Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

ISSN 0378-6986

#### C 183
# Official Journal

Volume 35
### of the European Communities 20 July 1992

Volume 35

20 July 1992

###### English edition Information and Notices

Notice No

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92 / C 183 / 02

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Contents Page

I Information

European Parliament

Written Questions with answer

No 1161 / 91 by Mr Maxime Verhagen to the Commission
Subject : Possible link between defence and aid 1

No 1229 / 91 by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Deaths in custody in Syria 1

No 1256 / 91 by Mrs Christine Oddy to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Bangladesh cyclone relief 2

No 1292 / 91 by Mr Llewellyn Smith to the Commission
Subject : Independent application of nuclear safeguards 2

No 1308 / 91 by Mr Reimer Böge to the Commission
Subject : Destruction of churches in Turkey 2

No 1350 / 91 by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Jewish settlements in the West Bank 3

No 1480 / 91 by Mrs Mary Banotti to the Commission
Subject : Prisma programme 3

No 1493 / 91 by Mrs Marijke Van Hemeldonck to the Commission
Subject : T abling of a proposal for a Directive on heavy metals 3

No 1630 / 91 by Mr Yves Verwaerde to the Commission
Subject : Jean Monnet Action, Year II 4

2 ( Continued overleaf )

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

92 / C 183 / 10 No 1757 / 91 by Mr Karl von Wogau to the Commission
Subject : Fruit and vegetable exports 4

92 / C 183 / 1 1 No 1868 / 91 by Mr Wilfried Telkämper to the Commission
Subject : Compatibility of Article 1 of the amended law on the extension of long-distance roads
with the environment impact assessment Directive 6

92 / C 183 / 12 No 1874 / 91 by Mr Thomas Megay to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Human rights in Kuwait 6

92 / C 183 / 13 No 1906 / 91 by Mr Jean-Pierre Cot to European Political Cooperation
Subject : The situation in the Middle East following the Gulf War 7

92 / C 183 / 14 No 1942 / 91 by Mr Gerard Monnier-Besombes to the Commission
Subject : Massacre of cetaceans off the Faroe Islands 8

92 / C 183 / 15 No 2083 / 91 by Mr Anthony Wilson to the Commission
Subject : Peat extraction 8

92 / C 183 / 16 No 2131 / 91 by Mr Dimitrios Pagoropoulos to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Blockade of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople by fanatical muslims 9

92 / C 183 / 17 No 2132 / 91 by Mr Jacques Vernier to the Commission
Subject : High-voltage electric cables 9

92 / C 183 / 18 No 2159 / 91 by Mr Jose Valverde L6pez to the Commission
Subject : Reasoned opinions in the context of infringement proceedings against the Spanish
Government 10

92 / C 183 / 19 No 2160 / 91 by Mr Jose Valverde L6pez to the Commission
Subject : Letters of formal notice in the context of infringement proceedings against the Spanish
Government 10

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 2 1 59 / 9 1 and 2160 / 91 10

92 / C 183 / 20 No 2189 / 91 by Mrs Astrid Lulling to the Commission
Subject : Hunting and the conservation of wild birds 11

92 / C 183 / 21 No 2266 / 91 by Mr Madron Seligman to the Commission
Subject : Exorbitant cost of making purchases from the Office for Official Publications of the
European Communities 11

92 / C 183 / 22 No 2269 / 91 by Mrs Mechthild von Alemann to the Commission
Subject : ' Postbank ' charges for transfers abroad 11

92 / C 183 / 23 No 2342 / 91 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission
Subject : Construction projects for hydro-electric power stations on the Danube 12

92 / C 183 / 24 No 2357 / 91 by Mr Maxime Verhagen to the Commission
Subject : The situation in Sudan 12

92 / C 183 / 25 No 2381 / 91 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission
Subject : Threats by multinational firms against environmental measures 13

92 / C 183 / 26 No 2382 / 91 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission
Subject : Multinational firms and industrial policy 13

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 2381 / 91 and 2382 / 91 14

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

92 / C 183 / 27 No 2388 / 91 by Mr Gerard Monnier-Besombes to the Commission
Subject : Impact of the single market on the environment 14

92 / C 183 / 28 No 2405 / 91 by Mrs Maria Izquierdo Rojo to European Political Cooperation
Subject : International conference to resolve the problem of Cyprus 14

92 / C 183 / 29 No 2425 / 91 by Mr Alman Metten and Mrs Maartje van Putten to the Commission
Subject : The internal market and the untying of development aid 14

92 / C 183 / 30 No 2433 / 91 by Mr Georgios Romeos to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Abolition of the Turkish Chess Federation 15

92 / C 183 / 31 No 2479 / 91 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to the Commission
Subject : Parking spaces for the disabled ' 15

92 / C 183 / 32 No 2481 / 91 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Disappearance of a Kurdish journalist in south-east Turkey 16

92 / C 183 / 33 No 2482 / 91 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Arrest of Dr Ismail Besikçi in Turkey 16

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 2481 / 91 and 2482 / 91 16

92 / C 183 / 34 No 2483 / 91 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Human rights violations in Morocco 17

92 / C 183 / 35 No 2556 / 91 by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Safety of the Kurdish population and aid workers in northern Iraq 17

92 / C 183 / 36 No 2561 / 91 by Mr Bouke Beumer to the Commission
Subject : Gabcicovo dam on the Danube in Slovakia 18

92 / C 183 / 37 No 2576 / 91 by Mr John Cushnahan to the Commission
Subject : Payments from the European Social Fund to Member States 18

92 / C 183 / 38 No 2594 / 91 by Mr Joaquim Miranda Da Silva and Mr Dimitrios Dessylas to the
Commission
Subject : Commission proposal on tobacco as part of the reform of the common agricultural
policy 19

92 / C 183 / 39 No 2671 / 91 by Mr Dieter Rogalla to the Commission
Subject : Procedures in Europe for disqualification from driving 19

92 / C 183 / 40 No 2685 / 91 by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission
Subject : Essential intra-Community legislation with regard to traffic offences 20

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 2671 / 91 and 2685 / 91 20

92 / C 1 83 / 41 No 2672 / 91 by Mr Dieter Rogalla to the Commission
Subject : Aircraft noise in Europe 20

( Continued overleaf )

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

92 / C 183 / 42 No 2696 / 91 by Mr Bryan Cassidy to the Commission
Subject : European Community funding of projects dealing with population control 21

92 / C 183 / 43 No 2763 / 91 by Mr Luigi Vertemati, Mr Vincenzo Mattina, Mr Pierre Camiti, Mr
Nereo Laroni, Mr Lelio Lagorio and Mrs Maria Magnani Noya to the Commission
Subject : A project for Venice 21

92 / C 183 / 44 No 2782 / 91 by Mr Ben Visser to the Commission Subject : Greek ban on lorry imports 22

92 / C 183 / 45 No 2848 / 91 by Mrs Mathilde van den Brink to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Fighting between Kurds and Iraqi troops in Iraq 22

92 / C 183 / 46 No 2850 / 91 by Mrs Maartje van Putten to the Commission
Subject : Micro-project in Zimbabwe : Zimbabwean Institute of Religious Research and
Ecological Conservation 23

92 / C 183 / 47 No 2883 / 91 by Mr Gianfranco Amendola to the Commission
Subject : Le Caravelle di Ceriale aquatic park in Liguria ( Italy ) 24

92 / C 183 / 48 No 2898 / 91 by Mr Ian White to the Commission
Subject : Market foreclosure in the UK beer supply sector 24

92 / C 183 / 49 No 2950 / 91 by Mr Arturo Escuder Croft to the Commission
Subject : Canaries operational plan 1990 — 1993 25

92 / C 183 / 50 No 2998 / 91 by Mrs Dagmar Roth-Behrendt to the Commission
Subject : Irrigation in the Guadiana basin 26

92 / C 183 / 51 No 3024 / 91 by Mr Peter Crampton to the Commission
Subject : The measurement of cereals for import and export purposes 26

92 / C 183 / 52 No 3031 / 91 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Protection of the bay of Dimitrakia, Chalkidiki 27

92 / C 183 / 53 No 3049 / 91 by Mr Carles-Alfred Gasòliba i Bohm to the Commission
Subject : Effect of Community legislation at international level 27

92 / C 183 / 54 No 3067 / 91 by Mr Patrick Lane to the Commission
Subject : Envireg and equipment for fighting pollution 28

92 / C 183 / 55 No 3098 / 91 by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin to the Commission
Subject : Promotion of designations of origin of foodstuffs 29

92 / C 183 / 56 No 3120 / 91 by Mr Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission
Subject : Selection of Greek projects for the Leader Programme 29

92 / C 183 / 57 No 3244 / 91 by Mr Jose Lafuente Lopez to the Commission
Subject : Community promotion of weekend tourism 30

92 / C 183 / 58 No 1 17 / 92 by Mrs Ursula Schleicher to the Commission
Subject : EC Directive 91 / 497 / EEC on meat hygiene . 30

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Pa s e

92 / C 183 / 59 No 137 / 92 by Mr Juan de la Cámara Martínez to the Commission

Subject : Information and Coordination programme for environmental policies to protect the
Mediterranean 31

92 / C 183 / 60

92 / C 183 / 61

92 / C 183 / 62

92 / C 183 / 63

92 / C 183 / 64

92 / C 183 / 65

92 / C 183 / 66

92 / C 183 / 67

92 / C 183 / 68

92 / C 183 / 69

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92 / C 183 / 72

92 / C 183 / 73

92 / C 183 / 74

92 / C 183 / 75

92 / C 183 / 76

No 181 / 92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Council
Subject : Compensation by Zaire 32

No 212 / 92 by Mr Jannis Sakellariou to the Commission
Subject : Toxic substances in paper bags 32

No 254 / 92 by Mr Marco Pannella to the Council
Subject : The disappearance of tourists in Algeria 32

No 271 / 92 by Mr Freddy Blak to the Council
Subject : Health risks at work in the public sector - - - 33

No 280 / 92 by Mr Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission
Subject : Advertising on Greek television 33

No 304 / 92 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Council
Subject : Employment / unemployment statistics : are they reliable ? 34

No 342 / 92 by Mr James Ford to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Salomeh Ayesheh Emami 34

No 372 / 92 by Mr Luigi Vertemati to the Council
Subject : Aid to the republics of the CIS 35

No 389 / 92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Council
Subject : Pluralism of the media in Greece 36

No 393 / 92 by Mr Georgios Romeos to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Israeli settlement of the Occupied Territories 36

No 408 / 92 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Council
Subject : The discriminatory effect of national military service 36

No 409 / 92 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission
Subject : Revision of the standards contained in the Directive 89 / 552 / EEC on television
broadcasting activities 37

No 424 / 92 by Mr Alex Smith to the Commission
Subject : Environmental protection 37

No 429 / 92 by Mr Ian White to the Commission
Subject : Trade debt 37

No 482 / 92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Council
Subject : Identity checks in gypsy camps 38

No 496 / 92 by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Response of Morocco in respect of human rights 38

No 497 / 92 by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Executions in Tunisia 38

( Continued overleaf )

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

92 / C 183 / 77 No 502 / 92 by Mr Dimitrios Nianias to European Political Cooperation
Subject : Fears of political deadlock over Cyprus 39

92 / C 183 / 78 No 505 / 92 by Mr Luigi Vertemati, Mr Nereo Laroni, Mr Pierre Camiti and Mrs
Maria Magnani Noya to the Council
Subject : Forcible removal of Italian minors Cristian and Daniele to Tunisia by their father
without their mother 's consent 39

92 / C 183 / 79 Nd 515 / 92 by Mr Wilfried Telkämper to the Commission
Subject : Compulsory EIAs for authorization procedures started prior to 3 July 1988 40

92 / C 183 / 80 No 544 / 92 by the following Members : Gerard Caudron, Alman Metten, Alan
Donnelly, Barry Seal and Panayotis Roumeliotis to the Council
Subject : Harmonization of taxation of interest on capital 41

92 / C 183 / 81 No 642 / 92 by Mr John Bird to the Commission
Subject : Lotteries 41

92 / C 183 / 82 No 698 / 92 by Mr Juan de la Cámara Martínez to the Council
Subject : Support for farmers 42

92 / C 183 / 83 No 700 / 92 by Mr Juan de la Cámara Martínez to the Council
Subject : Community textile industry 42

92 / C 183 / 84 No 706 / 92 by Mr Juan de la Cámara Martínez to the Council
Subject : Reforestation                  -                  -                  - 42

92 / C 183 / 85 No 777 / 92 by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek to the Council
Subject : Excessively lengthy legal procedures in Italy 43

92 / C 183 / 86 No 1018 / 92 by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Council
Subject : Voting rights of Community citizens 43

Corrigendum

92 / C 1 83 / 87 Corrigendum to Written Question with answer No 473 / 91 by Mr Gianfranco Amendola to the
Commission of the European Communities ( Official Journal of the European Communities
No C 261 of 7 October 1991 ) 44

92 / C 183 / 88 Corrigendum to Written Question with answer No 1736 / 91 by Mr Jaques Vernier to the
Commission of the European Communities ( Official Journal of the European Communities
No C 327 of 16 December 1991 ) 44

20 . 7 . 92 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 183 / 1

I

( Information )

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1161 / 91

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

(5 June 1991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 01 )

Subject : Possible link between defence and aid

The former President of the World Bank, Mr Robert

McNamara, recently proposed a special scheme for aiding
developing countries which reduced their military
expenditure .

1 . What is the Commission 's opinion on linking aid and

defence ?

2 . Can the Commission indicate the percentage of

military expenditure in the budgets of the developing
countries with which the EC has the closest relations ?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 16 January 1 992 )

1 . The Commission is in favour of any reduction in
military expenditure in general, and particularly in the
developing countries . The idea put forward by Mr
McNamara, former President of the World Bank, is of
great interest, and worth elaborating . It also reflects
public opinion, and was strongly reaffirmed at the
London G 7 summit of 16 July last year .

At the Council meeting ( development ) on 28 November

1991, the Council and the Community Member States
adopted a resolution stressing the harm done by excessive
military spending to the development process in the

LDCs . The resolution suggests providing special support
for countries that substantially reduce their military
spending while, if necessary, reducing support for
countries that fail to follow this line .

2 . The Commission has no statistics of its own on real
military expenditure in the developing countries with
which it has cooperation agreements . The available
estimates generally have military spending accounting for
an average of 20% of the developing countries ' total
budget compared with 14,3% in the industrialized
countries :

— Asia, the Middle East : 27,2 %,

— Middle East : 23,2 %

— North Africa : 17,1 %

— Sub-Saharan Africa : 12,8 %,

— Latin America and the Caribbean : 8,6 %

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1229 / 91
by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru ( S )

to European Political Cooperation

( 11 June 1 991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 02 )

Subject : Deaths in custody in Syria

Have the Foreign Ministers meeting in European Political
Cooperation turned their attention to the deaths which
have occurred recently, in suspicious circumstances, in
Syrian prisons ? For example, to the case of the Palestinian
Abu Dawud, who was held incommunicado and, it
appears, was denied medical treatment for wounds
probably sustained during torture, and who probably died
in the Fara Falastim detention centre in Damascus ?

20 . 7 . 92
No C 183 / 2 Official Journal of the European Communities

Answer

( 19 June 1992 )

The specific case mentioned by the Honourable Member

has not been discussed in the framework of EPC .
Nevertheless the Syrian authorities are fully aware of the
importance which the Community and its Member States
attach to respect for human rights . The Community and
its Member States have repeatedly stressed that the
protection of human rights is the legitimate concern of the
world community and of States individually and that
respect for human rights will continue to be an important
element in their relations with third countries .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1256 / 91

by Mrs Christine Oddy ( S )
to European Political Cooperation

( 14 June 1991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 03 )

Subject : Bangladesh cyclone relief

What steps will the Foreign Ministers meeting in

European Political Cooperation take to implement the
resolution passed by the Parliament on the above issue ?

Are the Foreign Ministers aware that over 200 000 people
have lost their lives, five off shore islands have been
virtually wiped out and damage to livestock and property
is estimated in excess of £ 500 million ?

Answer

( 19 June 1 992 )

The question raised by the Honourable Parliamentarian

does not fall within the competence of the European
Political Cooperation .

operated by and nuclear materials owned by the European
Commission or Euratom ; and what body pays for the
application of such safeguards ?

Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha

on behalf of the Commission

( 31 January 1992 )

The nuclear material in installations owned and / or

operated by the European Commission is subject to
Euratom Safeguards under Chapter VII of the Euratom
Treaty and subject to IAEA safeguards under the
Verification Agreement INFCIRC / 193 .

It should be emphasized that these facilities are operated
by the Joint Research Centre ( DG XII / JRC ) whereas the
control of these facilities is carried out by the Inspectors
of the Safeguards Directorate DG XVII-E and by the
IAEA .

The costs for the application of safeguards are funded
through budget posts A - 110 ( Personnel ) and A - 142

( Radioprotection ) and Budget chapter B4-20
( Safeguards ) of the Commission Budget .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1308 / 91

by Mr Reimer Boge ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 26 June 1991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 05 )

Subject : Destruction of churches in Turkey

What view does the Commission take of reports to the

effect that the Turkish authorities have ordered the
destruction of a newly constructed assembly hall
belonging to the Armenian church on an island in the Sea
of Marmara ?

Can the Commission confirm that the Panaghia Avgasida
Church belonging to the Monastery of the Virgin Mary in
Northern Cyprus was destroyed ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1292 / 91 What conclusions does the Commission draw from this ?

by Mr Llewellyn Smith ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 14 June 1991 )

Answer given by Mr Matutes
( 92 / C 183 / 04 ) behalf of the Commission

on behalf of the Commission

Subject : Independent application of nuclear safeguards

What arrangements exist for the independent application

of nuclear safeguards to nuclear research facilities

(5 February 1992 )

The Commission had not previously heard reports of the

destruction of a meeting hall belonging to an Armenian

No C 183 / 3
20 . 7 . 92 Official Journal of the European Communities

Church on an island in the Sea of Marmaris . However its
position in regard to the freedom of religious practice of
minorities, particularly in Turkey, is quite clear and has
been publicly reiterated on numerous occasions before the
European Parliament . That is, that respect for human
rights of minorities including freedom of religion, should
at all times be respected . The Turkish Government is fully
aware of the Commission 's views, which were given wide
publicity in the opinion of 18 December 1989 on Turkey 's
accession request .

While the general principles in regard to human rights
apply, as the Honourable Member is aware, the EC has no
diplomatic relations with the administration of the
so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1350 / 91
by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru ( S )

to European Political Cooperation

( 24 June 1 991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 06 )

Subject : Jewish settlements in the West Bank

Does the Community plan to make economic assistance
to Israel dependent on developments in the Tel Aviv
Government 's policy of lewish settlements in the West
Bank ?

Answer

( 19 June 1992 )

The Community and its Member States consider that

Israeli settlements in the Territories occupied by Israel
since 1967, including East Jerusalem, are illegal under
international law and under the 4th Geneva Convention
in particular . They also consider that the establishment of
any new settlements in the Occupied Territories, which is
in any case illegal, is especially harmful at a time when all
parties should show flexibility and restraint so as to
enhance confidence and create the right climate for
successful negotiations in the peace process . The
Community and its Member States have made these views
known both publicly and privately to the Israeli
authorities on numerous occasions .

The question of economic assistance to Israel falls within

Community not EPC competence . However, this issue
will be considered in the light of the attitude of this

country within the framework of the peace process and of
the role assigned in it to the Community .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1480 / 91

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

( 16 July 1991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 07 )

Subject : Prisma programme

Could the Commission inform me how the Prisma
programme is being implemented in the different Member
States, in particular the kind of participation that exists
for SMEs and whether it is not the case that in some
countries like Ireland the level of participation by SMEs is
minimal ?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

( 19 March 1992 )

The Notice to the Member States concerning the

Community Initiative Prisma was published in the Official
Journal of the European Communities, 8 February 1991 ( 1 ).
The Member States had a six-month period to submit
proposals for operational programmes ( OP ) under
Prisma, which had to be approved by the Commission .
The Prisma operational programme for Ireland was

approved on 5 December 1991 . It comprises five measures
of which four benefit SMEs either directly or indirectly :
by improving the calibration / metrology, third party
testing and certification infrastructure and services in
Ireland ; by improving the availability of information on
public procurement and business opportunities for SMEs
in the public sector / public utilities area ; and by assisting
SMEs whose products have been protected under the
Article 115 ( EEC Treaty ) regime .

O OJNoC 33, 8 . 2 . 1991 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1493 / 91

by Mrs Marijke Van Hemeldonck ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 16 July 1991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 08 )

Subject : Tabling of a proposal for a Directive on heavy

metals

In answer to my Written Question No 1225 / 84 ( x ), the
Commission stated that it was considering suitable
proposals for submission to the Council in respect of
heavy metals in List II of Directive 76 / 464 / EEC ( 2 ).

No C 183 / 4 Official Journal of the European Communities 20 . 7 . 92

To date, the only proposal for a Directive tabled by the
Commission to the Council has been for chromium,
although in 1982 the Commission in consultation with
national experts, selected five other priority heavy metals
( lead, zinc, copper, nickel and arsenic ).

Why has the Commission not yet tabled proposals to the
Council in respect of other heavy metals and when will
this be done ?

O OJ No C 62, 11 . 3 . 1985, p . 49 .
O OJ No L 129, 18 . 5 . 1976, p . 23 .

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana

on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 1992 )

In January 1986 the Commission sent the Council a
harmonization proposal concerning water quality
objectives for chromium ( 1 ). This S was amended in
February 1988 ( 2 ) to include industrial discharges in the
programmes to reduce chromium pollution in water, and
to include total chromium among the chemical types of
chromium covered by the proposal .

The Council failed to reach agreement on the proposal .

Some of the Member States defended quality objectives,
while others defended limit values .

The Commission feels it must wait for this text to be
adopted so as to have a model on which to base
subsequent proposals regarding the five other priority
heavy metals on List II of Directive 76 / 464 / EEC .

O COM(85 ) 733 ; OJ No C 351, 31 . 12 . 1985 .
O COM(88)29;OJNoC43, 16 . 2 . 1988 .

Answer given by Mr Dondelinger

on behalf of the Commission

( 31 January 1992 )

In implementing the Jean Monnet Action concerning
university courses with a special emphasis on European
integration, the Commission is assisted by the University
Council for the Jean Monnet Action, an independent
academic body made up of four representatives of the
Liaison Committee of the National Conferences of

Vice-Chancellors of the Universities of the Member

States of the European Community, the President of the
European University Institute in Florence and four
representatives of the European Community Studies
Association .

The University Council sends the Commission
recommendations on proposals from universities which
are eligible on the basis of the following criteria :

— link with the problems of European integration ;

— quality of the proposal ;

— the project 's scientific and educational feasibility ;

— guarantee of the project 's continuity .

These criteria are set out in the Vade Mecum for the Jean

Monnet Action, Year II, which was widely distributed in
university and higher education circles .

The cost of the Jean Monnet Action, Year II, i.e. of the
242 projects selected in 1991, amounts to ECU 2 103 443 .

This sum applies only to the final quarter of 1991 ( ECU

776 692 ) and to 1992 ( ECU 1 336 751 ), although, as
stipulated in the Vade Mecum for the Jean Monnet
Action, Year II, Community co-financing for chairs in

European studies and permanent courses will continue for
three years .

The breakdown by type of operation is as follows :

— ECU 1 229 476 for chairs in European studies ;

— ECU 832 697 for permanent courses on European

integration and European modules ;

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1630 / 91 — ECU 41 000 for research .

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

( 25 July 1991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 09 )

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1757 / 91

Subject : Jean Monnet Action, Year II

In the context of the Jean Monnet Action, Year II, the
Commission has earmarked financial assistance for

almost 250 educational establishments in the Member
States which have undertaken to provide courses with a
special emphasis on European integration .

Can the Commission give details of the selection criteria
used in allocating this appropriation and state the amount
involved for the 1991 / 92 academic year ?

by Mr Karl von Wogau ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 1 September 1 991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 10 )

Subject : Fruit and vegetable exports

1 . Is the Commission aware that trade in fruit and
vegetables within the Community still involves
burdensome formalities and a long wait at borders ?

No C 183 / 5
20 . 7 . 92 Official Journal of the European Communities

2 . Is the Commission also aware that exporters of fruit
and vegetables are obliged to submit their goods to several
border checks, must reckon with long delays and are
required to apply one day in advance for plant health and
inspection certificates, making it impossible to accept
short term export orders ?

3 . Is it true that the Commission is delaying important
proposals on the harmonization of legal provisions
concerning checks for pesticide residues, plant health and
quality standards for fruit and vegetables in order to put
the Council under pressure to reach a decision ?

4 . What specific steps does the Commission intend to
take to ensure the total abolition of checks on fruit and
vegetables at Community internal borders by 1 January

1993 ?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry

on behalf of the Commission

(2 March 1992 )

1 . and 2 . The Commission is aware of complaints
regarding checks and waiting times which continue to
affect intra-Community trade in fruit and vegetables .
However, in the absence of details of specific cases, it is
not possible for it to establish up to what point these
checks and delays are atributable to Community laws in
force . With regard to the plant health aspect, the
Commission has always been conscious of the need to
reconcile, within the framework of the trade in plants and
plant products, action to prevent the introduction or the
propagation of harmful organisms with the interests of
freedom of movement for plants and plant products
within the Community .

Council Directive 77 / 93 / EEC of 21 December 1976 on
protective measures against the introduction into the
Member States of organisms harmful to plants or plant
products O, as last . amended by Directive
91 / 103 / EEC ( 2 ), has been framed on the basis of a
balance between these two objectives .

It restricts to a certain number only the plants and plant
products which are obliged to undergo, in order to be
imported into all the Member States, a plant health
examination by the country of origin or dispatch :

— For importation into all the Member States, the

Directive applies only to fresh fruits of Citrus ( other
than the lemons citrus limon ( L. ), Burm ; and Citrus
medica ( L. )), of Cydonia, of Malus, of Prunus and of
Pyrus and in the case of vegetables to potato tubes
only .

— For importation into certain Member States, more

specific measures may be taken by the Member States
concerned in the case of some other fruit or
vegetables, in accordance with the Directive . These
additional specific measures are temporary only and
work is in hand to adapt them to the conditions of the
internal market .

In addition, it should be noted that the Directive lays
down detailed rules for carrying out plant health checks
on the importation of plants or plant products originating
in or coming from another Member State : these checks no
longer have to be carried out in a systematic way but on a
random basis . The Directive provides also that the plant
health checks must, as a rule, be carried out while the
goods are en route to or at their place of destination . This
reduces the number of checks still carried out at orders
and thus limits the likelihood of waiting time at internal
frontiers .

3 . As regards checks on pesticide residues,
considerable progress has been achieved recently in the
field of Community law :

— Directive 90 / 642 / EEC of 29 November 1990 ( 3 ),

considerably improves Community rules on pesticide
residue levels on fruit and vegetables .

— Directive 91 / 414 / EEC concerning the placing of

plant protection products on the market ( 4 ) has
recently laid down the provisional procedure for
fixing maximum pesticide residue levels .

— Moreover, the latest Commission proposals on the

introduction of a new strategy in the plant health field
on 1 January 1993, set out in'documents COM(89 )
646 final ( 5 ) and COM(89 ) 647 final ( 6 ), as amended
by documents COM(91 ) 225 final ( 7 ) and COM(91 )
246 final ( 8 ) respectively, point the way to a greater
simplification of formalities in trade : they provide
for the abolition of plant health checks in
intra-Community trade, in particular those carried out
at internal borders, and their replacement by checks at
the place of production of plants and plant products in
the Community ; where the plant health conditions on
production are observed, a ' plant passport ' will be
issued enabling the products to circulate freely inside
Community territory .

It is clear from the foregoing that the Commission has not
delayed the proposals, nor is it delaying them : all the
necessary proposals have been presented to the Council
and have been adopted already, or will be shortly .

In addition, the current Council provisions on the
monitoring of the application of quality standards do not
need to be amended with a view to the opening of borders
planned for the 1 February 1993, because they do not
provide that these checks must of necessity be carried out
on the crossing of borders between the Member States .

4 . Without anticipating the outcome of the discussions
now under way in the Council on the abovementioned
Commission proposals for the introduction of the new
strategy in the plant health field, the Commission wishes
to limit plant health requirements primarily to
reproductive material, i.e. to the material which represents
a serious plant health risk ; fruit and vegetables for human
consumption would then, in theory, be involved only in so
far as some of these products originating in or coming
from third countries were concerned .

No C 183 / 6 Official Journal of the European Communities 20 . 7 . 92

As regards quality control, such checks will not be carried
out at the internal borders . The Commission intends to
amplify the existing provisions regarding checks carried
out at other stages, in order to harmonize the conditions
governing internal monitoring in the Member States .
Work on this subject is in hand .

O OJ No L 26, 31 . 1 . 1977 .
O OJ No L 52, 27.2 . 1991 .
O OJ No L 350, 14 . 12 . 1990 .
( 4 ) OJ No L 230, 19 . 8 . 1991 .
O OJ No C 29, 8.2 . 1990 .
( 6 ) OJ No C 31, 9 . 2 . 1990 .
O OJN0C86, 18 . 7 . 1991 .
0 ) OJNoC205, 6 . 8 . 1991 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1868 / 91

by Mr Wilfried Telkämper ( V )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 1 September 1 991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 11 )

Subject : Compatibility of Article 1 of the amended law on

the extension of long-distance roads with the
environment impact assessment Directive

The proposal made by W. Mecklenburg and W.
Sauermilch on 2 July 1991 to the Commission 's DG XI to
initiate a complaints procedure pursuant to Article 169 of
the EEC Treaty raises the following questions :

Through Article 27 of the third consolidating law of 28
June 1990 ( entry into force : 1 July 1990 ) the Federal
German Government amended its law on the extension of
long-distance roads so that now federal long-distance
road requirements are established by incorporation in the
requirement plan for long-distance federal roads, i.e. by
law ; this applies also to the choice of route and final
planning .

The need for such a road is therefore established
exclusively behind closed doors without any possibility of
judicial controls and thus eludes environmental
acceptability assessments as regards the choice of route
and final planning ( as provided for in the environmental
impact assessment law of 19 November 1989 which
entered into force on 1 August 1990 ).

1 . Does the Commission not agree that environmental

impact assessments are required in establishing these
requirements — particularly as they are at least
partially based on traffic forecasts and that this
amendment is therefore contrary to the provisions of
the Directive 85 / 337 / EEC (') on environmental
impact assessment and should therefore be retracted
by the German Government, and notably in respect of

( a ) the roads listed in Annex I ( motorways and

expressways ) of the EC Directive on
environmental impact assessment, or

( b ) all long-distance federal roads,

( c ) the choice of route, and

( d ) final plans ?

( e ) even if an environmental impact assessment plan
has been submitted under the so-called regional
planning procedure ?

2 . Must requirements be established on the basis of an

environmental impact assessment plan

( a ) open to the public and

( b ) with the possibility of judicial controls ?

3 . Are any other procedures being initiated — or have

any other initiatives been initiated in the EC due to
this change in the law ?

O OJ No L 175, 5 . 7 . 1985, p. 40 .

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana

on behalf of the Commission

( 29 October 1991 )

The environmental impact of infrastructure projects
covered by Annex I to Directive 85 / 337 / EEC should be
assessed before they are authorized . Authorization
decisions should not be taken by legislative means in
order to exclude specific parts of the authorization
procedure from this assessment .

Article 1 ( 5 ) of the Directive specifies to what extent the
Member States ' legislative procedures can result in
Directive 85 / 337 / EEC not being applied . On the face of
it, including a project in a general plan does not meet the
conditions laid down .

The Commission is discussing with the German
authorities the question of the compliance of the German
legislative provisions with the requirements of the
Directive .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1874 / 91

by Mr Thomas Megay ( S )
to European Political Cooperation

( 1 September 1 991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 12 )

Subject : Human rights in Kuwait

What pressures are the Foreign Ministers bringing to bear
to secure improvements in human rights in Kuwait ?

Answer

( 19 June 1992 )

Since the liberation of Kuwait, the Community and its
Member States have followed the human rights situation

20 . 7 . 92 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 183 / 7

in this country closely, including the situation of the Answer
Palestinian community . They have stressed to the Kuwaiti ( 19 June 1992 )
authorities on many occasions the importance they attach
to respect for human rights and have also expressed their
concern at the deportation of Iraqi Shiites and
Palestinians from Kuwait .

While the question of the observance of fundamental
human rights in Kuwait must continue to remain under
scrutiny, there have been many positive improvements
following the lifting of martial law last June, including in
judicial procedures and in conditions in the prisons . The
Community and its Member States welcomed the Kuwaiti
decision to lift press censorship in January 1992 . This
should help to ensure the success of the National
Assembly elections to be held in October .

The Community and its Member States will continue to
follow developments closely, especially those concerning
the deportation of expatriates . They have equally drawn
attention to the need for foreigners who leave Kuwait to
be allowed to do so under fair and humanitarian
conditions, with full access to their belongings and to any
money owed them .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1906 / 91

by Mr Jean-Pierre Cot ( S )
to European Political Cooperation

(2 September 1 991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 13 )

Subject : The situation in the Middle East following the

Gulf War

What conclusions does European Political Cooperation

draw from the events of the Gulf War and their
consequences for the whole region and what does it think
the war 's implications for the future are as regards :

1 . the effectiveness of political cooperation

2 . the Israeli-Palestinian problem

3 . the human rights situation in the region

4 . the international community 's right to intervene on

behalf of peoples threatened with genocide, in
accordance with the 1948 Convention

5 . uncontrolled exports of conventional and
non-conventional weapons

6 . political stability in the region

7 . the need to promote the CSCM ( Conference on

Security and Cooperation in the Mediterranean )

8 . the environment ?

The Community and its Member States took careful note

of the lessons to be learnt from their involvement in the
Gulf Crisis when elaborating proposals for a common
foreign and security policy in the context of the Treaty on
European Union, signed at Maastricht on 7 February

1992 and due to come into effect on 1 January 1993 . The
Treaty envisages systematic cooperation between
Member States in the conduct of foreign and security
policy and a gradual implementation of joint action in
areas in which the Member States have essential interests
in common . Member States have undertaken to support
the Union 's external and security policy actively and
unreservedly in a spirit of loyalty and mutual solidarity
and to refrain from any action which is contrary to the
interests of the Union or likely to impair its effectiveness
as a cohesive force in international relations . In addition
Member States have undertaken to inform and consult
one another within the Council on any matter of foreign
and security policy of general interest, in order to ensure
that their combined influence is exerted as effectively as
possible by means of concerted and convergent action .

Following the cessation of hostilities in the Gulf, the
Community and its Member States warmly welcomed the
efforts of the United States, in partnership with the Soviet
Union, to mount an effort to bring together all the parties
involved in the Arab-Israeli conflict and the Palestinian
question . It was a remarkable achievement to get the
parties involved to sit together for the first time at the
Conference table in Madrid, confirming their
commitment to a just, comprehensive and lasting
settlement . The Community and its Member States are
fully committed to playing a consistent role in this
process, bearing in mind that the Middle East is a
neighbouring region, with which Europe has
long-standing political, historical, cultural, economic and
commercial ties, and whose stability and security are
essential to Europe 's own stability and security .

The Community and its Member States have maintained
regular contacts with the parties to the bilateral
negotiations as well as with the co-sponsors and other
participants .

The inception of the multilateral phase of the Middle East
peace process in Moscow in January 1992 has the
potential to reinforce the bilateral talks . The Community
and its Member States are firmly committed to playing a
constructive and active role in the multilateral
negotiations, which are in themselves a concrete
confidence building measure, enabling regional problems
such as the environment and arms control and security to
be tackled, genuine regional cooperation to develop and
peace to become a reality . However, substantive progress
in the multilateral can only be attained if the central

NoC 183 / 8 Official Journal of the European Communities 20 . 7 . 92

issues of the bilateral negotiations also register some

progress .

The early adoption of confidence building measures will

help to create the stable environment which progress in
the bilateral and multilateral negotiations requires . A halt
to Israel 's settlement activity in the Occupied Territories
is on such measure . Renunciation of the Arab trade
boycott of Israel is another . With regard to the situation
in the Occupied Territories, it is important that both sides
show restraint and that Israel abide by the provisions of
the Fourth Geneva Convention . The Community and its
Member States look forward to a tangible improvement in
the situation in the Occupied Territories, even before the
putting in place of interim or other arrangements .

The Community and its Member States have continued to
devote their attention to the benefits of comprehensive
approaches in order to ensure security and to promote
economic development, democracy and human rights in
the Mediterranean region . The enhancement of the role
of the UN and the end of East-West confrontation, which
have already revitalized the peace process in the Middle
East, could gradually clear the way to broader
cooperation schemes and improve the conditions for the
convening of a Helsinki-like conference for the area .

The Community and its Member States believe they have
a duty to protect peoples threatened with genocide, as was
the case with the Kurdish population in Iraq following the
Gulf war . They have urged Iraq to act in conformity with
its obligations - under UN Security Council Resolution
688, which demands an end to the repression of Iraqi
civilians, and to cooperate with the humanitarian relief
programme of the United Nations . The Iraqi regime
carries responsibility for the deterioration in the
humanitarian situation in the region . In this respect, the
Community and its Member States continue to stress the
need for an early and effective implementation of Security
Council Resolutions 706 and 712, which would contribute
to improving the living conditions of the civilian
population in the whole country . The Community and its
Member States hope that the resumption of talks in
Vienna between the UN and Iraq reflects a greater
willingness on the part of this country to cooperate in the
implementation of Resolutions 706 and 712 .

The Community and its Member States remain concerned

at continued reports of violations of human rights
elsewhere in the region . They are monitoring the situation
closely in conjunction with the United Nations and
international humanitarian organizations . The
Community and its Member States have repeatedly
expressed their concerns publicly and privately and have
urged the governments to act in conformity with their
obligations under the various international human rights
instruments and international humanitarian law and to

cooperate with the United Nations .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1942 / 91

by Mr Gérard Monnier-Besombes ( V )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 2 September 1 991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 14 )

Subject : Massacre of cetaceans off the Faroe Islands

At a time when the Community is concerned with the
protection of threatened species and impatiently awaiting
the publication of the ' Habitat ' Directive, the mass
slaughter of cetaceans, in particular pilot whales, is
continuing each year in the Faroe Islands .

In view of the conclusions of the most recent conference

on the North Sea, in which the Faroe Islands are partly
situated, and in view of the particular relationship of these
islands with Denmark, what measures will the
Commission take to put an end to this ritual massacre
worthy of a more primitive age ?

In particular can it explain its lack of response to the
complaint it received in December 1990 ?

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana

on behalf of the Commission

( 7 February 1 992 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to

its answer to Written Question No 602 / 91 by Mr
Seligman O ­

There was no further discussion on this matter at the

1991 annual meeting of the international Whaling
Commission .

But the EEC, even though it participates in the meetings
of the IWC only as observer, will try to make possible
further studies of this problem by the IWC in the future .

The Commission is not aware of a complaint on this issue

in December 1990 .

O OJ NoC 315, 5 . 12 . 1991 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2083 / 91

by Mr Anthony Wilson ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 26 September 1 991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 15 )

Subject : Peat extraction

Throughout the Community peat is recognized as a
valuable soil conditioner . Peat is extracted from areas

20 . 7 . 92 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 183 / 9

which form specific habitats supporting wide varieties of
vegetation and wildlife .

In view of the decline in peat reserves and the fact that this
reserve is not being renewed by natural process in pace
with its exploitation, what steps are being taken or will be
taken to ensure that research into suitable alternatives is

encouraged ?

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana

on behalf of the Commission

( 22 January 1992 )

Some aspects of research which may help in finding
alternatives to the use of peat as a soil improver may be
considered under the research, technical development and
demonstration programme entitled ' Agriculture and
agro-industry, including fisheries ', provided they are in
keeping with the programme 's objectives .

This programme supports a range of research activi ­
ties concentrating on extensive, diversified and
environmentally friendly agriculture .

Furthermore, the specific types of habitat from which peat
is extracted ( peat bogs ) are set out in Annex I to the draft
Council Directive on the conservation of natural habitats

and of wild fauna and flora . Articles 3 to 9 of the draft
Directive state that special conservation areas have to be
designated for these types of habitat in order to ensure
them of a favourable conservation status within the
European Community . Some types of peat bog are also
eligible for support under the new Acnat Regulation ( an
amended proposal for a Council Regulation ( EEC )
relating to Community activities for nature conservation ),
which provides for financial support to be granted for the

conservation of specific sites which accommodate
particular species and types of habitats .

What are the views of the Ministers meeting in Political

Cooperation on such actions and what steps do they
intend to take to rescue the seat of the Orthodox Church
and ensure that such incidents, which may lead to
unforeseeable and dangerous developments for
Christianity, do not recur ?

Answer

( 19 June 1 992 )

I would refer the Honourable Parliamentarian to the
reply given in response to his Oral Question No 992 / 91
on the same subject .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2132 / 91

by Mr Jacques Vernier ( RDE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 26 September 1 991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 17 )

Subject : High-voltage electric cables

The public appears increasingly hostile to the presence of

high-voltage overhead cables both for aesthetic reasons
and because of the possible human health risk .

Will the Commission say :

1 . whether it is established that proximity to
high-voltage electric cables has harmful consequences
for human health ?

2 . what progress research has made to make the laying

underground of high-voltage cables technically
feasible and economically viable ? Could it state, in
particular, whether any States, including non-Member
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2131 / 91 States do so in, have future already ? used this technique or intend to

by Mr Dimitrios Pagoropoulos ( S )

to European Political Cooperation

( 26 September 1991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 16 )

Subject : Blockade of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of

Constantinople by fanatical muslims

Groups of fanatical muslims, almost certainly acting
on instructions from well-known anti-Christian
organizations, have been blockading the Ecumenical
Patriarchate of Constantinople since the morning of
Sunday, 25 August 1991, and are preventing the
Patriarch, clergymen and worshippers from entering,
carrying out their duties and praying . Despite protests
from representatives of the Patriarchate, the police are
refusing to intervene and disperse the ' besiegers ', who are
broadcasting fanatical marching songs through
loudspeakers .

Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha

on behalf of the Commission

( 17 January 1992 )

1 . In answer to Written Question No 1733 / 90 by Mr
Vertemati and Mr Carniti O, Oral Questions H-1012 / 90
by Mr Bowe ( 2 ) and H-0053 / 91 by Mr Sakellariou ( 3 ) and
Petition 471 / 90, the Commission provided information
on the potential consequences for human health,
following exposure to electric and magnetic fields, of
high-voltage power lines .

The Commission noted that while certain health effects

are well documented, and account has been taken of them
in the existing rules regarding high-voltage power lines,
the existence of health risks resulting from other effects is

NoC 183 / 10 Official Journal of the European Communities 20 . 7 . 92

still under discussion in scientific circles . Critical analysis
of research results using criteria laid down by the
international scientific community does not at present
lead to the conclusion that there is a link between 50 — 60
Hz fields and harmful effects other than those already
taken into account ; to reach a conclusion it would be
necessary to have the results of studies carried out using
rigorous methodology .

2 . Transporting electricity through underground
cables at high voltage is technically possible today .

However, placing a high-voltage underground cable is
much more expensive than installing an overhead
transmission line . It is estimated that, for the same
transported power, the installation cost for an
underground cable may vary, depending on various
factors, from approximately three to more than ten times
the corresponding cost for an overhead line .

Electricity utilities in many Community and other
countries use underground cables for electricity transport
within urban areas or in other particular cases in which
overhead lines are impractical .

(') OJNoC 70, 18 . 3 . 1991 .
( 2 ) Debates of the European Parliament, No 3-394 (1 October

1990 ).
( J ) Debates of the European Parliament, No 3-398 ( January
1991 ).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2159 / 91

by Mr José Valverde Lopez ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 4 October 1 991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 18 )

Subject : Reasoned opinions in the context of
infringement proceedings against the Spanish
Government

Can the Commission list the reasoned opinions which it
has sent to the Spanish Government in the context of
infringement proceedings for failure to communicate
national measures to implement Community Directives ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2160 / 91

by Mr José Valverde Lôpez ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 4 October 1 991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 19 )

Subject : Letters of formal notice in the context of

infringement proceedings against the Spanish
Government

The completion of the internal market requires that

Community Directives should be transposed into

national law promptly, fully and without distorting their
objectives . It is not easy for Members of the European
Parliament to exercise effective control over this process .
The Commission should make provision for regular
information procedures wherever possible, thus avoiding
both the need for recourse to the parliamentary question
procedure, except in controversial cases, and the
subsequent wait of several months before receiving
laconic replies from the Commission, most of them based
on the formal process of transposition and not on a
critical assessment of the content .

Can the Commission provide information on the current
state of letters of formal notice sent to the Spanish
Government for failure to communicate national

measures to implement Community Directives ?

Joint answer
to Written Questions Nos 2159 / 91 and 2160 / 91

given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

( 22 January 1992 )

The number of infringement proceedings initiated against

Spain, since its accession, for failure to communicate
national measures to implement Community Directives
stands at 129 . Of these :

— 68 have been terminated ;

— two have involved the sending of a reasoned opinion ;

— as for the remainder, the Commission intends to

continue proceedings for failure to communicate the
relevant measures .

The number of proceedings by sector of activity breaks

down as follows :

— internal market and industrial affairs : 64 formal letters

of notice sent as a result of which 25 proceedings were
terminated following communication of the measures ;

— employment and social affairs : four letters sent, as a

result of which two proceedings were terminated
following communication of the measures ;

— agriculture : 16 letters sent, as a result of which six

proceedings were terminated following
communication of the measures ;

— environment : 1 1 letters sent, as a result of which six

proceedings were terminated following
communication of the measures and reasoned

opinions were sent in two cases ;

— financial institutions and company law : 1 8 letters sent ;

as a result of which 15 proceedings terminated
following communication of the measures ;

— other sectors ( telecommunications, transport,
consumer protection, statistics ): 16 letters sent, as a

20 . 7 . 92 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 183 / 11

result of which 14 proceedings were terminated
following communication of the measures .

her Eurocheque, preferring to use the Swift Telegraphic
Transfer System operated by its bank, Societe Generate,
which added £ 8 as a charge in addition to the purchase
price of the equivalent of £ 7.94 .

Can the Commission please tell me under what authority
the Publications Office acts in this cavalier manner
WRITTEN QUESTION No 2189 / 91 vis-a-vis customers ?

by Mrs Astrid Lulling ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(4 October 1991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 20 )

Subject : Hunting and the conservation of wild birds

Implementation of Directive 79 / 409 / EEC (') on the
conservation of wild birds is causing problems in most of
the Member States .

Does the Commission feel that a meeting bringing
together representatives of the Commission, hunters and
those with responsibility for nature conservancy would be
useful for the purpose of taking stock of the progress
made in implementing Directive 79 / 409 / EEC and
proposing possible amendments to deal with the
difficulties that have arisen ?

If so, will the Commission take the initiative in organizing
such a meeting .?

(') OJ No L 103, 25 . 4 . 1979, p. 1 .

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana

on behalf of the Commission

( 24 April 1992 )

The Commission is drafting a report on the measures

taken to implement Directive 79 / 409 / EEC on the
conservation of wild birds . It also plans to organize a
meeting with representatives of the circles concerned to
discuss possible amendments to the rules laid down in the
Directive on hunting and local regulation of certain
species .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2266 / 91

by Mr Madron Seligman ( ED )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 18 October 1991 )

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2269 / 91

by Mrs Mechthild von Alemann ( LDR )
to the Commission of the European Communities

Answer given by Mr Dondelinger

on behalf of the Commission

( 22 January 1992 )

With the greatest respect, the Publications Office has

never refused to accept a Eurocheque . In the case in point
it did accept the cheque proffered by the Honourable
Member 's constituent and presented it to its bank on

18 March 1991 .

The only letter received by the Office was the original
order for the book . There was also a telephone call asking
the Office to pay the relevant bank charges, which of
course is out of the question .

The Commission is sorry that extra charges were
incurred . These were due to the transnational nature of
the payment and to the exchange transaction that had to
be made because the purchaser had only a sterling bank
account and no ECU account . The same charges would
have been made had she paid in German marks or French
francs, for instance .

As we move towards a single market, the Commission is
trying to come up with solutions to the problem of
cross-border payments ( 1 ). The charges incurred for
exchange operations will obviously disappear once the
Community has a single currency ( 2 ).

(') See its discussion paper ' Making payments in the internal

'
market — COM(90 ) 447 .
( 2 ) On the general question of the exchange commission, see the

answer to Written Question No 1570 / 90 ( OJ No C 63, 11.3 .

1991 ).

( 92 / C 183 / 21 )
( 18 October 1991 )

Subject : Exorbitant cost of making purchases from the ( 92 / C 183 / 22 )

Office for Official Publications of the European
Communities

A constituent of mine sought to pay for a book by
Eurocheque in the sum of ECU 11,25 . The EC
Publications Office has refused to respond to my
constituent 's repeated letters inquiring why they ignored

Subject : ' Postbank ' charges for transfers abroad

What measures has the Commission taken to prevent
charges by banks and credit institutions from obstructing
the achievement of single market objectives ?

No C 183 / 12 Official Journal of the European Communities 20 . 7 . 92

When will an end be put to the unfavourable treatment of
European Community citizens making transfers abroad ?

Can the Commission give any reasonable explanation of
why the German Postbank has recently increased its
charges by over 300 % ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

( 19 May 1992 )

1 . and 2 . Some time ago the Commission investigated
the commissions charged by credit establishments for
evidence of agreements incompatible with the rules on
competition laid down in the EEC Treaty . Since, in many
cases, the investigations did not lead to a solution to the
problem referred to by the Honourable Member, the
Commission recently started work on measures to
facilitate payments within the EC and to make them
generally cheaper . It has set up working groups composed
of representatives of credit establishments, central banks
and users of payments systems with which it is currently
examining how to improve the technical and legal
conditions for payments, and in particular transfers, so
that these transactions can be carried out more cheaply . A
Commission report on the matter was adopted in March

1992 ('). Cross-border transfers are slightly more
complicated than transfers within a country, but over the
next two to three years it should be possible to simplify
them so that the difference between commissions for

transfers abroad and domestic transfers can be reduced

considerably .

Carnogursky, the brother of the Prime Minister and the
Vice-President of the Slovak Parliament . Because of the

harmful effects it would have on the Danube, the
programme has in the past been the subject of hostile
demonstrations and has given rise to concern in the
countries through which the river flows and / or those
affected .

A country 's sense of national sovereignty is of course a
delicate matter in such questions, but it would nonetheless
be helpful to know what opinion of the Community 's
executive institutions is in view of the importance of the
Danube basin and the involvement in the projects by
western European companies .

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana

on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 1992 )

The Commission has already dealt with this subject in
connection with Written Question No 2561 / 91 by Mr
Beumer ( x ).

Moreover, under the Espoo International Convention
( UN / ECE — United Nations Economic Commission for
Europe ) on Environmental Impact Assessment in a
Transboundary Context, this type of problem will in

future be examined in the same spirit as are those falling
within the scope of Directive 85 / 337 / EEC on the
assessment of the effects of certain public and private
projects on the environment ( 2 ).

Nonetheless, until this Convention has entered into force
( ratification by 16 signatory countries is necessary in
accordance with Article 18 of the Convention ), it is a
matter for the countries in question to find the most
appropriate way to allay the legitimate concern of the
population affected by the construction of this power
station .

3 . The Commission has not been informed of the

matter for the countries in

reasons for this increase, which is probably linked to the
separation of the Postbank 's banking services from other appropriate way to allay the
postal calculate services commissions, with Postbank on the basis now of being cost as obliged do private to population station . affected by the
banks . This commercial practice by the Postbank does not
conflict with any provision of Community law . ( O l ) See OJNoL p. 1 8 of 175 this, 5 . Official 7 . 1985 . Journal .

O SEC(92 ) 621 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2357 / 91

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

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2342 / 91 to the Commission of the European

by Mr Ernest Glinne ( S ) ( 22 October 1991 )

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

( 92 / C 183 / 24 )

( 21 October 1991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 23 ) Subject : The situation in Sudan

Subject : Construction projects for hydro-electric power

stations on the Danube

It has been confirmed that projects dating back 1 3 years
are in full swing in Gabcikovo-Nagymaros ( Slovakia ),
where hydro-electric power stations are being built as part
of the Hydro - Stas complex which is run by Mr

1 . Is it true that international aid to alleviate famine in
the Horn of Africa is still having great difficulty in
reaching southern Sudan, since Khartoum has refused
authorization to land on airfields in this area ?

2 . Is it true that the fundamentalist penalties which
have been introduced in Sudan, such as amputation of
feet and hands, have been inflicted on Christians, despite

No C 183 / 13
20 . 7 . 92 Official Journal of the European Communities

previous assurances to the contrary by the Government of
Sudan ?

3 . Is it true that over the last six months, the human
rights situation in Sudan has improved little if at all ?

4 . How is the Commission turning to account
development cooperation with Sudan in order to secure
greater respects for human rights there ?

5 . Does the Commission consider that suspension of
preparatory work for programmes under Lome IV is a
sufficiently effective lever or does it think that further
steps must be taken ?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 23 March 1992 )

1 . The Commission is concerned about the obstacles
hindering efficient implementation of humanitarian relief
operations in Sudan, some of which are due to the general
insecurity of the situation . Towards the end of 1991, some
relief air flights to certain areas in South Sudan had been
suspended due to the lack of Government authorization
and in certain cases due to the absence of guarantee for
the safety of the flights from the other party to the
conflict . It is understood that most of these flights have
now resumed . The Community and its Member States
have consistently requested the parties concerned in
Sudan to recognize that humanitarian assistance must be
neutral and that free access must be granted, so that aid
can reach all the population in need . Since November

1990, the Commission has made available over ECU 100
million to enable the non-governmental organizations to
bring food and other emergency assistance to the
population in Sudan affected by famine and conflict .

2 . The Government of Sudan, in early 1991,
introduced the new criminal code, which applies the
' Sharia ' ( Islamic law ) to the Northern, but not to the
Southern regions . While the Commission has received
information that certain punishments, including
amputation of limbs, have reportedly been carried out, it
has no information on the religious affiliation of the
persons who have been punished in this manner .

3 . The Commission continues to follow closely the
human rights situation in Sudan and ' demarches ' to the
Sudanese authorities have been made on a number of
occasions by the Community and its Member States
calling for respect of human rights . A new demarche to
the Sudanese authorities was made in January 1992
following violent incidents and subsequent deaths during
the forced relocation of displaced persons in Khartoum at
the end of 1991 . Whilst it is difficult to obtain objective
information on the situation, some political prisoners who
had been detained without trial have reportedly been
released in recent months . However, concern over human
rights abuses in Sudan continues .

4 . The Commission 's concern for respect of human
rights in Sudan was a major factor which led the
Commission in March 1990 to inform the government
that present circumstances in Sudan do not provide an
acceptable basis on which to launch a constructive
programming dialogue on the utilization of Lome IV
resources . Resumption of full development cooperation
with Sudan will depend on improvement in the human
rights situation in the country .

5 . In addition to the suspension of the dialogue on the
Lome IV development programme with Sudan, the
Commission continues to use other means, including
Community declarations and statements, in an endeavour
to assist in bringing about an improvement in
circumstances, including full respect for human rights and
a peacefull settlement of the conflict in the south of
Sudan .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2381 / 91

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

( 22 October 1991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 25 )

Subject : Threats by multinational firms against
environmental measures

According to the newspaper ' Le Soir ' ( 20 September 1991,
p. 8 ), seven multinational companies are threatening to
suspend their investments in the Netherlands if the Dutch
Government applies certain tax measures aimed at
environmental protection . In a message to the
Government the firms in question ( Shell, AKZO, DSM,
Hoechst, Dow, Hoogovens and KNP ) have threatened to
transfer investments to other countries .

How does the Commission view this statement ? What are
its implications as far as the implementation of
Community environmental policy is concerned ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2382 / 91

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

( 22 October 1991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 26 )

Subject : Multinational firms and industrial policy

In its edition of 20 September 1991 the newspaper ' Le
Soir ' reports that a number of multinational firms have
sent a message to the Dutch Government threatening to
transfer their investments to other countries should the
public authorities implement tax measures aimed at
environmental protection . This act of blackmail, using
jobs as a weapon, clearly represents a direct threat to any
coherent Community industrial policy .

No C 183 / 14 Official Journal of the European Communities 20 . 7 . 92

What is the Commission 's view ? What action will be taken
to prevent this form of blackmail, consisting in threats to
transfer companies ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2405 / 91

by Mrs María Izquierdo Rojo ( S )
to European Political Cooperation

( 30 October 1991 )

Joint answer ( 92 / C 183 / 28 )
to Written Questions Nos 2381 / 91 and 2382 / 91

given by Mr Ripa di Meana
on behalf of the Commission

( 29 April 1992 )

The Commission has not been informed of the facts of
the case and is, therefore, unable to comment on the
newspaper article quoted by the Honourable Member .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2388 / 91

by Mr Gérard Monnier-Besombes ( V )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 22 October 1991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 27 )

Subject : Impact of the single market on the environment

In its answer to Written Question No 443 / 91 ('), the
Commission says that nitrogen oxide emissions will be
reduced from 1992 .

Can the Commission state on what basis it has reached
this conclusion, given that, only one year ago, it submitted
a report by the ' Task Force ' (' 1992 : Environmental
Dimension ') in which it was stated that the single market
of 1992 would, by its mere institution, lead to a
substantial increase in nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide
emissions ?

o OJ No C 227, 31 . 8 . 1991, p. 23 .

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana

on behalf of the Commission

( 12 February 1 992 )

In its answer to Written Question No 443 / 91, the
Commission gave forecasts for emissions of nitrogen
dioxide for the motor vehicle sector ; these estimates were
also broken down as a function of different scenarios
( trends in vehicle age, distances covered, type of
anti-pollution measure, etc .).

The estimates included in the Task Force report (' 1992 :

Environmental Dimension ') cover all sectors .

The Commission believes that the two forecasts should be
taken in their separate contexts and that they are perfectly
compatible .

Subject : International conference to resolve the problem

of Cyprus

In view of the vital strategic position of the
Mediterranean on the southern flank of the European
Community, affecting all aspects of security policy, and
associate status of the parties to the conflict, Turkey and
Cyprus, does the Council of Ministers consider it
appropriate and necessary for the European Community
to be represented at the next international conference on
Cyprus ?

Answer

( 19 June 1 992 )

The Community and its Member States continue to
follow developments in Cyprus with concern . They
strongly support the Mission of Good Offices of the UN
Secretary-General, aimed at finding a just and viable
solution to the Cyprus question, which will respect the
sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity
of the country in accordance with the relevant UN
Resolutions and high-level agreements . They regret that
it has not been possible to convene the high-level
international meeting foreseen by the most recent reports
of the Secretary-General to the Security Council and the
subsequent statements by the President of the Security
Council as well as by Security Council Resolution 716 / 91 .

The Community and its Member States had hoped that
the resumption by the Secretary General of discussions
with the two parties in Cyprus, Greece and Turkey would
have led to the removal of the remainig obstacles and
enabled the convening of a high-level international
meeting on Cyprus under UN auspices . However, this
initiative has regretably not yet moved forward .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2425 / 91
by Mr Alman Metten and Mrs Maartje van Putten ( S )

to the Commission of the European Communities

( 30 October 1991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 29 )

Subject : The internal market and the untying of
development aid

1 . Is the Commission aware that various Member

States award development aid ( both loans and gifts ) on

20 . 7 . 92 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 183 / 15

condition that the money is spent in the donor country
(' tied aid ')?

2 . Does the Commission not consider that this form of
aid entails a form of preferential treatment for national
industry that is incompatible with the aims of the internal
market ?

3 . Does the Commission consider that the practice in
question ( the ' tying ' of aid ) should already have been
rendered impossible by the Directives on the
liberalization of public contracts which it has already
presented ?

4 . If it is not already ( completely ) the case, is the
Commission prepared to submit, with a minimum of
delay, a proposal for a Directive to end discrimination
against companies from other EC countries caused by the
provision of tied development aid ( the untying of
development aid within the Community ) ?

5 . If so, is the Commission prepared to allow
companies from the developing countries to compete for
this tied aid on an equal footing with EC companies
( untying within the Community and the Third World )?

Treaty, since the tying of aid to domestic purchases may
be regarded as a form of export subsidy .

5 . The Commission is in favour of opening up
aid-financed contracts to the developing countries ;
indeed a number of Member States already do this to
some extent . However, this would only be possible as part
of a general move towards harmonization of the Member
States ' development policies .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2433 / 91

by Mr Georgios Romeos ( S )
to European Political Cooperation

( 30 October 1991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 30 )

Subject : Abolition of the Turkish Chess Federation

The Turkish security authorities have closed down the

democratically selected executive body of the Turkish
Chess Federation, which is a member of the World Chess
Federation, and are threatening to confiscate its property .
Has EPC taken note of complaints by the European chess
associations and does it intend to make representations to
the Turkish Government with a view to reinstating the
Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission legitimate executive body of the Chess Federation ?

( 18 March 1992 )

1 . The Commission is aware that the Member States,
like other donors, tie their bilateral aid to some extent to
purchases in the donor country .

2 . In the Commission 's view the main drawback of tied
aid is the reduction of efficiency it may entail, in that it
increases the cost of the aid and may mean it is less well
matched to the real needs of the developing countries .
Also, it might be advisable to abolish this practice — i.e. to
untie aid at Community level — as part of the work on
completion of the internal market .

3 . Community Directives on the liberalization of
public procurement have very little effect on tied aid .
They may apply in specific cases, but they are not in
themselves enough to eliminate the practice .

4 . The Commission believes the Community should be
working towards the untying of aid at the Community

level, and presented a communication to the Council on
this matter on 28 November 1991 .

It is at present considering whether to present a proposal
for a Directive based on Articles 112 and 113 of the EEC

Answer

( 19 June 1992 )

The executive body of the Turkish Chess Federation and
the Turkish Human Rights Association confirmed at the
end of February 1992 that they are unaware of any threat
to abolish the Turkish Chess Federation .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2479 / 91

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

(4 November 1 991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 31 )

Subject : Parking spaces for the disabled

Can the Commission state what the situation is in the
Member State with regard to the reservation of special

No C 183 / 16 Official Journal of the European Communities 20 . 7 . 92

parking spaces for disabled drivers ? What methods are whereabouts of Mr Dagli and the other 200 people who
used to identify the disabled person 's car and what fines disappeared during the same demonstration ?
are imposed on able-bodied drivers who abuse the
system ?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2482 / 91

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou

on behalf of the Commission

(9 February 1992 )

Reserving parking places for disabled drivers presents
difficulties in most Member States, given the general
parking problems in so many European cities . The
proposal for a Council Directive on minimum
requirements designed to improve the mobility and the
safe transport to work of workers with reduced mobility
should go some way towards solving the difficulty .
Admittedly, the proposal does not specifically provide for
reserved parking places, but it establishes the results to be
achieved ( to enable disabled persons, including those who
drive a vehicle, to get to their workplace ) and leaves to
national, regional and local authorities the choice of form
and methods .

The second part of the question is linked to the answer
given above, for it is obvious that a distinction will have to
be made between the vehicles of disabled and

non-disabled drivers .

The imposition of penalties in some Member States has
failed to produce the hoped-for results . That is why, from
time to time, some Member States stage awareness and
information campaigns on television .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2481 / 91

by Mrs Winifred Ewing ( ARC )
to European Political Cooperation

(4 November 1 991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 32 )

Subject : Disappearance of a Kurdish journalist in
south-east Turkey

On 10 July 1991 the journalist Faysal Dagli, of Kurdish
origin ( aged 26, married with two children ) of
Diyarbakir, Turkey, was seriously wounded during brutal
police actions in Diyarbakir, following protests against
Mr Vedat Aydin 's assassination . Mr Dagli has not been
seen since, and his family and friends have grave fears for
his safety .

Will EPC ask the Turkish authorities for clarification on
the events of 10 July and request information on the

by Mrs Winifred Ewing ( ARC )
to European Political Cooperation

( 4 November 1 991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 33 )

Subject : Arrest of Dr Ismail Besik^i in Turkey

On 1 August 1991 Dr Ismail Besikfi, Turkish sociologist
and steadfast supporter of the Kurdish nation, was
arrested and taken to the central prison in Ankara . He was
charged with ' separatism ' as a result of the contents of his
recent book entitled ' State Terror in the Near East '.

Will EPC adopt the cause of Dr Besikfi and prevail upon
the Turkish authorities to sanction his immediate and

unconditional release ?

Joint answer
to Written Questions Nos 2481 / 91 and 2482 / 91

( 19 June 1992 )

The specific cases mentioned by the Honourable
Parliamentarian have not been discussed in the EPC
framework . Nevertheless, according to the latest
information available, Mr Dagli was brought before the
State Security Court on 16 July 1991 and later released . In
Dr Besik^i 's case, the judge at his trial, which opened in
Ankara 's State Security Court on 31 October 1991,

accepted the defence lawyer 's request that Dr Besikfi be
released from custody, and postponed the hearing
indefinitely .

The Turkish authorities are well aware of the importance
which the Community and its Member States attach to the
rule of law and to strict respect for the undertakings to
which Turkey has subscribed by her adherence to
international conventions on human rights, including the
rights of minorities . The Declaration on Human Rights
adopted by the Luxembourg European Council stated
categorically that ' respecting, promoting and
safeguarding human rights is an essential part of
international relations as well as of relations between the
Community and its Member States and other countries '.
The Community and its Member States call upon the
Turkish government to keep improving the human rights

situation in the country and will continue to monitor the
situation closely .

20 . 7 . 92 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 183 / 17

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2483 / 91

by Mrs Winifred Ewing ( ARC )
to European Political Cooperation

(4 November 1 991 )

withdrawn from south-east Turkey from the end of

September 1991 .

Can European Political Cooperation say what measures,
will be taken to protect the Kurdish population and the

( 92 / C 183 / 34 ) aid workers still in northern Iraq ?

Subject : Human rights violations in Morocco

In the first three months of this year, over 1 500 people,
including those involved in riots at the time of the general
strike in December, were arrested in Morocco . Over 1 000
of these people were sentenced for political offences in
trials where defence rights were flagrantly violated .
Torture tactics persist in pre-trial ' garde a vue ' detention

centres .

Will EPC call for an investigation into human rights

abuses in Morocco ?

Answer

( 19 June 1 992 )

The Community and its Member States are aware of the
reports by Amnesty International on the human rights
situation in Morocco and they are concerned about the
violations taking place . The Moroccan Government,
however, has recently taken a number of actions to
improve this situation, for example by enacting a law
making a number of reforms to the detention regime as
well as releasing a number of Western Saharans .

The Community and its Member States abhor all
violations of human rights and in particular the use of
torture wherever they occur . The human rights policy of
the Community and its Member States and the
importance they attach to it in their relations with third
countries are well known to the Moroccan authorities .
The Community and its Member States will not fail to

make representations wherever these are deemed
appropriate .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2556 / 91
by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARC )

to European Political Cooperation

( 14 November 1 991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 35 )

Subject : Safety of the Kurdish population and aid

workers in northern Iraq

According to reports by the Dutch Ministries of Foreign
Affairs and Defence, the allied land forces are being

Answer

( 19 June 1992 )

The Community and its Member States remain very

deeply concerned about the plight of the Kurds in Iraq
and the safety of aid personnel . The situation of the
Kurds has been aggravated by continued military action
and economic blockades conducted by the Iraqi
authorities, combined with harsh winter conditions . The
Community and its Member States have repeatedly called
upon Iraq to cease such operations and other repressive
measures and to respect the human rights of all Iraqi
citizens .

The Community and its Member States fully support the
United Nations Inter-Agency Programme for the region,

and significant cash and in-kind contributions have been
made, both at Community and national levels . The UN
Agencies involved have a clear understanding of the
humanitarian situation in the field, and the UN Guard
Force of 500 men has played an important role in ensuring
the safety of the population and of UN personnel and aid
workers . The Community and its Member States consider
that the most effective way to help the Kurds is by acting
in close cooperation with the UN effort .

The Community and its Member States have also
repeatedly called on the Iraqi authorities to comply fully
with the provisions of Security Council Resolution 688,
which demands an end to the repression of Iraqi civilians,

and to cooperate with the humanitarian relief programme
of the United Nations .

The Iraqi regime carries responsibility for the
deterioration in the humanitarian situation in the region .
In this respect, the Community and its Member States
continue to stress the need for an early and effective
implementation of Security Council Resolutions 706 and
712, which would contribute to improving the living
conditions of the civilian population in the whole country .
The Community and its Member States hope the

resumption of talks in Vienna between the UN and Iraq
reflects a greater willingness on the part of this country to
cooperate in the implementation of Resolutions 706 and
712 .

The Community and its Member States, through the EPC

framework, have kept these issues under constant review
and remain open to further actions in this area .

NoC 183 / 18 Official Journal of the European Communities 20 . 7 . 92

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2561 / 91

by Mr Bouke Beumer ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 14 November 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 36 )

Subject : Gabcicovo dam on the Danube in Slovakia

Plans have been drawn up for the construction of a
hydroelectric power station with a maximum capacity of
320 megawatts in Slovakia near the village of Gabcicovo .
According to the World Wildlife Fund ( WWF ), 20 000
hectares of the last remaining European river flood
forests are, as a result, on the point of disappearing
beneath the waters of the reservoir or are threatened with
dehydration as a result of the diversion of the main
Danube channel . In June 1990 the Environment Ministers
of the European Community therefore offered to pay for
an environmental impact survey for the project, an offer
which was rejected by the Slovak regional government .

Would it be possible for the Commission to resume talks
on completion of the Gabcicovo dam, possibly with the
participation of the World Wildlife Fund ? The offer to
fund an environmental impact survey appears to be of too
limited value as a bargaining counter and the European
Community could probably make a more broadly-based
and balanced offer on the lines set out by the WWF :

1 . Measured against its gross national product, energy

consumption in Czechoslovakia is three times as high
as in the western industrialized countries . Boosting
energy efficiency in Slovakia by a few percent could
render the limited capacity of the Gabcicovo power
station surplus to requirements . What scope does the
Commission see for financing such measures to boost
efficieny, possibly with the help of the EIB ?

2 . Development of the tourist potential of an
international Danube park encompassing Austria,
Hungary and Slovakia : could further development of
the tourist potential of the Tatra area be put forward
as a possible alternative ?

Answer given by Mr Andrtessen

on behalf of the Commission

( 24 March 1992 )

The Commission realises that the Gabcikovo-Nagymaros
waterworks system is a highly sensitive and delicate
political problem, which has been discussed for some time
at the highest Hungarian and Czechoslovakian
Government levels . The Commission is willing to support
the process of finding a solution, which could also include
financial support through the Phare programme .
However it is important that the request for such an
intervention originates from the two Governments . So
far, the Commission has approved a project, through its
Phare programme, which will provide a ground water
model for the Danubian lowland downstream Bratislava .

This analytical tool will also be of relevance to the
planned Gabcikovo waterworks system . The Commission
is presently preparing a regional environmental
programme which will include an integrated
environmental programe for the Danube basin with
participation of Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria,
Romanid Yugoslavia . Phare is also funding a programme
to assist the Government of the Czech and Slovak Federal
Republic in implementing its new energy policy, which
includes efficiency of energy supply and use .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2576 / 91

by Mr John Cushnahan ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 14 November 1 991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 37 )

Subject : Payments from the European Social Fund to

Member States

Is the Commission aware of the considerable problems
which have arisen in Ireland due to the late receipt of
monies from the European Social Fund ?

Why have these delays occurred ?

In particular, was the provision of incomplete, inaccurate
or inadequate information from the Irish authorities a
contributory factor to these delays ?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou

on behalf of the Commission

(3 February 1992 )

The Commission acknowledges the nature and scope of
the impact within the Member States arising from delays
in receipt of ESF payments and, as such, maintains an
on-going review of the level of efficiency associated with
the implementation of its payment procedures under the
Community budget . Central to that review process has
been the identification of certain elements within the
computerised payment cycle which are considered to have
been the primary factor in the delays experienced during
the first half of this year in the transmission of ESF

payments .

In relation to Ireland in particular, the Commission is
aware of the problems which have arisen in the first six
months of 1991 as a result of delays in ESF payments and
is continuing to address the issues involved within the
framework of the appropriate services concerned . To
date, significant progrese has been made in expediting the
outstanding ESF payments in question and this is
reflected in the report submitted by the Department of
Finance at the meeting of the CSF Monitoring Committee
on 31 October 1991 where the ' considerable
improvement ' in the flow of ESF funds was specifically
acknowledged .

20 . 7 . 92 Official Journal of the European Communities NoC 183 / 19

The Commission would point out that requests to the

Member States for information, whether on particular
administrative matters requiring clarification or of an
additional nature, represent both a necessary and integral
part of the regulatory process governing the disbursement
of ESF payments . In this regard, the responsive role of the
relevant Irish authorities in meeting their commitments
under the framework of the partnership arrangements has
served to ensure that unnecessary delays are avoided in
the processing of ESF payment applications submitted by
Ireland to the Commission .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2594 / 91
by Mr Joaquim Miranda Da Silva and Mr Dimitrios

Dessylas ( CG )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 14 November 1 991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 38 )

Subject : Commission proposal on tobacco as part of the

reform of the common agricultural policy

The Commission 's proposal concerning the reform of the

CAP fails to do justice to typically Mediterranean
products and the measures provided for meet neither
farmers ' demands nor the Community 's interests since
they are concerned with products which are not in surplus
in the Community .

As regards tobacco in particular, the Commission
proposes that Community aid and export subsidies should
be abolished, quotas reduced and other subsidies severely
cut, although 64 % of tobacco consumed in the
Community is imported from third countries and
Community tobacco is produced by some 200 000 family
holdings of an average size of 1 hectare .

Does the Commission not agree that these proposals will
have a devastating effect on producers of a Mediterranean
product of which there is a shortfall in the Community
and that at the very least immediate accompanying
measures should be taken in respect of small producers,
notably in mountainous, semi-mountainous, arid and
problematic regions, namely : they should be exempted
from the co-responsibility levy, a definition of family
holdings and tobacco-producing areas should be
provided, quotas should be allocated to individuals on the
basis of social criteria and a special income support
programme should be drawn up ?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry

on behalf of the Commission

( 19 February 1 992 )

The Community imports a large proportion of the

tobacco it consumes, but the increase in exports since

1988 shows that production is increasingly failing to
match demand in the Community .

Most of the increased production since 1988 is due to the
expansion in production of low quality varieties for which
there is no outlet to the Community market and which are
exported at a price lower than the premiums and refunds
paid for such tobacco . That is the reason why expenditure
in the tobacco sector increased by 27% between 1988 and

1990 .

In consequence, the Commission has proposed a reform
of the tobacco sector which would end speculative
production while providing guarantees for traditional
tobacco producers .

The main points of this reform are :

— the introduction of quotas will put the sector on a

sound footing and help bring supply and demand into
balance so that producers receive better prices .

— under the new scheme, the guarantee to the producer

will take the form of a premium which would be
passed on to him in its entirety by the processor .

— the end of intervention and refunds would mean the

elimination of artificial outlets, which have distorted
production in the past .

— the conversion programme for the Mavra and
Tsebelia varieties will help producers to adapt to the

new arrangements .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2671 / 91

by Mr Dieter Rogalla ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 19 November 1 991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 39 )

Subject : Procedures in Europe for disqualification from

driving

1 . Does the Commission have information on the
circumstances under which, in the various Member States,
individuals are disqualified from driving ?

2 . What action is the Commission taking to
standardize procedure in this area ?

3 . What action are the Member States taking in order
to bring the differing arrangements into line on a
Community-wide basis ?

4 . In addition, are efforts being made to standardize
certain areas of the law governing criminal and
non-criminal offences and additional penalties not
covered by criminal codes ?

No C 183 / 20 Official Journal of the European Communities 20 . 7 . 92

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2685 / 91

by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE )

by Mr Dieter Rogalla ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2672 / 91

to the Commission of the European Communities to the Commission of the European

( 19 November 1 991 ) ( 19 November 1 991 )

( 19 November 1 991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 40 ) ( 92 / C 183 / 41 )

Subject : Essential intra-Community legislation with
regard to traffic offences

When citizens of a Member State commit traffic offences

in certain other Member States, the traffic authorities
concerned have sometimes requested the drivers ' own
national authorities to have their licence withdrawn,
where they think the gravity of the offence justifies such
action .

However, these requests cannot normally be carried out
because there is no legislation authorizing the
implementation of such requests .

Can the Commission state whether it is in a position to
propose an appropriate basic legal framework, so that
such requests can be met and offenders receive suitable
punishment ?

Joint answer
to Written Questions Nos 2671 / 91 and 2685 / 91

given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

( 12 May 1992 )

The Commission believes that citizens ' driving, conduct
on the road, and compliance with road-traffic law should
be of the same standard, in whichever State 's territory
they are driving .

Article 8 of Council Directive 91 / 439 / EEC (') on driving
licences accordingly states that a Member State may apply
its national provisions on the restriction, suspension,
withdrawal or cancellation of the right to drive to holders
of driving licences issued by other Member States who
have taken up normal residence in the Member State
concerned .

Article 12 of the Directive provides for closer cooperation
between the Member States, by means of exchanges of
information .

The Commission has also ordered a study of existing
driver monitoring systems ( driving licences using a points
system, types of penalty for different categories of traffic
violation, etc .). This study will be forwarded to the
Member State, and might form the basis for future
debate .

(') OJNoL237, 24 . 8 . 1991 .

Subject : Aircraft noise in Europe

1 . Does the Commission have data on noise levels to

which individuals in the European Community are
exposed as a result of the increasing volume of air traffic ?

2 . What measures has the Commission set in train in

order to lessen noise pollution, and with what outcome ?

3 . What percentage of air traffic in Europe is currently
accounted for by aircraft fitted with modern, quiet
engines ?

4 . In the Commission 's view, how quickly should
older  - technology engines be taken out of service ?

5 . What is the Commission 's view of the recent
proposals by the US Department of Transportation to
withdraw 2 200 of the loudest aircraft from service by

. 2 000 ?

6 . Does the Commission intend to submit similar

proposals ?

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana

on behalf of the Commission

( 12 May 1992 )

1 . The Commission does not have data on whether

there has been an increase in the number of individuals
exposed to aircraft noise due to any increase in air traffic .

2 . As set out in the 4th Environment Action
Programme the Commission is working to establish noise
criteria for a number of noise sources, including airports .
The Commission is hampered in this task by an overall
lack of resources combined with a plethora of national
noise indices .

3 . It is estimated that aircraft meeting Chapter 3 of
Annex 16, i.e. the quietest internationally recognized

aircraft noise standard now comprise about 65% of the
current fleet . Please also see 6 below .

4 . Please see 6 below .

5 . The Commission welcomes the recent United States
legislation for a non-operation rule for Stage 2 / Chapter 2
aircraft . The Commission would simply point out that the
final cutoff date, including exemptions, is 2003 .

20 . 7 . 92 Official Journal of the European Communities 4 JNo L, 183 / Zi

6 . On 10 April 1991, the Commission submitted a
proposal for a Directive concerning a non-operation rule
for Chapter 2 aircraft . This proposal has been examined
by both the Environment and Transport Committees of
the European Parliament . The proposal is similar to the
United States Legislation and has a final cutoff date of 1
April 2002, i.e. after that date all aircraft flying in the

Community must meet the strictest internationally agreed
noise standard . However, it must be remembered that this
standard was drawn up in the early 1970 's and adopted by
I.C.A.O. in 1975 . Since that date, the noise standards have
remained constant . The Commission is therefore working
with Member States and other international
organizations to try to achieve an increase in the
stringency of Chapter 3 .

— Financial Protocols with MSE countries,

— Budget Line 7-3000 ' Financial and Technical
Assistance for PVDALA countries ',

— Lomé IV Agreements .

The Commission is sending the information requested

directly to the Honourable Member and to Parliament s
Secretariat .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2763 / 91
by Mr Luigi Yertemati, Mr Vincenzo Mattina,
Mr Pierre Camiti, Mr Nereo Laroni, Mr Lelio Lagorio

and Mrs Maria Magnani Noya ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2696 / 91 to the Commission of the European

by Mr Bryan Cassidy ( ED ) C 22 November 1 991 )

by Mr Bryan Cassidy ( ED )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 19 November 1 991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 42 )

Subject : European Community funding of projects
dealing with population control

Will the Commission list :

1 . all projects dealing with population control which are

receiving European Community funding,

2 . the name of each recipient organization, the amount

of funding provided and the purpose for which the
funding is intended ?

Under which budget line does this come ?

Answer given by Mr Matutes

on behalf of the Commission

( 18 March 1992 )

The Commission 's resources especially devoted to the
financing of projects dealing with population control are :

— the budget line B. 7-5050 ( ex B948 ), ' Financial
assistance to family planning programmes in
developing countries '.

Other Commission 's resources available for cooperation
with developing countries may also include ' population

control ' projects, these are :

— cofinancing of NGO 's projects,

( 92 / C 183 / 43 )

Subject : A project for Venice

The entire city of Venice is being endangered by the

unresolved problem of constantly rising water levels,
which are making life in the city increasingly difficult and
jeopardizing its artistic and historical heritage . Given that
Venice constitutes the heritage of the entire world and in
view of recent statements by the Commissioner, Mr Carlo

Ripa di Meana, on possible direct measures to draw up
and fund a Community project for Venice :

1 . How long would it take for such a project to be drawn

up ?

2 . What funds could be earmarked for this purpose ?

3 . Is it necessary for the local and national authorities to

take measures to facilitate Community intervention
and if so, what measures are necessary ?

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana

on behalf of the Commission

(8 May 1992 )

In his speech on 19 October 1991 in Venice, Mr Ripa di
Meana launched the idea of an integrated plan for the
City of Venice . The plan would constitute an overall
strategy including all other policies and measures needed
for the conservation and development of the city .

The Commission could contribute to the environmental

aspects of the plan by means of its institutional financial

NoC 183 / 22 Official Journal of the European Communities 20 . 7 . 92

instruments for the environment Medspa, Acnat, and
Life . Venice is included within the geographical scope of
these instruments .

It should also be pointed out that, following its approval
by the Council, Life should include the other financial
instruments for the environment, namely ACE, Medspa,
Norspa, and Acnat .

The Commission could furthermore consider the
possibility of participating in the development of an
integrated plan by using Article 10 of the ERDF
Regulation and the financial instruments for social and
cultural matters .

The development of an integrated plan for Venice is a
mammoth task . It goes without saying that the effort
required for this task will involve the cooperation of all
the public institutions concerned with the City of Venice .
The Italian State, the Venato Region, the Province of
Venice, the Commune of Venice and the other communes
which may be affected could design the plan with support
from the Community .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2782 / 91

by Mr Ben Visser ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 22 November 1991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 44 )

Subject : Greek ban on lorry imports

On 8 February 1988 I put the following questions to the
Commission :

' On 22 January 1988 Greece introduced legislation
banning the importation of lorries more than six years
old . This law is to enter into force on 19 January 1988,
which means that lorries that have already been sold
can no longer be exported to Greece .

1 . Can the Commission say whether in adopting this

legislation the Greek Government is in breach of
Community Directives ?

2 . If so, will the Commission take the matter up with
the Greek Government ?'

These questions were answered under No 2737 / 87 (') on

11 July 1988 . In its reply the Commission stated that it
would request information from the Greek Government
and ' take appropriate steps as soon as it ( had ) acquired
that information '. On the substance of the question the
Commission states that it ' cannot see any legitimate
justification under Community law for banning the

import of vehicles registered at least six years ago '.
( Verbatim extracts from Commission reply ).

1 . What steps has the Commission taken to obtain

information from the Greek Government ?

2 . What replies has the Commission received from the

Greek Government ?

3 . What further steps has the Commission taken in this

matter ?

O OJNoC 1,2 . 1 . 1989 . p. 1 .

Answer given by Mr Bangeman

on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 1992 )

The Commission found that the ban on imports into
Greece of lorries more than six years old was an
infringement of Article 30 of the Treaty . No age limit
applied to lorries already in that country .

The measure in question therefore discriminated against

lorries imported from other Member States, where they
were legally on the road .

The Commission made several requests to the Greek

authorities to amend the provision in question .

At a meeting in Athens on 27 and 28 September 1990, the
Greek authorities apprised the Commission
representatives of a ministerial Decree ( ministerial Decree
of 17 September 1990 by the Ministers of Trade and
Transport ) repealing ministerial Decrees E 6 / 398 / 21
January 1988 and 6 / 1240 / 24 March 1988 and thereby

authorizing imports into Greece of any type of
second-hand vehicle, regardless of age .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2848 / 91

by Mrs Mathilde van den Brink ( S )

to European Political Cooperation

( 5 November 1 991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 45 )

Subject : Fighting between Kurds and Iraqi troops in Iraq

The international presence in northern Iraq to protect the

Kurdish population has not only achieved a considerable
reduction of tension in this area but also appears to have
prevented an escalation of violence .

1 . Does European Political Cooperation consider that
the international presence in northern Iraq has, in

20 . 7 . 92 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 183 / 23

fact, made a positive contribution to reducing tension
between the warring parties ?

2 . If so, should steps not be taken to guarantee this

presence for an indefinite period until a lasting
solution to the conflicts in the area is found ?

3 . The recent fighting has resulted in a growing stream

of refugees towards northern Iran, which is faced with
the task of sheltering them . Will EPC provide extra
financial and material resources to assist this growing
stream of refugees and support Iran ? In particular,
will it help to provide the Kurds with shelter during
the winter months ?

Answer

The Community and its Member States hope the

resumption of talks in Vienna between the UN and Iraq
reflects a greater willingness on the part of this country to
cooperate in the implementation of Resolutions 706 and
712 .

The Community and its Member States are keeping these

issues under constant review, including the question of
extra budgetary contributions to the UN Inter-Agency
programme, and remain open to further actions in this
area to permit the safe return of the Kurdish refugees to
their homelands .

( 19 June 1992 ) WRITTEN QUESTION No 2850 / 91

The Community and its Member States have cooperated
with the UN Secretary General in contributing to a swift

and effective response to the problem of Iraqi displaced
persons both inside Iraq and in southern Iran . They also
launched the proposal for the establishment of security
zones under UN supervision in northern Iraq, which has
been successfully implemented . The UN guard force of
500 men continues to play an important role in ensuring
the safety of the Kurdish refugees . Nevertheless the
Community and its Member States share the Honourable
Parliamentarian 's concern about the continued plight of
Kurdish refugees in Iraq, which has been aggravated by
continued military action and economic blockades
conducted by the Iraqi authorities, combined with harsh
winter conditions . The Community and its Member States
have repeatedly called upon Iraq to cease such operations
and other repressive measures and to respect the human
rights of all Iraqi citizens .

The Community and its Member States have also
participated actively and substantially to the international
humanitarian effort aimed at securing protection for the
Kurdish refugees . They have fully supported the United
Nations Inter - Agency Programme for the region, and
significant cash and in-kind contributions have been
made, both at Community and national levels .

The Community and its Member States have also

repeatedly called on the Iraqi authorities to comply fully
with the provisions of Security Council Resolution 688,
which demands an end to the repression of Iraqi civilians,

and to cooperate with the humanitarian relief programme
of the United Nations .

The Iraqi regime carries responsibility for the
deterioration in the humanitarian situation in the region .
In this respect, the Community and its Member States
continue to stress the need for an early and effective
implementation of Security Council Resolutions 706 and
712, which would contribute to improving the living
conditions of the civilian population in the whole country .

by Mrs Maartje van Putten ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 5 December 1 991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 46 )

Subject : Micro-project in Zimbabwe : Zimbabwean
Institute of Religious Research and Ecological
Conservation

Is the Commission aware of the successful an
fast-expanding micro-project in Zimbabwe, Zirrcon,
where 550 000 ( indigenous ) trees were planted at
grassroots level in the Masvingo Province ?

Is the Commission prepared to support this project more
comprehensively as a macro -( as opposed to micro -)
project, in terms of a five-year budget proposal ( budget
7 — 8 Zimbabwean dollars )?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 11 May 1992 )

The Commission is familiar with the operation . Indeed,

following a joint decision in July 1990 by the Government
of Zimbabwe and the Commission, the European
Community is participating in funding this project in the
framework of a micro-projects programme which is part
of its overall cooperation programme with Zimbabwe
under the provisions of the Lom6 III Convention .

A total EEC contribution of 5 1 3 040 Zimbabwean Dollars

is being provided for this project to be implemented in
two phases and which has as its target the planting of one
million trees in Masvingo Province . Phase I was
completed recently and the related evaluation report has
just been received .

NoC 183 / 24 Official Journal of the European Communities 20 . 7 . 92

In the light of both the conclusions to be drawn from this
report and the results which will be achieved during the
second phase of implementation of the current project,
the Commission would be prepared to appraise any
financing request which the competent authorities of
Zimbabwe might wish to submit for continued EEC
support . Such support might either be for a continuation
of the step-by-step approach under a micro-projects
programme or on a larger scale .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2883 / 91

by Mr Gianfranco Amendola ( V )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 5 December 1 991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 47 )

Subject : Le Caravelle di Ceriale aquatic park in Liguria

( Italy )

The Ligurian regional authorities have decided to
earmark IMP funds of Lit 377 400 000 to improvements
to sports and recreational facilities at the Le Caravelle di
Ceriale aquatic park ( Savona ).

This funding has been accorded on the basis of Measure
No 10 of the programme adopted by the Regional
Council of Liguria concerning income support for inland
farms .

The ' Le Caravelle ' project, which involves the
construction of two artificial rivers and is situated on the

Ligurian coastline, therefore fails to meet conditions
relating to IMPs, which are intended to provide support
for weak economies in less-favoured areas, and those
relating to the programme adopted by the Ligurian
Regional Council .

1 . Will the Commission take steps to control the

allocation of IMP funds by the Ligurian Regional
Council and check the use of such funds for projects
which do not correspond to IMP objectives ?

2 . Will the Commission take steps to ensure that

environmental impact studies have at least been
carried out in respect of projects for which such funds
have been earmarked, which does not appear to have
been done in this case ?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

(8 April 1992 )

Under the terms of the programme contract for the
Ligurian IMP, the Region is the body responsible for

implementing the programme . As such it selects the
projects and sees to their implementation in accordance
with the guidelines and technical provisions agreed, and
in compliance with the rules prevailing under the various
Community policies ( environment, competition, etc .).

The Commission is particularly concerned to ensure that
the objectives defined in the various programmes are
achieved and that the measures are implemented as
provided for in the programmes . It therefore makes
regular checks, via the Monitoring Committees
( monitoring reports, evaluation studies, etc .) or by means
of ad hoc inspections, on the destination of Community
funds and on the eligibility of declared expenditure .
Irregularities or substantial changes can lead to the refusal
of Community funding .

Regarding in particular the Caravelle di Ceriale aquatic
park project mentioned by the Honourable Member, the
information which the Commission has so far received
from the Ligurian regional authorities indicates that :

— the project is situated in an IMP area ;

— the project is compatible with the programme and the

work planned is eligible for financing under Measure
No 10 concerning farm tourism and facilities intended
to generate additional income ;

. — on the basis of the preliminary advice of the
responsible regional services (' Tutela beni ambientali ')
no negative impact on the environment has been
detected .

The project has therefore considered eligible for
financing under the IMP .

Further information has been requested and the
Commission hopes to be able to investigate the matter in
greater detail at the next meeting of the Monitoring
Committee for the Ligurian IMP .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2898 / 91

by Mr Ian White ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 5 December 1 991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 48 ) .

Subject : Market foreclosure in the UK beer supply sector

In the Commission 's press release on the results of the
EEC Beer Review dated 14 June 1990 ( IP(90 ) 472 ), the
Commission had concluded that there was insufficient
evidence to justify an amendment to EC

20 . 7 . 92 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 183 / 25

Regulation 1984 / 83 (') in respect of tying arrangements,
with the possible exception of the situation in the United

Kingdom where some 62 % of all beer sales pass through
the tied house system . The press release notes that the
resultant foreclosure is exacerbated in the UK by the
restrictive licensing system but indicates that the UK
Government had recently adopted new measures to
redress this problem and only when they had taken effect
would the Commission decide whether further measures

are needed . Since the Commission press announcement,
the bulk of the UK measures referred to have been
implemented and it is already apparent that the measure
will result in a higher degree of market foreclosure and
less competition within the UK beer sector . Many UK
brewers are seeking to terminate existing tenancy
agreements and replace them by more onerous long-term
agreement imposing inflated rents which are incompatible
with the terms of Regulation ( EEC ) No 1984 / 83 . There is

also increased concentration in the brewery / tied house
sectors through the Grand Metropolitan / Courage ' pubs
for breweries ' exchange .

Will the Commission indicate what steps it proposes to
take to restore competition to the beer supply sector
within the UK following on from these changes ?

considering it on balance to be pro-competitiVe . ( see press
release of 11 February 1991, IP(91 ) 112 ).

As to long-term tenancy agreements, the Commission

considers that they will continue to be covered by
Regulation ( EEC ) No 1984 / 83 so long as the conditions
of Article 6 ( including the provision of commercial
advantages ) and the tenant 's rights under Article 8 ( 2 ) ( b )
are respected by the brewers . The question whether
advantages under Article 6 of Regulation ( EEC ) No

1984 / 83 are indeed granted in a given tenancy agreement
is best clarified by national courts, which are required to
observe and apply the Community competition rules .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2950 / 91

by Mr Arturo Escuder Croft ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 9 December 1 991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 49 )
O OJ No L 173, 30 . 6 . 1983, p. 5 .

Subject : Canaries operational plan 1990—1993

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

( 25 February 1992 )

Since its press release of 14 June 1990 ( IP(90 ) 472 ),
announcing the results of the EEC Beer Review, the
Commission has been closely following the developments
in the United Kingdom beer market . The United
Kingdom Supply of Beer Orders of 1989 have started to
take effect . In particular, the Guest Beer clause has been
effective since 1 May 1990 . However, the deadline for the
sale by brewers of half of their tied pubs in excess of 2000
is the end of October 1992 . Thus, the Commission feels
that the United Kingdom measures must be given more
time to mature before it can re-evaluate the level of
market foreclosure in the United Kingdom Beer sector .
The Commission understands, however, that the object of

those Beer Orders is to reduce market foreclosure .

During the period of transition envisaged by the Beer
Orders, there may be developments which appear to add
to market concentration, against which should be
balanced the more liberalising effects of the orders on
market foreclosure ( Guest Beer rights, decreases in the
percentage of tied houses, increased tenancy rights, etc ).
Thus, to take the example of the Honourable Member,
based on the conditions attached to the transaction
concerned, the Commission approved the Grand
Metropolitan / Courage ' pubs for breweries ' exchange

In the Canaries operational plan ( MCA ) 1990 — 1993, no
EIB loans to the public or private sectors are provided for .

Why is there no provision whatsoever for EIB loans to the

Canaries over a four-year period in support of the MCA
operational programme ?

Answer given by Mr Christophersen

on behalf of the Commission

( 14 May 1992 )

In contrast to the procedure for grants, the making of
loans presupposes not only the existence of an investment :
there must also be a borrower with the desire and the
capacity to borrow . The EIB is always willing to consider
a loan for an investment which fulfils its assistance

criteria . Therefore the fact that no reference is made to an
investment project in a regional, national or Community
development plan in no way excludes the possibility of
EIB support . The financing decision is taken solely on the
basis of examination by the EIB of the project 's technical,
economic and financial aspects .

For the record, from 1985 to 30 November 1991 the EIB
granted ECU 23 million in loans for projects involving the
development of the Canary Islands . These loans
contributed principally to the development of the port of

NoC 183 / 26 Official Journal of the European Communities 20 . 7 . 92

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the upgrading of road and
telephone networks, the purchase of aircraft for the
regional airlines in the Islands, and the development of
local SMEs by means of global loans .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2998 / 91

by Mrs Dagmar Roth-Behrendt ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 13 January 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 50 )

Subject : Irrigation in the Guadiana basin

Irrigation works to be funded by the Commission are
planned for the basin of the River Guadiana, in the
vicinity of Campo Maior . This area is of immense
importance for wildlife, including the globally threatened
bird species Otis tarda and a number of other species also
on Annex I of Directive 79 / 409 / EEC ('), the habitats of
these species will be seriously affected by these projects .

1 . Will the Commission ensure that no EC funds are
provided unless thorough environmental impact
assessments have been carried out that examine the
implications of these schemes for wildlife and
demonstrate beyond doubt that no adverse impacts
will occur ?

2 . Will the Commission work with the Portuguese

authorities to bring about the designation of this and
other important wildlife areas in Portugal as
environmentally sensitive areas under EC agricultural
regulations, thereby preserving their environmental
value at the same time as supporting agricultural
incomes ?

o OJ No L 103, 25 . 4 . 1979, p. 1 .

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana

on behalf of the Commission

( 12 May 1992 )

1 . The Commission confirms that assistance has been
requested, within the Interreg scheme, for drainage works
at Campo Maior, in the Alentejo region of Portugal . The
area concerned includes land around Abrilongo Yola, Los
Puertos and Los Riscos, covering some 10 600 hectares .
The purpose of the project is to create the conditions for
improving agricultural productivity, and thereby
agricultural incomes, in this frontier zone . The works
planned include aqueducts and water distribution

systems .

The total investment concerned is Ecu 5,6 million, of
which support of Ecu 3,9 million has been sought from
the ERDF .

The Honourable Member will be well aware that Member
States are obliged to comply with Community legislation
on the environment, including Directive 85 / 337 / EEC on
environmental impact assessments . The Commission does
not subsidize projects where it has been demonstrated
that the Community legislation is not being fully
observed .

2 . It is up to the Member States to take the initiative to
designate ' areas sensitive as regards protection of the
environment ', as provided for by Article 21 of Regulation
( EEC ) No 2328 / 91 (*).

The Portuguese authorities have yet to designate any such

areas . The Commission will welcome any proposals to
this effect, particularly for areas providing nesting
grounds for endangered species of bird .

(') Oj No L 218, 6 . 8 . 1991 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3024 / 91

by Mr Peter Crampton ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 13 January 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 51 )

Subject : The measurement of cereals for import and

export purposes

I understand that the regulations governing the
measurement of cereals for import and export purposes
( Council Directive 71 / 374 / EEC (*)) do not oblige traders
to describe their grain by reference to a standard mass per
storage volume when they trade with other Member
States . However, if they do choose to describe the grain
by such a reference then they must use the EC standard
mass per storage volume .

Would the Commission agree that to ensure fair and
equal trading, traders ought to be obliged by legislation to
describe their grain with reference to the EC standard
mass per storage volume ?

O OJ No L 239, 25 . 10 . 1971, p. 1 .

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

(8 April 1992 )

Specific weight has long been used as a measure of the
extrinsic quality of a sample of cereals . It has been useful
for detecting samples with a high content of misshapen
grains or other admixtures, both of which are generally
good surrogate measures of poor grain .

Specific weight as a quality criterion is, however, of
decreasing importance now as more sophisticated tests

20 . 7 . 92 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 183 / 27

have been developed which directly examine the intrinsic
quality of grain . The Commission does not, therefore,
think that specific weight is a totally indispensable
measure of cereals quality, although it is used almost
universally in the trade and, consequently, as a quality
criterion in the rules about intervention buying .

Community legislation nevertheless maintains that, if
specific weight is used as a term in a contract for cereals
trade between Member States, then it must be the ' EEC
standard mass per storage volume ' and none other . The
correct determination of this characteristic is assured by
the use of the instruments designed and manufactured in
accordance with the provisions of Directive 71 / 347 / EEC .
While the mass per storage volume characteristic is used

as qualitative factor for trading purposes, other methods
for determining grain quality may also validly be used if
they are agreed upon by the contracting parties and
provide the necessary level of assurance of quality .

The Commission considers that the present provisions are
quite adequate to ensure fair trade and that there is
certainly no need to impose the highly specific ' EEC
standard mass per storage volume ' on cereals trade within
Member States .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3031 / 91

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

( 13 January 1992 )

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana

on behalf of the Commission

( ll May 1991 )

The only type of fish farming project listed in Annex II to

Directive 85 / 337 / EEC O is salmon breeding ; an impact
study must be carried out if the project is expected to have
a significant effect on the environment, in an
environmentally sensitive area .

To date, one fish farming project in Agios Nikolaos has
received Community support . The decision to finance it
was taken on 29 April 1991 . The fish farm is being set up
in the Strait of Dimitri ( Ormos Dimitri ). The project, for
which all the necessary national administrative
authorizations have been granted, does not fall within the
field of application of Directive 85 / 337 / EEC .

If the Honourable Member knows of any fish farming
projects in the ' Ormos Dimitri ' for which authorization
has been granted by a procedure which does not meet the
requirements of the abovementioned Directive, the
Commission wishes to be informed .

O OJNoL 175, 5.7 . 1985 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3049 / 91
by Mr Carles-Alfred Gasoliba i Bohm ( LDR )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 92 / C 183 / 52 ) to
( 13 January 1992 )

Subject : Protection of the bay of Dimitrakia, Chalkidiki ( 92 / C 183 / 53 )

The bay of Dimitrakia, at the tourist village of Agios

Nikolaos on Chalkidiki, is headed for ecological disaster .
Local inhabitants complain that they have recently been
told of the intention to establish a fish farm in the area
and that the Greek National Tourist Organization
officials had not opposed it, but on . the contrary were
stating that there were no objections to the operation of a
fish farm in the bay of Dimitrakia . However, if a fish
farming unit were set up at Agios Nikolaos, which is at the
centre of tourism in northern Greece, it would create
many problems, including the ruin of the natural beauty
of the area .

It has been stressed that an official oceanological study by
the Environmental Study and Research Organization,
conducted on the spot, referred to it as an important
ecological site, but with unfavourable hydrographical
conditions ( the bay being shallow ), and an installation
like the fish farm would lead to an environmental disaster .

Does the Commission intend to prevent the ecological
disaster threatening the bay of Dimitrakia ?

Subject : Effect of Community legislation at international

level

Article 3 of the proposal for a Council Directive
( COM(90 ) 586 final — C3-68 / 91 ) on rental right, lending
right, and on certain rights relating to copyright,
currently under consideration by the European
Parliament, establishes a right to payment for the rental of
video cassettes to the public which performing artists
could receive even before the cost of making the film had
been recovered ( since video rentals at present form an
integral part of this operation ).

Since such a provision will scarcely increase the
competitiveness of the European film industry, will the
Commission call for reciprocal arrangements, within the
framework of multinational trading negotiations, in
respect of this additional cost to the European film
industry ? That is to say, will it call on the EC 's principal
trading partners, in particular the United States, the
world 's largest exporter of films, to include such a

No C 183 / 28 Official Journal of the European Communities 20 . 7 . 92

provision for performing artists within the system of
remuneration applying under their respective legislation ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 18 May 1992 )

The proposal for a Council Directive on rental right,

lending right, and on certain rights related to copyright
introduces exclusive rental and lending rights for four
categories of persons, namely authors, performing artists,
phonogram producers and film producers . All of these
persons thus acquire rights which will, for the first time,
be valid throughout the Community on the basis of
legislation .

These new economic rights, i.e. the rental and lending
rights, take effect directly for business renting or lending
phonograms or videograms since they will have to obtain,
against payment, authorization from all owners of the
rights .

The proposal for the Directive is not intended, therefore,
to create ' an additional cost to the European film
industry ' and does not establish 'a right to payment '. It
aims merely to ensure that all persons making an essential
contribution to the production of a film ( producers,
scriptwriters, performing artists, etc .) can obtain a fair
share of the fruits of their creativity and contributions .
This is not a redistribution but a proper re-cation of the

income from the new economic rights, i.e. the rental and
lending rights .

The proposal does not as such determine whether, and to
what extent, owners of such rights residing outside the
Community can benefit from them . Accordingly, this
matter will thus be determined on a case-by-case basis
under the existing rules on national treatment, which are
already included in the conventions on copyright and
neighbouring rights and are, therefore, applicable
unaltered .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3067 / 91

by Mr Patrick Lane ( RDE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 13 January 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 54 )

Subject : Envireg and equipment for fighting pollution

As the Commission is aware, I am pursuing the possibility
of seeking EC assistance for updating coastal charts in the
peripheral areas of the Community with particular
reference to the safety of crews in ships in these areas .

The Commission has told me that the Community 's Task

Force on marine pollution can provide assistance to the
authorities responsible for coordinating marine pollution
accidents .

Will the Commission indicate each case where the
Community has provided such assistance ?

The Envireg programme allows finance for ' small
equipments ' for fighting the accidental pollution near the
coast produced by hydrocarbon spills . Can and have local
authorities applied directly for such assistance ? If so,
which local authorities ? What is meant by ' small
equipments '? What level of finance is available ?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

(8 April 1992 )

The Community 's Task Force on marine pollution has
provided assistance to the authorities responsible for
combating accidental pollution at sea in the following

cases :

1987 : ship ' Cason ' stranded on the north-west coast of
Spain, loaded with dangerous cargo .

1989 : ' Marao ' tanker in Portugal .

1990 : ' Aragon ' tanker in Spain .

1990 : oil pollution in Porto Santo Island ( Portugal ).

1991 : ' Haven ' tanker in Italy .

The Commission arrangements also foresee assistance to
non-EEC countries and in this context the following
interventions have been made :

1989 / 1990 : ' Khark V tanker near the coast of Morocco .

1991 : oil pollution in the Persian Gulf during the war .

So far as the Envireg programme is concerned, local
authorities had the opportunity of applying for finance
for small equipments within the overall operational
programmes that were submitted by the Member States
eligible for Envireg . The operational programme for
Portugal includes a specific measure for fighting marine
pollution to benefit the Direcção Geral de Portos,
Administrates Portuárias ( Lisboa, Leixoes, Sines e
Setubal ). It is envisaged that the participation of the
ERDF, through the Envireg programme, will be some
Ecu 8,5 million .

No C 183 / 29
20 . 7 . 92 Official Journal of the European Communities

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3098 / 91

by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin ( LDR )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 13 January 1992 )

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3120 / 91

by Mr Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 24 January 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 55 ) ( 92 / C 183 / 56 )

Subject : Promotion of designations of origin of
foodstuffs

Following the vote on the Borgo report approving the
proposals for regulations on designations of origin and
certificates of specific character for foodstuffs, what steps
must the regional producers of different labels take in
order to receive Community aid ?

In Poitou-Charentes, several products are affected :
Charentes-Poitou butter ( AOC ), Marennes-Oléron
oysters ( red label ), ' Chabichou du Poitou ' cheeses, Poitou
lamb and many viticultural products ( Cognac, Pineau,
Haut-Poitou, etc .).

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry

on behalf of the Commission

(3 April 1992 )

In its sitting of 19 November 1991, Parliament delivered
its opinion on, and proposed certain amendments to, the
proposals for regulations on the geographical indications
and designations of origin for agricultural products and
foodstuffs and on certificates of special character for
foodstuffs . However, the Council is still considering the
two proposals prior to final adoption .

As a consequence, only when the Council reaches

agreement and the regulations in question are published
at Community level will it be possible to apply for
Community protection of products meeting very precise
conditions . The particular products of the
Charentes-Poitou Region, such as Charentes-Poitou
butter or oysters from Marennes-Oleron may then be the
subject of such an application, in accordance with the
application procedures adopted .

The proposal on protected geographical designations for

foodstuffs will not amend the rules and regulations
relating to wine . Only certain elements in the Regulation
on geographical indications and designations of origin
will apply to wines and spirit drinks ( rules relating to

agreements with non-Community countries, financing ).
As regards to other aspects, notably the official
recognition of a designation of origin, the detailed
regulations already in force apply .

Subject : Selection of Greek projects for the Leader

Programme

The preselection procedure for Greek projects to be

included in the Leader programme has now officially
ended and has given rise to a great deal of criticism ( e.g.
notification to submit projects was given only one week
before the deadline ). In addition, the final list approved
by the Greek Government and forwarded to the
Commission has given rise to a great deal of controversy
(a large number of complaints have been received by my
office ). In view of this, can the Commission confirm that
preselection took place in accordance with correct and
agreed procedures and that the preselected projects fulfil
the criteria of the Leader programme, in particular that
they are in fact to do with regional development in
less-favoured areas ? How is it, for example, that Prespes
and Agrafa were excluded in favour of relatively
prosperous areas ? Are the guarantees there that
prospective funding can be used ? Finally, can the
Commission confirm that these projects dovetail with the
measures envisaged under the Community Support
Framework for these areas ?

Can the Commission ask to examine and assess at least
some of the rejected projects which, while relating to
less-favoured areas, are not apparently well supported in
other respects ?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry

on behalf of the Commission

( 12 March 1992 )

On preselection by the Greek authorities of projects
submitted for consideration under the Leader initiative
the Commission would make the following clear :

— The Commission is not in a position to judge what

assessment was made at the national preselection level
of Leader projects not included in the final Greek
proposal . It is nonetheless clear that the authorities
used a marking system for the proposals from the
local groups that followed the guidelines laid down
for the initiative .

— Some 100 projects were submitted initially . It was

logical for the Member State, on its own initiative, to

No C 183 / 30 Official Journal of the European Communities 20 . 7 . 92

select a smaller number for transmission to the

Commission . This is what most Member States did .

— The Commission, in scrutinizing the projects
transmitted, will naturally apply rigorously the
selection criteria set out in its notice to Member States
about the initiative ( 1 ). Of these the quality of the local
development programme and the capacity of the
group to make use of the funding will be particularly
important . As to introduction of additional criteria by
the Member States themselves, the Commission
constantly stressed, at the preparatory stage of the
initiative, that criteria such as the degree of handicap
of less favoured areas or the location of areas on
frontiers could not by themselves justify choices not
giving due weight to the quality of the project or the
capacity of the local group . The Commission does not
of course know the particulars of the cases to which
the Honourable Member refers ( Agrafa, Prespes ) but
finds Greece 's proposal to be fairly well balanced and
consistent, both as to the place of less favoured and
frontier areas and the quality of business plans .

— The complementarity of proposals with the
Community support framework will also be assessed
by the Commission, this criterion being by definition
one of the most important for the selection of
proposals .

— In line with the procedures set out in the
abovementioned notice the Commission does not
intend, in preparing for its forthcoming decision on
implementation of the Leader initiative in Greece, to
examine and assess any projects from local groups
other than those officially notified by Greece .

O OJ No C 73, 19.3 . 1991 .

include specific arrangements for encouraging weekend
tourism ? What budget headings could be used for a
possible ' Weekend Europe ' programme bringing together
the whole range of public and private initiatives in this
area ?

Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha

on behalf of the Commission

( 11 May 1992 )

The Community Action Plan to Assist Tourism ('), which
is currently before the Council and on which Parliament
expressed its opinion on 14 February 1992, recommends
measures to improve the promotion of European tourism
on international markets .

In addition, following the international conference on
improved staggering of holidays which took place in
Noordwijk in October 1991, the Commission intends to
set up a framework for the exchange of information and
the monitoring of action by governments and by the
tourist industry on the staggering of holidays .

The problems referred to by the Honourable Member
could be examined in this context, identifying the
incentives introduced by national authorities and the
tourist industry to improve the geographical and seasonal
distribution of tourism .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 117 / 92

WRITTEN QUESTION No 3244 / 91
by Mrs Ursula Schleicher ( PPE )

by Mr José Lafuente Lôpez ( PPE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

to the Commission of the European Communities
(7 February 1992 )

( 28 January 1 992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 58 )
( 92 / C 183 / 57 )

Subject : Community promotion of weekend tourism

In order to cope with the wide-spread problems of
temporary closures and staff lay-offs during the winter
months, after the busy summer season, the tourist sector
has inter alia put forward the idea of encouraging
weekend tourism by means of joint schemes offering
major reductions in travel and accommodation costs and
other incentives . Dp the Commission 's measures for
coordinating and promoting tourism in the Community

Subject : EC Directive 91 / 497 / EEC on meat hygiene

Article 9 of EC Directive 91 / 497 / EEC ; (') stipulates that
the maximum number of auxiliaries that may assist the
official veterinarian in his task shall be fixed by the
Council, acting on a proposal from the Commission,
before 1 January 1992 .

1 . Has the Commission submitted the relevant proposal

to the Council ?

20 . 7 . 92 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 183 / 31

2 . What account is the Commission taking of the request effectiveness of environmental policies to protect the

by European veterinarians to fix the number of Mediterranean ?
auxiliaries employed proportionately to the number of
veterinarians ?

O OJ No L 268, 24 . 9 . 1991, p. 69 .

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana

on behalf of the Commission

(6 May 1992 )

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry

on behalf of the Commission

(6 April 1992 )

Council Directive 64 / 433 / EEC requires responsibility for
the inspections and checks laid down to be entrusted to an
official veterinarian . The official veterinarian may be
assisted by auxiliaries placed under his authority and
responsibility in carrying out certain operations .

This is considered necessary in order to ensure a correct

health inspection, as already laid down in Article 9 of
Directive 64 / 433 / EEC .

The manpower required for supervision of the directives

requirements depends on many factors including lay out
of the establishment and species and number of animals
slaughtered, and the type of operation conducted by the
establishment concerned . In consequence, the needs will
depend very much on the specific situation of each
establishment which requires a flexible formula for
staffing requirements rather than a fixed ratio between
auxiliaries and official veterinarian established at central

level .

Having regard to the need to complete the work
programme for the Single Market as indicated in the
White Book, the Commission has not been in a position to
present the proposal referred to in the question .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 137 / 92
by Mr Juan de la Cámara Martínez ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(7 February 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 59 )

Subject : Information and Coordination programme for

environmental policies to protect the
Mediterranean

Does the Commission propose to implement an
information and coordination programme involving all
the various levels of public administration ( local, regional,
national and Community ) so as to increase the

The overall integrated protection of the environment
within the Mediterranean region is considered to be one

of the urgent areas of Community environmental policy .

The Community has been a contracting party to the

Barcelona Convention since 1976 and, as part of this, it
helps to achieve the aims of that Convention and to
implement the Plan of Action for the Mediterranean .

For this purpose the Charter on Euromediterranean
cooperation on the environment in the Mediterranean
Basin, which was adopted in Nicosia in April 1990, is the
outcome of a Commission initiative . It provides that the
countries bordering on that sea shall regularly assess the
results of that cooperation . Moreover, the Commission is
to hold a ministerial meeting in Cairo from 28 to 30 April
of next year in order to assess the progress made in
implementing the Nicosia Charter . A draft long term
strategy, including specific activities, will be discussed at
that meeting in order to achieve the underlying aim of an
environment that is compatible with long-term
developments . To the extent adopted in Cairo that
strategy would constitute a common sub-regional
contribution to the success of the United Nations
Conference on the environment and development which
will be held in Rio next June .

In addition to its financial support for the Plan of Action
for the Mediterranean the Commission has available to it
several other financial tools enabling it to support various
initiatives on the environment in the Mediterranean
Basin . Several activities in this area are financed by the
Structural Funds and, more particularly under the
Community Envireg initiative, represent a Community
contribution of Ecu 500 million for the period covering

1990 to 1993 . Moreover, the future cohesion fund, for
which a budgetary package of Ecu 10 000 million is
planned for the period covering 1993 to 1997, will also
help to finance environmental projects . The upgraded
Mediterranean policy places particular stress on the same
area for the non-member Mediterranean countries .
Finally, the new financial tool for the environment
Life O, which includes the Medspa ( 2 ) programme, could
be used to finance demonstration projects and technical

assistance .

o OJ No C 44, 20 . 2 . 1991 .
O OJ No L 63, 9 . 3 . 1991 .

NoC 183 / 32 Official Journal of the European Communities 20 . 7 . 92

WRITTEN QUESTION No 181 / 92

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( S )
to the Council of the European Communities

( 10 February 1 992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 60 )

Subject : Compensation by Zaire

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana

on behalf of the Commission

( 12 May 1992 )

The Commission put this question to the Ministry of the
Environment in Copenhagen .

It appears that the bags used for waste collection, and
more especially for waste paper collection, are produced
entirely from unbleached paper fibres and under no
circumstances contain toxic substances .

Almost all the 40 000 Greeks, Belgians, French and paper
Portuguese remaining in Zaire also fled the country circumstances contain toxic substances .
following the most recent troubles there . They were urged
to leave by their respective governments, who were unable
to protect them and in doing so left behind their
possessions amounting to many hundreds of millions of
dollars . Has the Council taken or does it plan to take any
measures to obtain at least a measure of compensation
from the Government of Zaire for those forced to
abandon their property there permanently ? WRITTEN QUESTION No 254 / 92

by Mr Marco Pannella ( NI )
to the Council of the European Communities

( 24 February 1 992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 62 )
Answer ( )

( 19 June 1992 )

Subject : The disappearance of tourists in Algeria

' The Community and its Member States fully share the
concern expressed by the Honourable Parliamentarian .
Member States concerned have already presented to the
Zairean authorities their demands for compensation to
EC nationals who suffered serious damage in the
September and October tragic events . They are still
waiting for an adequate response . It was agreed in the
EPC framework that this question will be taken up in a
concerted manner by Heads of Mission in Kinshasa .'

(') This reply has been provided by the Foreign Ministers

meeting in Political Cooperation, within whose province the
questions came .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 212 / 92

by Mr Jannis Sakellariou ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 13 February 1 992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 61 )

Subject : Toxic substances in paper bags

In Denmark, paper bags are used for the disposal of
refuse ( e.g. paper collections ). Do these paper bags
contain toxic substances which could make a nonsense of
the desired segregation of waste ?

Is the Council aware that dozens of tourists, including
many Italian, French, Dutch, German, British and
Spanish people, have failed to return from holidays in
Algeria, which they probably spent mainly exploring the

desert ? It is assumed that they were victims of the
Algerian Government forces who want to prevent
Western tourists from talking about any encounters they

may have with the nomads in the desert who are
constantly fighting against the Algerian Government .

Recently the parents of Giancarlo d'Anna, who
disappeared in the Algerian desert on 8 September 1988,
travelled to Algeria with a valid entry visa, to try to find
out what happened to him and were detained by the police
on the ship on which they had arrived, were not allowed
to disembark or communicate with the Embassy, and
were then sent back on the same ship to Marseille .

What steps will the Council take to ensure that the
Algerian Government, with whom the Community has
signed various financial cooperation agreements, offers
some explanation for these disappearances, the nature
and cause of which point to blatant human rights abuses
in that country ?

Answer ( )

( 19 June 1992 )

The question of disappearances of tourists in Algeria has

not been discussed in the framework of EPC . The

20 . 7.92 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 183 / 33

Community and its Member States have no report
confirming the allegation that dozens of EC tourists have
disappeared . However, the Algerian authorities are well
aware of the importance which the Community and its
Member States attach to the rule of law and to strict
respect for the undertakings to which Algeria has
subscribed by her adherence to international conventions
on human rights .

The Declaration on Human Rights adopted by the

Luxembourg European Council stated categorically that
' respecting, promoting and safeguarding human rights is
an essential part of international relations as well as of
relations between the Community and its Member States
and other countries '. The Community and its Member
States take account of the actions of third countries in
respecting human rights and democracy when they
formulate their policies towards the country concerned .
Heads of Mission may also be asked to raise human rights
violations with their host government . These direct
contacts are often instrumental in persuading the
government concerned to seek to improve its performance
in the field of human rights .

Following recent developments in Algeria, the
Community and its Member States have expressed their
strong hope that the Algerian authorities will make every
possible effort to ensure a return to normal institutional
life, to foster a peaceful political dialogue among all
parties concerned and to pursue a democratic process .

The Community and its Member States will continue to

monitor developments closely, including how human
rights principles and fundamental freedoms are
implemented in practice .

O This reply has been provided by the Foreign Ministers

meeting in Political Cooperation, within whose province the
questions came .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 271 / 92

by Mr Freddy Blak ( S )
to the Council of the European Communities

( 24 February 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 63 )

Subject : Health risks at work in the public sector

An analysis by the Association of Insurers in Denmark,
based on figures from the Danish Statistical Office on 56

particularly in the social and health sectors, are at
distinctly greater risk of being forced to take early
retirement on health grounds . Would the Council explain
what action is going to be taken to make sure that
working conditions for employees in the so-called

' welfare institutions ' are improved, so that their health is
not at risk ?

Answer

( 18 June 1992 )

Member States are obliged to implement, by 31 December

1992 at the latest, the Council Directive of 12 June 1989
on the introduction of measures to encourage
improvements in the safety and health of workers at
work (*), which applies to all sectors of activity, both
public and private .

It is for the Commission to take the necessary steps in the
event of failure to comply with that obligation .

O OJNoL 183, 29 . 6 . 1989, p. 1 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 280 / 92

by Mr Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 24 February 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 64 )

Subject : Advertising on Greek television

There have been repeated complaints by viewers in Greece

and protest in the Greek Parliament by the ' Left Coalition
for Progress ' about the concentration of advertising into
peak viewing periods . This causes an excessive number of
programme interruptions for advertising ' breaks ', thereby
infringing Council Directive 89 / 552 / EEC ('):

1 . Is the Commission aware of the situation concerning
television advertising in Greece ?

2 . What measures will it take to ensure compliance with

the above Directive and to prevent further
inconvenience to viewers ?

occupational categories ( referred to in ' Politiken ' of 8
January 1992 ), establishes that public-sector employees, o OJ No L 298, 17 . 10 . 1989, p. 23 .

No C 183 / 34 Official Journal of the European Communities 20 . 7 . 92

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 21 May 1992 )

The Commission is not aware of the situation concerning

Greek television, and in particular television advertising .

Council Directive 89 / 552 / EEC (' television without
frontiers ') prescribes that not later than 1994 a periodic
report is to be drawn up on the application of the
Directive by the Member States . The report is to be
submitted to Parliament, the Council and the Economic
and Social Committee .

To date, Greece has not formally notified its national
transposition measures, but the Greek authorities have
informed the Commission that the legal position should
shortly be brought into line with the requirements of the
Directive .

The Commission is currently carrying out a general
examination of the transposition measures adopted by the
Member States .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 304 / 92

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

( 24 February 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 65 )

Subject : Employment / unemployment statistics : are they

reliable ?

In its opinion on the fourth periodic report on the
economic situation of the regions ('), the Economic and
Social Committee points out that Community statistics
used to calculate levels of unemployment and
employment rely on information which is gathered and
processed by the Member States according to different
procedures which do not always conform to Community
recommendations . This, according to the ESC, results in
figures which do not accurately reflect reality .

Which Member States follow Community
recommendations in this field ? What measures are
envisaged to end this confusion in such an important
area ?

What does the Council think of this suggestion ?

O OJ No C 339, 31 . 12 . 1991, p. 6 .

among the texts which it has adopted in this area, to
Regulation ( EEC ) No 3711 / 91 of 16 December 1991 on
the organization of an annual labour force sample survey
in the Community (') and Decision 91 / 116 / EEC of 25
February 1991 setting up the European Advisory
Committee on statistical information in the economic and

social spheres ( 2 ).

It is, however, for the Commission to decide on questions
concerning the preparation of Community statistics .

O OJ No L 351, 20 . 12 . 1991, p . 1 .
O OJ No L 59, 6 . 3 . 1991, p . 21 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 342 / 92

by Mr James Ford ( S )
to European Political Cooperation

( 27 February 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 66 )

Subject : Salomeh Ayesheh Emami

Will the Foreign Ministers meeting in Political
Cooperation please state what action they are taking over
the case of the abducted child Salomeh Ayesheh, being
held hostage in Iran since 1988 ?

Having regard to the desperation and urgency of this
case, and as a humanitarian gesture, will the Foreign
Ministers agree to the appointment of a designated EC
envoy to submit an official request to the Iranian
authorities, asking for cooperation in securing the child 's
immediate release ?

Will the Foreign Ministers note that this case ( thorough

documentation of which is available upon request ) has
now reached the US Senate and the French Prime
Minister 's office ; that the British High Courts have
ordered the child 's release ; that the Iranian authorities
appear sympathetic to the child 's plight ; and that a small
gesture on the part of the EC might result in conditions
favourable to the child 's release ?

Answer

Answer ( 19 June 1992 )

( 18 June 1992 )

The Council is aware of the importance of Community

statistical information in the social field and would refer,

The case of Salomeh Ayesheh has not been discussed in
the framework of EPC .

20 . 7 . 92 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 183 / 35

There are two International Conventions which seek to
combat the problem of child abductions, namely the
Hague and European Conventions of 1980 . However Iran
has not ratified either of the Conventions and there is

therefore no formal mechanism available for the
recognition and enforcement of Court Orders made by
another country in this case in Iran .

The human rights policy of the Community and its
Member States and the importance they attach to it in
their relations with third countries are well known to the
Iranian authorities . The Community and its Member
States will not fail to make representations wherever these
are deemed appropriate .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 372 / 92

by Mr Luigi Vertemati ( S )

to the Council of the European Communities

( 27 February 1992 ) '

( 92 / C 183 / 67 )

Subject : Aid to the republics of the CIS

The recent conference in Washington on aid to the

republics of the former USSR, while certainly yielding
results, represents only a starting-point for further
substantial coordination efforts . The Community 's action
should concern both the medical and food emergency and
the need for large-scale economic restructuring . A
number of risks are involved, in particular those of
distortions in aid distribution and of food and financial
aid falling into the hands of groups capable of upsetting
democratic progress . Food shortages and economic crisis
are nevertheless not unique to the CIS countries, but also
characterize, often in more severe ways, many countries
of the world 's ' south '; the wealth gap between north and
south is constantly widening, and it is therefore vital to
ensure that the ' Eastern commitment ' does not imply
abandonment of the ' Southern commitment '.

Does the Council not consider that the following must be
key elements of policy : undertaking of the necessary
actions to ensure the creation of a large-scale, efficient
information network concerning the distribution of aid to
the CIS and its member countries ; systematic information
of Parliament, especially regarding the types of product
( food, technological products, etc .) dispatched to the CIS
and the distribution networks employed ; insistence that
any future measures to aid economic restructuring, such
as support for admission of the new republics to the
International Monetary Fund, must be conditional on

acceptance by the new States of the principle of the
CSCE ; and linkage of support for the CIS to a parallel
humanitarian and financial effort in favour of the poorer
countries of Africa and Asia on the basis of a higher
contribution from the Community budget and greater
commitment by the Member States ?

Answer

( 18 June 1992 )

1 . After inevitable initial difficulties, the food and
humanitarian aid operation for the cities of Moscow and
St Petersburg ( Ecu 200 million ), decided on by the
European Council of Maastricht and extended to cover
other cities in accordance with the wishes of the European
Parliament, is now making good progress .

The operation is being implemented by the Commission

in close collaboration with the Member States . A
flow-control centre has been set up on the spot in the
framework of a joint Commission / Member States
task-force in order to improve distribution and follow
closely the unfolding of operations . The Council is kept
regularly informed .

In addition, aid operations aimed at responding to urgent
needs of the Republics of the former USSR are the subject
of international co-ordination within the Working
Groups set up at the Washington Conference in January

1992, which have in particular organized fact-finding
missions on the spot . The follow-up Conference to be
held in Lisbon on 23 and 24 May 1992 will be asked to
take stock of the situation and work out guidelines for
future action .

2 . It is for the Commission, as the institution in charge
of the operations, to provide the Parliament with the
information requested .

3 . The Council confirmes that the development of
relations with the independent States of the former USSR
depends on the process of political and economic reform
in those countries . It is pleased that henceforth all
Republics of the former USSR have undertaken to
comply with the provisions of the United Nations Charter
and the commitments entered into in the Helsinki Final
Act and the Paris Charter, particularly with regard to the
rule of law, democracy and human rights .

4 . The Community 's commitment to the poorest
countries of Africa, Latin America and Asia will not be
affected by its efforts to assist the former USSR .
Moreover, that commitment has recently found
expression in the adoption of a special emergency aid
programme for certain countries of Subsaharan Africa
and other parts of the world facing drastic food shortages .
The programme includes supplies of foodstuffs totalling

NoC 183 / 36 Official Journal of the European Communities 20 . 7 . 92

800 000 tonnes cereal equivalent, worth Ecu 220 million .
The Council has also recently defined stronger guidelines
for Asia and Latin America which also include a
substantial increase in Community assistance for those
countries .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 389 / 92

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( S )
to the Council of the European Communities

( 27 February 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 68 )

Subject : Pluralism of the media in Greece

Recently the Greek Government once again took legal
action against SKY, the most important radio station in
Greece from the point of view of audience figures, on the
grounds that the station does not operate legally . The
police, clearly acting on orders, resorted to the use of
force, beating up the owner of the station and several
journalists . Many social groups, in particular journalists,
consider that this action revives dreadful memories and
represents an attack on freedom of expression and
freedom of the press . Many believe that, in certain cases,
the Mitsotakis government seems to be acting not like an
elected government but — unfortunately — like an
authoritarian regime . It will be remembered that some ten
months ago, the Council was asked to take steps to
protect freedom of expression of the media in Greece,
given that the European Parliament had instituted specific
legislation on the operation of the independent media .
One of the reasons for this request was the fact that the
Greek Government was using unprecedented methods of
intimidation and repression against newspapers and radio
stations ( SKY, Kathimerini, etc .). In the light of the
above, does the Council intend to recommend to the
Greek Government that it drop all legal action against
SKY ? Does it propose to take immediate steps to ensure
that pluralism and freedom of expression in the Greek
media are no longer threatened by government
intervention ?

Answer ( )

( 19 June 1992 )

The question raised by the Honourable Parliamentarian
does not fall within EPC competence .

(') This reply has been provided by the Foreign Ministers

meeting in Political Cooperation, within whose province the
questions came .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 393 / 92

by Mr Georgios Romeos ( S )
to European Political Cooperation

( 27 February 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 69 )

Subject : Israeli settlement of the Occupied Territories

The Israeli Prime Minister recently said that nothing in

the world would stop Israelis from settling in the
Occupied Territories .

What steps do the Foreign Ministers meeting in EPC
intend to take in response to such actions by the Israeli
Government which are sabotaging the Middle East peace
process ?

Answer

( 19 June 1992 )

I would refer the Honourable Parliamentarian to the
reply given to his identical Written Question
No H-0092 / 92 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 408 / 92

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

(2 March 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 70 )

Subject : The discriminatory effect of national military

service

Are attempts to standardize the terms of competition
between job-seekers of different nationalities not vitiated
by the different military service requirements to which
they are subject ?

Answer

( 18 June 1992 )

The way in which systems of military service obligations

are organized falls within the competence of the Member
States .

Under the provisions of the Treaty, freedom of
movement of workers within the Community means the
abolition of all discrimination on the basis of nationality
between workers from the Member States . It does not, as
such, aim to standardize the terms of competition
between Member State nationals seeking employment .

20 . 7 . 92 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 183 / 37

WRITTEN QUESTION No 409 / 92

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

(2 March 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 71 )

Subject : Revision of the standards contained in
the Directive 89 / 552 / EEC on television

broadcasting activities

In a field subject to constant change such as the
audiovisual sector, is it not possible that certain standards
were laid down too soon and may have the opposite effect

to that which was intended ? For example, should not the
standards laid down in Directive 89 / 552 / EEC (') be
reassessed sooner than was planned ?

o OJ No 298, 17 . 10 . 1989, p. 23 .

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 19 May 1992 )

The purpose of the ' television without frontiers ' Directive

is to guarantee free movement of television broadcasting
services on the basis of common rules for the promotion
of programme production and distribution, for
advertising and sponsorship, for the protection of minors
and for the right of reply .

Under Article 26 of the Directive, the Commission must
submit to Parliament, the Council and the Economic and
Social Committee in 1994, and every two years thereafter,
a report on the application of the Directive and, if
necessary, make further proposals to adapt the Directive
to developments in the field of television broadcasting .

The Commission considers that bringing forward this
report would serve no useful purpose since it is too early
to evaluate the effects of the Directive for three reasons :

( i ) the deadline for transposing it into national law
expired only on 3 October 1991, ( ii ) a number of Member
States have not yet taken all the measures necessary to
comply with the Directive, and ( iii ) the reports from the
Member States on the application of Articles 4 and 5 of
the Directive will be presented only as of 3 October 1993 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 424 / 92

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

(2 March 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 72 )

Subject : Environmental protection

Will the Commission detail the measures it proposes to

prevent cross-border contamination by air, land, sea and
inland waterways ?

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana

on behalf of the Commission

( 27 April 1992 )

The Community 's environmental policy, which has been

in existence since 1972, is aimed at protecting the
environment and provides for measures to do so both
within the Community and, in quite a few cases, outside
the Community .

There is no distinction made between measures which
apply within a Member State and those concerned with
cross-border problems .

All Community measures are aimed at improving the
protection of the environment without reference to
national borders .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 429 / 92

by Mr Ian White ( S )
to the Commission of the European Communities

(2 March 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 73 )

Subject : Trade debt

What European legislation is proposed to combat the
growing problem of trade debt ?

Answer given by Mr Cardoso e Cunha

on behalf of the Commission

(8 May 1992 )

The Commission is aware of the adverse repercussions
which the current trend towards longer payment periods
could have on the health and competitiveness of
European businesses and on the success " of the
programme for completing the internal market .

Consequently, it intends shortly to publish a Green Paper
on terms of payment which will take stock of the situation
in the Member States, analyse the Community dimension
of the problem and present certain options for action that
could be taken by the Community in keeping with the
principle of subsidiarity .

In view of the importance of commercial practices in this
field, the Commission will endeavour to pinpoint not only
legislative measures but also practical initiatives that could
help bring about an improvement in payment behaviour .

NoC 183 / 38 Official Journal of the European Communities 20 . 7 . 92

WRITTEN QUESTION No 482 / 92

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( S )
to the Council of the European Communities

(9 March 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 74 )

Subject : Identity checks in gypsy camps

The Greek police recently turned out in force to carry out

identity checks, literally turning upside down the homes
and tents of hundreds of gypsies in Ano Liosia,
Kamateros and Megara as part of an unprecedented
' clean-up ' operation in a bid to round up fugitives from
justice and petty criminals . Does the Council not consider
that such actions by the Greek police are aggravating
xenophobia and racism ? Does it consider that they are in
accordance with human and civil rights ? Do they not
constitute a flagrant violation of the Community 's
democratic principles ?

Answer ( )

( 19 June 1992 )

The question raised by the Honourable Parliamentarian
does not fall within EPC competence .

(') This reply has been provided by the Foreign Ministers

meeting in Political Cooperation, within whose province the
questions came .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 496 / 92
by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru ( S )

to European Political Cooperation

of EPC . As the Honourable Member will know
Tazmamart prison was closed in September last year .

The Community and its Member States are concerned

about reports of human rights violations in Morocco .
They note, however, that the Moroccan Government has
recently taken a number of actions to improve this
situation, for example by enacting a law making a number
of reforms to the detention regime .

The human rights policy of the Community and its

Member States and the importance they attach to it in
their relations with third countries are well known to the
Moroccan authorities . The Community and its Member
States will not fail to make representations wherever these
are deemed appropriate .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 497 / 92
by Mr Victor Manuel Arbeloa Muru ( S )

to European Political Cooperation

(9 March 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 76 )

Subject : Executions in Tunisia

Can EPC express its repugnance to the Government of
Tunisia, with which the Community has just signed a

(9 March 1992 ) Cooperation Agreement, at the execution of at least six

( 92 / C 183 / 75 ) people in October and November 1991, despite President
Ben Ali 's public statements opposing the death penalty ?

Subject : Response of Morocco in respect of human rights

What response has the Government of the Kingdom of
Morocco made to the most recent resolutions by the
European Parliament on violations of human rights in
that country ? More specifically, have the Moroccan
authorities given the reasons for continuing to detain 61
ex-servicemen several years after completing their
sentences, having been transferred in 1973 to Tazmamart,
on charges of complicity in a number of attempted coups
d'etat against the king ? Where are the prisoners now
being kept ?

Answer

( 19 June 1 992 )

The specific case raised by the Honourable
Parliamentarian has not been discussed in the framework

Answer

( 19 June 1 992 )

The Community and its Member States were active in

securing adoption at the 44th UN General Assembly in

1989 of a Second Optional Protocol to the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights aiming at the
abolition of the death penalty .

As its title suggests however, the impact of this Protocol

depends on the political will of States parties to the
Covenant to ratify or accede to the Protocol . There was

20 . 7 . 92 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 183 / 39

Answer

Answer

no disposition to force States, which applied the death
penalty, to abolish it . Rather, the Protocol was designed ( 19 June 1 992 )
to give those countries which had decided to abolish the
death penalty an opportunity to declare this fact publicly
and solemnly . The and its

The Community and its Member States are concerned to

ensure that in countries where the death penalty continues
to exist, the rights of those facing the death penalty
should be safeguarded in line with legal guarantees laid
down in the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights and other international instruments .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 502 / 92

by Mr Dimitrios Nianias ( RDE )
to European Political Cooperation

( 16 March 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 77 )

Subject : Fears of political deadlock over Cyprus

The International ' Helsinki Watch ' report reveals
increasingly gross violations of human rights in Turkey .
At the same time, one Community Member State, Greece,

is hastening to improve its relations with the Turkish
Government, as evidenced by a declaration in Davos
concerning a future Treaty of friendship . Apart from the
fact that this Member State is not only undermining the
Community 's strict line on human rights in Turkey, it is
also in flagrant breach of another area of Community
policy, the question of Cyprus . The Dublin Declaration
effectively rules out any closer relations between the
European Community and Turkey because of Cyprus,
that is to say the Turkish invasion and continued
occupation of the territory of another State . Moreover,
human rights and Cyprus are, in this instance, being
ignored and a bilateral improvement in relations is
occurring on the initiative, or with the consent of, a
Community Member State . In practice, this is tantamount
to encouraging the intransigent stance adopted by Turkey
which will not lose this opportunity — in the same way as
it is hastening to recognize the new Balkan and Caucasian
States, to secure some measure of international
recognition for the puppet State controlled by Denktash,
and put off any resolution of the Cyprus issue . In view of
this, will the Community in the course of its negotiations
( on recognition, economic aid, etc .), make every effort to
prevent international recognition by these States or any
legitimization of the puppet State controlled by
Denktash, a possibility which is causing great concern
among the Greek community of Cyprus ?

The Community and its Member States continue to
follow developments in Cyprus with concern . They
strongly support the Mission of Good Offices of the UN
Secretary-General, aimed at finding a just and viable
solution to the Cyprus question, which will respect the
sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity
of the country in accordance with the relevant UN
Resolutions and high-level agreements . They regret that it
has not been possible to covene the high-level
international meeting foreseen by the most recent reports
of the Secretary-General to the Security Council and the
subsequent statements by the President of the Security
Council as well as by Security Council Resolution 716 / 91 .

The Community and its Member States had hoped that

the resumption by the Secretary - General of discussions
with the two parties in - Cyprus, Greece and Turkey would

have led to the removal of the remaining obstacles and
enabled the convening of a high-level international
meeting on Cyprus under UN auspices . However, this
initiative has regrettably not yet moved forward .

It is a matter for individual States themselves to decide the
parameters for their relationship with Turkey . The
Community and its Member States, for their part, intend
to continue their existing regular political dialogue with
the Turkish authorities . Through this ongoing dialogue,
the Turkish authorities are well aware of the importance
which the Community and its Member States attach to the
rule of law and to strict respect for the undertakings to
which Turkey has subscribed by her adherence to

international conventions on human rights . The
Community and its Member States therefore welcome the
Turkish Government 's commitment to improve the
human rights situation in the country .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 505 / 92
by Mr Luigi Vertemati, Mr Nereo Laroni, Mr Pierre

Camiti and Mrs Magnani Noya ( S )
to the Council of the European Communities

( 16 March 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 78 )

Subject : Forcible removal of Italian minors Cristian and

Daniele to Tunisia by their father without their
mother 's consent

Marriages and unions between persons of different
cultures, religions and nationalities are becoming

m

NoC 183 / 40

Official Journal of the European Communities 20 . 7 . 92

increasingly frequent in Europe . In the case of marriages
in Community Member States, reciprocal rights, and in
particular the rights of the children, should be fully
guaranteed under existing legislation . The same does not
apply outside Europe, as illustrated by the case of the
Italian citizen, Marinella Torri, who married a Tunisian
citizen, Attia Faouzi, in 1981 and whose children, Cristian
( ten ) and Daniele ( nine ) have been taken away from her .

Faouzi, who agreed to a religious wedding and to the
christening of the children, took the latter to Tunisia
without the mother 's consent, thereby removing them not
only from their mother 's affections but also their school
and the world in which they had grown up . Legal and
political steps to restore the proper relationship between
the children and their mother have failed since, under
Tunisian law, only the father or the grandfather have any
legal entitlement to the children .

A number of similar cases have occurred, particularly in
Italy and France . However, many of them do not reach
the attention of the public .

Will the Council make representations to the Tunisian

authorities calling on them to respect Mrs Torri 's rights to
her two children, who are Italian citizens and were
forcibly taken to Tunisia by the father in order to evade
Italian and Community legislation on the rights of the
child ?

Will the Council take the opportunity to insert
clearly-worded clauses into agreements between the
Community and non-European countries such as Tunisia
in order to prevent any repetition of such cases ?

Will it consider the case of Cristian and Daniele as an
example which could contribute to the emergence of
relations between states based on respect of human rights,
since a favourable solution could constitute a major step
forward in this area ?

Answer ( )

( 19 June 1 992 )

The specific case raised by the Honourable
Parliamentarian has not been discussed within the EPC

framework .

There are two International Conventions which seek to
combat the problem of child abductions, namely the
Hague and European Conventions of 1980 . However
Tunisia has not ratified either of the Conventions and

there is therefore no formal mechanism available for the
recognition and enforcement of Court Orders made by
anether country in Tunisia .

The human rights policy of the Community and its

Member States and the importance they attach to it in
their relations with third countries are well known to the
Tunisian authorities . The Community and its Member

States will not fail to make representations wherever these
are deemed appropriate .

O This reply has been provided by the Foreign Ministers

meeting in Political Cooperation, within whose province the
questions came .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 515 / 92

by Mr Wilfried Telkamper ( V )
to the Commission of the European Communities

( 16 March 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 79 )

Subject : Compulsory EIAs for authorization procedures

started prior to 3 July 1988

For many projects, authorization procedures often run
for considerable periods .

For certain projects which are in principle subject to EIAs
under Article 4 of Directive 85 / 337 / EEC (*) but whose
authorization procedure commenced before 3 July 1988
( expiry of the deadline for implementing Directive
85 / 337 / EEC ), the following problems arise :

1 . Are environmental impact assessments which are

compulsory for projects (' by virtue inter alia of their
nature, size or location ' — Article 2 ) whose
authorization procedure came into effect after 3 July

1988, also compulsory in cases where the
authorization procedure came into effect before 3 July
but continued or continues to apply beyond this date ?

2 . Are such projects subject to an environmental impact

assessment in every case or only where, after 3 July

1988, the public have not yet been officially involved
( in accordance with Article 6 of the Directive ) ?

O OJ No L 175, 5 . 7 . 1985, p. 40 .

Answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana

on behalf of the Commission

( 11 May 1992 )

1 . According to Article 2 of Directive 85 / 337 / EEC,
projects which are likely to have significant impact on the

20 . 7 . 92 Official Journal of the European Communities NoC 183 / 41

environment require an EIA ' before consent is given '. It is
not important at what time the consent procedure
commenced . Therefore, if the procedure started before 3
July 1988, but the consent has still to be given, the project

requires an EIA .

2 . The requirement of an EIA for a certain project is
not influenced by the timing of the public participation .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 544 / 92
by the following Members : Gerard Caudron,

Alman Metten, Alan Donnelly, Barry Seal

and Panayotis Roumeliotis ( S )
to the Council of the European Communities

( 16 March 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 80 )

Subject : Harmonization of taxation of interest on capital

Is the Council aware of the judgment of the Karlsruhe
constitutional court on the taxation of savings ?

Does it consider that the Community should use the same
basis for its own policy ?

Does it not consider that the measures deriving from this
judgment would make it possible to eliminate ' tax havens '
from the Community ?

Answer

( 23 June 1992 )

Following the adoption of the Directive on the
liberalization of capital movements in 1988, two
proposals for Directives were submitted to the Council .
One concerned a common system of withholding tax on
investment income and the other concerned mutual
assistance by the competent authorities of the Member
States in the field of taxation .

The Council was unable to reach agreement on
withholding tax . It then tried to find an alternative

solution based on greater collaboration between tax
authorities, but the necessary consensus could not be
reached on that solution either .

The Council takes note of the recent judgment of the

Karlsruhe constitutional court on the taxation of savings .
It is now for the German authorities to take the measures
they consider necessary to respond to that judgment . It
will be for the Commission to follow developments in the

situation and, if appropriate, to submit any proposals
which it considers useful in order to avoid undesirable

distortions of competition .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 642 / 92

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

( 23 March 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 81 )

Subject : Lotteries

Is the Commission aware that it is currently illegal for
non-United Kingdom based lottery companies, e.g. the
North-West German lottery, to sell their tickets, or
indeed to publicize their activities, in the United
Kingdom ?

Will the Commission :

1 . Inform me how many other European Community

Member State Governments restrict lotteries in this

way ?

2 . Inform me whether such restriction is illegal under

current EC law, and if it is not,

3 . Comment on the assertion that such restriction clearly

contravenes the spirit of the objective of the single
European market, and

4 . Inform me what steps the Commission will be

undertaking to address this anomalous and
nonsensical situation .

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 12 May 1992 )

The Commission is aware of differing regulations in the

Member States concerning the advertising, promotion
and sale within their territories of lotteries established
outside the local jurisdiction .

1 . The regulations of the different Member States in this

area are covered by the report on ' Gambling in the
single Market market — Situation A Study ' of the ( reference Current Legal ISBN and
92-826-2899 / 2900 / 2901 ), copies of which have been
deposited with the library of the European
Parliament .

2 . The conformity of the existing regulatory situation

with Community law is currently being examined by
the Commission .

3 . Without entering into an analysis of any of the

reasons which have been suggested as possible bases
for the continuation of existing restrictions on the
provision of cross-frontier services in the field of
lotteries and similar activities, it can be stated that, in
principle, restrictions on the freedom to provide
services across frontiers run counter to the basic
concepts of the single market .

NoC 183 / 42 Official Journal of the European Communities 20 . 7 . 92

4 . The Commission is currently examining this question WRITTEN QUESTION No 700 / 92

with a view to the establishment of a clear framework

by Mr Juan de la Cámara Martínez ( S )

with a view to the establishment of a clear framework

by Mr Juan de la Cámara Martínez ( S )

for any action which may be appropriate at
Community level . to the Council of the European Communities

( 26 March 1992 )

WRITTEN QUESTION No 698 / 92

by Mr Juan de la Cámara Martínez ( S )

to the Council of the European Communities

( 26 March 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 82 )

Subject : Support for farmers

In the context of the CAP reform, has the Council
considered that the Community should support a
substantial increase in the incomes of farmers in
depressed regions where production in areas of low
rainfall is uncompetitive ? How does it intend to
encourage farmers to remain on the land and young
unemployed people to return to rural areas ?

Answer

( 18 June 1992 )

1 . The Council has always paid the greatest attention
to the specific problems encountered by farmers carrying
out their activities in depressed regions .

Since 1975, the Community has therefore built up
considerable legislation including a series of specific
measures to help mountain and hill farming and
depressed regions so that account is taken of natural
production conditions in such areas and farmers in those
regions are guaranteed a reasonable income .

More recently, following the reform of the Structural
Funds, the Community has begun to make a major effort
to use a very finely tuned system of intervention to
encourage rural development in the most backward or
depressed regions .

The agricultural-markets policy has also contributed to
these endeavours to promote rural development by
adjusting certain of its support mechanisms to fit regional
or local conditions or certain categories of producer .

2 . The Council is currently involved in discussions on
reform of the common agricultural policy, which involves
not only adjusting the measures concerning markets but
also accompanying measures ; the principal aim of all such
measures is to take more effective account of the income
problems of certain categories of farmer and to encourage
farmers to remain in or return to the countryside .

( 92 / C 183 / 83 )

Subject : Community textile industry

What initiatives does the Council intend to promote with

a view to acquiring a thorough knowledge of the
Community textile industry ? Does it support the idea of a
formal debate such as that which is due to be held on the
maritime industries ? How important is the textile industry
in the Community ?

Answer

( 18 June 1 992 )

The Council addressed the problems raised by the

Community textiles and clothing industry at its meeting
on 18 November 1991 and shared the Commission 's view
about both the importance of this industrial sector and the
need to safeguard its competitiveness .

It was stressed that some aspects required more detailed
examination . The Council therefore requested the
Commission to submit concrete proposals in due course .

It is on the basis of these proposals that the Council will
shortly be taking a decision on the matter . The question
has been put on the Council 's agenda for 24 June 1992 .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 706 / 92
by Mr Juan de la Cámara Martínez ( S )
to the Council of the European Communities

(6 April 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 84 )

Subject : Reforestation

Does the Council consider adequate the scant support
given by the Community to reforestation programmes for
unprotected and increasingly desertified natural areas ?
What budgetary funding is being made available to

support this kind of environmental and rural development
programme ?

Answer

( 18 June 1 992 )

There can be no doubting that the Council has long
recognized the need for measures in favour of forests in
general and the reforestation of natural areas in
particular, whether from the particular standpoint of rural
area management or from that of the conservation of
flora .

20 . 7 . 92 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 183 / 43

The following is evidence of this :

— the sections devoted to the management of natural

resources in the various Community environmental
action programmes ;

— the adoption and regular revision of the various

Regulations on the afforestation of agricultural land
( Regulation ( EEC ) No 797 / 85 as amended by
Regulation ( EEC ) No 1609 / 89 ), on the scheme to
develop and optimally utilize woodlands in rural areas
( Regulation ( EEC ) No 1610 / 89 ), on the protection of
forests ( Regulations ( EEC ) No 3528 / 86 and ( EEC )
No 3529 / 86 as amended by Regulations ( EEC )
No 1613 / 89 and ( EEC ) No 1614 / 89 respectively );

— the inclusion of projects specifically for protecting soil

threatened by desertification among the projects
eligible for financing under the Life Regulation .

Although the Council is unable to give precise details of
the funding provided by the Community for this purpose,
since it is the Commission 's task to monitor the
implementation — particularly the financial aspects — of
individual projects covered by the aforementioned
Regulations, it is nonetheless possible to point to an
increase in the overall amount of resources made available
for funding programmes such as those referred to by the
Honourable Member .

Indeed, depending on the individual measure, the
assistance provided for under Regulation ( EEC )
No 1608 / 89 has increased by between 28% and 130%
compared with the previous Regulation ( EEC )
No 797 / 85, and the amount earmarked for the protection
of forests has risen from Ecu 30 million under
Regulations ( EEC ) No 3528 / 86 and ( EEC ) No 3529 / 86
to Ecu 48,5 million under the amending Regulations
( EEC ) No 1613 / 89 and ( EEC ) No 1614 / 89 .

As regards the Life Regulation, about Ecu 180 million has
been earmarked to the end of 1995 for the section which
includes the project on the protection of soil threatened
by desertification .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 777 / 92

by Mr Floras Wijsenbeek ( LDR )
to the Council of the European Communities

(6 April 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 85 )

Subject : Excessively lengthy legal procedures in Italy

1 . Can the Council use its authority to speed up the
legal proceedings to settle the question of insurance

relating to a collision which occurred on 15 July 1987 in
Italy, where a coach from the Netherlands was written
off, several requests having already been made for matters
to be expedited ?

2 . Can the Council also confirm that, when judgement
is delivered, compensation will, as is customary, be paid
for loss of interest to the injured party over the period
concerned ?

Answer

( 18 June 1992 )

1 . The Council is unable to take any action to speed up
legal proceedings which are a matter exclusively for the
Member State concerned .

2 . A fortiori the Council cannot state its views on the
content of a judgment which will be delivered in
accordance with the provisions of the national law
applicable .

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1018 / 92

by Mr Sotiris Kostopoulos ( S )
to the Council of the European Communities

( 27 April 1992 )

( 92 / C 183 / 86 )

Subject : Voting rights of Community citizens

On 28 February 1992 the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of
the Member States of the European Community meeting
in Political Cooperation stated that my Written Question
No 2736 / 91 O on the voting rights of Community
citizens did not fall within EPC competence . Given that
Article 8b of the Treaty on European Union states that :

' Every citizen of the Union residing in a Member State of
which he is not a national shall have the right to vote and

stand at municipal elections in the Member State in which
he resides, under the same conditions as nationals of that
State ', and that ' This right shall be exercized subject to
detailed arrangements to be adopted before 31 December

1994 ', will the Council say whether it has already adopted
( or will adopt in the near future ) a timetable for the
implementation of this provision ?

o OJ No C 78, 30 . 3 . 1992, p. 57 .

Answer

( 18 June 1992 )

The Honourable Member is asked to refer tb the reply

given by the President-in-Office of the Council to Oral
Question NoH-219 / 92 put by Mrs Dury at Question
Time during the March part-session of the European

Parliament .

No C 183 / 44 Official Journal of the European Communities 20 . 7 . 92

CORRIGENDA

Corrigendum to Written Question with answer No 473 / 91 by Mr Gianfranco Amendola to the Commission

of the European Communities
( Official Journal of the European Communities No C 261 of 7 October 1991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 87 )

Subject : Batteries available on the market and their environmental impact

On page 8 in the answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana on behalf of the Commission, the second sentence of
point 4 :

for : ' The recyclable batteries . .
read : ' The rechargeable batteries . .

Corrigendum to Written Question with answer No 1736 / 91 by Mr Jacques Vernier to the Commission

of the European Communities
( Official Journal of the European Communities No C 327 of 16 December 1991 )

( 92 / C 183 / 88 )

Subject : Tax-free sales of tobacco and alcohol and public health

On page 25 in the answer given by Mrs Scrivener on behalf of the Commission, the first sentence of the third
paragraph :

for : ' The International Duty-Free Confederation ( IDFC ) nevertheless estimates that, world-wide,
duty-free tobacco sales account for about 2% of sales spirits (') and 14% .',
read : ' The International Duty-Free Confederation ( IDFC ) nevertheless estimates that, world-wide,

duty-free tobacco sales account for about 2% of sales (') and the equivalent for spirits is said to be

14% .'.