Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

# Official Journal

## of the European Communities

### English edition Information and Notices

ISSN 0378-6986

## C9

Volume 33

15 January 1990

Notice N o

90/C9/01

90/C9/02

90/C9/03

90/C9/04

90/C9/05

90/C9/06

90/C9/07

90/C9/08

90/C9/09

90/C9/10

Contents Page

I _Information_

European Parliament

_Written Questions with_ _answer_

N o 2340/86 by M r Florus Wijsenbeek to the Commission

Subject: Road construction and nature conservation in Greece (Supplementary answer) 1

N o 1853/87 by M r Ben Visser to the Commission

Subject: Major State aid for transhipment companies in Belgian ports (Supplementary answer) 1

N o 2302/87 by M r Pol Marck to the Commission

Subject: Discrimination in the Greek cheese sector (Supplementary answer) 2

N o 2378/87 by M r Kenneth Collins to the Commission

Subject: Directives on water quality (Supplementary answer) 3

N o 272/89 by M r Eisso Woltjer to the Commission

Subject: Fishing for horse mackerel and herring by Danish vessels 3

N o 273/89 by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen to the Commission

Subject: Use of force by the Spanish police 4

N o 287/89 by M r Florus Wijsenbeek to the Commission

Subject: Sale of tax-free cars to and by European civil servants 4

N o 288/89 by Mrs Concepcio Ferrer i Casals to the Commission

Subject: Aid to Spain from the European Social Fund (ESF) 5

N o 289/89 by Mrs Concepcio Ferrer i Casals to the Commission

Subject: Aid to Spain from the European Social Fund (ESF) 5

N o 290/89 by Mrs Concepcio Ferrer i Casals to the Commission

Subject: Aid to Spain from the European Social Fund (ESF) 5

(Continued overleaf)

Notice N o Contents (continued)

9 0 / C 9 / 1 1

90/C9/12

90/C9/13

90/C9/14

90/C9/15

90/C9/16

90/C9/17

9 0 / C 9 / 1 8

90/C9/19

90/C9/20

90/C9/21

90/C 9/22

90/C9/23

90/C 9/24

90/C9/25

90/C 9/26

90/C 9/27

90/C 9/28

N o 291/89 by Lord O ' H a g a n to the Commission

Subject: 1992 and farmhouse cider 6

N o 292/89 by M r Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission

Subject: Role of the EEC within COCOM 6

N o 297/89 by Mrs Caroline Jackson to the Commission

Subject: Psathotopi aquaculture installation, Amvrakikos, Greece 7

N o 302/89 by Lord O'Hagan to the Commission

Subject: Language teaching 7

N o 306/89 by M r Thomas Megahy to the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of
the European Community meeting in European Political Cooperation

Subject: Namibia 7

N o 308/89 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to the Commission

Subject: High petrol prices in rural and island areas 8

N o 312/89 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to the Commission

Subject: Language training for teachers 8

N o 313/89 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to the Commission

Subject: Action programme for forestry 1989 to 1992 9

N o 316/89 by M r Filippos Pierros to the Commission

Subject: Community grants to the Ilia department of the Peloponnese (Greece) 9

N o 317/89 by M r Bouke Beumer to the Commission

Subject: Further international mergers in the accountancy sector 9

N o 322/89 by M r Arturo Escuder Croft to the Commission

Subject: Report on bananas 10

N o 324/89 by M r Arturo Escuder Croft to the Commission

Subject: The position of the Canaries in the Community 11

N o 326/89 by M r Arturo Escuder Croft to the Commission

Subject: Unemployment in island regions 11

N o 332/89 by M r Arturo Escuder Croft to the Commission

Subject: Integrated development programme for the island of La Gomera (Canaries) 11

N o 333/89 by M r Arturo Escuder Croft to the Commission

Subject: Youth unemployment in the Community 12

N o 334/89 by M r Arturo Escuder Croft to the Commission

Subject: Unemployment in the Community 12

N o 335/89 by M r Arturo Escuder Croft to the Commission

Subject: The European Social Fund (ESF) and job creation in Spain 13

N o 336/89 by Mr Arturo Escuder Croft to the Commission

Subject: Imports of fishery products in 1988 14

Notice N o Contents (continued) Page

9 0 / C 9/29 N o 349/89 by M r Arturo Escuder Croft to the Commission

Subject: Spanish officials in the Commission 14

9 0 / C 9/30 No 352/89 by M r Madron Seligman to the Commission

Subject: Killing of dolphins by tuna fishermen 14

9 0 / C 9/31 No 356/89 by Mrs Caroline Jackson to the Commission

Subject: Quality of water 16

9 0 / C 9/32 No 360/89 by Mr Karel de Gucht to the Commission

Subject: Labour market contribution — Danish tax on turnover in Denmark 16

9 0 / C 9/33 No 362/89 by M r Bryan Cassidy to the Commission

Subject: Health insurance cover abroad for workers taking early retirement 16

9 0 / C 9/34 No 363/89 by M r Bryan Cassidy to the Commission

Subject: Payment of pensions in EEC prisons 17

9 0 / C 9/35 No 366/89 by Mr Stephen Hughes to the Commission

Subject: Cost of unleaded petrol 17

90/C 9/36 N o 367/89 by M r Stephen Hughes to the Commission

Subject: Food poisoning 18

9 0 / C 9/37 No 371/89 by Mr Stephen Hughes to the Commission

Subject: Smoke detectors 18

90/C 9/38 No 380/89 by Mrs Anita Pollack to the Commission

Subject: Availability of lead-free petrol 18

9 0 / C 9/39 No 385/89 by Mr Manfred Vohrer to the Commission

Subject: Position of the EC on the Paris economic summit from 14 to 16 July 1989 19

9 0 / C 9/40 No 389/89 by Mrs Christiana Muscardini, M r Gianfranco Fini and M r Giuseppe

Rauti to the Council

Subject: Animal experiments in the cosmetics field 20

9 0 / C 9/41 No 392/89 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission

Subject: Protection of the lynx and the legitimate interests of sheep farmers 20

90/C 9/42 N o 399/89 by M r Dieter Rogalla to the Commission

Subject: Courses for young sportsmen 21

9 0 / C 9/43 N o 402/89 by M r Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission

Subject: The Columbian association 'Bogota Actuar' 21

9 0 / C 9/44 N o 403/89 by Mr Ernest Glinne to the Commission

Subject: A single text for the European Community anthem 22

90/C 9/45 No 414/89 by M r Ernest Glinne to the Commission

Subject: Assessment of the Schengen agreement _22_

9 0 / C 9/46 No 432/89 by Mr Terence Wynn to the Commission

Subject: British brewers' monopolies 22

(Continued overleaf)

Notice N o Contents (continued) Page

90/C 9/47 N o 433/89 by Mr Edward Newman to the Commission

Subject: Credit unions 23

9 0 / C 9/48 N o 440/89 by Mr Hugh McMahon to the Commission

Subject: Use of Article 39 of the Treaty of Rome 23

90/C 9/49 N o 442/89 by M r Hugh McMahon to the Council

Subject: Harmonization of VAT 23

9 0 / C 9/50 N o 446/89 by Mr Kenneth Stewart to the Council

Subject: The European fighter aircraft 24

9 0 / C 9/51 N o 477/89 by Mr Karl von Wogau to the Commission

Subject: Free movement of capital 24

9 0 / C 9/52 N o 520/89 by Mr Wilfred Telkamper to the Council

Subject: Pollution of the Rhine by the Stracel company 25

9 0 / C 9/53 N o 556/89 by Mrs Winifred Ewing to the Commission

Subject: Teachers in special education 25

90/C 9/54 N o 576/89 by M r James Ford to the Commission

Subject: Alternative medicines 26

9 0 / C 9/55 N o 598/89 by M r Stephen Hughes to the Commission

Subject: Legal status of 'Living Wills' 26

15. 1. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 9/1

##### I

_(Information)_

#### EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2340/86

by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(20 January 1987)_

(90/C9/01)

_Subject:_ Road construction and nature conservation in
Greece

Is the Commission aware of a project being envisaged in
Greece for the construction of a road between Papingo
and Tsepelovo in the Zagori region (Northern Epirus)?

Is the Commission aware that there is already a road
between these two communities and that the projected
new road will cut through the Vikos-Aoos national park,
thereby seriously endangering one of the last habitats of
the brown bear?

Since the footpath through the above park forms part of
the international footpath network, will the Commission
make representations to the Greek Government with a
view to preventing the construction of this road through
the national park or re-routing it in order to protect this
area of unique natural interest?

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

_(9 October 1989)_

Further to its answer of 9 April 1987 ('), the Commission
can now inform the Honourable Member that the Greek

authorities have reported to the Commission that no
authorization exists for building a road in the area
mentioned and that this project has been abandoned.

(') OJNoC220, 17.8. 1987.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1853/87

by MrBenVisser (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(30 November_ _198 7)_

(90/C9/02)

_Subject:_ Major State aid for transhipment companies in
Belgian ports

Belgian stevedore undertakings are able to submit highly
competitive tenders to prospective clients thanks to the
aid they receive from their Government. They can count

on:

— a 60 % subsidy for infrastructure costs,

— a subsidy for quay and ground rents,

— a capital subsidy of up to 21 % on investment,

— interest-rate subsidies,

— a labour subsidy (idling costs are paid by the
authorities. This is extremely important in view of
major fluctuations in the labour supply).

The American shipping company Sea-land is said to have
been offered the prospect of a subsidy of Bfrs 2 100
million or Fl 118 million for infrastructure alone to move

from Rotterdam to Belgium (report in the 'Het
Financieele Dagblad' of 3 November 1987).

1. Is it true that the Belgian authorities provide this
amount of subsidy for stevedores and that the
Sea-land shipping company is formally eligible for
such aid?

2. Does the Commission agree that competition with
countries which have no such aid package is being
seriously distorted and that the situation is

No C 9/2 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 1. 90

incompatible with the Community's competition
policy?

3. What steps has the Commission taken or does it
intend to take to prevent unfair competition, taking
account of the pressing nature of the Sea-land case
which calls for urgent action?

4. Does the Commission agree that this is further proof
of the pressing need for Community rules in respect of
Community port policy to combat unfair competition?
What steps will the Commission take in the near
future towards the formulation of such a policy?

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

_(20 October 1989)_

In a supplement to its answer of 14 March 1988 ('), the
Commission is now able to provide the information
requested bv the Honourable Member.

Examination of Belgian Government aid to ports and to
transhipment companies shows that:

— no aid is granted for dockers;

— according to information from the Belgian
Government, aid for private investment in the
port-handling sector is granted under the Belgian
economic expansion law of 17 July 1959.

The application of this law, which essentially provides
aid in the form of interest-rate subsidies, was
authorized by the Commission subject to notification
in cases where its application exceeds certain
thresholds, these being all cases of investment in
excess of ECU 9 million and those where interest-rate

subsidy exceeds an equivalent net subsidy (ENS) of
15 _%_ of the investment, as well as those where

investment exceeds ECU 3 million and ECU 6
million, for interest-rate subsidies greater than 10 [ :] :
and 5 % respectively.

The Commission has yet to be notified of any such
cases by the Belgian authorities.

With regard to investments in port infrastructure and to
the Honourable Member's reflections on competition
between ports, the Commission has recently compiled a
report on this subject. It has decided to seek the Member
States' comments before publishing it.

(') OJNoC 189, 18.7. 1988.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2302/87

by Mr Pol Marck (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(8 February 1988)_

(90/C9/03)

_Subject:_ Discrimination in the Greek cheese sector

It is well known that Greece discriminates between Greek

cheeses and other speciality cheeses. Measures include a
different VAT rate, countervailing duties and protection
of the designation 'feta'.

1. What is the Commission doing to remove this
discrimination in respect of:

— VAT,

— countervailing duties,

— administrative obstacles?

2. What is the Commission's view of ministerial decision

721/87 of 25 July 1987 restricting use of the
designation 'feta'?

Supplementary answer given by Mr MacSharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(5 October 1989)_

Further to the answer it gave on 6 May 1988 ('), the
Commission is now able to inform the Honourable

Member of the outcome of its investigations.

Having examined in detail Greek Ministerial Decision No
721/87, the Commission has come to the conclusion that
this Decision, which limits the use of the description 'feta'
to cheese made from sheep's milk or from a mixture of
sheep's and goat's milk, is not in breach of Community
law.

The Commission, basing itself on the judgments of the
Court of Justice in Cases 286/86 Deserbais ( [2] ) and 298/87
Smanor ( [3] ) is of the opinion that to put up for sale on the
Greek market cheese made from cow's milk under the

description 'feta' could be extremely misleading for Greek
consumers because it would not have the basic

characteristics they expect from feta cheese. It also takes
the view that given the considerable differences between
the cheeses in question, putting such information on the
label would not suffice to enable consumers to distinguish
between the two products and thus to offer them
adequate protection.

15. 1. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C9/3

For these reasons, the Commission has concluded that
Greece is entitled to require that cheese made from cow's
milk be described differently.

(') OJNoC303, 28. 11. 1988,p. 32.
( [2] ) Judgment delivered on 22 October 1988; not yet published.
( [3] ) Judgment delivered on 14 July 1988; not yet published.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2378/87

by Mr Kenneth Collins (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(22 February 1988)_

(90/C9/G4)

_Subject:_ Directives on water quality

Has the Commission studied the United Kingdom
Government's new policy paper on a public regulatory
body in a privatized water industry ('The National Rivers
Authority', December 1987) and is it satisfied that the
proposals contained within this document are fully
compatible with the European Community's policies on
water quality?

Supplementary answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana

on behalf of the Commission

_(12 September 1989)_

Further to its answer of 19 October 1988 (*) the
Commission is now in a position to inform the
Honourable Member of the outcome of its inquiries.

The Water Bill, which provides the legal framework for
the setting up of the National Rivers Authority (NR-\)
received Royal Assent on 6 July 1989.

The Commission understands the N R \ will commence its

regulator)' functions on 1 September 1989. The
Commission will continue to examine closely the United
Kingdom authorities' implementation of the
Community's laws on water quality.

(') OJNoC 111,2. 5. 1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 272/89

by Mr Eisso Woltjer (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1_ _August 1989)_

(90/C 9/05)

_Subject:_ Fishing for horse mackerel and herring by
Danish vessels

A marked reduction in herring stocks has been noted over
the last few weeks; this has been reflected in a fall of some

20 % in herring catches. Suspicions have been voiced again
and again that Danish catches of young herring for the
fishmeal industry represent the prime factor in the
reduction in herring stocks. In addition, Danish vessels
are strongly suspected of fishing for herring under the
pretence of fishing for horse mackerel. It is a fact that
Danish horse mackerel catches have increased

substantially in recent years and totalled 95 956 tonnes in
1988, the North Sea accounting for 57 767 tonnes.

1. Can the Commission list the horse mackerel catches

landed by Danish vessels from the various fishing
areas (ICES) from 1985 to 1988?

2. Can the Commission say in what form the catches
concerned were landed (fresh or frozen), preferably
broken down by fishing area?

3. Can the Commission indicate, for the period 1986 to
1988, the volume of Danish imports and exports of
horse mackerel and the level of consumption of this
fish within Denmark?

4. Can the Commission say whether fishing for this type
of fish is regulated by a system of licences?

5. Is the Commission prepared to investigate the
suspicions of improper catching of (young) herring
and, where necessary, act to counter the harm that this
is doing to herring stocks?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 October 1989)_

The Commission would remind the Honourable Member

that it is the responsibility of the Member States to ensure
compliance, in their territory and in the maritime waters
coming under their sovereignty or within their
jurisdiction, with the rules in force relating to the
conservation of stocks.

1. Danish landings of horse mackerel (').

_(tonnes)_

1986

18 275

30 408

446

ICES zone

Ha (EEC zone),
IV (EC zone)

Vb (EEC zone), VI, VII,
XII, XIV

Villa, b,d,e

1985

18 243

1 477

0

1987

10 351

27 448

0

1988

57 767

35 396

2 793

2. Horse mackerel is landed in Denmark mainly for
industrial purposes.

3. The Commission has no information at its disposal on
import, export and internal consumption of horse
mackerel in Denmark.

No C 9/4 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 1. 90

4. To operate the fishery for industrial purposes in the
Skagarrak and Kattaget a national permit is required.

5. In pursuance of the Declaration made during the
Fisheries Council of 9—11 December 1988, the
Commission has two reports in preparation. The first
report concerns an examination of the situation in the
sprat fishery in the North Sea and the Skagerrak and
the role of this fishery in juvenile herring catches. The
second report deals with the impact of catches of horse
mackerel for industrial purposes in ICES zones IV, V
and VI.

(') _Source:_ EC catch reporting.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 273/89

by Mrs Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1_ _August 1989)_

(9C/C 9/06)

_Subject:_ Use of force by the Spanish police

During the night of 16 May 1989, the 'Yumbo'
discotheque and the 'MetropoP bar at Playa des Ingles on
Grand Canary (Spain) were raided.

Some 200 persons, including a number of Dutch tourists,
were caught up in the raid; about 80 people were taken to
the police station for not earning their passports. It is
common knowledge that passports are usually handed in
to be kept in hotel safes.

At the police station, these people were brutally treated,
struck and forced to remain in a room containing an
overflowing, and hence unusable, lavatory. Drinking
water was not provided until gone 3 p.m., after a number
of people had become unwell, and it was after 8 p.m.
before they were released.

Can the Commission make inquiries to the Spanish
authorities as to the reasons for the raid, the rules
governing this type of control and the justification for
such brutal treatment of fellow European Community
citizens?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(13 October 1989)_

The Commission has no authority to investigate the
incident recounted by the Honourable Member since,
irrespective of the facts of the matter, it does not
constitute a breach of Community law.

It should also be pointed out that police forces in all
Member States are required to respect human rights and
are accountable for their conduct in the courts.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 287/89

by Mr Florus Wijsenbeek (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1_ _August 1989)_

(90/C 9/07)

_Subject:_ Sale of tax-free cars to and by European civil

servants

Is the Commission aware of the reported illegal sales of
tax-free cars to third parties by officials of the European
Patent Office in Rijswijk (Netherlands)?

Can the Commission state what tax exemptions are
enjoyed by officials of the various institutions in the
Member States, particularly as regards cars?

What is the frequency of these exemptions and what are
the conditions for resale? Does the Commission think

that these additional advantages for Community civil
servants are justified, especially as they have considerably
better working conditions than civil servants in virtually
all the Member States, and they evidently lead to abuses
and tax fraud?

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

_(28 September 1989)_

The Commission has no knowledge of reports concerning
illegal sales of tax-free cars by staff of the Rijswijk branch
of the European Patent Office, which is not a Community

agency.

The tax exemptions enjoyed by Community staff with
regard to their cars are governed by Article 12 (d) and (e)
of the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the
European Communities, which provides that 'in the
territory of each Member State and whatever their
nationality, officials and other servants of the
Communities shall . . . .

(d) enjoy the right to import free of duty their furniture
and effects at the time of first taking up their post in
the country concerned, and the right to re-export

15. 1. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 9/5

free of duty their furniture and effects, on
termination of their duties in that country, subject in
either case to the conditions considered to be

necessary by the Government of the country in which
this right is exercised;

(e) have the right to import free of duty a motor car for
their personal use, acquired either in the country of
their last residence or in the country of which they
are nationals on the terms ruling in the home market
in that country, and to re-export it free of duty,
subject in either case to the conditions considered to
be necessary by the Government of the country
concerned.'

WRITTEN QUESTION No 288/89

by Mrs Concepcio Ferrer i Casals (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1_ _August 1989)_

(90/C 9/08)

_Subject:_ Aid to Spain from the European Social Fund
(ESF)

Can the Commission state the total value of the aid for

which Spain applied to the European Social Fund for 1989
and also the value of the cuts made in the application on
technical grounds?

Can it also state the value of the cuts made in the

abovementioned application in the context of the
across-the-board reductions?

Answer given by Miss Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(2 October 1989)_

which Spain made to the ESF and which were approved
and then cancelled, for whatever reason?

Also concerning the 1986, 1987 and 1988 financial years,
can it state the value of the applications which were
approved and then cancelled where the applicant was the
National Institute for Employment (INEM)?

Answer given by Miss Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(2 October 1989)_

Programmes for Spain — Years

_(Amount in PTA)_

```
1987

```

```
68 607 315 344

  -(')

```

```
1988

```

```
 Amount

Applied
for

Approved

Cancelled

```

```
   1986

78 841 150 405

48 257 974 150

13213 113583

```

```
65 647 031 257

12 192 034 292

```

```
96 674 755 593 107 458 085 904

```

Programmes for the (INEM) ( [2] ) — Years

_(Amount in PTA)_

```
   1988

89 443 179 808

57 378 682 116

  -(')

```

```
 Amount

Applied
for

Approved

Cancelled

```

```
   1986

53 919 847 153

37 140 684 184

 9 924 052 326

```

```
   1987

79 415 089 158

55 404 694 306

 8 184 329 584

```

Total amount of aid applied for bv
Spain from the ESF for 1989:

Technical cuts:

Across-the-board reduction:

PTA 149 509 206 406

PTA 22 702 023 777

PTA 48 205 176 538

WRITTEN QUESTION No 289/89

by Mrs Concepcio Ferrer i Casals (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1_ _August 1989)_

(90/C 9/09)

_Subject:_ Aid to Spain from the European Social Fund
(ESF)

Concerning the 1986, 1987 and 1988 financial years, can
the Commission state the total value of the applications

(') Figures not available.
_C)_ National Institute for Employment.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 290/89

by Mrs Concepcio Ferrer i Casals (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1_ _August 1989)_

(90/C 9/10)

_Subject:_ Aid to Spain from the European Social Fund
(ESF)

Can the Commission state the total value of the assistance

given to Spain by the European Social Fund for 1989?

Further, of the applications submitted to the ESF by Spain
for 1989, what was the total amount requested by the
National Institute for Employment (INEM)? With
respect to INEM's application,

— what is the value of the cuts made on technical
grounds?

— what is the value of the across-the-board reduction ?

— what is the value of the grant?

No C 9/6 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 1. 90

Answer given by Miss Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(29 September 1989)_

The total amount of aid approved
by the ESF for Spain in 1989 was:

The total amount of aid requested
by the INEM (National Institute
for Employment) for 1989 was:

The amount of the technical cuts

made in the INEM programmes in

1989 was:

The amount of the across-the
board reduction in the INEM

programmes in 1989 was:

The amount of the INEM

programmes approved for 1989

was:

PTA 78 602 006 091

PTA 122 033 994 912

PTA

PTA

PTA

14 847 054 624

41 794 128 717

65 392 811 571

WRITTEN QUESTION No 291/89

by Lord O'Hagan (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 August 1989)_

(90/C9/11)

_Subject:_ 1992 and farmhouse cider

At present, traditional farmhouse cider makers are
entitled to produce a certain amount of cider for their
own consumption in the United Kingdom without paying

tax.

1. Do the plans for the single internal market as it applies
to the United Kingdom end this concession?

2. Will the Commission now take the opportunity to
state that the exemption of farmhouse cider-making
from VAT and customs and excise duties in the United

Kingdom will continue?

Answer given by Mrs Srivener
on behalf of the Commission

_(13 October 1989)_

In the Commission's view, it does not seem necessary to
harmonize national excise duty exemptions applied to
cider produced for home consumption.

As regards the VAT on farmhouse cider, the existing
Community VAT legislation, in particular the sixth VAT

Directive ('), will continue to apply after 1992. Although
the internal market demands certain amendments to that

legislation, it is difficult to see how these could affect
small quantities of cider produced for a farmer's own
consumption.

(') OJNoLl45,13. 6. 1977, p. 1.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 292/89

by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1_ _August 1989)_

(90/C9/12)

_Subject:_ Role of the EEC within COCOM

The European Community as such is not a member of
COCOM, even though COCOM is responsible for
defining export policy, which under Article 113 of the
EEC Treaty, is explicitly placed under Community
control.

In the light of the cooperation agreements with the
Eastern European countries, what measures is the
Commission considering to bring the situation above into
line with the EEC Treaty?

Answer given by Mr Andriessen
on behalf of the Commission

_(18 October 1989)_

Article 223 of the EEC Treaty states _inter alia_ that the
provisions of the Treaty shall not preclude any Member
State from taking such measures as it considers necessary
for the protection of its essential security interests which
are connected with the production of, or trade in, arms,
munitions and war materials, the products concerned
being defined in a list drawn up by the Council.

The conclusion of trade and cooperation agreements with
Eastern European countries will not affect controls on the
export of militarily sensitive technologies applied in
conformity with Article 223.

The Commission does not participate in COCOM, nor
does it have observer status.

The Commission has for some time been examining the
compatibility of Member States' export controls with the
provisions of the Treaty, with a view to the Single Market,
and will be considering how best to reconcile Member

15. 1. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 9/7

States' legitimate security interests with the removal of
internal border controls within the Community.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 297/89

by Mrs Caroline Jackson (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11 August 1989)_

(90/C9/13)

_Subject:_ Psathotopi aquaculture installation, Amvrakikos, Greece

It has been reported that the Community's integrated
Mediterranean programmes are financing the installation
of an aquaculture operation in the Psathotopi area of
Greece, an area of internationally recognized importance
for birds being designated as a core area under the
Ramsar Convention. It is the home of, among other rare
species, Dalmatian Pelicans which are endangered on a
world scale; it is a clear candidate for designation as a
Special Protection Area under Directive 79/409/EEC (')
having been established by the Commission as being
important for 13 annex 1 species. The same Commission
study maintained that no further intensive aquaculture
facilities should be constructed in the area. Can the

Commission state whether: any Community funds have
been given to aquaculture or other operations in the
Psathotopi area of Greece? If so, was an environmental
impact analysis submitted prior to approval for funding?
Were the plans scrutinized by the competent authorities in
DGXI? Where did the processes designed to prevent
misuse of Commission funds break down?

(') OJNoLl01,24. 4. 1979, p. 14.

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(20 October 1989)_

The Greek West Peloponnese IMP provides for the
implementation of aquaculture measures in the Gulf of
Amvrakikos.

However, it has also been provided that aquaculture
measures will not receive public aid if an environmental
impact study has not been carried out by the Greek
authorities and approved in advance by the Commission.

The eel farming project at Psathotopi, submitted on 28
October 1988 by the Greek authorities for Community
financing by the Commission was not approved in April
because no environmental impact study had been carried

out.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 302/89

by Lord O'Hagan (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11 August 1989)_

(90/C9/14)

_Subject:_ Language teaching

The Commission will have noted that some Member

States, particularly the United Kingdom, are bad at
teaching European languages.

1. Are the present proposals adequate to improve such
teaching?

2. What new proposals does the Commission suggest?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(29 September 1989)_

1. The LINGUA programme adopted by the Council
on 28 July 1989 _(_ _[l]_ _)_ is less wide-ranging than the proposals
to which the Honourable Member refers, but will none
the less enable the Community to have a substantial
impact, over a period, on the improvement of foreign
language teaching and learning in the Community.

2. Article 13 of the LINGUA Decision requires the
Commission to present a report on the experience of
implementing the LINGUA programme at the end of the
second year of operation (1991); this report should be
accompanied, if appropriate, by a proposal to amend it.
The Commission will therefore consider at that moment

whether further proposals in the foreign language
teaching field are desirable.

( [l] ) OJNoL239, 16. 8. 1989, p. 24.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 306/89

by Mr Thomas Megahy (S)

to the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the
European Community meeting in political cooperation

_(1 September 1989)_

(90/C9/15)

_Subject:_ Namibia

What contribution is the Community making to the costs
of the transition process leading to Namibian
independence?

No C 9/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 1. 90

Answer (')

_(8 December 1989)_

The Community reiterates its willingness to continue and,
if necessary, increase its aid to the people of Namibia in
order to ensure a smooth transition to independence. In
this context, the Community has already granted
substantial aid for Namibia in recent years, in addition to
the significant contributions provided by Member States.
This assistance has gone to Namibian refugees mainly in
the form of food aid through the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees, assistance to
non-governmental organizations and through the
provisions for refugees in the Lome III Convention.

Furthermore, the Commission has assisted Namibia in
preparing for independence in the education and training
fields and has provided assistance to European
non-governmental organizations. For 1989, at the
SADCC Consultative Conference in February this year,
the Commission undertook to provide aid totalling some
ECU 10 million for Namibia. Most of the projects have
been financed out of the Community budget; however,
contributions on the basis of Article 204 of the Lome III

Convention have also been made to assist refugees in
neighbouring countries. To date, much of this amount has
been committed and there is every indication that the
Commission will reach the full figure by the end of the

year.

The Community reaffirms its intention of promoting the
economic and social development of Namibia by granting
it substantial economic aid once it has gained
independence. In the same spirit, it would consider
favourably a request from an independent Namibia to
become one of the countries linked to the Community in
the Lome Convention.

(') This reply has been given by the Council of the European
Communities, within whose province the question came.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 308/89

by Mrs Winifred Ewing (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11 August 1989)_

(90/C9/16)

_Subject:_ High petrol prices in rural and island areas

Will the Commission take note of the fact that retail

petrol prices in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland are
the highest in the United Kingdom? As this price
discrepancy causes unfair transport costs will the
Commission conduct a study into the high price of petrol

in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland and any other
rural and island areas of the Community which are
similarly penalized?

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

_(17 October 1989)_

The pricing of petroleum products in the Highlands and
Islands of Scotland would not be a matter for the

Commission unless there were grounds for believing that
the relevant pricing practices might conflict with specific
provisions of the EEC Treaty. The Commission has
received no complaints or information to suggest that this
may be the case, and would not therefore be justified in
carrying out a special investigation of pricing practices in
these and other rural or island areas.

The Commission is naturally aware that petrol prices tend
to be higher in more remote areas of the Community
where the costs of distributing such oil products are
higher. The use of the Community's structural funds in
such regions is designed to offset this type of economic
disadvantage.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 312/89

by Mrs Winifred Ewing (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11 August 1989)_

(90/C9/17)

_Subject:_ Language training for teachers

Will the Commission provide information on its current
initiative to provide incentives for in-service training for
language teachers and teachers exchanges between
schools in the Community? Will it also provide
information on its proposal to link schools for the
promotion of language learning?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(16 October 1989)_

The Council Decision establishing the LINGUA
programme to improve foreign language competence in
the Community was adopted on 28 July 1989 (').

Under Action I of that programme the Commission will
support participation by foreign language teachers in
in-service training courses, normally in the country where
the language they teach is spoken. So far as school linking
is concerned, some links will be fostered through Action

15. 1. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 9/9

IV of the programme, under which support will be given
to exchanges of young people undergoing 'professional,
vocational and technical' education.

Details of the way these Actions will work will be
available in early 1990, after the first meeting of the
LINGUA Committee.

A copy of an information note on the teacher exchange
scheme launched by the Commission for the school year
1989/90 is being sent directly to the Honourable Member
and to the Secretariat-General of Parliament.

(') OJNoL239, 16.8. 1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 313/89

by Mrs Winifred Ewing (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11 August 1989)_

(90/C9/18)

_Subject:_ Action programme for forestry 1989 to 1992

With reference to my Question No 2728/88 (') and the
reply given by Commissioner MacSharry, I note that the
answers given do not supply the information I had
requested.

Now that the Council has taken its decisions on the action

programme for forestry, on 29 May 1989, I would be
obliged if the Commission would forward to me specific
answers to the questions I have already tabled.

(') OJNoC270,23. 10. 1989.

Answer given by Mr MacSharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(5 October_ _J_ _98 9)_

Regarding the first part of the question posed by the
Honourable Member, as to who will be appointed to
participate in the Standing Forestry Committee, the
identity of the individuals on the Committee would
change according to the agenda of a given meeting. They
would in any case be representatives of the Member
States.

It is evident from the text of Decision 89/367/EEC (')
establishing the Committee that the Committee shall
adopt its own rules of procedure. The first meeting of the
Committee was held on 29 September 1989.

Concerning the second part of the question on the
extension of Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 ( [2] ) on
protection against atmospheric pollution, the reply
previously given fully indicated the new elements

available. The geographic distribution of such actions will
be over most or all of the Member States.

Finally, with regard to the third part of the Honourable
Member's question, on the European Forestry
information and Communication System, the
Commission can only reiterate its previous advice in that
the implementing arrangements have yet to be defined by
the Commission in collaboration with the Member States.

The system would consist of a number of component
elements, including most or all Member States of the
Community. Coordination, though, would be assured, in
the first instance at least, by the Commission's services in
Brussels and Luxembourg.

(') OJNoL165, 15. 6. 1989.
O OJNoL362,21. 11. 1986.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 316/89

by Mr Filippos Pierros (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11 August 1989)_

(90/C9/19)

_Subject:_ Community grants to the Ilia department of the
Peloponnese (Greece)

Would the Commission provide details of the total
amount of annual grants received by the Ilea department
of the Peloponnese (Greece) between 1981 and 1989,
either from the ERDF, the IMPs scheme or from the
European Social Fund, and also the percentage figures for
Community co-financing of each project?

Answer given by Mr Christophersen
on behalf of the Commission

_(27 October 1989)_

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

information requested.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 317/89

by Mr Bouke Beumer (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(28 August 1989)_

(90/C 9/20)

_Subject:_ Further international mergers in the accountancy

sector

At the beginning of 1989 the accountancy firms Ernst &
Whinney and Arthur Young decided to join forces. The

No C9/10 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 1. 90

Arthur Andersen Group and Price Waterhouse appear to
have reached an advanced stage in negotiations for a
merger. The big American firms Deloitte Haskins & Sells
and Touche Ross & Co. are also expected to team up. The
1987 merger between Peat Marwick and Klijnveld
Kraaijenhof marked the beginning of the international
trend towards mergers between accounting firms.

If the most recently planned mergers go through,
international accountancy will shortly be concentrated
into four or five large undertakings. This small group,
however, will have access to a very large amount of
information about the business community, which will be
of great significance, if not decisive, in any important
business decision, on investment, the transfer of
production, taxation, management consultancy, bids,
take-overs, mergers and demergers. Furthermore, there is
a danger that competition between international
accountancy firms will come under pressure as a result of
these mega-mergers.

1. How far does the Commission find this concentration

and the resultant internationalization of accountancy
services acceptable?

2. Does not the Commission think there is a need for

stricter delimitation of this concentration process?

3. Does the Commission think that rules of competition
should be subject to closer supervision where
international accountancy firms are concerned?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan
on behalf of the Commission

_(17 October 1989)_

The Commission is aware of the possible effects on
competition resulting from the concentration in the
accountancy sector. The Commission is carefully
following this development and is prepared to make use
_of_ its legal powers, in order to prevent a situation in which
the competitive environment is placed in jeopardy. It
considers that the developments mentioned by the
Honourable Member reveal once again the importance of
having a system of prior control of concentration at
Community level.

As far as the activities of accounting firms are concerned,
the Commission would like to add that considerable

efforts have been undertaken at Community level to
harmonize the rules which govern the preparation of
accounts ('). In a number of cases these accounts must be
audited by a qualified professional who satisfies the
criteria of competence and independence as defined in the
Eighth Council Directive of 10 April 1984 0 - Should the
concentration in the accountancy sector lead to a situation
whereby an audit by an independent professional is no
longer ensured, the Commission would have to propose

further measures in order to guarantee the independence
of the auditor.

(') Fourth Council Directive of 25 July 1978 on annual accounts
(OJ No L 222, 14. 8. 1978); Seventh Council Directive of
13 June 1983 on consolidated accounts (OJ No L 193,
18.7.1983); Council Directive of 8 December 1986 on
annual accounts and consolidated accounts of banks and
other financial institutions (OJNoL 372, 31. 12. 1986).
( [2] ) OJNoLl26, 12. 5. 1984.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 322/89

by Mr Arturo Escuder Croft (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(28 August 1989)_

(90/C9/21)

_Subject:_ Report on bananas

Some months ago the Interdepartmental Working Party
drew [r] up a report on bananas which has yet to be
published.

In this connection can the Commission say:

1. What measures are proposed in the report to tackle
the present situation with regard to bananas?

2. Whether it can send me a copy of the report?

3. When it intends to publish the report?

Answer given by Mr MacSharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 October 1989)_

The Interdepartmental Working Party set up by the
Commission has, since last year, been conducting an
in-depth technical examination of the whole situation in
relation to bananas and the various options open with a
view to achieving an acceptable solution in the run-up to
the single market of 1993.

These discussions have not yet resulted in any official
publication.

A report will be sent to the Commission at the end of the
year, and it will be up to the Commission to decide what
to do in this respect.

15. 1. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C9/11

WRITTEN QUESTION No 324/89

by Mr Arturo Escuder Croft (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(28 August 1989)_

(90/C 9/22)

_Subject:_ The position of the Canaries in the Community

At the meeting of the General Assembly of EUCOFEL on
14 April 1989, Mr M. A. Tilgenkam, a Director-General
of the Commission of the European Communities, made
a number of statements regarding the situation of the
Canaries and trade between them and the rest of the

Community, which could create serious political tension
or at the very least unpleasantness as far as relations
between the Canaries and the rest of the Community are
concerned.

In order to clarify ideas and make Mr Tilgenkamp aware
of the actual situation in the Canaries I would ask the

following questions:

1. Is the Commission, and more particularly Mr
Tilgenkamp, aware of the fact that the Canaries
constitute a region of the Community, its inhabitants
are Community citizens and it is a Community
territory?

2. Is the Commission, and more particularly Mr
Tilgenkamp, aware of the contents of Article 25 (4) of
the Act of Accession of Spain, in particular the last
paragraph thereof?

3. Has Mr Tilgenkamp or the Commission studied the
European Parliament's resolution of 22 January 1988
on an integrated development programme for the
Canary Islands?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(23 October 1989)_

1. Yes (subject to the derogations provided for in
Articles 25 and 155 and Protocol 2 to the Act of Accession

of Spain and Portugal).

2. Yes.

3. Yes.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 326/89

by Mr Arturo Escuder Croft (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(28 August 1989)_

(90/C 9/23)

_Subject:_ Unemployment in island regions

According to data supplied by the Commission, the rates
of unemployment in the island regions of the Community

in 1986 were higher than the averages for the countries to
which they belong.

With regard to the situation up to and including 1988 can
the Commission state:

1. the rate of unemployment at the end of 1988 in each of
the island regions of the Community and the average
rate for the countries to which they belong?

2. the size of the active population of each of the
Community's island regions?

Answer given by Mr Christophersen
on behalf of the Commission

_(19 October 1989)_

The EUROSTAT comparative statistics for regional
unemployment in April 1988 reveal, for the following
islands, appreciably higher unemployment than the
average for the Member State to which they belong:
Canary Islands — Corsica — islands in the northern part
of the United Kingdom — Sardinia — Sicily.

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

statistics relating to the levels of unemployment and the
size of the registered working population in the principal
island regions.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 332/89

by Mr Arturo Escuder Croft (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(28 August 1989)_

(90/C 9/24)

_Subject:_ Integrated development programme for the
island of La Gomera (Canaries)

In a decision of 30 December 1986, the Commission
authorized a study to draw [r] up an integrated development
programme for the island of La Gomera, in the Canaries.

Now that over a year has elapsed, I should like to ask the
following questions:

1. Has the Commission yet received the final conclusions
of this study?

2. What measures are proposed in the study for the
integrated development of La Gomera?

3. Could the Commission send me a copy of the study
and of its programme of measures for La Gomera?

No C 9/12 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 1. 90

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(20 October 1989)_

In September 1988, the Commission received the final
report on the preparatory study for an integrated
development operation (IDO) on the island of La
Gomera.

The study examines a series of measures in the following
priority areas:

— maintenance, diversification and transformation of
agricultural production;

— maintenance and expansion of craft activities and the
building industry;

— expansion of tourism and conservation of the
historical heritage;

— expansion of economic and social infrastructures;

— energy and water-engineering projects;

— environmental protection.

In the light of the study's findings, the Spanish authorities
submitted a request for an integrated development
operation on La Gomera to the Commission in November
1988.

This request was discussed during the negotiations on the
Community support framework for Spain, which was
adopted on 20 September 1989. The final decision will
be adopted by the Commission following consultation of
the Advisory Committee on the Development and
Conversion of Regions. In conjunction with the national
and regional authorities, the Commission will assess the
expediency of, and implementing procedures for, this
IDO in the context of the implementation of the
Community support framework.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 333/89

by Mr Arturo Escuder Croft (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(28 August 1989)_

(90/C 9/25)

_Subject:_ Youth unemployment in the Community

1. What percentage of the unemployed in each
Member State was aged under 25 at the end of 1988 ?

2. How does this compare with the percentage for
1987?

All data are annual averages and are based on the
comparable data produced by the Statistical Office of the
European Communities (SOEC).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 334/89

by Mr Arturo Escuder Croft (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(28 August 1989)_

(90/C 9/26)

_Subject:_ Unemployment in the Community

1. What were the unemployment figures in each
Community country at the end of 198 8 ?

2. What was the unemployment rate in each of these
countries at the end of 1988?

3. What was the trend in this rate between 1986 and

1988?

Answer given by Mr Christophersen
on behalf of the Commission

_(27 September 1989)_

The number of registered unemployed according to
national legislation in each Member State in 1988 was as
follows:

Answer given by Mr Christophersen
on behalf of the Commission

_(27 September 1989)_

The shares of unemployed under 25 years old as a
percentage of the total unemployed in 1987 and 1988 were
as follows:

1988

38,1

28,0

30,5

19,2

42,8

45,9

33,5

34,7

54,3

45,9

37,4

48,9

31,2

EUR 12

Belgium

Denmark

Germany

Greece

Spain

France

Ireland

Italy

Luxembourg

Netherlands

Portugal

United Kingdom

1987

39,2

31,3

30,6

21,1

44,6

47,5

35,9

36,2

53,4

46,0

38,9

50,5

33,6

15. 1. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C9/13

1988

_(1 000)_

WRITTEN QUESTION No 335/89

by Mr Arturo Escuder Croft (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(28 August 1989)_

(90/C 9/27)

_Subject:_ The European Social Fund (ESF) and job
creation in Spain

1. What was the total investment or expenditure for
job creation in each of the Spanish autonomous
communities in 1988?

2. How many jobs were created in 1988?

3. What is the average duration of jobs created as a
result of ESF investment in Spain in 1988?

Answer given by Miss Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 October 1989)_

1. The European Social Fund granted a total of
PTA12 817 405,93 in recruitment subsidies in 1988.

The Honourable Member will find below a table giving
the amounts per autonomous community:

EUR 12

Belgium

Denmark

Germany

Greece

Spain

France

Ireland

Italy

Luxembourg

Netherlands

Portugal

United Kingdom

15 652,0

459,4

240,0

2 236,7

108,6

2 858,3

2 562,9

241,4

3 833,3

2,5

432,3

306,2

2 370,4

SOEC produces comparable unemployment rates based
on the results of the Community labour force survey.
These rates largely remove the effects of differences in
national registration systems and allow comparisons of
the level of unemployment in the Member States.

The comparable unemployment rates in each Member
State in 1986 and 1988 were as follows:

_(%)_

Rate | Rate
1986 | 1988

EUR 12

Belgium

Denmark

Germany

Greece

Spain

France

Ireland

Italy

Luxembourg

Netherlands

Portugal

United Kingdom

All data are annual averages.

10,8

11,9

5,8

6,5

8,2

21,2

10,4

18,3

10,6

2,7

10,3

8,3

11,5

10,0

10,4

6,4

6,4

8,5

19,6

10,2

17,8

10,6

2,2

10,3

5,6

8,7

Madrid

Galicia

Asturias

Cantabria

Pais Vasco

Navarra

La Rioja

Arag6n

Castilla-Le6n

Castilla-La Mancha

Extremadura

Catalufia

Valencia

Baleares

Andalucia

Murcia

Canarias

Ceutay Melilla

Furthermore, the Honourable Member is referred to
the SOEC monthly bulletin publication entitled
'unemployment', in which the Honourable Member will
find the above and other unemployment data.

2. The question as to the exact number of jobs created
through ESF action is difficult to answer, since such
action is carried out within the framework of national

Tota

! 558 331320,30

1 348 199 392,80

100 084 964,04

j 40 363 057,10

229 210 042,40

100 989 759,84

73 020 578,67

460 641458,75

i 1 027 163 750,79

739 100 404,08

622 073 458,08

1 903 166 681,24

487 676 882,91

77 109 863,43

| 4 277 671015,87

j 587 860 534,81

1 149682 513,10

j 35 059 427,72

j 12 817 405 105,93
1

No C 9/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 1. 90

employment policy and supplements action by the
Member State in question. The number of jobs envisaged
was on the order of 145 000.

3. For the same reasons, it is not possible to specify the
average duration of the jobs created. ESF rules provide
that the duration shall be indefinite. As regards
employment on projects in the public interest, a minimum
duration of six months is required.

In this context, it must be stressed that European Social
Fund rules have always placed particular emphasis on the
need for a direct link with the creation of additional jobs,
so that ESF action shall be as effective as possible.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 336/89

by Mr Arturo Escuder Croft (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(28 August 1989)_

(90/C 9/28)

_Subject:_ Imports of fishery products in 1988

Through its various preferential agreements or simple
trade agreements with third countries the Community'
imports large quantities of fishery products every year.

The following questions are aimed at establishing the
volume of these imports:

1. How many tonnes of fishery products were imported
be each Member State in 1988 and from which

countries?

2. What was the value in ecus of these imports per
country?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(9 October 1989)_

In view of the length of its answer, which includes a
number of tables covering the provisional figures for the
effective utilization in 1988 of the various preferential
agreements and tariff quotas, the Commission is sending
it directly to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's
Secretariat.

The preferential agreements with third countries, as well
as the tariff quotas bound in GATT and the autonomous
quotas, are all based on quantities. The Commission,
therefore, does not possess any statistics as regards the
value of the importations. Likewise, the identities of the

exporting third countries — in the framework of the
GATT and autonomous quotas — are not known
statistically to the Commission.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 349/89

by Mr Arturo Escuder Croft (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(28 August 1989)_

(90/C 9/29)

_Subject:_ Spanish officials in the Commission

As a consequence of Spain's accession to the European
Communities, a number of established posts were created
and reserved for Spanish nationals.

To ascertain the extent of compliance with this
agreement, would the Commission state:

1. How many officials of Spanish nationality were
engaged by the Commission between 1 January 1986
and 31 December 1988?

2. What grades and categories are involved and what is
the number of officials at each level?

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

_(28 September 1989)_

1. Between 1 January 1986 and 31 December 1988 the
Commission engaged 915 Spanish officials for permanent
posts.

2. Recruitment was to all categories, broken down as
follows:

WRITTEN QUESTION No 352/89

by Mr Madron Seligman (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(28 August 1989)_

(90/C 9/30)

_Subject:_ Killing of dolphins by tuna fishermen

In March 1989 the United States Government National

Marine Fisheries Service rescinded a ban on US imports

Category A

Category B

Category C

Category D

Category LA

324

204

211

14

162

t ^ . t . ^ e Official journal of the European communities ^oCh^B^

of yellowfin tuna from Spain because the Spanish
(Government had submitted information showing that it
was now in conformance with US marine mammal

regulations.

t. ^ h y were Spanish exports of tuna to the USA banned
in the first placed

^. Con what grounds in Spain now considered to be
in conformance with American marine mammal

regulations such as the ^ ^ Marine Mammals
Protection Act^

3. fdave any vessels from EC Member States or
dependent territories in the Caribbean orelsewhere
fished for tuna in the EasternTropical Pacific during
the past five years^

^. Is theyellowfintunafromMe^ico or other central
American countries^ which is l^nown to be imported by
canneries inSpain^ Pranced Italyetc.^ reexported by
these canneries to the USAin canned or any other
formBIfso^does the Commissionconsider that this

maybeinbreachof theUS t ^ ^ MarmeMammals
Protection Act^

Answer ^iverr by Mr M^rin
on behalf of the C^or^mission

P In taecemberP^^^ the United States POepartment of
commerce approvedadecision banning imports into the
United States from Spain of fresh yellowfin tuna and
tinned tuna^ceptforthealbacoreP

This decision was based up on United States Law PL
^ ^ D ^ amending the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
The aim of this law is to protect certain marine mammals^
mainly dolphins^ which are found in association with
[shoalsofyellowfintunaintheEasternTropicalPacific.lt](http://shoalsofyellowfintunaintheEasternTropicalPacific.lt)
requires ^ ^ r ^ ^ that countries whose vessels fish
yellowfintuna with purse seines intheEasternTropical
Pacific (Ocean and which wish to export this tuna to the
United States must^

^ adoptaprotectionpro^rammefo^porpoisesin the
fishery in question at least comparable to the
regulations adopted by the United States^

^ establish in their own national regulations a
maximum mortality rate for porpoises comparable to
that established by the C^nited States fot^ their purse
seine vessels^

^ submit documentationwith regard to therespective
national le^islationiist of vessels^ data on catches of

yellowfin tunamncidental mortality of dolphins and
mortality control methods

The ban on Spanish yellowfin tuna imports into the
United States was based on the imputation of the Spanish
(Government not having submitted the above
documentation.

There was in fact^ at the time^ one Spanish vessel fishing
in the area concerned.This vessel was fishin^under a

Community scientific scheme and in full compliance with
the rules of the Inter American Tropical Tuna
Commission tlATTC^

^. By a decision of the Assistant Administrator for
Pisheries^ national Marine Pisheries Serviced published
in theUS Pederal Re^ister^ the ban was lifted on ^t

Pebruary t ^ ^ o n t h e grounds that Spain had sumitted
information demonstrating that it was in conformance
with the US marine mammal re^ulationsmhe vessel bein^

part of the 1ATTC observed fleet.

3. As has been the practice over past years^ Community
tuna vessels fish almost exclusively in the Central Eastern
Atlantic and in the Indian C^cean. In neither of these a^reas

is tuna associated with dolphins.

^t. Imports into the EEC originating from yellowfin
tunacau^ht in the EasternTropical Pacific C^cean are
minimal. The Commission does not dispose of any
information on possible reexports of such ne^li^ible
quantities into the United States.

In its official comments on the respective US legislations
the Commission has expressed its serious concern about
the extension of the import ban to socalied intermediary
nations^ defined as nations that may or may not fish in the
EasternTropical Pacific but import yellowfintunaand
subsequently offer tuna or tuna products for importation
to the United States^ unless such nations have acted to ban

respective importations from any nation banned from
directly importing into the United States.

The Commissions on this occasions has underlined its

support for the declared ^oal that the incidental killing or
serious injury of marine mammals in commercial fishing
operations be significantly reduced and thatmn its view^
this ^oal can best be reached within the framework of the

1ATTC

No C 9/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 1. 90

WRITTEN QUESTION No 356/89

by Mrs Caroline Jackson (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 September 1989)_

(90/C9/31)

_Subject:_ Quality of water

Could the Commission list the Member States against
which it has taken action under Article 169 of the Treaty
in respect of Directive 80/778/EEC (') relating to the
quality of water intended for human consumption?

(') OJNoL229,3C. 8. 198C,p. 11.

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

_(18 October 1989)_

The position as of 31 May 1989 was as follows.

Action has either already been taken (and the matter not
been resolved) or was decided in respect of the following
Member States: Belgium, the Federal Republic of
Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the
United Kingdom.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 360/89

by Mr Karel de Gucht (L)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 September 1989)_

(90/C9/32)

_Subject:_ Labour market contribution — Danish tax on
turnover in Denmark

In its answer to my Written Question No 222/88 (') the
Commission confirms that it is aware of the tax in

question and will take the necessary measures.

According to information supplied to me, the competent
services within the Commission have ascertained that the

Danish tax on turnover in Denmark constitutes an

infringement of Article 33 of the Sixth Council Directive
on VAT.

Despite this, it appears that proceedings have still not
been initiated under Article 169 of the Treaty.

Is this the case?

If so, can the Commission say why it has not considered it
necessary to take action in this matter?

(') OJNoC36, 13. 2. 1989, p. 42.

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener
on behalf of the Commission

_(10 October 1989)_

The Commission can confirm that the matter mentioned

by the Honourable Member is now being examined
within the framework of the infringement procedure laid
down in Article 169 of the Treaty.

The Commission is of the opinion that this tax is not in
conformity with Community law, notably Article 33 of
the Sixth VAT Directive under which Member States

cannot introduce any taxes, duties or charges which can
be characterized as turnover taxes.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 362/89

by Mr Bryan Cassidy (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 September 1989)_

(90/C9/33)

_Subject:_ Health insurance cover abroad for workers
taking early retirement

The current EEC social security regulations regarding
reciprocal health care arrangements for EEC citizens
moving to another Member State make no provisions for
workers taking early retirement and moving abroad.
These 'early pensioners' do not qualify as pensioners
under the regulations until they reach the official
retirement age of their own country; they therefore fall
into the category of 'non-employed' persons who are not
covered by existing regulations. The only option for such
persons leaving the UK to take up residence in another
EEC country is to take out private health insurance cover
until they reach retirement age.

This situation is clearly contrary to the principle of free
movement throughout the Community and it will apply to
an increasing number of older workers taking early
retirement. In view of the pending proposals on right of
residence for pensioners and the 'economically inactive' in
Member States, what steps does the Commission propose
to take to remedy this situation?

15. 1. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C9/17

Answer given by Miss Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(29 September 1989)_

On 18 June 1980, the Commission put before the Council
a proposal for a Council Regulation (') amending
Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 ( [2] ) to the benefit of
unemployed workers. The aim of this proposal was to
solve, with regard to the rights of migrant workers, a
number of problems which could not be solved within the
framework of the present provisions of Regulation (EEC)
No 1408/71, which had been adopted at a time of full
employment, in particular:

— to tackle the territoriality of unemployment benefit,
which obliges too many unemployed persons to
remain in the country of their last employment, where
they are not always sufficiently integrated and where
their chances are not improved of finding a job in
another Member State with which they have closer
links;

— to integrate in Community legislation measures taken
in the Member States induce older workers to give up
their jobs so that they can be taken by younger
persons or to stop applying to the employment
services for work.

The improvements proposed by the Commission were of
two kinds:

1. Maintenance, on certain conditions, of the right to
unemployment benefit of a worker who transfers his
residence to a Member State other than the Member

State where he was last employed.

2. Exportation of bridging pensions for workers who
transfer their residences and the payment of bridging
pensions to frontier workers, as well as the granting to
recipients of bridging pensions of the right to sickness
insurance benefits on the same terms as those set out

in Article 25, paragraphs 2 and 3, for the workers
referred to in Article 71 (1) (a) (ii) and (b) (ii) of
Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 ( [J] ).

The Commission would likewise point out that in its
proposal ( [4] ) for a Council Directive the right of residence
of recipients of disability, bridging or old age pensions or
pensions deriving from an accident at work or an
occupational disease is subject to the condition that the
latter should have sickness insurance cover.

(') OJ No C 169,9. 7. 1980, p. 22.
O OJ No L 230, 22. 8. 1983, as last amended by Regulation
(EEC) No 3811/83; OJ No L 355, 16. 12. 1986.
( [5] ) The workers referred to above are those who are unemployed
and receive unemployment benefit from the institution of the
Member State on the territory of which they reside in
compliance with the provisions of the legislation which it
applies.
( [4] ) O J N o C 191,28.7. 1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 363/89

by Mr Bryan Cassidy (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 September 1989)_

(90/C 9/34)

_Subject:_ Payment of pensions in EEC prisons

What are the arrangements, if any, under current EC
regulations for the payments of pensions to EEC citizens
of pensionable age who are serving prison sentences in an
EEC country outside their country of origin?

What are the different national regimes for prisoners'
rights to pensions and do some EEC countries allow
prisoners of pensionable age to receive minimum state
pensions while in prison? How are these differences taken
into account when calculating pension payments for EEC
citizens imprisoned abroad?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

(5 _October 1989)_

Current EEC regulations do not make a distinction
between prisoners and other members of the population.
Receipt of pension by prisoners is a matter for national
legislations.

The Commission does not possess the information
requested concerning receipt of minimum state pensions
by prisoners or pension payments for Community citizens
imprisoned abroad.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 366/89

by Mr Stephen Hughes (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 September 1989)_

(90/C 9/35)

_Subject:_ Cost of unleaded petrol

Will the Commission advise me of the difference in cost

between leaded, diesel and unleaded petrol, by Member
State, and, where dramatic regional differences exist
within individual Member States, could this be made
evident in the Commission's reply?

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

_(13 October 1989)_

The Commission is sending direct to the Honourable
Member and the Parliament Secretariat two tables

No C9/18 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 1. 90

showing the selling prices to consumers in the Member
States, in national currencies and ecus, for premium grade
leaded petrol, 95 RON unleaded petrol (Eurosuper) and
diesel.

This information is sent to the Commission every week by
the Member States and represents the average price which
applies in each Member State.

The Commission has no information on any regional
differences within individual States.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 367/89

by Mr Stephen Hughes (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 September 1989)_

(90/C9/36)

_Subject:_ Food poisoning

Does the Commission hold statistics regarding the
incidents of food poisoning within each of the Member
States. If so, are these incidents categorized by type of
food poisoning (i.e. botulism, listeria, salmonella)?

To what extent have the incidents of food poisoning and
the contamination of food products affected inter-State
trade? Can the Commission indicate whether it has

examined the feasibility of establishing a food and drug
administration on the United States model which would

be responsible for ensuring a uniform quality grading
system, and would monitor the production and packing of
certain especially susceptible food products?

Answer given by Mr Christophersen
on behalf of the Commission

_(25 October 1989)_

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

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

WRITTEN QUESTION No 371/89

by Mr Stephen Hughes (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 September 1989)_

(90/C 9/37)

_Subject:_ Smoke detectors

Could the Commission provide information on the
progress of legislation by Member States on the
mandatory installation of smoke detectors in both public
and private sector dwellings?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(16 October 1989)_

Having made a search of the information on proposed
national legislation notified to the Commission under the
heading of the Directive 83/189/EEC ('), the
Commission can not provide details on the progression of
legislation by Member States into mandatory installation
of smoke detectors in both public and private sector
dwellings.

To obtain a complete picture of the current situation
regarding existing legislation it would be necessary to
carry out a survey of all Member States.

The Commission does not propose such a survey but
would not see any major objections to proceeding later,
should it be necessary, as part of the larger area of 'safety
in dwellings'.

(') OJNoL109,26. 4. 1983.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 380/89

by Mrs Anita Pollack (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 September 1989)_

(90/C 9/38)

_Subject:_ Availability of lead-free petrol

Will the Commission report on the number of petrol
stations, as of this summer, selling lead-free petrol in
Member States and its cost in comparison to leaded
petrol?

Some of my constituents report travelling through France
from England to the Ardeche in the south-east. Only six
petrol stations en-route sold lead-free petrol. In addition,
'essence' was found to be less expensive than 'sans plomb',
in one case 'essence' being FF 5,50 per litre and 'sans
plomb' FF 6,10 per litre.

15. 1. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C9/19

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

_(18 October 1989)_

The Honourable Member will find three tables below

showing the number of petrol stations selling leaded and
unleaded petrol and consumer prices in the Member
States in ecus and national currencies.

On 1 July 1989 the French authorities introduced a tax
differential between leaded and unleaded petrol of 34
centimes per litre excluding VAT. This has brought the
price of unleaded petrol below that of leaded petrol.

This tax incentive should also result in a significant
increase in points of sale for unleaded petrol.

Consumer prices in national currencies per litre

Premium grade petrol

Unleaded
95 RON Eurosuper

27,50

6,37(')

1,13

0

82,0

4,95/5,11

0,598

1,385

20,10

Belgium

Denmark

Germany

Greece

Spain

France

Ireland

Italy

Luxembourg

Leaded

28,70

6,64

1,22

77,0

79,0

5,12

0,620

1,360

22,30

Number selling
unleaded petrol

2 000

2 900

16 700

215

150

3 000

400

6 000

375

7 300

52

8 500

47 592

%

44

89

90

4

3

11

12

17

83

100

3

43

36

Member States

Belgium

Denmark

Federal Republic of
Germany

Greece

Spain

France

Ireland

Italy

Luxembourg

Netherlands

Portugal

United Kingdom

Community

Total number
petrol stations

4 580

3 250

18 650

5 900

4 820

28 000

3 250

34 300

450

7 300

1 800

20 000

132 300

Consumer prices in ecus per litre (August 1989)

; Premium grade petrol

(') 0,075 g/1 and 96 RON mixture: 50% leaded and 50%

unleaded premium grade fuel.
O Figures not available.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 385/89

by Mr Manfred Vohrer (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 September 1989)_

(90/C 9/39)

_Subject:_ Position of the EC on the Paris economic
summit from 14 to 16 July 1989

The final declaration of the economic summit in Paris

linked the cancellation of the debts of developing
countries with the implementation of environmental
measures. Does the Commission agree with this idea, and
how does it plan to put this approach into practice in its
development policy?

Answer given by Mr Christophersen
on behalf of the Commission

_(16 October 1989)_

The Commission shares the view expressed in the
declaration that 'in special cases, ODA debt forgiveness
and debt for nature swaps can play a useful role in
environmental protection'. In its communication to the
Council on 'the conservation of tropical forests: the role
of the Community' (') the Commission underlines that
'recent developments in debt reduction strategies could
create opportunities for further conservation objectives

Unleaded
95 RON Eurosuper

0,63

0,79

0,54

0

0,63

0,71/0,73

_0,77_

0,93

0,46

0,69

O

0,55

Belgium

Denmark

Germany
Greece

Spain

France

Ireland

Italy

Luxembourg

Netherlands

Portugal

United Kingdom

Leaded

0,66

0,82 (')

0,59

0,43

0,61

! 0,73

! 0,80

0,91

0,51

! 0,72

| 0,69
| 0,59

(') 0,075 g/1 and 96 RON mixture: 50% leaded and 50%

unleaded premium grade fuel.
O Figures not available.

No C 9/20 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 1. 90

on a much larger scale than the much more limited debt
for nature swaps concluded so far. The Community
should support the exploration of these possibilities'.

The competent international institutions have also been
asked to intensify their efforts to take into account
environmental protection in designing development
policies. The economic declaration of the last Paris
Summit does indeed encourage the World Bank and
regional development banks, as well as the OECD and the
United Nations, to this end. In the abovementioned
communication, the Commission urges that both
Community and Member State development policies
should also take into account environmental factors in the

design and operation of these policies.

(') COM(89)41C.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 389/89

by Mrs Christiana Muscardini, Mr Gianfranco Fini and
Mr Giuseppe Rauti (NI)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(7 September 1989)_

(90/C 9/40)

_Subject:_ Animal experiments in the cosmetics field

Since it has been pointed out on many sides that animal
experiments to determine the extent of the dangers, if any,
presented by cosmetic products are useless from the
scientific point of view because the various types of
allergy found in human beings do not correspond to those
found in animals, and since the repetition of experiments
whose result already forms part of the established body of
scientific knowledge must be regarded as useless and
cruel, can the Council state whether or not it intends to
request the Community Member States to adopt
appropriate, uniform legislation prohibiting animal
experiments in the cosmetics field?

Answer

_(16 November 1989)_

The Council recalls its attachment to the protection of
animals used for experimental or other scientific
purposes, as evidenced in its adoption, on 24 November
1986, of Council Directive 86/609/EEC ( [l] ) on the
approximation of laws, regulations and administrative
provisions of the Member States regarding the protection
of animals used for experimental and other scientific

purposes.

The Council would also draw the attention of the

Honourable Member to the Resolution which the

Council adopted the same day, under the terms of which
Member States gave an undertaking not to authorize the

use of animals in experiments conducted for purposes
other than those named in the resolution and, where the
purpose of such experiments was not covered by Directive
86/609/EEC, to apply national provisions not less strict
than those laid down in that Directive.

The Council would also point out that on 10 February
1987 the Community signed the European Convention
for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals used for

Experimental and Other Scientific Purposes, and that the
Council has asked Member States which have not yet
done so to sign as soon as possible.

A proposal for a Decision concluding this Convention on
behalf of the Community is at present tabled before the
Council.

(') OJNoL358, 18. 12. 1986, p. 1.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 392/89

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(7 September 1989)_

(90/C 9/41)

_Subject:_ Protection of the lynx and the legitimate
interests of sheep farmers

The ravages caused by ferocious lynx to the native fauna
as well as to sheep on high pastures on the Bugey Plateaux
in the Ain region of France has been pointed out by
various sources. The World Wildlife Fund has stopped
paying partial compensation to producers who have
suffered severe damage and the Ministry of the
Environment is wondering what action to take. Does the
Commission not believe that it is justified to classify the
lynx, in certain areas, as a species which can be hunted
instead of a protected species? Should not the lynx be
protected within strict territorial limits or in proper nature
parks or reserves? What is the situation in the Community
as a whole?

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

_(25 October 1989)_

The lynx has spread naturally into eastern France (Ain,
Jura, Doubs) from neighbouring areas, the Swiss cantons
where it was reintroduced about a decade ago.

Such a development in the composition of a region's
fauna is an encouraging sign which demonstrates the
possibility of reversing the deterioration of an ecosystem.
For this reason, such measures should be given the fullest
possible support.

15. 1. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 9/21

On the question of allowing the lynx to be hunted or not,
it should be borne in mind that the lynx ranges over a
territory of between 10 00C and 30 000 ha and that it
drives other lynxes out of it. There is therefore absolutely
no risk of a lynx population explosion.

Hunting is not an appropriate means of solving the
problem because there is a risk that it could wipe out an
already small population.

The presence of the lynx has a very beneficial effect on the
wildlife. The measures taken should be directed more

towards paying compensation for damage rather than
eliminating the individual animals concerned.

Moreover, experience in Switzerland indicates that harm
to domestic animals is at its greatest when the lynx is
introduced into a new area. It finds itself in an unfamiliar

environment and feeds from the most accessible souce.

After a few years, sheep savaging decreases considerably
and stabilizes at a very low level. It should be noted that
stray dogs cause far greater damage to sheep than lynxes
do."

The conservation of a species like the lynx is very difficult
within strict territorial confines because individual

animals range very widely. Protecting the lynx in nature
parks or reserves would defeat the purpose of conserving
the natural environment, which is to have ecosystems as
rich and varied as possible.

At present the common lynx (Lynx lynx) is a very rare and
endangered species in the Community, even though the
population in the French departments bordering
Switzerland is on the increase.

Report EUR 10930 EN indicates that there are only a few
remaining lynxes in the Pyrenees and the northern Alps.

The lynx should be classified as a strictly protected species
in the Community legislation currently being prepared.

According to the Commission's present information, the
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is continuing to pay
compensation for damage caused by the lynx.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 399/89

by Mr Dieter Rogalla(S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(3 October 1989)_

(90/C9/42)

_Subject:_ Courses for young sportsmen

1. Is the Commission aware that a number of Member

States organize courses lasting several weeks for young
amateur sportsmen? In which countries are thev held and
on what scale?

2. Has the Commission provided financial support for
such events and is it prepared to increase its contribution
and prevail upon Member States which have not yet done
so to organize such events?

3. Does the Commission agree that such sporting
gatherings, bringing together young persons from
throughout the Community who do not know each other,
would appear to be a particularly appropriate forum for
looking at the Community's problems, and solutions
thereto, through recreational pursuits? Is it prepared to
make a substantial increase in appropriations for such
measures for the financial year 1990?

Answer given by Mr Dondelinger
on behalf of the Commission

_(23 October 1989)_

Large numbers of youth camps for amateur sportsmen are
held in all the Member States, especially in summer, but
the Commission is not aware of the existence of the camps
to which the Honourable Member refers.

The Commission's powers in relation to sport are based
on the report on A People's Europe adopted by the Milan
European Council in June 1985, but youth camps for
amateur sportsmen are not among the recommendations
made in the report.

Where such camps are organized at Community level and
bring together young people from the various Member
States they offer the nationals of the Community
countries an excellent way of meeting each other and can
have an appreciable 'Europeanizing' effect.

The Commission can therefore only encourage such
ventures, even if there are no plans for any substantial
increase in the budget for sporting events in 1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 402/89

by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(3 October 1989)_

(90/C9/43)

_Subject:_ The Columbian association 'Bogota Actuar'

Is the Commission aware of the work carried out by the
Columbian association 'Bogota Actuar', which enlarges
upon the activities of the associations 'Actuar Antioquia',
'Actuar Caldas' and 'Actuar Tolima' in the Columbian

provinces of the same names?

Can the Commission confirm that, by 30 June 1989, and
in a very short time, 'Bogota Actuar' (based at Avenida 68

No C 9/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 1. 90

No 19—32, Bogota DE) had succeeded in setting up 901
small family-style businesses ('famiempresas') in the areas
of Bogota with the lowest standard of living, which
contain no fewer than 1 300 000 people?

Does the Commission envisage the granting of
Community aid to this non-profit-making association,
which can rely on the support of the local authorities and
of many businesses in Bogota?

from private individuals, though none of them solves the
linguistic or literary problems involved. In any case it
should be borne in mind that music is the greatest
universal language of all. The melody of the Ode to Joy,
from the fourth movement of Beethoven's Ninth

Symphony, has therefore been chosen as the European
Community Anthem (').

Increasingly, the European Community Anthem is played
at all events or ceremonies of a European character, both
official and unofficial.

Answer given by Mr Matutes (') Bull. EC 4 —1986, point 2.1.81.
on behalf of the Commission

_(16 October 1989)_

The Commission has no knowledge of the Colombian
association 'Bogota Actuar'.

On the question of Community aid to this association, the
Commission cannot answer without knowing its nature. If
it is a non-profit-making association with solid roots in
the Colombian population and has some experience of
organizing development projects for the benefit of the
poor, it is open to it to contact a European nongovernmental organization with a view to submitting a
project under budget heading 941 (Aid via NGOs).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 403/89

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(3 October 1989)_

(90/C 9/44)

_Subject:_ A single text for the European Community
anthem

In his answer of 23 September 1988 to my Written
Question No 2107/87 (') and to that of my colleague Luis
Guillermo Perinat Elio on the need to adopt a single
official text for the European Community anthem,
Commissioner Ripa di Meana maintained that the
Commission was endeavouring to find an appropriate
solution.

Has this solution been finally found, or will it be found,
and what measures are planned to publicize it?

(') OJNoC 180, 17. 7. 1989, p. 3.

Answer given by Mr Dondelinger
on behalf of the Commission

_(20 October 1989)_

Whether a text is needed or not is still open to question.
The Commission receives large numbers of suggestions

WRITTEN QUESTION No 414/89

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(3 October 1989)_

(90/C 9/45)

_Subject:_ Assessment of the Schengen agreement

The Schengen agreement, signed by the Benelux
countries, the Federal Republic of Germany and France in
1985, sets an example of open frontiers in that it seeks to
abolish all customs checks at frontiers between the

countries concerned by 1990.

How does the Council assess the progress in the
implementation of the agreement and does it regard the
objective set by the five for 1990 as over optimistic or
excessively cautious?

Answer

_(16 November 1989)_

The Schengen Agreement was concluded outside the
framework of the European Communities and it is not
therefore for the Council to make any assessment of its
implementation.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 432/89

by Mr Terence Wynn (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(3 October 1989)_

(90/C 9/46)

_Subject:_ British brewers' monopolies

How is the British Government's recent refusal to reform
the brewing industry affected by EEC fair competition
policy?

15. 1. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 9/23

Will the present system in the UK meet the requirements
of the open market in 1992?

If not, what can/will be done by the Commission?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan
on behalf of the Commission

_(20 October 1989)_

The Commission is closely following the measures that
are being prepared by the British Government with
respect to the brewing industry. It is felt that these
measures appear to be generally pro-competitive and in
consequence the Commission is inclined to take a
favourable attitude towards them. The Commission

refrains, however, from giving guidelines to the United
Kingdom on how to shape its policies.

Regarding the second two questions posed by the
Honourable Member, it should be noted that on 16
March 1989 Sir Leon Brittan, Commissioner responsible
for competition policy, ordered the services of the
Commission to carry out a review into the competitive
situation in the EEC-wide market for beer. As stated in

the accompanying press release (IP(89) 171), 'This review
is intended to enable the Commission to take all measures

necessary to ensure that no appreciable competitive
impediments remain to the opening of national markets in
the run-up to 1992, thereby enabling industry and
consumers to benefit fully from the continuing
liberalization of markets.' Clearly, the conditions on the
United Kingdom market, as well as on all other markets in
the EEC, will be examined during the course of the
enquiry.

The review is presently being undertaken, and once it is
completed the Commission will be in a position to
determine what action, if any, is to be taken.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 433/89

by Mr Edward Newman (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(3 October 1989)_

(9C/C 9/47)

_Subject:_ Credit unions

What support, financial or otherwise, has the
Commission given in the past or does it plan to give in the
future to credit unions or similar organizations?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan
on behalf of the Commission

_(25 October 1989)_

The Commission is not aware of any requests from credit
unions for support, financial or otherwise.

At the request of credit unions, national authorities have
agreed that they should not be subject to any type of
Community regulation, on the grounds of their very local
nature and limited size.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 440/89

by Mr Hugh McMahon (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(3 October 1989)_

(90/C9/48)

_Subject:_ Use of Article 39 of the Treaty of Rome

Can the Commission justify to the House the frequent use
of Article 39 of the Treaty of Rome in recent months?
Will the Commission give an assurance that the full
democratic process of consultation between the European
Parliament and the European Commission will in future
take place before it adopts such authoritarian postures?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(18 October 1989)_

The Commission regrets that it is unable to answer the
Honourable Member's question as it does not fully
understand to what it refers. It will be pleased to reply if
the Honourable Member would be kind enough to go
into greater detail.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 442/89

by Mr Hugh McMahon (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(3 October 1989)_

(90/C 9/49)

_Subject:_ Harmonization of VAT

Following the Madrid Summit, and the informal meeting
of the Economy and Finance Council of 9 and
10 September, can the Council inform the House what
progress can be made on the question of VAT
harmonization?

Can the Council also inform the House how many
Member State governments have replied to the
Commission's global communication requiring a list of
items which Member States wish to remain at a zero rate

of VAT?

No C 9/24 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 1. 90

Answer

_(24 November 1989)_

In accordance with the instructions of the ECOFIN

Council on 19 June 1989, an ad hoc Working Party is
currently engaged in detailed discussions on the broad
lines of a solution in the field of indirect taxation, with a
view to ensuring that the internal market is operational by
the deadline laid down. A preliminary report on the ad
hoc Working Party's proceedings on VAT was forwarded
to the ECOFIN Council meeting on 9 October 1989, at
which, following detailed discussions, preliminary
conclusions were reached on the application of a VAT
system after 1992.

In the light of the Commission's and delegations'
comments, the ad hoc Working Party was instructed to
continue examining the detailed procedures for applying
the VAT arrangements and matters relating to excise
duties and the budgetary consequences for the Member
States.

The ad hoc Working Party submitted its overall
conclusions to the ECOFIN Council meeting on
13 November 1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 446/89

by Mr Kenneth Stewart (S)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(3 October 1989)_

(9C/C 9/50)

_Subject:_ The European fighter aircraft

Is the Council aware of the concern of the workforce at

Lucas Aerospace Netherton Merseyside, about the
possible loss of jobs, depending on future contracts for
constant-speed-drive generating units.

Are they also aware that there have been indications that
these components could be supplied by Bendix/Ferranti
from the US and that this company's component is being
replaced in the USA with the constant-drive type of unit
as supplied by Lucas Aerospace?

Would the Council confirm that the idea of providing an
aircraft of this nature was a European project to stop
reliability on the United States of America for such
equipment?

Would the Council agree that the technology to provide
such vital parts is contained within Europe, and the
overriding factor should be the best available equipment,
and not the cost factor alone?

Will the Council bear in mind the very high
unemployment rate within the European Member States,
and alert the appropriate Member States to these facts?

Answer

_(24 November 1989)_

The Council thanks the Honourable Member for the

information given in his question. However, it does not
come within the Council's purview to reply to it.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 477/89

by Mr Karl von Wogau (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(12 October 1989)_

(90/C9/51)

_Subject:_ Free movement of capital

Council Directive 88/361/EEC of 24 June 1988 for the

implementation of Article 67 of the Treaty (') mentions
the possibility of particular difficulties arising in certain
Member States in the market for secondary residences.
Accordingly, Article 6 (4) of the Directive provides for
derogations.

When will the Commission end these derogations and,
where appropriate, submit further proposals under Article
69 of the EEC Treaty for the progressive implementation
of Article 67? Does the timetable ensure that, after
1 January 1993, these restrictions on the free movement of
capital for the acquisition of secondary residences by
Community citizens will be removed in the Kingdom of
Denmark too?

(') OJNoL 178,8.7. 1988, p. 5.

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(23 October 1989)_

The Council Directive of 24 June 1988 for the

implementation of Article 67 of the EEC Treaty
(88/361/EEC) extends the capital liberalization
obligations of earlier directives to all capital movements.
Where capital movements are liberalized, this implies not
only removal of foreign exchange controls but also that
the underlying transactions should be freed. The
one exception provided in the Directive is set out in
Article 6 (4) which provides that:

'Existing national legislation regulating purchases of
secondary residences may be upheld until the Council
adopts further provisions in this area in accordance with

15. 1. 90 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 9/25

Article 69 of the Treaty. This provision does not affect the
applicability of other provisions of Community law.'

It should be pointed out that existing regulations in
Denmark allow citizens of other Member States, as well
as nationals, to acquire property there, if their domicile is
in Denmark at the time of purchase. Nevertheless, only
those who are established as workers or as independents
exercising a professional activity can be domiciled in
Denmark. As the Honourable Member is undoubtedly
aware, even the right of residence is an issue that has yet
to be resolved by the Council. Furthermore, the
Commission has presented three new proposals
concerning students, pensioners and non-active persons.
It considers that progress in this area is a first priority in
the establishment of a 'citizens' Europe'. When this issue
is resolved, proposals will be formulated on the subject of
secondary residences. The timetable for the introduction
and adoption of these proposals has not yet been
established but the Commission will endeavour to ensure

that this is achieved not later than 1 January 1993.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 520/89

by Mr Wilfred Telkamper (V)

to the Council of the European Communities

_(13 October 1989)_

(90/C 9/52)

_Subject:_ Pollution of the Rhine by the Stracel company

Having regard to Directives:

— 80/68/EEC ( [l] ) on the protection of groundwater
against pollution caused by certain dangerous
substances,

— 75/440/EEC ( [2] ) on the protection of surface water
intended for the abstraction of drinking water,

— 76/464/EEC ( [3] ) on the discharge of dangerous
substances into the aquatic environment,

— 80/778/EEC (") on the quality of water intended for
human consumption,

and the fact that chlorinated hydrocarbons appear in the
European Community 'black list',

1. is the Council aware that the Strasbourg firm
Cellulose de Strasbourg (Stracel) has been operating
without a waste water plant for more than 50 years,
thereby discharging 60 million litres of highly toxic
waste water into the Rhine per day?

2. is the Council aware that Stracel discharges 3,2 tonnes
of AOX, into the Rhine per day, i.e. 30 tonnes of
chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds?

3. is the Council aware that, compared with all other
polluters of the Rhine, Stracel alone discharges almost
50 % of all chlorinated hydrocarbons into the river;

4. what substances in what concentration/volume are

currently discharged into the Rhine per day and per
year by the following firms: Cellulose de Strasbourg,
Holtzmann Papier Karlsruhe and PWA Papierwerke
Mannheim?

5. what values have been established for the biological
parameters in assessing toxicity?

6. when will 'state of the art technology' be introduced in
these firms?

7. is the Council prepared to ensure that the operating
permit is subject to a time limit in the event that 'state
of the art' technology is not introduced? If not, why
not?

(') OJNoL20,26. 1. 1980, p. 43.
C) OJ No L 194,25. 7. 1975, p. 26.
(') OJNoL129, 18.5. 1976, p. 23.
O OJNoL229, 30. 8. 1980, p. 11.

Answer

_(8 December 1989)_

The Council would emphasize the great importance
which it places on preventing pollution of the aquatic
environment, as reflected _inter alia_ in the adoption of the
Directives to which the Honourable Member refers in his

question.

The Council would point out, in this connection, that it is
for the Commission to ensure that Member States comply
with the obligations arising from Community law.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 556/89

by Mrs Winifred Ewing (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(24 October 1989)_

(90/C 9/53)

_Subject:_ Teachers in special education

Following the decision to phase out allowances payable to
teachers in special education in Scotland by April 1991
and with a view to assisting this category of teachers to
negotiate more favourable terms of remuneration, will the
Commission publish details of salary and other incentives

No C 9/26 Official Journal of the European Communities 15. 1. 90

which are offered to teachers of handicapped pupils
(including the deaf) in hospitals, in remedial teaching or
speech therapy in the rest of the Community as compared
with teachers employed in general education?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(15 November 1989)_

As the matter in question does not come within its
jurisdiction, the Commission is unfortunately unable to
supply the information requested.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 576/89

by Mr James Ford (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(24 October 1989)_

(90/C 9/54)

_Subject:_ Alternative medicines

Will the Commission state what representation of
practitioners of homeopathic, biochemic, herbal,
allopathic and anthroposophic medicine it is taking in
order to consider the Medicines Commission review? If

none so far, will the Commission undertake to establish
an appropriate advisory body to ensure that the
consumer's freedom of choice in medicines is maintained?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(15 November 1989)_

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to

its answer to Written Question No 744/88 by Mr Von
Uexkull (').

(') OJNoCl45, 12. 6. 1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 598/89

by Mr Stephen Hughes (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 October 1989)_

(90/C 9/55)

_Subject:_ Legal status of'Living Wills'

Could the Commission outline the legal status of 'Living
Wills' (advance statements by individuals which would
outline what medical treatment, if any, they would want if
they were incapacitated with no hope of recovery) in each
of the Member States?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

_(8 November 1989)_

The Commission does not have the information

requested by the Honourable Member.