Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

ISSN 0378-6986
# Official Journal C 349

Volume 37
### of the European Communities 9 December 1994

###### Information and Notices

English edition

Notice No Contents p age

I Information

European Parliament

Written Questions with answer

94 / C 349 / 01 E-2518 / 91 by Pierre Lataillade to the Commission
Subject : Imitation in the European toy industry 1

94 / C 349 / 02 E-2692 / 92 by Dieter Rogalla to the Commission
Subject : Interpretation of Article 8a of EEC Treaty 2

94 / C 349 / 03 E-1333 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : The suicide of a Community official in connection with the tobacco scandal 2

94 / C 349 / 04 E - 1594 / 93 by Filippos Pierros to the Commission
Subject : The Belgian Government 's plan to restrict televised Council meetings 2

94 / C 349 / 05 E-l 816 / 93 by Winifred Ewing to the Commission
Subject : Respect of additionality principle 3

94 / C 349 / 06 E-l 854 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Fraud in the Community 3

94 / C 349 / 07 E-l 855 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Market in Epirus ( Greece ) and distortion of free competition 3

94 / C 349 / 08 E-l 903 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Transport for inhabitants of mountain and island regions 4

94 / C 349 / 09 E-1934 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Prompt payment to farmers entitled to compensation and extending insurance coverage to
other forms of damage 4

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E-20 65 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : The Balkan Conference of Journalists in Thessaloniki

E-2073 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Future of Greek cooperative farmers ' produce

E-2428 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Protection of the resources of the Mediterranean

E-2432 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Purse seining in the Mediterranean

E-2436 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Use of drif-tnets in the Mediterranean

E-2437 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Use of encircling nets in the vicinity of aquaculture establishments in the
Mediterranean

E-2438 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Use of encircling nets in Greek waters

E-2439 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Bottom set long-lines of Aegean island fishermen

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2432 / 93, E-2436 / 93, E-2437 / 93, E-2438 / 93 and

E-2439 / 93

E-2442 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Activities of amateur fishermen

E-2464 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Environmental protection in the region of Pyrgos, Corinthia

E-2472 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Community coral fishing

E-2474 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Terms of the common organization of the markets in fisheries products

E-2493 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Demands of Greek cotton growers

E-2503 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Olive oil producers in Khania

E-2552 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Aid for the production of agricultural produce of designated origin and branded
products

E-2564 / 93 by Hiltrud Breyer to the Commission
Subject : Action for failure to fulfil Treaty obligations

E-2608 / 93 by Rogerio Brito to the Commission
Subject : Community aid to Central America

E-26 15 / 93 by Alan Donnelly to the Commission
Subject : Unitary taxation in the State of California

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94 / C 349 / 28 E-2622 / 93 by Filippos Pierros to the Commission
Subject : Coordinating committee for the evaluation of energy programmes in Greece

94 / C 349 / 29 E-2682 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Marketing and pricing problems in the fishing industry

94 / C 349 / 30 E-2708 / 93 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Increase in Greek milk quota

94 / C 349 / 31 E-2762 / 93 by Karla Peijs to the Commission
Subject : Unfair restriction of the trade in pigs

94 / C 349 / 32 E-2834 / 93 by Giuseppe Mottola to the Commission
Subject : Oil price increases — Serious blow to farms and nurseries — Unfair competition, with
Member States and third countries

94 / C 349 / 33 E-2884 / 93 by Des Geraghty to the Commission
Subject : Robert Schuman Institute of Journalism

94 / C 349 / 34 E-3005 / 93 by « Brigitte Ernst de la Graete to the Commission
Subject : Democracy and development and the Convention of Lome

94 / C 349 / 35 E-2324 / 93 by Marie-Claude Vayssade to the Commission
Subject : Diversion of Community funds

94 / C 349 / 36 E-3039 / 93 by Marie Isler Beguin to the Commission
Subject : Methods used to obtain funds

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2324 / 93 and E-3039 / 93

94 / C 349 / 37 E-3 194 / 93 by Victor Arbeloa Muru to the Commission
Subject : Greenhouse effect

94 / C 349 / 38 E-3395 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Arson attack at the Ioakimio Girls ' School in Istanbul

94 / C 349 / 39 E-3751 / 93 by Vincenzo Mattina to the Commission
Subject : Money-lending at exorbitant interest rates

94 / C 349 / 40 E-3856 / 93 by James Elles to the Commission
Subject : Citizens ' rights of access to Commission responses to complaints

94 / C 349 / 41 E-11 / 94 by Peter Crampton to the Commission
Subject : Inspection of imported third-country meat and animal products

94 / C 349 / 42 E-12 / 94 by Yves Verwaerde to the Commission
Subject : Air transport — air-traffic-management systems

94 / C 349 / 43 E-28 / 94 by George Patterson to the Commission
Subject : Residence restrictions on consumer promotional offers

94 / C 349 / 44 E-36 / 94 by Robert Delorozoy to the Commission
Subject : Fighting drug addiction

94 / C 349 / 45 E-47 / 94 by Gordon Adam to the Commission
Subject : Regulation of biotechnology

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( Continued overleaf )

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94 / C 349 / 46 E-54 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : The effects of the tensions in the Exchange Rate Mechanism 21,

94 / C 349 / 47 E-55 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Protection and restoration of the temples in Angkor 21

94 / C 349 / 48 E-57 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Combating the scourge of AIDS in Africa 21

94 / C 349 / 49 E-l 60 / 94 by Kenneth Stewart to the Commission
Subject : Monopoly of privatized electric suppliers in the Manweb area in the UK 22

94 / C 349 / 50 E-l 87 / 94 by Francesco Guidolin to the Commission
Subject : Al-Invest Programme 22

94 / C 349 / 5 1 E-l 88 / 94 by Adriana Ceci, Gianfranco Amendola, Luigi Vertemati, Francesco Guidolin
and Maria Coppo Gavazzi to the Commission
Subject : Prices of medicinal products in Italy 23

94 / C 349 / 52 E-l 9 8 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Cooperation in respect of joint projects with neighbouring countries 23

94 / C 349 / 53 E-207 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Protection of gypsies 24

94 / C 349 / 54 E-227 / 94 by Anita Pollack to the Commission
Subject : TBT pollution from ships 24

94 / C 349 / 55 E-228 / 94 by Anita Pollack to the Commission
Subject : Acid rain 24

94 / C 349 / 56 E-229 / 94 by Henry McCubbin to the Commission
Subject : Qualifications of horsemanship 25

94 / C 349 / 57 E-231 / 94 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission
Subject : Council housing 25

94 / C 349 / 58 ' E-259 / 94 by Luigi Moretti to the Commission

Subject : Indirect taxes on real property brought into joint-stock companies 26

94 / C 349 / 59 E-266 / 94 by Bruno Gollnisch to the Commission
Subject : Bicycle parts imported from the Far East 27

94 / C 349 / 60 E-285 / 94 by Laura González Alvarez and Alonso Puerta to the Commission
Subject : The Donana National Park Sustainable Development Plan 27

94 / C 349 / 61 E-303 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Special programme to deal with the problems of Community cities 28

94 / C 349 / 62 E-306 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Drafting of programmes and plans to resolve the problem of social exclusion 28

94 / C 349 / 63 E-339 / 94 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission
Subject : ERDF resources for the Autonomous Community of Madrid 29

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E-340 / 94 by Gerardo Fernandez-Albor to the Commission
Subject : Community programmes to counter the development of shanty towns 29

E-353 / 94 by Leen van der Waal to the Commission
Subject : Child-care facilities and the subsidiarity principle 30

E-355 / 94 by Cristiana Muscardini to the Commission
Subject : Education of the children of migrant workers 31

E-3 87 / 94 by David Bowe to the Commission
Subject : Interest rate ceilings 31

E-3 89 / 94 by Gerard Fuchs to the Commission
Subject : Harmonization of the structures of excise duties on alcohol and alcoholic beverages 32

E-4 16 / 94 by Jose Apolinario to the Commission
Subject : Novagri Programme ( Portugal ) 32

E-4 19 / 94 by Kirsten Jensen to the Commission
Subject : ' Ecological fur coats ' 33

E-437 / 94 by Otto von Habsburg to the Commission
Subject : Financial allocations to ' civic organizations ' in South Africa 33

E-438 / 94 by Maren Giinther to the Commission
Subject : EC financial support for terrorism in South Africa 33

E-465 / 94 by Tullio Regge, Rinaldo Bontempi and Luciano Vecchi to the
Commission

Subject : Access to information on the Community 's Helios II Programme in Italy 34

E-467 / 94 by Franco Iacono to the Commission
Subject : Access to Commission premises for parliamentary assistants 34

E-473 / 94 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission
Subject : Transposition into national law of Community provisions on single-member private
limited liability companies 35

E-480 / 94 by Brigitte Ernst de la Graete to the Commission
Subject : Proposal for a Council Directive on minimum requirements to improve the mobility and
the safe transport to work of workers with reduced mobility 35

E-496 / 94 by Jose Gil-Robles Gil-Delgado to the Commission
Subject : Appropriations granted to the Autonomous Community of Madrid 36

E-497 / 94 by Jose Gil-Robles Gil-Delgado to the Commission
Subject : The NOW Programme and the Autonomous Community of Madrid 36

E-498 / 94 by Jose Gil-Robles Gil-Delgado to the Commission
Subject : The Envireg Programme and the Autonomous Community of Madrid 36

E-503 / 94 by Jose Gil-Robles Gil-Delgado to the Commission
Subject : The Star II Programme and the Autonomous Community of Madrid 36

E-504 / 94 by Jose Gil-Robles Gil-Delgado to the Commission
Subject : The Prisma Programme and the Autonomous Community of Madrid 36

( Continued overleaf )

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94 / C 349 / 82 E-5 05 / 94 by Jose Gil-Robles Gil-Delgado to the Commission
Subject : The Regen Programme and the Autonomous Community of Madrid . . . 37

Joint answer to Written Questions E-498 / 94, E-503 / 94, E-504 / 94 and E-505 / 94 ... 37

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E-5 06 / 94 by Gérard Deprez to the Commission
Subject : Comparison of EC-developing country trade statistics for 1992 and 1993 37

E-522 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Improving the incentives for pharmaceutical research in the Community 37

E-524 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : A study into the reasons for the recrudescence of tuberculosis in the Community .... 38

E-526 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Drawing up a Directive providing for compulsory vaccination for children against
poliomyelitis 38

E-527 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Revision of Directive 75 / 369 / EEC 38

E-5 32 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Basic rights of citizens 39 "

E-5 53 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : The improvement and harimonization of European laws on the adoption and guardianship
of children 39

E-5 62 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Length of drift-nets used for tuna fishing in the North Atlantic 39

E-5 82 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Convergence of legislation on family allowances 40

E-5 94 / 94 by Francesco Speroni to the Commission
Subject : Monopoly on the provision of technical assistance to vehicles on Ialian motorways . . 40

E-650 / 94 by Lord Inglewood to the Commission
Subject : Tied houses block exemption 41

E-670 / 94 by Maartje van Putten to the Commission
Subject : The massacre in Chittagong Hill Tracts on 17 November 1993 41

E-718 / 94 by Glyn Ford to the Commission
Subject : Anti-dumping legislation 41

E-727 / 94 by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission
Subject : Social statute for embassy staff 42

E-734 / 94 by Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission
Subject : Discrimination against teachers recruited by foreign schools 42

E-787 / 94 by Christine Crawley to the Commission
Subject : Manufacture of solvents / 43

( Continued on inside back cover )

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E-792 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Implementation of the Community Charter on the Fundamental Social Rights of
Workers

E-794 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Measures to safeguard the trade union rights of workers

E-796 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Ratification of international conventions regarding equality before the law of trade union
organizations and the right of workers to set up trade union activities

E - 8 01 / 94 by John Iversen to the Commission
Subject : Esprit resources withheld from the Danish company CRI

E-805 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Support for new types of investment and the vocational training of workers

E-806 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Measures to safeguard freedom of establishment for lawyers

E-8 17 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Youth exchanges as a means of fostering mutual understanding among young people from
different European Union Member States

E-8 18 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Establishment of a European Youth Monitoring Unit

E-838 / 94 by Maartje van Putten to the Commission
Subject : Chief Authorizing Officer / Review Lome IV

E-841 / 94 by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark to the Commission
Subject : Acts of violence against elderly people

E-876 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Judicial treatment of consumers

E-879 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Pension rights of Greek Australians who have returned to Greece

E-891 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : The introduction of equitable contracts for professional sportsmen

E-895 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Abolition of the payment of a signing-on fee for professional sportsmen

E-959 / 94 by Christine Oddy to the Commission

Subject : Partnership law

E-l 087 / 94 by Francesco Speroni to the Commission
Subject : Irregular management of training courses financed by the Union and run by the Lombardy
region

E-l 099 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Immigration to EU Member States

E-l 122 / 94 by Alex Smith to the Commission
Subject : Time taken to reply to questions

E-1429 / 94 by Gijs de Vries to the Commission
Subject : Office accommodation for Mr Lubbers

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( Information )

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

WRITTEN QUESTION E-25 18 / 91 Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

by Pierre Lataillade ( RDE )

to the Commission (2 September 1993 )

(8 November 1991 )

( 94 / C 349 / 01 )

Subject : Imitation in the European toy industry

French toy manufacturers in particular face increasingly
systematic illegal imitation by their Italian and Spanish
neighbours in this sector . According to official sources, it is
estimated that the consequent losses amount to around

10 % of the sector 's turnover in France ( i.e. FF 4 800 million
in 1990 ).

Copies and imitations from southern Europe are termed
' intelligent ' because they comply with safety standards,
come complete with accessories and are extremely cheap,
and therefore pose a considerably greater threat than those
from South-East Asia, at a time when perfecting new
products is becoming increasingly costly .

In view of the extent of this problem and given that it is very
difficult to obtain legal redress against manufacturers of
unauthorized imitations in their own country, what
measures does the Commission intend to propose in order to
put a stop to such practices, which are highly damaging to
the toy industry ?

In this context, does it not appear essential to set up a
European committee on imitations in the toy sector, with a
view to introducing sanctions against manufacturers of
pirate toys, based on the criterion of similarity between
products rather than the slight differences between them ?

Counterfeiting of toys is made easier by the fact that designs
and models are as yet protected only at national, not
Community, level .

French manufacturers often find that they have no legal
protection abroad . In France, protection under the 1957
Law on copyright also covers industrial designs and models ;
this means that French manufacturers often do not feel it

necessary to register and so obtain specific protection under
the French Law of 1909 on industrial designs and
models .

As a consequence, in countries where protection of the
copyright type covers only industrial products with a high
artistic content — such countries include Italy and Spain —
the manufacturer cannot obtain the specific protection for
industrial designs and models after he has put his product on
the French market, as the novelty requirement of Italian and
Spanish legislation will no longer be met once the product is
being marketed in France . However, under the Paris
Convention, to which all the Member States of the
Community have subcribed, a French manufacturer who
has registered his design or model in France may do so
subsequently in Italy and Spain, provided he does so within
six months .

In order to deal with situations such as that described by the
Honourable Member, the Commission is currently
considering introducing protection of designs and models at
Community level .

In June 1991 it published a consultative ' Green Paper on the
legal protection of industrial design ' ( III / F / 5131 / 92 ), setting
out details of possible Community legislation . Having

No C 349 / 2 Official Journal of the European Communities 9 . 12 . 94

consulted the interests concerned, the Commission has now
put forward proposals .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2692 / 92

by Dieter Rogalla ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 29 October 1992 )

( 94 / C 349 / 02 )

Subject : Interpretation of Article 8a of EEC Treaty

1 . Is the Commission aware that in a European
Parliament debate in July 1992 on the internal market the
British President-in-Office of the Council agreed that the
interpretation of Article 8a of the EEC Treaty on the
freedom of movement of persons in the internal market was
basically a political problem and that the UK would not
stand in the way of a Community solution ?

2 . Which contacts with the British presidency resulted
from the answer to my question tabled in the plenary sitting
in question and how will this position by the British
Presidency be put into effect on 1 January 1993 ?

3 . In view of the above, is the Commission prepared to
take appropriate measures and if so, what measures and
when ?

Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi

on behalf of the Commission

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1333 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

(3 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 03 )

Subject : The suicide of a Community official in connection

with the tobacco scandal

A Community official of Italian nationality ( an adviser at
the Commission 's Agriculture Directorate ) recently
committed suicide by throwing himself out of the sixth floor
of a block of flats . According to reports in the Belgian
newspaper ' Le Soir ', the official was implicated in the
tobacco scandal and was the subject of an administrative
inquiry into his part in the affair involving two Community
countries . Will the Commission confirm or deny these press
reports ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

( 13 December 1993 )

The former head of the unit for tobacco, hops, potatoes and
other specialized crops was one of the people interviewed as
part of an inquiry into the case referred to by the
Honourable Member .

The inquiry is continuing .

(9 December 1993 ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1594 / 93

by Filippos Pierros ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 18 June 1993 )

For the Commission and eleven Member States, Article 8a of
the Treaty relates to the abolition of controls at internal ( 94 / C 349 / 04 )
frontiers for all persons, regardless of nationality . For the
United Kingdom, the move to dismantle controls applies
only to Community nationals .

As regards the pragmatic solutions adopted in the Member
States and the developments in, and prospects for, the
situation at internal frontiers, the Commission would refer
the Honourable Member to the deliberations that have

taken place in Parliament, and in particular at its meeting on

14 July 1993 .

Subject : The Belgian Government 's plan to restrict televised

Council meetings

The Belgian Government reportedly will restrict televised
Council meetings during its forthcoming presidency of the
EC .

Does the Commission intend to make the case against such a
move or to offer other proposals that would enhance the
transparency of Council business ?

9 . 12 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 349 / 3

Answer given by Mr Delors Community support frameworks . The only Member States
on behalf of the Commission which have not so far supplied the necessary information are

(1 December 1993 ) the United Kingdom, Italy and, to a lesser extent, France ( for

the overseas departments ). As for the other Member States,
the information received by the Commission suggests that
the principle of additionality is being complied with .
In discussions on this subject with the Commission, and on
other occasions at which the Commission has been present,
the Belgian Presidency has always asserted that it would
comply with the conclusions of the Edinburgh European
Council and take heed of the experience acquired since
then .

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

(1 December 1993 )

As far as Member States proposing public debates is
concerned, the Belgian Presidency has examined, and will
continue to examine, all requests submitted to it, the proviso
being that any decision has to be unanimous .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1854 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 15 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 06 )

Subject : Fraud in the Community

What was the total cost of cases of fraud against the EC

QUESTION E-l 8 16 / 93 discovered last year ? What did these cases involve and in

Winifred Ewing ( ARE ) which countries were they committed ?

to the Commission

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 8 16 / 93

by Winifred Ewing ( ARE )

( 20 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 05 ) Answer given by Mr Schmidhuber

on behalf of the Commission

( 22 November 1993 )
Subject : Respect of additionality principle

Which EC States are respecting the principle of additionality
by providing additional funding for projects and not just
replacing agreed public expenditure with Community
funding ?

Answer given by Mr Christophersen

on behalf of the Commission

( 15 November 1993 )

The 1988 reform stressed that the Community 's financial
support was to be additional to national public financing
and that, in particular, the increase in funds could not give
rise to a reduction in the Member States ' effort in the area of

structural expenditure . The Commission therefore asked
the Member States to provide evidence that their structural
expenditure was being maintained in the period
1989 — 1993 as compared with the preceding period ( 1987
and 1988, or an average for 1987 / 88 ).

This general rule has to be complied with over the

1989 — 1993 planning period as a whole, so that a final
evaluation cannot be made until 1993 has ended .

Nevertheless, in order to ensure that this matter was suitably
monitored, the Member States and the Commission agreed
to carry out regular checks from the entry into force of the

The Commission is sending a copy of its fourth annual
report on the fight against fraud ( } ) to the Honourable
Member and Parliament 's Secretariat direct . In it the

Honourable Member will find all the information and
details regarding cases of fraud concerning the Community
budget in 1992 .

f 1 ) COM(93 ) 141 final, 20 April 1993 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 855 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 15 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 07 )

Subject : Market in Epirus ( Greece ) and distortion of free

competition

Over the last two years in the Greek region of Epirus, near
the Albanian border, there have been distortions of
competition to the detriment of Greek stockbreeders . In this
region Greek traders sell animals they have bought in
Albania at extremely low prices by Greek and Community

No C 349 / 4 Official Journal of the European Communities 9 . 12 . 94

standards . What steps does the Commission intend to take
to ensure fair competition and to protect Greek
stockbreeders ?

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

( 15 December 1993 )

According to the Community 's foreign trade statistics for

1990 to 1992, Greece imported no live cattle from Albania
and only negligible quantities of live sheep .

Consequently, such imports cannot have caused the
situation described by the Honourable Member .

— in rural areas ( Objective 5(b )), investments directly
connected with economic activities creating
non-agricultural jobs, including communication
infrastructure links and investments assisting the
development of these activities .

The mountain, hill and island regions of the Community are
mostly covered by one of these two Objectives, thereby
benefiting from Community appropriations, often
substantial, to help alleviate their isolation .

Moreover, in the context of applications for assistance from
the cohesion financial instrument, the Greek, Irish,
Portuguese and Spanish authorities may propose measures
relating to transport infrastructures to improve access to the
trans-European transport networks, thereby helping to
solve the problems arising from the isolation of certain
mountainous and island regions ( Article 2(2 ) of Council

Regulation ( EEC ) No 792 / 93 ) ( J ).

f

In addition, the cohesion financial intrument, which started
operating on 1 April 1993, of which Greece is a beneficiary,

QUESTION E-1903 / 93 can also contribute to the financing of projects involving

investments relating to the development of trans-European

Kostopoulos ( PSE ) transport networks to improve communications for the

to the Commission islands .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1903 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

( 15 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 08 ) W OJ No L 74, 1 . 4 . 1993 .

Subject : Transport for inhabitants of mountain and island

regions

Certain mountain and island regions of the Community
cannot maintain satisfactory transport links with the result
that their inhabitants feel like second-class citizens .

Can the Community contribute financially towards
establishing transport and telephone links between these
regions and with other regions ?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1934 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 19 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 09 )

Subject : Prompt payment to farmers entitled to
compensation and extending insurance coverage
to other forms of damage

(9 December 1993 ) Two of the fundamental objectives of Greek producers '

representatives are the promptj>ayment of compensation to
farmers and an extension of insurance coverage to other
Within the framework of the task entrusted to it by forms of damage . Is the Commission examining ways of
Article 130c of the EC Treaty, the European Regional improving the present situation in this regard ?
Development Fund ( ERDF ) contributes inter alia to the
financing of infrastructure investments, namely :

— in the regions lagging behind in their development

( Objective 1 ), investments helping to enhance the
economic potential, development and structural
adjustment of the regions concerned, including, where
appropriate, investments contributing to the
establishment and development of trans-European
networks in the fields of transport, telecommunications
and energy,

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

(2 December 1993 )

The Commission has no responsibility for the speed with
which supporting documents are checked, statutory checks

9 . 12 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 349 / 5

carried out and compensation paid, or for insurance
coverage for other forms of damage as referred to by the
Honourable Member .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2065 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 23 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 10 )

Subject : The Balkan Conference of Journalists in
Thessaloniki

The Balkan Conference of Journalists which took place in
Thessaloniki was an important event as it gave an
opportunity to a hundred journalists from Turkey, Bulgaria,
Serbia, Croatia, Albania, Skopje, Cyprus and Greece to
discuss their experiences and their views on a serious
problem in the Balkans : the eruption of nationalism .

The conference decided to found the Federation of

Journalists ' Unions of the Balkans based in Thessaloniki .

Is the Commission prepared to give financial and political
support to such initiatives which help to diffuse nationalism
and de-escalate the present war — which may become a
nightmare unless action is taken now — as well as
contribute towards safeguarding human rights in this
sensitive region of southern Europe ?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro

on behalf of the Commission

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2073 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 23 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 11 )

Subject : Future of Greek cooperative farmers ' produce

A law drafted by the Greek Ministry for Agriculture on
agricultural cooperative organizations ' seeks to bankrupt
Greek cooperatives or send them into liquidation .

Cooperative farmers point out that the draft law :

1 . abolishes the established international principle
governing the cooperative movement that a cooperative
is an association of persons and lays down provisions
enabling legal persons to become involved in
cooperatives in an attempt to bring the cooperative
movement under the control of private capital,

2 . it imposes state intervention and seeks to undermine the
independence of cooperative organizations, and

3 . sets up a majority electoral system .

Representations of Paseges ( Greek Confederation of
Cooperatives ) believe that this extreme neo-liberalism will
have an immediate impact on both the products and the
incomes of Greek producers and consumers . In view of this,
how does the Commission intend to aid Greek cooperative
organizations and Greek cooperative farmers ' produce ?

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

(9 December 1993 )

( 26 November 1993 ) The various types of Community aid for Greek agricultural
cooperatives have already been detailed in the reply to the
Honourable Member 's Written Question No 3388 / 92 ( 1 ).

The Commission welcomes this meeting and others of its
kind which bring together professional people of different The provisions of the Greek draft law concerning the
nationalities and backgrounds . The independent nature of operational procedures of agricultural cooperatives fall
these activities is evidently of central importance . The within the exclusive competence of the Member State .
Commission regrets therefore that it is not possible for the
Community to support them financially . 0 ) OJ No C 258, 27 . 9 . 1993 .

No C 349 / 6 Official Journal of the European Communities 9 . 12 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2428 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 12 )

Subject : Protection of the resources of the
Mediterranean

The Mediterranean is endangered by countless human
activities which have no regard for the protection of its
resources or the rational management of fish stocks . Greek
fishermen 's organizations, the Greek Ministry for
Agriculture and the Crete Institute of Marine Biology have
jointly put forward a proposal that in emergencies a
Mediterranean Member State should be able to take special
measures without needing to have prior approval from a
Community or international body . Will the Commission
endorse this proposal ?

on its own initiative, to take the measures necessary to
counter such threat by very rapid emergency legislative
procedure .

(!) OJ No L 20, 28 . 1 . 1976 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 389, 31 . 12 . 1992 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2432 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 13 )

Subject : Purse seining in the Mediterranean

or international body . Will the Commission According to Greek fishermen 's organizations, night fishing
proposal ? using purse seines and lamps at a distance of less than 200

metres from the shore and in waters less than 30 metres deep
may be banned in the Mediterranean . These organizations
however, propose that daytime purse seining should fall into
the same category as tuna fishing . What is the Commission 's
position on these views ?
Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

(9 December 1993 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2436 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

1 . The Commission fully shares the concerns expressed
by the Honourable Member with regard to the need to avoid (1 September 1993 )
the possible threats to fishery resources in the ( 94 / C 349 / 14 )
Mediterranean .

( 94 / C 349 / 14 )

This is why, in addition to its current efforts to harmonize
the rules of the Mediterranean Member States concerning
the conservation and management of fishery resources, the
Commission is trying in particular to encourage cooperation
between all the Mediterranean coastal States in the search

for solutions to the problems to which the Honourable
Member refers .

2 . At the purely Community level, the legislation giving
concrete expression to the common fisheries policy,
particularly Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 101 / 76 ( J ),
obliges Member States to communicate to the Commission
any provisions that they plan to adopt in the field of
fisheries . This enables the Commission to ensure some

uniformity in the measures in force, and to ensure that they
comply with the principles of the Community system .

Moreover, although there still is no common fishing regime
in the Mediterranean, the Mediterranean Member States
can already have recourse to Article 15 of Regulation ( EEC )
No 3760 / 92 ( 2 ), which also applies to the Mediterranean
and which, in the event of a serious threat to resources,
allows the Commission, at the request of a Member State or

Subject : Use of drif-tnets in the Mediterranean

To achieve a more rational management of fish resources in
the Mediterranean, will the Commission agree with the
proposal put forward by Greek fishermen that there should
be a ban on the use of any form of drif-tnet within three
nautical miles off the coast or at depths of less than 50
metres with the exception of island regions where their
proposal is to retain the present rule of one nautical mile or a
depth of 50 metres ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2437 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 15 )

Subject : Use of encircling nets in the vicinity of aquaculture

establishments in the Mediterranean

Greek fishermen are proposing that it should be possible to
use encircling nets in the Mediterranean at a distance of less

9 . 12 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 349 / 7

than 100 metres from establishments carrying out intensive
aquaculture and 300 metres of those using extensive
methods . Will the Commission endorse these proposals ?

measurements . During the discussions, the Commission
noted Parliament 's position . An amended proposal (*) was
prepared, which reflects the Commission 's current position .
The Honourable Member will find answers to all the

abovementioned questions in that proposal .

(M COM(93 ) 500 final .
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2438 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 16 )
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2442 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

Subject : Use of encircling nets in Greek waters

Greek island fishermen are asking to be allowed to use
encircling nets of 800 metres in length in Greek waters
instead of the proposed 600 metres for the Mediterranean in
general . Does the Commission intend to grant this
request ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2439 / 93

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 18 )

Subject : Activities of amateur fishermen

Will the Regulation on the management of fish stocks in the
Mediterranean also make explicit reference to the activities
of amateur fishermen ?

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas
to the Commission

on behalf of the Commission

(1 September 1993 ) (9 December 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 17 )

The proposal for a Council Regulation harmonizing various
technical measures in Mediterranean fisheries ( ' ) does not

Subject : Bottom set long-lines of Aegean island refer explicitly to amateur fishing activities . It covers them
fishermen

implicitly, however, insofar as these activities are not
excluded specifically from its scope as defined in
Aegean island fishermen are opposed to the proposal that Article 1 .
bottom set long-lines should measure 7 000 metres and
propose that they be increased in length to 10 000 metres . f 1 ) COM(92 ) 533 final .
What is the Commission 's view on this counter proposal by
Aegean fishermen ?

Subject : Bottom set long-lines of Aegean island
fishermen

f 1 ) COM(92 ) 533 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2464 / 93

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2432 / 93, E-2436 / 93,
by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

E-2437 / 93, E-2438 / 93 and E-2439 / 93

given by Mr Paleokrassas
on behalf of the Commission

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )
(9 December 1993 ) ( 94 / C 349 / 19

When preparing its proposal on the harmonization of
technical measures in the Mediterranean, the Commission
took account of all the available information to find a

balance between the interests of the various producers and
the protection of resources . That required inter alia the
- choice of thresholds regarding distance, depth and gear

Subject : Environmental protection in the region of Pyrgos,

Corinthia

The Greek authorities have yet to show any inclination to
implement Directive 91 / 156 / EEC ( ! ) amending Directive
75 / 442 / EEC ( 2 ) on solid waste, at least in the case of the

No C 349 / 8 Official Journal of the European Communities 9 . 12 . 94

sausage manufacturer Bekka who are polluting the region of
Pyrgos in Corinthia with their waste .

Will the Commission take steps to protect this region from
the serious threat to its water, air, soil and wildlife ?

(M OJ No L 78, 26 . 3 . 1991, p . 32 .
( 2 ) OJ No L 194, 25 . 7 . 1975, p . 39 .

to indicate the most appropriate measures for ensuring both
the development of fishing and respect for the marine

ecosystem .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2474 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )
Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas to the Commission

on behalf of the Commission

(1 September 1993 )
( 22 December 1993 ) ( 94 / C 349 / 21 )

The Commission has contacted the Greek authorities on this

matter, and will take the necessary steps to ensure
compliance with Community law .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2472 / 93

Subject : Terms of the common organization of the markets

in fisheries products

Does the Commission intend to revise the terms of the
common organization of the markets in fisheries products to
improve the benefits for Mediterranean species ?

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

to the Commission on behalf of the Commission

(1 September 1993 ) (6 December 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 20 )         

Subject : Community coral fishing

Does the Community intend to take any measures in the
immediate future, and if so which, to extend the potential
outlets in the jewellery trade for Community coral
fishing ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

(9 December 1993 )

The Commission can confirm that coral — which is a living
marine resource — falls within the scope of the common
fisheries policy . However, the legislation currently in force
provides for Community assistance for the processing of
fishery products provided the processed products are
intended for human consumption as food . Under these
conditions, a measure to develop coral fishing by
encouraging jewellery-making would be eligible for
Community funding only from other financial instruments,
for example under Objective 1 of the Structural Funds .

In addition, following the revision of the Regulations
governing the Structural Funds, it is up to the Member States

On 17 December 1992, acting on a proposal from the
Commission, the Council adopted Regulation ( EEC )
No 3759 / 92 on the common organization of the market in
fishery and aquaculture products ( l ), introducing a major
reform of this market organization .

The mechanisms in force under this Regulation apply in an
identical way, whatever the marketing areas .

Most products eligible for intervention, except for the
pelagic species, are unloaded and marketed in the Atlantic,
English Channel and North Sea areas, where production
volumes are highest .

Annex VI to the new basic Regulation, which lists the
products eligible for autonomous withdrawals and
carry-overs by producers ' organizations, includes the
Mediterranean cod ( Trisopterus minutus ). During the
debates in the Council and Parliament before the adoption
of the new basic Regulation the Commission was not
informed of any factors justifying the inclusion of new
Mediterranean species in the organization of the market in
fishery products .

(!) OJ No L 388, 31 . 12 . 1992 .

9 . 12 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 349 / 9

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2493 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

to the Commission (9 December 1993 )

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 22 )
On the basis of the information in the Honourable

Member 's question, the Commission does not understand

Greek cotton growers under which aspect of Community law the Honourable

Member is asking it to act . In this context, the Commission
sees no connection between the fact that an operator has no

unions are demanding that the area storage capacity and the diversification of his activities .

Subject : Demands of Greek cotton growers

Greek cotton growers ' unions are demanding that the area storage capacity and the diversification of his
of land used for growing cotton in Greece should be
maintained to serve the needs of the textile industry, that
new ceilings for subsidized production should be set at a
minimum of 750 000 tonnes and that aid should be

provided for programmes to create improved varieties
which provide a good yield and are properly attuned to the
environmental conditions . Will the Commission support the
demands of the Greek cotton growers ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-25 52 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

Answer given by Mr Steichen (1 September 1993 )

on behalf of the Commission 94 / C 349 / 24

(9 December 1993 )

Firstly, the Community aid scheme for cotton has led to a
considerable expansion of cultivation in Greece, where the
areas sown to cotton have more than doubled since its

accession to the Community .

Subject : Aid for the production of agricultural produce of

designated origin and branded products

How does the Community subsidize the production of
agricultural produce of designated origin and branded
products ?

As regards the future arrangements for this crop, products ?
Community legislation provides for a report on the
operation of the scheme, accompanied if necessary by a
proposal for amendments thereto, to be presented to the
Council at the latest before the beginning of the 1996 / 97
marketing year . Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2503 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 23 )

Subject : Olive oil producers in Khania

The activities of an oil-producing cooperative in Khania on
the island of Crete are giving cause for serious concern . This
undertaking, known as the ' Khania Olive Oil Producers ',
was judged unfit to participate in the olive oil intervention
scheme since it has no storage facilities . At the same time it is
receiving backing from the Agricultural Bank of Greece in its
bid to acquire control of ' Biochem ' ( although this is not
admissible under EC Regulations ). What action will the
Commission take ?

(9 December 1993 )

On 26 July 1993 Regulation ( EEC ) No 2081 / 92 on the
protection of geographical indications and designations of
origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs and
Regulation ( EEC ) No 2082 / 92 on certificates of specific
character for agricultural products and foodstuffs ( ! )
entered into force .

These Regulations were adopted in response to the need for
a consistent quality policy at Community level in order to
support, promote and develop products with special
characteristics due to their geographical origin or traditional
production methods . The Regulations play an important
role in the economy of rural areas . The schemes in question
are voluntary, and groups of producers and / or
manufacturers must apply for registration in order to obtain
Community protection .

These Regulations make no provision for financial measures
such as aid .

No C 349 / 10 Official Journal of the European Communities 9 . 12 . 94

In addition, Regulation ( EEC ) No 1360 / 78 ( ), as last
amended by Regulation ( EEC ) No 698 / 93 ( 3 ), introduces a
general scheme to encourage the formation of producer

groups .

In Greece, Spain, Italy and Portugal this general scheme
applies to most of the crop and livestock products listed in
Annex II to the EC Treaty and to certain processed products .
It applies to only four sectors in Belgium and Ireland and five
sectors in France .

Regulation ( EEC ) No 1035 / 72 ( 4 ) also provides for a
specific scheme to encourage the formation of producer
groups in the fruit and vegetables sector .

With regard to aid for the processing and marketing of
agricultural products, Regulation ( EEC ) No 866 / 90 ( 5 )
provides for a measure to finance investments to develop
and rationalize the processing of agricultural products,
particularly products intended for new outlets .

Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 2085 / 93 ( 6 ) introduces
financial measures to speed up the adjustment of
agricultural structures-within the framework of the reform
of the CAP and to promote rural development and
structural adjustment in less-developed regions ( promotion,
quality labelling, investments in quality local or regional
agricultural and forestry products ).

(!) OJ No L 208, 24 . 7 . 1992 .
( 2 ) OJ No L 166, 23 . 6 . 1978 .
( 3 ) OJ No L 74, 27 . 3 . 1993 .

( 4 ) OJ No L 118, 20 . 5 . 1972 .

( 5 ) OJ No L 91, 6 . 4 . 1990 .

( 6 ) OJ No L 193, 31 . 7 . 1993 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2564 / 93

by Hiltrud Breyer ( V )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 25 )

Subject : Action for failure to fulfil Treaty obligations

1 . What actions has the Commission brought against the
Federal Republic of Germany for failure to fulfil Treaty
obligations ?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

( 17 November 1993 )

The Honourable Member is referred to the Tenth Annual

Report on the monitoring of the application of Community
law (*).

(!) OJ No C 233, 30 . 8 . 1993 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2608 / 93

by Rogério Brito ( CG )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 26 )

Subject : Community aid to Central America

At the meetings in Strasbourg with the Junta Directiva of the
Central American Parliament a serious problem came to
light, calling into question Community aid to this region .

The funds made available to assist and promote the
development of these countries are not reaching those for
whom they are mainly intended, i.e. small and medium-sized
farms and businesses, because they are filtered through a
deliberately bureaucratic process from the central banks of
these countries through to private banks, finally reaching
the businesses at annual interest rates of 28% to 30%,
subject to guarantees which involve mortgaging the
premises of the farms or businesses .

Can the Commission say whether it is aware of these
conditions which block all access to investment loans,
whether it has laid down rules to prevent such acts of
sabotage against Community aid, and what steps it intends
to take to prevent such a situation from arising again in the
future ?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 25 November 1993 )

Community development operations for small and
mediujn-sized farms and businesses in Central America
often include provision for loans . Revolving funds are set up
with a view to offering the recipients a permanent source of
financing outlasting the useful life of the projects .

Lending rates must therefore take account of inflation rates
in the countries concerned and the need to provide against
2 . What actions are still pending ? bad debts .

9 . 12 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 349 / 11

It is also important not to distort competition between the And will the Commission state :
beneficiaries of Community operations and a country 's
other small producers, who would otherwise be severely
disadvantaged . The lending rate must therefore be close to what retaliatory measures are available to the Community
the market rate, which stands at over 30 % throughout the and to Member States individually ;
region .

The Community operation offers two advantages, the first
being a slightly lower lending rate . The principal advantage,
however, is that the scheme is accessible to producers for
whom money-lenders charging usurious rates are at present
the only source of financing .

The relaxation of banking legislation in Central America
means that the central banks can now be by-passed, which
simplifies the financing channel considerably .

The Community does not require that property be
mortgaged as a guarantee . The principles of sound
management do, however, require checks on a borrower 's
reliability .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2615 / 93

by Alan Donnelly ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 27 )

Subject : Unitary taxation in the State of California

In view of the forthcoming meeting of the Trans - Atlantic
Dialogue, will the Commission determine its competence to
make representations on behalf of the substantial EC
business interests in California in the light of :

the Barclays case before the Supreme Court and its referral
by the Court to the US Department of Justice, highlighting
the inequitable and penal impact of taxing company profits
at odds with the system used by most countries ;

the absence hitherto of suitable retaliatory measures against
US business interests in the EC ;

the continued erection of trade barriers by the US at Federal
and State level ;

the refusal by the US Administration to support Barclays
publicly in its action against the State of California ?

what the impact has been so far of this punitive and
inequitable California unitary taxation system ;

what the long-term effect will be on EC business interests if
no action is taken ;

what representation it has made so far and whether these
have had any impact ;

what its stance will be in the Trans - Atlantic Dialogue and
whether it will ensure that this issue remains on the agenda
until it is resolved ?

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener

on behalf of the Commission

( 14 December 1993 )

The Commission has provided a forum for co-ordination of
Member States ' views on the issue of unitary taxation, and
has given support to representations made by them and by
Community business . In particular, the Commission has
supported the case in the courts . The Commission has also
strongly supported these representations in the course of
bilateral contacts with the United States .

The problems that the ' worldwide ' unitary methods
employed by California ( and some other States ) have
brought include the possibility of double taxation of profits,
and a significantly increased compliance burden . Their
likely impact in the long term on international trade and
investment, led the Member States, as well all other major
trading partners of the United States, to oppose such
methods of taxation . The strength of this opposition was
illustrated by the fact that the United Kingdom found it
necessary to enact retaliatory legislation, and by the threats
of retaliation from other countries .

Clearly, new legislation in California to amend its unitary
taxation law, would not have been introduced in the
absence of this concerted international opposition .
However, this new legislation does not fully resolve the
issues raised by the case, which will now be considered by
the US Supreme Court .

No C 349 / 12 Official Journal of the European Communities 9 . 12 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2622 / 93

by Filippos Pierros ( PPE )

. WRITTEN QUESTION E-2682 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission to the Commission

(1 September 1993 ) (3 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 28 ) ( 94 / C 349 / 29 )

Subject : Coordinating committee for the evaluation of

energy programmes in Greece

The aim of regional energy planning — which at
Community level is the responsibility of the Commission 's
DG XVII — is to draw up regional measures with a
particular view to improving energy supplies through a
more rational use of resources both at producer and
consumer level .

In Greece, more than twenty plans have been drawn up with
a budget of more than Dr 1 billion . In most cases, the
regional or local Greek authorities liaised with the
Community, although they were involved only in very few
instances in evaluating the plans and in even fewer in
implementing them .

Although the Commission, in its desire to involve these
bodies directly, supports the creation of local action groups
to ensure that the Community 's energy plans are
implemented, it is felt that a standing coordinating
committee should be set up to evaluate and develop
Community energy programmes with local authority
planning departments liaising with the Community . What is
the Commission 's view on this ?

Subject : Marketing and pricing problems in the fishing

industry

There has been a sharp fall in the dockside price of fish and
consumer prices are constantly rising, owing in large
measure to the weakness of producers ' marketing
'
organizations . Producers prices are also under tremendous
pressure from competition, essentially ' dumping ', by
catches from third countries which often do not comply
with Community or national regulations on quality or size .
In view of this :

1 . will the Commission call for the adoption of effective
measures to combat dumping and the marketing of
catches which do not comply with Community quality
rules and will it, in particular, introduce minimum
import prices and a ban on the sale of catches which the
fishermen in the country concerned are not allowed to
land because of the quality or size of the fish ?

2 . will the Commission take steps to introduce an
intervention mechanism for dockside sales to ensure

that catches are bought and channelled to the
markets ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

Answer given by Mr Matutes on behalf of the Commission

on behalf of the Commission
(2 December 1993 )
( 20 December 1993 )

Under the Community 's energy planning initiative, regional
and local authorities are the sole beneficiaries of financial

assistance from the Community, which is generally
extended in the form of studies .

These authorities are obliged under their contracts to
conduct an evaluation of the likely efficacity of the study in
question . Also the Commission itself periodically carries out
evaluations of its work in this area and of the projects
co-financed by it .

It should also be mentioned that the Commission is

currently preparing a communication on the results and
prospects of this Community initiative . Special attention
will be given to the need for evaluating, and drawing
maximum benefit from, the programmes supported under
this initiative, particularly in Greece .

1 . The Commission currently has no information leading
it to suspect dumping practices, within the meaning of
Article VI of GATT, by third-country producers of fishery
products and does not therefore intend to initiate an
investigation .

It would like to stress that the fall in prices of products from
third countries is only one of the factors underlying the crisis
on the Community market in fishery products, which is due
to falling demand generally .

To scope with the considerable drop in prices recorded for
some imports, from the end of February 1993 the
Commission implemented the safeguard mechanisms
provided for under the common organization of markets in
fishery products, subjecting imports of the main products
concerned to compliance with the reference price and
adopting measures to check the price and health status of
products landed directly by fishing vessels from third
countries .

9 . 12 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 349 / 13

It should also be remembered that imported products are
always subject to health and marketing standards at least
equivalent to those applicable to Community products . The
national authorities are responsible for ensuring compliance
with these standards .

2 . The intervention mechanisms provided for under the
common organization of the market in fishery and
aquaculture products are governed by Council Regulation

( EEC ) No 3759 / 92 ( J ) and apply, through the producers '
organizations, to the first marketing of the products
irrespective of what form this takes .

agricultural policy were to depend on the rate of self-supply
of the Member States then it might be feared that the
achievement of the single market would be largely
meaningless in the agricultural sector .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2762 / 93

by Karla Peiis ( PPE )

to the Commission

0 ) OJ No L 388, 31 . 12 . 1992 . ( 16 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 31 )

Subject : Unfair restriction of the trade in pigs

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2708 / 93

by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE )

to the Commission

(8 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 30 )

Subject : Increase in Greek milk quota

Despite the recent decision to increase the Greek quota of
fresh cow 's milk, the level of production in relation to total
domestic milk consumption in Greece remains exceptionally
low and the country 's dairies are producing far below
capacity .

Will the Commission consider increasing the Greek milk
quota in order to re-establish some degree of balance
between domestic production and consumption and secure
a proper return on the capital invested in the dairy
industry ?

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

(3 January 1994 )

Is the Commission aware that Italy is intending to adopt
regulations on Parma ham under which the pigs used for its
manufacture must henceforth be born, reared and
slaughtered in a region which covers approximately two
thirds of the Italian mainland and not, as one might expect,
the Parma area and its immediate surroundings ?

Would the Commission agree that the restriction on trade in
pigs from other Member States, which will be a consequence
of this move, cannot be justified in terms of the geographical
environment supposedly essential for the quality and taste
of Parma ham since the territory described is obviously far
too big ?

Would the Commission agree that these rules certainly
cannot be maintained in their present form if they are set
side by side with Regulation ( EEC ) No 2081 / 92 on the
protection of geographical indications and designations of
origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs which has
been in force since July 1993 ?

Is it not the case that the Italian regulations run counter to
the EEC Treaty and will frustrate the proper functioning of
the internal market ?

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

The Commission has no plans to propose to the Council any ( IS December 1993 )
further increase in the Greek milk quota which the Council
has just raised by 19% or 100 000 tonnes . If consumer
requirements have changed since the introduction of the Under Regulation ( EEC ) No 2081 / 92
quota scheme attention should rather be given to into force on 26 July 1993, the
reorganizing the processing industries in the direction of product can be protected at Community
drinking milk and the processing of cheese from the milk of registration, provided it fulfils the
sheep and goats . Articles 2 and 4 the

At the same time the Commission would like to point out
here that the overall guaranteed quantities are not fixed on
the basis of the rate of self-supply of milk of the Member
States but rather on the basis of quantities marketed during
a reference year, in this case 1981 . If the scheme were
organized differently and if the application of the common

Under Regulation ( EEC ) No 2081 / 92 ('), which entered
into force on 26 July 1993, the geographical name of a
product can be protected at Community level, by means of
registration, provided it fulfils the conditions laid down in
Articles 2 and 4, including the exception provided for in
Article 2(4 ), of that Regulation . Article 17 of the Regulation
lays down a simplified procedure for registering at
Community level denominations which already exist in the
Member States . The Commission carries out the registration
in accordance with the procedure provided for in Article 15,
i.e. after receiving the opinion of a regulatory committee in
which all the Member States are represented .

No C 349 / 14 Official Journal of the European Communities 9 . 12 . 94

Any file submitted by Italy for the registration of Parma ham
as a registered designation of origin will be examined and a
decision will be taken at the proper time in accordance with
the aforementioned Regulation .

(!) OJ No L 208, 24 . 7 . 1992 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2834 / 93

by Giuseppe Mottola ( PPE )

to the Commission

(4 October 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 32 )

Subject : Oil price increases — Serious blow to farms and

nurseries — Unfair competition with Member
States and third countries

The new tax relief system, which lays down a rate equal to
20 % of the standard tax on manufactured goods, has raised
the cost of agricultural gas oil by as much as Lit 125 a litre .
The resulting additional proceeds, amounting to
approximately 35%, are having adverse repercussions on
farming in general .

The floricultural sector alone uses some 260 000 tonnes of

fuel to heat greenhouses spread over the whole of Italian
territory . Its production units, over 32 000 in all, cover a
total area of 27 000 hectares, and their gross saleable
production is worth about Lit 3 000 billion .

1 . Can the Commission persuade the Italian Government
to revert to the prevention system, bearing in mind that
the sector in question is one in which innovation is
proceeding at a rapid pace, generating considerable
potential for expansion, not least in terms of
employment, and substantial spin-offs in the
distribution and services sectors ?

2 . Does the Commission not believe that a

disproportionately high input cost exceeding the level
obtaining in the principal Community Member States,
and accounting for 35 % of total costs, manifestly has
the effect of giving an unfair and unassailable advantage
to rival producers within and outside the
Community ?

3 . If the Member State concerned refuses to remedy the
situation, will the Commission harmonize the relevant
provisions throughout the Community by laying down a
maximum 10 % tax, thus preventing one Member State
from being treated differently from the others ?

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener

on behalf of the Commission

(7 December 1993 )

Article 8(2)(f ) of Directive . 92 / 81 / EEC permits Member
States to apply total or partial exemptions to the rate of

excise duty which they apply to mineral oils used in
horticultural .

It is therefore a matter for the Italian authorities to decide

the rate to tax such mineral oils and it would not be

appropriate for the Commission to intervene .

The Commission intends to review, during the course of

1994, the various exemptions and reduced rates laid down
in the relevant Community Directives governing the
application of excise duties to evaluate whether they are
compatible with the proper functioning of the internal
market .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2884 / 93

by Des Geraghty ( NI )

to the Commission

( 11 October 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 33 )

Subject : Robert Schuman Institute of Journalism

Does the Robert Schuman Institute of Journalism, with an
address at Rue de l'Association, Brussels, receive any

- funding from the European Commission ?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro

on behalf of the Commission

( 22 November 1993 )

The Robert Schuman Institute of Journalism does not
receive any funding from the Commission .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3005 / 93

by Brigitte Ernst de la Graete ( V )

to the Commission

( 29 October 1993 )

94 / C 349 / 34 )

Subject : Democracy and development and the Convention

of Lome

At the ACP-EEC Joint Assembly in Gaborone,
Commissioner Marin undertook to continue to defend the

Convention of Lome .

The second period of the Lome IV agreements is to be
discussed by an ACP-EEC working party .

1 . What are the Commission 's plans for a mid-term review

of Lome IV ?

2 . Will such a review be limited to the financial aspects or
will it involve substantial changes to the Convention of
Lome in the light of :

9 . 12 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 349 / 15

— major regional differences between the 69 ACP

countries ;

— the failure of Stabex ;

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2324 / 93

by Marie-Claude Vayssade ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

— the problems of democracy and human rights ? ( 94 / C 349 / 35

Subject : Diversion of Community funds

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 17 December 1993 )

Is it true that certain individuals and consultancies are
offering their assistance in obtaining European Community
funding in return for a fixed fee plus a percentage of the
funds obtained ?

Is the Commission aware of these practices, particularly in
view of the fact that the individuals and consultancies

concerned enjoy Commission backing and endorsement ?

In compliance with Article 366 of the Lome Convention and
on the basis of a Commission proposal, the Community and What does the Commission intend to do
its Member States are currently finalizing a common unacceptable use of public funds ?
position on the mid-term review of the Convention . This
exercise will culminate in the Council and the Member

If the Commission is aware of this practice, why

States establishing a negotiating mandate, in accordance

no action and what justification can it

with past procedures . Without prejudging the outcome of attitude ?
these discussions, the Commission can confirm, as it did at
the Joint Assembly in Brussels immediately after putting
forward its proposals, that the approach it advocates is not
limited to amendments or additions of a financial nature . WRITTEN QUESTION E-3039 / 93

What does the Commission intend to do about this

unacceptable use of public funds ?

If the Commission is aware of this practice, why is it taking
no action and what justification can it give for its
attitude ?

Its proposals, which concern a small but significant number
of the provisions of the initial Convention, are essentially
intended to increase the effectiveness of Community
development support for the ACP States . The main
objectives are therefore as follows :

— to confirm in the Convention the principles of
democracy, the rule of law and good governance,
alongside existing references to respect for human
rights ;

— to consolidate the instruments of dialogue between the

ACP States and the Community in order to reconcile
more closely the development objectives freely chosen by
the ACP States with the fundamental principles and
priorities of Community cooperation policy ;

— to ensure that the instruments ( including Stabex ) and

procedures used to implement ACP-EEC cooperation
are better coordinated and more effective .

The Commission also proposes that, in line with the

Community 's practice with other partners, the role of the
Joint ACP-EEC Council should be stepped up with view to

by Marie Isler Béguin ( V )

to the Commission

( 29 October 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 36 )

Subject : Methods used to obtain funds

At the ' Europartners ' exhibition in Lille the ' Trefilerie des
Vosges ' company was approached by a member of the

' Biotech ' company with an offer to obtain European
Community funding in return for a flat-rate fee of ECU
4 500 plus a percentage of the funding obtained .

The person concerned indicated that he was acting with the
' approval ' of the Commission .

Is it true that the Commission condones such practices ?

Are such practices acceptable in respect of Community
funds ?

Joint answer to Written Questions

E-2324 / 93 and E-3039 / 93

given by Mr Schmidhuber
on behalf of the Commission

establishing a political dialogue . (2 December 1993 )

The Commission is not aware of any cases of assistance
being given to obtain funds from the Community in return

No C 349 / 16 Official Journal of the European Communities 9 . 12 . 94

for a set fee plus a percentage of any funding obtained . It
follows that the Commission has never condoned in the

past, nor will it in future, any practice from which
consultants derive improper earnings, e.g. by creaming off a
percentage of Community aid at no financial risk to
themselves .

The Commission is happy to see a market in services, spring
up around its activities, but not if it is to the detriment of the
Community budget or of the final recipients .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 194 / 93

by Victor Arbeloa Muni ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 23 November 1993 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3395 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

(2 December 1993 )

( 94 / C 349 / 38 )

Subject : Arson attack at the Ioakimio Girls ' School in

Istanbul

Does the Commission intend to make representation to the
Turkish Government to do everything in its power to arrest
and punish in an exemplary manner those reponsible for the
recent Molotov cocktail attack against the Ioakimio Girls '
School in Istanbul ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

( 94 / C 349 / 37 ) ( 24 March 1994 )

Subject : Greenhouse effect

Does the Commission not fear that reducing agricultural
output will increase the greenhouse effect, as high unit-yield
plants are the most effective in filtering air ?

The Commission has no knowledge of the incident referred
to by the Honourable Member .

It naturally condemns all acts of violence, whether by
individuals or organizations :

The Commission has regular contacts with the Turkish
authorities at all levels and, at the appropriate time, will not
neglect to draw their attention to the importance attached
Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas by the European Union to the rule of law .

on behalf of the Commission

( 20 December 1993 )

It is true that plants play a vital role in fixing carbon dioxide,
thereby contributing to controlling the greenhouse effect .

However, reducing the area of farmland under cultivation
has a very minor impact on the greenhouse effect . Yield
from the land cultivated is continuing to rise, and part of the
land taken out of agricultural production undergoes
re-afforestation, and therefore continues to fix carbon
dioxide .

The Commission feels that prority should be given instead
to the following activities to control the greenhouse effect :
reducing industrial waste, reducing consumption of fossil
energy, substitution by other energy forms with a lower
carbon content such as natural gas, containing deforestation
in tropical regions, protection, optimum use and sustainable
development of forests, and promotion of renewable energy

sources .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3751 / 93

by Vincenzo Mattina ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 12 January 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 39 )

Subject : Money-lending at exorbitant interest rates

Money-lending at exorbitant interest rates, a phenomenon
which gives cause for concern, is now widespread and is
being practised on a large scale in the Member States . It
seriously impedes the development of the economy and
perpetuates or aggravates social inequalities .

In connection with the completion of the single market, it
would be unacceptable not to tackle this problem at
Community level .

9 . 12 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 349 / 17

It appears that French legislation, and in particular the Law
of 28 December 1966 ( as amended by the Laws of
21 January 1988 and 25 June 1990 ) establishes strict criteria
for determining whether the loan of a sum of money
constitutes usury .

In other countries however, such as Italy, no such civil-law
provisions exist . Moreover, under the criminal law it is left
entirely to the discretion of the court to define the offence of
usury, and courts must decide from case to case whether the
offence has been committed without reference either to any
objective criteria laid down by law or to the statutory limit
on interest rates laid down in the civil law ( which since 1990
has been 10% ).

Does the Commission not consider it appropriate to act,
taking into account the French experience, with a view to
eliminating the huge divergence which exists between the
legislation of the Member States, thereby filling a legislative
gap with regard to this serious phenomenon, which
neutralizes the social and economic progress of
communities ?

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener

on behalf of the Commission

(2 March 1994 )

Usury is an old financial concept which has changed in
meaning since the Middle Ages . Today it means that the rate
of interest for a loan is too high — in other words, the rate is
unfair .

Four Member States ( Belgium, Greece, France, the
Netherlands ) have specific legislation on usury . In the other
Member States the courts sometimes have the possibility of
declaring as usurious unreasonable credit terms .

In the course of preparing the Directives on consumer credit
( Directive 87 / 102 / EEC (*) and Directive 90 / 88 / EEC ( 2 )),
harmonization in this domain was mooted but not adopted .
The approach chosen was to inform the consumer via the
Annual Percentage Rate of Charge ( APRC ). This figure is a
precise indication of all the costs linked to a loan . By
comparing information the consumer can choose the most
interesting loan . This mechanism can function only if all the
rules concerning consumer information are respected .

At the current stage of work on the operation of the large
market in the field of consumer credit the Commission is not

considering any measures concerning usury . However, the
question is still open as to whether the rules on information
effectively cover all types of credit proposed to the

consumer .

í 1 ) OJ No L 42, 12 . 2 . 1987 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 61, 10 . 3 . 1990 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 856 / 93

by James Elles ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 17 January 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 40

Subject : Citizens ' rights of access to Commission responses

to complaints

There is mounting concern across the European Community
about the transparency of procedures applied by the
Commission when pressed with complaints about the
application of EC law .

One recent instance, reported in the British press, was that
the British company, Virgin Atlantic Airways, appeared to
be supplied with information submitted by British Airways
regarding their complaint so that Virgin might study the

response .

And yet, in the case of an individual complaint concerning
the application of an environmental Directive, a constituent
was unable to see the response from the Government of a
Member State .

Will the Commission indicate what the rules are in this area

so that ordinary citizens can be made aware of their
rights ?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro

on behalf of the Commission

( 22 April 1994 )

In the matter of providing information to complainants the
Commission is guided by the general rules (*), which read as
follows :

' — an acknowledgement of receipt will be sent to the

complainant as soon as the complaint is
registered,

— the complainant will be informed of the action taken

in response to his complaint, including
representations made to the national authorities,
Community bodies or undertakings concerned ;

— the complainant will be informed of any
infringement proceedings that the Commission
intends to instiute against a Member State as a result
of the complaint and of any legal action it intends to
take against an undertaking . Where appropriate, the
complainant will be informed of proceedings that
have already been instituted in relation to the subject
matter of the complaint .'

These rules were observed in the case cited by the
Honourable Member .

In addition, complaints regarding the behaviour of
companies with regard to the competition rules of the EC

No C 349 / 18 Official Journal of the European Communities 9 . 12 . 94

Treaty, such as the case brought by Virgin Atlantic Airways
against British Airways, are governed by specific rules laid
down in Council and Commission Regulations .

Applications to be heard in a case against one or more other
undertakings or associations must be granted if they show a
sufficient interest ( 2 ). In such cases the Commission informs
the complaint in writing of the essential facts of the case, but
without disclosing any business secrets or other confidential
information relating to the parties . After informing the
parties to the procedure, the Commission, as noted by the
Honourable Member, communicates to . the complainant
the parties ' response to the information supplied about the
complainant . The Commission gives the complainant the
opportunity to state his point of view in writing within a
time limit set by the Commission ( 3 ).

If the Commission considers that the material which it has

gathered in this way does not justify upholding the
complaint, it informs the complainant of its reasons and
fixes a time limit for submitting any further comments in
writing ( 4 ).

If the complainant is not satisfied with these reasons he has
the right to obtain from the Commission a formal decision
rejecting his complaint, which he can apply to have set aside
by the Court of First Instance .

These rules were also observed in the case cited by the
Honourable Member .

(!) OJ No C 26, 1 . 2 . 1989, p . 7 .

( 2 ) The second sentence of Article 19(2 ) of Council Regulation

No 17 and identical provisions in the Council Regulations
applying Articles 85 and 86 of the Treaty to transport by rail,
road and inland waterway, maritime transport and air

transport .
( 3 ) Article 5 of Commission Regulation No 89 / 63 and identical

provisions in similar Commission Regulations in the field of
transport by rail, road and inland waterway, maritime transport
and air transport .

( 4 ) Article 6 of Commission Regulation No 99 / 63 and identical

provisions in similar Commission Regulations in the field of
transport by rail, road and inland waterway, maritime transport
and air transport .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-ll / 94

by Peter Crampton ( PSE )

to the Commission

(8 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 41 )

Subject : Inspection of imported third-country meat and

animal products

The Third Country Directive 90 / 675 / EEC ( ! ) requires the
inspection of dead meat and animal products by veterinary
inspectors . This system works in most EC countries, where
veterinary inspectors exist . In the UK, however, there are no
veterinary inspectors . Veterinary surgeons have to be

employed by the authorities to supervise food inspectors .
The use of veterinary surgeons is expensive, as they are
highly-qualified, and also inappropriate since veterinary
surgeons are principally trained to deal with live animals .

Will the Commission consider a review of the legislation so
that the necessity for veterinary surgeons in UK inspections
is removed ?

(!) OJ No L 373, 31 . 12 . 1990, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

( 15 April 1994 )

Council Directive 90 / 675 / EEC lays down the principles
governing the organization of veterinary checks on products
entering the Community from third countries .

With the creation of the single market without checks at
internal frontiers, it is necessary to ensure that animal
products imported from third countries conform to
Community requirements and do not endanger the health of
humans or livestock . A wide range of products of animal
origin are imported, originating from, in some cases, third
countries where different health conditions prevail, and in
consequence particular guarantees may be required for
products of animal origin sent to the Community . These
conditions are established at Community level, and it is
essential that a common system of checks is applied at the
external frontier of the Community to ensure that the
common conditions are respected .

The training of the veterinary profession, in relation not
only to diagnosis of sickness, and the protection of health
and welfare of live animals but also in epidemiology,
pathology and physio-chemical inputs, and particularly
their training in zoonoses, led to agreement that
responsibility for veterinary checks of products of animal
origin imported from third countries should be under
veterinary responsibility . The Commission is not
contemplating proposing changes to Community legislation
recently adopted in this field .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-12 / 94

by Yves Verwaerde ( PPE )

to the Commission

(8 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 42 )

Subject : Air transport — air-traffic-management systems

On the basis of Council Directive 93165 / EEC i 1 ), the

9 . 12 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 349 / 19

Commission is authorized to make Eurocontrol standards

applicable to air-traffic-management systems mandatory .

Can the Commission report on the application of this
Directive as far as it is concerned ?

(M OJ No L 187, 29 . 7 . 1993, p . 52 .

Answer given by Mr Matutes

on behalf of the Commission

( 12 April 1994 )

The Directive in question is primarily aimed at the
short-term integration of the air-traffic-management
equipment used by the Member States .

Since the Directive was only adopted in July 1993, the
Commission has not yet had an opportunity to make use of
the instruments set up by it . However, progress is being
made on drawing up technical specifications for air traffic
management . In addition, the system has already been
applied in two major areas . The French, Italian and Swiss
Radar data exchange systems are now inter-operable, and
Eurocontrol 's Asterix interface protocol is heading in the
same direction . The strategy currently being pursued
consists of connnecting up all the European centres .

In practice this means that French air-traffic controllers will
have rapid access to the data produced by surveillance
radars in northern Italy .

A second major area of application concerns the
inter-connection of six air-traffic control ( ATC ) centres in
the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany . Five
of these, in Amsterdam, Maastricht, Brussels, Bremen and
Diisseldorf, are responsible for en route traffic, while a sixth
in Luxembourg deals with approach control . One centre
each in Belgium and the Netherlands and three in Germany
handling military flights are linked to the civil aviation

centres .

In order to attain the integration aimed at by the Directive,
the Commission will be looking to extend the partial results
obtained so far to all the Member States .

Finally, in a bid to achieve optimum use of resources on the
standardization front, the Commission has requested the
European standardization organizations, in close
collaboration with Eurocontrol, to draw up an overall plan
of the work to be carried out on ensuring the safety of
air-traffic-management systems .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-28 / 94

by George Patterson ( PPE )

to the Commission

(8 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 43

Subject : Residence restrictions on consumer promotional

offers

Does the Commission feel that restrictions on promotional
offers to consumers, subject to the condition that they are
resident in the country of the offer, are in principle contrary
to the spirit of the European Community and its
Treaties ?

In particular, can the Commission confirm that it is legal for
a promotional offer in France to be restricted to applicants
living in metropolitan France ?

Can the Commission define any difference in policy between
residency restrictions on consumer offers and, for example,
the sales of shares of nationalized industries in an EC

country ?

Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi

on behalf of the Commission

( 13 April 1994 )

The issues raised by the Honourable Member relate to sales
promotions . From the information given it appears that the
restrictions concern actions taken by private enterprises and
not by a Member State . If that is the case, the provisions of
the EC Treaty prohibiting obstacles to the free circulation of
goods and services ( Articles 30—36 and Article 59 ) are not
relevant . However, it should be noted that following a
request from the Parliament in November 1992, the
Commission is preparing a Green Paper on commercial
communications within the internal market . This

consultative document will examine inter alia all forms of

sales promotions, including a survey of national and
Community legislation and regulation .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-36 / 94

by Robert Delorozoy ( ELDR )

to the Commission

(9 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 44 )

Subject : Fighting drug addiction

With the headquarters of Europol having been assigned to
The Hague, the Netherlands have taken certain steps to
combat drug trafficking, namely :

No C 349 / 20 Official Journal of the European Communities 9 . 12 . 94

— ratifying the UN Conventions,

— accepting exchanges of police officers and
magistrates,

— following up letters rogatory forwarded to the
Netherlands, and

— setting up arrangements to prevent foreigners from

gaining access to coffee shops .

Nonetheless, many press reports continue to attack
Netherlands laxity with regard to the taking of drugs, which
is greatly to the detriment of neighbouring countries that
have taken more thorough-going measures to combat the
problem .

As the results achieved by the measures listed above are
unsatisfactory, is there any possibility that new provisions
may be enacted to oblige the Netherlands to combat the
drug problem more effectively ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-47 / 94

by Gordon Adam ( PSE )

to the Commission

(9 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 45 )

Subject : Regulation of biotechnology

The recent EU Heads of State Summit ( 10 / 11 December

1993 ) considered a White Paper on Growth,
Competitiveness and Employment which recognized the
economic importance of biotechnology and noted that the
current EC approach to regulations is unfavourably
perceived by scientists and industry with consequent
negative effects on EC competitiveness . The paper also
called for the Community to '. . . be open to review its
regulatory framework . .

Following this, what action is the Commission proposing to
take in the light of the UK House of Lords report
' Regulation of the United Kingdom Biotechnology Industry
and Global Competitiveness ' issued in October 1993 which
calls for amendment and reform of EC Directives
90 / 219 / EEC I 1 ) and 90 / 220 / EEC ( 2 ).

(!) OJ No L 117, 8 . 5 . 1990, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Flynn ( 2 ) OJ No L 117, 8 . 5 . 1990, p . 15 .
on behalf of the Commission

( 22 April 1994 )

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

The EC Treaty does not give the Commission power to ( 11 April 1994 )
compel a Member State to fight drug addiction more
vigorously . This is an area for which Member States alone
have responsibility . It should be recalled that each Member
State has its own legislation for fighting drug addiction . The Commission noted the House
However, national laws conform to the provisions of the biotechnology with interest . A
various United Nations conventions on drugs . recommendations relate to the

The purpose of the Community powers relating to the
prevention of drug addiction is to encourage cooperation
between the Member States, and, if necessary to support the
measures they take . Article 129 ( Public health ) expressly
rules out harmonization of the Member States ' laws and

rules . Independently of the establishment of Europol, and
more specifically of the gradual establishment of its Drugs
Unit, the Member States have agreed to cooperate more
closely in the fight against drugs, in particular, within the
new structures set up under Title VI of the Treaty on
European Union, relating to cooperation in the fields of
justice and home affairs, one of the provisions of which
refers explicitly to combating drug addiction

( Article K.l ( 4 )).

The Commission noted the House of Lords ' report on
biotechnology with interest . A number of the report 's
recommendations relate to the Commission 's current work
on making full use of the possibilities within the existing
regulatory framework for simplifying procedures and
adapting regulations to scientific and technical progress .
Other recommendations concern more fundamental issues

of regulatory approach and structure .

The White Paper on growth, competitiveness and
employment ( x ) includes a number of recommendations in
the field of biotechnology, endorsed by the European
Council on 10 — 11 December 1993 . The Commission will

present an interim report on the follow-up to and
implementation of the White Paper to the European Council
on 24 / 25 June 1994, including work carried out in relation
to biotechnology .

(M COM(93 ) 700 .

9 . 12 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 349 / 21

WRITTEN QUESTION E-54 / 94 Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission (5 April 1994 )

(9 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 46 )

Subject : The effects of the tensions in the Exchange Rate

Mechanism

The Commission is carefully studying the tensions that have
arisen in the European Exchange Rate Mechanism . Does it
believe that such tensions might jeopardize the Economic
and Monetary Union and the single market itself ?

Answer given by Mr Christophersen

on behalf of the Commission

( 13 April 1994 )

The turbulence in the exchange markets was a setback in the
process of monetary cooperation, but does not impede the
creation of a single currency in the Community .

The functioning of the single market can be affected if there
is excessive currency volatility especially in sectors where
hedging instruments to cover increased exchange rate risk
are unavailable or expensive compared with the underlying
transaction . That is why, since 2 August 1993, the
Commission has recommended Member States to be very
cautious in their exchange rate policies so as to avoid
volatility . The full success of the single market is also linked
to an improvement of the economic environment and the
restarting of employment creation, which are issues dealt
with in the broad economy policy guidelines adopted by the
Ecofin Council on 13 December 1993 and the White Paper
on growth, competitiveness and employment prepared by
theCommission and examined by the December European
Council in Brussels .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-55 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

Against the background of Cambodia 's pressing restoration
and reconstruction needs since the signing of the Paris Peace
Agreements in October 1991, the Commission has always
attached particular importance to protecting the temples at
Angkor .

The main features of a policy to conserve the monuments
under the auspices of the UN were adopted in a Unesco
General Conference resolution in November 1991 and

December 1993 . Angkor 's historic sites were officially
recognized and classified under the 1972 World Cultural
Heritage Convention .

The Community attended the intergovernmental conference
on the protection and development of Angkor 's historic
sietes in October 1993 and adopted its final
recommendations .

Any future initiatives by the Commission in this field should
be taken within the framework described above .

With regard to practical support and the crucial problem of
the viability of certain sisters which fell within the war
zones, the Commission is currently financing
mine-clearance operations to the tune of ECU 2 135 000 .

At the same time it is helping to implement a master plan for
the road transport network in Siem Reap province which
takes in the entire temple area . Consultations regarding
these projects are currently taking place between the
Cambodian authorities, Unesco and the Commission .

Finally, initiatives regarding customs and police
cooperation provided for under Title VI of the Treaty on
European Union could also make a useful contribution
towards preventing illegal trafficking in works of art
throughout the Community territory .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-57 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

(9 February 1994 )

(9 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 48 )
( 94 / C 349 / 47 )

Subject : Protection and restoration of the temples in

Angkor

Can the Commission state whether the Community intends
to provide funding for the protection and restoration of the
temples in Angkor ( Cambodia ) which are important world
cultural monuments ?

Subject : Combating the scourge of AIDS in Africa

At the Eight Pan - African Conference on AIDS which was
held recently in Casablanca, figures were released showing
that at least 1,5 million Africans suffer from AIDS and that 8
million carry the HIV virus . Can the Commission help in the
task of combating this scourge in Africa, as part of its
cooperation and development policy ?

No C 349 / 22 Official Journal of the European Communities 9 . 12 . 94

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

( 22 April 1994 ) ( 14 April 1994 )

The Commission launched a special Community
programme to combat AIDS in the ACP countries in July

1987 . Given the epidemic 's rapid spread, despite all efforts
to counter it, this programme has been continued and
indeed expanded . Since 1987 the programme has focused in
large part on those African countries in which the epidemic
got off to an early and very fast start .

On 7 January the Commission presented to Parliament and
the Council a communication on the Community 's policy
ancj strategic priorities for AIDS activities in the developing
countries . This paper was also distributed at the February
meeting of the Joint Assembly .

The Commission is committed to continuing its efforts to
curb the spread of the epidemic, reduce its impact and
increase scientific understanding of AIDS . Also with health
and welfare projects, there is an effort to integrate the debate
on AIDS or its social and economic impact into the wider
development cooperation context .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-160 / 94

by Kenneth Stewart ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 22 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 49 )

Subject : Monopoly of privatized electric suppliers in the

The Commission is aware that under the privatization
arrangements for the electricity industry in England and
Wales a system of franchises was established whereby
regional electricity companies were responsible for
providing electricity to customers within a specified
geographical area . Customers whose consumption does not
attain a certain threshold may be supplied only by the
regional electricity company having a franchise for supply in
the area where that customer is situated . Above this

threshold, consumers are free to obtain their electricity from
any available source . Under the initial arrangements the
threshold was set at 1 MW . As from 1 April 1994 the level
will be reduced to 0,1 MW and from 1 April 1998 it will be
abolished and all customers will be free to choose their

supplier . Prices charged to franchised customers are
regulated . Complaints about these prices are, in the first
instance, matters for the national authorities, and in
particular the electricity industry regulator .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 87 / 94

by Francesco Guidolin ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 22 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 50

Subject : Al-Invest Programme

What is the current state of implementation of the Al-Invest
Programme, and will the delay in establishing a secretariat
affect the duration of the programme ( two years )?

Manweb area in the UK Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 29 March 1994 )
Is the Commission aware of the vast profits made by
Manweb, the electricity supplier in the Merseyside area, and
British Telecom, two privatized monopolies . which operate The Al-Invest framework
without any competition that might benefit consumers ?

Should not the vast profits made by these companies result
in a price reduction for consumers ? Surely Community
competition policy would frown on the practice whereby
directors can pay themselves massive fees, whilst no benefits
accrue to the user .

Would the Commissioner concerned approach the British
Government to ensure that consumers receive fair treatment
and have an opportunity to choose their suppliers ?

The Al-Invest framework programme for industrial
cooperation and investment promotion, agreed by the
Commission on 26 April 1993, has raised great expectations
among both Latin American and European operators .
Already a number of projects and operations have been
carried out in relation to sub-contracting, expanding the
TIPS Programme ( Technological Information Promotion
System ) for South-South exchanges, and organizing
meetings between entrepreneurs .

With regard to the appointment of the secretariat, it was
decided following an open invitation to tender to set up a
secretariat with the active participation of the main existing

9 . 12 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 349 / 23

support networks for industrial cooperation with Latin WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 98 / 94
America : the chambres of commerce and the employers ' by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )
federations . to the Commission

The secretariat should soon be operational, allowing the
programme to be completed within two years as
planned .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-188 / 94

by Adriana Ceci ( PSE ), Gianfranco Amendola ( V ),
Luigi Vertemati ( PSE ), Francesco Guidolin ( PPE ) and

Maria Coppo Gavazzi ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 22 February 1994 )

( 22 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 52 )

Subject : Cooperation in respect of joint projects with

neighbouring countries

Will the Commission say whether there is any possibility in
the immediate future of Community funding for joint
infrastructure projects involving Member States and their
neighbours ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

( 94 / C 349 / 51 ) (6 May 1994 )

Subject : Prices of medicinal products in Italy

In view of the announcement by the Italian Government that
the prices of medicinal products are to be brought into line
with the ' average European price ' in two months ' time and
the fact that, to our knowledge, Community legislation does
not require Member States to set prices of medicinal
products at a given level, can the Commission :

1 . explain what this ' European price ' entails, the basis on
which it should be applied and the effect its application
would have on Italian consumers ?

2 . give details of the current state of implementation by
Italy of Directive 89 / 105 / EEC ( x ) on ' transparency ' in
respect of the prices of medicinal products, and of the
steps it intends to take in the event of obvious
infringement ?

(!) OJ No L 40, 11 . 2 . 1989, p . 8 .

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 13 April 1994 )

The Commission has been informed of the measures taken

recently by the Italian authorities regarding medicine
prices .

The Commission has no objection in principle to the
adaptation of Italian medicine prices to the average
European price . It is for the Italian authorities to decide how
they wish to calculate the average price of medicines, in
compliance with the provisions of Directive 89 / 105 / EEC
and, as regards medicinal products imported from other
Member States, Article 30 of the EC Treaty .

The Commission can through the Phare Programme
support the development of the infrastructure in the
countries of central and eastern Europe especially in the
sectors of transport, energy, telecommunication and
environment . The main instruments for providing financial

support are :

1 . Phare Cross-border facility

Following an initiative by the Parliament, ECU 150 million
has been earmarked in the 1994 Phare budget to support
cross-border cooperation between a Member State and a
Phare country . Improvement of infrastructure in the border
region is one of the activities which can be financed through
this facility . The identification of specific projects
continues .

2 . Co-financing of infrastructure investments

The European Council decided at its meeting in
Copenhagen in June 1993 that as from 1994 up to 15 per
cent of the total Phare budget could be made available in
support of the implementation of infrastructure
investments . The main criteria are that the project

( i ) must be a priority for the country as well as of
Community interest ;

( ii ) must be linked with progress in re-structuring or

re-organizing the sector in question ;

( iii ) must be bankable according to normal criteria applied

by the international financial institutions ( IFI ); and

( iv ) must be co-financed by at least three parties namely, one

or several of the IFI 's, the government and Phare .

The identification of specific projects for inclusion in the

1994 Phare Programme continues .

3 . Phare Regional Transport Programme

Support for the elimination of the most serious border
crossing bottlenecks is a key priority for the 1992, 1993 and

1994 / 95 Phare Regional Transport Programmes .

No C 349 / 24 Official Journal of the European Communities 9 . 12 . 94

Financial support is provided for the upgrading of the basic
infrastructure in the border crossing area and the
introduction of up-to-date and adequate customs clearance
and control procedures . Phare a general rule finances up to
50% of the specific investments . So far only border
crossings between a Phare country and a Member State or
two Phare countries have been included in the

programmes .

In 1992 and 1993 the budget was ECU 15 million for each
year and the envisaged budget for 1994 is ECU 30— 35
million .

4 . Trans-European Networks

Article 129 c.(3 ) EC Treaty permits cooperation with third
countries on projects of mutual interest and to ensure the
inter-operability of networks . These projects are identified
in the guidelines adopted by the Council

( Article 129c ( 1 )).

WRITTEN QUESTION E-207 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 22 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 53 )

Subject : Protection of gypsies

Has the Commission contacted the German authorities

about whether they are going to sign belatedly Resolution
62 of the UN Human Rights Commission of 5 March 1992
on protection for gypsies ?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

( 22 April 1994 )

The action called for by the Honourable Member lies
outside the province of the Commission .

Commission have any plans to ban TBT-based ship
coatings ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 23 March 1994 )

The Commission is not aware of such a study and will make
sure it receives a copy .

Council Directive 89 / 677 / EEC (*) ( amending for the eighth
time Directive 76 / 769 / EEC ( 2 ) on the approximation of the
laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the
Member States relating to restrictions on the marketing and
use of certain dangerous substances and preparations )
already prohibits the use of TBT 's in anti-fouling for vessels
less than 25 meters .

The application of this Directive is the responsibility of the
Member States .

( J ) OJ No L 398, 30 . 12 . 1989 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 262, 27 . 9 . 1976 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-228 / 94

by Anita Pollack ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 24 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 55 )

Subject : Acid rain

Will the Commission list, country by country, how many

large combustion plants which are fitted with flue gas
de-sulphurization systems and how many are without ? For
those without this system, is the Commission able also to
provide target dates for each Member State to fit such
systems . For those fitted with this system, is the Commission
able to say since which year such fittings have been in
place ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-227 / 94 Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas
on behalf of the Commission

by Anita Pollack ( PSE )

to the Commission ( 27 April 1994 )

( 24 February 1994 )

The Commission is not in a position to provide information
( 94 / C 349 / 54 ) on the number of plants fitted with flue gas
de-sulphurization or since when any plants have been fitted .

from ships Nor is the Commission able to provide target dates for each

Member State to fit such systems .

Subject : TBT pollution from ships

Is the Commission aware of a study sponsored by the UK
Department of the Environment which has found that the
southern North Sea is so polluted with the marine
anti-fouling chemical tributyltin ( TBT ) that the survival of
sensitive species like the dogwhelk is now at risk ? Does the

This kind of information is not requested in Directive

88 / 609 / EEC (*), on large combustion plants and Member
States are free to use any technology to reduce emissions .
Flue gas de-sulphurization is not the only possibility for

9 . 12 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 349 / 25

Member States to reduce S0 2 emissions in accordance with

the Directive .

(!) OJ No L 336, 7 . 12 . 1988 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-229 / 94

by Henry McCubbin ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 24 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 56 )

Subject : Qualifications of horsemanship

Horse riding is a popular past-time throughout Europe . It is
of great importance for both the welfare of the horse and the
safety of the rider that those involved in horsemanship
should be properly qualified . Many novice riders come to
riding schools with little knowledge of the structure of
instruction and of the qualifications required to instruct and
operate a riding business .

What qualifications are required throughout Europe to
instruct novices to ride horses, how are these qualifications
obtained and how are they supervized ? Are there
Regulations in place, or planned Regulations, at European
level concerning this issue ?

What qualifications are required by those providing a
service involving horses, those operating riding
establishments and other related businesses ? How are these

qualifications obtained and supervized ? Are there
Regulations in place, or planned Regulations, at European
level concerning this issue ?

Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi

on behalf of the Commission

( 13 April 1994 )

The Commission has no powers to approve diplomas and
other professional qualifications ; this remains the
responsibility of the Member States, which retain wide
latitude in deciding whether or not to regulate the taking-up
and pursuit of professional activities on their territory . The
same applies with regard to the conditions governing
education and training, the minimum level of qualifications
required and the use of professional titles .

Accordingly, there are no Community rules governing the
profession of riding-school operator, and it is for the
Member States to determine the legal framework and
monitor the pursuit of this activity . Nevertheless, in order to
ensure that the basic rights of freedom of establishment and

freedom to provide services are respected, the professionals
concerned may invoke the Community instruments for the
mutual recognition of diplomas and, more specifically,
Directive 92 / 51 / EEC (*) on a second general system for the
recognition of professional education and training to
supplement Directive 89 / 48 / EEC ( 2 ) 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 . Directive 92 / 51 / EEC is a general
instrument which — on its entry into force in June 1994 —
will cover, subject to certain conditions, all diplomas,
certificates and attestations awarded on completion of
higher or technical professional education and training not
covered by a specific Directive or by Directive
89 / 48 / EEC .

Professional recognition is based on the professional activity
for which a migrant has been trained in his home Member
State being the same as that which he wishes to practise in
the host Member State and, consequently, on there being a
certain correspondence between the education and training
undergone and that required in the host Member State .

(!) OJ No L 209, 24 . 7 . 1992 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 19, 24 . 1 . 1989 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-231 / 94

by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 24 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 57 )

Subject : Council housing

A recent publication from Cecodhas ( European Liaison
Committee for Social Housing ) suggests that it would be
worth knowing what the Commission 's current attitude was
to council housing within the European Union, pointing out
that the EC budget for 1993 included, for the first time, an
unquantified item — B3-313 — intended to finance housing
studies, pilot projects and help for the main European
organizations in the council housing sector .

Accordingly, it would be desirable to know precisely how
the Commission has made use of the opportunity offered by
this budget item in the year which has just ended .

In more general terms, can the Commission say whether the
proposal put forward by President Delors ( page 25 of the
Cecodhas publication, 'A roof for every European : five years
of commitments and action ') for the use of Feder funds
under Objective 1 to finance housing, in particular council
housing, has been taken up ?

No C 349 / 26 Official Journal of the European Communities 9 . 12 . 94

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

(5 May 1994 )

Budget item B3-413 to which the Honourable Member
refers is a token ( p.m .) item which has consequently not
been utilized . Parliament did not write this particular item
into the 1994 budget .

As part of its measures to combat social exclusion, the
Commission supports the informal meetings of housing
ministers, more particularly by facilitating an exchange of
information as desired by the housing ministers following
the conclusions of their information meetings in London in

1992 and in Brussels in 1993 .

The Commission would stress that the European Regional
Development Fund does not support subsidized ( council )
housing as such . It has, however, co-funded many
infrastructure projects related to the quality of the urban
environment, such as transport, mains water supply and
sewerage systems . In addition, the Commission has
provided support, under Article 10 of the ERDF Regulation,
to a number of urban pilot projects, one of the themes
focusing on the socio-economic problems of inner cities and
suburban residential areas .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-259 / 94

by Luigi Moretti ( ELDR )

to the Commission

( 24 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 58 )

Subject : Indirect taxes on real property brought into

joint-stock companies

having regard to Directive 69 / 335 / EEC ( ! ) and subsequent
amendments thereto,

— having regard to the combined provisions of Articles 7

and 12b of that Directive,

— having regard to the provisions of Presidential Decree

No 131 of 26 April 1986 ( Article 4(a )),

— having regard to the many decisions taken by the Tax

Commissions, particularly No 8694 ( First Instance ) of
22 September 1987 and No 327 ( Second Instance ) of
25 May 1991 ( both Florence ), No 141 ( First Instance ) of
26 August 1991 ( Tortona ), No 191 of 21 December

" 1991 ( Pesaro ) and the decision ( First Instance ) of

4 September 1992 ( Milan ),

Does Article 4(a ) ( first part ) annexed to Presidential Decree
No 131 of 26 April 1986 contravene EC rules by stipulating
that when real property is brought into a company, the rates
of tax referred to in Article 1 ( 8% for premises, 15% for
agricultural land ) must be applied in addition to
transcription and cadastral taxes ?

Does the Commission consider that the application of the
tax on the appreciation of immovable property is in
accordance with Community rules ?

(!) OJ No L 249, 3 . 10 . 1969, p . 25 .

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener

on behalf of the Commission

( 18 April 1994 )

Under Article 12(1 )( b ) of Directive 69 / 335 / EEC Member
States may charge transfer duties on transfers of immovable
property to companies covered by the Directive . The right to
do so constitutes a general and express derogation from
Article 10(b ) of the Directive, which prohibits Member
States from charging any taxes whatsoever on contributions
occurring as part of the transactions referred to in Article 4

( apart from capital duty, which was harmonized by the
Directive and the 1 % maximum rate of which is laid down

in Article 7, as amended by Directive 85 / 303 / EEC of 10 June

1985 ( 1 )). Accordingly, the imposition on companies in Italy
— in the event of capital formation or a capital increase
resulting from a transfer of immovable property or of rights
therein ( see the first part of Article 4(a ) of the Annex to
Presidential Decree No 131 of 26 April 1986 ) — of the
general registration fee introduced under Article 1 of that
Annex in respect of transfers of immovable property or of
rights therein carried out for a consideration does not
appear to contravene Article 12(l)(b ) of the Directive .

The charging of capital gains tax on immovable property

( Invim ) is tantamount to taxing the capital gain realized by
the vendor when immovable property is sold . As such, the
tax does not apply to the transfer of ownership of assets of
any kind carried out to the advantage of companies or any
other legal persons operating for profit and paid for by
means of the assignment of shares, rights or inheritance
rights in the company, which constitutes the chargeable
event as regards taxes on the raising of capital within the
meaning of Directive 69 / 335 / EEC . Consequently, Invim is
not covered by the Directive .

(M OJ No L 156, 15 . 6 . 1985 .

9 . 12 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 349 / 27

WRITTEN QUESTION E-266 / 94

by Bruno Gollnisch ( NI )

to the Commission

( 24 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 59 )

Subject : Bicycle parts imported from the Far East

I would draw the Commission 's attention to the fact that

anti-dumping legislation relating to bicycles imported from
the Far East and China in particular is apparently being
circumvented by large-scale imports of parts, attracting a
maximum duty of 8 %, which are then assembled in
Europe .

Can the Commission say, therefore, whether it is not
feasible to levy customs duties at the normal rate of 17 % on
parts which have not yet been assembled, possibly to levy
anti-dumping duties ( 30,6% ) on them and to ensure also
that they all comply with European standards of safety and
civil liability ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

( 22 April 1994 )

The current tariff rate for bicycles is 17 % and bicycle parts

8 % which will gradually be reduced in equal phases during
the 1995 — 1999 period to 15 % and 4,7 % respectively as a
result of the Uruguay Round agreement . These tariff rates
are bound in a GATT scheme and therefore can not be

increased unilaterally . As regards the abolition of GSP for
bicycle parts, from the information available for 1992, out
of the total imports of these products of ECU 495 million
into the Community which were eligible to GSP treatment,
imports only worth ECU 69 million actually benefited from
preferential treatment under the GSP . This represents just
under 14% of GSP eligible trade . Given these figures it
would seem that the GSP, in itself, does not play a decisive
role in the commercial operations relating to these
goods .

originating in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand ( Notice of
Initiation ( 2 )). The European producers of bicycle parts have
not yet submitted evidence that dumping of bicycle parts
occurs . However, if there is sufficient evidence that parts of
bicycles are being dumped into the Community from third
countries which cause injury, an anti-dumping complaint
could be considered .

So far as safety standards are concerned, it should be
emphasized that, to the extent that standards for bicycles
have not been set at Community level, national standards
will apply .

(!) OJ No L 228, 9 . 9 . 1993 .

( 2 ) OJ No C 35, 3 . 2 . 1994 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-285 / 94

by Laura González Alvarez ( GUE ) and Alonso Puerta
( GUE )

to the Commission

( 25 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 60 )

Subject : The Donana National Park Sustainable
Development Plan

According to a report published last November by the
former long-serving director of the Donana National Park 's
' Bio-reserve ', Mr Castroviejo, this model European
protected area is facing the worst crisis in its history .

The Commission is in possession of the ' Sustainable

'
Development Plan for the Donana Park — estimated cost
Ptas 62 884 million — for 1993 — 2000, for which the
Spanish authorities are requesting co-funding to the value of
Ptas 47 163 million .

1 . What decisions has the Commission taken with regard

to Community funding ?

2 . What financial instruments are to be used and what

amounts will be allocated to funding the Plan ?

3 . Has the Commission provided for any mechanism to
allow it to monitor the Plan and ensure the Community
environmental legislation is complied with ?

With regard to dumping from China, the Community has allow it to monitor the Plan
imposed on imports of bicycles originating in China and environmental legislation is
anti-dumping duty of 30,6 % by Council Regulation ( EEC )
No 2474 / 93 C ). The Regulation does not cover bicycle

4 . Can the Commission obtain

parts . However, if knocked down bicycle kits as presented
to the customs authorities, have the essential character of freedom Spanish authorities of access to that
finished bicycles, the customs authorities may apply the
tariffs of complete bicycles, including anti-dumping duties . applied ?
Furthermore, the Community has commenced an
anti-dumping proceeding concerning imports of bicycles (!) OJ No L 158, 23 . 6 . 1990, p . 56 .

4 . Can the Commission obtain a guarantee from the
Spanish authorities that Directive 90 / 313 / EEC (*) on
freedom of access to information will be properly
applied ?

No C 349 / 28 Official Journal of the European Communities 9 . 12 . 94

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

( 15 April 1994 )

The Commission decided on 9 December 1993 to provide
ECU 7 072 million from the European Regional
Development Fund in part-funding for the first phase of the
' Plan de Desarollo Sostenible del Entorno de Donana '.

A second decision relating to the main points of the plan will
be made shortly .

Monitoring of the programme will be undertaken in
particular with the national and Community authorities
responsible for environmental protection .

As regards guarantees on ' the application of Council
Directive 90 / 313 / EEC - on the freedom of access to

information on the environment, Spain has notified the
Commission of Law No 30 / 92 of 26 November ( Ley del
Regimen Juridico de las Administraciones Publicas y del
Procedimiento Administrativo Comun ) which implements
the Directive at national level . The said law is being
examined for conformity with Community law .

Through the various pilot programmes, notably the Poverty
3 Programme, the Commission has encouraged the partners
and players involved to develop measures using an
integrated multi-dimensional approach .

The Council is currently examining the draft version of the
new medium-term action programme to combat exclusion
and promote solidarity, including in urban areas .

Furthermore, the Commission has recently adopted a draft
employment initiative within the framework of Community
initiative programmes . A specific section of this initiative
entitled ' Horizon ' will be targeted at groups of people
excluded from the labour market, such as the
under-privileged and the handicapped . The Commission has
also adopted an initiative on urban areas ( Urban ) in this
context . The areas targeted by this initiative must have a
high rate of unemployment, a decayed urban fabric, poor
housing conditions and a lack of social facilities .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-306 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 28 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 62 )
WRITTEN QUESTION E-303 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 28 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 61 )

Subject : Special programme to deal with the problems of

Community cities

Given the complexity and inter-related nature of the
problems faced by cities in the Community, will the
Commission, in collaboration with Community city
authorities, draw up a special pilot programme taking a
comprehensive approach to the problems of Community
cities ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

(5 May 1994 )

The Commission is aware of the problems faced by large
towns . These problems are often complex as a result of an
accumulation of the problems of physical deterioration,
economic decline, unemployment and less social
cohesion .

Subject : Drafting of programmes and plans to resolve the

problem of social exclusion

Does the Commission plan to strengthen Community
networks at Union level and encourage the socially
marginalized themselves and their representatives in NGOs
to participate in drafting programmes and plans to resolve
the problem of social exclusion ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 30 March 1994 )

In its communication of 23 December 1992 ( ), the
Commission presented guidelines for possible initiatives to
help combat social exclusion . The communication stressed
the importance of cooperation with non-governmental
organizations in combating social exclusion, as well as the
need for the fullest possible involvement of their actual
population concerned .

As a preparatory measure, the Commission has set up a
specific consultation procedure with non-governmental

9 . 12 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 349 / 29

— Valoren ( appropriations for the period 1989 —1991 ):

organizations and the social partners for each of its — Valoren (
initiatives . These procedures have been implemented in the Ecu 0,27 million
preparatory work for the programme to combat exclusion
and promote solidarity proposed by the Commission on — Retax (
22 September 1993 ( 2 ).

— Retax ( appropriations for 1993 ): Ecu 0,03 million

— Stride ( 1991— 1993 ): Ecu 8,80 million

(!) COM(92 ) 542 final . During the same period, in the Objective 5(b ) areas of the

(■ 2 ) COM(93 ) 435 final .
Autonomous Community of Madrid, the ERDF
part-financed several projects to encourage business
diversification and the improvement of support
infrastructure in rural areas . The total contribution was Ecu

5,85 million, allocated as follows :

WRITTEN QUESTION E-339 / 94 National initiative :

by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE ) — Operational programme ( 1989 — 1993 ): Ecu 3,00
to the Commission million

(1 March 1994 )
Community initiatives :
( 94 / C 349 / 63 )

— STAR and Valören ( 1990 — 1993 ): Ecu 1,40 million

Subject : ERDF resources for the Autonomous Community

of Madrid

Can the Commission report on the financial resources
which the ERDF has granted in recent years to the
Autonomous Community of Madrid, the way in which they
have been used and the amount earmarked for the

Autonomous Community in question for 1994 ?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

( 25 April 1994 )

— Leader ( 1991 ): Ecu 1,45 million

During the same period, outside the eligible areas, the ERDF
part-financed the following measures ( total contribution
Ecu 6,66 million ):

— Pilot project at Fuenlabrada-Parla : Ecu 4,60 million

Community initiatives :

— STAR ( appropriations for the period 1989 — 1991 ): Ecu

1,51 million

— Valoren ( appropriations for the period 1989 —1991 ):

Ecu 0,55 million

The new programming period is 1994 — 1996 for Objective
2 and 1994 —1999 for Objective 5(b ). The allocation of
Between 1989 and 1993 a total sum of Ecu 129,35 million resources between regions and between Funds has not yet
was granted from the ERDF ( European Regional been adopted for 1994 .
Development Fund ) towards development measures in the
areas of Madrid eligible under Objective 2 . The breakdown
is as follows :

National initiatives : WRITTEN QUESTION E-340 / 94

by Gerardo Fernandez-Albor ( PPE )
— Operational programme ( 1990 / 91 ): Ecu 55,29 million to the Commission

— Operational programme ( 1992 / 93 ): Ecu 62,46 million

(1 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 64 )
— Two small-scale individual projects relating to the

development of Alcala de Henares for industries and
craft businesses : Ecu 0,37 million

— A study on the evaluation of ERDF assistance in

Objective 2 areas of Madrid : Ecu 0,02 million

Community initiatives :

— STAR ( appropriations for the period 1989 —1991 ): Ecu

2,11 million

Subject : Community programmes to counter the
development of shanty towns

The current economic crisis has caused a resurgence of the
regrettable phenomenon of shanty towns in certain Member
States thus reflecting the poverty, even the destitution, in
which many of our fellow Community citizens live .

In response to this crisis, which condemns the homeless to
the harsh living conditions of a shanty town, there should be

No C 349 / 30 Official Journal of the European Communities 9 . 12 . 94

maximum Community solidarity and programmes should
be implemented to demonstrate this solidarity with
homeless people who take refuge in shanty towns .

Can the Commission say what efforts are being made by the
Community to develop programmes which will reduce the
problem of shanty towns to the greatest possible extent,
increase Community solidarity and enable the most affluent
sections of the population to identify with those who lack
the means to put a decent roof over their heads ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

(4 May 1994 )

The Commission has implemented three programmes to
combat social exclusion . These programmes have shown
that exclusion is not only the result of insufficient resources
but that it is also necessary to have social and vocational
integration measures which ensure that people and families
have suitable living conditions . Accordingly, the importance
of having access to education, training, employment,
housing, public services and health care has been recognized
by the Council resolution of 29 September 1989 . Since
housing policy falls under the competence of the Member
States, it is up to them to take the necesary measures to
provide the badly housed and the homeless with suitable
accommodation .

On the basis of the experience acquired, the Commission
submitted a proposal to the Parliament and the Council, in
September 1993, for a programme to combat exclusion and
to promote solidarity .

Furthermore, each year the Commission gives financial
support to Feantsa, the European Federation of national
organizations working with the homeless . The creation of
this network is a direct result of the implementation of the
second Community programme to combat poverty which
has benefited several of its member associations . Feantsa is

also a member of the European Anti-Poverty Network
( EAPN ), which has all its running costs paid for by the
Commission and, as a privileged interlocutor, attends the
consultation meetings on social exclusion which are
regularly organized by the Commission .

The Commission also supports the exchange of information
at informal meetings between housing ministers . The final
declaration which was issued after the last meeting, on 19
and 20 October 1993, refers to the link between housing
conditions and social exclusion and invites the Commission

to inform them about any initiative launched in this
field .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-353 / 94

by Leen van der Waal ( EDN )

to the Commission

(1 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 65 )

Subject : Child-care facilities and the subsidiarity
principle

The answer to my questions ( Question No 1629 / 93 ) ( ) on
subsidiarity and child-care facilities gave a detailed
explanation of the benefits of child-care facilities . I did not
receive an answer to the following questions which I asked :
have the activities which the Commission intends to

undertake concerning child-care facilities been examined to
ascertain whether they are compatible with the subsidiarity
principle, and what grounds exist for arguing that
Community measures are more effective than measures
taken by the Member States individually ?

Can the Commission now provide an answer to the above
questions ?

(!) OJ No C 289, 17 . 10 . 1994, p . 5 .

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

(5 May 1994 )

The Commission ensures that it respects the subsidiarity
principle in all its activities . This also applies to activities
related to child-care within the Structural Funds .

In effect, the rules of the Structural Funds and, in particular,
of the ESF include measures for the caring of children and
dependants so that women can combine their professional
and family lives and so that their integration into
employment and training is facilitated . The Structural Fund
Regulations have been adopted by the Council and the
activities are carried out as part of the partnership between
the Member States and the Commission, thus ensuring that
the subsidiarity principle is thereby respected .

9 . 12 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 349 / 31

WRITTEN QUESTION E-355 / 94

by Cristiana Muscardini ( NI )

to the Commission

(1 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 66 )

Subject : Education of the children of migrant workers

According to Council Directive 77 / 486 / EEC ( J ), which
grants all Community citizens the right to enjoy their own
mother tongue and their own culture, the children of
migrant workers must be able to receive the education of
their country of origin .

Many protests recently made by organizations of Italian
workers residing in Baden - Wiirttemberg have brought to
light the fact that the Land government is failing to
implement and is evidently contravening the Directive with
regard to the education of the children of workers from the
various Community Member States .

Can the Commission report on the implementation of the
Directive in those Community countries with a high
concentration of migrant workers ?

What action does the Commission intend to take to ensure
compliance with the Directive and hence guarantee the
sacred right of European citizens to receive the education
and enjoy the language and culture of their own country of
origin ?

Does the Commission not consider that this Directive

should be revised to adapt it to a continuously evolving state
of affairs ?

Within the framework of the Lingua Programme and of

budget heading B3-1003 established following an initiative
by Parliament, the Commission ensures that all Community
measures for promoting the learning of the languages of the
Member States are open to the teaching of the mother
tongues of the children of Community migrants, and that
training is provided for the teachers responsible for these

courses .

As far as the revision of Directive 77 / 486 / EEC is concerned,
it should be noted that the 1994 legislative programme does
not provide for an initiative of this kind .

The Commission is sending forthwith to the Honourable
Member and to the Secretariat-General of Parliament a copy
of the inter-cultural education action plan drawn up on the
basis of heading B3-1003 in cooperation with the Member
States, which refers explicitly to the teaching of mother
tongues and cultures of countries of origin, as well as a list of
all the projects supported under this plan .

(») COM(84 ) 54 final and COM(88 ) 787 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-387 / 94

by David Bowe ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 March 1994 )

94 / C 349 / 67 )

(!) OJ No L 199, 6 . 8 . 1977, p . 32 . Subject : Interest rate ceilings

Answer given by Mr Ruberti
on behalf of the Commission

(4 May 1994 )

It should be noted that Directive 77 / 486 / EEC does not

introduce a subjective individual right to teaching of a
person 's mother tongue and the culture of his country of
origin . In contrast to Article 2 of this Directive, which grants
the children of migrant workers the right to be taught the
official language of the host State, Article 3 stipulates
that

' Member States shall . . . take appropriate measures to
promote, in coordination with normal education, the
teaching of the mother tongue and culture of the country
of origin '.

The Commission has already presented the Council and the
European Parliament with two reports on the application of
the Directive (*). A third report dealing with the current
situation will be forwarded to them shortly .

Is the Commission aware that only some countries within
the European Union have interest rate ceilings ?

Does the Commission have any proposals to examine this
matter with the intention of bringing forward Europe-wide
legislation ?

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener

on behalf of the Commission

( 15 April 1994 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its
answer to Written Question No 3751 / 93 ( a ).

( 1 ) See page 16 of this Official Journal .

No C 349 / 32 Official Journal of the European Communities 9 . 12 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-389 / 94

by Gérard Fuchs ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 68

Subject : Harmonization of the structures of excise duties on

alcohol and alcoholic beverages

Council Directive 92 / 83 / EEC (*) of 19 October 1992, on the
harmonization of the structures of excise duties on alcohol

and alcoholic beverages, provides under Article 27(f ) for
exemption from excise duty of beverages in the form of
constituents of semi-finished products for the production of
foodstuffs . This measure applies equally to large and small
producers .

1 . Could the Commission name those Member States

which, as of 1 January 1994, have not incorporated the
rules to implement this Article in their national
legislation ?

2 . In the case of Member States which have done so, could
the Commission indicate what were the practical
arrangements adopted by each ?

3 . Does the Commission think that the exemption
provided for in Article 27 can be applied without the risk
of evasion, avoidance or abuse, given that the large
number of operators will inevitably mean a sharp
increase in the number of those benefiting from
exemption ?

4 . Does the Commission agree that marketing
pre-modified specialities derived from spirituous
beverages, fit only for conversion into solid food for
human consumption, which is the case in some Member
States, might provide a useful solution to the problem
raised in part 3 of this question ?

abuse . The Commission does not possess detailed
information as to the conditions which each Member State

has chosen to apply, nor is it aware of any problem in this
particular area .

It will, however, request the Member States to inform it of
the conditions they have laid down and forward the
information to the Honourable Member .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4 16 / 94

by José Apolinârio ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 17 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 69 )

Subject : Novagri Programme ( Portugal )

Further to my previous question H-8 15 / 93 ( ) on the
Novagri Programme funded under the EAGGF Guidance
Section and the Commission 's answer, would the
Commission provide information on the amount of
appropriations transferred to Portugal under this
programme up to 31 December 1993 ?

(*) Debates of the European Parliament No 3-434 ( September
1993 ).

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

( 30 March 1994 )

The following amounts have been transferred under the
(») OJ No L 316, 31 . 10 . 1992, p . 21 . specific programme for restructuring of and innovation in
the agricultural sector, Novagri, submitted by Portugal
under Regulation ( EEC ) No 3828 / 85 ( 1 ) ( Pedap ):

— for 1992
Answer given by Mrs Scrivener

on behalf of the Commission

( 15 April 1994 )

According to the information available to the Commission
all Member States complied with the requirements of the
provision in question by 1 January 1994 .

The exemption concerned is to be applied subject to
conditions which the Member States themselves lay down
for the purpose of ensuring its correct and straightforward
application and of preventing any evasion, avoidance or

No application for an advance was made . A refund of
ECU 5 161 912 was paid to Portugal in September

1993 .

— for 1993

An advance of ECU 3 436 367 was paid to Portugal in
December 1992 .

(!) OJ No L 372, 31 . 12 . 1985 .

9 . 12 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 349 / 33

WRITTEN QUESTION E-419 / 94 Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

by Kirsten Jensen ( PSE )

to the Commission

(3 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 70 )

Subject : ' Ecological fur coats '

Does the Commission agree that consumers are being misled
by the practice of selling coats made from synthetic
materials as ' eco-fur ' coats and that the term ' eco-fur '

should only be used to designate natural fur ? What does the
Commission intend to do to stop this outrageous practice,
which is also damaging to the environment, since the
production of the synthetic materials causes pollution ?

( 11 April 1994 )

The Civic Organizations in South Africa were attributed no
money under the Special Programme for South Africa in

1994, whether directly nor through the Kagiso Trust .

No funds have been earmarked for Civics in 1994 by the
Programme .

The Commission has never supported Sanco .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-438 / 94

by Maren Gunther ( PPE )
Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas to the Commission

on behalf of the Commission

(3 March 1994 )
( 26 April 1994 ) ( 94 / C 349 / 72

Directive 84 / 450 / EEC ( ! ) concerning misleading and unfair
advertising provides all possible ways and means of dealing
with advertising and names which might be misleading to

consumers .

The Commission does not have any plans to take action in
this particular case .

0 ) OJ No L 250, 19 . 9 . 1984 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-437 / 94

by Otto von Habsburg ( PPE )

to the Commission

(3 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 71 )

Subject : Financial allocations to ' civic organizations ' in

South Africa

How much money has been allocated directly or indirectly
through the Kagiso Trust to ' civic organizations ' in South
Africa in 1994 under the special programme for South
Africa ?

Can a complete list of all civic organizations ; which are
expecting or have already received financial support directly
or indirectly from the EC through the Kagiso Trust be
provided immediately ? If not, why not ?

Is it known which of the civic organizations that have
received such financial support are affiliated to the South
African National Civic Organizations ( Sanco )?

Subject : EC financial support for terrorism in South

Africa

Has there been any investigation into the complaints of
terrorism and violence perpetrated by Sanco against
political forces that do not share its views ?

Is there any machinery for identifying participation in acts of
violence or intimidation by groups directly or indirectly
supported by the EC so that financial assistance may be
withheld from them or at least made dependent on their
adopting a democratic, civilized attitude ?

Has there been an investigation into the complaints of Sanco
conducting a long-term campaign of intimidation and
violence against the Democratic Party of South Africa to
exclude it from political activities in the townships and other
areas inhabited primarily by Blacks, or is such an
investigation currently being carried out ?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 13 April 1994 )

So far as the Commission is aware, no enquiry has been
made into the accusations of terror and violence by Sanco
against political organizations with different views .

One of the principal criteria of the Special Programme on
South Africa is the funding of only non-violent and
non-partisan organizations .

As the Programme does not fund Sanco or Sanco affiliates, it
is not up to the Commission to conduct such a study .

No C 349 / 34 Official Journal of the European Communities 9 . 12 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-465 / 94 Telephone access to the ministries concerned with the
by Tullio Regge ( PSE ), Rinaldo Bontempi ( PSE ) disabled in Italy does not fall within the jurisdiction of the

and Luciano Vecchi ( PSE ) Commission .

to the Commission

(7 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 73 )

Subject : Access to information on the Community 's
Helios II Programme in Italy

The aim of the Helios II Programme is to promote
cooperation and liaison between national policies for the
disabled and the institutions and associations concerned .

It also stipulates that its action must be incorporated into
action taken at national, regional and local level, in
particular by ensuring the dissemination of information and
exchanges of experience .

In view of the enormous difficulties which NGOs, disabled
persons ' associations, businessmen and trainers face in
obtaining information from the relevant Italian ministries
on the Helios II Programme, can the Commission make
representations to the Italian Government to draw up
suitable instruments guaranteeing the right to information
on and participation in the programme ?

Can it also ensure that those responsible in the respective
ministries, as indicated by the Commission itself, can at least
be contacted by telephone ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

WRITTEN QUESTION E-467 / 94

by Franco Iacono ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 18 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 74 )

Subject : Access to Commission premises for parliamentary

assistants

Accredited European Parliament assistants with valid passes
are systematically refused entry to Commission premises .
With a view to achieving greater openness in relations

between the various European institutions, access to
premises should be governed by common rules . Given
Parliament 's role in the Union 's decision-making process — ^
particularly since the entry into force of the new Treaty —
and the fundamental operational and representative
importance of the duties which parliamentary assistants
perform for Members, on what grounds are parliamentary
assistants refused entry to Commission premises, and does
the Commission not feel that it should take appropriate
steps to remedy this situation, so as to achieve greater
openness in relations between the various institutions and
improve collaboration between them ?

( 22 April 1994 ) Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

( 30 March 1994 )

The Commission encourages action to promote
cooperation, coordination and the exchange of information
between all institutions and persons interested in the
problems of the disabled and subsidises an annual
information meeting in each Member State . It does not,
however, have the power to make representations to the
Italian Government in order to guarantee the right to
information and participation of all concerned .

Permanent staff of the other institutions are allowed into
Commission buildings simply on presentation of their staff
cards .

The same principle applies to service providers who have a
contractual link with the Commission .

There is, moreover, a framework law in Italy on assistance,
social integration and the rights of the disabled ( N.104 of

18 February 1992 ), Article 41 of which establishes a
national committee to coordinate policy on the disabled .
The Italian authorities alone are responsible for the
functioning of this committee .

Accredited European Parliament assistants must comply
with standard procedures for visitors to the Commission

( leave an identity paper at reception, contact the official to
be visited ).

9 . 12 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 349 / 35

However, the Commission is prepared to review the
arrangements in the light of the decisions to be taken by
Parliament relating to the status of Parliament assistants .

The Commission considers that the current procedure
provides the necessary transparency between the various
institutions .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-480 / 94

by Brigitte Ernst de la Graete ( V )

to the Commission

( 14 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 76 )

Subject : Proposal for a Council Directive on minimum

requirements to improve the mobility and the safe
transport to work of workers with reduced
mobility
WRITTEN QUESTION E-473 / 94

by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE )

to the Commission This proposal ( ) was submitted on 11 February 1991, but

has still not been adopted . It has apparently been put before

March 1994 the Council for consideration three times .

to the Commission

(7 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 75 )

Subject : Transposition into national law of Community

provisions on single-member private limited
liability companies

Given the current labour shortage and the incentives for the
unemployed to set up their own businesses, it should
perhaps be pointed out that Community provisions on
single-member private limited liability companies have not
been ratified by all the Member States .

As the introduction of such Community legislation on
single-member private limited liability companies would be
a very good means of solving the problem of unemployment
and helping the unemployed to set up their own businesses,
could the Commission specify which Member States have
incorporated the Community provisions on such companies
into national law and what measures should be taken to

ensure that all Community Member States transpose such
provisions into their respective legislation ?

When the Helios II Programme was being set up, the
principles of European policy on the disabled ( equal
opportunities, integration and the opportunity to live
independently ) were recalled . Adoption of the Directive
would represent an important step towards putting these
principles into practice . .

What does the Commission intend to do ?

t 1 ) CC)M(90 ) 588 — OJ No C 68, 16 . 3 . 1991, p . 7 .

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 15 April 1994 )

On 26 November 1993, the Report from the Commission

Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi concerning the actions to be taken in the Community

on behalf of the Commission regarding the accessibility of transport to persons with

reduced mobility ( ! ) was submitted to the Council, and the

( 26 April 1994 ) Commission is now about to submit a note on the financial

consequences of the amended proposal for a Council
Directive on minimum requirements to improve the
All Member States except Belgium, Spain and Ireland have mobility and the safe transport to work of workers with
communicated to the Commission their national measures reduced mobility ( COM(91 ) 539 final — SYN 327 ) ( 2 ).
implementing Council Directive 89 / 667 / EEC on
single-member private limited-liability companies (*).

Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi

on behalf of the Commission

( 26 April 1994 )

The Commission has already initiated infringement
proceedings under Article 169 of the EC Treaty against
these three Member States .

The Commission hopes that these new elements will
expedite the examination of its proposal .

O COM(93 ) 433 final .
( 2 ) OJ No C 15, 21 . 1 . 1992 .
(!) OJ No L 395, 30 . 12 . 1989, p . 40 .

No C 349 / 36 Official Journal of the European Communities 9 . 12 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-496 / 94

by José Gil-Robles Gil-Delgado ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 14 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 77 )

Subject : Appropriations granted to the Autonomous
Community of Madrid

Can the Commission state the total value of the

appropriations ( commitment and payment ) allocated to
Madrid in each year from 1989 to 1993, including
Community initiative programmes ?

extended to the end of 1994 . Currently, it is making
satisfactory progress in the Autonomous Community of
Madrid .

The ' Unidad Administradora del Fondo Social Europeo ' of
the ' Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social ' is in charge of
managing the activities of the NOW initiative .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-498 / 94

by José Gil-Robles Gil-Delgado ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 14 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 79
Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission .

(5 May 1994 ) Subject : The Envireg Programme and the Autonomous

Community of Madrid

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

Can the Commission say how the Envireg Programme was
implemented in the Autonomous Community of Madrid,
what funding was allocated and how much has actually been
spent on the programme ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-497 / 94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-503 / 94
by José Gil-Robles Gil-Delgado ( PPE ) by José Gil-Robles Gil-Delgado ( PPE )

to the Commission

to the Commission
( 14 March 1994 )

( 14 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 78 ) ( 94 / C 349 / 80 )

Subject : The NOW Programme and the Autonomous

Community of Madrid

Can the Commission say how the NOW Programme was
implemented in the Autonomous Community of Madrid,
what funding was allocated and how much has actually been
spent on the programme ?

Subject : The Star II Programme and the Autonomous

Community of Madrid

Can the Commission say how the Star II Programme was
implemented in the Autonomous Community of Madrid,
what funding was allocated and how much has actually been
spent on the programme ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn WRITTEN QUESTION E-504 / 94
on behalf of the Commission

by José Gil-Robles Gil-Delgado ( PPE )
(3 May 1994 ) to the Commission

( 14 March 1994 )

The Commission forwards the list of NOW projects in the ( 94 / C 349 / 81 )
Autonomous Community of Madrid with the amount
allocated to each respective project to the Honourable
Member and to the General-Secretariat Of the Parliament . Subject : The Prisma Programme
Other promoters be participating in the NOW projects at Community of Madrid
national level, but the Commission has no details of them at

present . Can the Commission how the

Subject : The Prisma Programme and the Autonomous

Community of Madrid

A definitive report on the development of NOW will not be
available until the end of the initiative which has been

Can the Commission say how the Prisma Programme was
implemented in the Autonomous Community of Madrid,
what funding was allocated and how much has actually been
spent on the programme ?

9 . 12 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 349 / 37

WRITTEN QUESTION E-505 / 94

by José Gil-Robles Gil-Delgado ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 14 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 82 )

Subject : The Regen Programme and the Autonomous

Community of Madrid

Can the Commission say how the Regen Programme was
implemented in the Autonomous Community of Madrid,
what funding was allocated and how much has actually been
spent on the programme ?

Joint answer to Written Questions
E-498 / 94, E-5 03 / 94, E-504 / 94 and E-505 / 94

given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

( 14 April 1993 )

The Madrid region has not received funding from the
Envireg, Star II ( Telecommunications ), Prisma or Regen
Community initiatives or programmes .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-506 / 94

by Gérard Deprez ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 14 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 83 )

Subject : Comparison of EC-developing country trade

statistics for 1992 and 1993

Eurostat monthly statistics ( 12 / 93 ) for external trade in the
period January — May 1993 show that the European
Community had a surplus of ECU 6,5 billion in its trade
with the developing countries as against ECU 0,7 billion for
the same period in 1992 .

How does the Commission view this development ? What
are its causes ? What conclusions does the Commission draw

from it in terms of the Community 's development
policy ?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

compared to January to May 1992 must be seen in the
context of the overall improvement in the Community 's
trade balance during this period . As can be seen from the
Eurostat publication cited in the question, the Community 's
overall trade balance improved during this period by almost
ECU 17 billion, of which almost ECU 6 billion was
accounted for by trade with the developing countries . Such
an improvement in the trade balance is normal during times
of slow economic growth, as was the case during the first
part of 1993 .

The slowdown in Community import demand affected in
particular the ACP countries ( minus 29% ), the Latin
American countries ( minus 16% ) and the Mediterranean
developing countries ( minus 10% ). Community imports
from Asean countries increased by as much 17 % . The good
performance of the Asean countries can be explained by
their competitiveness and the much lower export
dependency of these countries on a small range of business
cycle sensitive commodities, unlike many other developing
countries .

The improvement in the Community 's trade balance with
the developing countries was reinforced by strong
Community export growth during the same period to the
Mediterranean developing countries ( plus 6% ), the Asean
countries ( plus 11% ) and the La;tin American countries

( plus 15 % ). Community exports to Hong Kong and South
Korea increased by respectively 7 and 18% .

For the Commission these developments underline the need
for continued emphasis in its development assistance policy
on diversification and strengthening of the economic
structures in developing countries .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-522 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 14 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 84 )

Subject : Improving the incentives for pharmaceutical
research in the Community

Does the Commission intend to improve the incentives for
pharmaceutical research in the Community ?

Answer given by Mr Ruberti
on behalf of the Commission

( 21 April 1994 ) ( 15 April 1994 )

The improvement in the Community 's trade balance with

developing countries for the period January to May 1993

Pharmaceutical research is an important element in the
programme of research into biomedicine and health .

No C 349 / 38 Official Journal of the European Communities 9 . 12 . 94

Sixteen multi-national research projects are currently being
carried out under the programme, which has mobilized 149
research teams and is costing around ECU 10 million .

In addition, at the initiative of the European Parliament,
ECU 3 million was spent in 1992 on promotion,
accompanying and support measures in the field of
pharmaceutical research, and these have given rise to several
publications .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-524 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 14 March 1994 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-526 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 14 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 86 )

Subject : Drawing up a Directive providing for compulsory

vaccination for children against poliomyelitis

Given that outbreaks of polio are continuing to occur in
Europe and that, in some areas of the Community, there are
still vulnerable sections of the population which have not
been vaccinated, does the Commission intend to draw up a
Directive making it compulsory, at least, for children ' to be
vaccinated against polio before the age of five ?

( 94 / C 349 / 85
Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

Subject : A study into the reasons for the recrudescence of

tuberculosis in the Community

According to the World Health Organization, there are now
many cases of tuberculosis (a disease which was thought to
have been fully stamped out ) in the industrialized countries .
Does the Commission intend to carry out a Community
study into the reasons for the recrudescence of tuberculosis
and the number of cases of this disease in the

Community ?

(4 May 1994 )

The Commission has no plans for elaborating such a
Directive .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-527 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission ( 14 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 87 )
(6 May 1994 )

The number of cases of tuberculosis fell steadily throughout
Europe in the 80s, but did not drop below a certain level,
which means that this transmittable disease has never been

eradicated . In recent years, the number of cases of
tuberculosis has been rising sharply in various Member
States of the Community, and this has quite rightly been a
matter of concern to public health officials . Following on
from the proposals set out in its communication on the
framework for action in the field of public health ( 1 ), the
Commission is currently looking into the possibility of
setting up, with the agreement of the representatives of the
Member States, a plan of action to combat AIDS and other
transmittable diseases, including tuberculosis . As part of
this^lan, epidemiological studies would be conducted at
Community level in order to identify more accurately the
various causes of this upsurge in the number of cases of
tuberculosis .

Subject : Revision of Directive 75 / 369 / EEC

In view of the fact that itinerant activities are a basic

component of European trade and play an important
economic and social role, and in view of, on the one hand,
the disparities in legislation relating to itinerant activities in
the 12 Community States and, on the other hand, the
transitional nature of Directive 75 / 369 / EEC ( x ), does the
Commission intend to take all the necessary steps to revise
the abovementioned Directive and, if so, when ?

(!) OJ No L 167, 30 . 6 . 1975, p . 29 .

Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi

on behalf of the Commission

(6 May 1994 )
(!) COM(93 ) 559 final .

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its

9 . 12 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 349 / 39

answers to Written Questions No 1509 / 93 ( ) and
No 3442 / 93 ( 2 ).

(!) OJ No C 300, 27 . 10 . 1994, p . 5 .
( 2 ) OJ No C 340, 5 . 12 . 1994, p . 35 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-532 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

guardianship are suitable ways of guaranteeing the right of
children to enjoy a family life, can the Commission look into
the legal situation in the Member States with regard to
adoption and guardianship of children so that it can take the
necessary steps to improve and harmonize European
legislation ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

to the Commission ( 20 April 1994 )

( 14 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 88 )

Subject : Basic rights of citizens

Can the Commission state whether, on the occasion of the
revision of the Maastricht Treaty scheduled for 1996, it
plans to include in the Treaty certain basic citizens ' rights
such as a minimum basic income, access to health care,
vocational training, education and culture, and access to all
basic social welfare services, decent housing and social
justice ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

(5 May 1994 )

The Commission is eager to promote the basic rights of the
citizen .

One of the questions raised in the Commission 's Green
Paper on the future of the European Social Policy (*) was
about the advisibility of a consolidated statement of citizens '
rights within the Union .

The Green Paper is a consultative document and any future
initiatives of the Commission will therefore depend on the
results of the consultation process which is undertaken .

The Community has no competence in the fields of the

family or children . The Commission cannot therefore take
any steps to tighten up or harmonize the Member States '
legislation on adoption and guardianship, for which the
Member States have sole jurisdiction .

However, on the basis of the conclusions of the Ministers
responsible for Family Affairs meeting within the Council in
September 1989, the Commission organizes exchanges of
experience and information in the field of adoption,
including a seminar on this subject in March 1993 in
Brussels, which was attended by representatives of the
Member States ' Governments, and by lawyers and social
workers . As part of the International Year of the Family, it is
supporting a seminar, again on adoption, organized by the
Portuguese Government, which is to be held in June this

year .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-562 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 15 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 90 )

(M COM(93 ) 551 . Subject : Length of drift-nets used for tuna fishing in the

North Atlantic

Will the Commission state the maximum legal length of

drift-nets used for tuna fishing in the North Atlantic ?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-553 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 15 March 1994 )

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 94 / C 349 / 89 ) ( 14 April 1994 )

Subject : The improvement and harmonization of European

laws on the adoption and guardianship of
children

In view of the fact that the UN has designated 1994 the
' International Year of the Family ' and that, adoption and

Since 1 January 1994 the maximum permitted length for
drift-nets used by Community vessels for tuna fishing in the
North Atlantic has been 2,5 km .

No C 349 / 40 Official Journal of the European Communities 9 . 12 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-582 / 94 WRITTEN QUESTION E-594

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) by Francesco Speroni ( NI )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-594 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission to the Commission

(9 March 1994 ) (9 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 91 ) ( 94 / C 349 / 92 )

Subject : Monopoly on the provision of technical assistance

Subject : Convergence of legislatio » on family allowances

Will the Commission draw up a proposal for a
recommendation to the Council on the need for a
convergence of legislation in the Member States on family
allowances ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

to vehicles on Ialian motorways

On Italian motorways, technical assistance to vehicles,
including transport by breakdown lorries, is provided by a
single operator on a monopoly basis .

Is this compatible with Union laws on competition ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

(5 May 1994 ) ( 13 April 1994 )

The European Union has no specific competence in the area
of the family . Furthermore, the Commission has made it
clear that harmonization of the social security systems is not
to be recommended because they are too diverse and are
rooted indifferent cultures . It does not therefore intend to

make a proposal to the Council on the harmonization of the
Member States ' laws in the field of family benefits .

However, on the basis of the conclusions reached by the
Ministers for the Family meeting within the Council of
September 1989, the Commission set up a European
Observatory of National Family Policies, whose annual
report describes and analyses the Member States ' legislation
on family benefits .

The Observatory will shortly begin to publish six-monthly
technical annexes containing updates of legislation
concerning the family, and in particular family benefits .

Finally, a recommendation on the convergence of social
protection policies was adopted by the Council in July

1992 ( M.

(!) OJ No L 245, 26 . 8 . 1992 .

The Commission has not previously had occasion to
consider the question of technical assistance to vehicles on
motorways in the Member States as it has not received any
complaints on this subject .

If the operator referred to by the Honourable Member falls
into the category of enterprises covered by Article 90(1 ) of
the EC Treaty, it would be necessary to check that the
Member State in question does not enact or maintain in
force any measure contrary to the rules of the Treaty, in
particular the competition rules . In addition, if the operator
in question were entrusted with services of general economic
interest, the compatibility with Community law of any State
measures that might be causing a problem could, if
necessary, be examined in the light of the exception
provided for in Article 90(2 ), within the limits laid down
there ( compliance with the principle of proportionality ).

For the rest, the Commission has learnt that the Italian
competition authority is in the process of examining several
cases concerning this question, on the basis of th£ powers
conferred on it by Italian Law No 287 of 10 October 1990

( power to conduct general investigations on its own
initiative in order to safeguard competition and the
market ).

The Commission accordingly considers it expedient to await
the results of the investigation before deciding whether
further action is necessary .

9 . 12 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 349 / 41

WRITTEN QUESTION E-650 / 94

by Lord Ingle wood ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 17 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 93 )

Subject : Tied houses block exemption

Is the Commission planning to propose a continuation of
the tie beyond the block exemption review of 1997 ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

( 15 April 1994 )

Commission Regulation ( EEC ) No 1984 / 83 ( ) of 22 June
1983 on the application of Article 85(3 ) EC Treaty to
categories of exclusive purchasing agreements contains, in
its Title II, special provisions for beer-supply agreements .
These allow a tie between a brewer and a tenant for beer and

non-beer drinks provided certain conditions are fulfilled .

As the Regulation does not expire until 31 December 1997,
the Commission has not taken any position yet as to
whether and, if necessary, with what amendments, it should
be renewed, nor will the preparation of such a decision start
before the beginning of 1996 .

(M OJ No L 173, 30 . 6 . 1983 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-670 / 94

by Maartje van Putten ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 21 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 94 )

Subject : The massacre in Chittagong Hill Tracts on

17 November 1993

Is the Commission aware of the massacre of Jumma natives
perpetrated in Chittagong Hill Tracts by Bangladeshi troops
and Bengali Muslim colonists during a peaceful
demonstration in Naniarchar on 17 November 1993, in
which Bangladeshi troops fired on the demonstrators,
leaving dozens dead ?

Is it prepared to make clear its concern for the safety of the
Jumma people in general, and its condemnation of the

massacre of 17 November 1993 in particular, to the
Government of Bangladesh ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

( 22 April 1994 )

The Commission is aware of the incident which took place
at Naniarchar on 17 November 1993 . According to the
information available to the Commission there is no

evidence that the army was involved in the incident .

Shortly after the incident, the Commission was also
informed that the Government of Bangladesh had set up an
independent commission of investigation which is expected
to publish a report about the incident to establish
responsibilities .

The recent agreement between the Governments of India
and Bangladesh has allowed the start of the process of
repatriation of the Jumma refugees from India back to
Bangladesh . Negotiations between the Government of
Bangladesh and the Jumma people are continuing . Taking
into consideration all of the above the Commission does not

favour any approach to the Bangladesh authorities on the
subject at present .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-718 / 94

by Glyn Ford ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 21 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 95 )

Subject : Anti-dumping legislation

Is the Commission aware that although there are
anti-dumping duties on bicycles from China there are no
anti-dumping duties on the increasing imports of bicycle
parts ?

Does the Commission agree that this is not only having a
detrimental effect on the European industry but is also a
threat to the European consumer due to the lack of EC safety
requirements for import bicycle components ?

Will the Commission therefore please state what measures it
will implement to eliminate the unfair competition and
guarantee the safety of the consumer ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

(4 May 1994 )

With regard to dumping of bicycles and bicycle parts from
China, the Commission has imposed an anti-dumping duty

No C 349 / 42 Official Journal of the European Communities 9 . 12 . 94

of 30,6% on imports of bicycles originating in China
( Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 2474 / 93 O ). The
Regulation does not cover bicycle parts . However, if
knocked down bicycles or bicycle kits as presented to the
customs authorities show the essential character of finished

bicycles, the customs authorities may apply the tariffs for
complete bicycles, including the anti-dumping duties .

The Commission agrees with the Honourable Member that
the imports of dumped bicycle parts from China could
seriously undermine the effect of the abovementioned
anti-dumping duty . An examination of the situation and
possible measures with regard to such imports would,
however, only be possible in the framework of a new
proceeding which would require a complaint to be
introduced by the producing industry in the Community .
Such a complaint would have to submit sufficient evidence
that bicycle parts are being dumped into the Community by
Chinese exporters .

Since there are no Community standards for the safety of
bicycles or bicycle parts, national standards apply .

(!) OJ No L 228, 9 . 9 . 1993 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-727 / 94

by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARE )

to the Commission

Will it also provide an overview of the European legislation
which people employed in embassies may invoke to
safeguard their social rights ?

(!) OJ No L 257, 19 . 10 . 1968, p . 2 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 257, 19 . 10 . 1968, p . 13 .

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

(4 May 1994 )

First of all, it must be emphasised that Regulation

1612 / 68 / EEC and Directive 68 / 360 / EEC only apply to
citizens of non-member States in their capacity as members
of the family of a Community worker who is taking
advantage of the freedom of movement within the
Community . The case of Filipino workers employed in the
Greek mission to NATO, to which the Honourable Member
refers, does not therefore fall within the scope of this
Community legislation .

The Member States bear sole responsibility for dealing with
the problem raised by the Honourable Member .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-734 / 94

by Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE )

( 22 March 1994 )

to the Commission
( 94 / C 349 / 96 )

( 22 March 1994 )

94 / C 349 / 97

Subject : Social statute for embassy staff

Very recently, a Filipino woman employed by the Greek
mission to NATO was dismissed . It then emerged that she
was unable to contest the dismissal at a labour tribunal and

was not entitled to benefit . She was, moreover, illegally
resident in Belgium . The Belgian trade union for employees
and technical and professional workers ( BBTK ) has rightly
criticized this state of affairs and believes that several

hundred people working at other embassies are employed
under equally precarious conditions .

Clearly the problems faced by migrant workers originate in
the Vienna Convention, which guarantees all embassy staff
immunity from criminal, civil and administrative
prosecution .

1 . Does the Commission take the view that the Vienna

Convention can be invoked to employ staff under
conditions incompatible with the Social Charter
adopted by 11 of the 12 Member States, Regulation

1612 / 68 / EEC O and Regulation 68 / 360 / EEC ( 2 )?

2 . What steps can it take to guarantee the social rights of

staff employed by embassies ?

Subject : Discrimination against teachers recruited by
foreign schools

Under the terms of international agreements, the foreign
schools operating in Greece ( for example the Anglo-Hellenic
school ) have a legal obligation to recruit Greek teachers to
teach the Greek language . Until 1987 they enjoyed the same
status as the other teachers at private schools and the same
professional career prospects were open for them . Thus, if
they were appointed to a post in the state education sector
the years teaching they had spent in foreign schools were
recognized .

Howver, in 1987 the ministry of education, for reasons best
known to itself, decided that Greek teachers appointed at
foreign schools should not be given the legal certificate of
appointment so that they now have the same status as any
employee or technician working at foreign schools .
Teachers recruited by the foreign schools are thus clearly
subject to totally unjustifiable discrimination compared to
their colleagues working at Greek private schools, at least as
far as the professional career arrangements safeguarded by
the law are concerned .

9 . 12 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 349 / 43

Will the Commission say whether this discrimination is Answer given by Mr Flynn
permissible under the Treaties and in the light of on behalf of the Commission
Community legislation and policy and, if so, it intends to ( 26 April 1994 )
restore equality of treatment and to abolish discrimination
in this sector ?

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its
answer to Written Question No 2736 / 93 ( 1 ).

f 1 ) OJ No C 310, 7 . 11 . 1994 .
Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

(6 May 1994 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-792 / 94

The facts as presented in the question indicate that a period
of service by a Greek teacher in a private school in Greece
prior to his appointment in a State educational institution is
taken into account by the Ministry of National Education
for the development of his career in state education .
However, since 1987 a period of service effected by the same
teacher in a foreign school operating in Greece on the basis
of a bilateral agreement has no longer been taken into
account for the purposes of career development .

Given that the persons involved in this matter have never
exercised their right to freedom of movement, the situation
described by the Honourable Member is a purely internal
one, all the elements of which are confined to one Member
State ( Greece ), and does not in any way resemble any of the
situations envisaged by Community legislation on freedom
of movement for workers .

Accordingly, Community provisions on freedom of
movement cannot be applied in the case in point, and the
national ( Greek ) administative or jurisdictional authorities
bear sole responsibility for this matter .

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 23 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 99 )

Subject : Implementation of the Community Charter on the

Fundamental Social Rights of Workers

Does the Commission intend to take any measures to
implement the Community Charter on the Fundamental
Social Rights of Workers and apply the Protocol on Social
Policy agreed on between 11 Member States which allows
decision-taking by qualified majority voting in respect of the
following main areas :

1 . informal labour relations,

2 . parental authorization,

3 . reversal of the burden of proof,

4 . consultation and information of workers,

5 . secondment of workers,

6 . the protection of young people at the workplace ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
WRITTEN QUESTION E-787 / 94 on behalf of the Commission

by Christine Crawley ( PSE ) (5 May 1994 )
to the Commission

( 23 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 98 )

Subject : Manufacture of solvents

The Commission would no doubt agree that precautions
taken during the manufacture of solvents which could
render them less usable to children addicted to inhaling
them would be welcome . Is the Commission aware that in

the USA mustard seed oil serves just such a purpose ?

What steps would the Commission be prepared to take to
ensure that this, or other appropriate measures are taken to
reduce the availability of inhalable solvents ?

As regards the proposals listed by the Honourable Member
and still pending at the Council, the Commission envisaged
the possibility of recourse to the provisions of the
Agreement on social policy in its communication concerning
the implementation of the Protocol on social policy
presented to the Council and the European Parliament in
December 1993 :

' the Commission will decided on a case by case basis
whether or not to make use of the Agreement in order to
progress the proposals, should there be an impasse at the
Council . In cases where it opts for using the Agreement,
the Commission will do everything possible — in
agreement with the social partners concerned, where
appropriate — to ensure that work which has already
been done is taken into account and thus to speed up the
consultative process '.

No C 349 / 44 Official Journal of the European Communities 9 . 12 . 94

The Commission has recently decided that the Agreement
should be used to progress the proposed Directive on the
consultation and information of workers in

Community-scale undertakings or groups of undertakings
which was based on Article 100 of the EC Treaty ( 1 ).

It is within the framework of this Agreement that the
Commission adopted this proposal for a Directive on

13 April 1994 .

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

(4 May 1994 )

The ILO Convention No 87 concerning freedom of
association and protection of the right to organise has been
ratified by all the Member States .

(M OJ No C 39, 15 . 2 . 1991 . Furthermore, there is no convention dealing precisely with

equality before the law of trade union organizations .
However, on a point of information, the Commission would
point out that ILO convention No 98 concerning the right to
WRITTEN QUESTION E-794 / 94 organize and to collective bargaining has been ratified by all
the Member States .

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 23 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 100 )

Subject : Measures to safeguard the trade union rights of

workers

Will the Commission say whether it intends to submit a
proposal for a Directive to safeguard the trade union rights
of workers ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

(3 May 1994 )

The Commission does not currently have any plans to
submit a proposal to the Council for a Directive on trade
union freedom .

However, it should be emphasised that the right of
association and trade union freedom are included in point

11 of the Declaration adopted by 11 Member States
constituting the ' Community Charter of the Fundamental
Social Rights of Workers '.

WRITTEN QUESTION E-801 / 94

by John Iversen ( V )

to the Commission

(4 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 102 )

Subject : Esprit resources withheld from the Danish
company CRI

Is it true that payments have long been withheld from the Danish company CRI ( Computer Resources International ),
a participant in the Esprit project Itsie 2615 ?

If so, why, what amounts are involved and has this
happened before to the CRI company ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 11 April 1994 )
WRITTEN QUESTION E-796 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 23 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 101 )

Subject : Ratification of international conventions
regarding equality before the law of trade union
organizations and the right of workers to set up
trade union activities

Will the Commission say whether all the Member States of

- the European Union have ratified the international
conventions regarding equality before the law of trade
union organizations and the right of workers to set up trade
unions ?

Esprit has over 600 projects and as part of the normal and
positive monitoring and reviewing process it is natural that
clarifications are sought . In some cases this may lead to part
of the funding being withheld .

In addition, it forms part of Esprit management practice that
projects and partners are audited . The implementation of
audit recommendations might require adjustment of labour
rates of the partners .

CRI is such a case . Further to audit recommendations,
adjustment of labour rate has been made . In addition,
clarification on some costs of CRI in the Itsie project was
needed .

9 . 12 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 349 / 45

A review procedure has been set up to resolve this, and CRI
has now agreed to accept the Commission proposition on
the basis of review recommendations . The participation of
CRI in the Itsie project ( total ECU 3,1 million funding ) is
budgeted on ECU 527 500 funding . Payments have been
made to the consortium up to 90 % of funding, including
ECU 464 000 for CRI, as normal awaiting agreement on the
consolidated project costs . The review was led to agreement
with CRI on 7 March 1994 on the consolidated costs in the

project . Final payments will soon be processed .

Finally, following the reform of the Structural Funds, the
Member States are currently presenting their plans for the
new Objective 4 . As for the Commission, it has recently
proposed a new Community initiative programme,
Adapt ( 3 ), which aims to promote the adaptation of the
workforce to industrial change on a trans-national scale .

(!) OJ No L 156, 21 . 6 . 1990 .
( 2 ) OJ No C 67, 4 . 3 . 1994 .

( 3 ) COM(94 ) 46 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-806 / 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-805 / 94
by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) to the Commission

to the Commission
( 23 March 1994 )

( 23 March 1994 ) ( 94 / C 349 / 104
( 94 / C 349 / 103 )

Subject : Measures to safeguard freedom of establishment

Subject : Support for new types of investment and the

vocational training of workers

Given that economic development would receive a
substantial boost from new types of investment and
improvements in the vocational training of workers, does
the Commission intend to take measures to create more

suitable conditions to encourage economic development by
means of new financial and investment systems and through
the vocational training of workers ?

for lawyers

Will the Commission say whether it intends to submit a
proposal for a Directive on measures to safeguard freedom
of establishment for lawyers ?

Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi

on behalf of the Commission

(6 May 1994 )

Answer given by Mr Ruberti Yes .
on behalf of the Commission

(6 May 1994 )

The Commission agrees with the Honourable Member that
investment by undertakings in the continuous training of
workers is one of the main elements for supporting
economic development and for promoting employment .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-8 17 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 23 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 105 )

The Commission has already implemented the pilot
programme Force ( 1 ), in order to promote the exchange of
experience and good practice through the development of
trans-national training projects and the carrying out of
comparative research on national continuous training
mechanisms and their development .

The Commission has recently proposed the new
' Leonardo ' ( 2 ) programme which aims to support and
complement the action of the Member States, especially by
improving the quality and innovative capacity of national
activities in the field of vocational training .

Subject : Youth exchanges as a means of fostering mutual

understanding among young people from different
European Union Member States

In view of the need to encourage youth exchanges as a means
of fostering mutual understanding among young people
from European Union Member States, can the Commission
take steps to encourage contacts aimed at fostering youth
exchanges through programmes and initiatives ?

No C 349 / 46 Official Journal of the European Communities 9 . 12 . 94

Answer given by Mr Ruberti
on behalf of the Commission

WRITTEN QUESTION E-838 / 94

by Maartje van Putten ( PSE )

(6 May 1994 ) to the Commission

( 30 March 1994 )

The Commission has already been active in the area referred
to by the Honourable Member, particularly through the
Youth for Europe programme and ' priority actions in the
youth field '.

In its proposal for the third phase of the Youth for Europe
Programme, currently being examined by Parliament and ­
the Council under the co-decision procedure, the
Commission has made provision for increased support for
the structure responsible for promoting cooperation in the
youth field ( Action C of the proposal for a Decision on
Youth for Europe III ( 1 )).

( 94 / C 349 / 107 )

Subject : Chief Authorizing Officer / Review Lome IV

The Commission made a proposal to give powers to Chief
Authorizing Officers to establish on their own initiative
technical management units for the implementation of
large-scale projects and programmes in ACP countries .

(M COM(93 ) 523 final — COD 474 . Is the Commission aware that this proposal runs directly
contrary to current reforms of World Bank practice, where
the establishment of such units is being abandoned since it is
believed that they contribute directly to the undermining of
wider governmental capacity and the efficient use of scarce
human resources at the national level in Africa ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-8 18 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 23 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 106 ) Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 25 April 1994 )
Subject : Establishment of a European Youth Monitoring

Unit

Does the Commission intend to set up a European Youth The Commission would like to begin by emphasizing that
Monitoring Unit to study the major problems facing the the Council has endorsed its initial proposal on the matter
youth of Europe ? raised by the Honourable Member, including it in the

request of the Community and the Member States of the
European Union for a review . This initiative is therefore no
longer that of the Commission alone .
Answer given by Mr Ruberti
on behalf of the Commission

(4 May 1994 ) As for the substance of the problem touched on by the
Honourable Member, the Commission would draw her
attention to the danger of confusion that can arise from the

Commission may examine an initiative use of identical terms to describe different circumstances . In
setting up of a structure of the type fact, the practice to which she refers involves the World
Member . Bank entrusting the monitoring of the implementation and

management of operations financed by it to a technical unit

Community measures to help young independent of the recipient government . For the reasons
is already supporting projects identified by the Honourable Member, the World Bank does
at achieving a better understanding in effect intend to abandon this system in favour of another
problems facing young people . based on encouraging the establishment of such a unit inside

the ministries concerned . In so doing the Bank is simply

for Europe III ' ( x ) also makes moving closer to the course of action advocated by the
and development of support Community and its Member States, which, while reserving
with young people . certain powers for the chief authorizing officer, seek to

develop the responsibility of the national authorities .

It is possible that the Commission may examine an initiative
which would lead to the setting up of a structure of the type
described by the Honourable Member .

However, as part of Community measures to help young
people, the Commission is already supporting projects
involving studies aimed at achieving a better understanding
of, in particular, the problems facing young people .

The proposal ' Youth for Europe III ' ( x ) also makes
provision for the continuation and development of support
for studies concerned with young people .

(M COM(93 ) 523 final — COD 474 .

9 . 12 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 349 / 47

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener

WRITTEN QUESTION E-841 / 94 Answer given by Mrs Scrivener
on behalf of the Commission

by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark ( PPE )

to the Commission (6 May 1994 )

( 30 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 108 )

Subject : Acts of violence against elderly people

In view of the increasing reports of violence directed against
elderly people, will the new annual report from the
Commission on acts of violence against disabled and other
groups of people specifically include elderly people — who
are not necessarily disabled — as a separate group ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

(3 May 1994 )

The proposed study into violations of the human rights of
disabled people does not identify older people especially .

However, a large proportion of disabled people are elderly .
The report will refer to violations and discrimination
experienced by older disabled people .

It is envisaged that the report will be submitted to the
Parliament in spring 1995 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-876 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 30 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 109 )

Subject : Judicial treatment of consumers

The first point raised by the Honourable Member is covered

by the ' Green Paper on Access to Justice for Consumers and
the Regulating of Consumer Litigation in the Single
Market ' ( 1 ). Since the consultation period is due to end on
31 May 1994, the Commission considers it advisable to
await the reactions of the various parties involved, and the
opinion of the European Parliament, before deciding on the
various specific measures which could be considered .

As far as the second point is concerned, the Commission
would point out that, in order to make Community
legislation clearer and more comprehensible, it has for some
years now been inter alia consolidating texts ( incorporation
of the successive amendments into the basic legal act, with
the resulting legal text producing no legal effects ), and
carrying out their constitutive codification ( the adoption of
a new legal text incorporating and annulling the basic act
and the amending acts, without altering the substance
thereof ).

The work of consolidation has now been made easier by the
new computer system developed by the Office for Official
Publications of the European Communities, which makes it
possible to obtain automatically the consolidated version of
a legal act when it has been amended . A programme to catch
upon the backlog of consolidation for all Community
legislation is being conducted at the same time as ongoing
consolidation . Consolidation will also facilitate constitutive

codification .

In accordance with the wishes expressed by the European
Council of Edinburgh, the Commission set out the priorities
for constitutive codification in the legislative programmes
for 1993 and 1994 . Furthermore, in its communication of

16 December 1993 ( 2 ), it identified the needs for
constitutive codification in the internal market field over

and above those mentioned in the legislative programmes
referred to above . These needs will be taken into account in

future legislative programmes .

Following the request made by the above European Council
to Parliament, the Council and the Commission to develop
an accelerated working method for constitutive codification
that is mutually acceptable arid which makes it possible to
adopt codified Community legislation rapidly and
effectively using the normal decision-making process, on

1 1 March 1994 their legal services drew up the draft of such
a method by common agreement . This method will have to
be adopted by the three institutions in the form of an
inter-institutional agreement .

Bearing in mind the unequal judicial treatment of consumers

inter-institutional

in the various Member States, can the Commission take
steps to abolish the ' judicial frontiers ' which still exist and if
so, what will these steps consist of ? (!) COM(93 ) 576 final .

( 2 ) COM(93 ) 361 final .

Will the Commission lay down the procedure which must be

followed for codifying Community legislation ?

No C 349 / 48 Official Journal of the European Communities 9 . 12 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-879 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 30 March 1994 )

94 / C 349 / 110

Subject : Pension rights of Greek Australians who have

returned to Greece

The Australian Government does not wish to sign an
inter-State social security agreement with Greece on the
ground that it would be economically disadvantageous . Will
the Commission sue its good offices to persuade the
Australian Government to sign as soon as possible an
agreement covering the pension rights of Greek Australians
who have returned to Greece ?

standard contract setting out the general principles
governing certain aspects of the contractual links between
clubs and professional players, an idea which was put
forward by the Commission in 1991 . The point was made at
the time that the drawing up of such a contract would
necessitate detailed discussions with all the parties
concerned ( see answer to Written Question No 1878 / 91 by
Mr di Rupo (*).

So far, this idea has met with little response from the sports
federations or the professional players ' associations . If
proposals are not made by the parties concerned, the
Commission cannot offer its assistance in the drawing up of
a standard contract .

(M OJ No C 38, 15 . 2 . 1992 .

on Answer behalf given of the by Commission Mr Flynn WRITTEN QUESTION E-895 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )
(5 May 1994 )
to the Commission

( 30 March 1994 )

The conclusion of an agreement between a Member State ( 94 / C 349 / 112 )
and a third country in the field of social security is entirely
the responsibility of the countries concerned . It is therefore
up to the Greek and Australian authorities to decide Subject : Abolition of the payment
whether or not to sign a bilateral agreement on the basis of

professional sportsmen

their reciprocal interests .

Subject : Abolition of the payment of a signing-on fee for

professional sportsmen

WRITTEN QUESTION E-891 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 30 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 111 )

In view of the fact that the system of paying a signing-on fee
for professional sportsmen, as currently practised,
constitutes a modern form of slavery and an infringement of
freedom of contract and the provisions on the free
movement of workers as well as an infringement of
Article 85 of the Treaty of Rome, does the Commission
intend to take action to abolish the payment of signing-on
fees ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

Subject : The introduction of equitable contracts for (3 May 1994 )
professional sportsmen

Can the Commission state whether ( and when ) equitable
contracts will be established universally in the sphere of
professional sport ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

(3 May 1994 )

The Commission presumes that the contract which the
Honourable Member is referring to in his question is the

The Honourable Member 's question is currently the subject
of a request for a preliminary ruling from the Court of
Justice by a Belgian court of law ( Case C 415 / 93 ), Union '

Royale des Societes de football Association v. Bosman . A
Court judgment may be expected before the end of the year .
Under these conditions, the Commission is not in a position
to give a definite answer today to the question which has
been asked . If the Court condemns the system of signing-on
fees, as operated in the case submitted to the Court, the
Commission, in as far as its competence allows, will take
steps to enable this judgment to be effectively executed .

9 . 12 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 349 / 49

WRITTEN QUESTION E-959 / 94

by Christine Oddy ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 12 April 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 113 )

Subject : Partnership law

Does the Commission have any plans to harmonize
partnership law in the European Union ?

Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi

on behalf of the Commission

(5 May 1994 )

The Commission has no intention of proposing the

harmonization of the partnership laws of the Member
States .

However, as the Commission has indicated previously
in its White Paper on growth, competitiveness and
employment (*) and in its strategic programme for the
completion, the management and the future development of
the internal market ( 2 ), it is currently in the process of
preparing a recommendation on the transfer of enterprises .
This recommendation is likely to cover some aspects of the
law of partnerships, e.g. measures to facilitate the
continuation of a partnership after the death of one

partner .

course to train 20 socio-cultural workers, financed by the
Union using money from the Social Fund for Vocational
Training and organized by the Sienese company
Interlocutore on behalf of the Lombardy region .

According to the report :, free teachers have worked on the
course in different capacities : a Mr Santoro, who was
employed to draw up the teaching programme and the texts
and also worked as a teacher, both independently and as
part of a team, a training supervisor and a coordinator for
the work of external non-teaching staff ; a Mr Ruffino, who
was likewise involved in drawing up the teaching
programme and the texts, worked as a teacher and acted as
the director of internal non-teaching staff ; and a Mr Galli,
who was employed as a teacher ( working both
independently and as a part of a team ), a training supervisor
and a non-teaching external staff member .

Each of the above individuals received separate
remuneration for work performed in each of the above
capacities .

Is this form of management and payment in accordance with
the practice usually adopted in the case of courses financed
by the Unon ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

(5 May 1994 )

law of partnerships, e.g. measures to facilitate the The various projects relating to training operations
continuation of a partnership after the death of one part-financed by the ESF are not submitted to the
partner . Commission . Each operation is subject to the legislation in

force at regional and national level . Consequently, the
relevant information may be supplied directly by the
(!) COM(93 ) 700 final . regional authorities of Lombardy ( Vocational Training

( 2 ) COM(93 ) 632 final . Board ).

( 2 ) COM(93 ) 632 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1099 / 94
WRITTEN QUESTION E-1087 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )
by Francesco Speroni ( NI ) to the Commission
to the Commission ( 30 March 1994 )

( 30 March 1994 ) ( 94 / C 349 / 115 )

( 94 / C 349 / 114 )

Subject : Immigration to EU Member States

Subject : Irregular management of training courses financed

by the Union and run by the Lombardy region

On 9 March 1994 the Milan daily newspaper II Giornale
published an article concerning the running of a six-month

Can the Commission say when it intends to raise the
problem of immigration with the Member States of the
European Union, given that, despite the official ban, it is still
allowed under certain conditions which vary from country
to country ?

No C 349 / 50 Official Journal of the European Communities 9 . 12 . 94

Answer given by Mr Flynn Journal . It may however be observed that the primary
on behalf of the Commission obligation on the Commission ( Article 140 EC Treaty ) is to
(6 May 1994 ) reply ? and that the publication of the reply is secondary .

On 23 February 1994 the Commission adopted a
communication on immigration and asylum policies ( J ), and
transmitted it to the Council and Parliament . It hopes that it
has laid the basis for a detailed debate capable of yielding a
comprehensive long-term strategy .

(M COM(94 ) 23 final .

Steps are being taken to accelerate replies to written
questions, through a review of Commission procedures and
through a stricter application of procedures . The
Commission aims to reduce its reply time to the six weeks
sought by the Parliament .

In this context the Commission cannot help remarking upon
the dramatic increase in the number of written questions
addressed to it by the Parliament . There were 3 588 in 1993

( compared with 3 051 in 1992 ) and there have been 1 600
so far in 1994 . Of these questions, a large proportion ( 28 %
WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 122 / 94 in 1993, more in 1994 ) emanate from a single member .

by Alex Smith ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 30 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 116 )

Subject : Time taken to reply to questions

Currently it takes about four to six months to obtain a
typescripted reply to questions put to the Commission for
written response ; it can take a further three to four months
before these replies are published in the Official Journal of
the European Communities .

The Commission has previously indicated that this
interminable delay in publication is, in the main, due to the
need for translation of answers into the Community
languages . This procedure renders most questions
ludicrously out of date and brings Community institutions
into disrepute .

If plans to expand the Community by accepting applications
from Sweden, Finland, Norway and Austria go ahead this
will add a further three new languages to Community
procedures .

Will the Commission indicate whether this will lead to

further delays in printing replies to questions from
Members, if not, will the Commission explain why not ?

What steps will the Commission take to improve delays in
publication of answers ?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro

on behalf of the Commission

(2 May 1994 )

The Commission is not satified with the time taken to reply
to written questions, and to publish the reply in the Official

It is correct to say that one of the principal reasons for delay
in reply to written questions, and in publication of replies, is
the need for translation . The translation service has to cope
with a heavy workload, often with very short deadlines . A
move from nine to 12 official languages will certainly not
speed up publication, but as the Honourable Member
would expect, the Commission has made plans to deal with
the increased number of languages .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1429 / 94

by Gijs de Vries ( ELDR )

to the Commission

( 19 April 1994 )

( 94 / C 349 / 117 ),

Subject : Office accommodation for Mr Lubbers

According to the Dutch press ( ), an office in the
Commission 's premises in The Hague will be made available
to Mr Lubbers if his premiership comes to an end following
the formation of a new cabinet in the Netherlands . The

director, Mr Hustinx, has been instructed by his superiors to
clear the office ' immediately ' for Mr Lubbers .

1 . Is the Commission also providing office
accommodation for the more than 700 000 citizens of

the Netherlands who are already in retirement ?

9 . 12 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 349 / 51

2 . Is the Commission charging Mr Lubbers the same rent
as would have to be paid by other citizens of the
Netherlands for office accommodation with a view over

the Binnenhof buildings in The Hague ?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

(4 May 1994 )

3 . If the answer to either of the above questions is in the
negative, will the Commission instruct its director in
The Hague ' immediately ' to put an end to this The Commission has not instructed its staff in The Hague to
unacceptable form of favouritism ? vacate an office for a person who is not a member of the

Commission . This being so, the remainder of the
( ! ) Algemeen Dagblad, 11 March 1994 . Honourable Member 's inquiries are irrelevant .