Source: EURLEX
Language: en
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# Official Journal

## of the European Communities

### English edition Information and Notices

Notice N o Contents

I _Information_

European Parliament

_Written Questions with_ _answer_

ISSN 0378-6986

## C283

Volume 33

11 November 1990

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90/C283/09

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N o 422/89 by M r H e m m o Muntingh to the Commission

Subject: COST-301 project 1

N o 458/89 by M r Dieter Rogalla to the Commission

Subject: Checks on Community nationals at airports 2

N o 623/89 by M r Dieter Rogalla to the Commission

Subject: Withdrawal of driving licences 2

N o 903/89 by Mr Llewellyn Smith to the Commission

Subject: Battery imports from South Africa 3

N o 920/89 by M r Joaquin Siso Cruellas to the Commission

Subject: Transparency of financial institutions in relations with their clients 3

N o 932/89 by Sir James Scott-Hopkins to the Commission

Subject: Proposed general product safety Directive 4

N o 979/89 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to the Commission

Subject: VAT on the printed word 5

N o 1130/89 by M r John Bird to the Commission

Subject: Harmonization of safety standards — pushchairs 6

N o 1257/89 by M r Ernest Glinne to the Commission

Subject: Membership and representativeness of the consultative committees set up in the
Member States to enhance the status of less widely spoken languages 6

N o 1259/89 by M r Victor Arbeloa Muru to the Commission

Subject: Criteria for customs-posts issuing phytosanitary (plant-health) certificates 7

(Continued overleaf)

Notice No Contents (continued) Page

90/C 283/11 No 1260/89 by Mr Victor Arbeloa Muru to the Commission

Subject: Customs-posts barred from issuing phytosanitary (plant-health) certificates 7

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1259/89 and 1260/89 7

90/C 283/12 No 1307/89 by Mrs Raymonde Duty to the Commission

Subject: Statement attributed to the President of the Commission 8

90/C 283/13 No 45/90 by Mr Ian White to the Commission

Subject: Social Charter 8

90/C 283/14 No 54/90 by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission

Subject: Illegal waste water discharges by the EC institutions in Brussels 8

90/C 283/15 No 132/90 by Mr Carlos Carvalhas, Mr Jose Barros Moura, Mr Francis Wurtz and

Mr Joaquim Miranda da Silva to the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the

European Community meeting in European Political Cooperation

Subject: American intervention in Angola 9

90/C 283/16 No 183/90 by Mr Dieter Schinzel to the Commission

Subject: The Commission office in Bonn 9

90/C 283/17 No 270/90 by Mr Pol Marck to the Commission

Subject: Harmonization of pesticides 10

90/C 283/18 No 271/90 by Mr Jens-Peter Bonde to the Commission

Subject: Imports from and exports to South Africa 11

90/C 283/19 No 332/90 by Mr Filippos Pierros to the Commission

Subject: Impact of the single market on Greek customs agents 11

90/C 283/20 No 357/90 by Mrs Raymonde Duty to the Commission

Subject: Education in the principles of democracy 12

90/C 283/21 No 367/90 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin to the Commission

Subject: Japanese trading practices 12

90/C 283/22 No 379/90 by Mr Stephen Hughes to the Commission

Subject: Helios 13

90/C 283/23 No 391/90 by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark to the Commission

Subject: Seizure of drugs in Member States 13

90/C 283/24 No 540/90 by Mrs Maria Aglietta and Mr Eugenio Melandri to the Commission

Subject: New Mediterranean Policy 14

90/C 283/25 No 545/90 by Mr William Newton Dunn to the Commission

Subject: Town twinning 15

90/C 283/26 No 575/90 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin to the Commission

Subject: Network of universities in the regional capitals 15

90/C 283/27 No 594/90 by Mr Rafael Calvo Ortega to the Commission

Subject: Budget fraud in the Community 15

Contents (continued) p a g e

9 0 / C 283/28 N o 598/90 by M r Georgios Romeos to the Commission

Subject: Protective measures in the citrus fruit processing sector 16

9 0 / C 283/29 N o 600/90 by M r Stephen Hughes to the Commission

Subject: Fifth ECSC medical research programme 16

9 0 / C 283/30 N o 604/90 by M r Yves Verwaerde and M r Jean-Pierre Raffarin to the Commission

Subject: The disabled 17

9 0 / C 283/31 N o 613/90 by M r Kenneth Coates to the Commission

Subject: Deployment of development staff 17

9 0 / C 283/32 N o 615/90 by M r Madron Seligman to the Commission

Subject: Labelling of electrical goods 17

9 0 / C 283/33 N o 630/90 by Mrs Christine Crawley to the Commission

Subject: Noise awareness project 18

9 0 / C 283/34 N o 645/90 by M r Elio Di Rupo to the Commission

Subject: Taking non-Belgian students into account for the calculation of grants for Belgian
teaching establishments situated in border areas 18

9 0 / C 283/35 N o 699/90 by M r James Ford to the Commission

Subject: Evaluation of the current research and training programme in the field of controlled
thermonuclear fusion 19

9 0 / C 283/36 N o 700/90 by M r James Ford to the Commission

Subject: Identification of hardwood imports 19

9 0 / C 283/37 N o 701/90 by M r James Ford to the Commission

Subject: Preservation of tropical rainforests 19

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 700/90 and 701 /90 20

9 0 / C 283/38 N o 726/90 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to the Commission

Subject: Staff situations in DG XIV and DG VIII 20

9 0 / C 283/39 N o 770/90 by M r Christopher Jackson to the Commission

Subject: Customs brokers — neutralization of the negative effects of 1992 21

9 0 / C 283/40 N o 781 /90 by Sir James Scott-Hopkins to the Commission

Subject: European motor car manufacturers 21

9 0 / C 283/41 N o 783/90 by Sir James Scott-Hopkins to the Commission

Subject: Cooperation Fairs 22

9 0 / C 283/42 N o 822/90 by Mrs Beate Weber to the Commission

Subject: Routine supply of Commission documents to the Federal German Interparliamentary
Working Party 22

9 0 / C 283/43 N o 836/90 by Mrs Teresa Domingo Segarra to the Commission

Subject: New technologies and the employment of women 23

9 0 / C 283/44 N o 853/90 by M r Gerardo Fernandez-Albor to the Commission

Subject: Community aid for Argentina 23

(Continued overleaf)

Notice N o Contents (continued) Page

9 0 / C 283/45 N o 856/90 by M r Joaquin Siso Cruellas to the Commission

Subject: Community subsidies for shelters for AIDS sufferers 24

9 0 / C 283/46 N o 859/90 by M r Joaquin Siso Cruellas to the Commission

Subject: European association to assist the victims of terrorism 24

9 0 / C 283/47 N o 882/90 by M r Patrick Lalor to the Commission

Subject: Road safety 25

9 0 / C 283/48 N o 886/90 by M r James Fitzsimons to the Commission

Subject: The frozen food market 25

9 0 / C 283/49 N o 898/90 by M r Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission

Subject: Opening of the European defence market 26

9 0 / C 283/50 N o 911/90 by Sir James Scott-Hopkins to the Foreign Ministers of the Member

States of the European Community meeting in European Political Cooperation

Subject: Interim role for the UN . 26

9 0 / C 283/51 N o 924/90 by M r Ernest Glinne to the Commission

Subject: Apportionment of appropriations from budget Article 636 to the committees set up in
the Community to promote the use of the less common languages 27

9 0 / C 283/52 N o 935/90 by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark to the Commission

Subject: The elderly 27

9 0 / C 283/53 N o 954/90 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission

Subject: Employee consultation in the public sector 28

9 0 / C 283/54 N o 959/90 by M r Herman Verbeek to the Commission

Subject: Employee consultation in the public sector at European level 28

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 954/90 and 959/90 28

9 0 / C 283/55 N o 964/90 by M r Jean-Pierre Raffarin to the Commission

Subject: Pollution by motor vehicles 28

9 0 / C 283/56 N o 976/90 by Mrs Patricia Rawlings to the Commission

Subject: Trial of citizens outside their Member State 29

9 0 / C 283/57 N o 993/90 by M r Jesus Cabezon Alonso to the Commission

Subject: Appropriations unused by the end of the 1988 financial year: Items 6400, 6450, 6701
and Article 679 29

9 0 / C 283/58 N o 1012/90 by Mr Carles-Alfred Gasoliba i Bohm to the Commission

Subject: Agreements between the European Community and Andorra 30

9 0 / C 283/59 N o 1042/90 by Mr Joaquin Siso Cruellas to the Commission

Subject: Community coordination of humanitarian aid 30

9 0 / C 283/60 N o 1070/90 by Mr James Nicholson to the Commission

Subject: Pension equality 31

9 0 / C 283/61 N o 1085/90 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to the Commission

Subject: Equal age for state pensions 31

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1070/90 and 1085/90 31

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No 1076/90 by Mr Juan Garaikoetxea Urriza and Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to

the Council

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Subject: Fundamental rights and freedoms

N o 1112/90 by M r Marcelino Oreja to the Council

Subject: Declaration of fundamental rights and freedoms

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1076/90 and 1112/90

N o 1080/90 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to the Commission

Subject: Failure to help inmates of Leros asylum

N o 1088/90 by Mrs Lissy Groner to the Commission

Subject: Family holiday homes, in particular 'Villages Vacances Families'

N o 1100/90 by M r Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission

Subject: Verification of employment contracts by trade unions

N o 1101/90 by M r Madron Seligman to the Commission

Subject: Guatemala: Appeal by the Sacpulup community for international condemnation of the
military state of siege

N o 1110/90 by M r Luigi Colajanni to the Commission

Subject: Measures to combat organized crime and the European legal area

N o 1121/90 by M r Michael Hindley to the Commission

Subject: EC subsidies for milk to promote a healthy diet among schoolchildren

N o 1123/90 by Mr Ben Fayot to the Commission

Subject: Transport of dangerous substances by road

N o 1140/90 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to the Commission

Subject: Commission's publication on reform of the Structural Funds

N o 1151 /90 by Mr Eugenio Melandri and M r Alexander Langer to the Commission

Subject: Respect for human rights in Chad

N o 1159/90 by Mrs Astrid Lulling to the Commission

Subject: Discrimination arising from the application of dairy quotas

N o 1171/90 by Mr Maxime Verhagen to the Council

Subject: War in Ethiopia

N o 1203/90 by M r Ernest Glinne to the Commission

Subject: Failure of certain Member States to ratify ILO Convention 143

N o 1204/90 by M r Ernest Glinne to the Council

Subject: Failure of certain Member States to ratify ILO Convention 143

N o 1230/90 by M r Jesus Cabezon Alonso to the Commission

Subject: Aid for improving the quality of milk in Spain

(Continued ove

Notice N o Contents (continued) Page

9 0 / C 283/78 N o 1284/90 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to the Commission

Subject: Collective bargaining and representation rights 40

9 0 / C 283/79 N o 1309/90 by M r Giulio Fantuzzi and M r Roberto Speciale to the Commission

Subject: Community funding for the Societa Retica Carni, SpA, based in Rogolo (Sondrio) . . . 40

9 0 / C 283/80 N o 1335/90 by M r Ernest Glinne to the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of

the European Community meeting in European Political Cooperation

Subject: Requirement for Member State nationals to obtain an entry visa for the United States 41

9 0 / C 283/81 N o 1340/90 by Mr Bartho Pronk to the Council

Subject: Length of time taken by the interim appointment procedure for members of the
Economic and Social Committee 41

9 0 / C 283/82 N o 1342/90 by M r George Stevenson to the Foreign Ministers of the Member States

of the European Community meeting in European Political Cooperation

Subject: State of Emergency Regulations, South Africa, as applied to Gazankulu 42

9 0 / C 283/83 N o 1411/90 by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru to the Commission

Subject: EEB's criticism of environment policy 42

9 0 / C 283/84 N o 1413/90 by M r Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru to the Foreign Ministers of the

Member States of the European Community meeting in European Political

Cooperation

Subject: Imprisonment of Father Thadeus Nguyen van Ly in Vietnam 43

9 0 / C 283/85 N o 1414/90 by M r Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru to the Foreign Ministers of the

Member States of the European Community meeting in European Political

Cooperation

Subject: Political detainees in Somalia 43

9 0 / C 283/86 N o 1422/90 by Mr Reinhold Bocklet to the Commission

Subject: EC funds for Bavaria - 44

9 0 / C 283/87 N o 1423/90 by M r Reinhold Bocklet to the Council

Subject: First and second conference of European regional and local authorities 44

9 0 / C 283/88 N o 1460/90 by M r Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru to the Foreign Ministers of the

Member States of the European Community meeting in European Political

Cooperation

Subject: Response of the government of Guatemala to European Parliament resolutions 44

9 0 / C 283/89 N o 1461/90 by M r Victor Arbeloa Muru to the Foreign Ministers of the Member

States of the European Community meeting in European Political Cooperation

Subject: New initiatives with regard to the Kurdish problems 45

9 0 / C 283/90 N o 1481/90 by Mr Michael Welsh to the Commission

Subject: Mutual recognition of divorces 45

(Continued on inside back cover)'

Notice No Contents (continued)

90/C 283/91 No 1511/90 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Council
Subject: Risk of social dumping as a result of a judgment by the European Court of Justice .... 46

90/C 283/92 No 1528/90 by Mr Francis Wurtz to the Commission
Subject: Delays in the implementation of appropriations for Lome III 46

90/C 283/93 No 1568/90 by Lord O'Hagan to the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the
European Community meeting in European Political Cooperation
Subject: The Royal Family of the United Kingdom 47

90/C 283/94 No 1588/90 by Mr Gerard Deprez to the Commission

Subject: Relations between the EEC and EFTA and the Treaty on the European Economic
Area 47

90/C 283/95 No 1598/90 by Mr Maxime Berhagen to the Foreign Ministers of the Member States
of the European Community meeting in European Political Cooperation
Subject: Situation in Ethiopia 47

90/C 283/96 No 1617/90 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Council
Subject: Racist and neo-Nazi violence in Berlin 48

90/C 283/97 No 1647/90 by Mr Manfred Vohrer to the Council
Subject: Community officials 49

90/C 283/98 No 1668/90 by Mr Victor ArbeloaMuru to the Council
Subject: Measures within the framework of the Group of 24 49

90/C 283/99 No 1670/90 by Mrs Christine Oddy to the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of
the European Community meeting in European Political Cooperation
Subject: Kashmir 50

90/C 283/100 No 1700/90 by Mrs Carmen Diezde Rivera to the Commission
Subject: Age limits for candidates in EC competitions 50

90/C 283/101 No 1765/90 by Mr Patrick Cooney, Mrs Mary Banotti, Mr John Cushnahan, Mr
Alex Smith, Mr Anthony Wilson, Mr David Morris and Mr Gary Titley to the
Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the European Community meeting in
European Political Cooperation
Subject: Submarine traffic in the Irish Sea 51

90/C 283/102 No 1943/90 by Mr James Ford to the Commission
Subject: Age discrimination 51

90/C 283/103 No 2120/90 by Mrs Christine Crawley to the Council
Subject: Dignity of women and men at work 51

12. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 283/1

###### I

_(Information)_

#### EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

WRITTEN QUESTION No 422/89

by Mr Hemmo Muntingh (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(3 October 1989)_

(90/C 283/01)

_Subject:_ COST-301 project

According to the statement issued by the heads of
government in Rhodes, the European Community intends
to pursue a more active policy to protect its interests in
territorial waters, for example in the Mediterranean, the
North Sea and the Irish Sea.

In 1987 the Commission completed a comprehensive
study (the COST-301 project) into improved safety for
shipping off the coasts of Europe, and it has on several
occasions announced its intention of submitting the
results to the European Parliament.

This study contains recommendations for the safety of
shipping, environmental protection, joint monitoring of
maritime activities, guidelines for improved cooperation
between the European countries' maritime services, and

so on.

However, the Commission has not yet discussed the
results of this survey with the European Parliament.

1. How does the Commission intend to put into practice
the avowed intention of the heads of government in
Rhodes to protect Community interests in European
territorial waters more effectively?

2. When will the Commission decide which of the

recommendations of the COST-301 survey for safer
shipping are to be put into practice?

3. Will consideration be given to the possibility of
achieving better cooperation between the maritime
services of the countries concerned, particularly in
order to improve the monitoring of shipping? Could
this be developed into a form of European coastguard
service?

4. Will the Commission take steps to introduce a
European registration system for ships carrying

dangerous substances,, so that accurate information
can be rapidly obtained in the event of an accident?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(9 February 1990)_

Under the specific provisions of the Treaty concerning
the environment and in view of the specific concerns
voiced at the European Council meeting in Rhodes on
2 and 3 December 1988, the seas and costal regions of the
Community are receiving special attention.

On 13 November 1989, in order to protect the
Community's territorial waters, the Commission sent the
Council a proposal for a Directive concerning municipal
waste water treatment ('), and is now preparing a proposal
on the environmental quality of the Community's surface

waters.

It is also worth mentioning the Community's action
programme to tackle serious spillage at sea. It comprises a
Community information system, a training programme,
an annual programme of studies and pilot projects and the
setting up of a Community task force.

As regards follow-up to the COST-301 project —
shore-based navigation aids — the Commission intends,
as indicated in its proposal of 21 November 1989 for a
Decision on the specific programme of research and
technological development (1990 to 1993) in the field of
transport (Euret), to promote research into designing and
developing a navigation control system based largely on
the results of the COST-301 project.

As regards improving cooperation between the various
maritime services in the Member States, the Commission
is planning to make maximum use of its role, as observer
in the international organizations which deal with the
technical aspects of shipping safety like the International

No C 283/2 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 11. 90

Maritime Organization and the International Association
of Lighthouse Authorities.

On 2 August 1989, in the context of its communication
'A future for the Community shipping industry: measures
to improve the operating conditions of Community
shipping', the Commission issued a recommendation that
Member States improve the effectiveness of Port State
Control in the Community ( [2] ).

On dangerous substances, the Commission has sent the
Council a proposal for a directive imposing minimum
requirements for vessels entering or leaving Community
ports carrying packages of dangerous or polluting
goods ( [3] ). This proposal supplements another Council
Directive adopted on 6 December 1979 concerning
minimum requirements for certain tankers entering or
leaving Community ports carrying oil, gas and chemicals
in bulk ( [4] ).

O COM(89) 518 final.
O OJNoC263, 16. 10. 1989.
O OJNoC 147,14.6.1989.
( [4] ) OJNoL315, 11. 12. 1979.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 458/89

by Mr Dieter Rogalla (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(12 October 1989)_

(90/C 283/02)

_Subject:_ Checks on Community nationals at airports

1. Can the Commission confirm that separate
formalities for Community citizens at airports in the
Community have in general meant that they do not have
to wait so long?

2. How does the Commission explain the fact that in
Brussels, of all places, there has been no perceptible
speeding-up in the formalities for Community citizens?

3. Why is it that in Brussels, in contrast with other
Member States, the passport numbers of every single
Community citizens are fed into a computer on their
arrival at or departure from the airport?

4. Why is there no separate clearance for Community
citizens arriving at Brussels airport from the Maghreb
countries?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(2 February 1990)_

1. The introduction of separate channels for
Community nationals is likely to reduce significantly the

time they have to wait, in particular where most of those
travelling are not Community nationals.

2 and 3. Compared with that at other similar European
airports, the system currently in force at Zaventem airport
does, it is true, involve considerable delay for Community
nationals.

The Commission will investigate whether the systematic
checks mentioned by the Honourable Member are
compatible with Community law, in particular in the light
of the Court of Justice's judgment in Case 321/87
_Commission v. Belgium_ ('), and will accordingly hold talks
with the Belgian authorities.

4. Under current Community law, Member States are
not obliged to establish special channels for Community
nationals at airports. They are therefore at liberty to
introduce partial systems depending on where passengers
are travelling from.

O European Court Reports 1989, not yet reported.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 623/89

by Mr Dieter Rogalla (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 October 1989)_

(90/C 283/03)

_Subject:_ Withdrawal of driving licences

1. Is the Commission aware of the case of a woman of

Netherlands nationality married to a German in Bochum
whose driving licence was withdrawn on the grounds that
she had exceeded the speed limit?

2. Is the Commission aware whether it is current

practice in the Member States for the driving licences of
nationals of neighbouring Member States to be
withdrawn automatically in the case of speeding offences.
If so, which Member States adopt this approach?

3. In view of the case referred to above, is the
Commission prepared to investigate this matter, possibly
in conjunction with myself, to establish the facts?

4. What action has the Commission taken to remedy
the discrimination against nationals of Member States of
the Community described in paragraph 2 and what
action, if any, will it be taking in the future.

5. Does the Commission not share my view that this
practice and the legal situation is in breach of Article 5

12. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 283/3

of the EEC Treaty and results in unwarranted
discrimination between the nationals of the Member

States?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(24 January 1990)_

1. To the Commission's knowledge, this case has not
been referred to it other than by the Honourable
Member's Written Question.

2. Pursuant to the principle of territoriality (see
Article 42 (') of the Vienna Convention of 8 November
1968 on Road Traffic), it is normal practice for a Member
State to withdraw a driving licence issued by another
Member State from a citizen who has committed an

offence justifying such withdrawal in the territory where
the offence was committed.

The driving licence is normally returned to the
(non-resident) holder when he leaves the territory of the
State which withdrew the licence. Obviously, withdrawal
must be justified by the nature and seriousness of the
offence committed and cannot be influenced by the
nationality of the holder.

3. The Commission is prepared to examine this case
like any other which is brought to its knowledge;
however, the information in our possession up to now
does not show that there has been an infringement of
Community legislation.

4. As stated in point 3, it is premature to assume any
infringement. Further information on the case from the
Honourable Member would be welcome.

5. The information the Commission has does not allow

it to say whether there has been any discrimination or any
infringement of the letter or spirit of Articles 5 and 7 of
the Treaty.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 903/89

by Mr Llewellyn Smith (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 December 1989)_

(90/C 283/04)

_Subject:_ Battery imports from South Africa

Is the Commission aware that automotive batteries are

being imported into the UK and other EEC countries at
prices which do not reflect the true cost of manufacture,
because the South African Government is subsidizing

their manufacture to 50 % (and intends to continue to do
so for eight years), and does this practice now constitute a
breach of the European Community's policy?

Answer given by Mr Andriessen
on behalf of the Commission

_(2 February 1990)_

Council Regulation (EEC) No 2423/88 of 11 July 1988 (*)
provides for protection against dumped or subsidized
imports from countries which are not members of the
European Community. More specifically, Article 5 of this
Regulation states that Community industry, or any entity
acting on its behalf, may lodge a written complaint with
the Commission if it considers that it is injured or
threatened with injury by subsidized exports. Article 5
further describes the form and procedure to be followed
by a complainant when submitting such a complaint.

It is the Commission's practice to examine any complaint
submitted pursuant to the provisions of this Article.

Subsequently, the Commission determines on the basis of
_prima facie_ evidence whether the opening of a proceeding
is justified or not. If so, an investigation takes place. If,
after completing the investigation, and on the basis of the
results thereof, the Commission has established that,
firstly, the exporting country is subsidizing the products
concerned by the proceeding, and that, secondly, such
subsidies cause or threaten to cause injury to the EEC
producers of like products, a countervailing duty may be
imposed.

Thus, if the European producers of car batteries can
substantiate their allegations that the imports of such
products from South Africa are subsidized and are
injuring them, they should contact the relevant
Commission services.

(') OJ No L 209, 2. 8. 1988, p. 1.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 920/89

by Mr Joaquin Siso Cruellas (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 December 1989)_

(90/C 283/05)

_Subject:_ Transparency of financial institutions in
relations with their clients

The transparency of financial institutions in everyday
relations with their clients continues to be one of the

No C 283/4 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 11. 90

constant concerns of consumer bureaux in the Member

States of the European Community.

In certain Member States, for example Spain, the
National Consumers Institute takes the view that such

transparency is 'not even moderately satisfactory', despite
the circular issued by the Bank of Spain in December 1988
on this matter.

Does the Commission consider that Community
provisions on the transparency of the financial
institutions give consumers an adequate level of
protection or should new, more detailed provisions be
adopted to ensure that the degree of transparency is
'moderately satisfactory' to consumers?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan
on behalf of the Commission

_(7 May 1990)_

The Commission takes note of the assertion that in Spain
the transparency of relations between financial
institutions and their customers is not even 'moderately
satisfactory'.

However, having had to examine in detail the rules and
regulations in force in Spain, which are relatively recent
and much fuller than those in the other Community
countries ('), the Commission wonders whether the
consumers surveyed by the National Consumer Institute
have made use of all the possibilities available under
Spanish legislation, for example by consulting the very
detailed lists of charges lodged with the central bank or
by making complaints to the complaints department
provided for in Article 9 of the Decree of 3 March 1987
and set up by Bank of Spain Circular No 24 of 21 July
1987.

The Commission has already taken steps to ensure greater
transparency of cross-border financial transactions. An
initial Commission recommendation on the transparency
of banking conditions relating to cross-border financial
transactions was adopted on 22 February 1990 ( [2] ). That
recommendation calls for prior information on the
charges applicable to cross-border transfers, for detailed
invoicing, for time limits which should be adhered to and
for the setting up in each Member State of a body
responsible for dealing with users' complaints where
institutions located in different Member States are

involved. Measures relating to checks and bank cards,
which can also be used for cross-border payments, are
currently being studied.

O Ministerial Decree of 3 March 1987, and in particular

Circular No 15/1987 of 7 May (Bank of Spain).
O OJNoL67, 15.3. 1990, p. 39.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 932/89

by Sir James Scott-Hopkins (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 December 1989)_

(90/C 283/06)

_Subject:_ Proposed general product safety Directive

With regard to the proposed general product safety
Directive, has the Commission estimated the likely total
cost to manufacturing industry in the Community over
the first five years of the lifetime of such legislation? How
does it respond to the view of the UK Government that
the proposals are 'unnecessarily burdensome'?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(21 February 1990)_

Before adopting the proposal mentioned by the
Honourable Member (*), the Commission established a
competitiveness and employment impact statement. This
showed that the direct costs for manufacturers respecting
the obligations imposed by the implementation of the
Directive on products security would be minimal:

— In general these obligations, even if they are not
explicitly recognised, established and interpreted in
the same way, already exist in most Member States,
such as the principle of marketing only safe products,
which is the basis of good manufacturing business
practice.

— There are no additional obligations for
manufacturers imposed by this Directive in respect of
sectors or products already subject to total
harmonization directives, and in particular by the
'new approach' Directives.

— As regards sectors not yet covered by Community
legislation, in many cases there already exist national
legislation and public or private standards and
certification systems to which manufacturers turn or
are obliged to follow in order to obtain an acceptable
level of safety. Where this is not the case, the product
safety Directive will create a financial burden
for those manufacturers who do not apply any
mechanisms for ensuring a proper level of safety for
their products.

— In general, the measures put forward in the proposal
can be adapted by manufacturers to their existing

12. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 283/5

procedures and, in most cases, only reflect good
manufacturing practice, additional direct costs
thereby remaining minimal.

Those direct costs should be compensated by the
economic benefits of the harmonized and efficient safety
net provided by the Directive, resulting from:

— increase in the transparency of the market;

— reduction in unfair competition (exercised by means
of possible unsafe products manufactured at a lower
cost),

— increase in consumers'/users' confidence in the

market,

— reduction in the important socio-economic costs
(accidents) because of unsafe, dangerous products
being marketed,

— potential reduction in situations giving rise to product
liability claims and therefore of the high amounts
involved in compensation for damages,

— reduction in barriers to trade because of the

harmonization effect of the Directive.

In general, it can be concluded that the economic benefits,
even if expressed in direct benefits to producers, of a
harmonized and more efficient safety policy at
Community level, should clearly be higher than the
eventual direct higher costs for manufacturers because of
the specific obligations and measures imposed as a result
of the implementation of the Directive.

With regard to the question on the view of the United
Kingdom Government, the Commission is not aware of
this specific aspect having been formally raised by the UK
Government but, should that be the case, the same
arguments apply.

O COM(89) 162 final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 979/89

by Mrs Winifred Ewing (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 December 1989)_

(90/C 283/07)

_Subject:_ VAT on the printed word

In view of the fact that the main market for the printed
word in each country is for publications in that country
and that there is no real distortion of competition, will

the Commission not accept the recommendation of the
Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee for a VAT
band of 0 to 6%, making a zero rate possible for the
printed word?

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener
on behalf of the Commission

_(29 January 1990)_

The Commission's proposal of 1987 on the
approximation of VAT rates (') is based on Article 99 of
the Treaty of Rome (as amended by the Single European
Act) which specifies that such proposals should concern
the harmonization of indirect taxes 'to the extent that

such harmonization is necessary to ensure the
establishment and the functioning of the internal market'.

In drawing up its proposal the Commission took as its
starting point the existing wide spread of indirect tax rates
and structures in the Community. It then confined itself
to setting out the minimum changes which must be made
to that picture in order to achieve a sufficient degree of
fiscal approximation. Currently most Member States have
a two- or three-rate VAT system with a lower rate for
goods and services of basic necessity. However, in most
cases the lower rate does not encompass a zero rate so
that the Commission, reflecting majority practice,
proposed that such rates should in future be set at a level
of between 4 and 9%. The Commission did, however,
reflect the practice of most Member States by including
books, newspapers and periodicals among the basic
necessities to be included in that lower rate. Moreover, it
was precisely in view of the inclusion in the lower rate of
the printed word that the Commission recommended that
Member States fix their rate in the lower half of the

proposed band.

With regard to the question of zero rates, it has always
been an accepted part of Community policy that zero
rating, except in the case of exports, was a temporary
measure which would disappear with the completion of
the internal market. This was clearly stated in the second
VAT Directive adopted in 1967 and restated in the sixth
VAT Directive adopted in 1977. The Commission could
not therefore recommend that the Community should
abandon what has been its considered and settled policy
ever since VAT was first adopted. It is for this reason that
in its proposal on VAT approximation the Commission
has not proposed zero rates but has proposed that for the
most part basic necessities should be charged at the
reduced rate of VAT as is the practice in almost all the
Member States.

However to meet the particular concerns of individual
Member States regarding zero-rates the Commission has
indicated in its communication on the approximation of
indirect taxes and the internal market of 14 June 1989 ( [2] )
that in the framework of a compromise agreement of the
entire package of proposals on the abolition of fiscal
frontiers, it might be possible to authorize Member States
who so wish to maintain zero-rates for a very limited

No C 283/6 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 11. 90

number of products subject to reduced rates of VAT,
provided this did not pose any risk of distortion of
competition for the other Member States. Agreement
would also have to be reached on the respective coverage
of the standard and reduced rates of VAT.

It is consequently for such Member States to indicate
those supplies on which they would wish zero-rates to
continue and for the other Member States — who would

have to be in agreement — to consider their own positions
with regard to such requests.

(*) COM(87)321.
O COM(89)260.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1130/89

by Mr John Bird (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(10 January 1990)_

(90/C 283/08)

_Subject:_ Harmonization of safety standards —
pushchairs

Recognizing the fundamental importance of the
standardization of product safety for the completion of
the internal market, and for the protection of the
European consumer, will the Commission inform me if
any steps have been taken, or are likely to be taken, in
respect of the standardization of safety requirements for
pushchairs for children, and what implications these steps
will have for existing national pushchair safety standards?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(11_ _May 1990)_

Currently there are no Community regulations nor
European standards in respect of pushchairs for children,
although there are legal provisions in certain Member
States, some of these being at the draft stage, as well as
voluntary, or, in some cases (UK and Ireland), obligatory
technical standards.

However, these products sometimes cause apparently
serious safety problems, and so it will doubtless be
necessary to consider appropriate measures to ensure the
free movement of goods and at the same time protect the

consumer.

To this end, it should be pointed out that the draft
Directive on the general safety of products (*) is currently

being examined in the Council and that this draft contains
a general safety clause which applies to all products.

O OJNoC 193,31.7.1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1257/89

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(12_ _January 1990)_

(90/C 283/09)

_Subject:_ Membership and representativeness of the
consultative committees set up in the Member
States to enhance the status of less widely spoken
languages

Can the Commission:

1. state the date on which the committees mentioned

above were set up in the respective Member States?

2. state how each committee is made up ?

3. ensure that all .'less widely spoken' languages (e.g.
Walloon in French-speaking Belgium) are fairly
represented?

4. state what recommendations or suggestions have been
made to date by each of these committees (with
particular reference to French-speaking and to
German-speaking Belgium), and what actions has
ensued at Commission level as a result?

Answer given by Ms Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(8 March 1990)_

The European Bureau for lesser-used languages came
into being in May 1982, and is registered in Ireland as a
company limited by guarantee (under Companies Acts
1963 to 1983) but not having a share capital. Within one
year several national committees were set up without
pre-established criteria. Whereas the European Bureau
maintains a consultive relationship with the Commission,
the national committees do not and, therefore, the
Commission has no competence to intervene in their
composition and representativeness.

The Bureau has at present nine national committees
which were set up in 1983, with the exception of the
Spanish Committee, which came into existence in 1986.

The national committees are composed of members
representing organizations, associations and institutions
involved in fieldwork for the promotion and defence of
lesser-used languages. They are open committees and a
new membership can be proposed to and discussed with
the President. The committees elect a full member and a

substitute member to sit on the Council of the Bureau.

The Commission is sending directly to the Honourable
Member and to the Secretariat of Parliament the list

12. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 283/7

of members of the Council of the Bureau, with whom
information on detailed composition of the national
committees can be sought.

The statutes of the Bureau state that Member States'

committees 'be as representative as far as possible of:

(1) All lesser-used autochthonous and/or historical
language groups within each participating Member
State.

(2) Central, regional, and local government agencies (if
any) involved in the promotion of these languages.

(3) Major voluntary organizations involved in the
promotion of these languages (paragraph 4 (c))'.

The composition of the Council of the Bureau, as
indicated above, ensures that the minorities represented
by Member State committees have representation on the
Bureau's Council where decisions on Bureau policy are
taken. However, the Commission has no competence in
determining the representation of all lesser-used
languages within the national committees for the reasons
indicated above.

The Commission does not receive recommendations nor

suggestions from the national committees as there is no
formal relationship between them and the Commission. It
simply supports those projects which contribute to the
promotion and deference of the lesser-used languages,
whether they are presented by the national committees or
by other bodies. To date three projects from Belgium have
been financially supported from budget line 636. No
request has been received from the Walloon Community.
The Commission wishes to stress the point that any
request for funding from the Germanophone or Walloon
communities will be considered sympathetically.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1259/89

by Mr Victor Arbeloa Mum (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(12 January 1990)_

(90/C 283/10)

_Subject:_ Criteria for customs-posts issuing phytosanitary
(plant-health) certificates

How does the Commission explain the fact that the
administrative order of 7 September 1989 implementing
Directive 77/93/EEC (') grants the right to issue
phytosanitary (plant-health) certificates to certain
customs-posts which came into service after the Directive
in question was published, while customs-posts such as
Pamplona-Imarcoain and Dancharinea (Navarre, Spain),
which handled a considerable amount of trade in plants
and plant-products, have been barred from exercising this
important function?

(') OJNoL26, 31. 1. 1977, p. 20.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1260/89

by Mr Victor Arbeloa Muru (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(12 January 1990)_

(90/C 283/11)

_Subject:_ Customs-posts barred from issuing
phytosanitary (plant-health) certificates

Does the barring of the customs-posts at
Pamplona-Imarcoain and Dancharinea (Navarre, Spain)
from issuing phytosanitary (plant-health) certificates
derive from Directive 77/93/EEC and its various later

amendments, in view of the fact that these two important
customs-posts were previously authorized to issue such
certificates?

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1259/89 and

1260/89 given by Mr Mac Sharry

on behalf of the Commission

_(31 May 1990)_

The Community plant health arrangements were
introduced by Council Directive 77/93/EEC on
protective measures against the introduction into the
Member States of organisms harmful to plants or plant
products, as last amended by Directive 89/439/EEC (').
The Directive lays down a number of measures designed
among other things to safeguard the entire Community
against the introduction of harmful organisms and to
facilitate trade in plants and plant products between
Member States.

It provides that, in intra-Community trade, the main plant
health checks are to be carried out by the consignor
Member State, but it also authorizes some checks in the
Member State of destination on a random basis only. At
present these are often carried out at the internal frontier
between Member States. The Directive provides,
nevertheless, in the context of the establishment between
now and the end of 1992 of the single market, that the
Member States must take appropriate action to ensure
that these frontier checks will be reduced progressively,
save in properly justified cases. It specifies that such
checks are to be carried out at the place of destination of
the plants, plant products or other objects, or at another
designated place, provided that the route planned for the
conveyance of the plants, plant products or other objects
is disturbed as little as possible.

In addition, Member States are no longer authorized to
designate sole points of passage for plants or plant
products.

To sum up, therefore, the authorization of the two
customs posts referred to by the Honourable Member to
carry out plant health checks can only be given directly by
the plan for the reorganization of the services which the
Spanish Government is required to draw up in accordance
with the said Community provisions.

No C 283/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 11. 90

As for the customs offices at Pamplona-Imarcoain
and Dancharinea, the information available to the
Commission indicates that the situation regarding the
plant health checks that may be carried out there is
unaffected by the Order of 7 September 1989.

(') OJNoL.212,22. 7. 1989, p. 106.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1307/89

by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(15 January 1990)_

(90/C 283/12)

_Subject:_ Statement attributed to the President of the
Commission

On page 13 of its bulletin No 5142 of 30 November 1989,
Agence Europe reports that, in the course of his closing
speech to the meeting of the Council of Regional Policy
Ministers on 29 November, the President of the
Commission said that the 'overly rapid harmonization
upwards of social conditions would ruin a good many of
the opportunities the single market will offer developing
regions'.

Can Mr Delors confirm that this is indeed what he said? If

he did say it, are we to assume that he looks upon 'social
dumping' as a means of ensuring the smooth operation of
the single market?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(2 March 1990)_

Mr Delors has said on several occasions, not least before
Parliament on 17 January ('), that the two problems
facing a Community social policy are: social dumping at
the expense of the more prosperous countries, and the
strangulation which would impose an intolerable burden
on the less-advanced economies and prevent them making
the most of their comparative advantages.

Singling out just one of these two problems distorts the
Commission's views and actions. As the' Honourable

Member well knows, the difficulty lies in the different
levels of development in the Community. If we take 100
as the base for the Community of Twelve, then some
countries are at 50 and others at 130. The aim should be to

try and improve the overall level of protection while
promoting the kind of solidarity which respects national
traditions.

(') _Debates of the European ParliamentNo_ 3-385 (January 1990).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 45/90

by Mr Ian White (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(26 January 1990)_

(90/C 283/13)

_Subject:_ Social Charter

With regard to the Social Charter:

1. How many drafts were considered?

2. What changes were made?

3. When were these changes made?

4. By whom were representations made?

5. What was the basis of any changes in any draft?

Answer given by Ms Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(3_ _July 1990)_

The Commission of the European Communities drew up
a preliminary draft Charter in May 1989 (').

The preliminary draft was first discussed at the Council
meeting on social affairs on 12 June 1989.

The draft Charter was adopted by the Commission on
2 October 1989 ( [2] ).

Representatives of workers and employers were consulted
on this draft on 17 and 18 October 1989.

Various amendments tabled by the Member States during
discussions in the Council were taken into account by the
Presidency in producing its own draft.

The Presidency took note of the Council's agreement that
the draft by the Council should be submitted to the
European Council with a view to decision on its adoption.

Eleven Heads of State or Government adopted this draft
on 9 December 1989.

(') COM(89) 248 final.
( [2] ) COM(89) 471 final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 54/90

by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(2 February 1990)_

(90/C 283/14)

_Subject:_ Illegal waste water discharges by the EC
institutions in Brussels

During its protest actions about the Scheldt basin, the
environmental organization Greenpeace pointed out that

12. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 283/9

the Commission holds neither a local permit for the
discharge of domestic waste water, nor a regional permit
for the discharge of non-domestic waste water, although
the EC institutions are among the main polluters of the
River Zenne and thus of the Scheldt.

Can the Commission say:

1. how it intends to put a stop to the illegal discharge of
waste water into the Brussels sewerage system; and

2. whether measures will be taken under the Envireg
programme to enable the metropolitan regions around
Brussels to set up the necessary infrastructure for _inter_
_alia_ the purification of waste water?

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

_(12 March 1990)_

1. The Commission's function is first and foremost as

an administrative body.

The buildings it occupies in the Brussels region are used
only for office purposes and it cannot therefore be
regarded as one of the main polluters of the River Zenne
or the Scheldt basin.

Moreover, appropriate measures have been introduced to
prevent pollution from the Commission's restaurants and
printing workshops.

Sludge separators have been installed in the kitchens and
the Commission has engaged a specialized firm to collect
and destroy harmful waste produced in the printing
workshops.

2. No measures can be taken under the Envireg
programme to help the Brussels region as it is not eligible
for ERDF assistance under . Regulation (EEC)
No 2052/88 (').

(') OJNoL185, 15.7. 1988, p. 9.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 132/90

by Mr Carlos Carvalhas, Mr Jose Barros Moura, Mr
Francis Wurtz and Mr Joaquim Miranda da Silva (CG)

to the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the
European Community meeting in European Political

Cooperation

_(8 February 1990)_

(90/C 283/15)

_Subject:_ American intervention in Angola

At the end of November 1989, an American L 100 aircraft
crashed in Angolan territory near a Unita base in Jamba.

The aircraft had left the military base of Kamina in Zaire
several hours before, and the accident was apparently the
result of pilot error. Four or five United States citizens
who were travelling in the aircraft died. A number of
Unita members who were also on board survived. The

aircraft was carrying CIA military equipment intended for
Unita.

The American State Department confirmed that a number
of North American passengers had been killed, while the
CIA simply stated that 'it was not its policy to confirm or
deny such information'.

The facts confirm that the United States Administration

has been interfering in Angola, giving its support to an
organization opposed to the legitimate government and
thereby hampering the progress of the peace negotiations.

Can the Foreign Ministers meeting in EPC give their
views on this matter?

Answer

_(28 September 1990)_

The question raised by the Honourable Members has not
been discussed within the framework of European
Political Cooperation.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 183/90

by Mr Dieter Schinzel (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(8 February 1990)_

(90/C 283/16)

_Subject:_ The Commission office in Bonn

Is the Commission aware that for some time there has

been considerable tension between the head of the

Commission's office in Bonn, Mr Langguth and his staff
and the working group on European integration, mainly
because of the Director's high-handed and autocratic
behaviour?

Is the Commission aware that because he was responsible
for reducing the funds allocated for the working party
and because sums forwarded to it from the Commission

were inadequate and arrived far too late and there were
not enough staff available to run the office, the
international renowned working party on European
integration has become not only unable to function in
practice, but also insolvent? Is the Commission ready to
do all it can to provide financial and other assurances that
the working party may continue and expand its activities?
Finally, is the Commission willing to persuade its

No C 283/10 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 11. 90

representative in Bonn of the need for this? Does it also
consider that the fostering of international research
working groups is, financially speaking, at least as
important as providing a chauffeur-driven official car for
the head of one of its offices?

Answer given by Mr Dondelinger
on behalf of the Commission

_(23 May 1990)_

The Commission is well aware of how its offices in the

Member States operate and sees no reason for concern
regarding the performance of its office in Bonn.

As regards the specific case of the working party on
European integration, the working party received DM
230 000 in 1989 (215 000 in 1988) from the budget of the
Commission office in Bonn. In 1989, ex-budget funding
was likewise provided for a seminar (costing DM 9 000),
the printing of newsletters and the compilation of a
bibliography.

The Bonn office informed the working party that, subject
to budgetary authorization, it would be granted DM
200 000 for 1990. Undeniably, that represents a reduction
in relation to 1989, but no-one could claim that it will
render the working party unable to continue its work.
Furthermore, it receives considerable logistical assistance.

The Bonn office has undertaken on several occasions to

help the working party to find additional sources of
funding (e.g. public budgets in the Federal Republic of
Germany, foundations, etc.).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 270/90

byMrPolMarck(PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(19 February 1990)_

(90/C 283/17)

_Subject:_ Harmonization of pesticides

The following is a real example: a farmer has his house
and buildings in Belgium and his land in the Netherlands.
He uses pesticides in the Netherlands which are
authorized by that country. However, the Belgian
customs authorities have confiscated these pesticides,
which are marked with a Dutch code number.

The composition of the pesticides is identical to that of
Belgian pesticides.

The farmer is allowed to use the products on his land but
is not allowed to store them on his premises.

What should he do?

Answer given by Mr MacSharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(27 April 1990)_

The Commission would ask the Honourable Member to

refer to the answer given to his Written Question
No 1253/88 0).

The Commission has been informed that the Belgian
authorities have adopted measures allowing farmers
working land in a neighbouring country to store products
to be used on that land at their farm in Belgium. The
farmers concerned must contact the Ministry of
Agriculture and comply with certain inspection
requirements designed to prevent the use of unauthorized
products on Belgian territory.

A similar solution is contained in the amended proposal
for a Council Directive concerning the placing of
EEC-accepted plant protection products on the
market ( [2] ), Article 3 (2) of which lays down that:

'Member States shall not, on the grounds that a plant
protection product is not accepted for use in their
territory, impede the storage or movement of such
products intended for use in another Member State,
provided that:

— the product is accepted in another Member State, and

— the operators in question satisfy the inspection
requirements laid down by the Member States in
order to ensure compliance with paragraph 1.'

In the light of the above provision, the farmer in question
must satisfy on his farm the inspection requirements laid
down by the Belgian authorities to prevent the products
authorized in the Netherlands and stored on his farm in

Belgium being used on Belgian territory.

It should also be pointed out that, as a consequence of the
arrangements laid down in Article 10 of the proposal, in
so far as agricultural, plant health and environmental
conditions are comparable, the same products will be
authorized in border areas by the respective national
authorities.

The proposal is currently being discussed by Parliament
and the Council.

O OJNoC 157,26.6.1989.
( [2] ) COM(89)34.

12. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 283/11

WRITTEN QUESTION No 271/90

by Mr Jens-Peter Bonde (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(19 February 1990)_

(90/C 283/18)

_Subject:_ Imports from and exports to South Africa

Can the Commission give the most recent annual and
monthly import and export figures for trade with South
Africa, indicating what export refunds were paid on
agricultural products sold by the EC to South Africa?

Answer given by Mr Andriessen
on behalf of the Commission

_(14 August 1990)_

The Commission is sending direct to the Honourable
Member and to Parliament's Secretariat tables of statistics

on trade between the Community and South Africa.

The Community has not given any export aid to
agricultural products sold to South Africa.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 332/90

by Mr Filippos Pierros (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(21 February 1990)_

(90/C 283/19)

_Subject:_ Impact of the single market on Greek customs

agents

The practical implications of the single European market
at national and Community level are likely to be very
serious for customs agents. The abolition of geographical
borders and customs controls will lead to a drastic

reduction in the number of jobs and in the earnings of
customs agents, leading to unemployment, unfair
competition, a drop in the quality of the services provided
and a steep decline in contributions to pension and health
funds.

Does the Commission intend to take all the necessary
measures to protect customs agents and improve their
situation?

Has a programme been drawn up for the retraining and
re-employment of unemployed customs agents in other
areas of activity similar to their present occupation?

Have special measures been taken to assist the
economically weaker Member States of the Community
and, in particular, Greece, which are likely to come under
immediate and serious threat as a result of the diversion

of trade flows in commodities from third countries

towards destinations offering greater advantages and
better organization?

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener
on behalf of the Commission

_(26 June 1990)_

1. The Commission would refer the Honourable

Member to its answer to Written Questions No 1075/89
by Mr Carvalhas (') and No 2247/88 by Mr Aboim
Inglez O .

In this context, the trend of the activities concerned

should be towards concentration on transactions

involving non-member countries and also towards
redeployment in the broad range of services pertaining to
external trade (transport, etc.).

2 and 3. As regards objectives 1, 2 and 5 (b) of the
Structural Funds, the European Social Fund (ESF) shall
support measures intended to encourage job stability
and develop new employment possibilities, organized
for persons who are threatened with unemployment,
particularly within the context of restructuring requiring
technological modernization or substantial changes in the
production or management system.

The Commission has now decided to introduce a

Community initiative (called Interreg) in favour of
objective 1, 2 and 5 (b) border areas of the Community
under Article 11 of Council Regulation (EEC)
No 4253/88 ( [3] ). This initiative addresses the problems
and opportunities facing border areas of the Community,
particularly in the context of the completion of the
internal market in 1992.

This initiative is currently under discussion in the
European Parliament and the Economic and Social
Committee, and a final decision will be taken once these
consultations are concluded. However, it is proposed that
the ESF can intervene under this initiative by supporting
training and employment measures, particularly for
persons directly or indirectly affected by changes in
border-related activities arising from the establishment of
the single market.

O OJNoC270, 20. 8. 1990.
O OJ No C 262, 16. 10. 1989, p. 34.
(') OJNoL374, 31. 12. 1988, p. 1.

' No C 283/12 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 11. 90

WRITTEN QUESTION No 357/90

by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(26 February 1990)_

(90/C 283/20)

_Subject:_ Education in the principles of democracy

The Eurobarometer poll of November 1989 (published in
January 1990) reveals the importance attached by
Community citizens to democracy and human rights.
Some of the figures show, however, that certain
Community citizens feel no revulsion towards a political
system which could be described as dictatorial (p. 10).

1. Are there any Community programmes with the
specific or principal aim of encouraging education in
democratic principles and human rights?

2. How much money (broken down by programme if
possible) is spent by the Community for this purpose?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(5_ _April 1990)_

The Commission recognizes the importance of teaching
young people democratic values, values which are closely
linked to the historical and cultural identity of each
nation.

Civics is taught in the Member States in accordance with
their educational traditions. It is therefore the

responsibility of each Member State to promote the
teaching of democratic values in its schools in line with
the principles which underlie its political system.

At the same time, the teaching of these values is the focus
of activities at intergovernmental level. Since 1978, the
Council of Europe has been involved in a number of
activities relating to the education of young people in the
ways of democracy. The recommendation adopted in
May 1985 on the teaching of human rights in schools has
served to consolidate its actions in this field, particularly
through the organization of seminars for European
teachers and the preparation of course and educational
material.

The Commission, for its part, is taking measures to

promote:

— the European dimension in education,

— exchange programmes for young people,

— the development and amplification of existing
Community cooperation to improve the schooling
provided for the children of migrant workers in such
a way as to develop civic awareness and the values of
democracy and pluralism in young people and to
promote mutual tolerance and understanding.

The Commission has also provided backing for various
initiatives by non-governmental organizations to increase
young people's awareness of democratic principles and
human rights. Since these initiatives form an integral part
of the measures as a whole, no specific figures can be
quoted for the funds allocated to them by the
Commission.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 367/90

by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(26 February 1990)_

(90/C 283/21)

_Subject:_ Japanese trading practices

On 23 January 1990, in the programme THeure de
Verite' on the French channel Antenne 2, the Commission
President said that Japan did not respect the trading
practices which generally apply in democratic countries.

What specific measures will the Commission propose to
combat Japanese practices of this nature?

Answer given by Mr Andriessen
on behalf of the Commission

_(6 April 1990)_

At forthcoming meetings with the Japanese Government,
at both political and technical level, the Commission
intends to put forward a package of measures, aimed at
opening up the Japanese market, which it hopes will be
adopted so as to foster Community exports to Japan.
These measures concern exports by, for example, the
leather and footwear, agricultural and fisheries sectors.

The Commission will also be emphasizing the need for
Japan to adjust structures which currently impede the
normal growth of imports into Japan of some products or
prevent European firms from increasing their investment
inJapan.

General discussion of these problems has already been
tabled for the next ministerial-level meeting between the
Commission and Japan on 29 May.

12. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 283/13

WRITTEN QUESTION No 379/90

by Mr Stephen Hughes (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(26 February 1990)_

(90/C 283/22)

_Subject:_ Helios

Can the Commission describe the mechanisms which were

used to select schemes for funding under the Helios
Programme and to decide the allocation of finance to
projects?

Can it confirm that the intention was to use NGOs rather

than national government departments?

Answer given by Ms Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(5_ _April 1990)_

In the framework of the application of the Helios
programme, with its limited budgetary resources, the
Commission has the option of approving grant-aid in
favour of activities at a European level concerning the
social and economic integration of the disabled and it can
also:

— support 80 model local activities (MLA's) and 50
training experience and professional readaptation
centres. All the MLA's and centres have been selected

by the Commission on the suggestion of the Member
States for the years 1988 through to 1991. The
MLA's and centres form an integral part of four
European networks in the field of academic economic
and social readaptation. The Commission
conferences, information drives, documentation and
study visits are attended by representatives of the
various Member States,

— support the establishment of a computerized
Community database system on additional technical
means and education (the Handynet system) in close
cooperation with the Member States,

— grant subsidies within the framework of the
promotion of the autonomous life of the handicapped
for an annual prize programme to be allocated to
innovative work and ideas in the areas of mobility,
accessibility and accommodation,

— subsidize activities outside the context of European
cooperation, more especially conferences, seminars
and study visits in which representatives from at least
three Member States of the Community participate.
Priority is given to activities run within the
framework of annual programmes submitted by
European non-governmental organizations that fit
the profile of the objectives of the Helios programme.

Local public authorities can also apply for
conferences, seminars or study visits which involve
participation from at least three Member States.

In fact, in order to achieve better Community level
coordination of activities in favour of handicapped
persons, the Commission has supported and shall
continue to support, the establishment of appropriately
structured European bodies having as representatives
. members of non-governmental organizations at national
level. These bodies have been set up according to the kind
of handicap and according to the sector of activities with
regard to the handicapped persons.

The tasks ahead of such European-type organizations
include, for example, that of forwarding advice to the
Commission about the granting of subsidies in respect of
activities having a European dimension. The final
decision in the matter rests with the Commission itself,
making particular allowance for European-level political
orientations, the priorities laid down by the Community
authorities, and the restrictive limits of available financial

resources.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 391 /90

by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(26 February 1990)_

(90/C 283/23)

_Subject:_ Seizure of drugs in Member States

The Commission replied to my Written Question
No 1030/88 O on 16 May 1989. In this, statistics on drug
seizures for 1986/87 were given in the Member States.
Would the Commission please update this information to
let me know the seizures which took place in 1988 and
1989 if the figures are available?

O OJNoCl21, 16. 5. 1989,p. 17.

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener
on behalf of the Commission

_(18 May 1990)_

The Commission, as in its reply given to Written Question
No 1030/88 by the Honourable Member, refers to the
fact that there is no direct obligation on Member States to
automatically supply the Commission Wfl:h information
regarding seizures of illicit drugs.

The 1988 seizure statistics reproduced in the table below
with regard to certain drugs have been derived from
information published in the Member States.

No C 283/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 11. 90

4. What is the Commission's view on the setting up of an
EEC/MTC parliamentary assembly?

5. What is the Commission's position on a Community
policy with regard to entrance visas for MTC
immigrants?

6. When the Commission speaks of strengthening the
MTC's self-sufficiency in food, to what extent, if any,
does it take account of the implications of this process
for its own policy of restricting imports of agricultural
products from the MTC?

Answer given by Mr Matutes
on behalf of the Commission

_(21 May 1990)_

1. The Commission is aware of the burden placed on
the economic development of the Mediterranean
non-member countries and, as a result, on the standard of
living of their inhabitants by their large external debt. It is
for this very reason that the Commission considers that
coordinated measures are called for to contribute to these

countries' economic recovery and hence, _inter alia,_ to
provide a solution to the burden of debt and meet their
development needs. Current experiments in easing the
burden of debt servicing for certain highly indebted
Mediterranean non-member countries must be pursued.
Against this background, the financial resources from the
budget that the Community will make available to these
countries will go some way towards reducing the debt
burden on their economies through the concessional
nature of the funds and their expected contribution to
growth and structural adjustment.

2. The Commission is indeed advocating a significant
increase in private investment which should promote job
creation, particularly in small and medium-sized firms,
and will accordingly make proposals for initiatives in this
respect. It is obvious that investment cannot be stepped up
at the expense of the social protection of workers or the
environment. As regards the latter, the Commission
considers that larger financial means should be deployed
and that more consideration should be given to
environmental issues in the projects and activities
financed by the Community. Lastly, appropriate technical
assistance could be provided for those Mediterranean
non-member countries wishing to strengthen their
legislation in this field.

3. The Commission shares the opinion that as it is its
wish to make its Mediterranean policy comprehensive, it
would be desirable to arrive in due course at a general
agreement. If the Mediterranean non-member countries,
or a group of them, succeeded in giving practical
expression to their wish to integrate and later wished to
conclude a general agreement, the Commission's reaction
could only be a favourable one. The Commission
welcomed the establishment of the Arab Maghreb Union
(AMU) and the Arab Cooperation Council (ACC) and

Cocaine

404,000

496,000

10,000

0,044

3 461,000

585,000

6,000

620,000

5,000

517,000

301,000

308,000

6 713,044

Cannabis

15 137,000

11 354,000

10 006,000

236,000

91 470,000

24 425,000

8 328,000

7 168,000

190,000

68 239,000

354,000

46 254,000

283 161,000

_(kilograms)_

Amphetamines

47,000

91,000

30,000

0,024

9,000

4,000

0,075

1,000

0,400

53,000

2,000

120,000

357,499

Member State

Belgium

Federal Republic
of Germany

Denmark

Greece

Spain

France

Ireland

Italy

Luxembourg

The Netherlands

Portugal

United Kingdom

Total

Heroin

114,000

537,000

29,000

0,500

480,000

147,000

75,000

576,000

15,000

10,000

33,000

257,000

2 773,500

WRITTEN QUESTION No 540/90

by Mrs Maria Aglietta and Mr Eugenio Melandri (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 March 1990)_

(90/C 283/24)

_Subject:_ New Mediterranean Policy

Given that the Commission is studying new lines of action
for Mediterranean policy which will change cooperative
relations with Mediterranean Third Countries (MTC), as
described in document SEC (89) 1961 final and in view of
the fact that this document does not tackle convincingly
the MTC's problems of external debt and immigration,

1. Can the Commission say how it intends to tackle the
MTC's fundamental problem of external debt in the
general context of cooperation in view of the fact that
these countries are not signatories to the Lome
Convention, recent improvements to which involved
measures to deal with this problem?

2. When the Commission says in the document that
private investment in the MTC should be increased,
what accompanying social security and environmental
protection measures does the Commission intend to
propose or suggest to the MTC governments and
investors?

3. In view of the fact that the Commission wishes to

make its new Mediterranean policy comprehensive,
can it say whether it intends, in the future, to draw up
regional (e.g. with the Maghreb) rather than bilateral
agreements?

12. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 283/15

has offered to provide the newly established bodies with
all useful information gathered in the course of its own
integration.

4. The setting-up of a joint parliamentary assembly is
one of Parliament's prerogatives and the Commission
cannot but encourage any initiative likely to improve
regional cooperation.

5. A common or coordinated visa policy is a
prerequisite for abolishing border controls for individuals
within the Community. All relevant issues are being
discussed by the representatives of the Member States
meeting in the _ad hoc_ 'Immigration' working party, in
which the Commission takes part as an observer.

6. The Commission believes that the commitment it

shares with the Mediterranean non-member countries to

improving their food self-sufficiency does not run
counter to its agricultural trade policy _vis-d-vis_ those
countries. Indeed this policy, which involves preferential
treatment without quantitative restrictions, does not
concern basic foodstuffs.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 545/90

by Mr William Newton Dunn (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 March 1990)_

(90/C 283/25)

_Subject:_ Town twinning

How much was spent of the allocation in the 1989 budget
for encouraging town-twinning, and how much went to
each Member State?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(3_ _July 1990)_

All the appropriations under Article 306 for town
twinning were used. A breakdown of the appropriations
has been sent directly to the Honourable Member and to
Parliament's Secretariat. It should, however, be noted
that aid granted for promotion of town twinning does not
entail any allocation by Member State on a quota basis.
Projects eligible for such aid submitted to the
Commission do not originate from the Member States but
from towns or twinning organizations and are by their
very nature multinational.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 575/90

by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 March 1990)_

(90/C 283/26)

_Subject:_ Network of universities in the regional capitals

The network of universities in the regional capitals which
has just been set up and at present consists of 21
universities from European cities, aims to promote
research cooperation and student mobility. This network
operates mainly at national level.

Is the Commission in favour of creating the same type of
network involving regional capitals with something in
common, for example the regions of the Atlantic coast of
Europe?

In what form could the Commission provide aid for the
creation of such a network?

Answer given by Miss Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(29 June 1990)_

The Commission is in favour of any network which aims
to increase cooperation between universities and to
promote the mobility of students, teachers and
researchers at Community level.

Action 4 of the Erasmus programme provides for
complementary measures to promote student mobility in
the Community, including the granting of financial
support to associations and consortia of universities
acting on an European basis, in particular with a view to
making innovative initiatives in specific fields of training
better known throughout the Community.

Similar financial assistance is available under the Lingua
and Comett programmes for vocational training in their
respective fields.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 594/90

by Mr Rafael Calvo Ortega (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5 March 1990)_

(90/C 283/27)

_Subject:_ Budget fraud in the Community

Fraud affecting the various Community programmes and
measures and the dimensions which, according to recent

No C 283/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 11. 90

reports, it has assumed is a cause for concern for the
Community institutions and, more generally, for all those
with responsibilities in this area.

Although there does not appear to have been a full report
on these irregularities, coordination with the Member
States seems to be the most effective means of action.

What plans does the Commission have to step up and
improve such coordination?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(4_ _May 1990)_

The Commission entirely agrees that cooperation with
and between Member States is the key to preventing
budget fraud.

This was the conclusion of the report on work done and
progress achieved in 1989 in the fight against fraud which
the Commission presented to Parliament and the
Council (').

The report describes in detail all the measures taken so far
to strengthen and improve cooperation as well as those
now on the drawing-board.

O SEC(90) 156 final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 598/90

by Mr Georgios Romeos (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 March 1990)_

(90/C 283/28)

_Subject:_ Protective measures in the citrus fruit processing

sector

The citrus fruit processing sector is one of the main
Community agro-industries.

Proposals by the Association of the Industry of Juices and
Nectars from Fruit and Vegetables of the European
Community (AIJN) for a one year suspension of the 19 %
import duty on exports of juices from Brazil into the
Community directly affect the interests of Community
producers.

Does the Commission intend to take measures to protect
the Community citrus fruit processing sector (juices, etc.)
and Community producers from competition from
third-country products?

Answer given by Mr MacSharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(19 June 1990)_

The Commission does not intend to suspend the import
duty on imports of orange juice into the Community as
has been requested by the AIJN (Association of the
Industry of Juices and Nectars from Fruit and Vegetables
of the EEC). Furthermore it considers the measures
currently in force at the frontier to be sufficient to protect
Community producers of these juices and therefore does
not intend to take any further measures.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 600/90

by Mr Stephen Hughes (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 March 1990)_

(90/C 283/29)

_Subject:_ Fifth ECSC medical research programme

Could the Commission list the names and details of

background and qualifications of the Members of the
Committee of Scientific Experts appointed to advise the
Commission in connection with the above programme,
and could similar details be listed for the UK national

group?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(7 May 1990)_

The Commission will send directly to the Honourable
Member and to the Secretariat General of the European
Parliament the list and the qualifications of the members
of the committee of scientific experts appointed to advise
the Commission in connection with the programme
mentioned by the Honourable Member. As in the past,
these experts have been appointed by the Commission on
the basis of the proposals made by the industrial sector
concerned.

The national groups have been set up in order to reply
to the wishes of the ECSC Consultative Committee

expressed in its resolution of 23 March 1984. They
provide the Commission with an assessment of each
project and its priority at national level. The membership
of these national groups can be obtained from their
secretaries.

The secretaries of the UK groups are provided for the
coal sector by the British Coal Corporation and for the
steel sector by the British Steel Corporation.

12. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 283/17

WRITTEN QUESTION No 604/90

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

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(20 March 1990)_

(90/C 283/30)

_Subject:_ The disabled

Can the Commission state what progress has been made
on the harmonization of Member States' legislation in the
field of equal employment opportunities for the disabled?

Answer given by Ms Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(4 May 1990)_

The opportunities available on the national labour
markets, and the capacities of these, differ widely from
one Member State to another. For this reason the

Commission supports and promotes equal opportunities
at national level. In the 1986 Council resolution on

employment it is recommended that further positive
action schemes for disabled people should be carried out
on national markets. The Commission drew up a
preliminary report on its work in this area in June 1989.
On the basis of this report, the Council meeting on 12
June 1989 reached conclusions in which it called on the

Member States to continue to promote positive action
schemes to make it easier to place disabled people in
employment. The Commission has been asked to conduct
further exchanges of experience of successful projects in
the context of the Helios programme and its network of
rehabilitation centres and by support for vocational
training by the European Social Fund.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 613/90

by Mr Kenneth Coates (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(20 March 1990)_

(90/C 283/31)

_Subject:_ Deployment of development staff

How many staff normally working on development issues
(whether aid, trade or food aid) have been redeployed
temporarily or permanently to work on aid to and trade
with Eastern Europe?

Will these staff be replaced?

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

_(18 June 1990)_

On 25 October 1989, the Commission created the
Operational Service 'Phare' in DG I to deal with the
implementation of aid to Poland and Hungary, and
consequently has had to redeploy staff to this new service.

In this context, four officials (three As and one C) from
the Directorate General for Development (DG VIII) were
transferred to DG I, and one official (A) to DG XI
(Environment in Eastern Europe).

However, having regard to the priority of the tasks they
carried out in DG VIII, the Commission decided that
three A grade officials would be replaced in that DG.
Procedures to fill these posts are now underway.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 615/90

by Mr Madron Seligman (ED) 

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(20 March 1990)_

(90/C 283/32)

_Subject:_ Labelling of electrical goods

Does the Commission intend to take any steps towards
the implementation of a labelling system for electrical
goods on sale in shops which would inform consumers of
the energy efficiency of the product in question?

Labelling of electrical goods may have the desired effect
of encouraging consumers to buy energy-efficient goods
by giving them an informed choice. This would make an
important contribution to protecting the environment
given that coal, gas and oil all add to the greenhouse
effect, thus adversely affecting the environment.

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(14 May 1990)_

Directive 79/530/EEC (') was concerned with providing
information to consumers on the energy efficiency of
electrical appliances. This Directive did not make the
provision of such information obligatory but if such
informative labelling was required by a Member State it
had to conform to the provisions of the Directive.

A major difficulty in this field is the measurement of
electricity consumption which can vary greatly according

No C 283/18 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 11. 90

to differences in operating conditions. This was the
reason why the Directive 79/531/EEC ( [2] ) on the energy
consumption of electrical ovens permitted a margin of
error of 15 % between actual and indicated consumption.

On a more general level, the Commission is currently
reviewing the question of labelling of consumer goods,
and among the areas to be examined will be the issue of
ecological and energy efficiency labelling.

(') OJNoL 145, 13.6. 1979,p. 1.
( [2] ) OJNoLl45, 13.6. 1979, p. 7.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 630/90

by Mrs Christine Crawley (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(20 March 1990)_

(90/C 283/33)

_Subject:_ Noise awareness project

What action is the Commission taking to reduce and
eventually abolish the risk of deafness and impaired
hearing for factory workers in noisy plants throughout
the European Community, in the light of the recent noise
awareness project, organized by trade union safety
representatives at the Land Rover car plant in Solihull, to
raise the issues of industrial noise and deafness at their

workplace? The noise awareness project involved three
audiometers being used over a two-day period, in which
41 workers between the ages of 26 and 60 years were
tested, and it was discovered that everyone was either
seriously affected or at serious risk from noisy plant at the
factory?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(7 May 1990)_

Protection of workers against noise at work has for some
time preoccupied the Commission which, in both its first
and second programmes on health and safety, stressed the
need for measures in this area. These culminated on

12 May 1986 in the adoption of Council Directive
86/188/EEC (') which aims at protecting the workers
against risks to their hearing arising from exposure to
noise. The Member States were given until 1 January 1990
to bring into force legislation transposing this Directive
(one year later for Greece and Portugal). Under the
Directive, control of the occupational exposure to noise is
required; audiometry can, as in the project mentioned by

the Honourable Member, identify persons whose hearing
is at risk from noise at work. Any worker exposed to
85 db(A) or more is entitled to such a hearing check.

Although elimination of the risk of hearing impairment
from noise at work is one of the objectives of the
Directive, it is unlikely that this will be achieved in all
circumstances. Constant improvement of protection and
minimization of risks are the other objectives; the
Commission has to ensure that all of these objectives are
accomplished in all Member States.

O OJNoL137,24. 5. 1986, p. 28.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 645/90

by Mr Elio Di Rupo (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(20 March 1990)_

(90/C 283/34)

_Subject:_ Taking non-Belgian students into account for
the calculation of grants for Belgian teaching
establishments situated in border areas

The Belgian Decree of 6 November 1987 lays down
definitions of students who are regularly enrolled and
students to be taken into account for the calculation of

subsidizing grants for full-time, non-university higher
education establishments.

Article 2 (2) of this Decree states that, with the exception
of Luxembourgish students, non-Belgian students can
only be considered for the purposes of calculating grants
up to a maximum of 2% of Belgian students regularly
enrolled on 1 February of the previous academic year.

This provision penalizes Belgian teaching establishments
situated in border areas and runs counter to the principle
of the free movement of goods and persons.

Can the Commission give its views on this matter?

Answer given by Miss Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(14 May 1990)_

In the judgment handed down on 27 September 1988 in
Case 42/87, the Court of Justice of the European
Communities ruled that by excluding various categories
of students from other Member States wishing to attend
non-university higher education courses from State
financing, the Kingdom of Belgium had created a
discriminatory situation and failed to comply with its
obligations under Community law.

12. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 283/19

The Commission accordingly requested the Belgian
authorities to notify it of the measures taken to bring the
Belgian provisions concerned, in particular the Royal
Decree of 6 November 1987 laying down definitions of
'duly enrolled student' and 'students to be taken into
account for the purpose of training' in full-time higher
education other than university education into line with
the Court's judgment.

As no reply has been received from the Belgian
authorities, the Commission has once again drawn their
attention to this matter under Article 171 of the EEC

Treaty.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 699/90

by Mr James Ford (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(23 March 1990)_

(90/C 283/35)

_Subject:_ Evaluation of the current research and training
programme in the field of controlled
thermonuclear fusion

I read with interest the 'reply' given by Mr Pandolfi
(dated 9 January 1990) to my Written Question
No 748/89 _(_ _[l]_ _)_ on the above subject. Astute observers will
note that my question has not been answered. I asked
whether the Commission could confirm that this

evaluation would be organized by the independent
evaluation unit in DG XII, and not by the Fusion
Directorate in DG XII, which would not be seen as
independent in this matter. I would appreciate an answer
to this question.

To clarify the Commission's thinking, will it confirm that
one particular difficulty it may have in this regard is that
the Council minutes concerning the Decision of 25 July
1988 ( [2] ) state that the evaluation will be organized by the
Fusion Directorate?

O OJNoC97, 17.4. 1990.
O Decision 88/448/Euratom (OJ No L 222, 12. 8. 1988, p. 5).

Answer given by Mr Pandolfi
on behalf of the Commission

_(26 June 1990)_

The Commission mentioned in its reply to an earlier
question from the Honourable Member on this subject
(No 748/89) that the evaluation of the Fusion

Programme would follow the usual guidelines established
by the plan of action on evaluation (') and improved by
the Monitor Programme ( [2] ).

As with all evaluations, the administrative arrangements
have been handled by the Evaluation Unit of DG XII in
cooperation with the administrative services of the
Directorate for Means of Action of DG XII.

The Directorate responsible for the Programme being
evaluated, the Fusion Directorate, has, as would be
expected, been requested by the Fusion Review Board to
provide information to the Board on technical matters
and liaison with fusion research units in the Community
as well as with partners of the Fusion Programme outside
the Community, particularly in the context of the ITER
initiative.

Exceptionally, the Commission has, on the Board's
request, placed a contract with an external person, chosen
by the Board's Chairman, to act as an independent
secretary to the Board.

O OJNoC 14,20.1.1987.
O OJNoL200, 13.7. 1989, p. 38.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 700/90

by Mr James Ford (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(23 March 1990)_

(90/C 283/36)

_Subject:_ Identification of hardwood imports

When does the Commission intend to introduce a

requirement of importers of timber that they identify the
origin of hardwood imports into the Community, so that
imports from non-sustainable sources can be avoided?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 701/90

by Mr James Ford (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(23 March 1990)_

(90/C 283/37)

_Subject:_ Preservation of tropical rainforests

Will the Commission say what tariff and quota measures
it has taken to ensure that timber only from managed,
sustainable hardwood forests is imported into the
Community?

No C 283/20 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 11. 90

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 700/90 and 701/90

given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(2_ _July 1990)_

At the 7th meeting of the Council of the International
Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) the Community
strongly supported a proposal to encourage the
investigation of what measures might be taken in
countries that are party to the Agreement with a view of
seeking a balance between the exploitation and
conservation of tropical forests.

In this connection the study in question will seek to
lay down criteria for distinguishing between wood
obtained from sustainable, and wood obtained from
non-sustainable, sources so as to enable users to make an

informed choice.

When the above study was adopted it was also generally
recognized within ITTO that, in the end, the application
of any such measures, including tagging, would depend
on obtaining the agreement of all the parties concerned
and on the latter adopting a number of universally
acceptable criteria.

The final report should be available by the end of 1991.

The Commission is closely monitoring this pre-project
activity, responsibility for which was awarded to a
specialist university institute in one of the Community's
Member States.

Where tariff measures and/or quantitative restrictions are
concerned, the Commission would ask the Honourable
Member to refer to the answer given to Written Question
No 1261/89 by Mr Arbeloa Muru (')•

Furthermore, the Commission's communication of 2
August 1989 to the Council setting out the Community's
strategy on the conservation of tropical forests reaffirms
the principle that any action considered in this area should
include promoting the sustainable exploitation of forests
combined with the adoption of voluntary codes of
conduct ( [2] ).

(') OJNoC233, 17.9. 1990, p. 8.
( [2] ) OJNoC264, 16.10. 1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 726/90

by Mrs Winifred Ewing (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 March 1990)_

(90/C 283/38)

_Subject:_ Staff situations in DG XIV and DG VIII

1. Will the Commission state how many A grade
officials are currently employed in DG XIV?

2. Will the Commission state how many A grade
officials have transferred from DG XIV to another

service or Directorate-General since January 1989, giving
details of the grades, nationalities, and length of service in
both the Commission and DG XIV of the individuals

concerned, the grades and nationalities of their
replacement and the posts which currently remain vacant?

3. Will the Commission publish comparable
information on the A grade staff situation in DG VIII?

4. Will the Commission give details of how the A grade
transfer records of DGs XIV and VIII compare with the
average for all of the other Directorate-Generals and
provide an explanation if a statistically significant
difference is found?

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

_(1_ _August 1990)_

1 and 3. The numbers of A grade officials employed in
DG XIV and DG VIII at 1 April 1990 were 46 and 436
respectively.

2. Since 1 January 1989, five A grade officials of IRL,
NL, D, B and F nationality have been transferred from
DG XIV to other Directorates-General. All had a total of

more than five years' service in DG XIV.

With regard to DG VIII, 16 A grade officials (by
nationality: two NL, four FR, one PT, one D, two B, two
UK, two IT and one GR) moved to other
Directorates-General of their own accord. Of these, six
had more than five years' service in DG VIII, the other 10
between five years and a year and a half.

4. Transfers from DG VIII since 1 January 1989 are
equivalent to 4 % of the A grade staff of that
Directorate-General and 11 % of that of DG XIV. The

general average for the Commission is 11 %.

Transfers of staff from these two Directorates-General

are therefore normal and within the general average for
the Commission in the case of DG XIV and below the

average in the case of DG VIII.

The Honourable Member is also advised that such

transfers have their proper place within the Commission's
personnel policy of encouraging internal redeployment
and mobility.

12. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 283/21

WRITTEN QUESTION No 770/90

by Mr Christopher Jackson (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(29 March 1990)_

(90/C 283/39)

_Subject:_ Customs brokers — neutralization of the
negative effects of 1992

While the 1992 programme will bring great benefits,
certain areas, organizations and individuals will be
adversely affected. Customs brokers, who expedite the
passage of goods across the EC's internal and external
frontiers, estimate that, in the 12 Member States, over
80 000 people employed in their businesses will lose their
jobs as a result of the abolition of internal frontiers.

As frontier regions are often also regions of higher than
average unemployment, the impact of these job losses will
be severe in several Member States. In the case of the

travel-to-work area of Dover, which has lost 3 000 jobs in
coal mining, and may lose a further 6 000 jobs as a result
of the Channel Tunnel, it appears that 3 000 individuals
employed as customs brokers could lose their jobs as a
direct result of the abolition of internal frontiers by the
1992 programme. This area exemplifies the problem of
frontier areas not eligible for objective 1 or 2 assistance
and thus apparently excluded from any major assistance
other than retraining.

1. Does the Commission agree that certain organizations
and individuals in non-assisted areas will face severe

problems as a result of the 1992 programme?

2. Does the Commission accept its responsibilities to
assess the magnitude and extent of social and
economic problems caused by EC action in the 1992
programme and to propose procedures and measures
to neutralize the negative effects?

3. Does the Commission agree that, in view of the
restrictive wording of the Regional and Social Fund
regulations, a specific new instrument and budget
heading will be required to provide the tools to deal
with these problems? If not, will the Commission
explain how existing instruments can tackle the
problem adequately?

4. What specific action is the Commission proposing to
take to tackle this problem?

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener
on behalf of the Commission

_(13 July 1990)_

1. The Commission requests the Honourable Member
to refer to its answer to Written Question No 332/90
from Mr Pierros (').

2, 3 and 4. During contacts with the representatives of
the organizations concerned, the Commission took the
opportunity to ask them to provide a quantitative study of
the effects of 1992 in terms of jobs, in order to have more
information on this matter; it will, however, have to take
account of the legal and structural diversity of customs
broking in its approach to the problem.

On 13 March 1990 the Commission adopted the general
guidelines for a Community initiative called Interreg
which has the aim, in the context of completion of the
internal market, of encouraging the integration of
internal frontier regions and strengthening the external
frontier regions of the Community. This initiative is
currently under discussion in the European Parliament
and the Economic and Social Committee, and a final
decision will be taken by the Commission once these
consultations are concluded.

Interreg will apply to internal and external frontier
regions covered by objective 1 and also to some extent by
objectives 2 and 5 (b) of Regulation (EEC) No 2052/88 of
24 June 1988, concerning the tasks of structural funds ( [2] )
and will be financed by a multi-fund appropriation
(ERDF, European Social Fund, EAGGF) of ECU 800
million (indicative budget) ( [3] ).

The Commission is prepared to support additional action
in all frontier areas by means of studies and pilot projects
under Article 10 of the ERDF Regulation and measures
under Article 1 (2) of the European Social Fund
Regulation and Article 8 of the EAGGF Regulation.

As regards the future of customs brokers in particular,
Interreg provides for special attention to be given to
'alternative' job creation opportunities in eligible regions
which, as the result of the completion of the internal
market, will be subject to substantial job losses in sectors
directly linked to the existence of frontiers.

(') See page 11 of this Official Journal.
O OJNoL185, 15.7. 1988, p. 9.
( [3] ) On 2 May 1990 the Commission decided to allocate an extra

ECU 100 million to the initial provision of ECU 700 million
already committed for Interreg.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 781/90

by Sir James Scott-Hopkins (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(29 March 1990)_

(90/C 283/40)

_Subject:_ European motor car manufacturers

What interim protection does the Commission propose
should be accorded to European motor car
manufacturers, against Japanese manufacturers, in
particular, as the move towards lifting all restrictions on
the market for motor cars within the Community gathers
pace?

No C 283/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 11. 90

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(23_ _May 1990)_

Two-thirds of the EC motor vehicle market are subject
to measures which limit the access of Japanese cars to
the Community. As stated in its communication of
6 December 1989 ('), the Commission considers that
European industry must pursue efforts to strengthen its
international, competitiveness so that it can meet the
objective of total liberalization of the market, as called for
by the European Council at its Rhodes meeting.

The Commission has proposed a brief transitional period
during which the degfee of protection would be
progressively reduced, in order to avoid a sudden shock
to Community industry while abiding by the
Community's international commitments.

Due to the abolition of national restrictions by the end of
1992, discussions at Community level as well as with the
Japanese authorities will be necessary to manage the
transitional period.

(') SEC(89)2118.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 783/90

by Sir James Scott-Hopkins (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(29 March 1990)_

(90/C 283/41)

_Subject:_ Cooperation Fairs

What financial resources does the Commission propose
should be put behind the new 'Cooperation Fairs',
designed to bring together operators from specific sectors
of the tourism industry and lead to the exchange of
knowledge and skills?

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

_(15_ _June 1990)_

The 'Cooperation Fairs' project is still in the process of
elaboration, as it is aimed at transferring to the tourism
sector the experience gained in the industry sector,
particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises,
through the Euro-partnership ('Euro-partenariat')
projects launched jointly by DG XXIII and DG XVI.

The objective of the relevant initiative is to create a
synergy and promote various schemes of cooperation

(joint ventures, co-production, transfer of technology
and know-how, commercial agreements, etc.) between
locally based companies and those coming from other
Community countries. The identification of potential
partners locally and in all Member States is a key element
of the project, requiring a lot of field work. Accordingly,
the launching of a Cooperation Fair presupposes a
lengthy and elaborate preparation. It is clear that the
whole process of preparing and implementing the project
requires considerable, but certainly not excessive,
financial resources. At this stage, no concrete estimate of
the necessary financing can be made.

If past experience might be of help, it could be noted that
the cost of a Euro-partnership project, involving up to
now only small and medium-sized enterprises in the
industry sector, has been in the region of ECU 300 000. It
is likely that a similar project in the tourism sector will be
of the same order of magnitude.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 822/90

by Mrs Beate Weber (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4_ _April 1990)_

(90/C 283/42)

_Subject:_ Routine supply of Commission documents to the
Federal German Interparliamentary Working
Party

The Federal German Interparliamentary Working Party,
which consists of members of the Land Parliaments,
the German Bundestag and Members of the European
Parliament, and the terms of reference of which are
known to you, is concerned to secure the closest possible
interaction between different levels of political activity. It
consequently depends on full cooperation between all
participating institutions. Since last October the Working
Party has been endeavouring to persuade the Commission
to agree to supply it routinely with copies of its documents
without these having to be requested.

When can such agreement be expected, or, if not, what
stands in the way of this request being acted on
favourably?

Answer given by Mr Dondelinger
on behalf of the Commission

_(28 May 1990)_

The Interparliamentary Working Party has been receiving
issues of 'European File' regularly since 1974.

The relevant Commission department did not register the
Working Party's request in October 1989.

12. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 283/23

Arrangements have now been made for the Working
Party to receive the Commission's COM documents at its
address: IPA214, Adenauer Allee, 5300 Bonn.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 836/90

by Mrs Teresa Domingo Segarra (GUE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4_ _April 1990)_

(90/C 283/43)

_Subject:_ New technologies and the employment of

women

Between 1985 and 1986 the Commission undertook to

hold a number of round-table conferences in the Member

States on how to integrate women into the world of new
technologies and how to avoid any unfavourable
consequences the resulting changes might have.

Have any of these round table conferences been held in
Spain and, if so, where and when, and what conclusions
were drawn?

Will the Commission provide information on the outcome
of this series of round-table conferences in the

Community Member States?

Answer given by Miss Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(4 May 1990)_

In line with the medium-term Community programme
(1986 to 1990) on equal opportunities for women (point
23e), the Commission organized a number of round-table
discussions in collaboration with most of the Member

States involving the partners concerned (governments, the
two sides of industry, training bodies, placement bodies,
etc.) to study the impact of new technologies on the
employment of women.

One such discussion was held in Spain, at La Manga, from
3 to 5 November 1988. The agenda covered the education
of girls in the field of new technologies and vocational
training and employment for women in the climate of
technological change.

It is clear from these round-table discussions that action is

needed, especially in the fields of education (among
parents, teachers, guidance counsellors and the pupils
themselves), vocational training (need for training geared
specifically to women and/or the setting-up of special

courses for women as part of mixed training schemes),
and information and consciousness-raising (statistics,
information campaigns, etc.).

These conclusions will be taken into account in the third

action programme on equal opportunities (1990 to 1995),
which is now being formulated.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 853/90

by Mr Gerardo Fernandez-Albor (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(9 April 1990)_

_{90/C_ 283/44)

_Subject:_ Community aid for Argentina

With food shortages and punitive economic measures the
price to pay for the imposition of a stabilization plan
designed to eradicate the country's age-old economic
problem, the current situation in Argentina is frankly
catastrophic.

It should therefore come as no surprise that the
government should entertain such high hopes of
achieving an early trade and economic cooperation
agreement with the European Community.

Would the Commission not agree that, in view of the
crisis facing the Argentine nation, the agreement should
be as far-reaching and generous as possible and that
it should be accompanied by immediate economic
cooperation and food aid measures to repay the aid
granted on the initiative of Argentina to a certain
Community country — Spain — at the beginning of the
1950s?

Answer given by Mr Matutes
on behalf of the Commission

_(2_ _July 1990)_

The Framework Agreement for trade and economic
cooperation between the Community and Argentina was
signed in Luxembourg on 2 April.

The Agreement contains all the Community cooperation
instruments currently available for countries with the
same socio-economic profile as Argentina.

The Agreement also includes some important new
features such as greater mutual responsibility at political
level, dialogue on agricultural issues, aimed at
diversifying Argentine exports, and support for regional
integration.

No C 283/24 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 11. 90

It therefore opens up vast scope for cooperation,
particularly economic cooperation, which more than
anything will help Argentina out of its current deadlock.

In this connection the Commission is willing to develop
very close cooperation on the basis of the guidelines set
out in the Agreement and specific projects put forward by
Argentina.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 856/90

by Mr Joaquin Siso Cruellas (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(9 April 1990)_

(90/C 283/45)

_Subject:_ Community subsidies for shelters for AIDS
sufferers

Following the decision of the regional government of
Aragon (Spain) to set up a shelter for AIDS sufferers, it
was agreed that it would be run by the 'Daughters of
Charity' religious order.

Initiatives of this kind will make it possible for AIDS
sufferers, who are disowned by their relatives and friends,
to receive appropriate psycho-social care under
arrangements similar to those made for AIDS victims,
who are permanently outlawed by society.

In view of the importance of such instances of social
solidarity, and bearing in mind the paucity of the
resources of the shelters in question — which must rely on
the sacrifice and self-denial of religious orders such as the
'Daughters of Charity' — can the Commission say
whether, in the context of its health policy for AIDS,
Community subsidies should be obtained to help
consolidate projects such as that undertaken in Aragon,
while encouraging the devotion and self-denial of
religious orders that can offer refuge and understanding
to the victims of one of the worst epidemics of our
century?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(18 May 1990)_

The Commission is aware of problems for people with
AIDS. The resolution on the fight against AIDS ( [x] ) made
by the Council and the Ministers of Health of the
Member States, meeting within the Council on 22
December 1989, mentioned among other topics the care
of infected persons.

Since the Commission has been requested to draw up and
submit to the Council proposals for the details and

content of an action plan to integrate appropriate
measures to prevent and control AIDS, the subject of
centres in the Community for persons with AIDS will be
taken into account.

O OJNoC 10,16.1. 1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 859/90

by Mr Joaquin Siso Cruellas (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(9 April 1990)_

(90/C 283/46)

_Subject:_ European association to assist the victims of
terrorism

The scourge of terrorism, to which a number of
Community countries have been exposed over the past
few decades, has not only claimed thousands of lives, but
has left the families of many of the victims both
defenceless and destitute.

There is no doubt that it would be an exemplary act of
solidarity on the part of the European Community if it
were to try to remedy the serious economic plight
suffered by many families of the victims of terrorism,
which, besides losing their loved ones, so often lose their
means of subsistence as well.

Would the Commission therefore be prepared to support
the organization of a European association drawn from
the various bodies representing the families of the victims
of terrorism, with the object of planning and maximizing
the aid given by our Community to those families?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(5_ _June 1990)_

Generally speaking, Community law leaves it to Member
States to decide whether to make provision for
compensation for the victims of terrorism and to
determine implementing rules.

The Commission, however, has started to examine
whether the Community has any jurisdiction in this area,
in the light, in particular, of developments resulting from
the adoption of the Single European Act.

On the basis of this study, which will soon be completed,
the Commission will consider how it can best help to
improve the position of victims of violent crimes.

As a first step, ratification by the 12 Member States of the
European Convention on the compensation of Victims of

12. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 283/25

Violent Crimes would provide each of them with a useful
and non-discriminatory legal framework. (So far, only
Denmark, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the
United Kingdom have ratified the Convention.)

Meantime, the Commission is ready to examine any
requests concerning the organization of projects of the
kind referred to by the Honourable Member.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 882/90

by Mr Patrick Lalor (RDE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(9 April 1990)_

(90/C 283/47)

_Subject:_ Road safety

According to a recent study on crashes by the Automobile
Association in Britian, the main reasons were a lack of
road safety education in schools and local resistance to
methods of reducing vehicles speeds. In 1988 more than
800 under-15s died in road accidents and many thousands
required hospital treatment.

Will the Commission now undertake a similar study
throughout the EC and issue recommendations as to how
road safety can be improved?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(9 July 1990)_

Action on road safety is multidisciplinary and a variety of
measures must be envisaged. Road safety education in
schools is one of the measures; action on legislation,
enforcement, infrastructure and traffic managements
must be part of a whole programme on traffic safety, in
which children and youngsters should be taken
particularly into consideration.

Road users under 15 years are mainly pedestrians,
passengers of bicycle or (in certain cases) moped riders.

The Commission, further to its communication to the
Council on road safety ('), has presented a package of
legislative proposals on some key issues of road safety
(speed limits ( [2] ), driving licences ( [3] ), maximum alcohol
rate permitted ( [4] ), safety belts ( [5] )), which still remain on
the table of the Council.

Moreover, a certain number of studies are now going on,
or will be undertaken shortly, some of which concern
children and young users: child-restraint system (to
complement proposals on safety belts); crash helmets;
safety in school buses; training of moped riders. Also a
draft project is being prepared by the group ERGA safety
on technical standards of anchorage and fitting of safety
belts for minibuses (between 3,5 tonnes and 5 tonnes) and
coaches, so as to extend the scope of the existing
legislation.

In addition, local authorities in particular must take
action on traffic management and infrastructure specific
to the young road users.

O COM(88)704.
O OJ No C 33, 9. 2. 1989.
O OJ No C 48, 27. 2. 1989, p. 1.
O COM(88) 544 final.
O COM(88) 707 final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 886/90

by Mr James Fitzsimons (RDE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(9 April 1990)_

(90/C 283/48)

_Subject:_ The frozen food market

To ask the Commission if it can estimate the impact of the
completion of the internal market on the frozen food
sector for the consumer, bearing in mind that sales of
frozen foods (including ice-cream) now total more than
ECU 5,1 billion in the UK, ECU 2,8 billion in Germany
and ECU 1,6 billion in France ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(15 May 1990)_

The Commission is not yet in a position to provide precise
figures on the impact of the completion of the internal
market in the frozen food sector on consumers.

However, the Commission believes that implementation
of Council Directive 89/108/EEC on the approximation
of the laws of the Member States relating to quick-frozen
foodstuffs for human consumption ('), will enable
consumers, as a result of increased competition, to benefit
from more favourable prices and wider choice.

No C 283/26 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 11. 90

In addition, compliance with this Directive will give
European consumers the guarantee that frozen products
meet specific health and quality standards.

Furthermore, Community legislation on the labelling of
foodstuffs, and in particular the provisions on
quick-frozen products, ensure that consumers will be
properly informed.

Consequently, completion of the internal market in the
frozen food sector is proving to be beneficial to
consumers in the Community.

The Community industry estimates the current volume of
frozen foods consumed in Europe at 5 million tonnes (this
figure does not include water ice and ice-crea,m, which are
not covered by the definition of frozen products),
representing a total value of over ECU 10 000 million.
Apart from a number of residual problems concerning
veterinary and transport matters involving certain
Member States, the Community industry is not
encountering major difficulties in completing the internal
market.

(') OJNoL40, 11.2. 1989, p. 34.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 898/90

by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(9 April 1990)_

(90/C 283/49)

_Subject:_ Opening of the European defence market

At the end of February 1990, the European Defence
Ministers agreed that the European defence market
should be opened up to all members of NATO. To enable
European defence undertakings to compete more
effectively for contracts beyond national borders, the
13 European NATO Member States initially drew up a list
of current orders.

In the context of the completion of the internal market,
was the Commission involved in any way in this initiative
by the EC Member States concerned, and is it considering
proposals for the harmonization of arms export policy at
EC level?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(23 July 1990)_

To the Commission's knowledge, the decision referred to
by the Honourable Member was taken on 21 February
1990 in Gleneagles (United Kingdom) by the Independent
European Programme Group (IEPG) of which the
Commission is not a member. The participants in the
IEPG are the Member States of the Community with the

exception of Ireland, and the other European members of
NATO with the exception of Iceland.

At their meeting in Gleneagles, the defence ministers of
the IEPG reviewed the progress made as regards many of
the Group's initiatives, particularly the implementation of
the action plan agreed on in 1988 for the gradual opening
up of the defence equipment market and the
establishment of the European research and technology
programme, Euclid.

The issues discussed raise many questions, particularly as
regards the opening up of public procurement. In this
field, the Community's powers are limited by the
provisions of Article 223 of the EEC Treaty under which
'any Member State may take such measures as it considers
necessary for the protection of the essential interests of its
security which are connected with the production of or
trade in arms, munitions and war material; such measures
shall not adversely affect the conditions of competition in
the common market regarding products which are not
intended for specifically military purposes'. In this
context, the Commission regards the IEPG action plan as
an important parallel endeavour to the Community
programme for the completion of the single market. The
Commission has been particularly interested to note that
the IEPG has set up a study group on the results of the
1992 process so as to consider its effects on the defence
equipment market in the light of recent developments in
the continent of Europe.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 911/90

by Sir James Scott-Hopkins (ED)

to the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the
European Community meeting in European Political

Cooperation

_(17 April 1990)_

(90/C 283/50)

_Subject:_ Interim role for the UN

Recognizing the importance of the recent Australian
initiative which seeks an interim role for the United

Nations pending elections and the near broad
endorsement of such an approach by the UN Security
Council, to ask whether all Member States will be
indicating their support for this proposal to the United
States, China and Asean.

Answer

_(28 September 1990)_

In their Ministerial statement on Cambodia on 20

February 1990, the Twelve welcomed the discussions

12. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 283/27

taking place among the five Permanent Members of the
United Nations Security Council and the active part
played by the UN Secretariat. They also welcomed the
proposals promoted by the Foreign Minister of Australia
for an enhanced role for the United Nations in a

comprehensive political settlement. The UN role had also
been emphasised in the EC-Asean Joint Declaration
agreed in Kuching on 16 and 17 February.

The likely nature of the UN's role in Cambodia has
become clearer in the intervening months, and could
involve verification of the Vietnamese withdrawal and of

a cease-fire, the overseeing of an interim administration,
and ensuring free and fair elections. Governments of
the Twelve have contributed, or are considering a
contribution, to the UN Secretary-General's Trust Fund
for the Cambodian peace process. The Honourable
Member can rest assured that the Twelve will continue to

use their common influence in support of an overall
political settlement in Cambodia in which the United
Nations will have an indispensable part to play.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 924/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(17 April 1990)_

(90/C 283/51)

_Subject:_ Apportionment of appropriations from budget
Article 636 to the committees set up in the
Community to promote the use of the less
common languages

What is the breakdown, by country and year, for the
above appropriations?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(4_ _July 1990)_

The Commission does not directly contribute financially
to the running of the national committees created to
promote the lesser used languages in the European
Communities.

However, the Commission finances some of the activities
of the European Bureau for Lesser Used Languages
particularly those for the promotion and coordination of
the national committees, as well as a number of events
organized by them.

The Board of the Bureau awards a part of the subvention
received from the Commission to the various national
committees so as to allow them to fulfill their objective of

safeguarding and promoting the lesser used languages
within the Member States. The table below indicates the

amounts awarded by the Bureau to national committees in
the most recent years.

_(ECU)_

1986

1 500

1 500

—

4 000

4 500

1 500

5 500

1 500

3 000

1987

1 500

900

1 575

—

3 338

3 863

1 575

4 688

1 000

2 512

1988

2 000

1 800

2 100

500

4 450

5 150

2 100

6 250

2 000

3 530

1989

2 000

1 700

2 300

—

4 250

5 200

2 300

6 250

2 000

3 350

Belgium

Denmark

Federal Republic
of Germany

Greece

Spain

France

Ireland

Italy

Netherlands

United Kingdom

Total: ECU 122 681

1985

1 000

400

—

—

5 300

2 500

6 900

400

3 000

WRITTEN QUESTION No 935/90

by Sir Jack Stewart-Clark (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(17April 1990)_

(90/C 283/52)

_Subject:_ The elderly

Would the Commission let me know whether pensioners
who are in receipt of a pension from their own Member
State but go to live in another Member State may still avail
themselves of the same pension paid out in their own
country?

Answer given by Miss Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(15 May 1990)_

Regulations (EEC) No 1408/71 and (EEC)
No 574/72 ('), which coordinate the various social
security systems in the Community, stipulate that
pensions acquired under the legislation of one or more
Member States may not be subject to any reduction,
modification, suspension, withdrawal or confiscation by
reason of the fact that the beneficiary resides within the
territory of a Member State other than that in which the
institution responsible for payment is situated.

These Regulations apply to employed or self-employed
workers who are or have been subject to the legislation of
one or more Member States and who are nationals of one
of the Member States or who are stateless persons or

No C 283/28 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 11. 90

refugees residing within the territory of one of the
Member States, as also to members of their families and

their survivors.

(') OJ No L230, 22. 8. 1983 (as last amended by Regulation
(EEC) No 2332/89) and OJ No L 224, 2. 8. 1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 954/90

by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(25 April 1990)_

(90/C 283/53)

_Subject:_ Employee consultation in the public sector

Can the Commission give its views on employee
consultation in the public sector, particularly at
Community level?

Will it ensure that workers in the public sector and their
trade union organizations are able to participate in
employee consultation? If so, how?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 959/90

by Mr Herman Verbeek (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(25 April 1990)_

(90/C 283/54)

_Subject:_ Employee consultation in the public sector at
European level

According to information provided by the Dutch
AbvaKabo (trade union for employees in public service,
education, health and welfare) approximately 17% of all
European employees, a total of 23 million people, are
employed by public sector undertakings and institutions.

Freedom of movement in the internal market will also

have implications for public services in the EC Member
States. However, no moves have yet been made towards
the development or consultation between employers and
employees in the public sector.

Does the Commission recognize the importance of
employee consultation for public services at European
level and if so is it prepared to take the initiative in
launching such consultations?

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 954/90 and 959/90

given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(27 June 1990)_

There is, as yet, no formal structure for social dialogue in
the public sector. None the less, the social dialogue does

include UNICE, ETUC and CEEP, so the public sector is
clearly involved.

Recently, CEEP and ETUC decided to extend the
dialogue by means of arrangements whereby certain
topics already discussed in the social dialogue, such as
continuing vocational training, can be deliberated upon in
greater depth and other more specific topics, such as
freedom of movement and freedom of access to

employment in the public sector, can be discussed.

ETUC and CEEP have decided to focus initially on two
fields in which the social dialogue could develop: rail
transport and energy distribution.

The Commission fully supports and does it utmost to
contribute to this new dialogue between CEEP and
ETUC.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 964/90

by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(25 April 1990)_

(90/C 283/55)

_Subject:_ Pollution by motor vehicles

Air pollution caused by motor vehicles (fuelled by petrol
or diesel) would be totally eliminated if the vehicles were
propelled by hydrogen-powered engines.

It is known that the combustion of hydrogen, nature's
most common element, produces only water.

What measures is the Commission taking to promote
research into the possible use of this new source of
energy, and what funds is it providing?

Answer given by Mr Pandolfi
on behalf of the Commission

_(4_ _July 1990)_

The use of hydrogen as an alternative source of energy in
the car sector may provide a solution to the problems of
pollution created by this sector resulting from the
combustion of fossil fuels. However, even if the
combustion of hydrogen to a small extent avoids the
formation of NOx, account has to be taken of the possible
pollution produced by certain processes for the
production of the hydrogen itself.

Major work on the production, storage and use of
hydrogen was carried out (total budget ECU 15 million)
in the first and second Community R & D programmes in

12. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 283/29

the field of non-nuclear energy. These activities have been
discontinued as the results obtained were considered

inadequate. The work carried out under these
programmes led to the development in the laboratory of a
small prototype of high-performance, advanced
electrolysers and showed that there are no major
difficulties in producing hydrogen. In the field of
materials, storage and use, the results showed that rapid
use of this energy source is possible. In economic terms,
hydrogen is penalized by the fact that it is not a primary
energy source. In particular, its competitiveness is linked,
in the case of hydrogen produced by reforming, to the
price of fossil fuels and, in the case of electrolytic
hydrogen, to the price of electrical energy. Lastly, studies
have shown that the competitiveness threshold might be
attained in some cases by using nuclear-generated
electricity during off-peak periods.

The work carried out in the combustion sector under the

third non-nuclear energy programme (energy saving)
(1985 to 1989) and continued under the present Joule
programme (rational use of energy) (1982 to 1992) (')
should in time produce tools capable of incorporating the
physico-chemical characteristics of substitute fuels.

The Commission's proposal for a specific new
programme on non-nuclear energy ( [2] ) (1990 to 1994, area
4: energy utilization and conservation under the third
framework programme (1990 to 1994) adopted by the
Council on 23 April 1990) covers R & D concerning:

_new options in energy conversion:_

the general aim is to develop highly efficient and clean
electrochemical energy conversion systems for electricity
generation, cogeneration, hydrogen and methanol
production, transport and industrial electrochemical

reactors,

_technologies for energy saving:_

the goal is to develop and improve technologies which are
expected to have a major impact on heat and electricity
savings and on a reduction of pollution. These
technologies should lead to energy savings of 20 to 25 %
in new equipment, buildings and processes,

_energy efficiency in transport including suitable substitutes for_
_conventional fuels_ _:_

the aim is to develop advanced technologies which can
lead to highly efficient and clean transport.

The breakdown of the expenditure earmarked for the R &
D activities as a whole in area 4 is 30 to 40 % of the ECU

157 million considered necessary for the entire
non-nuclear energies programme.

Furthermore, at the initiative of the European Parliament,
the Commission is conducting a feasibility study on the
implementation of a project for the production, transport
and utilization of hydrogen produced from low-cost
hydroelectrical energy. Commitment appropriations
totalling ECU 2 million have been set aside for this

project during the 1990 budget year (Article 7397,
strengthening of the infrastructure and the scientific and
technological potential).

O OJNoL98, 11.4. 1989.
O COM(90)164.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 976/90

by Mrs Patricia Rawlings (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(25 April 1990)_

(90/C 283/56)

_Subject:_ Trial of citizens outside their Member State

Could the Commission explain why charges made against
a British citizen (Mr Kinrade) in Greece can remain after
the citizen was, firstly, put on trial without his knowledge,
and secondly, was formally acquitted from his alleged
crime?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(1_ _August 1990)_

As the Commission has already pointed out to the
Honourable Member by letter of 7 March 1990, the case
of Mr Kinrade, on the basis of the information supplied,
appears to be a matter solely for Greek criminal law and
penal procedure without there being the slightest
connection with Community law. The Commission is
therefore not in a position to make any statement on the
problems encountered by Mr Kinrade.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 993/90

by Mr Jesus Cabezon Alonso (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(25 April 1990)_

(90/C 283/57)

_Subject:_ Appropriations unused by the end of the
1988 financial year: Items 6400, 6450, 6701 and
Article 679

Despite the amendments tabled by the European
Parliament, the amounts yet to be used at the end of the
1988 financial year were higher than provided for in the
amendments under the following budget headings:

6400: Measures in the fields of employment and the
European social dimension.

No C 283/30 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 11. 90

6450: Measures for the social integration of disabled

persons.

6701: Support measures for the architectural heritage.

679: European Cinema and Television Year (1988).

What is the reason for this failure to use up the
appropriations allocated and what measures does the
Commission recommend to ensure that it does not

happen again, in view of the importance of some of the
sectors covered by these headings (e.g. the 1992 internal
market and its social implications — Item 6400)?

Answer given by Mr Schmidhuber
on behalf of the Commission

_(17 July 1990)_

The rate of utilization of commitment appropriations
entered in the 1988 budget (') with respect to the items
referred to by the Honourable Member, established at the
end of the financial year is as follows:

Article/

6400

6450

6701

679

Heading

Measures in the field of employment
and the Community social
dimension

Measures for the social integration
of disabled persons

Support measures for the
architectural heritage

European Cinema and Television
Year(1988)

Utilization (%)

99,9

99,8

100

99,9

(') See revenue and expenditure account (COM(89) 229).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1012/90

by Mr Carles-Alfred Gasoliba i Bohm (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11_ _May 1990)_

(90/C 283/58)

_Subject:_ Agreements between the European Community
and Andorra

What is the situation regarding, and the content of, the
Agreements between the European Community and
Andorra?

Answer given by Mr Matutes
on behalf of the Commission

_(2_ _July 1990)_

The Commission and the Principality of Andorra
initialled a draft Agreement in the form of an Exchange of
Letters on 14 December 1989 in Brussels.

The Agreement establishes a customs union for industrial
products between the Principality and the Community.
The customs union involves the elimination of customs

duties and quantitative restrictions in trade between the
Parties and the adoption by Andorra of the import
formalities applied by the Community to third countries
and the customs provisions necessary for the proper
functioning of the union.

Where agriculture is concerned, the Community allows
the duty-free import of products originating in Andorra.

On the subject of duty-free allowances for travellers,
relatively liberal provisions have been adopted to take into
account factors specific to the Andorran economy for
which tourism in essential.

The draft Agreement also provides for the setting up of a
Joint Working Party and a procedure for settling
differences and includes provisions aimed at preventing
fiscal or commercial discrimination.

The draft Agreement is open-ended but will be reviewed
within a maximum of five years.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1042/90

by Mr Joaquin Sisd Cruellas (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11_ _May 1990)_

(90/C 283/59)

_Subject:_ Community coordination of humanitarian aid

While the proliferation of humanitarian organizations
throughout the Community collecting donations to meet
the needs of the poor and hungry in the third world is to
be welcomed both for itself and for the spirit it represents,
the Community's citizens are confused by their sheer
numbers and are unsure as to which organizations to
support with their donations.

Does the Commission not think therefore that it should

take on a coordinating role by organizing humanitarian
aid programmes for the third world in which interested
organizations could participate, thus ensuring that
Community citizens would always know which aid
programme they were supporting, whatever humanitarian
organization they chose to donate money to.

12. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 283/31

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(9 July 1990)_

Cooperation between the Community and
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the aid and
development field began some 15 years ago and has made
great strides since then. It mainly involves the cofinancing
of microprojects in the third world and information
campaigns in Europe, the organization of food and
energency aid for the poorest people in the developing
countries and the implementation of special humanitarian
programmes. In 1989 the Community's contribution to
NGO activities totalled some ECU 280 million for about

30 different aid and development programmes carried out
by NGOs in conjunction with their partners in the third
world.

The Commission is in contact with approximately 600
NGOs which are based in the 12 Member States and work

in the developing countries. This figure represents only a
few of the total number of NGOs and associations in the

Community working in, and for, the third world. They
are estimated at several thousand — there is no

comprehensive register but clearly this number varies
considerably with time.

According to their articles of association NGOs are
private bodies independent of the public authorities. If no
official financing is provided, those authorities, the
Community included, have no reason or legal right to
intervene in NGOs' activities, provided that these comply
with the legal provisions in force in each country.

Once, however, any official financing is provided, the
relevant authorities of the Member States and the

Community require NGOs to report to them on
subsidized operations.

With regard to cooperation between the Community and
NGOs in the field of aid and development, each year the
Commission publishes a report giving detailed
information about the nature, costs and beneficiaries of
the various operations financed by the Community and
the NGOs concerned. The Commission also publishes a
list of the NGOs with which it is, or has been, in contact.
These two documents, and other publications on
cooperation with NGOs, are at the disposal of the
Honourable Member, at his request.

The Commission is not in a position, and nor does it
intend, to do any more than compile and publish
information about its own cooperation programmes with
the NGOs. For the reasons described above it would be

virtually impossible to draw up a complete inventory of
NGOs and their activities. The purpose of cooperation
with the NGOs is to carry out diversified and
decentralized aid and development operations, taking
advantage of the commitment, speed and flexibility of
these private bodies and their network of partners on the
spot. This type of cooperation does not therefore lend

itself to anything more than the strict minimum of
centralization and coordination.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1070/90

by Mr James Nicholson (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(10 May 1990)_

(90/C 283/60)

_Subject:_ Pension equality

Has the Commission any proposals to ensure equality of
treatment between men and women who retire at the age
of 60 from the United Kingdom civil service? Male
members of the civil service who attain a certain level of

salary must retire at 60 years of age, but are not entitled to
State Pension until the age of 65, while female members
receive full benefit. Would the Commissioner investigate
and ensure equality of treatment?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1085/90

by Mrs Winifred Ewing (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(10 May 1990)_

(90/C 283/61)

_Subject:_ Equal age for state pensions

Is the Commission aware of the fact that in the United

Kingdom a female civil servant who retires at the age of
60 can immediately claim her pension whereas a male who
also retires at 60 (in line with the mainstream British Civil
Service retirement age) has to wait until he is 65 before he
can receive his pension?

In the interests of equality between the sexes does the
Commission agree that both men and women should be
entitled to receive their pension on the same day they
retire?

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1070/90 and

1085/90

given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(2_ _July 1990)_

There are already two Directives on equal treatment for
men and women in matters of social security: Directive

No C 283/32 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 11. 90

79/7/EEC (*) on statutory social security schemes and
Directive 86/378/EEC ( [2] ) on occupational social security
schemes.

These Directives exclude from their scope, among other
things, pensionable age for the purposes of old-age or
retirement pensions.

A proposal for a Directive ( [3] ) tabled by the Commission
on 23 October 1987 is intended to fill in the gaps in the
two existing Directives.

On the question of pensionable age, the Commission
proposes (Article 9):

— either the same age for workers of both sexes, or

— flexible retirement under the same conditions for men

and women.

This proposal for a Directive is still pending before the
Council, as it has not been possible to reach agreement on
its adoption.

(') OJN0L6, 10. 1. 1979, p. 24.
O OJNoL225, 12.8. 1986, p. 40.
O COM(87) 494 final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1076/90

by Mr Juan Garaikoetxea Urriza and Mr Jaak
Vandemeulebroucke (ARC)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(10 May 1990)_

(90/C 283/62)

_Subject:_ Fundamental rights and freedoms

1. Has the Council discussed the need for giving the
Community an appropriate legal basis guaranteeing all its
citizens fundamental rights and freedoms? Does it not
believe that Parliament's resolution of 12 April 1989 is the
basis for future initiatives in this area?

2. Does the Council not believe that, in the context of
the completion of the internal market, the Community
should guarantee the effective application of fundamental
rights and freedoms, specifically in the areas of economic,
social and cultural rights?

3. How does the Council think that it can contribute to

the fulfilment of the right to protection for minorities and
to the realization of international pacts and covenants
such as the right of peoples to self-determination which
has been interpreted in so many contradictory ways
depending on the interests of the States involved ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1112/90

by Mr Marcelino Oreja (PPE)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(14 May 1990)_

(90/C 283/63)

_Subject:_ Declaration of fundamental rights and freedoms

1. What were the Council's reactions to the adoption
of this Declaration and to the letter from the President of

the European Parliament to the President of the Council
urging the Council to take measures in this field?

2. What action does the Council intend to take in

response to this Declaration — for example, does it intend
to include the Declaration on the agenda for the
forthcoming Intergovernmental Conference?

3. With a view to the completion of the internal
market, is it not necessary to adopt such a Declaration so
as to ensure that every citizen enjoys equal protection of
his rights and freedoms within the scope of Community
law?

4. How does the Council intend to support this
Declaration and give it decisive political impetus in a
Community context?

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1076/90 and
1112/90

_(1 October 1990)_

The Council attaches great importance to compliance
with fundamental rights. In 1977, the Council adopted
with the European Parliament and the Commission a
Declaration stressing the prime importance which these
institutions 'attach to the protection of fundamental
rights, as derived in particular from the constitutions of
the Member States and the European Convention for the
Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental
Freedoms'.

The Council would also mention:

— the Declaration on European identity, adopted by the
Heads of State and Government in 1973,

— the Declaration on democracy, adopted by the
European Council in 1978,

— the Declaration on human rights by the Ministers for
Foreign Affairs meeting within European Political
Cooperation and the Council in 1986.

Finally, in the preamble to the Single European Act, the
Heads of State or Government stated their determination

'to work together to promote democracy on the basis of
the fundamental rights recognized in the constitutions
and laws of the Member States, in the Convention for the
Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms
and the European Social Charter, notably freedom,
equality and social justice'.

12. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 283/33

At the same time, they stressed the responsibility
incumbent upon Europe 'in particular to display the
principles of democracy and compliance with the law and
with human rights'.

Finally, the Court of Justice has laid down the principle of
compliance with fundamental rights in various jugdments.

Consequently, in the present situation a body of reference
already exists. In addition, the Member States have
frequently made declarations of fundamental rights and
in any case have ratified and comply with the European
Convention on Human Rights.

The European Council has stressed that when the
Intergovernmental Conference on Political Union is
being prepared careful consideration will be given to the
question of the concept of Community citizenship
together with the specific rights attaching to it for the
citizens of the Member States because of most States'

membership of that Union.

As part of that preparation prior contacts between the
three institutions — the European Parliament, the
Commission and the Council — are planned.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1080/90

by Mrs Winifred Ewing (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(10 May 1990)_

(90/C 283/64)

_Subject:_ Failure to help inmates of Leros asylum

According to Dr Bob Grove, a member of the EC
delegation to the Greek island of Leros, all efforts to
assist the 1 000 physically and mentally handicapped
people who are suffering inhumane conditions are now
ending through lack of funds and lack of support from
the Greek authorities.

Will the Commission make a statement to explain why the
£ 1 700 000 it has allocated to improve conditions have
not, so far, been used for that purpose and will it make
representations to the newly formed government of Mr
Constantin Mitsotakis to ensure that action is taken to

improve conditions for the patients at the asylum?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(26 June 1990)_

The Commission has approved so far five projects
submitted by the Greek authorities in accordance with
Regulation (EEC) No 815/84 ( [x] ) for the setting up of
rehabilitation and vocational training units for the
patients of the Leros hospital. These projects have not
been implemented as initially planned owing to technical
and administrative difficulties. A new project is now

under discussion which envisages intervention teams from
Greece and other Member States working in Leros on a
rotating basis over a substantial period of time. The Greek
authorities have at all times expressed the will to
implement the psychiatric reform and a number of
positive steps to improve the situation in Leros have
already been taken, but the necessary administrative
measures allowing an effective and global solution have
not yet been taken.

The Commission will continue to use all political and
other avenues to press for a rapid solution to the problem
of Leros, the responsibility for which rests, however, with
the Greek authorities.

(') OJNoL88,31.3. 1984.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1088/90

by Mrs Lissy Groner (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(10 May 1990)_

(90/C 283/65)

_Subject:_ Family holiday homes, in particular 'Villages
Vacances Families'

At the 30th anniversary celebrations of the 'Village
Vacances Families' the President of the Commission,
Jacques Delors, spoke of the preferential status enjoyed
by the W F as far as he and the whole of Europe was
concerned.

Can the Commission answer the following questions
about this organization:

1. What does this preferential status actually mean?
Does the Commission:

2. provide moral support,

3. funds from the Community budget,

4. loans at a favourable rate of interest,

5. support for the building of further family holiday
homes, or

6. aid to cooperation between European family holiday
home organizations?

7. What support has been provided for major
construction projects in the past?

8. In which Member States, if any, have funds been
invested?

9. Who has provided or is providing support?

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

_(1_ _August 1990)_

1. 'Villages Vacances Families' is the leading
European, not to mention international, organization

No C 283/34 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 11. 90

engaged in the provision of subsidized holiday facilities.
The initials W F are well known and are sometimes used

to designate similar holiday facilities not operated by the
W F . In itself, this situation is apt to enhance the
association's image throughout Europe.

The establishment of 'Eurovillages', which are an
extension at European level of the W F formula, has
further accentuated the association's prominence.

2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Apart from the W F, there is a
proliferation of other associations providing subsidized
holiday facilities in Europe, and the Commission has
always shown an interest in their operations and
initiatives.

The Commission has also provided support for a general
survey by Cecotos of this form of tourism.

The construction of 'Eurovillages' has been financed by
the W F and its partners. However, the investment
needed to provide those facilities may be eligible for
assistance under the Community's structural instruments
provided the relevant provisions are complied with.

In the matter of cooperation between such European
family-holiday associations, the W F enjoys a significant
lead although it has not received any specific aid in this
connection.

7, 8 and 9. The 'Eurovillages' already in existence have
received financial aid from the Member States concerned

in the form of grants and loans. The association has also
invested its own funds in the provision of facilities. In
certain cases, the local, departmental and regional
authorities provide support in various forms.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1100/90

by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(10 May 1990)_

(90/C 283/66)

_Subject:_ Verification of employment contracts by trade
unions

Under a recent agreement between the Spanish
Government and two trade unions, the latter are entitled
to be informed of and verify employment contracts
between undertakings and their employees. The
Employers' Confederation has criticized this measure,
which it describes as unprecedented in the European
Community and other countries with a market economy.
Others, however, take the view that this provision
complies with the Commission's rules.

Since the Commission is doubtless aware of this

controversy and has a copy of the agreement, can it say
whether or not this provision complies with Community
rules and, if it does so comply, which Community rules or
national rules in other Member States it is based on?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(28 June 1990)_

The Commission would inform the Honourable Member

that there are no Community rules pertaining to the
matter raised in his question. It considers that the
agreement between the Spanish Government and the two
principal trade union federations has been concluded in
order to meet specific needs arising under Spanish labour
law.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1101/90

by Mr Madron Seligman (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(10 May 1990)_

(90/C 283/67)

_Subject:_ Guatemala: Appeal by the Sacpulup community
for international condemnation of the military
state of siege

Is the European Commission aware that the Guatemala
Committee for Human Rights says that, since 31 January
1990, the community of Sacpulup, in Quiche, Guatemala,
has been under army threat with continuous occupation
since 21 February 1990, and with a violent storming of the
village on 31 January 1990, when three houses were burnt,
the communal store was sacked, women were threatened
with rape, and men with death unless they participated in
the civil patrols.

I should like to hear what steps the EC proposes to stop
the terrorization of this community in the hope of
avoiding a possible massacre of the community's
inhabitants.

Can the European Community play an effective role in
showing condemnation of this breach of human rights?

Answer given by Mr Matutes
on behalf of the Commission

_(16 August 1990)_

The Commission is following events in Guatemala and is
deeply concerned at the rising tide of violence and
breaches of fundamental human rights.

12. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 283/35

It is aware of the situation in Sacpulup, rightly denounced
by the Honourable Member, and of numerous similar
cases in Guatemala.

These repeated violations of human rights take place
against the backdrop of fighting between the army and
the guerrilla forces of which the villagers are often the
victims without it being clear where responsibility lies in
each case.

When the Twelve issued their statement on 18 January on
the assassination in Guatemala of two members of

movements involved in bringing about political change by
peaceful and democratic means, they reiterated their
concern about the human rights situation in that country
and reaffirmed the need for a negotiated settlement and
an immediate resumption of dialogue and negotiations to
that end.

In this connection, the results achieved in the Oslo and
the Escorial discussions between the political authorities
in Guatemala, the URNG and the National Committee
for Reconciliation, represent encouraging progress in the
search for a peaceful solution.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1110/90

by Mr Luigi Colajanni (GUE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(14 May 1990)_

(90/C 283/68)

_Subject:_ Measures to combat organized crime and the
European legal area

1. What action has the Commission taken on the

European Parliament's report of April 1989 on measures
to prevent and combat fraud against the Community
budget and on the numerous questions tabled on the fight
against organized crime and the power of the mafia?

2. Does the Commission agree that, with only months
to go before the liberalization of capital movements and
with the single market approaching, measures in this
sector must not be confined to collaboration between

States?

3. Will the Commission agree to promote the
establishment of a European legal area and put forward
proposals for the setting up of Community criminal
investigation bodies with competence for offences
committed anywhere on Community territory, such as
trafficking in drugs, arms and human beings, and powers
to investigate organizations such as the mafia?

4. Does the Commission not think it necessary to put
forward proposals for common action founded on clear
legal bases and to set up Community bodies to investigate,

regulate and control financial transactions so as to protect
such dealings from illegal interference?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(27 June 1990)_

The Commission is taking a number of measures in the
fight against fraud. These measures are based on a plan
drawn up by the Commission and endorsed by Council
and Parliament. The annual report on the work done and
progress achieved in 1989 has been presented to
Parliament ('). The Commission's approach does not
distinguish between the various ways in which criminal
activities are organized.

In order to prevent the use of the financial system for
laundering proceeds from criminal activities, the
Commission has transmitted a proposal for a Directive to
Council and Parliament ( [2] ). The proposal has as a premise
that money laundering must be treated as a criminal
offence in all Member States. One of the provisions is to
establish a mandatory system of reporting suspicious
operations by financial institutions to the judicial and
police authorities.

Concerning the creation of a European judicial space or a
Community-wide police force, the Commission considers
that the most effective way to proceed at the moment is to
concentrate on specific issues such as the transfer of
proceedings, the enforcement of criminal judgements
pronouced in another Member State and the confiscation
of criminals' assets. Various international conventions

on these subjects are presently being considered.
Drugs-related issues are addressed within the scope of the
European committee for the fight against drugs. This new
committee coordinates the work of a variety of
international fora in most of which the Commission has

observer status.

O SEC(90) 156 final.
O COM(90) 106 final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1121/90

by Mr Michael Hindley (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(14 May 1990)_

(90/C 283/69)

_Subject:_ EC subsidies for milk to promote a healthy diet
among schoolchildren

The EC subsidy for full cream milk is £ 1,15 per gallon
compared to £ 0,69 per gallon for semi-skimmed milk
under the scheme for subsidies on dairy products for
consumption by schoolchildren. This works against the

No C 283/36 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 11. 90

express policy of some health authorities who wish to
promote healther diets among schoolchildren. A switch
from full cream milk to semi-skimmed would help reduce
saturated fat intake among youngsters.

Would the Commission consider altering its subsidies of
dairy products for schoolchildren to promote and support
the work of health authorities?

Answer given by Mr MacSharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(27 June 1990)_

The aid for school milk is calculated on the basis of the

composition of the milk made available, and is designed
to reduce the price of delivery to the pupil to the same
level, irrespective of the fat content of the milk. The
measure should therefore allow the schoolchild to choose

the milk he prefers according to his own taste and not on
the basis of financial considerations. The Commission

takes the view that by giving schoolchildren a genuine
choice it is not interfering with the job of dieticians. It is
not planning therefore to alter the measure.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1123/90

by Mr Ben Fayot (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(14 May 1990)_

(90/C 283/70)

_Subject:_ Transport of dangerous substances by road

Following a road accident in Martelange (Belgium),
hundreds of litres of a highly toxic substance were
discharged into the Sure River, totally destroying its
ecosystem. In addition, this could have endangered the
entire drinking water supply of the Grand Duchy of
Luxembourg.

This is not the first case of a road accident of this kind in

Martelange involving a heavy goods vehicle transporting
large amounts of toxic and/or dangerous substances.

In connection with this accident, it may be recalled that in
1987 the Luxembourg Government wished to propose a
law on the transfer from road to rail of the transport of
dangerous or bulky substances. It was prevented by the
Commission, on the grounds that such a law would
undermine the free movement of goods.

In view of ecological disasters such as the Martelange
accident, does the Commission still take the view that a
common road transport policy can be determined on the

basis of economic criteria alone? Is it not also essential to

take account of the environment and public safety, which
are frequently endangered by road transport?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(9 July 1990)_

The Commission is aware of the risks inherent in

transporting goods in general and especially by road and
the consequences for human life and the environment in
the case of an accident of the sort which occurred recently
in Martelange.

The Commission has therefore taken various steps to
reduce the risks involved in the transport of dangerous
substances. It was on a proposal from the Commission
that in December 1989 the Council adopted a Directive
requiring drivers of vehicles carrying dangerous goods to
hold a vocational-training certificate (').

The Commission intends to supplement this measure with
other proposals. At present it is studying the various
criteria for assessing the most suitable means of transport
for dangerous goods on the basis of the potential impact
on the environment and human life.

O OJNoL398,30. 12. 1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1140/90

by Mrs Winifred Ewing (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(14 May 1990)_

(90/C 283/71)

_Subject:_ Commission's publication on reform of the
Structural Funds

Is the Commission aware that its publication entitled
'Guide to the reform of the Community's Structural
Funds' includes numerous mistakes, including _inter alia:_

— misleading information about areas covered by
Objective 3 in the map printed on page 48,

— the omission of parts of Grampian from the map on
areas covered by Objective 5b on page 49, and

— the omission of the Shetland Islands from maps
printed on pages 52 to 58?

Does the Commission recognize that its reluctance to
place the Shetland Islands on the map could be regarded
by some to be indicative of a general lack of interest in the
existence of Shetland on the part of the Community?

12. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 283/37

Answer given by Mr Christophersen
on behalf of the Commission

_(15 June 1990)_

With reference to the map on page 48, a corrigendum was
edited and added before distribution of the brochure by
the Office for Official Publications of the European
Communities, as follows:

_'CORRIGENDUM_

EUR 12 MAP

Regions eligible under Objectives 1 & 2.

The zones in green colour correspond to Objective 2
— partially eligible, and not to Objective 3 as
mentioned.

As for the lack of reference to the Grampian or Shetland
Islands ('), the Commission does stress that the main
objective of 'The Guide to the Reform of the Structural
Funds' is one of general information for a larger public
than specialists, and does not have any legal status.

The Commission reminds the Honourable Member that

the legal basis for every step of the Reform, in particular
for eligibility for allocations from the Structural Funds,
comes from the Regulations published in the _Official_
_Journal of the European Communities._

As far as the Shetlands are concerned, their eligibility as
5b regions — as part of Highlands and Islands — was
decided by the Commission on 10 May 1989 ( [2] ).

The finalization of the CSF for 5b regions, whose general
principles were adopted by the Commission on 2 May
1990, is currently in progress.

(') Which are not the sole forgotten Islands on these maps.
O OJ No L 198, 12. 7. 1989 (Decision 89/426/EEC).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1151/90

by Mr Eugenio Melandri and Mr Alexander Langer (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(14 May 1990)_

(90/C 283/72)

_Subject:_ Respect for human rights in Chad

Whereas continued, documented violations of human
rights are occurring in Chad, as Amnesty International
records in its latest report;

Whereas hundreds of political prisoners are detained in
Chad in unacceptable conditions and occasionally killed
in totally unlawful circumstances;

Having regard to the systematic use of torture, which
shows that the Habre Government lacks the most basic

respect for human rights;

Whereas Chad has signed the Fourth Lome Convention
and has thus endorsed its provisions on human rights;

1. What steps does the Community intend to take
_vis-a-vis_ the government in N'djamena with a view to
persuading it to respect human rights?

2. Does the Commission not consider it necessary to
remind Chad of the provisions adopted in the Fourth
Lome Convention, in particular to call for Article 5 to
be respected ?

3. Given the persecution within Chad of the Hadjeraj
ethnic group, what steps does the Commission intend
to take _vis-a-vis_ Chad with a view to calling for the
rights of minorities to be respected?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(5 July 1990)_

The Commission is deeply attached to the respect of
human rights in all its activities, including its development
cooperation with third countries. The new Lome
Convention states that development policy and
cooperation cannot be dissociated from the respect for
and enjoyment of fundamental rights. The Lome
Convention, however, does not include a clause for
sanctions against a Contracting Party which violates
human rights. Nevertheless, the Community makes sure
that EEC aid is not used by the government in a way
which might reinforce it and its oppressive action.

1. The Commission is very much aware of the human
rights situation as far as the treatment of prisoners in
Chad is concerned. The Community may consider
further action on the matter. Representations have
been made to the Chad authorities.

2. The Commission considers that human rights have to
play an increasingly relevant role within the context of
the new convention and is following very closely the
human rights situation in Chad. In fact, the
Commission is very concerned by the last Amnesty
International report on the political prisoners
situation to which the Honourable Members have

referred.

3. The human rights situation in Chad including the
treatment of ethnic minorities, has received the
Commission's most serious attention and is under

constant review.

No C 283/38 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 11. 90

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1159/90

by Mrs Astrid Lulling (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(14 May 1990)_

(90/C 283/73)

_Subject:_ Discrimination arising from the application of
dairy quotas

When dairy quotas and penalties for increasing the fat
content were introduced in 1984, yields per cow and fat
contents varied widely from one Member State to the
other.

Now that the system has been applied for over five years
blatant discrimination has resulted, especially as regards
the penalties for increasing the fat content. Thus
producers in areas where yields and productivity per cow
were relatively low in the system was introduced now have
to pay penalties going into the hundreds of millions for
milk whose fat content is lower than that in other regions
which started off with high productivity.

Does not the Commission feel that, in the interests of a
fair apportionment of penalties in this respect, a new
datum should be set, perhaps on the basis of the
Community average for fat content, with the particular
aim of not hampering progress in the regions which were
lagging behind in 1984?

Answer given by Mr MacSharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(26 June 1990)_

The fat content of milk depends on many factors,
the most decisive of which are certainly the breed and

- feeding of dairy cows. Article 12 of Regulation (EEC)
No 1546/88 O, to which the Honourable Member refers,
has been amended frequently to remove any
discrimination which could arise because of very different
situations. The Commission believes that in view of trends

in the fat content of milk delivered at national level in

relation to a reference content, the Regulation is now
applied in the way which most benefits producers,
without weakening the system.

Should the additional levy system be continued after 31
March 1992, all aspects of the present system would
certainly have to be revised in the light of structural
developments and increases in productivity.

(') OJNoL 139,4.6. 1988, p. 12.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1171/90

by Mr Maxime Verhagen (PPE)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(14 May 1990)_

(90/C 283/74)

_Subject:_ War in Ethiopia

1. Is the Council aware of the reports on the
intensification of the conflict between the Ethiopian
Government and the Eritrean rebels?

2. Is the Council aware that the port of Massawa can
no longer be used as a point of entry for the necessary
food supplies and that it has been reported that many
tonnes of food (intended to relieve the famine) have been
destroyed by bombardment?

3. Can the Council say how much food has been lost as
a result of the bombardment and what impact this will
have on the food situation in Ethiopia?

4. What steps will the Council take to ensure that past
and future food supplies delivered by the Community and
its Member States reach their destination?

5. Does the Council foresee any possibilities, apart
from the UN plan, of calling in NGOs to assist the
Ethiopian people and, if so, what?

6. Can the Council provide further information about
the meeting with NGOs concerning aid to Ethiopia?

Answer

_(1 October 1990)_

1 and* 2. The Community and its Member States are
following developments in Ethiopia very closely.

At their ministerial meeting in European Political
Cooperation, the Community and the Member States
adopted the following statement on 18 June 1990:

'The Community and its Member States welcome the
recent announcement by the Ethiopian Government
that it is prepared to accept in principle the use of the
port of Massawa for the delivery of relief supplies.
They regard this as an important step in facilitating the
international relief effort aimed at averting famine in
Northern Ethiopia. They appeal most strongly to all
parties to cooperate actively in bringing about the
early re-opening of the port and to facilitate the
delivery and distribution of humanitarian relief
through all available channels.

12. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 283/39

Recalling their conviction that only a peaceful
negotiated settlement can provide a just and lasting
solution to the conflict in Ethiopia, the Community
and its Member States express their satisfaction at the
position recently taken by the Ethiopian Government,
including its readiness to accept the participation of
the UN as an observer, which should permit the
reactivation of peace talks in relation to Eritrea. They
reiterate their call for a cessation of hostilities and for

all parties to resume their efforts for peace and
reconciliation. They believe that any solution needs to
take into account the distinct identity and aspirations
of Eritrea as well as respecting the territorial integrity
of Ethiopia'.

3. The Council has no precise information regarding
the quantity of food aid lost or destroyed in the port of
Massawa.

It would, however, appear that in February 1990 there
were about 45 000 tonnes of food aid in Massawa and

that a large proportion of that stock might have been
distributed to the people of Eritrea.

4. In the context of European Political Cooperation
the Twelve have frequently asked the Ethiopian
Government to guarantee the safe transport of food aid to
regions affected by famine and civil war and the free
distribution of that aid on the spot.

On 27 July 1990, the European Political Cooperation
Presidency approached the EPLF representative in
Washington to press for the opening of the port of
Massawa for humanitarian aid supplies and to call on the
EPLF to cooperate with regard to humanitarian aid. That
approach has not as yet achieved its aim.

Furthermore, for a long time Community aid has passed
mainly through the 'southern corridor' (from Assab via
Dessie and Makale to the Eritrea/Tigre frontier). That
'corridor' was created by a consortium of Ethiopian
churches, the Joint Relief Partnership (JRP).

The plan for a 'northern corridor' — also prepared by the
JRP — from Asmara via Massawa to the Eritrea/Tigre
frontier has been impossible to implement because
Massawa has in the interval been occupied by the Eritrea
liberation movement.

5. For a long time Community humanitarian aid has
traditionally been transported and distributed by a large
number of international and non-governmental
organizations (WFP, Unicef, UNHCR, UNDRO, ICRC,
Caritas, Medecins sans frontieres, etc.). That policy will
be continued because it has been found to be the most

effective, in particular in reaching starving people living in
inaccessible regions.

6. The Council does not know of any special meeting
of NGOs on Ethiopia. On the other hand, at their last
general meeting in April 1990 the European Development
NGOs adopted a recommendation addressed to the
Ethiopian Government and to the Eritrean and Tigrean

liberation movements pleading for an end to the fighting
and the safe transport of emergency aid to the starving
population of the war zones. That recommendation also
appealed to the European Community for support for the
NGOs in their work, particularly in Eritrea.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1203/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(22 May 1990)_

(90/C 283/75)

_Subject:_ Failure of certain Member States to ratify ILO
Convention 143

Does the Commission view the Migrant Workers
(Supplementary Provisions) Convention as important?

If so, can it take steps to ensure that all the Member States
ratify this document?

Which Member States have not yet ratified it, and what
reasons do they give for their attitude?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(27 July 1990)_

The Commission attaches great importance to the
principles underlying the convention referred to by the
Honourable Member.

With respect to ILO instruments, Member States are free
to ratify them or not as they see fit.

At 1 January 1990 Italy and Portugal were the only
Member States to have ratified Convention 14.3.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1204/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(22 May 1990)_

(90/C 283/76)

_Subject:_ Failure of certain Member States to ratify ILO
Convention 143

Does the Council view the Migrant Workers
(Supplementary Provisions) Convention as important?

No C 283/40 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 11. 90

If so, can it take steps to ensure that all the Member States
ratify this document?

Which Member States have not yet ratified it, and what
reasons do they give for their attitude?

Answer

_(1 October 1990)_

The Council attributes great importance to the principle
underlying the Convention referred to by the Honourable
Member.

However, it is not for the Council to give its opinion on
matters concerning the ratification of ILO Conventions.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1230/90

by Mr Jesus Cabezon Alonso (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(22 May 1990)_

(90/C 283/77)

_Subject:_ Aid for improving the quality of milk in Spain

In the answer given (on 21 November 1989) to my Written
Question No 481/89 (') on improving the quality of milk
in Spain, it is stated that there are two projects in the
Autonomous Community of Cantabria (Spain) for which
aid has been given.

Can the Commission provide further information, stating
which two projects it is specifically referring to and how
much aid each of these projects has received?

O OJNoC93, 11.4. 1990, p. 13.

Answer given by Mr MacSharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(27 June 1990)_

1. (a) Department of dairy science of the animal health

and production laboratory of the Cantabria
region.

(b) Sociedad Cooperativa Montanesa de Suministro
para Alimentacion Ganadera (MOSAGA)
(Santander Cooperative Society for the supply of
feedingstuffs).

2. (a) Ptas 24 256 457.

'(b) Ptas 2 238 750.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1284/90

by Mrs Winifred Ewing (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(22 May 1990)_

(90/C 283/78)

_Subject:_ Collective bargaining and representation rights

Is the Commission aware of the fact that Aberdeen

Journals Ltd (part of the New York-based Thompson
Corporation) in Scotland has refused to recognize the
National Union of Journalists as a representative body?
The company also sacked more than 100 journalists on
the 'Press and Journal' and the 'Evening Express' in
Aberdeen.

Given that the right to belong to a union is an essential
right recognized by the European Convention on Human
Rights 1950 Article 11, what view does the Commission
take of this action and how can it act to condemn it?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(13 July 1990)_

Collective bargaining and freedom of association are
dealt with by Articles 11 to 14 of the Community Charter
of Fundamental Social Rights. It emerges clearly from
reading those articles that these matters are mainly
governed by existing national practices.

At the international level, freedom of association and
trade union rights are protected by Convention No 87 of
the International Labour Organization, which was
ratified by the United Kingdom on 27 June 1949.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1309/90

by Mr Giulio Fantuzzi and Mr Roberto Speciale (GUE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(28 May 1990)_

(90/C 283/79)

_Subject:_ Community funding for the Societa Retica
Carni, SpA, based in Rogolo (Sondrio)

With reference to the insolvency of the Societa Retica
Carni SpA, a meat-processing company and manufacturer
of sausages, would the Commission state whether that
company received Community funding and whether, in
this connection, any safeguard measures were taken?

12. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 283/41

Answer given by Mr Christophersen
on behalf of the Commission

_(6 July 1990)_

Acting under Regulation (EEC) No 355/77 ('), the
Commission granted the Retica Carne srl aid totalling Lit
1 979 million from the EAGGF Guidance Section for

construction of a slaughterhouse and meat processing
plant at Rogolo (Sondrio).

Once the beneficiary had carried out all the work as
planned, the Commission paid the full amount of the aid,
the last instalment on 14 November 1989.

The Commission is in contact with the Region of
Lombardy concerning the consequences of the present
situation and the financial outturn of the project.

O OJ No L 51, 23. 2. 1977, p. 1.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1335/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the
European Community meeting in European Political

Cooperation

_(11 June 1990)_

(90/C 283/80)

_Subject:_ Requirement for Member State nationals to
obtain an entry visa for the United States

The immigration law which came into force in the United
States on 9 November 1986 authorized the Federal

Government to select eight countries whose nationals
would be exempted, on an experimental basis, from the
requirement to obtain a visa when visiting the United
States for a maximum of 90 days. These countries
are Japan, Switzerland and Sweden and, from the
Community, in decreasing order of the number of visa
applications, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and
the Netherlands;

This represents discriminations against seven Community
Member States, despite repeated representations to the
US Congress by members of Parliament's Delegation for
Relations with the United States and regardless of
the joint visa policy operated by the three Benelux
countries. The Luxembourg Government, which was then
occupying the Presidency, made many efforts,
consistently supported and then renewed by the Belgian
Government, to obtain uniform treatment for the three
countries, whereas the Spanish, Portuguese, Greek,
Danish and Irish authorities merely murmured their
disappointment in diplomatic language.

I should like to know whether EPC is endeavouring to
emphasize to the US Administration the notion of a
political entity, which is how the European Community
should be seen in the United States, and the advantages of

complete reciprocity between the two partners? What
results have been achieved, and what obstacles need to be

overcome?

Answer

_(28 September 1990)_

Concerning the general question of US recognition of the
Community as a political entity, the Honourable Member
will be aware of such developments as Secretary of State
Baker's speech in Berlin in December 1989 on the
enhancement of US-EC relations, the meeting in
February between the President of the European Council
and the President of the United States, and the discussion
of transatlantic relations at the recent European Council,
which expressed its satisfaction with the developments in
the Community's relations with the United States, based
on the structure laid down by the European Council in
April and characterized by ever closer cooperation.

The 'complete reciprocity' to which the question refers is
not yet close to achievement in the matter of visa policy, in
that no Member State of the Community imposes a visa
requirement on short-term visitors from the United
States.

The Twelve have noted the present US experiment,
designed to reduce administrative overheads, according
to which short-term visitors from certain countries,
including a number of Community Member States, are
subject to special regulations which do not include a visa
requirement. The implications of this procedure for the
Community is being studied among the Twelve in the
light _inter alia_ of the progress being made towards the
establishment of a coordinated approach to visa and
immigration policy.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1340/90

by Mr Bartho Pronk (PPE)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(11 June 1990)_

(90/C 283/81)

_Subject:_ Length of time taken by the interim appointment
procedure for members of the Economic and
Social Committee

1. What is the average length taken (from the
resignation of the previous member) for the interim
appointment by the Council of a new member of the
Economic and Social Committee?

2. What are the shortest and longest periods of time
taken to make such an appointment in the last five years?

3. Are these periods longer than those of 10 or 20 years
ago? If so, how can this be explained?

No C 283/42 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 11. 90

4. How long does the Council take to make the
appointment once the Member State has made its
recommendation?

5. Does the Council take the view that the length of
time now taken by the appointment procedure does not
correspond to the Treaty and does it hope to reduce it?

Answer

_(1 October 1990)_

1 and 2. Since the last renewal of the Economic and

Social Committee in 1986, 27 seats have been filled
following the death or resignation of Members. The
shortest period between notification of the death or
resignation of a Member to the Council and the
appointment of his successor was two months, and the
longest period, apart from one exceptional case, was
10 months. The average was five months.

3. The Council has no statistics on the situation 10 and

20 years ago. However, the longest and shortest periods
for the eight seats filled in 1985 to 1986 were the same as
those mentioned above. The average was four and a half
months.

4 and 5. In accordance with Article 195 of the EEC

Treaty and Article 167 of the ECSC Treaty, the Member
States send the Council a list of the names of two

candidates for each seat to be filled. That list is circulated

to delegations so that the Council's subordinate bodies
can suggest to the Council the candidate to be appointed.
Bearing in mind the intervals between meetings, that stage
of the procedure should take from two to four weeks.

The Council then consults the Commission. After

receiving a favourable opinion from the Commission, the
candidate can be appointed by the 'A' item procedure
within one or two weeks, except during holiday periods.

The longest delays during this procedure are due to the
lapse of time between the resignation of a Member and
the submission of a list of candidates by the Member State
concerned. The Council will endeavour to shorten such

periods.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1342/90

by Mr George Stevenson (S)

to the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the
European Community meeting in European Political

Cooperation

_(11_ _June 1990) -_

(90/C 283/82)

_Subject:_ State of Emergency Regulations, South Africa,
as applied to Gazankulu

The Foreign Ministers meeting in political cooperation
will be aware of the continued State of Emergency
Regulations that still apply in South Africa.

Are the Ministers aware that these Regulations still apply
in the Homeland of Gazankulu which permit any member
of the Security Forces to arrest without warrant any
person for 30 days if in the opinion of the arresting officer
it is necessary for the maintenance of public order? The
detention can then be extended for a further five months

by the Minister of Law and Order without any
representations from the detainee or their lawyer. Are the
Ministers also therefore aware that an estimated 1 900

people have been detained in Gazankulu in recent weeks
during increased non-violent opposition to the Homeland
system.

Will the Ministers indicate what action they are prepared
to consider in the light of this repressive action by the
South African Government?

Answer

_(28 September 1990)_

The Honourable Member is certainly aware of the fact
that the South African authorities' decision of 8 June 1990

to lift the state of emergency in the entire territory also
applies to ine nomeianu oi vjazankuiu. 1 ne only
exception, for the time being, remains the province of
Natal, where violences between rival black communities
still explain the continued application of a series of
special security measures. The Honourable Member may,
however, be assured that the Twelve will, for their part,
continue to monitor developments in Natal with utmost
attention.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1411/90

by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 May 1990)_

(90/C 283/83)

_Subject:_ EEB's criticism of environment policy

What is the Commission's opinion of the recent criticism
by the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) regarding
the lack of attention paid to the environment in the items
of the budget, in that the sums earmarked do not enable
environmental damage to be combated effectively, and
regarding the small number of legal provisions on the
environment adopted in 1989?

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

_(9 July 1990)_

Although there was a significant increase in the
appropriations available under Chapter 66 (Environment)
of the budget in 1988 (4- 14%), 1989 (+ 70%) and

12. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 283/43

1990 _(+27_ %), the rate of increase was not as great as for
other policies. Moreover, the amounts involved are not
very substantial.

Appropriations are also available for environmental
projects under other chapters, in particular under ERDF
and EAGGF projects and some research projects
(Research Framework Programme).

The Commission takes the view that the appropriations
earmarked for the chapter of the budget dealing
specifically with the environment should be substantially
increased in the years ahead.

A breakdown of the amount available is being sent direct
to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's

Secretariat.

The Commission considers that it has completed the bulk
of the legislative programme presented to Parliament at
the beginning of 1989.

The few proposals which had been delayed were
presented at the beginning of 1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1413/90

by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru (S)

to the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the
European Community meeting in European Political

Cooperation

_(13 June 1990)_

(90/C 283/84)

_Subject:_ Imprisonment of Father Thadeus Nguyen van Ly
in Vietnam

Can the Foreign Ministers meeting in European Political
Cooperation make representation regarding the release of
Father Thadeus Nguyen van Ly, sentenced to 10 years'
imprisonment for 'opposing the revolution and
attempting to destroy popular unity', who is apparently
being held in Binh Tri Thien prison?

Answer

_(28 September 1990)_

The specific case referred to by the Honourable Member
has not been discussed in the framework of the European
Political Cooperation.

The most recent EC demarche, concerning a number of
detainees imprisoned for their political or religious
beliefs, was made to the Vietnamese authorities on 29
December 1989. In the absence of a response, the Italian
Ambassador, on behalf of the Irish Presidency, reminded
i the Vietnamese authorities of this demarche on 12 April
, 1990.

As the Honourable Member is aware, relations between
the Community and its Member States and Vietnam have
been burdened for a number of years by the recurrence of
human rights violations in that country. At various
instances the Twelve have indicated to the Vietnamese

authorities their grave concern with regard to the human
rights situation and impressed upon them the adverse
effect this has on public opinion in the countries of the
Community as well as on relations with Vietnam in
general. In this context the Twelve have called upon the
Vietnamese authorities to respect the principle of freedom
of religion intervening on behalf of Vietnamese
representatives of a variety of religious groups in that
country. The Twelve continue to monitor the situation
closely.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1414/90

by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru (S)

to the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the
European Community meeting in European Political

Cooperation

_(13 June 1990)_

(90/C 283/85)

_Subject:_ Political detainees in Somalia

What representations have the Foreign Ministers meeting
in European Political Cooperation made regarding the
imprisonment for political reasons of students, writers
(Mohamed Ali Dahir and Abdi Aden Queys), former
soldiers and imams (Skeikh Ali Sufi) in Somalia, and what
results have these representations had?

Answer

_(28 September 1990)_

The Community and its Member States have consistently
made representations to the Somali authorities in defence
of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The Presidency would refer the Honourable Member to
the Declaration of the Twelve on Somalia, which was
published on 13 July 1990, submitted to the Somali
authorities by the Troika of ambassadors on the spot and
communicated to the European Parliament.

The Somali authorities officially informed the
Ambassadors of the Twelve in Mogadishu on 14 July 1990
of the amnesty for and freeing of leading members of the
opposition and of their decision to organize a
constitutional referendum on 31 October 1990 and

multi-party elections at the beginning of next year.

The Community and its Member States are, however,
continuing to follow the situation in Somalia very closely,

No C 283/44 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 11. 90

and remain determined to press for greater respect for
human rights in Somalia.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1422/90

by Mr Reinhold Bocklet (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 June 1990)_

(90/C 283/86)

_Subject:_ EC funds for Bavaria

From 1985 to 1989, what European Community funds
were paid to Bavaria and for what measures and projects
from:

1. the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF),

2. the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee
Fund (EAGGF), Guidance Section,

3. the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee
Fund (EAGGF), Guarantee Section,

4. the European Social Fund (ESF),

5. European Community research programmes,

6. Europeam Community programmes in the energy

sector,

7. European Community environmental programmes,

8. other European Community programmes ?

Answer given by Mr Christophersen
on behalf of the Commission

_(27 September 1990)_

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

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1423/90

by Mr Reinhold Bocklet (PPE)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(13 June 1990)_

(90/C 283/87)

_Subject:_ First and second conference of European
regional and local authorities

On 18 and 19 October 1989 the first conference of

European regional and local authorities was held in

Munich. This was followed by a second conference held
on 24 and 25 April 1990 in Brussels. At both conferences
resolutions were adopted containing demands concerning
the legal status of the regions and their participation in
the construction of Europe. In its answer of 9 February
1990 to Written Question No 865/89 (') by Mr Jaak
Vandemeulebroucke, the Council stated that it had
'received no proposals in this connection further to the
resolution adopted by the Conference of European
regional and local authorities in Munich.'

1. Has the Council now been informed of the demands

put forward at these two conferences?

2. Which of these demands does it intend to meet, with a
view to improving the legal status of the regions and
increasing their participation in the construction of
Europe?

O OJ No C 69, 19. 3. 1990, p. 35.

Answer

_(1 October 1990)_

1. The Council has been informed of the content of the

resolutions adopted by the first and second conferences
of regional and local authorities in Europe, which took
place in Munich in 1989 and in Brussels in 1990.

2. The Council has not received any Commission
proposals on the subject following those resolutions.
However, certain points set out in the resolutions could
be discussed at the Intergovernmental Conference on
Political Union. It is not possible as yet to state any
opinion on the substance of the resolutions.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1460/90

by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru (S)

to the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the
European Community meeting in European Political

Cooperation

_(13 June 1990)_

(90/C 283/88)

_Subject:_ Response of the government of Guatemala to
European Parliament resolutions

What has been the response of the government of
Guatemala to the latest European Parliament resolutions
on the violation of human rights in that country?

What improvements have the Foreign Ministers meeting
in European Political Cooperation observed in the human
rights situation in Guatemalaover the last few months?

12. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 283/45

Answer

_(28 September 1990)_

The authorities in Guatemala are fully aware of the
concern felt by the European Community and by its
Member States and of the feeling expressed by the
European Parliament at the violations of human rights in
Guatemala. Regrettably it cannot be said in response to
the Honourable Member's question that there has been
measurable improvement in the human rights situation
over the last few months.

However, the Twelve welcome the broadly based Escorial
Agreement of 1 June under which the political parties and
other forces in Guatemala have committed themselves to

the attainment by peaceful means of a number of shared
political objectives. It is essential that this opportunity for
change is seized by all sides, both before and after the
elections scheduled for the end of this year.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1461/90

by Mr Victor Arbeloa Mum (S)

to the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the
European Community meeting in European Political

Cooperation

_(13 June 1990)_

(90/C 283/89)

_Subject:_ New initiatives with regard to the Kurdish
problems

In view of the constant acts of humiliation, persecution
and attempted genocide inflicted on the Kurdish people in
Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria, including the unjust
resettlement of entire populations, what action do the
Foreign Ministers meeting in European Political
Cooperation intend to take apart from making statements
and giving money to refugees?

Answer

_(28 September 1990)_

In their declaration of 21 July 1986, the Ministers of
Foreign Affairs confirmed that respect for human rights is
an important element in relations between third countries
and the Europe of the Twelve. This declaration remains
until today the cornerstone of the Community's thinking
on human rights, which upholds its strong belief that
protection and promotion of human rights, including the
protection of minorities, _is_ the legitimate and continuous
duty of the world community and of nations individually.
The Community and its Member States have never
hesitated to act upon this as, in particular, the
Governments of the States referred to by the Honourable
Member, will not have failed to notice.

The Community and its Member States acknowledge and
welcome the position on human rights expressed on
numerous occasions by the European Parliament which
they feel supports them in their efforts.

They follow with special attention the situation of the
Kurdish minorities in all the countries where they are
present.

Specific concern about the resettlement policy carried out
by the Iraqi government after the cease-fire with Iran was
expressed by the Twelve in Baghdad in July last year.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1481/90

by Mr Michael Welsh (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 June 1990)_

(90/C 283/90)

_Subject:_ Mutual recognition of divorces

The Commission will be aware that the Italian authorities

do not recognize the legitimacy of English divorces where
one of the parties is an Italian national. Thus where
Italian men have married and subsequently been legally
divorced from British wives in England, the validity of
their second marriage is not recognized in Italy where
they are regarded as bigamous and their children by their
second wives illegitimate.

1. Does the Commission feel that this state of affairs can

be tolerated given the rights of Community citizens to
free movement, free establishment and
non-discrimination ?

2. Given the Community principle of mutual recognition
of professional qualifications, diplomas, standards for
goods and many other areas which are fundamental to
the completion of the single market, does the
Commission not believe that similar considerations

should apply to legally constituted marriages and
divorces?

3. Does the Commission accept that under certain
circumstances lack of mutual recognition could affect
rights to social security and therefore act as an
effective constraint on the free movement of persons?

4. Will the Commission bring forward proposals to
ensure that a civil divorce legally obtained in one
Member State is recognized in all parts of the
Community?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(3_ _August 1990)_

The Commission has no information that, under the
present legal situation, the Italian authorities are

No C 283/46 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 11. 90

generally refusing to recognize the legitimacy of English
divorces where one of the parties is an Italian national. In
1986, Italy became a contracting state to the Hague
Convention of 1 June 1970 on the Recognition of
Divorces and Legal Separations, which has been in force
in the United Kingdom since 1975. Under the provisions
of this Convention, all contracting States are bound to
recognize divorces obtained in the territory of another
contracting State, on the grounds of habitual residence,
nationality of domicile of either spouse in the country in
which the divorce was obtained.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1511/90

by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(21 June 1990)_

(90/C 283/91)

_Subject:_ Risk of social dumping as a result of a judgment
by the European Court of Justice

The European Court of Justice has just decided that a
Portuguese firm subcontracted by a firm in France may
use its own staff to carry out a contract without being
bound by immigration rules and it would not be subject to
conditions set by the authorities of the country in which
the services are provided. Nevertheless, the Court says
that the Member States may extend their legislation or
collective labour agreements to any persons in paid
employment, even temporary employment on their
territory, not matter what country the employer is
established in.

Does the Council intend to take positive measures of this
kind aimed at convergence of action between the Member
States so as to prevent any social dumping?

Answer

_(1 October 1990)_

The Commission's social action programme contains a
number of proposals which may have a bearing on the
issues raised by the Honourable Parliamentarian.

In this programme, the Commission announced, in
particular, that it would be submitting a proposal
concerning a Community legal instrument governing the
working conditions of workers from another Member
State who, under the free movement of services, carry out
work for a sub-contractor in the host country.

The Council will examine this proposal as soon as it
receives it.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1528/90

by Mr Francis Wurtz (CG)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(21 June 1990)_

(90/C 283/92)

_Subject:_ Delays in the implementation of appropriations
for Lome III

To what causes within the EEC, the Member States and
the ACP countries respectively does the Commission
attribute the considerable delay in committing the
appropriations entered in the Lome Convention (so far
only 30% of Lome III appropriations have been
committed) and what specific measures does it intend to
take to put an end to this serious anomaly?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(7 August 1990)_

At the end of 1989 (three years and eight months after the
entry into force of the Convention) the rate of
commitments under Lome III was 76 %, which is higher
than the rates achieved after four years under Lome II
(65%) and Lome I (70%).

Payments, however, amounted to only 29,3 % of the
financial package, which is slightly lower than at the same
stage of implementation under Lome II (30,2%) and
Lome I (31,5%). The main reason for this relatively low
rate is the execution of programmable aid. The change
in priorities in the Convention, notably with regard to
rural development aid, has not helped to speed up
disbursement. These are major programmes which
require more preparation and extend over a longer period
than the traditional operations of the past which tended
more towards large projects in the field of transport and
communications, energy and industry.

The Commission is, however, aware of the need to speed
up payments where possible. Under the special
programme for highly indebted countries in sub-Saharan
Africa, 60 % of funds were disbursed as of the end of May
this year for programmes which mainly began in 1987/88.

The Commission realizes the need to implement aid
operations more promptly and efficiently while
maintaining the quality of its cooperation measures. It has
therefore proposed that representatives of the ACP States
and the Commission should examine the matter jointly to
identify the practical difficulties and put forward specific
proposals to improve implementation. The ACP-EEC
Joint Council took a decision to this end in March and a

report will be presented next year.

12. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 283/47

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1568/90

by Lord O'Hagan (ED)

to the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the
European Community meeting in European Political

Cooperation

_(27 June 1990)_

(90/C 283/93)

_Subject:_ The Royal Family of the United Kingdom

There have been some shortsighted and tendentious
discussion in the United Kingdom to the effect that
current proposals for economic, monetary and political
union might undermine the position of the Royal Family
in the United Kingdom.

1. Do these proposals threaten the position of the Royal
Family or Grand Duke of any Member State?

2. To what extent can the European Community take
decisions which effect monarchies in Member States?

Answer

_(28 September 1990)_

The recent European Council in Dublin reviewed the
preparatory work for the Intergovernmental Conference
on Economic and Monetary Union and agreed to convene
an Intergovernmental Conference on Political Union.
Preparatory work for the latter Conference will be based
on a document prepared by Foreign Ministers and
included as an annex to the Presidency Conclusions at the
Dublin European Council.

I am sure the Honourable Member will agree that
proposals in relation to the two Intergovernmental
Conferences are very far from having threatening
implications for the Member States' institutions to which
his question refers.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1588/90

by Mr Gerard Deprez (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(2_ _July 1990)_

(90/C 283/94)

_Subject:_ Relations between the EEC and EFTA and the
Treaty on the European Economic Area

The Community has stated its wish to speed up internal
integration; at the same time the Commission has been
given a negotiating mandate to draft a new treaty
establishing the European E.conomic Area.

1. Can the Commission give a broad outline of the future
treaty and a guarantee that it will respect the three
major principles (priority for internal Community
integration, preservation of the Community
patrimony and the Community's autonomy of
decision, and a satisfactory balance between
advantages and obligations for both parties) ?

2. Is it advisable to create the European Economic Area
speedily, i.e. before the intergovernmental
conference(s) on European integration?

3. Is it advisable to create a legal system alongside and
above the Community legal system (in other word, the
creation of a 'super-agreement' that would take
precedence over the Treaty of Rome and disrupt
Community cohesion)?

Answer given by Mr Andriessen
on behalf of the Commission

_(7 August 1990)_

Negotiations on the establishment of a European
Economic Space will have to respect the principles
enumerated by the Honourable Member.

The Community undertook to open negotiations as soon
as possible during the first half of this year and to
complete them as quickly as possible. Formal negotiations
opened in Brussels on 20 June.

The 'EES' agreement will be an association agreement
concluded on the basis of Article 238 of the EEC Treaty.
It must allow the Community to maintain complete
autonomy in its internal decision-making procedure.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1598/90

by Mr Maxime Berhagen (PPE)

to the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the
European Community meeting in European Political

Cooperation

_(2_ _July 1990)_

(90/C 283/95)

_Subject:_ Situation in Ethiopia

1. Can the Foreign Ministers pass on the latest
information on the food supply situation in Ethiopia.

2. How do the Foreign Ministers view the EPLF's
proposal for the port of Massawa to be placed under UN

No C 283/48 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 11. 90

control to enable food supplies to be brought in again?
Following the heavy fighting, what condition is the port
in?

3. Are Foreign Ministers prepared to exert renewed
pressure on the parties to the conflict to observe a
ceasefire so that food supplies to the starving inhabitants
can be stepped up?

4. In policy terms, how will the 12 countries of the
European Community follow up the 'declaration of
principles' on humanitarian aid to Ethiopia that was
agreed on 23 April 1990 in New York? Are further
consultations taking place between the European
Community and the other signatories to the declaration?

Answer

_(28 September 1990)_

1. The Community and its Member States are aware of
the continuing serious food situation in Ethiopia. The
methods used for delivering relief supplies via the
'Southern Line', through the United Nations airlift and
across the frontier are operating satisfactorily and appear
to be able to meet the most pressing needs. However, the
situation remains a delicate one, especially at Asmara.
That is why the Community and its Member States
consider that every effort should be made to start reusing
the port of Massawa for the delivery of relief supplies.

2. At the Ministerial meeting of Political Cooperation
in Luxembourg on 18 June 1990, they therefore welcomed
the recent announcement by the Ethiopian Government
that it would accept in principle the use of the port of
Massawa for the delivery of emergency aid. They
regarded this as an important step in facilitating the
international relief effort aimed at averting famine in
Northern Ethiopia. That is why they appealed most
strongly to all parties to cooperate actively in bringing
about the early reopening of the port and to facilitate the
delivery and distribution of humanitarian relief through
all available channels.

In their statement of 2 August 1990, the Community and
its Member States regretted that a ship carrying a UN
World Food Programme technical team _to_ survey
Massawa port had been refused permission to dock. This
position and a pressing appeal to the Eritrean People's
Liberation Front to be allowed to use the port of Massawa
for the supply of aid to the people of Northern Ethiopia
were communicated to the EPLF representative in
"Washington on 27 July. The Community and its Member
States also hoped that all parties concerned in this

humanitarian effort would agree on an operational plan
for the distribution of food relief through Massawa.

3. In their New York Joint Statement of 24 April 1990,
the representatives of the European Community and its
Member States, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland
and the United States of America not only appealed for
compliance with a set of principles intended to guarantee
and protect humanitarian aid in Ethiopia but also
recommended that all humanitarian relief efforts on the

part of the international community fully respect the
guidelines adopted by the United Nations to govern such
operations. An appeal was therefore made to all donors to
respond generously to all elements of the humanitarian
relief programme, including those relating to the
measures to be taken to re-establish the normal

functioning of port and airfield facilities and associated
road links.

The competent bodies at Community and national level
are currently studying the various possibilities for
implementing the New York statement of principles. It is
agreed that all signatories to the statement will keep each
other informed and will consult one another in order

together to bring their joint initiative to a successful
conclusion.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1617/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(2_ _July 1990)_

(90/C 283/96)

_Subject:_ Racist and neo-Nazi violence in Berlin

Violent clashes — most notably on 21 April, the 101st
anniversary of the birth of Adolf Hitler — have been
continuing for months in the two halves of Berlin between
semi-anarchical groups on the one hand and a growing
number (3 500 or more) of neo-Nazis and hundreds of
skinheads on the other. Whereas the skinheads are bent

solely on destruction for its own sake, the declared aim of
the neo-Nazis is to build a fully remilitarized, 'racially
pure' Germany extending as far as the 1937 frontiers.
However, the East German Republican Party set up —
aided and abetted by Western sympathizers — to attain
this goal was unable to contest the local elections on
6 May on account of the ban on neo-fascist parties
imposed under East German electoral law.

Before the elections, the Republican Party had
masqueraded under the name of 'National Alternative',
but was unable to stand owing to the last-minute

12. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 283/49

discovery of caches containing weapons, fascist and
'republican' propaganda, Third Reich banners, and a
computer used to store the names and addresses of 'leftist
enemies' identified in political and press circles.

What attitude will the Twelve advocate and pursue, in
particular at the 'two plus four' talks, in order to prevent
East German anti-Nazi legislation from being swallowed
up by German unification, West German law, and the
rulings — however democratically inspired — of the West
German Federal Constitutional Court? A line has to be

drawn between views and actions, and violent incitement
to racial hatred demands an immediate response.

Answer

_(28 September 1990)_

The question put by the Honourable Member of
Parliament concerns matters falling outside the field of
competence of Political Cooperation. I would, however,
draw the Honourable Member's attention to the

Declaration on anti-semitism, racism and xenophobia
adopted by the European Council on 26 June, in which
the position of the Twelve on anti-semitism and other
phenomena of this kind was clearly stated.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1647/90

by Mr Manfred Vohrer (LDR)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(4 July 1990)_

(90/C 283/97)

_Subject:_ Community officials

Is the Council aware that the grading and remuneration
of European Community officials is becoming
increasingly far removed from those of national civil
servants? Is the critical comparison by the journalist, Mr
Thomas Gack, in the Stuttgarter Zeitung of 11 January
1990, to the effect that the European Community mail
sorter receives a professor's salary, in fact true?

Answer

_(1 October 1990)_

1. The arrangements for reviewing the level of
remuneration of officials of the European Communities
are governed by Article 65 (1) of the Staff Regulations of
officials and by the Council Decision of 15 December
1981 amending the method of adjusting the remuneration
of officials and other servants of the Communities ( [1] ).

That Decision is based on the principle of parallel
development between trends in the remuneration of
Community officials and the average trend in Member
States' national civil services. Community officials'
remuneration is also subject to a special levy which has
reduced purchasing power ( [2] ).

1. At its meeting on 19 and 20 October 1987 in
Luxembourg, the Council recognized the importance of
the principle of parallel salary development. It also
recognized 'the desirability of avoiding a divergent
evolution of Community and national salaries'. The
Council therefore asked the Commission to examine a

procedure guaranteeing parallelism in the method of
adjusting salaries from 1 July 1991 in order to prevent
divergent development. The Commission proposal on the
new rules is expected in the autumn.

(') OJNoL386,31. 12. 1981,p. 6.
O See Article 66a of the Staff Regulations.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1668/90

by Mr Victor Arbeloa Muru (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(4_ _July 1990)_

(90/C 283/98)

_Subject:_ Measures within the framework of the Group
of 24

According to the European Council meeting in Dublin
(28 April 1990) the measures to be taken within the
framework of the Group of 24 are to be extended to the
GDR, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria and
Romania. Does this mean that the Community intends to
apply identical treatment to both the democratic and the
non-democratic countries of central and eastern Europe?

Answer

_(1 October 1990)_

The Council has on a number of occasions reaffirmed its

willingness to extend Western economic assistance within
the framework of the Group of 24 to the GDR,
Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and Romania. It
has always pointed out that this depends on a
commitment by those countries to a process of political
and economic reforms, including respect for human
rights, the rule of law, a multi-party system, the holding
of free elections and the introduction of a market

economy.

Concerning Romania, however, the events of 13 to 15
June 1990 in Bucharest have given rise to serious concern.
At its meeting on 18 and 19 June 1990 the Council
therefore felt unable to agree to the extension of
coordinated assistance by the Group of 24 to Romania.

No C 283/50 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 11. 90

Similarly, at their meeting on 4 July 1990, the Ministers of
the Group of 24 expressed their disappointment that the
events in Romania in early June meant that the conditions
for extending their coordinated assistance to that country
did not obtain in the present circumstances.

The Council points out that on 16 July 1990 it expressed
its hope for rapid progress of the movement for reform in
Romania based on dialogue, democracy and peaceful
change. It attaches particular importance to the
parliamentary enquiry after the events of June and
supports the efforts of the Presidency to continue the
dialogue with the Government and the political parties in
Romania in order to follow developments closely.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1670/90

by Mrs Christine Oddy (S)

to the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the
European Community meeting in European Political

Cooperation

_(4_ _July 1990)_

(90/C 283/99)

_Subject:_ Kashmir

What view do the Foreign Ministers meeting in political
cooperation take about the current unrest in Kashmir?

Answer

_(28 September 1990)_

The subject to which the Honourable Member refers is,
by nature of its effect on regional stability as well as the
human rights situation, given very considerable attention
by the Community and its Member States. Ever since the
unrest in Kashmir surfaced, they have followed the events
and developments closely.

In that respect the Honourable Member will recall the
statement in which they expressed their grave concern at
the deteriorating relations and heightened state of tension
between India and Pakistan. Recalling their friendly
relations with both the neighbouring States, the
Community and its Member States earnestly appealed to
them to practise mutual restraint and moderation. They
emphasized their attachment to the principle of peaceful
settlement of disputes and urged both countries to engage
in dialogue to bring about a peaceful end to their
differences.

Furthermore, at the European Council in Dublin, 25 and
26 June 1990, the Heads of State and Government

discussed the current tension between India and Pakistan

over the question of Kashmir. They welcomed and
encouraged recent efforts to de-escalate the state of
tension between the two countries. They expressed the
hope that such initial positive steps will lead to a fuller
dialogue and a resolution of the problem in order that
India and Pakistan can resume full and fruitful relations.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1700/90

by Mrs Carmen Diez de Rivera (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5_ _July 1990)_

(90/C 283/100)

_Subject:_ Age limits for candidates in EC competitions

In view of the fact that one of the basic principles of
the Community and of democratic nations is nondiscrimination with respect to sex, race, religion and
opinion, can the Commission explain the grounds for the
existence of an age limit for candidates in EC
competitions?

Could this restrictive criterion not be interpreted as a
form of discrimination on the grounds of age, especially
considering that no such age limit is required for posts
of political importance in the various Community
institutions, which clearly call for as much, if not more,
physical and intellectual capacity?

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

_(23 July 1990)_

The Commission regards the setting of an age limit for
admission to its competitions as an integral part of its
personnel policy. The aim is to recruit individuals who, at
the time when they take up their duties with the
Commission, can look forward to career progression over
a sufficiently long period of time. For this reason, officials
are generally recruited at the base grade in each category.

To take account of sociological developments in the
Member States, the Commission decided in 1983 to raise
the age limits to 32 years for competitions for young
graduates at grade A8 and to 35 years for all other
competitions.

12. 11. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 283/51

For career bracket A8, no professional experience is
required and the age limit is 32 years; for the other
starting career brackets (C 5/C 4, B 5/B 4, A 7/A 6), two
years' experience are required, with an age limit of

35 years.

As regards career bracket D 3/D 2, only one open
competition has been held for which five years'
professional experience and an age limit of 30 years were
stipulated.

The notices of competition regularly make provision for a
range of situations in which the age limit may be waived.
Exemptions are notably allowed in the case of women and
men who have brought up children.

As regards appointments to political posts, the
Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the

answer it gave to Oral Question H-145/89 by Mr Cassidy
at Parliament's October I part-session in 1989 ( [1] ).

(') _Debates of the European Parliament_ No 3-382 (1 October
1989).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1765/90

by Mr Patrick Cooney, Mrs Mary Banotti, Mr John
Cushnahan (PPE), Mr Alex Smith, Mr Anthony Wilson,

Mr David Morris and Mr Gary Titley (S)

to the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the
European Community meeting in European Political

Cooperation

_(12 July 1990)_

(90/C 283/101)

_Subject:_ Submarine traffic in the Irish Sea

A significant number of collisions by submarines with
fishing vessels and pleasure craft, causing sinkings and
damage, have occurred in the Irish Sea.

As a consequence, navigation in these Community waters
by fishing vessels and yachts is both stressful and
dangerous. The danger would be obviated if the
submarines made passage through the Irish Sea on the
surface.

Can the Ministers:

1. agree that the present situation is dangerous and
unacceptable?

2. say when they intend to put this important question on
their agenda?

3. inform the Parliament of their discussions and of any
initiatives taken to improve on the present, wholly
unsatisfactory situation?

Answer

_(28 September 1990)_

The Honourable Members are referred to the answer

given on 16 January 1990 to Oral Question No H 616/90

on submarine traffic in the Irish Sea. In reply to this
question the then President-in-Office stated that while
the Twelve were aware of the problem in the domain of
maritime safety to which the question referred, it was not
under discussion in the framework of European Political
Cooperation.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1943/90

by Mr James Ford (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1990)_

(90/C 283/102)

_Subject:_ Age discrimination

Upon what grounds can the Commission justify its
discrimination against people over 50 years in its
employment policy, as evidenced by its recent
advertisement for three agents _(Guardian,_ 14 June 1990)?

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

_(2 October 1990)_

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to
the replies to oral questions H-142 (') and H-145 ( [2] ) by
Mr Cassidy, H-246/89 ( [2] ) by Mr Elliott and H-366/89 ( [3] )
by Mr Prag which it gave during question time at
Parliament's September, 1 October and November 1989
part-sessions.

(') _Debates of the European Parliament_ No 2-380 (September

1989).
##### o Debates of the European Parliament No 3-381 (1 October

##### o

1989).
_Debates of the European Parliament_ No 3-383 (November
1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2120/90

by Mrs Christine Crawley (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(17 September 1990)_

(90/C 283/103)

_Subject:_ Dignity of women and men at work

Can Council explain to Parliament what results it thinks it
will achieve by inviting the Commission to draw up a code

No C 283/52 Official Journal of the European Communities 12. 11. 90

of conduct as referred to in paragraph 2 of Chapter III of
the Council's resolution of 29 May 1990 on the 'Dignity
of women and men at work'?

Can Council provide Parliament with examples of similar
codes of conduct where the aspired result was actually
achieved?

In case the answer to the above question is rather
negative, does not Council agree that a draft Directive on
the subject would have been preferable?

Could Council therefore state its willingness to give
favourable consideration to such a draft Directive based

on Article 118a of the Treaty during the Italian
Presidency?

Answer

_(2 October 1990)_

The Council resolution on the protection of the dignity of
women and men at work of 29 May 1990 is clear and
significant statement of position by the Community
condemning behaviour affecting the dignity of men and
women in their working lives.

Following the detailed discussions on the situation of
women in The Hague in 1986 and in Brussels in 1987, the
Irish Presidency initiated the resolution in the awareness
that the problem manifests itself in different forms from
one Member State, region or undertaking to another. It

considered — and the Council agreed — that the
Commission should study the matter further and
subsequently draw up a code of conduct, in consultation
with both sides of industry and after seeking the views of
the Member States and the authorities concerned. The

Presidency felt that such a code, which should be based
on tried and tested example and practice, could help
better achieve the aim in view.

It should not be forgotten that respect for the dignity of
women and men at work is more, if not essentially, a
question of education and of changing mentalities rather
than of legislation. Progress has been made on the
legislative level in our various Member States in
guaranteeing equal opportunities between men and
women and consolidating their dignity at work. But the
results have sometimes fallen short of expectations
because the change in mentalities has perhaps not kept

pace.

It is, therefore, this change in mentality that the Council is
seeking through the code of conduct which it has asked
the Commission to draw up.

As for the possibility of a Directive on the subject, it will
be for the Commission — when it feels it is time or there is

a need to do so — to submit a proposal to the Council,
which will give it its keenest attention.

The legal basis for any such Directive will be determined
initially by the Commission in the light of the content of
the proposal.