990 a start was made on dredging the River
Boro in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, with the

No C 323/6 Official Journal of the European Communities 13. 12. 91

objective of extracting water. After much protest work
was recently halted, but no assurances have been given
that the project has been definitively abandoned.

1. What was the purpose of the water to be extracted?

2. Has the Government of Botswana carried out an

environmental impact assessment? If not, can the
Commission urge it to conduct such an analysis?

3. Is the Commission prepared to make representations
to the Government of Botswana to protest against
measures which affect the fragile ecosystem of this
unique wetland?

4. Does it not think that this plan is totally at variance
with the policy of protecting the natural environment
and with the long-term development of Botswana?
How can it use its influence to strengthen this policy? '

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(26 September 1991)_

1. Water drawn from the lower Boro River is

essentially meant to bring additional supplies to Maun,
where consumption is much on the increase, due to the
expansion of the town in recent years, and where
conditions can become dramatic in drought periods.
Villages downstream along the Boteti River (e.g.
Makalamabedi) and also wildlife from the Makgadikgadi
Pans Game Reserve, which is bordered by the river, will
also benefit from the larger volume of water available.
Finally, there are plants to divert part of the increased
supplies of water towards reviving Lake Ngami, which has
entirely dried up in recent years. _i_

2. The Government made ecological impact
assessments prior to starting work on the project. It was
satisfied that less than 1 % of the Delta area would have

been affected. After inviting Greenpeace international to
visit the site, the Government has agreed to suspend the
project and, in the meantime, to enable an independent
consultant to draft a new study of the possible
environmental consequences of the project.

3. and 4. The Commission will await the results of the

above study before adopting its final position. It will
pursue its ongoing open dialogue with the Government
on these issues. Under the new Lome Convention, it
expects to play an ever-increasing role in matters of
protection of the environment and preservation of the
wilderness, already an important sector of its activities.
However, it remains very conscious of the fact that
Botswana is a semi-arid country, that the water needs of
the population are difficult and costly to satisfy, and that

these problems are becoming more and more serious with
time.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 341/91

by Mr George Patterson (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 March 1991)_

(91/C 323/12)

_Subject:_ Barriers to free trade in Ucits

The taxation provisions applied to Ucits imported into the
Netherlands discriminate between non-Dutch Ucits,
classed as foreign funds, and domestic Ucits. The
particular provisions of a Dutch taxation regime fall
under Article 20a of the Dutch Income Tax Act 1969,
under which non-Dutch Ucits are classified as foreign
funds for the purpose of income and are subject to higher
rates of income tax.

Does not the Commission agree that the aim of the Ucits
Directive, and indeed the principle of a single market in
investment funds, can only be fulfilled if all Member
States treat non-domestic Ucits in the same way as their
domestic funds? Will the Commission investigate the
existing barrier to marketing non-Dutch Ucits in the
Netherlands, and will it take appropriate action with the
Dutch finance authorities to remedy the situation?

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener
on behalf of the Commission

_(9 October 1991)_

As mentioned in its communication of 4 November
1987 ( [x] ) on the creation of a European financial area, the
Commission intends to enter into bilateral contacts

with those Member States that have introduced tax

measures liable to distort capital movements within the
Community.

The aim of these contacts is to secure the gradual removal
of any distortion or discrimination.

The difference in tax treatment between domestic and

non-domestic Ucits in the Netherlands can be regarded as
constituting such a measure and will, therefore, be the
subject of bilateral contacts.

O COM(87) 550 final.

13.12.91 Official Journal

WRITTEN QUESTION No 404/91

by Mrs Mathilde van den Brink (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11 March 1991)_

(91/C 323/13)

_Subject:_ Internal competition at the Commission

the European Communities No C 323/7

spent working as temporary staff to raise their
professional abilities to the level required.

The Commission's Joint Interpreting and Conference
Service recently held an internal competition for all nine
Community languages. The candidates included people
who have been working on temporary contracts for over
six years, including meetings of the Council of Ministers,
without any reason being found for not renewing their
contracts. Nevertheless the results for Dutch-speaking
interpreters, and they were not alone, were disastrous: of
the 12 candidates only four passed.

1. Can the Commission explain how it is possible that
only 30% of the Dutch-language candidates passed,
although

(a) the candidates had apparently given satisfactory
service over several years and,

(b) according to the Joint Interpreting and
Conference Service, they have been trained by the
best interpreting service in the world?

2. Does the Commission find it socially acceptable to
keep people on temporary contracts for six years and
more and then throw them back onto the labour

market, after such a long period, at an age when they
will find it difficult to get another job?

3. Can the Commission justify the elimination of
candidates after the first part of the competition,
which involved consecutive interpretation, when 99 %
of the work involves simultaneous interpretation? If
not, what does the Commission intend to do about it?

4. Does the Commission not find it inconsistent that the

Joint Interpreting and Conference Service should
continue to allow failed candidates to work in Council

of Ministers's meetings?

5. Does the Commission think it fair that failed

candidates with three to eight years' service behind
them should have to sit a further test to obtain

freelance status?

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

_(1 August 1991)_

1. The percentage rate of successful candidates
at competition COM/LA/1/89 (interpreters) and
COM/LA/2/89 (assistant interpreters) is substantially
higher than the rate commonly found at category A
competitions, and it is to be regretted that certain
candidates did not take full advantage of the time they

2. The Commission has scrupulously complied with its
obligations as employer by renewing the contracts of
those concerned until the time of the competition tests. It
goes without saying that those who did not pass the
competition will enjoy the full benefit of the rules
applicable to temporary staff whose contracts are not
renewed, particularly as regards the unemployment
benefits paid in such cases.

3. Since the Commission and the other institutions

which it serves agree that the same standard of quality
should be supplied for all languages, the JICS imposes the
same requirements for all booths. Consequently it only
uses interpreters who are proficient at both consecutive
and simultaneous interpreting; the notices of competition
always specify that there is a minimum pass mark for each

test.

4. The Commission regrets that difficulties in
managing the programme for the assignment of
interpreters to meetings may have had the effect, in a few
exceptional cases, that interpreters who failed the
competition were nonetheless assigned to ministerial
meetings. The requisite measures have been taken to see
that this does not happen again.

5. Candidates who were not awarded sufficient marks

to pass the interpreting tests at competitions
COM/LA/1/89 and COM/LA/2/89 but wish to

continue working for the JICS on a freelance basis must
indeed take a new test to prove that they are good enough
to work in that capacity.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 433/91

by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11 March 1991)_

(91/C 323/14)

_Subject:_ Designation of the Eurofed seat

The European Community is manifestly fated to wage a
constant battle concerning the seats of its institutions and
other bodies. The race to secure the seat of the future

European Central Bank (Eurofed) is now under way.

Many cities in Europe are marshalling their resources,
both political and financial, to secure the seat; this will
entail considerable expenditure, as well as appreciable and
wasted political effort, for those cities which fail to be
awarded the seat of such an important Community
financial body.

No C 323/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 13. 12. 91

Does the Commission not believe, then, that it should
encourage a prompt decision to be taken on the seat of the
future European Central Bank, thus enabling the requisite
facilities to be provided-in the city, which in turn would
enable the other Community cities that are possible
contenders to cut back considerably on campaigning and
spending?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(17September 1991)_

The seat of the European Central Bank is an essential
point to be covered by the statute now being framed by
the Intergovernmental Conference on the basis of the
draft statute of the European System of Central Banks
and of the European Central Bank which was drawn up by
the Governors of the Central Banks in Member States.

The Intergovernmental Conference has not yet discussed
which city or cities will be considered for the seat of the
European Central Bank.

The Commission's view is that it is too early at this stage
in the negotiations to take a decision, especially as there
are several issues of substance still outstanding.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 511/91

by Mr Pierre Bernard-Reymond (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(26 March 1991)_

(91/C 323/15)

_Subject:_ Aid to national amateur theatrical federations

Does the Commission not consider that it is necessary to
take measures similar to those envisaged for the
audiovisual sector to help the theatre, in particular the
amateur theatre, to achieve a European dimension too, as
part of the development of Cultural Europe in 1992?

For this, purpose, national federations could be given
financial assistance and be encouraged to form an
amateur theatrical confederation.

Answer given by Mr Dondelinger
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 September 1991)_

In 1990 the Commission asked the 'Informal European
Theatre Meeting' organization (a European network of
theatre professionals) to carry out a study into the

possibility of applying mechanisms comparable to those
set in motion by the Media programme to the
performance arts, or devising a European programme in
the field of theatre and dance. The study will be
completed in March 1992.

The Commission is well aware of the practical and legal
difficulties to which such a venture could give rise and
reserves the right to give its views after it has seen the
conclusions of the IETM study.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 530/91

by Mr Peter Cramp ton (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(26 March 1991)_

(91/C 323/16)

_Subject:_ Spanish illegal trade in animals

Can the Commission specify what action is being taken
against Spain in order to halt the illegal trade in animals
which is in violation of the Convention of International

Trade in Endangered Species?

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

_(7 June 1991)_

Implementation in the Community of the Convention on
international trade in endangered species of wild flora
and fauna (Cites) is subject to the provisions of Council
Regulation (EEC) No 3626/82 (').

Infringements of this Regulation are examined on the
basis of Article 169 of the Treaty.

Following a number of complaints by individuals to the
Commission, an infringement procedure involving Spain
was opened which revealed the existence of illegal trade in
animals in that country. Baby chimpanzees and tiger cubs
are imported to Spain for use by photographers in various
tourist resorts on the Spanish coast. The Commission has
decided to refer the matter to the Court of Justice, as it
feels that the Spanish Government is not enforcing in its
territory the ban on the display to the public for
commercial purposes of animals threatened by extinction,
as provided for by the Cites Convention and the
Community implementing legislation.

Furthermore, as a result of information obtained from the
1986 IUCN report and from various complaints, the
Commission has become aware of cases of illegal imports
of protected species to Spain. Import licences have been
issued by the Spanish authorities although the

13. 12. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 323/9

requirements of Community Regulation were not met. In
this case, too, an infringement procedure has been
opened.

(') OJNoL384,31. 12.1982.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 643/91

by Mr Reimer Boge (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 April 1991)_

(91/C 323/17)

_Subject:_ Price support measures for sheep breeding

Community sheep breeders are facing considerable
problems due to the fall in meat and wool prices.

Can the Commission say which Member States support
wool prices by direct or indirect subsidies?

Does the Commission consider that the promotion
measures taken by the British Wool Marketing Board
constitute an inadmissible distortion of competition?

Does the Commission consider that, since the United
Kingdom subsidized raw wool to the tune of
approximately 0,50 DM/kg in 1988 and 1989 and will
continue to do so until April 1992, other Member States
are justified in providing similar financial support until
then?

Does the Commission agree that wool, a 'renewable raw
material', should be included in a future organization of
the market for sheep breeding ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan
on behalf of the Commission

_(23 September 1991)_

According to information available to the Commission,
no Member State has introduced aid schemes aimed at

supporting the price of wool.

The Commission has asked the United Kingdom
authorities to supply it with all details concerning the
activity of the British Wool Marketing Board so that it
may form a view on the matter.

The Commission is not in a position to confirm the
figures mentioned in the question. As for the possibility of
Member States introducing on their own territory
financial assistance comparable in amount and purpose to
that current in another Member State the Commission

would emphasize that, under Article 93(2) on the EEC
Treaty, each Member State, before it introduces ah aid,
must notify its intention to the Commission, which will
then comment on whether the proposed scheme is
compatible with the common market.

A Member State cannot therefore expect to receive
automatic approval.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 674/91

by Mr Alain Marleix (RDE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 April 1991)_

(91/C 323/18)

_Subject:_ Freedom of movement

Is an Italian national holding an Italian driving licence
entitled to drive a car registered in France (in his wife's
name)

1. throughout Italy,

2. throughout the Community?

It would appear that this is not permitted by Italian
legislation.

Is this true? If so, does the Commission not consider the
principle of the free movement of persons is being
infringed by Italian law in this respect?

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener
on behalf of the Commission

_(4 October 1991)_

The question raised by the Honourable Member has to be
examined in the light of the provisions of Community law
governing tax exemptions within the Community for
certain means of transport temporarily imported into one
Member State from another (Council Directive
83/182/EECof28 March 1983 0 ) .

Under these provisions, any individual who has his
normal residence in a Member State other than the

Member State of temporary importation may employ, for
his private use, a car registered in another Member State
(the general rules for determining the normal residence of
an individual are set out in Article 7 of the Directive).

Consequently, an Italian resident may not use a car in
Italy which is registered in another Member State, in this
case France. However, he may use that car in all the other
Member States.

At the present stage of tax harmonization, the Italian
legislation is compatible with Community law.

O OJ No L 105, 23. 4.1983.

No C 323/10 Official Journal of the European Communities 13. 12. 91

WRITTEN QUESTION No 675/91

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 April 1991)_

(91/C 323/19)

_Subject:_ Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons

Which Member States have ratified the Declaration on

the Rights of Disabled Persons proclaimed by the General
Assembly of the United Nations on 9 December 1975?

Which Member States are putting into practice the
recommendations contained in this Declaration?

Supplementary answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(29 July 1991)_

Further to its answer of 16 May 1991 ('), the Commission
can provide the following information, notified by the
United Nations: the Declaration on the Rights of
Disabled Persons was unanimously adopted by the
General Assembly and does not require ratification by the
Member States.

With respect to implementation of the recommendations
in the Declaration, no information is available since there
is no monitoring system.

O OJ No C 164,24.6. 1991, p. 28.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 742/91

by Mr Maxime Verhagen (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(23 April 1991)_

(91/C 323/20)

_Subject:_ Programmes for the return of Guatemala
refugees

1. Is the Commission prepared to consult Guatemalan
refugee organizations, such as the Comisiones

Permanentes in Mexico, on the setting up and
implementation of programmes for the return of
refugees?

2. What role will be played by the UNHCR in
accompanying and protecting returning and returned
refugees in Guatemala in the context of the programmes
set up by the European Community?

Answer given by Mr Matutes
on behalf of the Commission

_(5 August 1991)_

1. Community aid for Guatemalan refugees began at
the request of the HCR in 1987. Other aid programmes,
cofinanced with European NGOs, for displaced people in
that country were launched at the same time (see list of
projects below).

The Comisiones Permanentes, Guatemalan refugee
organizations, have been developing in their places of
settlement in Mexico (the States of Campeche, Quintana
Roo and Chiapas) since 1988.

They have maintained a constant dialogue with the HCR
regarding Commission-financed projects for Guatemalan
refugees in Mexico and the possibilities for voluntary

return.

There can therefore be said to be real cooperation on the
ground between these organizations and the HCR, which
is the Commission's partner in the repatriation of
refugees from Mexico.

A delegation from the Comisiones Permanentes visited
the Commission last year. The Commission is therefore
perfectly aware of the refugees' concerns regarding their

return.

2., According to the list below, two projects were set up
in 1987 and 1988, under Article B7-302, ex-Article 936,
for the repatriation and resettlement of Guatemalan
refugees in their home country, under international
protection and with legal assistance from the HCR
(amount: ECU 2 050 000).

These projects were carried out by the CEAR, the
Guatemalan refugee resettlement organization set up in
1986, and coordinated by the HCR.

13. 12. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 323/11

Aid projects to foster self-sufficiency among Guatemalan refugees and displaced persons

(article B7-302, ex 936)

Project

87/1/AD

87/2/AD

87/5/AR

88/7/AR

88/8/RR

88/17/RR

88/18/RR

89/7/AD

AC/RR/4/90

Total

Title

Health and public works in 'El
Mezquital' district

Health and education of displaced
orphans in Quiche region

Repatriation and reintegration of
Guatemalan refugees

Development of reintegration areas in
northern Huehuetenango

Help in stock-breeding and training for
livestock farmers

Campaign of health education and
preventive medicine for Guatemalan
refugees and displaced people in the
Ixcan

Repatriation and rehabilitation of
Guatemalan refugees

Aid for the schooling of displaced
children in the Ixcan

Development of poultry farming and
training of livestock promoters in
Nenton and Barillas

9 projects

EEC commitment
(ECU thousand)

290

300

800

2 550

180

300

1 250

280

450

6 400

Organization

MSF/FR

ERM/FR

UNHCR/CEAR

MINDES

VSF/FR

MdM/FR

UNHCR/CEAR

ESF/FR

VSF/FR

WRITTEN QUESTION No 761/91

by Mr Bouke Beumer (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(29 April 1991)_

(91/C 323/21)

_Subject:_ Less competition among mortgage lenders

A study carried out since 1 January 1990 by the
Vereniging Eigen Huis, a Dutch consumers' association
that protects prospective homeowners' interests, reveals
that there is an ever-widening differential in effective
yields as between mortgages and government loans.
According to that consummers' association, this clearly
indicates a lack of competition among banks and other
mortgage lenders, such as pension funds and insurance
companies. The recent wave of mergers and
concentrations in the Netherlands in the banking and
insurance world is regarded as the reason for this.

1. Can the Commission say what was the average interest
differential in each Member State in effective yields as
between mortgages and government loans, with
reference, if possible, to A-rated borrowers?

2. Given the trend towards concentration in the financial

world which is emerging throughout Europe, to a
greater or lesser extent, can it be established that there
was a marked increase in the Member States in 1990

(and possibly 1991 too) in interest differentials in
effective yields as between mortgages and government
loans?

3. Does the Commission believe that interest

differentials in certain Member States in effective

yields as between mortgages and government loans
are too wide because of a lack of competition among
mortgage lenders?

Answer given by Mr Christophersen
on behalf of the Commission

_(1 October 1991)_

1. In 1990 the average difference between interest rates
on mortgage loans and those on government loans was
approximately 1,94 percentage points for the Community
as a whole. The differences in Ireland and the United

Kingdom were appreciably greater than the Community
average. The Honourable Member will note that, of the
nine countries included in the table below, seven show a
wider gap than that in the Netherlands and only one a

narrower gap.

N o C 323/12 Official Journal of the European Communities 13. 12. 91

Differences between interest rates on mortgage loans and those

an long-term government loans _(_ _[l]_ _)_

Country

Belgian

Denmark

Federal Republic of Germany

Spain

France

Ireland

Italy

Netherlands

United Kingdom

EG-9

1986

1,848

1,695

0,825

3,535

6,250

3,403

5,105

1,150

2,620

2,939

1987

0,984

1,185

0,308

1,685

3,870

4,508

2,288

0,598

2,440

1,981

1988

0,255

2,845

0,022

2,640

4,050

3,690

1,353

0,840

1,768

1,940

1989

0,015

2,722

0,208

0,483

2,978

4,905

1,375

0,788

4,734

2,024

1990

0,953

2,658

0,500

0,840

0,347

6,330

1,073

0,498

4,240

1,938

1991 ( [2] )

1,760

2,535

0,885

2,985

0,860

6,490

0,540

0,650

4,320

2,337

(') Annual averages of rates recorded at the beginning of each quarter.
0 Average of rates recorded in January and April.
_Source:_ Commission departments.

2. The trend in the Community over recent years does
not suggest any marked and general widening of the
differential. In fact, the average difference for 1990 was
the lowest in the last five years and, while there was a
slight increase at the beginning of 1991, it is still too early
to judge whether that movement will continue. A more
detailed analysis at national level confirms the lack of
uniformity in the trends over the period under review
(tendency for the gap to narrow in Italy and France and to
widen in Ireland and the United Kingdom) and their
irregularity (the quarterly gap varying, in one direction or
the other according to country, between approximately
0 and 1 — 1,5 percentage points in Germany and the
Netherlands, 2,5 percentage points in Belgium and
between 0—1 and 4,5—7,8 percentage points in the other
countries).

3. The positive gap that generally exists between
interest rates on mortgage loans and those on government
loans is due to a number of factors: differences in the

taxation of securities, variations in risk between loans to
the State and those to individuals, the liquidity and life of
securities, the volume of transactions, the intermediation
margin, the rules governing mortgage loans in some
countries and developments in the mortgage market.
While the level of interest rates on government loans may
well have an influence on the level of mortgage rates, it
must be emphasized not only that these are different
markets which are affected by specific factors such as
those mentioned but also that mortgage rates are noted
for their viscosity, hence the need for a period of adaption

— which varies according to country and circumstances
— between rates determined by the market (yields on
public securities) and administered rates (mortgage rates).

At the moment, therefore, it would seem to be difficult to
conclude that the variation in a single factor — namely

the trend towards concentration mentioned by. the
Honourable Member — is responsible for any divergence
between mortgage rates and interest rates on government
loans in the Community.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 796/91

by Mr Jean-Pierre Raff arm (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(29 April 1991)_

(91/C 323/22)

_Subject:_ Excise duty and parafiscal charges on alcoholic
beverages

The proposal for a Council Directive on the general
arrangements for products subject to excise duty
presented by the Commission on _27_ September 1990
(Document COM(90) 431 final (')) provides in Article 3
that products subject to excise duty, including alcoholic
beverages, 'shall not be subject to any tax other than
excise duty and value added tax'.

Does the Commission intend, under this provision, to
deprive the 16 French joint-trade organizations
producing wine and spirits bearing a registered
designation of origin, of the resources derived from
parafiscal charges levied on the wines and spirits
produced in the designated regions by those regions?

O OJNoC 322,21. 12. 1990,p. 1.

13. 12. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 323/13

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener
on behalf of the Commission

_(19 September 1991)_

At its meeting on 24 June 1991, the Council examined
the proposal for a Council Directive on the general
arrangements for products subject to excise duty and on
the holding and movement of such products.

It was agreed at the meeting that

'in compliance with the principle of subsidiarity,
products subject to excise duty, including alcoholic
beverages, may be liable for other indirect taxes
imposed for specific purposes, provided that those
taxes comply with the taxation rules applicable for the
requirements of VAT and excise duty (definition of tax
basis, calculation of the tax, liability and control of the
tax).'.

The Commission is planning to amend Article 3 of the
proposal for a Directive (COM(90) 431) to bring it into
line with the Council's conclusion.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 911/91

by Mrs Caroline Jackson (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(15 May 1991)_

(91/C 323/23)

_Subject:_ National targets for carbon dioxide emissions

The Council meeting attended by environment and
energy ministers in October 1990 decided that the
European Community and the Member States were
willing to take action to stabilize total carbon dioxide
emissions by the year 2000 at the 1990 level in the

Community as a whole. This was reaffirmed by the
Commission at the second World Climate Conference in

November 1990. In reaching this conclusion, the Council
recognized that some Member States were not in a
position to commit themselves to the objective.

Will the Commission list those Member States which have

programmes or commitments to control the level of total
carbon dioxide emissions? Will the Commission also list

for each country the date of stabilization or reduction, the
amount of the reduction proposed, and the baseline date
from which stabilization or reduction is to be measured?

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

_(7 June 1991)_

Five Member States have announced until now their

national targets for the control of Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
emissions. The table below shows their policy targets. The
remaining Member States have accepted the Community
target for the stabilization of CO2 emissions by the year
2000 on the level of those of 1990. This agreement was
reached in the joint Energy-Environment Council of 29
October 1990.

Following there is a table, which summarizes the basic
information concerning Member States' programmes
already announced in order to stabilize or to reduce CO2
emissions in the 2000 horizon.

'EC target' refers to the Community agreement reached in
the joint Energy-Environment Council of 29 October
1990 for the stabilization of Community CO2 emissions
by the year 2000 on the level of those of 1990.

United Kingdom Type of Commitment Cases included 3
to 5 % reduction Base year Commitment

Base Year

1988

1987

1988

1988

1989/90

1989/90

1990

Commit
ment Year

2005

2005

2000

2005

1995

2000

2005

Country

Belgium

Denmark

Germany

France

Greece

Ireland

Italy

Luxembourg

Netherlands

Portugal

Spain

United Kingdom

Type of Commitment

EC target

National target

National target

EC target

EC target

EC target

National target

EC target

National target

EC target

EC target

National target

included

co 2

CO:

COa

COa

COa

Action

20 % reduction

25% reduction

stabilization

20 % reduction

stabilization

3 to 5 % reduction

stabilization

No C 323/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 13. 12.-91

WRITTEN QUESTION No 925/91 WRITTEN QUESTION No 949/91

by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini (NI) by Mr Amedee Turner (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(15 May 1991)_

(91/C 323/24)

_Subject:_ Fight against AIDS

Will the Commission pursue alternative strategies — and,
if so, of what kind — to halt the spread of AIDS in
Europe and throughout the world, bearing in mind that
no epidemic has ever been defeated by information alone?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(5 September 1991)_

The Council and the Ministers for Health of the Member

States meeting within the Council adopted on the 4th of
June 1991 a comprehensive 'Europe against AIDS'
programme. In this framework, the plan of action
includes ten actions to be implemented at Community
level, covering in particular information, education,
prevention of HIV transmission, treatment, epidemiology
and training. It goes therefore considerably beyond the
information aspect to combat this disease.

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(15 May 1991)_           

(91/C 323/25)

_Subject:_ Telecommunications facilities in each Member
State

Will the Commission tabulate the number of the

following telecommunications appliances per 1 000 of the
population for each Member State at the latest date for
which statistics are available:

1. telephones

2. telefax machines

3. mobile telephones

4. satellite dishes?

Answer given by Mr Pandolfi
on behalf of the Commission

_(25 July 1991)_

The Commission has tabulated the number of

telecommunications appliances per 1 000 of the
population, for each Member State for the appliances
mentioned by the Honourable Member.

The statistics can be found in the tables herewith. For the

fourth item, satellite dishes are defined as receive-only
antenna suitable for the reception of direct to home
satellite TV broadcasting.

Number of
mobile telephones

per 1 000
population ( [3] )

at 1.1. 1990

4,5

28,7

4,2

0,0

1,3

4,9

6,1

3,6

1,6

5,3

0,6

10,9

6,8

Number of

satellite antenna

per 1 000
population ( [4] )

at 1.1. 1991

n/a

2,9

7,1

n/a

0,5

1,2

11,5

0,1

n/a

0,7

1,0

17,8

5,0

Number of

facsimile machines

per J 000
population ( [2] )

at 1.1. 1991

11,8

14,7

14,6

2,5

8,3

9,0

9,5

11,4

10,6

12,1

4,5

14,6

11,4

Country

Belgium

Denmark

Federal Republic of Germany

Greece

Spain

France

Ireland

Italy

Luxembourg

Netherlands

Portugal

United Kingdom

EC

Number of
telephones per
1 000 population (*)

at 1.1.1990

518

894

701

448

439

718

313

532

848

682

239

6,58

605

(') Source ITU/CEC estimates.
_C)_ Source Dataquest.
( [5] ) Source Fintech/CEC estimates.
( [4] ) Source CIT estimates, including antenna of all types.

13. 12. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 323/15

WRITTEN QUESTION No 951/91

by Mr Jan Bertens and Mrs Jessica Larive (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(15 May 1991)_

(91/C 323/26)

_Subject:_ The return of refugees to Guatemala

1. Does the Commission intend to maintain its support
for the new projects by the Guatemalan Government
body CEAR, in which the army has significant influence,
to encourage Guatemalan refugees in Mexico, among
other places, to return?

2. Why has it not hitherto consulted refugee
organizations such as the Standing Committees on the
return projects which it supports?

3. Is it prepared to adapt its aid policy with regard to
the possible return of refugees to ensure that:

(a) support is no longer granted to projects for their
return in which the Guatemalan army is involved;

(b) Guatemalan refugee organizations such as the
Standing Committees in Mexico are systematically
involved in monitoring the implementation of the
return projects;

(c) the UNHCR is asked to play a role in escorting and
protecting refugees who are returning or have
returned to Guatemala?

Answer given by Mr Matutes
on behalf of the Commission

_(5 August 1991)_

I would refer the Honourable Member to the

Commission's answers to the following written and oral
questions: No H-1014/90 from Mr Bowe (*), No 2053/90
from Mr Glinne ( [2] ), H-1210/90 from Mr Simeoni ( [3] ) and
Nos 2954/90 ( [4] ) and 742/91 ( [5] ) from Mr Verhagen.

As indicated by the annexed list of projects for
Guatemalan refugees, returnees and displaced persons
cofinanced by the Commission under Article B7-302 (ex
Article 936), two voluntary repatriation programmes were

carried out under the aegis of the UNHCR from 1987 to
1989. That organization therefore took responsibility for
the programme and its coordination. While guaranteeing
the returnees international protection and legal
assistance, the UNHCR drew on the cooperation of the
CEAR (Special Commission for Aid to Returnees) to
implement projects. The Commission has no direct links
with the CEAR.

The Commission at present has no plans to finance new
projects to repatriate Guatemalan refugees. It is awaiting
the outcome of the peace negotiations relaunched on
8 April by President Serrano's announcement of his
national peace initiative.

The conference in Mexico between the Guatemalan

Government and the UNRG (Guatemalan National
Revolutionary Union) revives hopes for a political
solution to Guatemala's difficulties.

The Comisiones Permanentes, Guatemalan refugee
organizations, have been in contact with the UNHCR
regarding both Commission-financed projects in Mexico
and the possibilities for voluntary return.

A delegation from the Comisiones Permanentes visited
the Commission on 26 November last year. The
Commission is therefore perfectly aware of the conditions
they impose for their return.

Contacts with these organizations are maintained
through visits by officials and experts, the most recent of
which took place in April.

The annexed list of projects shows a diversity of partners
which permits, through Community aid, the European
and international presence in these troubled regions to be
maximized.

(*) Debates of the European Parliament, No 3-396 (November

1990).
O OJ No C 90, 8. 4. 1991.
( [3] ) Debates of the European Parliament, No 3-397 (December

1990).
O OJNoC 107,22.4.1991.
( [s] ) See page 10 of this Official Journal.

No C 323/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 13. 12. 91

Aid projects to foster self-sufficiency among Guatemalan refugees and displaced persons

(Article B7-302, ex 936)

Project

87/1/AD

87/2/AD

87/5/AR

88/7/RR

88/8/RR

88/17/RR

88/18/RR

89/7/AD

AC/RR/4/90

Total

Title

Health and public works in 'El
Mezquital' district

Health and education of displaced
orphans in Quiche region

Repatriation and reintegration of
Guatemalan refugees

Development of reintegration areas in
northern Huehuetenango

Help in stock-breeding and training for
livestock farmers

Campaign of health education and
preventive medicine for Guatemalan
refugees and displaced people in the
Ixcan

Repatriation and rehabilitation of
Guatemalan refugees

Aid for the schooling of displaced
children in the Ixcan

Development of poultry farming and
training of livestock promoters in
Nenton and Barillas

9 projects

EEC commitment
(ECU thousand)

290

300

800

2 550

180

300

1250

280

450

6 400

Organization

MSF/ER

ERM/FR

UNHCR/CEAR

MINDES

VSF/FR

MdM/FR

UNHCR/CEAR

ESF/FR

VSF/FR

WRITTEN QUESTION No 956/91

by Mr Llewellyn Smith (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(15 May 1991)_

(91 / C 323/27)

_Subject:_ Disposal of radioactive waste

On how many occasions have experts from the
Commission met with experts from the International
Atomic Energy Agency since 1975 to discuss:

1. the harmonization of regulations and guidelines for
the transfrontier transport of nuclear materials and

wastes;

2. the technical problems of disposal of radioactive
wastes of all categories and

3. the implementation of safeguards on nuclear fuel
cycle facilities, nuclear power plants and nuclear
materials storage sites, including waste repositories?

Answer given by Mr Pandolfi
on behalf of the Commission

_(25 July 1991)_

Experts from the Commission have participated, and
participate, in most IAEA expert meetings, where the
topics listed by the Honourable Member were or are
being discussed. About 20 such meetings are held in a
year, at different levels and with various structures.

Recent examples of Commission's experts participation in
IAEA expert meetings are given hereafter:

Topic 1: Expert group on a 'A Code of Practice for
international transactions involving radioactive waste'
(1989—1990).

Topic 2: Advisory groups on 'Siting, design, construction
of a deep geological repository for high level and alpha
bearing waste', on 'State of art review of the underground
disposal of radioactive waste', on 'Criteria for disposal of
mixed radioactive and chemical waste', etc.

13. 12. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 323/17

Topic 3: There are 1—2 meetings per year of the Liaison
Committee pursuant to Article 25 of the Protocol to the
Verification Agreements. Further expert meetings are
scheduled through this committee which amount to 1 or 2
meetings per month.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 966/91

by Mr Madron Seligman (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(17 May 1991)_

(91/C 323/28)

_Subject:_ Patenting of new inventions and inward
licencing

Would patenting of firms' inventions and the exploitation
of non-Community technologies by inward licencing be
facilitated or hindered by the establishment of national
State authority with these responsibilities? Would such
authority be acceptable in Community law?

Answer given by Mr Pandolfi
on behalf of the Commission

_(31 July 1991)_

In a number of countries, including some Member States,
public bodies have been set up mainly to promote the
exploitation of the results of national R&D programmes.
In a few cases, they have also had some success through
patenting and sharing in the management and economic
benefit of inventions made by firms and in promoting the
transnational exploitation of technologies. However, to
be successful, these bodies must have a carefully drawn up
mandate requiring them, in particular, to operate very
selectively in shouldering technical risks, but not the
commercial risks which are the responsibility of the
private sector. Within the SPRINT programme the
Commission is seeking to promote collaboration between
such national bodies in the Community. Their normal
activities have not been brought into question under
Community law.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 988/91

by Mr Louis Lauga (RDE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(17 May 1991)_

(91/C 323/29)

_Subject:_ Operation of the Tempus programme

One of the ways in which the European Community is
able to impinge directly on its citizens is through
programmes such as Erasmus, Comett and others.

The Tempus programme fulfils the same function for
Eastern Europeans. However, as a result of red tape,
failure to adapt to real needs and lack of a consistent
approach, Tempus has been unable to achieve the
objectives essential to its success.

Is the Commission aware of this situation, and what
measures will it take to remedy these problems.

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(29 July 1991)_

The Commission is not aware of the difficulties to which

the Honourable Member refers in the implementation of
the Tempus programme.

Tempus was adopted only on 7 May 1990 bu~ became
operational in the very first few months of its existence; it
was thus one of the first practical sets of measures taken
under the Phare programme in 1990, the aim being to help
develop higher education in the eligible countries. This
was done with the assistance of the Community networks
already established under Community programmes such
as Erasmus and Comett and with the excellent contacts

established with our partners in the countries of Central
and Eastern Europe, with whom there has been close
cooperation since the' programme began. Each of the
eligible countries has set up a national Tempus office
administered on a decentralized basis, which greatly
contributes to the swift and efficient implementation of
the programme.

The structures established in the Community and in the
eligible countries have made for quick decision-making
but have also ensured that sub-projects can be selected in
the light of local needs and priorities. As a result, by the
end of 1990 the Commission had spent the ECU 25
million advocated to the programme from the Phare
budget on 153 major cooperation projects for the benefit
of 1 500 individual students and teachers seeking to enjoy
the benefits of mobility.

The countries eligible for Tempus in 1991 are Bulgaria,
Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland and Romania. More
than 1 500 projects have been presented and the selection
procedure is now in motion.

The development of a programme as complex as Tempus,
which was put into operation in a very short space of time,
will obviously have to be monitored closely so as to ensure
that it works properly; a continuous assessment
procedure accordingly applies and the authorities of the
eligible countries are closely involved.

No C 323/18 Official Journal of the European Communities 13. 12. 91

This is in accordance with Article 11 of the Tempus
Decision of 7 May 1990, covering evaluation and
monitoring. Under that Article the Commission, in
cooperation with the Tempus Committee, is to evaluate
the programme and report to Council and Parliament by
31 December 1992. The report will give the conclusions of
the evaluation and make proposals regarding the future
operation of the programme with such changes as may be

necessary.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1004/91

by Mr Sergio Ribeiro (CG)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(17 May 1991)_

(91/C 323/30)

_Subject:_ Delays in transferring funds and situation of the
local authorities involved in the Tejo Valley
Project

The 23 local authorities involved in the Tejo Valley
Project are facing serious difficulties because of a
three-month delay in the transfer of funds which,
according to Commissioner B. Millan, was caused by a
breakdown in the Community's main computer, holding
up the transfer of Esc 50 billion.

In response to pressure by the local authorities, the ad hoc
Regional Coordination Committee for Lisbon and the
Tejo Valley and the directorates-general of the
Portuguese ministries responsible for the transfers, are
making every effort to solve the problem.

Since Community funding for the Tejo Valley Project has
admittedly not been very high, what does the Commission
intend to do to solve the technical problems and
compensate the local authorities concerned for the
inconvenience suffered, in particular as a result of the
bureaucratic procedures and red tape involved?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(5 September 1991)_

The Honourable Member may be referring in his
question to delays in payments of an amount of 500 000
ECUs due to some local authorities in the area on the

basis of the old ERDF regulation. The payment requests
had been submitted in November and December 1990

and, because of difficulties in the computerized payment
processing system, were only executed at the end of
March 1991. The Commission regrets these delays and is
glad to report that the payments system is now
functioning normally.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1061/91

by Mr Alex Smith and Mrs Christine Oddy (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(29 May 1991)_

(91/'C 323/31)

_Subject:_ Regional policy and 1992

Will the Commission provide a nominal list of the regions
they expect to fall behind as a result of the completion of
the internal market in 1992 ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1063/91

by Mr Alex Smith and Mrs Christine Oddy (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(29 May 1991)_

(91/C 323/32)

_Subject:_ Regional policy and 1992

Has the Commission estimated what will be the effects on

the 'poorer Community regions' of the completion of the
internal market in 1992 (defined as those regions
with a GDP-ranking of less than 90 and an
unemployment-ranking of less than 30 in the Commission
publication'The Regions in the 1990s)'?

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1061/91

and 1063/91

given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(5 September 1991)_

It is difficult to identify the precise impact of the
completion of the internal market on individual regions of
the Community, given the wide variety of factors at work
such as geographical location, the nature of present
economic activity and the quality of human resources.

However, Chapter 9 of the Commission's Report 'The
Regions in the 1990s' ( [x] ) discusses the regional
implications of European integration, including the
internal market. The Honourable Members' attention is

drawn in particular to the sections on the sensitivity of
regions to 1992 and on regional comparative advantage
and 1992. These sections refer to studies which have been

carried out on the Commission's behalf into the impact of
1992 on the lagging regions of the Community.

(') Fourth Periodic Report on the social and economic situation
and development of the regions of the Community
(COM(90) 609 final).

13. 12. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 323/19

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1075/91

by Mr Edward Kellett-Bowman (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(29 May 1991)_

(91/C 323/33)

_Subject:_ Trading products in ECU

Please will the Commission explain the difficulties which
prevent the EC from trading in agriculture and other
products in ECU instead of US dollars?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(1 October 1991)_

Under the Community's common agricultural policy,
operations are based on common amounts fixed in ecus.
In practice, however, they are carried out in the national
currency of the Member State in question. Dollars are not
used.

As regards the activities of private traders on international
markets, whether in agriculture or other sectors, it is true
that the dollar is often used as the accounting and trading
currency. This is an example of market behaviour being
influenced by the economic and monetary situation in the
main producer countries.

The Commission is examining the various possibilities for
promoting the use of the ecu and certain measures have
already been taken, including the payment in ecus of
contributions from the structural Funds.

The ecu is beginning to be used by private operators in
intra-Community trade but is coming up against certain
obstacles, some of which are connected with national laws

while others are of a more technical nature. The

Commission is looking for ways of overcoming or
limiting these difficulties.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1095/91

by Mr Dieter Rogalla (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(29 May 1991)_

(91/C 323/34)

_Subject:_ Public awareness of the principles of Community
law

1. What progress has been made in the last three years
in the important area of acquainting the public in the
Member States with the principles of Community law?

2. Does the Commission share my view that the overall
picture is still shockingly inadequate?

3. What steps have been taken by the Commission
itself and any other bodies, at its instigation, to remedy
the situation, and can the budgetary allocation for this
purpose be further increased?

4. Apart from the abovementioned means of exercising
influence are there other possible ways of increasing
public awareness of the bases of Community law and its
possibilities indirectly — hence with the aid of third
parties — in the Member States?

Answer given by Mr Dondelinger
on behalf of the Commission

_(5 August 1991)_

It is important to draw a distinction between the
dissemination of information on the principles of
Community law and actual awareness of these principles
among the public.

As regards the first aspect, information is made available
through the _Official Journal of the European_ _Communities,_
the Bulletin of the European Communities, various
reports such as 'Competition law in the European
Community' (Vol. 1 'Rules applicable to undertakings'
and Vol. 2 'Rules applicable to State aids') and the 'Survey
on State aids in the European Community', the published
judgments of the Court of Justice and data bases. The
Commission Offices in the Member States and their

branch offices cooperate actively in the distribution of
information.

The Directorate-General for Audiovisual, Information,

Communication and Culture has also initiated a whole

series of information and communication measures

designed to improve the public's knowledge of
Community law: the publication of information sheets
and diskettes on 'A People's Europe', which cover most
areas of Community law of direct concern to individuals,
the publication of leaflets and brochures (including
'Living in Europe', a practical guide to the Community for
use by the public), the creation of the legal information
network 'Euro-Jus' which answers free of charge
questions from the public on Community law, and a
mobile stand which is present at many fairs and
exhibitions.

The Commission has also launched a number of

information operations (meetings, seminars, visits,
exchanges) for national civil servants in the Member
States to increase their awareness of the principles of
Community law.

Conferences given by European civil servants and the
training of stagiaires in the Commission also serve as a
means of disseminating information.

No C 323/20 Official Journal of the European Communities 13. 12. 91

The level of public awareness of the principles of
Community law can be 'measured' on an empirical basis
by analysing

— the number of complaints to the Commission (Reports
on the application of Community law):

1987:850

1988:1137

1989:1195

— the number of petitions submitted to the European
Parliament (Reports of Parliament's Committee on
Petitions):

Parliamentary session 1987/88: 487
Parliamentary session 1988/89:692
Parliamentary session 1989/90: 774

— the number of questions asked of the 'Euro-Jus'
network (which has only existed since the end of
1988):

```
  1989:5461

  1990:9164

```

These figures show that public awareness of matters
relating to Community law is on the increase.

However, it should be pointed out that the Member States
also have a role to play in increasing awareness of the
principles of Community law: for example, better and
quicker application of these principles in national law
would anchor them more firmly in the mind of the public.

In conclusion, the Commission feels that, although
considerable progress can and must still be made in this
field, the situation is not unsatisfactory and is improving
all the time.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1097/91

by Mr Dieter Rogalla (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(29 May 1991)_

(91/C 323/35)

_Subject:_ Promotions policy and careers in the
Community civil service

1. How does the career of Community officials in the
various career brackets compare with that of national civil
servants working for ministries?

2. How does each individual career develop, apart
from the salary scale (according to years or other
reference periods in the expected total period of service) ?

3. Are the views of the institutions, not just the
Commission, on this matter in line with those of

representatives of trade unions and professional
associations or are they different? If so, on what points do
they differ?

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

_(25 July 1991)_

1. It is impossible to draw parallels between career
development in the national and Community public
services: the differences in terms of recruitment and

career profile are too wide to allow comparisons to be
made, and the tasks entrusted to the Community public
service are also very different from those handled by
national government departments.

The original objective, propounded when the Community
was set up and defended every since by the Commission,
was to establish a specific public service, different from
that of the Member States and different also from the

traditional type of international organization.

2. Comparisons on specific points, disregarding the
salaries aspect, would have to proceed from a detailed
study of the twelve national systems and the Commission
does not currently have the staff available to undertake
that study.

As a general rule a Commission official in Category A
would hope to reach Grade A4 by the end of his career
whereas B, C and D officials would expect to end in Bl,
CI and Dl. Promotion to a grade above A4 or to a higher
category for B, C and D officials is quite possible but is
not part of the normal career pattern.

3. The Commission is not competent to present the
views of other institutions or of the trade unions and staff

associations on these matters.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1158/91

by Mr Francois Musso (RDE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5 June 1991)_

(91/C 323/36)

_Subject:_ Japanese cars

In answer to Written Question No 2854/90 (') the
Cpmmission referred to its communication of 19 January
1990 concerning the internal automobile market.

In addition, the Commission stresses the part played by
Mr Bangemann in the organization of the internal market

13. 12. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 323/21

and reaffirms a number of principles concerning the
removal of national quantitative restrictions.

However, none of this appears to be relevant to the above
question, to which the Commission has still not replied.
None of the arguments put forward by the Commission
allow Mr Bangemann to s*tate his views on the subject or,
to date, on agreements between the European
Community and Japan on the importation of Japanese
cars into the European Community.

Can the Commission clearly state whether or not Mr
Bangemann acted on his own initiative on behalf of the
collegiate body to which be belongs or whether he had
received explicit instructions from the Council?

(') OJ No C 177,8.7. 1991, p. 12.

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(29 July 1991)_

As was stated clearly in the answer to Written Question
No 2854/90, Mr Bangemann deals with these matters as
Member of the Commission with special responsibility for
them.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1159/91

by Mr Joaquin Siso Cruellas (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5 June 1991)_

(91/C 323/37)

_Subject:_ X-ray examinations

The risk of failure to carry out a radiological examination
(for example to detect a curable tumour at an early state)
is greater than the risk to the patient of such treatment.

Has the Commission carried out studies in each of the

Member States on the effectiveness of the new methods of

medical diagnosis using magnetic echo and ultrasound
devices and if their risks and advantages have been
compared with those of traditional methods (ionizing
radiation) ?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(29 July 1991)_

The Commission has not had studies done on the

effectiveness of new diagnosis techniques or their
advantages over traditional techniques.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1193/91

by Mr Jacques Vernier (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5_ _June 1991)_

(91/C 323/38)'

_Subject:_ Unfair competition in Community frontier
regions

Furniture firms in the Nord Pas-de-Calais and Picardy
regions are having to contend with cut-throat competition
from their Belgian counterparts. The success of the latter
has nothing to do with providing a better quality of
product or service, but is due to a fundamental inequality
in the conditions of competition:

(a) Some of these firms run advertisements in the local
press that violate the rules and regulations in force (in
particular by representing the prices that are
regularly charged in their shops as special offers);

(b) These establishments are open on Sundays — even,
in some cases, every day, in violation of Belgian law,
whereas the much stricter French legislation in this
area prevents their French counterparts from
competing on equal terms.

Will the Commission:

1. Take steps to prevent the repetition of the practices
described in (a) above, in particular by submitting
proposals to harmonize the definition of a 'sale' and
other price-cutting practices ?

2. State if it does not consider that, contrary to the
position hitherto defended by the Court of Justice, the
differences between national rules and regulations on
the treatment of Sunday as a day of rest cannot but
provoke distortions of competition within the
Community, in particular in frontier regions? And will
it consequently propose harmonization of these rules,
primarily as a means of protecting the interests of
workers, an action also called for by Parliament at its
sitting of 20 February 1991?

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

_(26 September 1991)_

1. Defining 'sales' and other special practices is a
matter for the Member States. No harmonization is

planned for activities in this area, which are very much
characterized by local practices. However, the
Honourable Member mentions practices which are
covered by Directive 84/450/EEC on the approximation
of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of
the Member States concerning misleading advertising (').

2. The Commission is of the opinion that
arrangements regarding opening hours should reflect the
socio-cultural characteristics of each Member State and,

No C 323/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 13. 12. 91

in the present state of Community law, are a matter for
each of them, as the Court of Justice stated in a judgment
of 23 November 1989.

The Commission concludes from this judgment that rules
in this area could give rise to barriers to trade which were
unjustified and therefore incompatible with Article 30 of
the EEC Treaty if the resulting restrictive effects on trade
exceeded the effects intrinsic to rules of that kind, i.e. if
they proved to be disproportionate to the objective
pursued.

In the case raised by the Honourable Member, the
restrictive effects on the free movement of goods arising
from the ban on Sunday opening do not appear to be
disproportionate to the desired aim, which is social
protection.

O OJNoL250,19.9. 1984.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1197/91

by Mr Gary Titley (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5_ _June 1991)_

(91/C 323/39)

_Subject:_ Cults

Is the Commission aware that Cathexis — an

organization that originated in the USA, and which well
documented evidence indicates operates as a cult — has
now become established in various EC countries,
including the United Kingdom?

In view of the association that this organization and some
other cults have with techniques and practices which
physically and mentally abuse participants, particularly
children, will the Commission now take steps to
implement the recommendations of the Cottrell Report
on Cults, which was presented to the European
Parliament in 1984 and which included a voluntary code
of conduct for cults and the establishment of a data pool
on cult activity?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(29 July 1991)_

The matter raised by the Honourable Member does not
fall within the Commission's competence.

The Commission confirms what it said in the European
Parliament debate on the report by Mr Cottrell on the
activities of a number of 'new religious movements' within

the Community in May 1984 ('): it is willing to do,what it
can to back any joint action by the Member States and to
give them its support. Furthermore, if the Commission is
asked to help with any aspect of the request made to the
Member States to agree to pool data on the international
ramifications of organizations operating under the cover
of religious freedom and on their activities in the Member
States, it will do so.

0) OJ No C 172, 2. 7. 1984, p. 41 (points 2 and 3) — Annex No
1-314/5, p. 57.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1204/91

by Mr Antoni Gutierrez Diaz and
Mrs Teresa Domingo Segarra (GUE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11 June 1991)_

(91/C 323/40)

_Subject:_ Outbreak of blue disease affecting pigs in certain
areas of Spain

In recent weeks, outbreaks of the pig disease known as
'blue disease' have been observed in various parts of
Aragon and Catalonia (Spain). This disease, which poses
no known threat to human health, causes high financial
losses in the farms affected and had hitherto been found

in farms located in other Member States of the

Community.

What information does the Commission have on the

characteristics and spread of this disease? What measures
has it taken to cooperate with the various national
authorities in order to eradicate the disease as quickly as
possible, and what mechanisms have been established to
ensure that intra-Community trade does not favour its
spread to areas presently free from this disease, as appears
to have been the case? What type of aid can the producers
affected hope to receive to offset the financial losses
which they have suffered?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(31 July 1991)_

Two outbreaks of the new pig disease, sometimes called
'blue disease', and now named 'Porcine Reproductive and
Respiratory syndrome' have been notified to the
Commission by the Spanish authorities. Both occurred at
Sietemo in the province of Huesca during the month of
February.

13. 12. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 323/23

The disease is thought to be infectious and an agent
(probably a virus) has been isolated at the Dutch State
Laboratory Lelystad. The epidemic started in Northrhine
Westphalia during the autumn of 1990 and spread from
there to Lower Saxony, the Netherlands and Belgium. In
mid-June the disease was diagnosed in the United
Kingdom.

The Commission, together with the Member States, have
imposed control measures by limiting the trade in live pigs
(Commission Decisions 91/109, 1 March (') and 91/237,
25 April ( [2] )). The limitation on the trade in live pigs
between Member States not only prevents pigs being
moved from infected holdings but also from
municipalities that contain infected holdings and from
holdings that have recently received pigs from such
municipalities.

These measures may not fully contain the epidemic as the
disease may sometimes spread with the wind. In addition
to these actions the Commission organized a seminar
(29/30 April 1991) to discuss present knowledge and is
encouraging research both in the laboratory and in the
field.

A similar pig disease has been spreading throughout
North America during the last four years but there is no
evidence so far that this is the source of the original
outbreaks in Northrhine Westphalia.

No Community funds are available for compensation
following this disease. Member States may decide to
compensate owners of affected herds as part of national
disease control programmes.

O OJ No L 56,2. 3. 1991.
O OJNoL 106,26.4. 1991.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1205/91

by Mr James Nicholson (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11 June 1991)_

(91/C 323/41)

_Subject:_ Mystery pig disease (blue ear disease)

Can the Commission state the information presently
known about the mystery pig disease known as 'blue ear
disease'?

Does it intend to make this a 'notifiable disease'?

Can the disease be transmitted by pork meat?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(26 July 1991)_

The 'Blue Ear Disease' recently named the Porcine
Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome appears to be
similar to the 'Mystery Pig Disease' that has occurred in
North America since 1987. There is circumstantial

evidence that the disease is spread by movements of pigs
and also by airborne transmission. No infectious agent
has yet been identified, but one laboratory has recently
announced the isolation of an unknown micro-organism,
which in experimentally infected sows can reproduce the
classical symptoms of the disease. The unknown
micro-organism has been named the 'Lelystad agent'.

The Commission by Decisions 91/109/EEC (') and
91/237/EEC ( [2] ) made the disease reportable. The
Commission does not at present intend to make the
disease notifiable within the framework of Council
Directive 82/894/EEC ( [3] ). This is partly due to the
absence of a test, which can identify infected herds.

There is no evidence that the disease can be transmitted by
pork meat.

O OJ No L 56, 2. 3.1991.
O OJNoL 106,26.4.1991.
O OJ No L 378, 31.12.1982.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1213/91

by Mr James Ford (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11 June 1991)_

(91/C 323/42)

_Subject:_ Teaching of Esperanto in United Kingdom
schools

The introduction of the national curriculum in UK

schools now proscribes the teaching of Esperanto,
marginalizing it to an extra-curricular interest. What is
the Commission's opinion of this?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(29 July 1991)_

The Community's approach to the promotion of the
teaching of foreign languages within the European
Community is defined by the Lingua Programme (').

As already indicated in previous answers to the European
Parliament — in particular to Written Question
No 2149/85 by Mr Rogalla ( [2] ) — the Member States have
an exclusive competence in deciding their own schools'

No C 323/24 Official Journal of the European Communities 13. 12. 91

curricula, and the Commission does not intend to take
any initiative in relation to the teaching of Esperanto.

O Council Decision No 89/489/EEC, 28. 7. 1989; OJ No

L239, 16.8.1989.
O OJNoC 150,16.6.1986.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1264/91

by Mr Paul Staes (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(14 June 1991)_

(91/C 323/43)

_Subject:_ Canal for push-tow vessels near Antwerp
(Belgium)

Is it true that the Commission, in the context of its policy
on inland waterways, favours the construction of a canal
for push-tow vessels between Oelegem and Zandvliet,
near Antwerp (Belgium) ?

Is this evidence of a general EC policy in favour of
push-tow convoys as such, or of a preference for a specific
route in this particular case ?

Are discussions currently under way on the basis of
specific plans and proposals?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(1 October 1991)_

In the context of its transport policy, the Commission has
expressed no preference as regards either the construction
of a canal for push-tow vessels between Oelegem and
Zandvliet (Belgium) or the choice of a specific route for
this project.

At this stage, the Commission, assisted by the Transport
Infrastructure Committee, has merely defined those
waterway networks judged to be of Community interest.
The implementation of specific measures for modernizing
this network at Community level is still on the drawing
board. The network does not include any plans for a canal
between Oelegem and Zandvliet.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1279/91

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(14 June 1991)_

(91/C 323/44)

_Subject:_ Shortcomings of the World Health Organization

The W H O Annual Assembly in Geneva recently discussed
the question of 'Health for All in the Year 2000'. The

problem facing this UN Agency appears to be not so much
budgetary ($1,7 billion for 1992/93) as structural. The
WHO, which owed its inception to the needs of post-war
Europe, is still too concerned by 'Northern' problems
such as the prevention of diseases caused by alcohol and
tobacco and safety measures, for example seat belts,
rather than 'Southern' problems such as the purchase of
the vaccines, medication and medical equipment
necessary for the prevention of diseases such malaria,
dysentery, tuberculosis, measles etc.

1. What are the contributions of the Community and its
Member States to the W H O budget, expressed in cash
terms and percentages?

2. What proportions are earmarked for 'Northern' and
'Southern' needs respectively?

3. Is it true that 75 % (! ?) of the budget earmarked for the
Geneva headquarters and regional administrations is
spent on for the remuneration of administrative
personnel, as claimed by the Institute for National
Health and Development at the Catholic University of
America in Washington, and that the WHO
(according to the same source) spends $8 on
administration and planning for every $2 spent on
implementing a specific programme?

4. Can the concentration of the WHO in Geneva, the
priority given to programmes of interest to Europe
and North America, the increase in the amounts
earmarked for Europe (20% this year) and the
reduction in the amounts earmarked for Africa and

Latin America be justified?

5. Given that the W H O acts mainly as a research centre
coordinating working parties and, in a secondary
capacity, as an on-the-spot agency (for example, in
carrying out a study of cholera in Peru without
assisting any of the victims), is there any reason why
the headquarters should not be moved and the
organization restructured or replaced?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(26 July 1991)_

The Commission regrets that it cannot answer the
Honourable Member's questions on the World Health
Organization, which is a UN specialized agency having
no organic link with the Commission.

The Commission's information is that the Community
Member States together contribute 30,17% of the WHO
budget. The Community itself does not contribute.

13. 12. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 323/25

There is expanding cooperation between the Commission
and the W H O on various public health matters under
encouragement from both the Council and the Health
Ministers meeting within the Council.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1286/91

by Mr George Patterson and Mr Brian Cassidy (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(14 June 1991)_

(91/C 323/45)

_Subject:_ United Kingdom toy safety regulations

Does the Commission share the concern of British toy
manufacturers regarding the details of the UK
implementing regulations for the toy safety Directive?

In particular does it share their concern that clause 5 of
the UK toy safety regulations goes beyond the basic
requirements of the EC Directive by insisting that a
standard must relate to 'all matters' covered by the
essential safety requirements. This undermines the aim of
harmonized European standards within a single EC
market for toys and could create new potential barriers to
trade.

Furthermore, this 'double-check' on toys manufactured
to the European standard (EN71) ignores the special
safeguards provided in the EC Directive for removing
dangerous toys from the market if there are shortcomings
in the European standards or if toys do not fully comply
with the standards.

The current UK regulations could force manufacturers
into expensive and time-consuming 'type-testing' of
each new toy by certification bodies, instead of
self-certification, in order to protect their position. This
would be especially burdensome to small toy
manufacturers.

Will the Commission confirm its intention to raise these

points with the UK authorities, with a view to obtaining
clarification of the UK law and preventing a potential
barrier to trade?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(31 July 1991)_

The Commission has had up to now no reasons to share
the concern of British toy manufacturers regarding the

details of the UK implementing regulations for the toy
safety Directive (Directive 88/378/EEC) ('). No concrete
infraction to the rules of this Directive has been related to

the Commission and national authorities have been

notifying the measures taken unde^r Article 7 of the
Directive (safeguard clause).

The clause 5 of UK toys safety regulations is being
interpreted by the Commission in the sense that standards
should relate to 'all the matters' covered by the essential
safety requirements, but only in relation to those
requirements that are applicable to the toy in question.
The Commission raised this point to UK authorities and
obtained confirmation of this interpretation by letter of
24 June 1991.

In this context the UK formulation can be considered as

particularly satisfactory because it stresses the fact that
the important matter is that toys should be in conformity
with all essential safety requirements foreseen in the
Directive. When the standards applied to not cover all the
relevant safety requirements, they cannot obviously give
the presumption of total conformity with the Directive to
the toy. It seems, however, evident that if UK authorities
consider that the harmonized standards do not entirely
satisfy the essential requirements foreseen in the
Directive, they shall refer the matter to the Standing
Committee set up under Directive 83/189/EEC as
foreseen in Article 6 point 1 of Directive 88/378/EEC.

O OJNoL187,16.7.1988.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1289/91

by Mrs Pauline Green (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(14 June 1991)_

(91/C 323/46)

_Subject:_ Implementation of the Commission's
recommendation concerning a European
over-sixties card

Will the Commission announce in the Official Journal

which States have taken the necessary action to implement
the Commission's recommendation of 10 May 1989
concerning a European over-sixties card?

What action will the Commission take in relation to those

Member States which have not implemented the
recommendation?

Has the Commission drawn up and published a guide for
the elderly outlining the special conditions and reduction
to which card-holders are entitled in each Member State?

No C 323/26 Official Journal of the European Communities

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(26 July 1991)_

The Commission is currently in correspondance with all
Member States on the implementation of the
Commission's recommendation of 10 May 1989 on
introduction of a European Over-Sixties' Card and the
question has been discussed in a meeting with Member
States in June 1991.

The Commission has requested further information from
Member States and will be considering on this basis if and
which action is to be proposed in this respect under these
circumstances.

The Commission has not been able until now to publish
the guide for the eiderly.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1307/91

by Mr Reimer Boge (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(24 June 1991)_

(91/C 323/47)

_Subject:_ Principle of equality in respect of development

programmes

Many EC development programmes provide relatively
short deadlines for application.

The Community initiative for promotion of equal
opportunities in respect of employment and professional
training in the Member States (NOW initiative) shows
that:

— the already brief deadlines for applications are made
even shorter as a result of delays in producing a
German translation of the development programme,

— the absence of the necessary forms and instructions in
German make it impossible to submit an application
by the final date.

What measures will the Commission take to ensure that

the development programmes and details concerning
application procedures are made available in all
Community languages thereby complying with the
principle of equal opportunities?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(2_ _August 1991)_

The Commission notice laying down guidelines for
operational programmes/global grants which Member
States are invited to establish in the framework of the

NOW initiative was published in all Community
languages in Official Journal C 327 on 29 December 1990.

The necessary forms are those used by the Member States
since the reform of the structural Funds for other

individual actions; they have therefore been available in
German for a long time.

With regard to the guide to Community initiatives which
Commission departments prepared for the three human
resources initiatives (Euroform-NOW-Horizon),
translations into German, French and English were
undertaken at the same time.

It should be noted that the Community's three human
resources initiatives are coordinated by the departments
responsible for the Social Fund and that their
implementation is managed jointly, thereby ensuring
compliance with the principle of equal opportunities.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1314/91

by Mr Luigi Vertemati (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(24 June 1991)_

(91/C 323/48)

_Subject:_ Use of anabolic substances in sport

There has been a proportional increase in the number of
private gymnasiums in all the Community Member States.
Frequently they are administered by unqualified
personnel and their activities may escape any kind of
control by the health authorities.

Investigations have brought to light the use of harmful
substances in such gymnasiums in order to stimulate
muscular development and improve performance. It has
also been established that there is a direct relationship
between the use of such substances and the occurrence of

pathological symptoms such as tumours and that, in
extreme cases, the use of such substances may be a direct
cause of death, as was recently the case with a number of
young Italian body-builders.

Does the Commission not consider that it should carry
out intensive investigations into the ways in which such
substances are distributed and administered?

Does the Commission not further consider that it should

examine the possibility of regulating the use of such
substances and prohibit the marketing of those which are
proven to have harmful effects?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(5 September 1991)_

Council resolution of 3 December 1990 on Community
action to combat the use of drugs particularly in sport ( [x] )

13. 12. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 323/27

invites the Commission to draft, in close cooperation with
the Member States, before the end of 1991, a code of
conduct to combat the use of drugs in sport, and to
propose to the Council, measures of Community interest,
taking into account the measures already initiated by
government sporting authorities, the Council of Europe
and international sporting organizations. Such a code of
conduct is currently being prepared.

O OJ No C 329, 31.12.1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1315/91

by Mr Floras Wijsenbeek (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(24 June 1991)_

(91/C 323/49)

_Subject:_ Rail transport cooperative

In Written Questions No 642/90 (') and No 1764/90 ( [2] )
on the creation of the BTT cooperative in the Federal
Republic of Germany and Transeurochem in France, the
Commission was asked whether any distortion of
competition was taking place and, more particularly,
whether guarantees were being provided that the German
BTT and French Transeurochem undertakings were not
unfairly undercutting private competitors or infringing
the principles normally taken on trust by transport users.

The Commission's answer of 11 April 1991 simply stated
that the creation of Transeurochem did not infringe the
provisions of the EC Treaty. Since this fact was never in
doubt this fails to answer the question of whether BTT
and Transeurochem are 'guilty' of unfair competition.

Can the Commission answer this question?

O OJ No C 266, 22. 10.1990, p. 39.
O OJNoC70, 18.3. 1991, p. 22.

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan
on behalf of the Commission

_(30 September 1991)_

The Commission is conducting a comprehensive survey of
the combined transport sector in Europe that will take in
the specific problem of BTT.

It is currently studying the information supplied by the
firms concerned and is not yet in a position to present its
conclusions.

It will keep the Honourable Member informed of how the
survey is progressing.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1335/91

by Mr Otto Habsburg and Mr Joachim Dalsass (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(24 June 1991)_

(91/C 323/50)

_Subject:_ Decisions of the Council of Europe on
minorities

Has the Commission noted recommendation 1154 (1990)
and Directive 456 (1990) of the Parliamentary Assembly
of the Council of Europe and what is its view on their
content?

Would the Commission not consider it useful to provide
for permanent contacts with the Council of Europe on
this subject so as to ensure joint action and the practical
involvement of the Community in the organization of the
Conference on minorities proposed by the Council of
Europe?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1339/91

by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(24 June 1991)_

(91/C 323/51)

_Subject:_ Decisions of the Council of Europe on
minorities

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
very recently adopted recommendation 1134 (1990) and
Order No 456 (1990) on the rights of minorities. The
Council of Europe also announced the organization of a
Conference on Matters affecting Minorities.

I should like to ask the Commission:

— whether it has taken note of the abovementioned

recommendation and Order,

— whether it considers it useful to consult and maintain

ongoing contact with the Council of Europe on this

matter,

— whether it intends to be actively involved in the
organization of the Conference or to attend it?

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1335/91

and 1339/91

given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(2 August 1991)_

The Commission is closely following proceedings in the
Council of Europe relating to the problems of minorities

No C 323/28 Official Journal of the European Communities 13. 12. 91

and, on behalf of the Community, actively participates in
all discussions of mutual interest in this organization, as
agreed in its exchange of letters with the Council of
Europe of 16 June 1987.

The Commission will therefore be invited to, and will
attend, any conference which the Council of Europe
might organize on this question.

For your information, it should be noted that the
Commission took part in the CSCE meeting of experts on
national minorities which took place in Geneva from 1 to
19 July 1991, as agreed at the CSCE Summit held in Paris
in November 1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1465/91

by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 July 1991)_

(91/C 323/52)

_Subject:_ Public temporary employment agencies and
freedom to provide services

In several Member States of the Community temporary
placement services are provided by agencies. Will these
agencies be able to make full use of freedom to provide
services within the single market?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1466/91

by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 July 1991)_

(91/C 323/53)

_Subject:_ Community rules for temporary employment
agencies

The increase in temporary employment has been
accompanied by a rise in the number of temporary
employment agencies and an expansion of their activities.
These agencies, which are subject to different licencing
regulations in the various Member States, will clearly wish
to derive maximum benefit from freedom to provide
services.

Does the Commission intend to introduce Community
rules in this sector? If so, what form will they take and
how will they take account of the fact that, in certain
countries, the same services are offered by public and
private agencies?

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1465/91

and 1466/91

given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(27 September 1991)_

The provision of manpower by temporary employment
businesses or agencies is to be considered as a 'service'
within the meaning of Article 60 of the EEC Treaty.
Consequently, it requires the abolishment of all
discrimination against the person providing that service
by reason of his nationality or the fact that he is
established in a Member State other than that in which the

service is to be provided.

Moreover, the European Court of Justice has held (') that
the freedom to provide services may be restricted by
provisions which are justified by the general good and
which are imposed on all persons operating in the
Member States concerned, such being the case of national
legislation restricting the provision of manpower 'which is
designed first to eliminate possible abuse and secondly to
restrict the scope of such activities or even prohibit them
altogether' ( [2] ).

The Court has also considered that Member States may
require agencies for the provision of manpower to hold a
licence even if they have a licence issued by the Member
State where they are established, but a Member State
should not discriminate on the grounds of nationality or
place of establishment and it must take into account the
evidence and guarantees already furnished by the
provider of the services in the Member State of his
establishment.

According to a recent judgement ( [J] ) by the European
Court of Justice the posting of workers by temporary
employment businesses or agencies in the framework of
the free provision of services does not dispense the
provider of services from complying with the host country
legislation on access to employment for the workers who
can not benefit from the free movement of workers

provided by Article 48 of the EEC Treaty.

The Commission had adopted on the 20 June 1991 a
proposal for a Council Directive ( [4] ) which purports to
remove obstacles and uncertainties which may impede the
implementation of the freedom to provide services by
coordinating the laws of the Member States in order to
lay down a nucleus of mandatory rules for minimum
protection to be observed in the host country by providers
of services which post workers to perform temporary
work in the territory of a Member State.

O 17 December 1981 (Arret John Webb 279/80) Rec. 1981

p. 3305, _inter alia._
O Arret John Webb, 18 recital.
C) Judgment of 27. 3. 1990 (Rush Portuguesa, Rec. 16,

C 113/89) not yet published.
( [4] ) COM(91) 230 final.

13. 12. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 323/29

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1481/91

by Mrs Cristiana Muscardini (NI)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 July 1991)_

(91/C 323/54)

_Subject:_ Compensation for the children of haemophiliacs
infected with the AIDS virus

In view of the growing number of haemophiliacs who are
contracting AIDS as a result of transfusions of
contaminated blood, will the Commission consider the
possibility of providing them or their children with
compensation, pending the introduction of systematic
tests of blood used for transfusion purposes?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(27 September 1991)_

Responsibility for compensating haemophiliacs who have
contracted AIDS as a result of blood transfusions lies with

Member States.

Any legal remedies that these persons may have are
governed by the legislation in force in each Member State.

The Commission is not therefore considering
the possibility of Community compensation for
haemophiliacs suffering from AIDS.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1485/91

by Mr Yves Verwaerde (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 July 1991)_

(91/C 323/55)

_Subject:_ Masterplan for a European high-speed train
network

Following publication of a communication on a
masterplan for a European high-speed train network, the
Council requested the Commission on 17 and 18
December 1990 to consult Member State representatives
on this matter.

What progress has been made with this ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(25 September 1991)_

In its resolution of 17 December 1990 the Council indeed

called on the Commission to continue its consultations on

the high-speed network with Member State government
representatives, and also with the railway companies and
the railway industry.

Accordingly, a high-level working party set up by the
Commission is doing this and has met twice since the
beginning of the year.

Studies have been initiated on the following:

— the socio-economic impact of the network on the
transport market and on the Community's
development,

— the impact on the environment,

— economic aspects, notably concerning key sections.

At the end of the year the Commission will present a
progress report for 1991 on these studies.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1486/91

by Mr Yves Verwaerde (LDR)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(16 July 1991)_

(91/C 323/56)

_Subject:_ Creation of a European Economic Area (EEA)

Are the current negotiations between the European
Community and the Member countries of the European
Free Trade Association (EFTA) on the constitution of a
European Economic Area (EEA) anywhere near
completion?

Answer

_(15 November 1991)_

Despite the desire on the part of both the Community and
EFTA for a substantive agreement before the summer
holidays on the key questions arising in the negotiations
for the creation of a European Economic Area (EEA), the
Council noted at its meeting on 29 July 1991 that the
positions of the two sides still differed in a number of
important areas. The Commission resumed its contacts
with EFTA in September with the aim of bringing the
negotiations to a conclusion in the near future.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1514/91

by Mrs Eva-Maria Quistorp (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(23 July 1991)_

(91/C323/57)

_Subject:_ Professions in the fields of the arts, social
sciences and education

1. What progress has been made towards the
recognition and/or equivalence of professional
qualifications within the EC?

No C 323/30 Official Journal of the European Communities 13. 12. 91

2. It appears that those engaged in professions in the
fields of the arts, social sciences and education are by and
large disregarded by the EC unless they have completed at
least three years at university as evidenced by a degree.
When will these professions be given closer consideration,
for example, by the Cedefop in Berlin, and how will this
be done? When can the first tangible results be expected in
terms of freedom of movement for professionals in these
fields and the development of high quality training
courses and standards?

3. Particular attention should also be given to the
paramedical, health and nursing professions not covered
by Directives, for example, those involved in the care of
children, the aged and psychiatric patients.

Have specific forms of cooperation, partnership and joint
course development been introduced with the support of
the EC? Is support given to specialist, teacher, pupil or
student exchange schemes?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(7 October 1991)_

1. In the case of regulated professions, the recognition
of professional qualifications in the fields of the arts,
social sciences and education will be assured:

— either by 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 ('), which
entered into force on 4 January 1991;

— or by the Directive, currently at the stage of a proposal
before the Council ( [2] ), on a second general system for
the recognition of professional education and training
which complements Directive 89/48/EEC. A joint
position is expected to be adopted by the end of the

year.

This also applies to the paramedical professions and the
health professions not yet covered by a specific Directive.

Both the Directive and the proposal are general in nature
and represent a new approach by the Commission to the
recognition of diplomas. They deliberately leave aside any
coordination of training and activities.

2." Council Decision 85/368/EEC of 16 July 1985 on
the comparability of vocational training qualifications ( [3] )
is limited to the occupational qualifications of 'skilled

workers'. Accordingly, Commission work on the
comparability of qualifications cannot be extended to the
professions referred to by the Honourable Member.

Following the Council resolution of 18 December 1990 on
such comparability ( [4] ), the Commission will present new
proposals on qualifications to the Council. If, on the basis
of these proposals, the Council decided to extend work on
the comparability of qualifications to occupations at other
levels, professions in the fields of the arts, social sciences
and education could also be examined from the point of
view of their comparability.

3. However, aside from this work on the comparability
of qualifications, there is already scope for practical
transnational cooperation within the Community
regarding these occupations. A number of Community
vocational training programmes (Petra, Force, Comett,
Erasmus, etc.) encourage such cooperation, the objective
of which may be — if the organizers in two or more
Member States take such an initiative — to develop joint
modules or common training programmes based on
agreed curricula. The Commission encourages and
supports such cooperation through the financial
assistance expressly set aside for this purpose under these

programmes.

In this connection, it also provides financial support, in
accordance with the rules and procedures set out in these
programmes, for exchanges of experts, teachers,
instructors, human-resource managers, pupils and young
workers.

O OJNoL 19,24. 1.1989.
O Amended proposal - OJNoC 217, 1.9.1990.
O OJNoL 199,31.7.1985.
( [4] ) OJNoC 109,24.4.1991.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1520/91

by Mr Stephen Hughes (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(23 July 1991)_

(91/C 323/5.8)

_Subject:_ United Kingdom's record on implementation:
social dimension

In the Commission's report of November 1990,
highlighted is the fact that the United Kingdom is the
only Member State to have implemented and notified all
18 agreed Community measures in the social area.

13. 12.91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 323/31

Could the Commission list out those 18 agreed
Community measures which the UK has supposedly
implemented?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(13 September 1991)_

The working document from the Commission's
departments Status report on the application of
Community law in the social field (') shows the status of
the transposition of each of the 18 Directives into the
Member States' national law.

It is to be noted that this document states the existence of

infringement procedures engaged against the United
Kingdom for non-conformity or faulty application of
four Directives.

O SEC(90) 2304, 22. 11.1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1552/91

by Mrs Winifred Ewing (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(23 July 1991)_

(91/C 323/59)

_Subject:_ Exemption from competition rules for Scottish
Nuclear Ltd

Will the Commission provide details of its exemption
from competition rules for an agreement between Scottish
Nuclear Ltd and soon to be privatized Scottish Power
PLC and Scottish Hydro Electric PLC? Will it also
provide details of the four-year exemption for a pricing
system arrangement between the companies ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan
on behalf of the Commission

_(17 September 1991)_

On 30 April 1991 the Commission adopted Decision No
91/329/EECO under Article 85 of the EEC Treaty
competition rules, exempting the agreement between
Scottish Nuclear Ltd and Scottish Power PLC and

Scottish Hydro Electric PLC.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1568/91

by Mrs Carmen Llorca Vilaplana (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(24 July 1991)_

(91/C 323/60)

_Subject:_ Midwives' training establishments in Spain

In 1986 moves were made to close the official midwives'

training schools in Spain in order to bring the teaching
programmes into line with the requirements of Council
Directive 80/154/EEC (') and since then they have not
been reopened.

This is causing difficulties for existing establishments
which are required to meet constantly increasing demand
and do not have sufficient qualified staff to do so.

What steps can the Commission take to enable the
Spanish Government to reopen the official midwives'
training schools and bring them into line with the above
Directive?

O OJNoL33,11.2.1980, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(4 October 1991)_

At the time of its accession on 1 January 1986, Spain
should have taken measures to ensure that all midwives'

diplomas awarded after that date conformed to Directive
80/115/EEC. It did not do so and the Commission drew

the attention of the Spanish Government to this matter.
The Spanish Government then adopted Royal Decree
999/1987 of 3 July 1987, which suspended midwives'
training. However, it did not take the measures required
to bring diplomas awarded after 1 January 1988 into line
with the Directive. Consequently, the Commission
initiated proceedings against Spain under Article 169 of
the Treaty, and these proceedings have now reached the
stage of referral to the Court of Justice of the European
Communities (Case C-313/89).

competition rules, exempting the agreement between The Commission has been informed that the Spanish
Scottish Nuclear Ltd and Scottish Power PLC and authorities have not resumed midwives' training. It is well
Scottish Hydro Electric PLC. aware that this lack of training is likely to reduce the

number of midwives in Spain accordingly, but all it can do

Details of the exemptions concerning the agreement and is point out that the introduction of a new training system
the pricing system arrangement can be found in the which does conform to the Directive is a matter for the
published version of the Decision. Spanish authorities alone. It hopes that they will not be

slow in taking the measures required.
O OJNoL 178,6.7. 1.991.

Details of the exemptions concerning the agreement and
the pricing system arrangement can be found in the
published version of the Decision.

No C 323/32 Official Journal of th.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1573/91

by Mr Gerardo Fernandez-Albor (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(14 July 1991)_

(91 / C 323/61)

_Subject:_ Vulnerability of savings banks in the future
single market

Many leading figures in the Community financial world,
especially in official circles, are drawing attention to the
potential vulnerability of savings banks in the single
market. They consider that these banks must improve the
operation of their administrative departments in order to
cope with the narrowing of financial margins and the
steep increase in structural costs affecting the sector,
which threaten to make savings banks the financial sector
most vulnerable to competition.

There is broad agreement that the sector should be
reorganized and savings banks strengthened in order to
remedy this vulnerability.

Can the Commission say whether in its contacts with the
sector in question at European level it has become aware
of this fear and whether it considers that it should

propose ways of strengthening savings banks, which will
have to face keen competition in the single market?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan
on behalf of the Commission

_(7 October 1991)_

The Commission has adopted all the necessary proposals
for the completion of a single banking market as from 31
December 1992. Nearly all of these proposals have
already been approved by the Council. They are aimed at
ensuring freedom of establishment and freedom to supply
services by credit institutions throughout the Community
on the basis of a single licence. Credit institutions will be
subject to home country control and supervision.
Harmonization of essential supervisory standards is an
important element in ensuring the proper functioning of
the single market. In this context some derogations and
transitional periods have been provided for, in order to
facilitate fulfilment of prudential requirements by some
categories of small credit institutions.

The Commission would share the Honourable Member's

wish to encourage all credit institutions, including small
savings institutions, to put into practice the necessary
strategies to prepare for the single market. The
Commission considers, however, that it is not its role to
adopt measures which could interfere with free
competition between credit institutions, nor is it the
Commission's role to harmonize their internal

organization. As might be expected, the structure of

European Communities 13. 12. 91

savings institutions differs considerably between Member
States and sometimes even within the same country.
Taking into account the principle of subsidiarity,
Community harmonization in this field would not be
justified.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1587/91

by Mr Fernand Herman (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(24 July 1991)_

(91/C 323/62)

_Subject:_ Registration and approval in Belgium of a
European Economic Interest Grouping (EEIG)

Article 3 (1) of Regulation (EEC) No 2137/85 O on the
European Economic Interest Grouping (EEIG) states that
the purpose of a grouping is to facilitate or develop the
economic activities of its members and to improve or
increase the results of those activities; its purpose is not to
make profits for itself. Its activity must be related to the
economic activities of its members and must not be more

than ancillary to those activities.

It follows that an EEIG (registered in Belgium) may
neither take over the economic activities of its members

nor replace them; nor may it be set up to undertake
economic activities similar to those of its members.

As far as entrepreneurs are concerned, this means that an
EEIG whose members are entrepreneurs may under no
circumstances conclude or implement a contract in its own
name. Nonetheless, such a grouping could be involved in
submitting tenders, but only as the joint representative of
its members.

It follows from the above that it is the members of the

grouping rather than the grouping itself that must respect
the rules governing the registration and approval of
entrepreneurs.

Will the Commission say:

1. Whether it agrees with the above statement?

2. Whether since in Belgium registration and approval
may only be granted to natural and legal persons
implementing a contract, does the fact that groupings
should not be registered and/or approved
automatically mean that they cannot be?

3. If so, what sanctions would be applied if an EEIG
were registered or approved ?

O OJNoL 199,31.7.1985, p. 1.

13. 12. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 323/33

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(1 October 1991)_

1. It indeed follows from Article 3 (1) of Regulation
(EEC) No 2137/85 of 25 July 1985 on the European
Economic Interest Grouping (EEIG) that an EEIG's
activity may neither be completely independent of nor
replace the activities of its members. This is also made
clear in the fifth recital. In the Commission's opinion, an
EEIG may carry on an activity similar to that of its
members as long as it is ancillary. Whether or not an
activity is ancillary can be assessed only on a case-by-case
basis, according to the economic sector in which the
members of the grouping operate.

Applying these principles to the construction sector, there
is nothing to prevent an EEIG carrying on some of the
activities of its members for a limited period, for the
purposes of performing site work, for example.

An EEIG might thus conceivably be set up to group
together contractors in different Member States and with
different specializations in order to tender for a contract.
If the grouping is awarded the contract, it may organize
the division of tasks between the different members and

coordinate and supervise the work.

2. and 3. In accordance with Article 1 (2) of the
Regulation, and particularly the word 'in its own name',
the grouping can act independently and has separate legal
capacity from that of its members, even if its activity is
ancillary. There is no doubt whatsoever on this point,
since the laws of most Member States, including
Belgium ( [!] ), also grant EEIGs legal personality under
Article 1 (3) of the Regulation. The sixth and sixteenth
recitals also state that the Regulation does not 'prejudice
the application at national level of legal rules and/or
ethical codes concerning the conditions for the pursuit of
business and professional activities' and that 'the activities
of groupings are subject to the provisions of Member
States' laws on the pursuit and supervision of activities'.
The Regulation adds that it is for the Member States to
impose appropriate sanctions in the event of abuse or
circumvention of the law by a grouping or its members.

In the light of the foregoing, the Commission takes the
view that nothing prevents the registration or approval of
an EEIG in Belgium insofar as the procedure is necessary
under Belgian rules on the registration and approval of

contractors.

(') Law of 12 July 1989 introducing various measures for the
purpose of implementing Council Regulation (EEC)
No 2137/85, Moniteur Beige (Belgian Official Gazette) of 22
August 1989, pp. 14385 _etseq._

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1616/91

by Mrs Ratymonde Dury (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(25 July 1991)_

(91/C 323/63)

_Subject:_ The 13th and 22nd recitals of the 'TV without

frontiers' Directive

The Commission makes several references to the 13th and

22nd recitals of the 'TV without frontiers' Directive in

response to fears expressed by certain Member States
concerning the threat to their audiovisual cultural
heritage (see answers to my Written Questions
No 2504/90 and No 2505/90) (').

What is the real scope and legal weight of these recitals
and can the Commission give specific examples of ways in
which they have been or could be implemented?

Given the reductive nature of the Directive what measures

can Member States take to preserve their audiovisual
cultural heritage, for example by maintaining the capacity
of their television companies?

What steps can be taken by Member States, particularly
those affected by the 22nd recital, to prevent European
television undertakings from endangering the existence of
their own broadcasting companies, not in cultural terms
but as a result of market forces?

O OJNoCH5,29.4. 1991,p. 18.

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(17 September 1991)_

The 13th and 22nd recitals of Directive 89/552/EEC on

television without frontiers emphasize the importance of
the particular cultural dimension of the audiovisual

sector.

Outside the areas covered by the Community approach
provided for in Chapter III of the Directive, the Directive
leaves the Member States free to choose the measures

which they wish to adopt in order to develop their
audiovisual cultural heritage. First, they may exercise
their right under the Directive to transmit programmes
beyond their national frontiers in order to render their
heritage more widely known and to improve mutual
understanding between the various cultures within the
Community. Second, provided they comply with
Community law, they may select the national support
measures for the audiovisual sector that are most

appropriate to their position. It is not for the Commission

No C 323/34 Official Journal of the European Communities 13. 12. 91

to place itself in the shoes of the Member States in making
the choice of these measures.

The Directive is not intended to favour especially any
particular category of television networks, in particular
European ones, but to ensure free circulation for,
broadcasts and all television networks, in particular for
countries covered by the 22nd recital which wish to
broadcast beyond their national frontiers.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1633/91

by Mr Yves Verwaerde (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(25 July 1991)_

(91/C 323/64)

_Subject:_ VAT on works of art, antiques and collectors'
items

Can the Commission indicate what progress has been
made regarding the drawing up of the Directive
supplementing the VAT system and amending Articles 32
and 28 of Directive 77/388/EEC ( [!] ) (Community
taxation system to be applied to used goods, works of art,
antiques and collectors' items).

Can it also say whether an assessment has been made of
the possible implications of these measures for the art
market, and in particular the possible emergence of a
black market in works of art?

(') OJNoL145,13.6.1977, p. 1.

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener
on behalf of the Commission

_(17 September 1991)_

The proposal for a Directive to which the Honourable
Member refers has already been discussed on numerous
occasions by Council working parties. A broad consensus
has emerged on the main points, although some matters
have still to be resolved. As the working parties have had
to spend more time recently on devising the general VAT
system which will apply from 1993 onwards, and given the
progress made, the Commission considers that the
matters still outstanding in the proposal for a Directive
will be examined carefully and there is no reason why they
cannot be settled in the very near future.

The Commission will take account of all foreseeable

effects on the art market, including those to which the
Honourable Member refers.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1642/91

by Mrs Dacia Valent (GUE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(25 July 1991)_

(91/C 323/65)

_Subject:_ Racism and xenophobia: implementation of the
recommendations of the Committees of Inquiry

The reports of the first and second Committees of Inquiry
into Racism and Xenophobia, drawn up by Mr Evrigenis
and Mr Ford respectively, contained recommendations
addressed to the Commission.

1. Can the Commission state which recommendations

have been acted on and what results have been

achieved?

2. Can the Commission state which recommendations

have not been implemented and what are the reasons
for this ?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(27 September 1991)_

The Honourable Member is referred to the Parliamentary
debate of 9 and 10 October 1990 on the Ford Report ('),
which covered all the recommendations put forward by
the Committees of Inquiry into Racism and Xenophobia.
The Commission would also draw attention to the fact

that it has issued its promised invitation to tender for a
survey of the legal means currently in place in the Member
States for combating racism and xenophobia.

(') Debates of the European Parliament, OJ Annex 3-394,
October I, 1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1645/91

by Mr Christian de la Malene, Mr Pierre Lataillade and
Mr Gene Fitzgerald (RDE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(25 July 1991)_

(91/C 323/66)

_Subject:_ The new German proposals concerning
economic and monetary union

In the context of the Intergovernmental Conference on
Economic and Monetary Union, the draft treaty
submitted by Germany following the meeting of the
Community Finance Ministers at the end of February
1991 proposes that the 'European system of central banks'
to be introduced under phase two of the Delors plan

13. 12. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 323/35

should be replaced by a council of governors and that this
system should only become operative at the beginning of
phase three, that is, from 1997 at the earliest.

1. Can the Commission state its view on this retreat from

previous positions, given that, at the Rome summit of
27 and 28 October 1990, the Member States
(excluding the UK) reached an agreement concerning
the stages and timetable of EMU, and that it was also
proposed that the European system of central banks
should be launched on the basis of a 'trial period'
during phase 2, from 1994, prior to its transformation
into a European Central Bank three years later?

2. Does the Commission take the view that the new

German position derives from a realistic awareness of
the significant differences in economic development
between Member States and the lack of sufficient

convergence as regards economic policy? Or does it,
rather, consider that this position reflects increasing
German scepticism with regard to both the proposed
specific timetable for EMU and, in general, the
possibility of achieving a genuine economic and
monetary union?

3. Can the Commission explain the arguments and
specific reasons justifying the introduction of a single
currency on the basis of a fairly restrictive timetable,
rather than the prior development of a common
currency (which would not in itself predetermine the
final shape of EMU) ?

4. Can it also state its present position regarding the
British proposal for a 'hard ECU'?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(1 October 1991)_

1. According to the conclusions of the Presidency of
the European Council held in Rome on 27 and 28 October
1990, the new Community institution will be created at
the beginning of the second phase. The Commission,
along with the majority of Member States, interprets this
statement as the expression of a will on the part of eleven
Heads of State and Government to create the European
Central Bank and the European System of Central Banks
on 1 January 1994.

The Commission regrets the position taken by the
German representatives at the Intergovernmental
Conference on Economic and Monetary Union (EMU),
advocating the creation, at the beginning of the second
phase, of not a European Central Bank but merely a
Council of Central Bank Governors, on the grounds that
to bring in an 'empty shell' not having the powers of a
central bank until the beginning of the third phase of
EMU would damage the credibility of the future
monetary authority. The Commission considers that this

argument would carry weight only if the second phase
was very long. The Commission would note that eleven
Governments have accepted the principle of a three-year
deadline from 1 January 1994 for the Community to fix a
date to prepare the decision on moving on to the third
phase. It also considers that, during the second phase, the
European Central Bank must complete the preparatory
programme for the third phase (harmonization of
monetary instruments, supervision of the role of the ecu,
etc.), which constitutes a heavy and crucial task.

2. The German Government's reluctance to see the

European Central Bank set up at the beginning of the
second phase does not, in the Commission's opinion, call
into question Germany's determination to progress
towards the final phase of EMU in accordance with the
principles adopted at Community level. It merely
concerns the institutional arrangements necessary during
the second phase to pave the way for the European
Central Bank to conduct the single monetary policy
within the framework of the European System of Central
Banks.

3. As underlined in the Delors Report, the irrevocable
fixing of exchange rates between EMS currencies
constitutes a decisive step towards monetary union.
However, union cannot be complete without a single
currency, adoption of which will mark the point of no
return and will make it possible to eliminate more fully
transaction costs and the last remaining obstacles to the
transparency of economic transactions. The ecu as a
single currency is also the natural complement to the
single market, the full potential benefits of which cannot
be achieved without it. A common currency co-existing
alongside national currencies, on the other hand, would
not meet those requirements. It would leave monetary
union incomplete, result in transaction costs within the
Community, hinder price comparisons and prevent the
Community from pulling its full monetary weight in the
international monetary system. It would also substantially
complicate the implementation of monetary policy.

4. The Commission has from the outset rejected the
British proposal for a 'hard ecu' and it maintains this
position. The United Kingdom's approach disregards the
final objective of EMU, appears complicated to
implement, runs the risk of jeopardizing the smooth
development of the ecu markets and, ultimately, of
distracting the Community from its priority task, which is
to maintain and reinforce economic convergence between
Member States. The Commission considers that the most

appropriate means of strengthening the ecu without
jeopardizing the establishment and growth of the ecu
market would be to fix the composition of the basket once
and for all .and improve the convergence of the
economies. This would also make it possible to guarantee
continuity between the existing ecu and the future single
European currency.

No C 323/36 Official Journal of the European Communities 13. 12. 91

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1646/91

by Mr Christian de la Malene, Mr Pierre Lataillade,

Mr Gene Fitzgerald, Mr Henry Chabert and

Mr Patrick Lalor (RDE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(25 July 1991)_

(91/C 323/67)

_Subject:_ Fiscal harmonization and the cost of German
unification

It is generally agreed — even by leading figures in
Germany including the five heads of government of the
Lander of the ex-GDR — that German unification will

impose an extremely severe financial burden and that the
cost will far exceed the initial forecast.

Moreover, the recent rise in German interest rates which
was partially intended to fund reunification has,
unfortunately, highlighted the difficulty — if not the
impossibility — of achieving a basic consensus on
monetary matters which is indispensable for EMU.

Similarly, the Federal Republic's Minister of Economic
Affairs recently said that tax increases were the
government's 'last resort' — which suggests that they
have not been entirely ruled out.

Finally, the burden of the Gulf crisis was not something
which could be taken into account when the cost of

unification was originally estimated.

1. Does the Commission agree that one way of financing
the additional cost of reunification might be to
increase VAT (the Federal Republic is below the
Community average), given that an increase of one
percentage point would generate some DM 14 billion?

2. Does the Commission intend making any proposals to
this effect? Would not such measures be in line with

the harmonization of indirect taxation which is the

objective for 1993?

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener
on behalf of the Commission

_(9 October 1991)_

The harmonization of VAT rates remains crucial to

implementation of the tax measures forming part of the
internal market programme. At its meeting on economic
and financial affairs of 24 June 1991, the Council decided
that a minimum standard VAT rate of 15% would be

applied throughout the Community from 1 January 1993.
This means an increase of one percentage point in the
standard rate currently applied in Germany.

From the point of view of the coordination of budgetary
policies, the Commission considers — and its concern is
in large measure shared by the German authorities — that
an effort must be made both on the revenue and the

expenditure side to limit as far as possible the budgetary
imbalances arising in Germany from the costs of
unification. However, it is up to Germany alone to assess
the situation and consider possible remedies, taking
account of all the aspects of the problem, including the
Community dimension. The Commission does not
therefore intend to take any initiative along the lines
proposed by the Honourable Member.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1661/91

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(6 August 1991)_

(91/C 323/68)

_Subject:_ Measures to prohibit the television broadcasting
of war films for children

In all EC Member States without exception war films for
children are shown on all the TV channels, inuring them
to the horrors of war and directly affecting their
behaviour. This is confirmed by the increase in the world
crime rate.

(a) Will the Commission take measures to put an end to
television broadcasts of war films for children?

(b) Will it set up a committee responsible for issuing
special licences for the broadcasting of such films?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(30 September 1991)_

The Directive on 'television without frontiers'

(89/552/EEC) ('), and in particular Article 22, already
lays down a number of rules on the protection of minors
as regards televised advertising and programmes. If a
televised broadcast from another Member State were to

infringe this Article, any Member State in which the
broadcast was received could, subject to compliance with
certain strict conditions, provisionally suspend
retransmission of the broadcast.

The Commission has no intention of setting up a special
body to rule on violent films because, under the Directive,
it is up to the Member State within whose jurisdiction the

13. 12. 91 Official Journal of thi

broadcaster fails to ensure that the latter's programmes
comply with the Directive.

O OJNoL298,17. 10. 1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1663/91

by Mr Georgios Romeos (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(6 August 1991)_

(91/C 323/69)

_Subject:_ Television advertising of children's toys in
Greece

In 1987 the Greek Parliament adopted a law prohibiting
the advertising of children's toys on television in
accordance with Council Directive 84/450/EEC (') of 10
September 1984. This law was widely supported by toy
manufacturers, educationalists, specialists in the field and
social interest groups.

However, in March 1991, the Greek Government
adopted a new law rescinding these provisions and
removing all restrictions on the broadcast advertising of
children's toys on the grounds that it was prompted to do
so by the Community.

Did the Commission in fact call for the repeal of the law
in question and on what legal basis? Will it clarify the
relevant provisions so that Member States are able to
prohibit the advertising of children's toys?

O OJNoL250, 19.9. 1984, p. 17.

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(1 October 1991)_

In February 1991 the Commission drew the Greek
authorities' attention to the incompatibility of the total
ban on the advertising of toys on public television (Law
No 1730 of 1987) with Article 30 of the EEC Treaty,
which prohibits between Member States all measures
having equivalent effect to quantitative restrictions on
imports. The Greek authorities subsequently limited the
ban specifically to toys of a military nature, this being
compatible with Article 30 of the Treaty.

The Commission does not envisage proposing rules
explicity prohibiting the television advertising of
children's toys. The 'television without frontiers'
Directive (89/552/EEC) (') already contains a number of
provisions on television advertising and allows the
Member States to lay down stricter or more detailed rules

European Communities No C 323/37

governing the television broadcasting organizations
falling within their competence. However, these rules
must be consistent with Community law, and in particular
Article 30 of the Treaty.

(») OJNoL298,17.10.1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1671/91

by Mr Juan Bandres Molet (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(6 August 1991)_

(91/C 323/70)

_Subject:_ Rural tourism and the environment

The Commission has drawn up a plan for measures to
support rural tourism (COM(90) 438 final) in order to
promote economic development in certain agricultural
regions and diversification of the range of tourist services.
This plan does not differentiate between agri-tourism,
which involves maintaining agricultural activity, and rural
tourism, which concerns only accommodation and other
services.

As rural tourism can lead to urban development in areas
of considerable natural, agricultural and environmental
value, and can put an end to agricultural activity, does the
Commission consider that rural tourism is compatible
with maintaining the ecological balance and agricultural
activity in rural areas?

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

_(4 October 1991)_

The Commission's plan of action to promote rural
tourism (COM(90) 438 final) is intended to apply to all
those involved in providing services and facilities in rural
areas, including, of course, farm-based tourism or
agri-tourism.

The concept of rural tourism refers to the combination of
accommodation (whether or not on farms) and associated
services, which might also be linked to agricultural
activities (gastronomy, pony-trekking).

The Commission is aware that rural tourism must be

promoted in a concerted and coordinated fashion so as to
avoid excessive development that might result in

No C 323/38 Official Journal of the European Communities 13. 12. 91

ecological imbalance. The Community measures are
therefore aimed at making better use of the rural, natural,
architectural and environmental heritage in rural areas,
and this is bound to be conducive to the maintenance of

agricultural activities and the farming population.

Rural tourism, whether farm-based or organized by
operators in other sectors, must therefore be seen as being
compatible with the ecological balance and maintenance
of agriculture in rural areas since it allows a
diversification of activities.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1702/91

by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(6 August 1991)_

(91/C 323/71)

_Subject:_ Community plan for tourism

When Mr van Moltke, Director-General, forwarded the
Commission's report on European Tourism Year 1990 to
the Members of the European Parliament, he made a
point of saying that the Commission intended to launch a
set of Community measures for tourism, and that
Parliament should debate them in the near future. In view

of the importance of this sector for the whole
Community, particularly certain Member States, it would
seem desirable, apart from the additional information
offered in the letter, to obtain comprehensive information
as promptly as possible. Can the Commission say
anything yet about the form the measures will take, their
legal basis in the Treaties and the financial resources
expected to be allocated for them?

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

_(7 October 1991)_

The Community action plan to assist tourism was
approved by the Commission on 26 March 1991.

It is currently being examined by the relevant Council
bodies and has been transmitted to Parliament. Mr G.

Miiller has been appointed rapporteur by Parliament's
Committee on Transport and Tourism.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1711/91

by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 August 1991)_

(91/C 323/72)

_Subject:_ VAT on horticultural products

The plan to apply the standard rate of VAT to ornamental
horticultural products will seriously penalize
horticulturalists in the main producer and consumer^
countries, the Netherlands, Italy and France.

In view of the problems arising from the application of the
standard rate, is the Commission prepared to include
ornamental horticultural products in the list of
agricultural products to which the reduced VAT rate
(4-9%) will apply in 1993?

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener
on behalf of the Commission

_(23 September 1991)_

The list of products and services liable to be subject to a
reduced rate of VAT has been discussed in the Council.

The question of whether or not to include horticultural
products in the list was covered by those discussions. The
list was eventually drawn up at the Council meeting held
on 24 June but was not definitively adopted since the
Council took the view that it might be supplemented in
the light of Parliament's opinion.

Horticultural products are not at present included in the
list.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1714/91

by Mr Didier Anger and Mrs Solange Fefnex (V)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(7 August 1991)_

(91/C 323/73)

_Subject:_ Incorporation of the new ICRP standards into
Community regulations

At its November 1990 meeting the ICRP (International
Commission for Radiological Protection) unanimously
revised protection standards, adopting the following,
stricter, maximum doses:

1. workers: 20 mSv/per year over 5 years

2. pregnant working women: 2 mSv externally

3. general public: 1 mSv/peryear.

13. 12. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 323/39

What is the Council's timetable for incorporating these
maximum doses into the relevant Community
Regulations and Directives?

Answer

_(15 November 1991)_

1. The Council reiterates the importance that it
attaches to health protection of the general public and
workers against the dangers of ionizing radiation.

It has therefore adopted a series of legal acts designed to
optimize that protection both on the level of normal living
conditions and on that of possible cases of radiological

emergency.

2. According to the Council's information, the
Commission is preparing a proposal based on Articles 31
and 32 of the Euratom Treaty, following the work of the
International Commission on Radiological Protection
(ICRP) to take account of scientific progress. The aim of
the proposal could be partially to adapt the Directives for
basic safety standards for the health protection of the
general public and workers against the dangers of
ionizing radiation ('). In that event the Council would not
fail to adopt a position at the earliest opportunity, in the
light of the Opinion of the European Parliament.

3. However, the Honourable Members must be aware
that under Article 31 of the Euratom Treaty such
proposals are drafted by the Commission on the basis of
the opinion of a group of scientific experts, after which
the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee must
be obtained. It is only after that procedure has been
completed that such proposals may be submitted to the
Council and to the European Parliament for its Opinion.

O Directive 80/836/Euratom (OJ No L 246, 17. 9. 1980, p. 1),
amended by Directive 84/467/Euratom (OJ No L 265; 5. 10.
1984, p. 4).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1761/91

by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1991)_

(91/C 323/74)

_Subject:_ Community measures in respect of 'head
hunters'

ILO Convention No 96 contains provisions which
prohibit acting as an intermediary to procure employment
for another person with a view to profit. These provisions
undoubtedly apply to the so-called 'head hunters', whose
profession consists precisely of activities of this type.

The creation of a vast economic area by the single market
gives a new dimension to the activities of the 'head
hunters'

What attitude does the Commission adopt to the latter?
Does it intend to propose Community rules and if so, how
does it intend to take into consideration the provisions of
the above ILO Convention?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(1 October 1991)_

The Commission does not intend to propose Community
rules in respect of 'head hunters'.

The provisions of the EEC Treaty as regards freedom of
establishment and freedom to provide services also apply
to 'head hunting' activities (see Court rulings in Cases No
110/111/78-Van Wesemael (') and No 279/80-Webb ( [2] )).

The Commission would also draw the Honourable

Member's attention to the recent Court ruling in Case
C-41/90 _(Hojher and Elser v Macroton(?))_ whereby a
public employment office cannot, without being in breach
of Articles 86 and 90 (1) of the EEC Treaty, exercise an
exclusive right to find employment for persons seeking
work, particularly where the exclusive right extends to
finding employment for business executives or where the
office is manifestly incapable of satisfying market demand
for such activity.

O Rec. 1979,35.
O Rec. 1981,3304.
O Ruling of 22. 4. 1991, not yet published.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1784/91

by Mr Diego de los Santos L6pez (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1991)_

(91/C 323/75)

_Subject:_ Professional training in nursing

Article 1 (2) (b) of Council Directive 77/453/EEC O
subsequently amended by Council Directive
89/595/EEC ( [2] ) of 10 October 1989 specifies 'full-time
training which must comprise a three-year course or 4 600
hours of theoretical and clinical instruction'. On this

basis, the three-year or 36-month professional training

No C 323/40 Official Journal of the European Communities 13. 12. 91

courses in the Member States include more than 4 600

hours of lectures. In Spain also Royal Decree No 1466/90
establishes a three-year period of training. However, the
total period of theoretical and clinical instruction
provided amounts to between 1 800 and 2 700 hours only.

Does the Commission not consider that the syllabus
specified by this Royal Decree fails to comply with
Council Directive 77/453/EEC and constitutes an

obstacle to those who obtain a nursing qualification under
these conditions and who wish to exercise their right of
establishment and freedom to provide services in other
Member States?

O OJNoL 176,15.7.1977, p. 8.
O OJNoL 341,23.11.1989,p. 30.

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(4 October 1991)_

The Commission is well aware of the problem raised by
the Honourable Member as a result of various complaints
that it has received.

Article 1 (2) (b) of Directive 77/453/EEC lays down that
the training of nurses responsible for general care must be
full-time training, of a specifically vocational nature,
which must cover the subjects of the training programme
set out in the Annex to the Directive and comprise a
three-year course or 4 600 hours of theoretical
instruction.

Spain has opted for the three-year course. It is not
therefore necessary for the training provided during the
three years to comprise 4 600 hours. However, it must be
such that it can be considered as full-time training
guaranteeing that the minimum training laid down in the
Annex to Directive 77/453/EEC is provided in terms of
both theoretical and practical instruction.

The Commission has questioned the Spanish authorities
on this matter and is currently awaiting their reply. It will
inform the Honourable Member of any further action it
might take on this matter.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1796/91

by Mrs Carmen Llorca Vilaplana (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1991)_

(91/C 323/76)

_Subject:_ Situation of nutritionists in Spain

The existence of nutritionists' diplomas and,
consequently, the right of nutritionists to engage in

professional activity is recognized in Council Directive
89/48/EEC of 21 December 1988 _(_ _[l]_ _)._ It has not however
been implemented in certain Member States, for example
Spain. Can the Commission therefore call on
governments which have not yet complied with this
Directive to do so? In the specific case of Spain,
non-Spanish nutritionists are allowed to engage in
professional activity, while Spanish nutritionists who have
qualified in other countries are not allowed to do so on
the grounds that their qualifications have not been
approved in Spain.

O OJNoL 19,24.1.1989,p. 16.

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(4 October 1991)_

For Directive 89/48/EEC on the 'general system' referred
to by the Honourable Member to apply, it is necessary
that, in the host Member State, in this case Spain, the
profession in question should be a regulated profession
and the diploma in question should, both in the host
Member State and in the Member State of origin or the
Member State from which the Community migrant
comes, be a higher-education diploma attesting to
training of at least three years' duration.

The Commission is not aware that these conditions have

been met here. This case is therefore covered by the
proposal for a Directive on a second general system for
the recognition of professional and vocational education
and training, which complements Directive 89/48/EEC
and is currently being examined by the Council ( [l] ).

Nevertheless, although Directive 89/48/EEC does not at
present apply in this case, this does not mean that there is
no possibility of total or partial equivalence if the
profession of nutritionist is regulated in that Member
State, i.e. if, under Spanish rules, a person must hold a
particular diploma in order to carry on that activity. It
emerges from the case-law established by the Court (cf.
judgment of 7 May 1991 in Case C-340/89 Vlassopoulou
v Ministerium fur Justiz, Bundes- und Europaangelegenheiten Baden-Wiirttemberg and Judgment of 15
October 1987 in Case 222/86 Unectef v Heylens) that the
national authorities of the host Member State are

required under the EEC Treaty (Article 48 as regards free
movement of employees, Article 52 as regards the right of
establishment for self-employed persons and Article 59 as
regards the freedom of self-employed persons to provide
services across frontiers) to take into consideration
diplomas from other Member States held by Community
nationals, even where there is no Directive covering the
profession in question.

In its judgment of 7 May 1991, the Court ruled that, in
such a case, the 'national authorities of a Member State
are required to examine to what extent the knowledge and
qualifications attested by the qualification acquired by the
person concerned in his country of origin correspond to

13. 12. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 323/41

those required by the rules of the host State; where there
is only partial equivalence of qualifications, the national
authorities in question are entitled to require the person
concerned to establish that he has acquired the knowledge
and qualifications lacking'.

The Commission would, therefore, ask the Honourable
Member to provide further details on this matter so that it
is able to carry out a proper examination of the problem.

(') OJ No C 263, 16. 10. 1989. Amended proposal: OJ No C 217,
1.9.1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1797/91

by Mr Joao Cravinho (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1991)_

(91/C 323/77)

_Subject:_ Assistance for customs agents in the private

sector

Great concern has been expressed in various Member
States at the lack of Community retraining or early
retirement schemes for employees of customs agencies in
the private sector who will lose their jobs as a result of the
abolition of internal frontiers. In Portugal alone, customs
agencies provide a total of 8 000 jobs, of which 6 000 will
be lost.

Given the Commission's stated intention of considering
this problem and the imminence of the completion of the
internal market, when does the Commission intend to
table its proposals for financial aid for retraining and
possible early retirement schemes for private-sector
customs agents and what specific objectives will these
proposals set out to achieve? What contribution can be
made by the Matthaeus programme by extending it to
customs agents?

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener
on behalf of the Commission

_(9 October 1991)_

The Commission has on a number of occasions been

informed of the consequences of the abolition of
Community frontiers on 1 January 1993 for customs
agencies and their staff.

In order to obtain as clear a picture as possible, the
Commission has agreed to the principle of an audit of the
situation, with finance from the European Social Fund.
This audit will be conducted in close connection with the

Member States and representatives of the sector.

Talks about its launch are already well advanced and the
initial work will very soon get underway.

On the basis of its conclusions, specific proposals will be
submitted to the Commission, Member States and
representatives of the sector so that, within their
respective responsibilities, they can each take any
measures which may prove necessary.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1853/91

by Mr Diego de los Santos Lopez (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1991)_

(91/C 323/78)

_Subject:_ Granting of aid to the textile sector

On 20 December 1990 it was announced in _Official_
_Journal of the European Communities_ No C 320 that
infringements as laid down in Article 93 of the Treaty of
Rome were to be initiated against the Spanish
Government as a result of State aid granted to the
Andalucian textile companies Hytasa of Seville and
Intelhorce of Malaga.

These companies are currently engaged in a process which
may conclude with the sale of certain assets, which would
alter the make-up of the sector.

Taking into account the socio-economic importance for
Andalusia of the existence and survival of a competitive
and financially sound textile sector, and the consequences
for its future of the outcome of the Community
procedures initiated under Article 93 of the EEC Treaty,
can the Commission give any information as to the
current state of the said procedures ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan
on behalf of the Commission

_(7 October 1991)_

In July 1990 the Commission decided to initiate, under the
provisions of Article 93 (2) of the EEC, two different
investigation procedures to assess the compatibility with
the common market of the aids that the Spanish
Government had granted before their privatization to the
textile producers Hytasa and Intelhorce. These enquiries
cover capital contributions provided to the companies by
'Patrimonio del Estado' over the period 1986-1990, as
well as potential additional aids the State might have
granted in accepting reduced sale prices for the
companies' capital shareholdings.

The Commission's decisions to initiate the investigation
procedures were notified to the Spanish Government in
August and September 1990 respectively. In December
1990 the other Member States and interested third parties
were also informed by means of the publication of notices
in the _Official Journal of the European Communities._ Since
then, the Commission has received the observations of the
Spanish Government and has held several meetings with

No C 323/42 Official Journal of the European Communities 13. 12. 91

its representatives to clarify certain points of the dossiers.
The Commission has also received several comments

from other Member States and interested third parties
that have been duly submitted for comments to the
Spanish Government.

At present, the Commission services concerned are
finishing the appraisal of all the information submitted. It
is expected that in the near future the Commission will be
able to take a final position on the compatibility of the
aids to Hytasa and Intelhorce.

In respect of the importance of these two companies for
the survival of the textile industry in the region of
Andalusia, the Commission will take due note of that fact

in its assessment. The Commission will also take into

consideration, from the Community point of view, the
principles established by it in the guidelines of 1971 and
1977 on aid to the textile and clothing sectors. These
Community guidelines were worked out by the
Commission with the aid of national experts to guide
governments of the Member States on the interventions
they might possibly wish to make in the textile sector. The
major principles set out therein are that aids should be
such as to assist the adaptation of the industry by
eliminating excess capacity, by facilitating joint R&D
activities and by assisting structural changes.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1911/91

by Mr Bryan Cassidy and Mr George Patterson (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(2 September 1991)_

(91/C 323/79)

_Subject:_ Economic and Monetary Union

Will the Commission elaborate on its proposal for Treaty
changes on EMU, reportedly made at the informal
EcoFin meeting of 10-12 May 1991 in Luxembourg?

In the light of the conclusions of the Rome European
Council, how was this proposal received?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(18 September 1991)_

At the informal EcoFin meeting of 10-12 May 1991 in
Luxembourg, President Delors made some suggestions as
to how the UK demand, that the British Government and

Parliament could be able to make a final decision on the

question of UK participation in the third and final stage
of economic and monetary union, could be met.

The IGC on EMU has since discussed further the subject
of the transition to Stage Three, and it appears that an
agreement could be found around the following three
general principles:

— the political agreement of the European Council on
the passage to Stage Three could not be blocked by
any Member State (no-veto principle);

— any Member State wishing to defer its full
participation in Stage Three, for economic reasons,
could benefit from temporary derogation;

— no Member State could be excluded from Stage Three
if it meets the required conditions.

To these three general principles, something more specific
covering the particular demand of the UK could be
added, along the lines suggested by President Delors in
Luxembourg.