Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

ISSN 0378-6986

##### C 255
# Official Journal

Volume 37
### of the European Communities 12 September 1994

Volume 37

12 September 1994

Information and Notices
English edition

Notice No ( Contents Page

1 Information

European Parliament

Written Questions with answer

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E - 1 12 / 93 by lord O'Hagan to the Commission
Subject : Social Action Programme 1

E-456 / 93 by Thomas Megahy to the Commission
Subject : Structural Funds Community initiatives 1

E-724 / 93 by Jose Valverde López to the Commission
Subject ; Spain 's failure to implement the meat products Directive 2

E-795AM by Ursula Braun-Moser to the Commission
Subject : Contracts awarded by the Commission within the framework of the Phare ­

E-X3X / 93 by S ( ii iris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Measures to preserve and develop expressions of popular culture 3

1-9 C ) 4 / 93 by Alan Donnelly to the Commission
Subject : f t SC Article 56 conversion loans 3

E - 1294 / 93 bv Marie-Jose Denys to the Commission
Subject : Green Paper on the development of the single market for postal services 3

1 - 1 305 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Community unemployed 4

E - 1 394 / 93 ln r Ililtrud Breyer to the ( Commission
Subject : Storage capacities of b ( nuclear power stations 5

E-14X4 / (J 3 b \ Christos Papoutsis to the ( Commission

Subject : Award ot contrats for the construe t ion ot electricity generating plants in Grecce to private
individuals 6

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E-l 573 / 93 by Michael Welsh to the Commission
Subject : Discrimination against students on grounds of nationality

E-1633 / 93 by James Ford to the Commission
Subject : Racism and xenophobia : progress on Ford report recommendations

E-l 635 / 93 by Hemmo Muntingh to the Commission
Subject : Tacis Programme

E-l 642 / 93 by Llewellyn Smith to the Commission
Subject : Clandestine sale of nuclear materials

E-l 685 / 93 by Richard Simmonds to the Commission
Subject : French Affaires Maritimes employment regulations

E-l 735 / 93 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Allocation of Retex funds to Greece

E-l 744 / 93 by James Ford to the Commission
Subject : UK motor insurers maintaining an ' approved repairer ' scheme

E-l 774 / 93 by Alex Smith to the Commission
Subject : Reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel

E-l 804 / 93 by Christian de la Malène and Alain Pompidou to the Commission
Subject : Community coal policy

E-l 829 / 93 by Brigitte Ernst de la Graete to the Commission

Subject : Action to counter the resurgence of racism and xenophobia in Europe

E-l 91 5 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Whaling

E-l 965 / 93 by Ernest Glinne to the Commission
Subject : Community attitude towards the dictatorship in Haiti

E-l 995 / 93 by Ernest Glinne to the Commission
Subject : Hormones or products causing spongiform encephalopathy used in animal feed — risk of
transmission through the food chain

E-2025 / 93 by Raymonde Dury to the Commission
Subject : Imports of chemical products from central and eastern Europe

E-2043 / 93 by Robert Delorozoy to the Commission
Subject : Relations between the Community and the countries of eastern Europe in the automobile

sector

F>2063 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Violation of civil rights and elimination of opposition in Albania

E-2071 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Movement of journalists

E-2074 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Market outlets for Community wheat

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94 / C 255 / 29 E-2075 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Sale of this year 's Greek wheat production 17

94 / C 255 / 30 E-2083 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : The pesticide Benomyl 17

94 / C 255 / 31 E-2095 / 93 by Madron Seligman to the Commission
Subject : Registration of foreign cars in Spain 17

94 / C 255 / 32 E-2 105 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Itinerant traders in Greece 18

94 / C 255 / 33 E-21 13 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Setting up a new body to monitor Community subsidies to Greece 19

94 / C 255 / 34 E-2 124 / 93 by Anita Pollack to the Commission
Subject : GATT and environment 19

94 / C 255 / 35 E-21 35 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Unemployment in Greece fuelled by a wave of migration from agricultural regions to the
major conurbations 19

94 / C 25 5 / 36 E-2 192 / 93 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission
Subject : Technical research in the context of the ECSC 20

94 / C 255 / 37 E-2244 / 93 by Ursula Braun-Moser to the Commission
Subject : Ensuring compliance with agricultural quotas 21

94 / C 255 / 38 E-2245 / 93 by Ursula Braun-Moser to the Commission
Subject : Location of abattoirs to prevent the peregrination of animals for slaughter 21

94 / C 255 / 39 E-2253 / 93 by Jose Apolinário to the Commission
Subject : Subsidy for tomato growers in Ribatejo province, Portugal 22

94 / C 255 / 40 E-227 5 / 93 by Helwin Peter to the Commission
Subject : Nationality stickers on private cars 22

94 / C 255 / 41 E-23 14 / 93 Francesco Speroni to the Commission
Subject : Licence granted by the Italian Government to operate air services using non-Community
aircraft and personnel 23

94 / C 255 / 42 E-23 15 / 93 by Francesco Speroni to the Commission
Subject : Scheduled flights operated by a Community carrier using non-Community aircraft and
personnel 23

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2314 / 93 and E-23 15 / 93 23

94 / C 255 / 43 E-2334 / 93 by Marie Jepsen to the Commission
Subject : Restrictions on the educational establishments ' ability to make long-term plans for
projects under the Erasmus Programme 24

94 / C 255 / 44 E-2352 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Community support framework for small and medium-sized processing undertakings 24

( Continued overleaf )

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E-2368 / 93 by Jose Alvarez de Paz and Pedro Bofill Abeilhe to the Commission
Subject : Practical measures on employment in the Community

E-2393 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Peace process in Azerbaijan

E-2422 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Non-governmental organizations having contractual arrangements with the
Community

E-2435 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Use of driftnets in the Mediterranean

E-2440 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Use and nature of fishing gear in the Greek islands

E-2445 / 93 by Alex Smith to the Commission
Subject : Test firing of depleted uranium shells

E-2447 / 93 by Alex Smith to the Commission
Subject : Health and environmental risks of depleted uranium

E-2448 / 93 by Alex Smith to the Commission
Subject : Depleted uranium shells

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2445 / 93, 2447 / 93 and E-2448 / 93

E-2485 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Nuclear hazards in the Member States

E-2077 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission

Subject : Forest development fund

E-2495 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Community 's proposal for the development of forestry

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2077 / 93 and E-2495 / 93

94 / C 255 / 56 E-2525 / 93 by Mauro Chiabrando, Ferruccio Pisoni, Giuseppe Mottola, Franco Borgo
and Agostino Mantovani to the Commission

Subject : Illegal imports of ' Barbera d'Asti ' from Argentina

94 / C 255 / 57

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E-2542 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Competitiveness of main Greek agricultural products

E-2568 / 93 by Ioannis Stamoulis to the Commission
Subject : Construction of the airport at Chania, Crete, as part of the Interreg Programme

E-2574 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Additional difficulties in the agricultural sector

E-2594 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Authorization for drugs to remain on the market

Notice No Contents ( continued ) p age

94 / C 255 / 61 E-2595 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Heart disease during pregnancy 32

94 / C 255 / 62 E-2674 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Elimination of remaining obstacles to mutual recognition of vocational training 32

94 / C 255 / 63 E-2675 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Single market in postal services 32

94 / C 255 / 64 E-2677 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Integrated policy for the islands 33

94 / C 255 / 65 E-2721 / 93 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Subsidies for private firms — exclusion of local authorities from urban transport
system 33

94 / C 255 / 66 E-2734 / 93 by Jean-Marie Vanlerenberghe to the Commission
Subject : Inappropriate indications in French contained in Regulation ( EEC ) No 1274 / 91 on certain
marketing standards for eggs 34

94 / C 255 / 67 E-2765 / 93 by Sir James Scott-Hopkins to the Commission
Subject : The creation of a European Heritage Fund 34

94 / C 255 / 68 E-2773 / 93 by John Iversen to the Commission
Subject : Committee to monitor the interests of minorities and self-governing areas 35

94 / C 255 / 69 E-2782 / 93 by Alexandros Alavanos to the Commission
Subject : Public Power Corporation ( PPC ) and environmental impact studies 35

94 / C 255 / 70 E-2803 / 93 by Ian White to the Commission
Subject : Conservation of tropical hardwoods 37

94 / C 255 / 71 E-2824 / 93 by Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission
Subject : On-site assistance for Russian and Ukrainian nuclear plants 37

94 / C 255 / 72 E-283 3 / 93 by Giuseppe Mottola to the Commission
Subject : Failure to pay subsidies under Law 72 / 92 — National Solidarity Fund for Fisheries in the
Gulf of Salerno — Fishing for tuna with hooks and baskets — European fisheries conference 38

94 / C 255 / 73 E-2862 / 93 by Christa Randzio-Plath to the Commission
Subject : Decision by the Council of Ministers of 12 February 1 993 on the common organization of
the market in bananas 38

94 / C 255 / 74 E-2882 / 93 by Christa Randzio-Plath to the Commission
Subject : Transitional arrangements concerning value added tax and value added tax identification
numbers 39

94 / C 255 / 75 E-283 1 / 93 by Mihail Papayannakis to the Commission
Subject : Illegal floating fuel container in Chios 40

94 / C 255 / 76 E-2911 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Mooring of a floating fuel container in the Bay of Tholos ( Chios ) 40

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2831 / 93 and E-2911 / 93 41

( Continued overleaf )

Notice No Contents ( continued ) Page

94 / C 255 / 77 E-2958 / 93 by Jose Lafuente Lopez to the Commission
Subject : Community legislation against noise 41

94 / C 255 / 78 E-2994 / 93 by Virginio Bettini to the Commission
Subject : Report on Community action to protect forests against fire 42

94 / C 255 / 79 E-3012 / 93 by Anne Andre-Leonard to the Commission
Subject : GATT negotiations in the audiovisual sector 43

94 / C 255 / 80 E-3013 / 93 by Michael Elliott, Leon Schwartzenberg, Barbara Dührkop Dührkop,
Roberto Barzanti, Gepa Maibaum, Lissy Groner, Marie-José Denys, Ernest Glinne,
Nora Mebrak-Zaïdi, Antonio Coimbra Martins, Marc Galle, Nereo Laroni, Ben Fayot,
Juan de la Câmara Martinez, Janey Buchan, Achille Occhetto, Roberto Speciale, Carole

Tongue, Giulio Fantuzzi, Frédéric Rosmini, Paraskevas Avgerinos, Artur da Cunha
Oliveira, Bernard Frimat, Dimitrios Pagoropoulos, Andrea Raggio, Maurice Duverger,
Claude Desama, Rinaldo Bontempi, Biagio De Giovanni, Renzo Trivelli, Anna Catasta,
Joào Cravinho, Dieter Rogalla, Luigi Colajanni, Marie-Claude Vayssade, Josep Verde i

Aldea, Arthur Newens, Martine Buron, Claude Delcroix, Raymonde Dury,
Konstantinos Tsimas, Renzo Imbeni, Pasqualina Napoletano, Luis Planas Puchades,
Barbara Schmidbauer, Christos Papoutsis, Jannis Sakellariou, Michel Hervé, Gérard
Fuchs, Claude Cheysson, Jean-Paul Benoit, ' Gérard Caudron, Adriana Ceci, André
Sainjon, Barbara Simons, Klaus Hänsch, Maria Santos, Carlos Bru Purón, Alain
Bombard, Annemarie Goedmakers, Manuel Medina Ortega, Lode Van Outrive and Jose
Happart to the Commission
Subject : Inclusion of a cultural clause in the GATT agreements 43

94 / C 255 / 81 E-3014 / 93 by Georgios Anastassopoulos, Doris Pack, Manuel García Amigo, Arie
Oostlander, Nicole Fontaine, Karsten Hoppenstedt and Ria Oomen-Ruijten to the
Commission

Subject : Audiovisual aspects of the GATT multilateral negotiations 44

94 / C 255 / 82 E-30 15 / 93 by Yves Frémion, Eva-Maria Quistorp, Marco Taradash and Paul Staes to the
Commission

Subject : The GATT negotiations and the needs of the European audiovisual industry 44

94 / C 255 / 83 E-31 68 / 93 by Christian de la Malène and Louis Lauga to the Commission
Subject : Audiovisual dimension of the GATT negotiations and inclusion of a ' cultural clause ' 44

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3012 / 93, 3013 / 93, 3014 / 93, 3015 / 93 and
E-3168 / 93 44

94 / C 255 / 84 E-3032 / 93 by Jean-Pierre Raffin to the Commission
Subject : Cohesion Fund 44

94 / C 255 / 85 E-3034 / 93 by John Iversen to the Commission
Subject : Tighter checks on waste trafficking 45

94 / C 255 / 86 E-3058 / 93 by Francois Musso to the Commission
Subject : Implementation of the Leader Programme in Corsica 45

94 / C 255 / 87 E-3063 / 93 by Günter Lüttge to the Commission
Subject : Council Regulation on action by the Member States concerning the obligations inherent in
the concept of a public service in transport by rail, road and inland waterway 46

Notice No Contents ( continued ) p age

94 / C 255 / 88 E-3085 / 93 by Victor Arbeloa Muru to the Commission
Subject : Lack of information concerning the Commission 's plans 46

94 / C 255 / 89 E-31 17 / 93 by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission
Subject : GEIE, Promotive 47

94 / C 255 / 90 E-3 135 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Absence of a common organization of the market for vegetables and horticultural
products 47

94 / C 255 / 91 E-31 36 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Absence of a common organization of the market for legumens 47

94 / C 255 / 92 E-3 137 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Absence of a common organization of the market for dried fruit 48

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3135 / 93, 3136 / 93 and E-3137 / 93 48

94 / C 255 / 93 E-3 148 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Better knowledge of Community law 48

94 / C 255 / 94 E-3152 / 93 by Enrico Falqui to the Commission
Subject : Extension of plant for the storage and incineration of special toxic / harmful waste at Pitelli

( La Spezia, Italy ) 49

94 / C 255 / 95 E-3207 / 93 by Winifred Ewing to the Commission
Subject : North Sea pollution 49

94 / C 2 55 / 96 E-3233 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Adequacy of provisions of Directive 86 / 609 / EEC on animals used in experiments . . . 49

94 / C 255 / 97 E-3266 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Adoption of the potato protection Regulation 50

94 / C 255 / 98 E-3282 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : The Aliki wetland on the island of Kos 50

94 / C 255 / 99 E-3409 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Extension of the Single Market to cover the extradition of criminals 50

94 / C 255 / 100 E-3533 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Exemption of cinema and television from the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade

( GATT ) 51

94 / C 255 / 101 E-3567 / 93 by Manuel Medina Ortega to the Commission
Subject : Youth Programme in the Canaries 52

94 / C 255 / 102 E-3622 / 93 by Karl-Heinz Florenz to the Commission
Subject : Forthcoming amendment of the Directive on dangerous preparations 52

94 / C 255 / 103 E-3388 / 93 by Pedro Canavarro to the Commission
Subject : Simultaneous interpreting services at national experts ' meetings 53

94 / C 255 / 104 E-3706 / 93 by José Gil-Robles Gil-Delgado to the Commission
Subject : Simultaneous interpreting during meetings of national experts 53

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3388 / 93 and E-3706 / 93 53

( Continued overleaf )

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94 / C 255 / 105 E-3918 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Protection of manufacturers of genuine products 54

94 / C 255 / 106 E-4012 / 93 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Hepatitis B immunization programmes 54

94 / C 255 / 107 E-38 / 94 by Emmanouil Karellis to the Commission
Subject : Community Directive on package tours 55

94 / C 255 / 108 E-203 / 94 by Sotiris Kostopoulos to the Commission
Subject : Special programme to protect the islands of the European Union 55

94 / C 255 / 109 E-442 / 94 by Winifred Ewing to the Commission
Subject : Polrep pollution reporting system 55

94 / C 255 / 110 E-683 / 94 by Raphael Chanterie to the Commission
Subject : Directive on the use of claims concerning foodstuffs 55

94 / C 255 / 111 E-6 84 / 94 by Hugh McMahon to the Commission
Subject : Older workers in the labour market 56

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 1

I

( Information )

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 12 / 93

WRITTEN QUESTION E-456 / 93

Lord O'Hagan ( PPE ) by Thomas Megahy ( PSE )

to the Commission to the Commission

by Lord O'Hagan ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 10 February 1993 )

( 11 March 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 01 ) ( 94 / C 255 / 02 )

Subject : Social Action Programme

To what extent will the Social Action Programme be
affected by the introduction of subsidiarity ?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

( 29 October 1993 )

The Social Action Programme takes broad account of the
subsidiarity principle . Within the framework for social
dialogue on the Community Charter of the Fundamental
Social Rights of Workers careful consideration has been
given to the need for, and intensity of, programmed
measures . The Protocol on social policy attached to the
Treaty on European Union assigns to management and
labour a leading role in both the planning and the
implementation of Community measures .

As regards the review of current legislation in the light of
subsidiarity, the Council had the following statement
entered on the conclusions of the Edinburgh European
Council :

' Turning to social policy, the Commission considers that
the group of Directives based on Article 118a of the
Treaty is too recent to warrant re-examination . Instead
its priority will be to supplement them by implementing
all the provisions of the Charter of the Fundamental
Social Rights of Workers .'

Subject : Structural Funds — Community initiatives

Following decisions taken at the Edinburgh Council, what
are the implications for Community initiatives in the
following respects :

1 . As CIS are to focus on inter-regional cooperation, what
flexibility will the EC have to introduce new sector
initiatives ?

2 . Is there likely to be a Rechar 2 Programme ? Will it be
funded from the allocaction to CIS or from Objective 2
allocation ?

3 . Will CIS have an ESF component ?

4 . Will the CIS continue to include human resources

initiatives ( e.g. Euroform, NOW, Horizon )?

5 . What mechanism will be used by the EC to adopt new
proposed actions ? Will the Member States have an
enhanced role in approving the EC 's proposals, via a
special committee of the Council of Ministers ?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

(1 1 October 1993 )

The Commission replied in part to the Honourable
Member 's questions in its communication of 16 June

No C 255 / 2 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

1993 ( ) on the future of Community initiatives under the
Strucutral Funds ( Green Paper ). However, the Commission
is still at the preliminary stage in defining the approach to be
adopted . It will take up a position following the discussions
which are to take place on the Green Paper, particularly in
the European Parliament .

As regards the decision-making mechanisms, the Council
has decided to set up a management committee .

(') COM(93 ) 282 final .

statement on behalf of the Commission on 5 January 1993
to the effect that the Commission did not have the statistics

necessary to give such a breakdown .

However, a number of statistics are available from other
sources concerning the award of contracts :

( million ECU )

France 49 445

Belgium 30 952

United Kingdom 28 185

Germany 20 368

Netherlands 19 228
WRITTEN QUESTION E-724 / 93

by José Valverde Lôpez ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 14 April 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 03 )

Subject : Spain 's failure to implement the meat products

Directive

Spain is failing to implement Directive 88 / 658 / 93 ('). At
what stage is the relevant action to establish Spain 's failure
to fulfil its obligations under the Treaty ?

( ] ) OJ No L 382, 31 . 12 . 1988, p . 15 .

Why does the Commission itself not draw up and publish
statistics in this area ? In the light of the available statistics,
what is the Commission 's response to the criticisms that

1 . a disproportionate share of contracts are awarded to
companies in the same countries, that is to say France
and Belgium, and

2 . the contracts awarded in the individual Member States

always go to the same consultancies ?

(') OJ No C 127, 7 . 5 . 1993, p . 11 .

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

Answer given by Mr Delors on behalf of the Commission
on behalf of the Commission
( 22 November 1993 )
( 21 December 1993 )

Spain has not yet forwarded the implementing measures for
Directive 88 / 658 / EEC to the Commission .

The Commission therefore started infringement
proceedings against this Member State and referred the
matter to the Court of Justice on 12 October 1992 . The
Court delivered its judgment on 13 October 1993 and found
that Spain failed to fulfil its obligations under the EC
Treaty .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-795 / 93

by Ursula Braun-Moser ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 19 April 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 04 )

Subject : Contracts awarded by the Commission within the

framework of the Phare-Programme

In answer to Written Question No 1682 / 92 ( l ) requesting a
breakdown of firms awarded consultancy contracts in each
of the Member States, Commissioner Andriessen made a

The figures quoted by the Honourable Member are taken
from the tables of statistics given by the Commission to the
Member States ' Phare Committee in December 1992 : they
cover only contracts placed and signed in Brussels, and not
those for which the recipient countries are responsible under
the decentralized management scheme .

Owing to the large number of new contracts signed each
month, the breakdown by nationality reflected in the
statistics is constantly changing . By way of additional
information, and to illustrate the fact that breakdowns are
subject to variation, the figures for early May 1993 are
compared below with those for December 1992 :

( million ECU )

7 December 1 992 7 May 1993

Of which
Total

which Of which

Total
services services

services

France 49 445 25 354 56 101 30 281

Belgium 30 952 14 278 43 144 24 609

United

Kingdom 28 185 17 024 50 900 34 224

Germany 20 368 11 172 51 916 25 398

Netherlands 19 228 7 683 22 456 8 945

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 3

The information on the share of ' service contracts ' in the

total for a particular Member State was added in order to
draw the Honourable Member 's attention to the following
points :

( a ) Only in relation to ' service contracts ' could questions
be raised about equality of opportunities between
Member States, because the remainder (' supplies
contracts ') is awarded solely on the basis of an
international invitation to tender published in the
Official Journal of the European Communities .

( b ) Equality of opportunities between Member States for

' service contracts ' is ensured by short-listing, with the
Commission taking care that short-list composition is
as balanced as possible .

The number of contractors with ' service contracts ' is 480,
for 1 220 service contracts on 7 May 1993, which proves
that contracts are not ' always ' placed with the same
consultancies .

and popular theatre and to the promotion of the cultural
heritage in general by means of the Kaleidoscope
programme . For example, in Greece in 1993, this
Programme supported an exhibition of set designs for
classical tragedies, a folk festival ( the spoken word and folk
art ) and a pan-European conference on the protection and
promotion of the oral dimension of Europe 's musical
heritage .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-994 / 93

by Alan Donnelly ( PSE )

to the Commission

(3 May 1993 )

94 / C 255 / 06

Subject : ECSC Article 56 conversion loans

Given the desperate financial situation faced by many SMEs
throughout the Community, what provision has been made
by the Commission to exercise reasonable discretion in
requesting repayments of interest rebates from ECSC
WRITTEN QUESTION E-838 / 93 Article 56 conversion loans ?

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 16 April 1993 ) Answer given by Mr Christophersen

( 94 / C 255 / 05 ) on behalf of the Commission

( 21 December 1993 )

Subject : Measures to preserve and develop expressions of

popular culture

The living popular, cultural and artistic heritage ( songs,
music, dances, popular theatre etc .) of Europe constitutes an
essential part of the Community 's identity . Given that this
aspect of cultural heritage has so far been neglected, does the
Commission intend to propose EC measures to preserve and
develop expressions of popular and regional culture in
Europe ?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro

on behalf of the Commission

The Commission is currently examining the possibility of
introducing increased flexibility in the procedures for
requesting repayment of interest rebates on ECSC Article 56
loans .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1294 / 93

by Marie-José Denys ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 June 1993 )

(8 February 1994 ) ( 94 / C 255 / 07

Article 128 of the EC Treaty sets the conservation and
safeguarding of cultural assets of European importance as
one of the aims of Community action . However, according
to the principle of subsidiarity, action of this type can only
be envisaged where the objectives cannot be adequately
achieved by the Member States or the local or regional
authorities .

The Commission already contributes, albeit in an indirect
and limited manner, to the promotion of music, song, dance

Subject : Green Paper on the development of the single

market for postal services

In its resolution of 22 January 1993 ( AS-393 / 92 ) the
European Parliament called on the Commission to draw up
a package of proposals for a single market in postal
services .

Parliament was opposed to any transposition of these
measures on the basis of Article 90(3 ) of the EEC Treaty and

No C 255 / 4 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

insisted that Article 100 A of the EEC Treaty should be the
sole legal basis for the proposals, which would all relate to
the achievement of the single market .

Accordingly, the definition of the universal service and
reserved service should be drawn up in collaboration with
the European Parliament .

Does the Commission intend to use Article 90(3 ) as the legal
basis for defining services falling within the reserved
category when the European Parliament has expressed its
opposition to this ?

In general, to what extent does the Commission intend to
take account of the opinion expressed by an overwhelming
majority of the European Parliament in the consultation
procedure on the Green Paper on the development of the
single market for postal services ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 15 December 1993 )

The Community 's priority at this stage is to draw all possible
conclusions from the public consultation procedure, to
adopt final proposals and to lay down a timetable for their
implementation . This will enable it to choose the most
appropriate legal basis for the legislative texts relating to the
postal sector .

The Commission is aware of the importance of the
economic and social implications of any measures adopted
in the postal sector . For this reason, it has adopted a
moderate approach to the subject of postal services, with
in-depth consultation of all those concerned in the

sector .

The Commission has not yet determined the legal basis of
the legislative measures it will be putting forward, but,
whatever the decision, its wish now is for an exchange of
views and a constructive dialogue with Parliament on the
postal sector .

With regard to the second point, the Commission has just

started to analyse the contributions received during the
consultation procedure, which involved a large number of
interested parties in the sector . The opinions are often of a
high standard and the comments expressed will be very
useful in defining the Community project .

The opinions almost without exception support the general
thinking put forward by the Commission, even if differing
viewpoints were made on specific points .

The Commission is also taking as much account as possible
of the comments expressed by Parliament on the basis of Mr
Simpson 's report, which was adopted in part session on
26 January 1993 . These comments will be incorporated as

best they can in the Commission 's future guidelines on the
postal sector with a view to giving the Community postal
services which are efficient and meet the expectations of the
citizens of Europe .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1305 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 08 )

Subject : Community unemployed

The new jobs which have so far been created in the Member
States of the Community are not sufficient for the millions of
unemployed . Reports from many Community countries are
particularly discouraging . Data relating to unemployment
in the European Community were published recently in
connection with an international conference on

'
Community initiatives — Euroform-Horizon, two years
on ' held in the municipality of Aghia Paraskevi in Attica .
According to the papers delivered at the conference, the
social groups most affected by unemployment were :
unskilled workers, persons employed in antiquated
industrial sectors, persons with special needs, women and
ethnic minorities . In particular, only 13 % of persons with
special needs has managed to find a job .

Is there any scope for rapidly bringing down the percentage
of long-term unemployed ? What decisive measures does the
Commission intend to take to assist these categories of
unemployed, and especially persons with special needs ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 11 October 1993 )

The Commission shares the concern of the Honourable

Member not only about the scale of the long-term
unemployment problems facing the Community, but also
the inequitable way in which the most vulnerable in society
are affected .

As the Commission communication discussed by the
Employment and Social Affairs Council on 1 June 1993
shows clearly, the problem is one of employment as much as
unemployment . A framework is now in place which will not
only assist those unemployed to become re-integrated into
the labour market, but will also enable the Community to
pursue a strategy of more employment intensive growth .
These objectives will be pursued on the basis of a
programme of work covering the coming months and

years .

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 5

The Commission has supported the most vulnerable by a
number of measures under present Social Fund operations,
and the on-going reform is designed to ensure most flexible
and targeted support to those facing particular barriers to
labour market participation .

Direct support for initiatives within Member States to
promote the employment of disabled people will also
continue to be given through the European Social Fund, the
Horizon initiative and other Community programmes .

Vocational training, employment rehabilitation and
economic integration are all included as areas on which
specific action will be taken under the third Community
action programme to assist disabled people ( Helios II )
1993 — 1 996 . The exchange of information provided by the
programme is intended to lead to the promotion of the
development of a policy at Community level of cooperation
with the Member States and the organizations and
associations concerned, based on the best innovative and
effective practice in the Member States .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1394 / 93

by Hiltrud Brcyer ( V )

to the Commission

(8 June 199 3 )

( 94 / C 255 / 09 )

Subject : Storage capacities of FX nuclear power stations

1 . What is the current storage capacity for spent fuel
elements of European nuclear power stations and research
reactors, and how great is the storage capacity of these
nuclear power stations in relation to

— the reactor core,

— the total capacity of the storage pond,

— the capacity to be kept free for the reactor core,

— reserve racks

2 . How many spent fuel elements are stored at individual
nuclear power stations, and of what type are they ?

3 . How many spent fuel elements have individual nuclear
power stations produced over the last five years ?

4 . When would the storage capacities of individual
nuclear power stations be exhausted, if no further spent fuel
elements were removed for reprocessing or interim
storage ?

5 . What quantities of radioactive waste with low thermal
discharge are produced by individual nuclear power stations
annually ?

6 . What capacity do the internal storage sites of the
nuclear power stations concerned have to absorb such
waste, and to what extent are they occupied at present ?

Answer given by Mr Matutes

on behalf of the Commission

( 29 November 1993 )

With reference to the information requested in points 1 to 4,
the Commission would inform the Honourable Member

that it has carried out periodic surveys in the Member States
concerning the management of spent nuclear fuels . A study
was first conducted in 1982 (') within the ad hoc Advisory
Committee on the Reprocessing of Irradiated Nuclear Fuels

( Corecom ) set up by Council Decision of 18 February 1990,
and was last updated in 1988 ( 2 ). More recent information,
broken down by Member State, concerning the quantities of
spent fuel elements produced in the past by the
Community 's nuclear power stations, including
information relating to storage capacity, is contained in the
communication on the present situation and prospects for
radioactive waste management in the European
Community ( 3 ). This communication also contains detailed
information on the issues raised in points 5 and 6 of the
question . All these documents give figures broken down by
Member State rather than by individual power station, as
the Commission feels it is not its place to divulge
information of a commercial nature .

All the above studies have shown that, taking into account
all the types of storage ( in nuclear power stations, in
centralized storage facilities away from the reactor site and

in reprocessing plants ), the Community has sufficient
storage capacity for spent fuel elements to meet its present
and future needs .

Furthermore, bearing in mind the relatively short
construction time for storage facilities and the fact that the
quantities to be dealt in the foreseeable future are known
with some accuracy, a shortage of interim storage capacity
can be avoided without major difficulty .

Moreover the Commission, judging the likelihood of
disruption in the removal of fuel elements to interim storage
facilities away from nuclear power stations to be minimal,
cannot echo the concern expressed by the Honourable
Member in point 4 of her question .

(') COM ( 82 ) 37 final .

( 2 ) SEC(88 ) 751 .
(M COM(93 ) 88 final .

No C 255 / 6 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

QUESTION E-l 484 / 93 Does the Commission consider that it should intervene in

Papoutsis ( PSE ) such a case on the grounds that the principle established by

Gravier has been flouted ?
to the Commission

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 484 / 93

by Christos Papoutsis ( PSE )

( 14 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 10 )

Answer given by Mr Ruberti
on behalf of the Commission

Subject : Award of contracts for the construction of ( 18 October 1993 )
electricity generating plants in Greece to private
individuals

In view of the public outcry in Greece and the complaints
lodged by trade union organizations regarding plans to
award contracts for electricity generating plants in Greece to
certain private individuals, will the Commission say
whether it intends to make representations to the Greek
authorities to avoid dubious practices and violations of
Community rules on competition and public procurement
contracts ?

The ruling of the European Court of Justice in the Gravier
Case ( 193 / 83 ), and in other subsequent cases provides an
interpretation of Article 7 of the EEC Treaty on prohibition
of discriminatory treatment of Community nationals, as far
as it concerns access conditions to higher education courses
taken in other Member States .

Article 7 of the EEC Treaty, as well as the rulings of the
Court of Justice interpreting this Article, do not apply to
purely internal national situations like that envisaged in the
present question . The access of a Member State 's nationals,
living on its territory, to its education system is a matter of
Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi the competence of the Member State and the Commission

on behalf of the Commission

can not intervene .

on behalf of the Commission

( 23 November 1993 )

The Commission has examined the case described by the
Honourable Member . It has no information suggesting that
the procedures to be used for the award of contracts for
electricity generating plants in Greece lack transparency or
that Community rules on competition and public
procurement are not respected .

If the Honourable Member is able to supply precise
information on the alleged violations, the Commission will
certainly investigate them .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1633 / 93

by James Ford ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 22 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 12 )

Subject : Racism and xenophobia : progress on Ford report

recommendations

Could the Commission please state what progress has been
WRITTEN QUESTION E - 15 73 / 93 made in satisfying the specific recommendations listed
below proposed by the European Parliament 's Committee

by Michael Welsh ( PPE ) of Inquiry into Racism and Xenophobia ?
to the Commission

( 17 June 1993 ) — Recommendation No 15 appointment of EC Officer for

Immigration
( 94 / C 255 / 11 )

Subject : Discrimination against students on grounds of

nationality

The decision by the European Court of Justice in the Gravier
case makes it illegal for universities in the Community to
refuse admission to applicants for student places on grounds
of nationality .

The Medical Faculty at Edinburgh recently refused an
application from a constituent of mine, a UK citizen, on the
sole grounds that she was not Scottish .

— Recommendation No 19 information campaign

— Recommendation No 24 education of children of

migrant workers

— Recommendation No 31 EC-wide anti-racist legislation

Directive

— Recommendation No 32 directive prohibiting
circulation of racist material

— Recommendation No 33 European Residents '
Charter

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 7

— Recommendation No 35 Draft convention based on UN

Convention on Refugees

— Recommendation No 36 appointment of an EC officer

for Asylum

— Recommendation No 40 provisions for legal action to be

taken against decisions of Schengen and Ad Hoc Group
on Immigration .

Could the Commission also please detail other progress it
has made in this area which is not directly related to the
above recommendations, so that any positive developments
can be made more widely known ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

(2 December 1993 )

As regards actions carried out by the Commission and
recommendations made by the Committee of Enquiry into
Racism and Xenophobia, the Commission would refer the
Honourable Member to the Commission 's reply to the
debate of 21 April 1993 on Mr De Piccoli 's report .

WRITTEN QUESTION E    - 1635 / 93

by Hemmo Muntingh ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 22 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 13 )

Subject : Tacis Programme

1 . Could the Commission provide a list of the actual
projects funded under the Tacis component for the Tyumen
region of Siberia, including the place where these are carried
out, the organizations targeted, as well as specific
information about the projects ' terms of reference ?

2 . Is the Commission aware of the considerable

controversy within Russia, surrounding the planned
development of a pipeline on the Yamal peninsula in
Siberia ? Is the Commission planning to assist in the
construction of this pipeline ?

3 . In Siberia, as in Alaska, oil and gas extraction are
particularly difficult and their environmental impact is dire .
In providing technical assistance to the development of oil
and gas extraction in Tyumen ( western Siberia ), is the
Commission also providing expertise on the environmental
effects of such developments in the high Arctic ?

4 . The Technical Assistance Programme for Tyumen
allocates ECU 0,8 million to ' supporting the governor 's

office and the Regional Planning Board in its formulation of
Oblast economic strategy, sectoral policies, budgeting,
decision-making and implementation procedures and
administrative management '. Does this include a
strengthening of the administration 's ability to enforce or
introduce environmental safeguards on the activities of the
oil and gas enterprises . If so, how ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

(9 November 1993 )

The Honourable Member asks about action taken in the oil

and gas component of the energy sector of the Tacis
programmes, with particular reference to action in the
Tyumen region ( western Siberia ).

1 . Projects have been agreed with the Russian authorities
which concern Tyumen for the two budged years, 1991
and 1992 .

In 1991, the principal action was the constitution of the
Tyumen Task Force whose ojective was to provide
assistance to halt the decline in oil and gas production in
that region . Since the regional authorities were
concerned that the local economy should not become
too dependent on oil and gas, the Task Force also
provided assistance in regional development, aiming to
identify actions which could help to diversify the
economy . The terms of reference for the project were
drafted after a major identification mission and included
two further support components ; these were advice
relating to the legislative and fiscal requirements for
western investment in the oil and gas industry, and
management training in preparation for the
transformation to a market economy . These
components also form part of the Task Force 's current
work .

The workload of the Task Force was modified recently
in order to be able to respond to the World Bank 's
request for assistance in the preparation of their second
oil sector loan ( of $ 1 billion ), this involves the
preparation of three feasibilty studies, including
environmental assessment . The oil production
organizations are the group assisted by this

component .

The Regional Planning Board which brings together the
regional authorities of the Tyumen Oblast are the
beneficiaries of the regional component . Tyumen
University and various technical training institutions
working for the oil industry will be the principal

beneficiaries of the training actions undertaken in 1991
and foreseen in 1992 . The advice on legislative and fiscal
requirements is given mainly to the Ministry of Fuel and
Energy in Moscow, whose Minister is also chairman of
the Tyumen Regional Planning Board .

No C 255 / 8 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

The Task Force has established permanent offices in
Moscow, Tyumen and Nijnivartovsk, from where the
bulk of the work is undertaken .

The 1992 programme of action has been designed to
build on the Task Force 's work . It includes further

oilfield work, concentrating largely on environmental
rehabilitation and improvement needs, including loss
reduction and the valorization of presently flared
products . The precise form of these terms of reference
will depend on that of the projects finally retained for
bank feasibility to ensure their coherence . There is also a
training implementation project to follow on from the
identification actions being undertaken by the Task
Force .

2 and 3 . The Commission is aware of the controversy
regarding the Yamal Peninsula gas field developments
and the associated pipelines . The identification mission
for the 1 99 2 programme held lengthy discussions with a
representative of the industry from the region on this
issue . There are no projects in the present programmes
relating to arctic gas pipelines, though approaches have
been made to the Moscow Coordinating Unit of the
Tacis Programme to consider one . The Commission will
ensure that any assistance project includes a full review
of the environmental consequences in this field, should
any be retained as part of 1993 or later programmes,
and that the experts retained for the work have the
appropriate experience .

It is worth noting in passing that oil extraction and
transport in arctic conditions does not have to have dire
environmental consequences, and that the Alaskan
experience is good in this respect — despite the Exxon
Valdez disaster, which was not an arctic disaster, but
one which could have occurred anywhere, and has
indeed occurred along many coasts ( Cornwall, Brittany,
Shetland, Galicia . . .).

4 . The terms of reference for the technical advice to the

Governor 's office include an environmental dimension .

This will be mainly available for non-oil development in
industry and agriculture and in energy saving, for which
ECU 1 million has been allocated in 1992 . In addition,
the programme foresees a project to determine the
sustainable rate of logging and to introduce
environmentally sound logging techniques .

So far as concerns oil and gas environmental protection,
this will form part of the feasibility study work described
and the end of point 1 above . Each of the loss reduction
and the field or well rehabilitation aspects foresees an
environmental dimension which will need to include the

preparation of an appropriate procedures manual .

WRITTEN QUESTION E    - 1642 / 93

by Llewellyn Smith ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 22 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 14 )

Subject : Clandestine sale of nuclear materials

What arrangements exist in the Community for the
collaboration of police forces to combat the illicit import
and clandestine sale of nuclear materials ?

Answer given by Mr Matutes

on behalf of the Commission

( 22 October 1993 )

Police tasks are the exclusive responsibility of Member
States . It has been reported to the Commission that
coordinated police actions have already been decided under
the aegis of Interpol . Although the Commission is not
directly involved in these arrangements, actions have been
undertaken since 1991 by the Commission in order to :

— gather information from national authorities,

— organize effective communciation and cooperation with

Member States and to provide expertise at their specific

request,

— implement safeguards on seized nuclear material,

— perform analysis of seized nuclear material when

requested by national authorities of courts,

— initiative the set-up of relevant databases .

Moreover, in view of the responsibilities of the Commission
concerning safeguards and radio-protection, the
Commission intends to follow up this matter on a European
level in the near future . The entry into force of the Treaty on
European Union, and more especially of its Title VI on the
cooperation in the fields of justice and home affairs, will
offer new perspectives for that purpose, by fully associating
the Commission to the police cooperation of the Member
States .

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 9

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 685 / 93

by Richard Simmonds ( PPE )

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

to the Commission ( 10 November 1993 )

( 28 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 15 )

Subject : French Affaires Maritimes employment
regulations

Further to my original question tabled in October 1992

( Written Question No 3014 / 92 ), will the Commission
ascertain whether the French Affaires Maritimes will

recognize the employment rights of European citizens and
the validity of British DOT / RYA Yacht Master Certificates,
in the context of French-flagged pleasure vessels after

1 January 1993 ?

Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi

on behalf of the Commission

(2 December 1993 )

As to substance, the Commission would refer the
Honourable Member to the answer it gave to his Written
Question No 3014 / 92 (') on the same subject .

The Commission does not possess any information to
suggest that France is not complying with the relevant
Community legislation . If the Honourable Member knows
of any particular cases involving a possible infringement, the
Commission would like to receive all the information

necessary for the matter to be examined .

(!) OJ No C 264, 29 . 9 . 1993 .

The objectives of the Operational Programme for the Retex

initiative in Greece, the measures chosen to achieve the
objectives and the financial data are included in the
programme which the Commission adopted by its Decision
of 18 June 1993 .

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

Decision .

Retex is intended to accelerate the diversification of

economic activities in regions heavily dependent on the
textile and clothing sectors . The Retex Programme for
Greece places a strong emphasis on the improvement of
know-how and is aimed at all economic sectors .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 744 / 93

by James Ford ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 29 June 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 17 )

Subject : UK motor insurers maintaining an ' approved

repairer ' scheme

Has the Commission to date made investigation into the
practice of insurance companies to specify an approved or
recommended repairer for work under claims on motor
insurance ?

Does this practice fall within the competence of the
Competition Commissioner ? If not already undertaken,
would he consider now making an investigation of the
effects of this upon competition for other motor
repairers ?
WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 735 / 93

by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE )

to the Commission

( 29 June 1993 )

Answer given by Mr Van Miert

on behalf of the Commission

( 94 / C 255 / 16 ) ( 23 November 1993 )

Subject : Allocation of Retex funds to Greece

Retex funds are soon to be allocated to Greece, adminstered
by the Greek Bank for Industrial Development ( ETVA ).

Which sections of the programme relate to the restructuring
of the Greek textile and clothing sectors and what funds will
be made available for the various measures ?

The Commission has not to date made an investigation into
the practice described by the Honourable Member .

The Honourable Member may already be aware that the
Office of Fair Trading ( OFT ) has looked into the operation
of recommended repairer schemes generally . The OFT
found no evidence that the schemes have driven firms out of

the market nor did it find grounds for the claim that the
schemes allow excessive prices to be charged for repairs ( see

No C 255 / 10 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

OFT Press Release No 48 / 93 of 22 July 1993 ). The
Director-General of Fair Trading decided not to take formal
action under UK competition legislation .

Notwithstanding the progressive development of a single
market in insurance, there would not currently appear to be
any appreciable cross-border provision of motor vehicle
insurance . The practice described by the Honourable
Member would therefore appear to have no appreciable
effect on trade between Member States and thus to fall

outside the scope of the Community 's competition rules .

Euratom Supply Agency receive, for civil nuclear material,
advance notifications and inventory change reports on a
routine basis in line with relevant Community law ( mainly
the Euratom Regulation ( EEC ) No 3227 / 76 ). These data
comprise inter alia nuclear material quantities, physical and
chemical form, transport dates and means, use of material,
receiver and shipper data, and supply contract data as
relevant .

Certain data on imports and exports are published in the
' Report on the Operation of Euratom Safeguards ' which is
prepared every two years and forwarded to the
Parliament .

In view of the conclusions of the OFT and of the apparent .
absence of an appreciable effect on trade between Member
States, the Commission does not currently intend to make its
own investigation . However, were the Honourable Member
or any other party do provide evidence that the practice
restricts competition and affects trade between Member
States, then the Commission would certainly further WRITTEN QUESTION E - 1804 / 93
consider the matter . by Christian de la Malène ( RDE ) and Alain Pompidou

( RDE )

to the Commission

( 12 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 19 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 774 / 93

by Alex Smith ( PSE )
Subject : Community coal policy
to the Commission

(2 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 18 )

Subject : Reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel

What notifications has the Commission received from the

French Government and nuclear authorities, including the
nuclear fuel company Cogema, since 1970, for the export of
300-400 tonnes of spent nuclear fuel to the former Soviet
Union for reprocessing at the Tomsk-7 and other
reprocessing facilities ? What data on the import and export
of spent nuclear fuels and processed nuclear materials are
routinely forwarded to the Euratom Supply and Safeguards
Agency ? What data on such imports / exports are published
by Euratom, and in what form ?

Does not the Commission feel it necessary to review its
guidelines on the Community 's coal policy in the light of the
development of technologies which have led to major
productivity gains in this sector over the past few years ?

In particular, will the Commission make known its view on
the report drawn up on 31 December 1992 by independent
experts on the situation in the Community 's coal industry,
and does it intend to take account of the conclusions set

down in this report ?

Lastly — insofar as it agrees with the assumptions that

fuels and processed nuclear materials are

Community coal prices will become competitive with

to the Euratom Supply and Safeguards imported coal prices in the near future — does the
data on such imports / exports are published Commission intend to propose, in the place of ad hoc
in what form ?

measures of limited scope, a coherent Community coal
policy designed to make the Community independent in
terms of energy, ensure security of supply and save jobs in
the regions in which traditional industries are located ?
Answer given by Mr Matutes

on behalf of the Commission

( 11 November 1993 )

Answer given by Mr Matutes

on behalf of the Commission

The Commission is not aware of notifications from the ( 28 October 1993 )
French Government and nuclear operators about exports
and spent nuclear fuel to the former Soviet Union for
reprocessing .

With reference to the general question of data on the import
or export of spent nuclear fuels and processed nuclear
materials, the Euratom Safeguards Directorate and the

The Commission is aware of the substantial progress made
by the Community coal industry in recent years in terms of
productivity . However, the fact is that, despite this progress,
which has not been the same in all coal-mining areas of the
Community, the aim of being competitive on the world

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 11

market would seem to be unattainable for a large part of the
industry since the average production costs in the
Community are about ECU 1 1 0 tee compared with a world
market price of less than ECU 40 tee . This information is
also confirmed in the report by independent experts to
which the Honourable Members refer and which does not

expect any significant increase in world market prices in the
foreseeable future .

Competitive Community undertakings are not expected to
encounter any problems of disposal as Community coal
consumption is expected to rise over the next two
decades .

In view of the critical situation facing a number of mining
companies, the Commission has sent the Council a draft
decision allowing the Member States to grant aid, subject to
certain conditions, to their coal industries between 1994
and 2002 .

This should enable steps to be taken to improve the
competitiveness of the industry and to reduce the social and
regional problems associated with the conversion of
declining mining areas .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 829 / 93

by Brigitte Ernst de la Graete ( V )

to the Commission

( 13 July 1993 )

94 / C 255 / 20 )

Subject : Action to counter the resurgence of racism and

xenophobia in Europe

On 21 April 1993, the European Parliament adopted
resolution No A3-0127 / 93 on the resurgence of racism and
xenophobia in Europe .

What concrete action has the Commission taken, or what
action is it planning to take in this respect, particularly to
promote contacts and the exchange of experience to combat
racism and anti-Semitism and further equal rights for
immigrants ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

antisemitism, and xenophobia . A list of these projects is
being sent to the Honourable Member and to the
Secretariat-General of Parliament . Many further projects
may be deemed to include an anti-racism element also,
within the overall aim of the integration of ethnic
minorities .

Within the Commission budget-line to promote the
integration of migrants ( No B3-4110 ) some ECU 500 000
will be spent in 1993 in consultation with the European
Trades Union Congress on combatting xenophobia .

Finally, the Commission has recently published a report on
legal instruments to combat racism and xenophobia, which
was transmitted to the European Parliament on 29 April

1993 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1915 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( IS July 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 21 )

Subject : Whaling

Norway, Iceland and Japan have planned a resumption of
large-scale commercial whaling . They announced their
decision at the meeting of the International Whaling
Commission of 10 May which was holding its 45th
conference .

As whale catching methods are regarded by European
animal protection bodies as particularly inhumane and
crude, does the Commission intend to take immediate
action to save the animals threatened with extinction by the
decision to authorize the resumption of whaling ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

(6 December 1993 )

The International Whaling Commission ( IWC ) is the
international organization responsable for the conservation
of whales . The Commission attaches great importance to
the work of this organization and recommended in July

(9 December 1993 )

1992 to the Council to seek Community membership of this
organization . The Council has not yet adopted a position in
this matter . Currently Denmark, Germany, Spain, France,
The Commission has funded or is funding 13 1993 projects Ireland, the Netherlands and United Kingdom are
so far in eight Member States directly combatting racism, contracting Governments in the IWC .

No C 255 / 12 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

The IWC decided, at its annual meeting held 10 — 14 May

1993, to extend the moratorium on commercial whaling .
The Commission regrets that certain Contracting
Governments decided nevertheless to resume commercial

whaling .

In the waters under the jurisdiction or sovereignty of
Community Member States whaling is prohibited .
Furthermore, the import for commercial reasons of
products stemming from whales is forbidden in the
Community since 1982 pursuant to Regulation ( EEC )
No 348 / 81 (').

5 . The USA, France and Canada would resume their aid
programmes and gradually transform the observers into
technical assistance teams ;

6 . The embargo would be lifted .

This proposal has obvious disadvantages : President Aristide
would remain outside the country until summer 1994, i.e.,

until expiry of General Cedras 's mandate, and the ' elections '
which replaced one third of the Senate would not be
declared void .

(') OJ No L 39, 12 . 2 . 1981 . What is the Commission 's reaction to this proposal ?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 21 December 1993 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-l 965 / 93

by Ernest Glinne ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 19 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 22 )

The Commission has never commented on the compromise
referred to by the Honourable Member . It was always
advocated a return to constitutional democracy in Haiti,
with a democratically elected President and a negotiated
settlement of the two parties ' differences .

Subject : Community attitude towards the dictatorship in

Haiti Various approaches have been adopted since the start of the
crisis, including the Washington compromise, to which the
Honourable Member is doubtless alluding and which was

Aristide recently said he was willing to take part in March declared 1992 unconstitutional . by the Haitian Appeal Court in

President Aristide recently said he was willing to take part in
discussions based on a compromise different from that
touched on by the ACP-EEC Joint Assembly . The proposal
put forward by the Organization of American States, the
UN and the United States — which is thought to be
acceptable to General Raoul Cedras, the main instigator of
the coup on 30 September 1991 — would include the
following provisions :

1 . Recognition of Father Aristide as President for the
remainder < of his 5-year mandate ;

2 . A broad amnesty for the soldiers and ' death squads '
responsible for at least 3 000 deaths since September

1991, and for partisans of the President involved in
' necklace ' killings (a tyre impregnated with petrol is put
round the neck of the victim and set on fire );

3 . The United States would ' professionalize ' the army and
detach it from the police and the civil authorities ;

4 . The UN would send 300 observers to Haiti and the

Organization of American States would increase its
undersized group of 16 observers already in
Port-au-Prince by 200 ;

Since 4 July, the Governors Island agreements and the New
York pact have been signed . The first paved the way for a
return to constitutional government . The second set out the
details of a political agreement between the opposing sides
in Haiti . The Governors Island agreements contained the
following ten points :

1 . Organization of a political dialogue in Haiti itself

2 . Appointment of a prime minister

3 . Parliamentary ratification of the appointment

4 . Suspension of Security Council sanctions ( oil
embargo )

5 . Resumption of international cooperation in reforming
the armed forces and the police

6 . Amnesty ( following a vote on the relevant laws )

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 13

7 . Adoption of laws reforming the police and army

8 . Resignation of General Cedras and appointment of a
new commander-in-chief of the Haitian armed

forces

9 . Return of President Aristidc to Haiti on 30 October

1993

10 . UN and OAS checks for compliance with the above .

The Community and its Member States have hailed the
agreements as a milestone in settling the Haitian problem .
They have given them their full backing and have
accordingly decided to resume cooperation with the country
pursuant to point five above . President Aristide was told of
this when he visited the Commission on 8 September .

A number of meetings have been organized with the de facto
authorities to discuss the arrival of the 1 300 helpers
involved in modernizing the army and reforming the police

( points 5 and 7 of the agreements ). However, although
authorization has finally been given, opponents of the
Governors Island process have been stirring
ultra-nationalist feelings and there have been increasingly
bloody demonstrations . These have been orchestrated by
FRAPH, a band of ' neo-duvallierists ' acting with the
connivance of the army and police who were behind the
violent gathering of 1 1 October which prevented the US ship
with the helpers on board from docking . As a result,
members of the UN-OAS civilian human rights mission and
Canadian helpers already in Haiti have been evacuated to
Santo Domingo . After the murder of Mr Izmery, the Justice
Minister, Mr Mallary was killed for his political
commitment . The Community and its Member States
vigorously condemned these atrocities .

The arms and oil embargo was reimposed by the Security
Council with effect from 1 8 October, while the US froze the
bank assets of Haitian leaders and refused any more visas .
The Community and its Member States likewise reimposed
their oil embargo on the country .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1995 / 93

by Ernest Glinne ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 19 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 23 )

Subject : Hormones or products causing spongiform
encephalopathy used in animal feed — risk of
transmission through the food chain

Has the Commission studied the work of the Southwood

Commission set up in April 1988, and the Tyrell Report,

which has been available since January 1990, in which the
British Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food attempts
to assess the risk of hormones causing spongiform
encephalopathy used in feed for cows and sheep being
passed on in the food chain and thus to human beings ?

According to Dr R.G. Will, an Edinburgh doctor ( in the
New Scientist, 16 June 1990 ), the incubation period in the
human can be more than a decade and the disease can cause

symptoms similar to those of Alzheimers or
Creuzfeldt-Jakob 's disease, both of which are fatal . It has
been established that the disease can be passed on to various
mammals ( mink, pig, goat, monkey ) and the long-term fate
of a human being who has consumed contaminated meat or
milk remains, alarmingly, in question .

What are the principal legal and administrative measures
which have been taken in the UK, France and no doubt
elsewhere in the Community, and how much cooperation
has there been ?

Flow many cattle (' mad cows ' etc .) have been slaughtered ?
Some reliable statistics put the current number of cows
slaughtered and incinerated in the UK at 885 per week,
compared with 675 last year .

Is it not essential to take very strict measures to protect
human consumers of meat and milk from mental

degeneration ?

What about the excess milk production which the use of the
hormones in question and of dubious animal proteins will
add to the ' normal ' surpluses ?

Answer given by Mr Stcichen

on behalf of the Commission

( 22 November 1993 )

The Commission is familiar with the reports from the

Southwood and Tyrell committtees, and also with the recent
report from the United Kingdom expert working group on
animal Feedingstuffs chaired by Professor Lamming . The
Scientific Veterinary Committee has also been consulted on
the substance of these reports . The opinion of the Scientific
Veterinary Committee on the issues raised in the reports has
formed the basis of Community legislation designed to
protect animal and public health from this group of
diseases .

Animal spongiform encephalopathies have been recognized
for over 250 years . Scrapie is present in most Member States
and third countries whereas bovine spongiform
encephalopathy ( BSE ), first recognized in 1986, has been

No C 255 / 14 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

officially reported in seven countries : UK, France, Ireland, central nervous system, compared with scrapie where
Denmark, Switzerland, Oman and the Falkland Islands . infectivity is also found in the spleen, thymus and other
Three groups of affected countries are recognized by the tissues of the lymphoreticular system .
Office International des Epizooties ( OIF ') with respect to
BSE status :
(•) OJ No L 363, 27 . 12 . 1990 .

( a ) high incidence : UK,

( b ) low incidence : France, Ireland and Switzerland,

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2025 / 93

( c ) countries with few cases, all of which are in animals by Raymonde Dury ( PSE )
exposed in and imported from an infected country : to the Commission
Denmark, Oman, the Falkland Islands . 23 1993

to the Commission

( 23 July 1993 )

The measures taken by countries against these diseases
reflect this categorization, and also take into account the
evidence of scrapie, the size of the sheep population and
their confidence in their rendering processes .

Hence the UK has the most strict rules, prohibiting the use of
ruminant protein in ruminant feed, and the use of specified
bovine offal in all animal and human food .

Other Member States have implemented similar rules,
banning the use of ruminant protein or just specified bovine
offal in animal feed .

Community rules prohibit trade of specified bovine offal
and certain other tissues from the UK . Although Directive
90 / 667 / EEC (') lays down veterinary rules for the disposal
and processing of animal waste, it makes no special
provisions for spongiform encephalopathies ( SEs ) pending
the results of a Community study which is under way .

There is no evidence that the administration of any
hormonal preparation has been responsible for
transmission of SEs in animals . This is in contrast to

evidence that the use of pituitary extract from human
cadavers has lead to development of Creutzfeldt-Jakob
Disease . Bovine Somatotropine, on the other hand, is a
synthetic substance, and is not subject to such
contamination .

All current evidence demonstrates that scrapie is not
transmissible to humans, and that the risk from BSE is
remote . However, to avoid even that potential remote risk
from BSE, Community rules are in place to ensure that the
tissues likely to contain infectivity are excluded from the
human food chain . Recent evidence suggests that these
rules, which use scrapie as a model, may in fact be over
cautious, since the infectivity in BSE is confined to the

94 / C 255 / 24 )

Subject : Imports of chemical products from central and

eastern Europe

The European Community 's chemical industry is in a state
of crisis . Solvay, the largest Belgian chemical company, has
decided to close its plant in Couillet in Belgium and
Heilbronn in Germany . More than 500 jobs are at stake .

The chemical industry 's difficulties began in 1990 . It claims
it is being subjected to massive imports of low-price
products from the countries of central and eastern
Europe .

Is it possible to have figures on the imports of these products
from central and eastern Europe over the last five years,
broken down by firm, product and country ?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

( 11 November 1993 )

Community imports of chemical products from the central
European countries ( Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic,
Slovak Republic, Romania and Bulgaria ) increased from
698 MECU in 1988 to 1 086 MECU in 1992 . It should

however be noted that Community chemical exports to
these countries grew considerably from 1 480 MECU in

1988 to 2 097 MECU in 1992 resulting in a substantial
trade surplus for the Community of over 1 billion ECU in

1992 .

For details per product and by country, the Commission
would refer to the data bases of the Statistical Office of the

European Communities, which are directly accessible by the
services of the European Parliament . Statistics by importing
or exporting enterprises are however not available .

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 15

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2043 / 93

by Robert Delorozoy ( LDR )

to the Commission

( 23 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 25 )

Subject : Relations between the Community and the
countries of eastern Europe in the automobile

sector

Under the asymmetrical arrangements which have been
agreed on, all Community restrictions on imports of
automobiles and parts form eastern European countries will
be eliminated by 31 December 1996, while eastern
European countries will only gradually remove their own
tariff barriers between 1995 and 2002 .

The general introduction of a system of cumulation of rules
of origin involving the Community, central and eastern
Europe and EFTA countries is also being envisaged .

At the European Council in Copenhagen in June 1993
leaders acknowledged the vital importance of trade in
helping these countries make the transition to market
economy, and decided that the Community would
dismantle its tariffs on a number of products ( including cars )
two years ahead of the schedule announced in the
Agreements .

The tariff ceilings applied by the Community as part of this
process until 1 995 are administered in the same way as other
ceilings . Member States send the Commission import
returns at the end of each month, and once the ceilings are
reached the Commission may adopt a Regulation, either on
its own initiative or at the request of a Member State,
re-imposing duties on imports from the country in question
until the end of the calendar year . In 1992 no Member State
called for the re-introduction of duties on imports from the
Czech and Slovak Republics and the Commission had no
reason to believe exports from these countries warranted
such action .

The general origin cumulation system for the Community,

EFTA and central and eastern European countries
mentioned by the Honourable Member is not provided for
in any of the Agreements . It is a possibility to be studied by
the Commission, as requested by the Copenhagen European
Council .

What provisions are being envisaged by the Community to Council .
introduce effective monitoring arrangemeents to ensure that
the rules laid down in the association agreements are not
called into question, as was the case for imports of private
cars from Czechoslovakia, for which the tariff ceiling was
greatly exceeded ( ECU 236,4 million instead of ECU 96,5
million as laid down by the agreement ) without any steps
being taken to recover the duties ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-2063 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 23 July 1993 )
Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan 94 / C 255 / 26 )

on behalf of the Commission

(6 December 1993 )

Subject : Violation of civil rights and elimination of
opposition in Albania

Under the Interim Agreements, the asymmetrical
arrangements referred to by the Honourable Member mean
that the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Romania and
the Slovak Republic will have a longer transitional period
than the Community in which to complete the dismantling
of their tariffs ; the actual timetable varies according to the
country and the product concerned .

With the exception of Bulgaria, whose Agreement is not yet
in force, and Romania, whose Agreement entered into force
only in May 1993, these countries already grant tariff
preferences on imports of certain vehicles from the
Community . The Czech Republic and Slovak Republic cut
duties on cars by 20% from 1 January 1993 ; Poland and
Hungary introduced zero-duty tariff quotas for 30 000 and
50 000 cars respectively in 1992, the figures to be increased
yearly ; and Romania will cut tariffs on small cars by 20 % at
the end of 1993 .

It appears that, in its attempts to stifle the voice of
democracy, the Government of President Berisha has
recently resorted to authoritarian methods to restrict
freedom of speech and the operation of political parties . In
particular the leader of the official opposition stands
accused of the allegedly scandalous mis-management of
Community aid received via Italy during the period when he
was Prime Minister .

Legalistic and anti-parliamentary ploys are being used to
curb the right of the biggest party in the country to present
its views, even in parliament, by calling in the security forces
to obstruct democratic dialogue and parliamentary
debate .

Such methods, which are reminiscent of other authoritarian
eras, are not consistent with the Community 's

No C 255 / 16 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

interpretation of safe-guarding human rights and the
development of economic and trade relations with third
countries .

What representations will the Commission make to
President Berisha and the Albanian Government to ensure

that there is no repetition of such repressive measures
against the official opposition which will inevitably lead to
an authoritarian and undemocratic State ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

(3 December 1993 )

The Albanian Government is aware of the importance
which the Community and its Member States attach to
democracy and respect for human rights . Their support for
these values is affirmed in the Agreement on trade and
commercial and economic cooperation concluded in
February 1992 between Albania and the Community . The
Agreement stipulates that ' respect for . . . democratic
principles and human rights . . . shall inspire the domestic
and external policies of the Community and Albania, and
shall constitute an essential element of this Agreement .'

Both the Commission and the Member States have been

closely monitoring the democratization process and respect
of the rule of law in Albania . The Albanian Government has

clearly indicated that it considers respect for human rights
and the rule of law to be of primary importance, and that it
will take the necessary steps to ensure the observance of
international rules .

without being deterred by the cost, e.g. by travelling on
special cards or free of charge, or by buying a special

( low-cost ) ticket ?

Answer given by Mr Matutes

on behalf of the Commission

( 25 February 1994 )

One of the aims of the common transport policy as far as
consumers are concerned is to improve the accessibility and
quality of transport . These aims form the idea behind the
' citizen 's network ' and a quality charter . However, the
powers of the Commission are limited as compared with
those of the national and in particular the local authorities .
Any decision to grant special fares to a particular group of
passengers is a commercial decision and is therefore the
responsibility of the transport undertakings concerned,
whether these are private or public .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2074 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 23 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 28 )

Subject : Market outlets for Community wheat

It is highly likely that it will be extremely difficult to find
market outlets for wheat during the coming marketing year
as the International Wheat Council estimates that

worldwide production in 1993 / 94 will amount to 575
million tonnes . In view of the fact that stocks of cereals in
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2071 / 93 Community intervention will remain high, how does the

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE ) Commission intend to deal with this matter ?

to the Commission

( 23 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 27 )

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

Subject : Movement of journalists ( 14 December 1993 )

The Greek Press Federation claims that having to pay
unaffordable travel expenses is a great obstacle to the
freedom of movement of members of journalists ' unions and
therefore a serious impediment to news services and
freedom of the press .

In view of this, will the Commission examine measures to
enable European journalists to travel within the Community

The Commission commenced operations to dispose of
intervention wheat stocks at the beginning of the 1993 / 94
marketing year . Three months into the marketing year, the
state of sales is as follows :

4 997 000 tonnes, 4 672 000 tonnes of which were
common wheat and 325 000 tonnes w r ere durum wheat

disposed of as follows :

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 17

Internal market : 565 000 tonnes, of which 302 000 tonnes
were common wheat and 263 000 tonnes were durum

wheat ;

Export : 4 266 000 tonnes of common wheat ;

Food aid : 166 000 tonnes, of which 104 000 tonnes were
common wheat and 62 000 tonnes were durum wheat .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2075 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 23 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 29 )

Subject : Sale of this year 's Greek wheat production

Wheat producers in Greece are extremely concerned about
selling this year 's harvest because after the plans to wind up
the Kydep Cooperative are carried out, it will be left to
private initiative . Since the wheat harvest this year will be
plentiful, what measures will the Commission take to
prevent producers being exploited ?

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

( 10 November 1993 )

The Greek authorities recently informed the Commission of
a Decision to modernize the national cooperative law to
ensure that in future agricultural cooperatives are profitable
and function in accordance with the laws of the market .

It therefore appears that cereals producers will continue to
have the possibility of marketing their produce through
cooperatives irrespective of the decision taken in respect of
the organization Kydep .

The common organization of the market in cereals functions
on the basis that both private business and cooperatives
should be able to operate in the open market . Furthermore
the support measures which underpin common
organization of the market throughout the Community
provide appropriate guarantees to producers .

The Commission therefore does not see the need for

adoption of any special measures to protect Greek cereals
producers from the normal operation of the market within
the framework of the common agricultural policy .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2083 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 23 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 30 )

Subject : The pesticide Benomyl

Doctors at the top ophthalmological clinic Moorfield, in
London consider that the pesticide Benomyl, which is used
on wheat, fruit and legumes causes anophthalmia in
children . According to UK Department of Agriculture, this
pesticide could not be used in doses of more than
30 milligrams per kilo per day . Has the Community
considered this matter and, if so, when . Do the data indicate
that the Community should ban ( or at least restrict ) the use
of the pesticide Benomyl ?

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

(9 December 1993 )

The Commission consulted the Member States in the

Standing Committee on Plant Health on 18 February 1993
with regard to possible actions concerning Benomyl . They
were satisfied with their national assessments and proposed
no special action other than keeping the matter under close
review .

The Commission would draw the Honourable Member 's

attention to its replies to Written Questions No 247 / 93 by
Mrs Ceci et Vertemati and 1130 / 93 by Mrs Pollack (')
which also deal with Benomyl .

(') OJ No C 219, 8 . 8 . 1994 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2095 / 93

by Madron Seligman ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 23 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 31 )

Subject : Registration of foreign cars in Spain

It is most unfortunate that apparently pettifogging
bureaucratic rules, which operate to the disadvantage of

No C 255 / 1 8 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

citizens from other Member States, are adding to a sense of
disillusionment with the Community and all it stands for at
a time when we want popular support for the Maastricht
Treaty .

A constituent of mine, who like many British people enjoys
spending part of the year in another Member State, informs
me that in Mallorca he has had to pay for tourist number
plates for his motor car for seven years and is now precluded
from applying for Spanish plates unless he is accorded a
residence permit .

The same constituent tells me that he and other British

residents are obliged to spend much time and money in the
offices of lawyers and civil servants trying to resolve
' problems which are EEC-inspired ' and which are negating
the positive aspects of the Single Market and what we hope
to achieve when the Maastricht Treaty is at last ratified .

I have no doubt that the Commission does not have

competence with regard to the licensing of vehicles in
Member States, but can anything be done to help people like
my constituent ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2 105 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 26 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 32 )

Subject : Itinerant traders in Greece

The Association of Greek street and market traders claim

that Greek law 2000 / 91 ( Article 30(1 )) and the Greek
Ministry of Trade 's order 559 / 92 discriminate against
itinerant traders and in contravention of Articles 54 and 86

of the EEC Treaty, and Directive 75 / 369 / EEC C ).

What does the Commission intend to do to have Greek law

brought into line with Community law, and to ensure the
protection of itinerant street traders and small traders from
the arbitrary actions of the Greek authorities ?

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

Answer given by Mr Yanni d'Archirafi

on behalf of the Commission

(3 December 1993 )
Answer given by Mrs Scrivener

on behalf of the Commission

(9 November 1993 ) The problem raised by the Honourable Member concerns
the compatibility of Greek legislation on itinerant traders
with the provisions of the EEC Treaty concerning freedom

's question refers to the case of to provide services ( Article 59 ) and the provisions of

Directive 75 / 369 / EEC on measures to facilitate the effective

who are precluded from applying
plates for their motor cars by the exercise of freedom to provide services in respect of itinerant
, and are therefore obliged to obtain activities and, in particular, transitional measures in respect

of those activities .

The Honourable Member 's question refers to the case of
non-residents in Mallorca who are precluded from applying
for Spanish number plates for their motor cars by the
island 's authorities, and are therefore obliged to obtain
' tourist ' plates to be able to drive on Spanish territory . The
Honourable Member asks whether there is anything the
Commission could do to assist persons who find themselves
in this situation .

At a meeting held in Spain on 14 July 1 993 with the Spainish
tax authorities, the Commission was given some
clarifications concerning the situation in Mallorca . The
Spanish authorities referred to circular No 74 / 993 of 4 June

1994 issued by the Ministry of the Interior 's
Directorate-General for Traffic . According to the circular,
persons who are not ordinarily resident in Spain may
nevertheless obtain a national number plate for their motor
cars provided they reside in Spanish territory for at least
three months a year .

It should be noted that the problem referred to by the
Honourable Member, which was in any case an isolated
occurrence due, no doubt, to a mistaken interpretation of
Community law on the part of the authorities in Mallorca,
now appears to have been resolved .

The provision of the Greek law mentioned by the
Honourable Member limit the exercise of such activities to

certain categories of persons ( for example, handicapped
persons ) and to certain traditional activities .

The Commission is aware that itinerant traders have an

important socio-political function in revitalizing town
markets .

This is an activity which constitutes a service within the
meaning of Article 60 of the EEC Treaty and falls within the
scope of Article 52 ( right of establishment ) and Article 59

( freedom to provide services ) thereof . Determining the
demarcation between these two freedoms, which are
fundamental to the Treaty, can prove difficult .

However, for the purposes of applying the abovementioned
provisions, the service provided must involve a cross-border
element .

The problem referred to by the Honourable Member does
not involve a cross-border element because it relates to a

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 19

situation within the Member State and, consequently, does
not fall within the competence of the Community .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2 124 / 93

by Anita Pollack ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 26 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 34 )

Subject : GATT and environment
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2 11 3 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

Commission What progress has been made to date on getting an

environmental objective written into the GATT

July 1993 ) agreement ?

94 / C 255 / 33

to the Commission

( 26 July 1993 )

Subject : Setting up a new body to monitor Community

subsidies to Grecce

The checks at present being carried out in Greece by the
Ministry of Agriculture regarding the scandal involving
Community subsidies have frequently proved inadequate .
Does the Commission not therefore sec the need to set up a
new control body as part of the Agricultural Guarantee
Fund Control Directorate at Didagep, which will be entitled
to carry out spot checks and will have powers of
investigation ?

Answer given by Mr Schmidhuber

on behalf of the Commission

( 28 October 1993 )

It is not for the Commission to comment on the internal

Greek arrangements for monitoring Community subsidies
to agriculture .

It should, however, be recalled that, since Regulation ( EEC )
No 4045 / 89 of 21 December 1989 on scrutiny by Member
States of transactions forming part of the system of
financing by the Guarantee Section of the EAGGF came into
force ( '), Member States are required to have special services
responsible for ex post checks on transactions financed by
the EAGGF . These services must be organized
independently of the services carrying out checks before

payment .

The Commission is ensuring that Greece, which has started
co-financing procedures to reinforce the abovementioned
service, complies with this Regulation .

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

(9 November 1993 )

The Community is committed to a strong Multilateral Trade

Organization ( MTO ) capable of tackling the objectives of
environmental protection in the context of multilateral,
open trade rules .

The Community has pressed other GATT members to agree
that this important issue be reflected in the MTO 's founding
charter, and in the MTO work programme to be established
at the close of the current negotiations . Only in this way can
developing and developed countries alike integrate
environmental objectives in world trade rules, secure from
unilateral or protectionist abuse of the system .

Although some progress has been made in informal talks,
this is still a sensitive issue for some . The Commission hopes
a satisfactory solution can be found in the final stage of
negotiation .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2 13 5 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 26 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 35 )

Subject : Unemployment in Greece fuelled by a wave of

migration from agricultural regions to the major
conurbations
(') OJ No L 388, 30 . 12 . 1989 .

At a joint press conference given by representatives of the
Greek Central Cooperative Union for Viticultural Products

No C 255 / 20 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

and the Pan-Hellenic Federation of Associations of

Agricultural Cooperatives ( Paseges ) on the occasion of the
participation of these organizations in the Twelfth
International Food and Drinks Fair ( Dendrop ) Mr
Markoulis, the Vice-President of the Paseges, said that there
were alarming indications that a new migratory movement
from the villages to the major conurbations was beginning in
Greece, exacerbating the problem of unemployment and
underemployment, and that the first signs of this
development could be seen in Greek agricultural regions . He
said this was due to the fall in farmers ' incomes, owing to the
revamped CAP, and the closure of major Greek cooperative
undertakings . Will the Commission say whether it has any
information on this phenomenon and whether the
Community intends to take measures to solve or mitigate
this problem ?

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

( 10 November 1993 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2192 / 93

by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 28 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 36 )

Subject : Technical research in the context of the ECSC

Can the Commission provide information on the outcome
of the announced talks with the E1CSC Consultative

Committee under Article 55(2)(c ) of the FXSC Treaty on the
desirability of allocating funds to an agreed list of technical
research projects ?

In particular, can the Commission state what opinions, if
any, were received from the employers ' associations, who
had until 31 March 1993 to submit them ?

Can the Commission also explain the nature of the
relationship between certain research projects included in
the list, such as those concerning an expert system for
optimization of secondary steel manufacture, intelligent
supervision and diagnostic systems for process control,
process modelling, etc ., and the relevant chapters of the
successive R&D framework programmes ?

The Commission has no information on the increase in

migration in Greece from agricultural areas to the major
conurbations as referred to by the Honourable Member . Answer given by Mr Ruberti
on behalf of the Commission

(8 November 1993 )
In the Commission 's view, there is no justification for such a
population movement . The structure of farm holdings in
Greece is such that the CAP reform could not have a

With regard to the ECSC 1993 steel research programme,

negative impact on Greek agriculture . Income support the Commission consulted the ECSC Consultative
generally makes up for any losses sustained as a result of Committee on 2 April 1993 and obtained the approval of
falling prices and, moreover, CAP reform measures concern the Council on 24 May 1993 pursuant to Article 55(2)(c ) of
only a relatively small number of Greek products . the ECSC Treaty .

Furthermore, apart from the accompanying measures, the
structural measures in the process of implementation,
chiefly those adopted for the new phase of the reform of the
Structural Funds, including the introduction of a rural
development policy of special importance for rural areas,
will potentially result in substantial additional or alternative
income .

In addition, the recent adoption by the Council of the
Regulation concerning the Greek islands in the Aegean Sea
will give a further boost to Community efforts to improve
living conditions in rural areas .

The Commission furthermore asked for the observations of

the ECSC undertaking on the above programme by means
of a communication sent to ECSC undertakings in
accordance with Article 48 of the ECSC Treaty ('). No
observations had been received by the deadline of 31 March

1993 . The Commission subsequently adopted the
abovementioned Decision on funding on 9 June 1993

( H / 93 / 2580 ).

The technical content of the projects concerns :

— improvement of the efficiency of secondary
metallurgy ;

— the control of production lines in order to cast special

steels in accordance with schedules ;

— evaluation of the use of an expert system to reduce the

dimensional tolerances of continually cast products .

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 21

These topics reflect the European steel industry 's concerns
and do not duplicate the research projects funded by the
Framework Programme, which is more of a multisectoral

nature .

(!) OJ No C 70, 12 . 3 . 1993 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2244 / 93

by Ursula Braun-Moser ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 30 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 37 )

Subject : Ensuring compliance with agricultural quotas

levies due to the Community in the event of an overrun are
involved . The sanctions provided for include the payment of
fines, interest on arrears and, in the case of Member States, a
reduction to advances on entry in the accounts of
agricultural expenditure .

In short, the Commission considers that the new provisions
should guarantee strict compliance with milk quotas . In
order to ensure, however, that they are actually being
applied, the Commission carried out a series of spot checks
in Spain, Greece and Italy, the results of which were
encouraging and have been notified to the Council and to
Parliament ( 3 ). Other complementary enquires are in
progress in those Member States, and the findings will also
be notified to the Council and to Parliament in March 1994 .

Finally, the Commission launched an enquiry under
Article 9 of Regulation ( FTC ) No 729 / 70 ( 4 ) to verify the
extent to which Member States fulfilled their obligations
with regard to entry in the accounts of intra-Community
trade transactions in milk products covered by CN code
0401 in the period 1991 / 92 . The first country to be visited
was Germany . Missions to the Netherlands and
subsequently to other Member States will follow .

How can the Commission ensure compliance with subsequently to other
agricultural quotas, for example dairy quotas, in view of the
fact that certain countries have totally failed to respect them, Hence, the Commission feels
thereby contributing to further over-production, and that its powers, gurantee, in the
no sanctions have been imposed in response to these sectors, where appropriate,
infringements, with the result that those countries which did fixed by the Council .
respect the agreed quotas are simply being penalized as a
result ? (>) OJ No L 405, 31 . 12 . 1992 .

Hence, the Commission feels that it can, within the limits of
its powers, gurantee, in the milk sector as in the other
sectors, where appropriate, compliance with the quotas
fixed by the Council .

( 2 ) OJ No L 57, 10 . 3 . 1993 .
(') COM(93 ) 109, 9 . 3 . 1993 and COM(93 ) 169, 21 . 4 . 1993 .

( 4 ) OJ No L 94, 28 . 4 . 1970 .
Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

(9 December 1993 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2245 / 93

The Commission, as part of the reform of the CAP,
proposed to consolidate and simplify the Community rules
relating to milk quotas . The Council, in adopting
Regulation ( EEC ) No 3950 / 92 ('), has stuck closely to the
Commission 's proposal . There should, as a result, be a
general improvement in the way the system operates, in
particular on account of the reduced scope and diversity of
the rules, the effort towards standardization wherever this
appeared compatible with the experience of Member States,
and the systematic deletion of any provision liable to cause a
delay in the calculation or payment of levies payable on
quantities marketed in excess of the quotas .

The abovementioned Regulation ( F'EC ) No 3950 / 92 was
also supplemented by Commission Regulation ( EEC )
No 536 / 93 ( 2 ), which lays down the detailed rules of
application relating in particular to definitive statements,
time limits for the payment of levies by producers,
purchasers and Member States alike, and the verification
measures to be carried out, including their number and
frequency . In this connection, the Commission specifies the
obligations with regard to declarations, accounts,
payments, time limits, etc ., together with the sanctions in the
event of non-compliance, which producers and purchasers
of milk, transporters and even Member States are under
where the time limits for notification and payment of the

by Ursula Braun-Moser ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 30 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 38 )

Subject : Location of abattoirs to prevent the peregrination

of animals for slaughter

How can the location of abattoirs be realistically planned
and monitored by the Commission so as to prevent the
subsequent peregrination of animals for slaughter ?

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

(3 December 1993 )

The Commission can monitor the structure of

slaughterhouse capacity and location on two levels . Firstly,
slaughterhouses may receive State aids . In this case, under
Articles 91 — 94 of the EEC Treaty, the Commission
examines the eligibility of the projects for such aids .
Secondly, projects can also be part-financed by the

No C 255 / 22 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

Community . When this happens, under Regulation ( EEC )
No 866 / 90 on improving the processing and marketing
conditions for agricultural products (') the Commission
studies the eligibility of the modernization or construction
project for a subsidy . Under this Regulation a Community
support framework ( CSF ) is drawn up in cooperation with
the Member State . The objective of this multiannual
programme is to improve the structures of the various

sectors .

The selection criteria for investments for improving the
processing and marketing conditions for agricultural and
forestry products, Commission Decision 90 / 342 / EEC of
7 June 1 990 ( 2 ), are binding for both assessment procedures .
Investments in the meat and eggs sectors are excluded if they
result in ' an increase in the slaughter capacity for pigs, cattle,
sheep or poultry, unless equivalent capacity is abandoned by
the same or another undertaking or, in the case of pigs,
cattle, sheep and poultry other than chickens, the
production level in the region indicates a shortfall in
capacity ( 3 ).

Too great a slaughter capacity in proportion to the regional
livestock holdings can cause unnecessary transport of
animals for slaughter . However, for economic reasons a
certain minimum size for slaughterhouses must be aimed at,
so that in individual cases there may be a certain
imbalance .

The Commission can naturally only act within the limits of
its competence as laid down in the EEC Treaty . It is
therefore impossible for it to place restrictions on private
investments in projects which are not receiving State aids
and which may lead to excess capacity .

What steps have been taken to ensure that the growers are
paid ? What view does the Commission take of the

matter ?

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

(8 November 1993 )

Producers of tomatoes for processing receive Community
aid indirectly . An amount per kilo of processed product is
granted to the processing undertakings only if these paid the
producers at least a minimum price for the tomatoes .

The Commission became aware of the case referred to by the
Honourable Member from an article published in the
newspaper ' Diario de Noticias ' of 15 May 1992, which led
to a request for information from Portugal . In their answer,
the Portuguese authorities stated that the aid to the firm
Ecril had been paid, as Community legislation requires, after
presentation of proof that the farmers received the
minimum price and that this proof is in INGA 's possession .
They added that, notwithstanding, an investigation would
be carried out and that the Commission would be informed

of the results .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2275 / 93

(') OJ No L 91, 6 . 4 . 1990 . by Helwin Peter ( PSE )

( 2 ) OJ No L 163, 29 . 6 . 1990 .

( 3 ) Ibid, point 2.10 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2253 / 93

by José Apolinârio ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 30 July 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 39 )

Subject : Subsidy for tomato growers in Ribatejo province,

Portugal

Tomato growers in Ribatejo, Portugal, have been engaged in
public protest, prompted by the fact that the Community
subsidies allocated in 1991 by INGA ( the Portuguese
National Agricultural Guarantee Institute ) to the Ecril
tomato processing company, some Esc 500 million which
was supposed to have been passed on to the growers, have
failed to reach their intended beneficiaries, owing to
negligence on the part of the company .

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

94 / C 255 / 40

Subject : Nationality stickers on private cars

In pursuit of the objectives of a People 's Europe, the
Community institutes have adopted numerous measures
indicative of a commitment to bring the Community closer
to Europe 's citizens . Successful measures designed to bring
about a Europe without frontiers have for example
concerned the following : the European passport, the EC
driving licence, the green insurance card and the right of
residence .

According to the German automobile club ADAC, some
Member States ( e.g. Italy and Germany ) still require motor
vehicles visiting other European countries to display
nationality stickers ( oval with black lettering on a white
background ).

1 . Is this true ?

2 . What is the Commission 's view of this requirement ?

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 23

3 . What will the Commission do to achieve progress
towards a People 's Europe in this area ?

4 . If the Commission does not consider it possible to
abolish this requirement for car drivers in the EC, might
it not be possible for the European emblem ( 12 gold
stars on a blue background ), incorporating the national
mark, to be recognized as universally valid ?

Answer given by Mr Matutes

on behalf of the Commission

(6 December 1993 )

1 . The Commission can confirm that there are rules

requiring vehicles to display a distinctive nationality sticker
when outside the country where they were registered .
However, the existence of such rules in national law is a
result of international road traffic agreements, the most
recent of which is that signed in Vienna in 1968 .

2 . As the matter is not covered by Community
legislation, the Commission has no real opinion on it save to
say that, together with the licence plate, such stickers do
make it easier to tell where the vehicle owner comes from in

instances where he / she has committed an offence .

3 and 4 . The Commission has no plans for proposals to
change this requirement .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-23 14 / 93

Francesco Speroni ( NI )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 41 )

Subject : Licence granted by the Italian Government to

operate air services using non-Community aircraft
and personnel

Even though the serious international crisis is leading to
severe repercussions on civil aviation in the Community,
both at management level and in terms of employment, the
Italian civil aviation authorities have granted a licence to the
Austrian airline Lauda Air to operate under the same
conditions as Italian carriers, but using non-Community
aircraft and crews .

Can the action of the Italian authorities be considered to be

in accordance with the provisions of the Treaties and
Community civil aviation policy ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-23 15 / 93

by Francesco Speroni ( NI )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 42 )

Subject : Scheduled flights operated by a Community carrier

using non-Community aircraft and personnel

Now that Alitalia has acquired a stake in the Hungarian
airline Malev, Malev crews and aircraft are being used on
some Alitalia routes .

This situation could pose a threat to the career prospects and
conditions of contract of Italian and, more generally,
Community flight crews .

Can the practice described above be considered to be in
accordance with Community rules ?

Joint answer to Written Questions

E-23 14 / 93 and E-23 15 / 93

given by Mr Matutes
on behalf of the Commission

(3 March 1994 )

Mutual recognition of licences within the Community is
regulated by Council Directive 670 / 91 / EEC on mutual
acceptance of personnel licences for the exercise of functions
in civil aviation ('). Under the provisions of Article 6 each
Member State, for reasons of equivalence, may issue a
licence on the basis of a licence issued by a third country on
condition that this licence meets the requirements of
Article 1 of the Chicago Convention .

Therefore in issuing licences to Austrian and Hungarian
pilots the Italian Government does not infringe Community
law . As regards cabin attendants no provisions have been
adopted at Community level .

As regards the aircraft, Article 8(2)(a ) of Council Regulation
( EEC ) No 2407 / 92 on licensing of air carriers ( 2 ) provides as
the general rule that aircraft used by a Community carrier
shall be registered, at the option of the Member State issuing
the operating licence, in its national register or within the
Community . Limited exceptions to this general rule are
provided for in Articles 8(2)(b ) and 8(3 ) of the Regulation
with respect to certain forms of lease agreements .

0 ) OJ No L 373, 31 . 12 . 1991 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 240, 24 . 8 . 1992 .

No C 255 / 24 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

QUESTION E-2334 / 93 cannot respond to all demands or enable their continuation

Marie Jepsen ( PPE ) beyond the period provided in the Council Decision

adopting the programme .
to the Commission

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2334 / 93

by Marie Jepsen ( PPE )

( 1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 43 )

Subject : Restrictions on the educational establishments '

ability to make long-term plans for projects under
the Erasmus Programme

The Institute for Educational Research at Roskilde

University Centre ( Denmark ), which is participating in a
comprehensive research programme into European adult
education in conjunction with 14 universities in eight other
Member States and one EFT A country, has written to
Danish Members of the European Parliament claiming that
the present guidelines for the management of the Erasmus
Programme are unsatisfactory, as they hamper the
long-term planning of projects under that programme .

The Institute states inter alia that the current rules for

financing the projects, including the present separation of
aid for student exchanges, exchanges of staff and
development of the technical aspects and content of projects
stand in the way of proper planning and implementation of
those projects .

Does the Commission agree with this criticism, and if so, in
connection with the planned review of the Erasmus
programme, will it take action to give the individual
educational establishmens more scope for planning and
executing individual projects under the Erasmus
Programme ?

Answer given by Mr Ruberti
on behalf of the Commission

( 17 November 1993 )

The second phase of the Erasmus Programme, introduced in
the academic year 1991 / 92, provided for a three-year
funding for inter-university cooperation programmes ( ICP ),
approved by the Commission to receive financial aid under
Erasmus, subject to assessment of their achievements .

The approval of inter-university cooperation proposed in
the same ICP ( student mobility, teacher mobility, common
curricula, intensive courses ) depends on the quality of the
programmes and on the Community funding available for
each type of cooperation . Student mobility continues to be
the first priority of Erasmus .

As the Commission is at present preparing its proposals for
Community action in the field of education, including
higher education, more consideration will be given to the
overall planning of the projects . It should, however, be
stressed that Community funding has a catalytic role and

WRITTEN QUESTION E-23 52 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 44

Subject : Community support framework for small and

medium-sized processing undertakings

In view of the fact that on 1 July 1993 the special funding
arrangements for cottage industries which have been in
force since 1966 were abolished in Greece, and as a result
the overwhelming majority of Greek processing
undertakings will lose all access to the banking system, can
the Commission say whether it intends to adopt a
Community support framework in favour of small and
medium-sized processing undertakings based on :

1 . target areas, for instance undertakings employing
between 1 and 9, 10 and 49, 50 and 99, 100 and 250
persons, etc .; and

2 . the economic characteristics of each country and criteria
for the designation of problematic regions ?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

(9 December 1993 )

The new Community support framework for Greece should
contain specific measures to encourage the start-up and
growth of small businesses . The Commission will carefully
examine any proposal along these lines in Greece 's regional
development plan .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2368 / 93

by José Alvarez de Paz ( PSE ) and Pedro Bofill Abeilhe

( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 45

Subject : Practical measures on employment in the
Community

At the informal meeting of Ministers of Labour and Social
Affairs of 3 to 4 May 1993, the Commission was urged to

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 25

submit practical proposals on employment in the
Community .

What progress has been made on this matter ?

What general approach will be adopted in the proposals ?

In approximate terms, what level of financial support will be
provided and what impact are the measures expected to
have on the number of jobs created ?

Following the mandate given by the Copenhagen European
Council, the Commission 's work, which aims to draw as
much employment as possible from whatever level of
economic growth the Community can achieve, is being
developed in the context of the White Paper to be presented
at the Brussels European Council .

(') COM(93 ) 238 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-23 93 / 93

Answer given by Mr Flynn by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )
on behalf of the Commission

to the Commission

( 20 December 1993 )

The Commission adopted on 26 May 1993 the
Community-Wide Framework for Employment ('). This
document was welcomed by the Employment and Social
Affairs Council .

There are four inter-related dimensions to the

Community-Wide Framework which could raise the level of
employment and reduce unemployment in the Community,
while maintaining and extending the competitiveness and
growth potential of the European economy :

— increasing the overall employment intensity of
production and developing labour intensive activities in
appropriate sectors, in order to balance the supply and
demand for labour and other resources,

— anticipating and accelerating the development of new

jobs and new activities, in order to maintain the pace of
structural change and adjustment in line with economic
and social developments,

— managing the use and development of human resources

in ways that raise their quality and value, and ensure that
they are used to optimal effectiveness in line with market
and social needs,

— strengthening the fight against inequalities, both
between regions of the Community and between social

groups .

Since publication of the Framework a number of detailed
proposals have been examined by the Standing Committee
on Employment in September . It is too early at this juncture
to forecast quantitative effects of this initiative but there are
already indications that the correct approach to
opportunities in the environmental industries could create
at least 1,4 million jobs . In arts and culture, it is believed that
over 3 million people are already engaged directly and that
this labour-intensive field could, with the right support,
generate many more . On resource implications, it is difficult
to draw conclusions at this stage, as different measures
would require action at different levels, and indeed some
actions would not in fact have resource implications .

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 46

Subject : Peace process in Azerbaijan

Relations between the two strongmen in the former Soviet
Republic of Azerbaijan ( Abulfaz Elchibey and Surat
Huseinov ) are developing into open warfare, thereby
sparking off another perilous civil war on Russia 's southern
border . Is there any scope for a Community initiative to
bring peace to Azerbaijan ?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek

on behalf of the Commission

( 13 December 1993 )

The Commission has followed with great concern the recent
developments in Azerbaijan and in particular the uprising of
Mr Sourat Husseynov against Mr Aboulfaz Eltchibey last
June . On 17 June 1993, the Community and its Member

States issued a statement expressing their alarm about the
possibility that the armed rebellion might lead to civil war .
They condemned any attempt to remove by
unconstitutional means the democratically elected President
and urged all the Azerbaijan political leaders to work for a
peaceful and constitutional solution to the crisis .

In the meantime, the risk of a full scale civil war has been
averted and the situation has stabilized . The Commission

welcomed the holding of presidential elections on 3 October

1993 .

The political and military crisis in Azerbaijan has coincided
with an upsurge of the conflict with Armenia in and around
Nagorno Karabakh . On 3 September 1993, the Community
and its Member States condemned the recent offensives by
local Armenian forces of Nagorno-Karabakh into
Azerbaijan territory which have created a serious refugee
problem in Azerbaijan and threaten regional security .

No C 255 / 26 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2422 / 93

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2435 / 93

Kostopoulos ( PSE ) by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission to the Commission

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

(1 September 1993 )

to the Commission

(\ September 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 47 ) ( 94 / C 255 / 48

Subject : Non-governmental organizations having
contractual arrangements with the Community

Subject : Use of driftnets in the Mediterranean

Does the Commission intend to ban the use of all driftnets in

the Mediterranean regardless of how the nets are set
out ?

At a recent meeting with the European Parliament 's out ?
Development Committee, the Commission Vice-President,
Mr Mann, gave a detailed survey of the non-governmental
organizations ( NGOs ) which have contractual
arrangements with the Community . Can the Commission Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas
provide a complete list of the names of these NGOs ? on behalf of the Commission

on behalf of the Commission

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

( 22 November 1993 )

In May the Commission approved a model framework
contract for financing humanitarian aid operations . The aim
is to expedite procedures and boost the effectiveness of
Community-financed humanitarian action .

The European Community Humanitarian Office ( ECHO ),
on the principles enshrined in the framework contract, has
opened negotiations with the NGOs and a wide range of
international agencies . Negotiations are being undertaken
in a spirit of dialogue and openness, with the aim of
rationalizing ECHO 's relations with the traditional partners
of the Commission in the humanitarian field and putting
them on an institutional footing .

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

organizations which have signed framework contracts of
this kind with the Commission . Another 20 or so should

sign in the near future .

The Commission would point out that partnership
contracts in the humanitarian field are open to any
organization active in it and that there will be no
discrimination in the choice of signatories . It must also be
emphasized, however, as the Council pointed out in its
conclusions of 25 May 1993, that the effectiveness of
humanitarian action must be a paramount objective in what
the Community does in this domain . The Commission
therefore intends the Community 's partners in
humanitarian relief to possess the capabilities of experience
required to meet situations which are at times critical and
dangerous .

( 13 December 1993 )

Fishing with trailing gear is not in itself incompatible with
sound management of resources . However, it must be
controlled in order to avoid possible abuse . This is the
purpose of the Commission 's proposal to lay down
technical measures (').

(•) COM(92 ) 533 final .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2440 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 49 )

Subject : Use and nature of fishing gear in the Greek

islands

Given the particular gcomorphology of the waters round the
Greek islands and the social and economic conditions in

those regions ( fishing being the sole economic activity ), does
the Commission agree that these areas should be given
special consideration and that special provisions should
apply to the use and nature of their fishing gear ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

(5 January 1994 )

The Commission agrees with the Honourable Member
about the need to apply all rules about the use and nature of
fishing gear with care, especially in areas that are heavily
dependent on fishing . That is why it has taken pains to

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 27

ensure that its new proposal for a Regulation harmonizing
various technical measures in the Mediterranean, which is at
present before the Council, is flexible enough to enable the
Member States concerned to deal with the specific problems
in question .

Whatever becomes of this proposal, the Greek authorities
are entirely free to propose any provisions they may consider
necessary to complement Community Regulations,
provided that these tend to promote better conservation and
meet the general requirements with regard to
non-discrimination, and provided that the Commission is
informed of them .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2445 / 93

by Alex Smith ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

1 . the US Department of Defense on 11 and 14 Tune

1993,

2 . the International Clearing House on the Military and
the Environment, based in Brooklyn, New York,
prepared by John M. Miller,

3 . the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence on
anti-armour ammunition with depleted uranium
penetrators, produced in March 1979 ?

and will the Commission set up an ad-hoc panel of the
Working Party on Atomic Questions group to examine the
implications of these reports and other relevant scientific
studies of the relationship between the use of depleted
uranium recovered from civil spent fuel reprocessing and the
illnesses being reported by military personnel of EC Member
States ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2448 / 93

by Alex Smith ( PSE )

( 94 / C 255 / 50 ) to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

94 / C 255 / 52

Subject : Test firing of depleted uranium shells

Considerable public and political concern has been
demonstrated in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in
Europe — as for instance in the motion for a resolution
B3-658 / 93 by Mr Paul Staes on 14 May 1993 — over the
manufacture and test firing of armour-piercing shells made
of depleted uranium at military testing ranges at
Dundrennan, Kirkcudbright and West Freugh, Scotland,
Eskmeals in Cumbria, England and Gramat, France .

What information has the Commission been forwarded by
the United Kingdom and French Governments under
Chapter III of the Euratom Treaty on radiation health and
safety, especially the provisions of Article 34 on particularly
dangerous experiments involving radiation ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2447 / 93

by Alex Smith ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 51 )

Subject : Health and environmental risks of depleted
uranium

Will the Commission seek to obtain the reports produced on
the deleterious health effects and environmental risks of

using depleted uranium in armour-piercing shells by

Subject : Depleted uranium shells

Is the test firing of depleted uranium shells from military test
ranges in the Community, such as Dundrennan at
Kirkcudbright in Scotland, covered by resolutions of the
Paris Commission on pollution of the seas, which the
Commission has supported ?

Joint answer to Written Questions
E-2445 / 93, 2447 / 93 and E-2448 / 93

given by Mr Paleokrassas
on behalf of the Commission

( 22 November 1993 )

With one possible exception the Commission is not aware of
any specific radiation protection problems associated with
the use of depleted uranium and any such problems should
be dealt with in the first instance by the Member States in
accordance with the Basic Safety Standards for the health
protection of workers and the general public against the
dangers of ionizing radiation Council Directive
80 / 638 / E,uratom (') as modified by Council Directive
84 / 467 / Euratom ( 2 ).

The possible exception is reports of exposure to
armour-piercing shells fired during the Gulf War and
subsequently left unprotected . However, according to the
information available to the Commission, the effects of such

No C 255 / 28 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

exposure are still a matter of dispute and, moreover, the
areas affected are not within the competence of the
Commission .

Regarding the test-firing of such shells within the
Community, this practice has been established for many
years and is not regarded as coming within the framework of
Article 34 of the Euratom Treaty .

Article 2 of the Euratom Treaty also requires the
Community to establish with international organizations
such relations as will foster progress in the peaceful uses of
nuclear energy . The Community therefore works in close
cooperation with the relevant bodies, in particular the
International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA ). The
Commission is currently liaising with the IAEA with a view
to coherence between the Community 's safety standards
and those which are being prepared under the aegis of the
IAEA .

Finally, the Commission understands that such military
activities are not covered by the Paris Convention . However
as regards potential marine contamination, it can be stated Legislation in the Member States is harmonized on the basis
that experience gained from discharges of much larger of Community Directives . The Commission oversees the
amounts of uranium in liquid form by nuclear installations national measures implementing Directives in the Member
demonstrates that any consequences of the dissolution, States by means of the procedure laid down in Article 33 of
dispersion and subsequent uptake of the uranium associated the Euratom Treaty .
with shells fired from military test ranges would be of no
significance to the environment . (') O I No C 245, 9 . 9 . 1993 .

(') OJ No L 246, 17 . 9 . 1980 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 265, 5 . 10 . 1984 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2077 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2485 / 93
to the Commission

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

( 23 July 1993 )

to the Commission
( 94 / C 255 / 54 )

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 53 )

Subject : Nuclear hazards in the Member States

Subject : Forest development fund

Would the Commission support setting up a forest

When does the Commission intend to harmonize the various development fund at Community level ?
provision, rules and specifications on dealing with nuclear
hazards in the Member States on the basis of the

recommendations of the International Commission on

Radiological Protection ( ICRP ) and the International
Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA )? WRITTEN QUESTION E-2495 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 22 November 1993 )

Article 2 of the Euratom Treaty requires the Community to
establish uniform safety standards to protect the health of
workers and of the general public and to ensure that they are
applied . Ever since 1959 the Commission has founded its
Directives setting the basic safety standards for radiation
protection on the recommendations of the International
Commission on Radiation Protection ( ICRP ). A proposal to
revise the current Directive ( 80 / 836 / F2uratom, as amended
by 84 / 467 / Euratom ), to take account of the latest ICRP
recommendations, was sent to Council in July 1993 (').

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 55 )

Subject : Community 's proposal tor the development of

forestry

Foresters are unanimous in believing that the Community 's
proposal for the development of forestry should also
incorporate woodland planning on the basis of scientific
and social criteria . This should determine land use and other

economic activities in each area and resolve the conflicting
demands of forestry, stock-breeding, mountain farming,
urban and industrial development .

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 29

In the light of this, can the Commission say how the WRITTEN QUESTION E-2525 / 93
Community intends to further the development of forestry by Mauro Chiabrando ( PPE ), Ferruccio
in its proposal and what action it intends to take in future to Giuseppe Mottola ( PPE ), Franco Borgo ( PPE )
promote woodland planning with the aid of Community Mantovani ( PPE )
funding ?

by Mauro Chiabrando ( PPE ), Ferruccio Pisoni ( PPE ),
Giuseppe Mottola ( PPE ), Franco Borgo ( PPE ) and Agostino

Mantovani ( PPE )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 56 )
Joint answer to Written Questions

E-2077 / 93 and E-2495 / 93

given by Mr Steichen
on behalf of the Commission

( 18 January 1994 )

The Commission would remind the Honourable Member

that Member States are conducting a large number of
forestry measures which the Community is already
part-financing in the context of its regional and rural
development policy, the accompanying measures to the
reform of the common agricultural policy, measures to
protect forests against atmospheric pollution and
Community research programmes . The principal
instruments involved include Council Regulation ( EEC )
No 1610 / 89 of 29 May 1989 laying down provisions for
implementing the scheme to develop and optimally utilize
woodlands in rural aeas in the Community ( 1 ), Council
Regulation ( EEC ) No 2080 / 92 of 30 June 1 992 instituting a
Community aid scheme for forestry measures in
agriculture ( 2 ), Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 3528 / 86 of

17 November 1986 on the protection of the Community 's
forests against atmospheric pollution ('), and Council
Regulation ( EEC ) No 2158 / 92 of 23 July 1992 on
protection of the Community 's forests against fire ( 4 ).

Although not financed by a particular Fund, Community
measures relating to forestry have constantly increased in
scope during the 1980s and early 1990s . Over the past ten
years the Community has spent more than ECU one billion
exclusively on the development, improvement and
protection of forests, as well as part-financing forestry
research projects .

With regard to forestry development at Community level in
general, as part of the follow-up to the United Nations
conference on the environment and development ( Rio, June

1992 ), the Commission is currently studying how and to
what extent the forestry action programme adopted by the
Council in 1989 could be intensified . In any event, any new
Community project in this field must be based on the
declaration of principle on the management, preservation
and sustainable development of forests adopted by the
Community in Rio in 1992, and must take into account the
resolutions adopted at Strasbourg and Helsinki at the recent
ministerial conferences on the protection of forests in
Europe .

( ] ) OJ No L 165, 15 . 6 . 1989, p . 3 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 215, 30 . 7 . 1992, p . 96 .
(') OJ No L 326, 21 . 11 . 1986, p . 2 .

( 4 ) OJ No L 217, 31 . 7 . 1992, p . 3 .

Subject : Illegal imports of ' Barbera d'Asti ' from
Argentina

The recent ' Vinexpo ' wine fair in Bordeaux was attended by
an Argentinean wine-growing firm whose products
included wine labelled as Barbera d'Asti, sold at competitive
prices with respect to the original Piedmontese wine .
Moreover the Waidatt firm uses a Dutch importer to market
the product throughout the Community . This form of
unfair competition through the marketing of a
non-Community product under a false label of origin is
extremely harmful to the genuine ' Barbera d'Asti ' wine .

In view of this, will the Commission state

1 . whether it is aware of these illegal imports ?

2 . whether it can directly confirm these facts ?

3 . what measures it intends to take to ensure that rules

protecting competition and labels of origin, and hence
the original Italian product, are respected ?

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

( 20 February 1994 )

The Commission is aware of the facts to which the

Honourable Members refers, in particular from an official
communication from the Italian control authorities .

Should there be truth in the reports that Argentinian wines
described in a way which imitates the Barbera d'Asti
designation of origin are being imported into and marketed
in the Netherlands and the rest of the Community, the
Commission will regard this as an infringement of the
Regulations intended to protect Community designations of
origin and, in particular, of Aricles 15 and 16 of Regulation

( EEC ) No 823 / 87 0 and Articles 29(2 ) and 40(2 ) of
Regulation ( EEC ) No 2392 / 89 ( 2 ).

The Commission has already written to the Dutch
authorities in order to verify the information received and

No C 255 / 30 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

invite them to adopt the necessary measures in the event of
irregularities being established . In doing so, it referred to the
cooperation between the Member States ' control authorities
and the Commission in the wine sector provided for in
Regulation ( EEC ) No 2048 / 89 ( 5 ).

(') OJ No L 84, 27 . 3 . 1987 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 232, 9 . 8 . 1989 .

( 3 ) OJ No I. 202, 14 . 7 . 1989 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2542 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

94 / C 255 / 57 )

Subject : Competitiveness of main Creek agricultural
products

What has resulted from the measures taken to improve the
competitiveness of the main Greek agricultural products
under the new CAP guidelines on quality, hygiene and
environmentally friendly production methods ?

It lies with producer and / or processor groups to submit an
application for registration to the competent authority of
the Member State in question, which forwards it to the
Commission with a view to protection being afforded under
the Regulations .

Measures have also recently been adopted on protection of
the environment where agricultural activities are concerned .
Regulation ( EEC ) No 2078 / 92 on production methods
compatible with environmental protection requirements ( 2 )
calls for implementation of zonal programmes to protect the
environment and nature resources . It lies with the Member

States to submit their proposals for these zonal

programmes .

In addition to these measures of general scope the
possibilities afforded of taking regional measures of a
structural character must be mentioned . In Greece a number

of Objective 1 regional programmes include action relating
to product quality and environmental protection, for
example facilities for chccking the quality of products and
their chemical residue content, removal of rearing units
causing pollution, processing of animal waste and
preventive measures on farms .

The Commission considers that these measures in their

totality offer a coherent framework fostering improved
competitiveness of production through a policy of quality
and protection of the agricultural environment .

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

( 2 ) OJ No L 215, 30 . 7 . 1992 .
Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

( 17 January 1994 )

For general agricultural development purposes and to meet
the need for a sound and reliable quality policy at
Community level, there came into force on 26 July 1993 :

— Regulation ( EEC ) No 2081 / 92 on the protection of
geographical indications and designations of origin for
agricultural products and foodstuffs, and

— Regulation ( EEC ) No 2082 / 92 on certificates of specific

character for agricultural products and foodstuffs (').

It was considered that promotion and enhancement of the
market value of products presenting distinct characteristics
as a result of their geographical origin or a specific
traditional production method would permit maintenance
of certain types of production that would otherwise be in
danger of disappearing and also that such a policy would
help farmers find new forms of production and revive
abandoned methods .

The specific purpose of the Regulations is to protect
designatons of origin and traditional production methods at
Community level in order to prevent counterfeit marketing
and other improper practices .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2568 / 93

by Ioannis Stamoulis ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 58 )

Subject : Construction of the airport at Chania, Crete, as

part of the Interreg Programme

Construction of the new airport at Chania has been
incorporated into the Community Interreg Programme .
However, work is reportedly not progressing as planned
owing to unaccountable and unwarranted interference by
the Greek administration .

What stage has been reached with this project, to what
extent has Community funding been taken up and by what
date must the project be completed in order to make use of
the Community 's total contribution ?

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 31

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

(3 March 1994 )

The Interreg Programme includes the extension of and a
new wing for the passenger building at Chania airport,
improvement of its surroundings and extension of the
parking area for aeroplanes . The total cost is ECU 13,5
million, of which the ERDF will contribute ECU 10,125
million .

The latest information sent to the Commission by the
authorities responsible for implementation states that :

— by the end of 1993, ECU 5 million had been spent on the

extension of the passenger building ;

— the administrative problems appeared to have been

resolved and the new wing and the extension to the
parking area would be finished by 31 December 1994,
the last date for this expenditure to be eligible under the
current Interreg Programme for Greece .

as 100, the level in 1992 was 118,1 » representing an 18,1 %
increase per farmer in real terms .

It is true that employment in farming has fallen in Greece,
but by less than the Community average . Moreover, family
employment has fallen still less . Between 1991 and 1992 it
fell by 0,7% in Greece, as opposed to 3,7% in the
Community as a whole .

This said, the Commission would like to point out to the
Honourable Member that the reform of the CAP which it
proposed ( and which is still in the first year of its
application ) constitutes a thorough-going response to the
entire complex of problems facing the Community 's
agricultural sector . The Commission will take every care to
see that the reform is well applied and will follow its
progress closely .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2594 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2574 / 93 ( 94 / C 255 / 60 )

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 ) Subject : Authorization for drugs to remain on the
( 94 / C 255 / 59 ) market

Subject : Additional difficulties in the agricultural sector

In recent years farmers, particularly in Greece, have faced
additional difficulties in investing in expensive agricultural
equipment particularly, which has repercussions on the
farming population and on the industries manufacturing
such equipment . In view of this, would the Community
carry out a study into the recession in the agricultural sector,
the mechanization of farming and its impact on
employment ?

The level of scientific and technical knowledge justifies the
temporary nature of authorizations for drugs to be put on
the market . To ensure the greatest possible protection of
public health in Europe, will the Commission propose that
Community rules should stipulate that drugs about which
there is insufficient knowledge must be subject to tests every
five years in order to remain on the market ?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 10 November 1993 )
Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

( 15 December 1993 )
Community law lays down that authorizations to place
medicinal products on the market remain valid for five years
and are renewable for further periods of five years . The

The economic situation of farmers in Greece cannot be said decision to renew an authorization is taken only after the
to have deteriorated in recent years . Taking farmers ' competent authority has examined a file including
incomes as an indicator, one finds that on average these have pharmacovigilance data and other information relevant to
improved, despite fairly marked annual fluctuations . the monitoring of the medicinal product . One such
Taking the average of farmers ' incomes from 1984 to 1986 requirement in the Community 's pharmaceutical legislation

No C 255 / 32 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

has recently been tightened up — Article 10 of Council Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi
Directive 65 / 65 / EEC ('), as last amended by Directive on behalf of the Commission
93 / 39 / EEC ( 2 ). (2 December 1993 )

(») OJ No L 22, 9 . 2 . 1965 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 214, 24 . 8 . 1993 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2595 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

(1 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 61 )

Subject : Heart disease during pregnancy

Greek and other cardiologists at a round table meeting to
discuss heart disease during pregnancy held on 10 June
1993, the first day of the International Cardiology
Conference in Thessaloniki, stressed that it is possible that
pregnancy aggravates a great number of heart complaints

( exacerbating the symptoms of cardiac insufficiency and
cyanosis in cyanosis-related heart conditions ) and can even
cause death in ( pregnant ) women suffering from
hypertension of the pulmonary arteries . In view of this, will
the Commission examine the possibility of funding a study
into heart disease during pregnancy ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 10 November 1993 )

The Commission is prepared to examine the possibility of
assisting the funding of projects concerning heart disease
during pregnancy which fall within the criteria of its
research programmes or its activities for the prevention of
disease .

The recognition of qualifications in vocational training falls
within the scope of two recent Directives adopted within the
context of the completion of the internal market . They are
aimed precisely at overcoming the remaining obstacles to
the mutual recognition of vocational training not yet
covered by a sectoral Directive ( e.g. Directive on doctors,
etc .).

Directive 89 / 48 / EEC (') on a general system for the
recognition of higher-education diplomas awarded on
completion of professional education and training of at least
three years ' duration entered into force on 4 January 1991 .
Progress in implementing it will be the subject of a report to
Parliament and the Council by January 1996, in which the
Commission will present its conclusions regarding any
amendments to be made to the system .

Directive 92 / 51 / EEC ( 2 ), which complements the above
Directive, will come into effect on 1 8 June 1994, at the end
of the transposition period . It likewise provides for a report
to be made to Parliament and the Council on progress in
implementing it no more than five years after it enters into
force .

Finally, at the Commission 's inititive and in accordance with
Article 9(3 ) of Directive 89 / 48 / EEC, a network of contact
points has been established in the twelve Member States .
Members of this network inform the individuals concerned

and direct them towards the authority specific to their
profession .

This being so, the Commission considers the action taken to
date to remove the remaining obstacles to the recognition of
qualifications in vocational training to be adequate .

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

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

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2675 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )
WRITTEN QUESTION E-2674 / 93

to the Commission

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

(3 September 1993 )
to the Commission

(3 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 62

Subject : Elimination of remaining obstacles to mutual

recognition of vocational training

Is the Commission satisfied with the measure taken to

eliminate the remaining obstacles to mutual recognition of
vocational training ?

( 94 / C 255 / 63

Subject : Single market in postal services

In the light of the motion for a resolution by Mr Simpson
and Mrs Denys ( B3-0944 / 93 of 22 June 1993 ) on the single
market in postal services and the fact that proposals for
legislation are to be put forward within 1993, can the
Commission say whether it will choose Article 1 00a of the
Treaty as the sole legal basis for its future proposals, as the

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 33

European Parliament proposes, and whether it will take Their situation and development problems differ sharply,
account of the conclusions of the above resolution ? however, and given the differences in situation it is not

self-evident that an integrated Community policy for the
islands would be more effective than development strategies
devised locally .
Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

( 23 November 1993 ) The Structural Funds can make it possible for the island
authorities, in agreement with their Member State, to
establish in a decentralized way economic development
The Commission recently adopted a communication to schemes appropriate to their needs .
Parliament and the Council on the guidelines it is proposing
for the postal sector (').

The Commission will not develop the necessary legislative
measures until the Council has discussed the guidelines and
Parliament has delivered its opinion .

As things stand, therefore, it would be premature to suggest
which would be the most appropriate legal basis under the
Treaties without knowing the exact content of the legal

measures .

In any event, the Commission 's analysis will take account of
Parliament 's positions and, in particular, the resolution
adopted on 25 June 1993 ( B3-0942 and 0944 / 93 ).

(>) COM(93 ) 247 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2677 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

(3 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 64 )

Subject : Integrated policy for the islands

The problems of the island regions, which are essentially due
to their isolation, have very little in common with the coastal
regions ( port facilities, environment, fishing ) and they
therefore call for a separate integrated Community policy .
Moreover, the island regions of the Community ( 400
inhabited islands ) represent 5 % of its total area and their
population totals 13 million . In view of this, will the
Commission take immediate steps to draw up an integrated
Community policy for the islands ?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

( 22 February 1994 )

The Commission recognizes, as the Honourable Member
emphasizes in his question, that the island regions are at a
particular disadvantage .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2721 / 93

by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE )

to the Commission

(8 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 65 )

Subject : Subsidies for private firms — exclusion of local

authorities from urban transport system

Tedkna ( the association of local authorities in the prefecture
of Attica ) which represents 46 towns and five villages has
appealed to the Council of State against Law No 2078 / 92
and to the European Parliament 's Committee on petitions
because ( a ) the law in effect calls into question the local
authorities ' right to offer public services and ( b ) the local
authorities are denied the right to compete as an enterprise
on the same terms as private firms .

A question raised in the Greek Parliament ( No 1193 of
26 July 1993 ) alleged that after an invitation to tender for
the supply of 1 600 buses had been issued and the offers
evaluated, specifications were laid down which eliminated

10 of the 11 types originally selected . On 10 June 1993 the
State Secretary for Economic Affairs decided to approve
subsidies of Dr 7,6 billion for the Urban Transport
Corporation from the Public Investment Programme

( PDE ).

Can the Commission say what view it takes of :

1 . The procedure used for the purchase of the
abovementioned buses ?

2 . Subsidizing the purchase of buses to the benefit of
private firms while the local authorities were in effect
denied the chance to provide transport services ?

No C 255 / 34 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

Answer given by Mr Vanni d'Archirafi

on behalf of the Commission

(3 February 1994 )

The Commission has been notified of the procedure
followed in awarding a contract for the supply of 1 600
buses in the Athens region . It would seem that, after the
invitation to tender was issued by the SFT J transport
companies, the Transport Minister adopted a decree laying
down new specifications for urban buses ( Decree
No 18874 / 1677, Greek Official Gazette No 367, Series B, of
21 May 1993 ).

The Commission has contacted the Greek authorities in

order to obtain further information that would allow it to

examine the matter in the light of the provisions of
Community law, and in particular the Treaty rules on the
free movement of goods ( Article 30 of the EC Treaty ). It will
be certain to take all the measures necessary to ensure
compliance with the Treaty .

Article 222 of the Treaty in no way prejudices the rules in
Member States governing the system of property ownership .
Consequently, it is for the Member States to determine in
compliance with the Treaty rules both the way in which
public services are to be managed and whether the
enterprises providing services are to be private or public
enterprises .

In accordance with Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 1191 / 69
on action by Member States concerning the obligations
inherent in the concept of a public service in transport by
rail, road and inland waterway ('), as last amended by
Regulation ( FTC ) No 1839 / 91 ( 2 ), the competent
authorities in the Member States may impose public scrvicc
obligations for urban, suburban and regional passenger
transport services, provided that financial compensation is
made available in accordance with the conditions set out in

the Regulation .

(') OJ No L 156, 28 . 6 . 1969 .
(-) OJ No L 169, 29 . 6 . 1991 .

parcours ' ( free range ) sounds less attractive to
French-speaking consumers than the term ' en plein air '

( semi-intensive ).

For two years, Community producers have taken advantage
and are continuing to take advantage of this misleading
indication in French to increase considerably their output of
' industrial ' eggs from hens raised semi-intensively at the
expenses of ' farm ' or free-range eggs .

Could the Commission amend the Regulation, for
example :

1, replacing ' élevées en libre parcours ' with ' élevées en
plein air ' or ' élevées en liberté ' ( referring to free-range
eggs ), indicating 10 m 2 per hen

2 . replacing ' elevees en plein air ' with ' elevees en
semi-liberte ' ( referring to semi-intensive eggs ) indicating
2,5 m 2 per hen ?

(') OJ No L 121, 16 . 5 . 1991, p . 11 .

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

( 15 November 1993 )

The terms relating to the method of rearing which appear in
the official languages of the Community in Article 18 of
Regulation ( FTC ) No 1274 / 91 were fixed in agreement with
the representatives of the eggs sector and the authorities of
the Member States concerned .

The Commission does not plan to amend the
aforementioned Article . A possible modification of these
rules could be envisaged only after examination of the
subject mentioned in the question with the representatives
of the eggs sector and the competent authorities .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2734 / 93

by Jean-Marie Vanlerenberghe ( PPE ) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2 765 / 93

to the Commission

( 16 September 1993 )

by Sir James Scott-Hopkins ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 94 / C 255 / 66 ) ( 28 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 67 )

Subject : Inappropriate indications in French contained in

Regulation ( EEC ) No 1274 / 91 on certain
marketing standards for eggs

Concerning the French version of Article 18 of Regulation
( EEC ) No 1274 / 91 ('), there can be little doubt that ' libre

Subject : The creation of a FTiropean Heritage Fund

When does the Commission propose to advocate the
creation of a European Heritage Fund ? Does it agree that the

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 35

problems faced by those charged with the maintenance of
great buildings, such as our cathedrals, are often similar
throughout the EC ?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro

on behalf of the Commission

( 10 December 1993 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2773 / 93

by John Iversen ( V )

to the Commission

( 28 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 68 )

Subject : Committee to monitor the interests of minorities

and self-governing areas

Does the Commission propose to set up a standing
committee with the remit of monitoring the political,
cultural and legal protection of national, cultural and ethnic
In its 1974 resolution on measures to protect the European minorities and self-governing areas in the Community 's
cultural heritage ( 1 ), Parliament requested that a fund for territory ?
the conservation of the architectural heritage be set up . At a
time when interest rates were very high, the aim of this fund
was to grant low-interest loans to encourage owners to carry
out monuments the necessary . work for the proper conservation of their Answer on behalf given of by the Mr Commission Van den Broek

(7 March 1994 )

Since the Council did not favour setting up increasing
numbers of new funds, the initial idea was very quickly
dropped ; however the name ' Fund for the conservation of The status of minorities and self-governing areas as such is
the architectural heritage ' was used for several years as the not within the Community 's competence .
title of the budget heading for measures relating to the
cultural heritage ( 2 ). This heading now covers the yearly
operation of pilot projects, assistance for restoration work
on monuments and historical sites, training grants,
assistance granted under the Kaleidoscope Programme for
projects concerning the cultural heritage, and a series of
measures to create awareness of the cultural heritage . WRITTEN QUESTION E-2782 / 93

by Alexandros Alavanos ( GUE )

to the Commission

All these measures will be evaluated and, where necessary,
redirected or supplemented in a communication on cultural
heritage, both movable and fixed, which the Commission is
now preparing at the request of the Council ( Conclusions of
the Ministers of Culture meeting within the Council of

12 November 1992 on guidelines for Community cultural
action ( 3 )) and which will be presented to the Council and
the Parliament in 1994 . In that communication the

Commission will endeavour to take into account the

common problems facing the Member States for the
conservation of the cultural heritage, problems such as the
maintenance of large monuments mentioned by the
Honourable Member . The measures it will propose must
satisfy the subsidiarity criterion and a consensus will have to
be reached for the purposes of the decision-making
procedures specified in Article 128 of the EC Treaty as
amended by the Treaty on European Union .

( l ) OJ No C 62, 30 . 5 . 1974 .

( 2 ) Currently B3 200 ' Protection and development of the European

cultural heritage '.

( 3 ) OJ No C 336, 19 . 12 . 1992 .

( 28 September 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 69 )

Subject : Public Power Corporation ( PPC ) and
environmental impact studies

As part of the electrification project in the Cyclades, the PPC
proposes to erect high-tension overhead cables on the
islands of Syros and Tinos without drawing up
environmental impact studies which would also evaluate
alternative possibilities, such as laying the cables
underground, and without informing the inhabitants or
municipalities about those plans, contrary to the provisions
of Directive 85 / 337 / EEC ( l ), which expressly provides for
consultation procedures . The inhabitants of the area have
been upset both by the impact of the sensitive natural
environment of the Cyclades and by the possible effects on
their health . Bearing in mind that the Community has taken
an interest in the past in the infringement of environmental
legislation by the PPC ( my question H-0043 / 93 ) ( 2 ):

1 . What action will the Commission take to ensure that the

electrification of the Cyclades is implemented by the
PPC in accordance with Community law ?

No C 255 / 36 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

2 . With particular regard to the Cyclades, to what extent
has the Community policy on alternative energy —
particularly wind and solar energy — as set out inter alia
in a special report by the Commission 's DG XVI, been
implemented ?

3 . Is the Commission today in a position to determine
whether Directive 85 / 337 / ERC is being implemented in
the projects to which I referred in question H-0043 / 93,
and what action does it intend to take in that

regard ?

I 1 ) OJ No L 175, 5 . 7 . 1985, p . 40 .

( 2 ) Debates of the European Parliament, No 3-427, February

1993 .

7 . Biomass and energy from waste : — a pyrolysis unit for
charcoal and pyrolytic oil production from wood
by-products ( Aperanthia — Cyclades )

8 . 100 Kw wind power plant on Mykonos

9 . Geothermal drilling for electricity generation on
Milos

Valoren projects

1 . Wind generators in telecommunications relays on
Syros

2 . Wind generators in telecommunications relays on
Paros

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas 3 . Wind generators in telecommunications relays on

on behalf of the Commission Kea

(8 March 1994 )
4 . Wind park on Andros

1 . Directive 85 / 337 / EEC on the assessment of the effects

of certain public and private projects on the environment
applies only to projects of the kind listed in the Annexes
thereto . As a result, an electrification scheme such as the one
planned for the Cyclades is not covered by this Directive .

However, installations for transmission of electricity by
overhead lines, of the kind provided for by the scheme, are

. covered by Annex II to the Directive, and must therefore

undergo such an assessment if the scale or location of the
project so dictates .

Should an infringement of Community law by the Greek
authorities be brought to the Commission 's attention, it
may be able to intervene .

2 . The Community policy of promoting alternative
sources of energy is given concrete shape by the funding of
various demonstration projects and projects under the
Thermie and Valoren programmes in particular :

5 . Installation of 70 photovoltaic units in households in the
Cyclades ( Antikeri, Kato Koufonis, Danousa ).

In addition, an energy programming study was carried out
in the Cyclades, which was co-financed by the
Commission .

3 . The Greek law transposing Directive 85 / 337 / EEC
covers projects for thermal power stations and other
combustion plants as well as hydroelectric power stations,
and retains the distinction made by the Directive .

The Commission cannot establish whether the projects
referred to by the Honourable Member in Oral Question
No 0043 / 93 infringe the provisions of the Directive unless it
knows the exact date on which authorization was granted
for each power station, as well as its generating capacity .

Community policy on alternative sources of energy also

Thermie and Valoren programmes in particular : includes financial support for R&D projects under the Joule

Programme .
Demonstration and Thermie projects

1 . A wind energy and desalination system for Ano Syros

2 . The integration of wind and diesel systems

( Mykonos )

3 . 350 Kw vertical axis wind turbine on the island of

Andros ( Kavilari )

4 . Demonstration of a reduced cost 400 Kw wind turbine

in a high turbulence wind climate on Mykonos

5 . Photovoltaic power supply for desalination,
refrigeration and lighting

6 . Solar heating of telecommunication centre on the island
of Sifnos

Joule projects

1 . Protection of archaeological sites using renewable
energy sources ( Santorini )

2 . Regional integration of renewable energies in the village
of Aperathou on the island of Naxos

3 . Development of a stand-alone photovoltaic power
system for remote villages, making use of pumped water
energy storage ( Donoussa )

4 . Wind / photovoltaic / diesel system for the island of
Kithnos .

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 37

QUESTION E-2803 / 93 proposed . Particular attention is being paid to the role

by Ian White ( PSE ) which eco-labelling could play in providing positive market

incentives for sustainable forest management .
to the Commission

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2803 / 93

by Ian White ( PSE )

(4 October 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 70 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2824 / 93

Subject : Conservation of tropical hardwoods by Carlos Robles Piquer ( PPE )

to the Commission

Will the Commission please state what actions the
Community has taken, and what it proposes to take, to
conserve tropical hardwoods .

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( IS December 1993 )

The Commission supports actively the implementation of
the Rio Declaration of Principles on Forest and the
Convention on Biodiversity . Considerable additional
financial resources in favour of tropical forests have been
made available under Budget Line B7-5041 ( in 1992 and

1993 more than 100 MF'CU have been programmed ). In
order to establish the legal basis of this budget line, a
proposal for a Council Regulation is currently being
discussed by the Council and the Parliament .

In the framework of the Lome IV Convention, as well as of
the Regulation for Asia and Latin America, special attention
was given to environmental issues . The protection and
valorisation of the environment and natural resources, the
halting of deterioration of land and forests, the restoration
of ecological balance, the preservation of natural resources
and their rational exploitation are basic objectives that the
ACP States concerned strive to achieve with Community
support . In 1992, for example, about 115 MECU ( 9% of
programmable aid ) have been allocated for environmental
projects which included biodiversity and conservation of
forests . In the Sixth FED the Commission has made

available 24 MECU for a regional coordinated project on
conservation and rational use of central Africa 's forest

ecosystems .

In order to promote the conservation and sustainable
management of tropical forests, the Community is also
participating actively in the International Tropical Timber
Organization ( ITTO ).

The Commission is seeking to have Target 2000
incorporated in the new agreement, so that all tropical
timber entering international trade should originate from
sustainably managed sources by the year 2000 .

Results of studies undertaken for the Commission are

currently being analysed so appropriate action can be

(4 October 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 71 )

Subject : On-site assistance for Russian and Ukrainian

nuclear plants

It had been envisaged that in the second half of this year
various experts from the Member States would join five or
six Russian and Ukrainian nuclear power stations . For this
to be made possible, the Commission has had to tenaciously
overcome numerous obstacles of which surely not the least
was the problem of mistrust on the part of the authorities in
these countries .

Can the Commission indicate how these missions have

fared, who has been on them, where they have been
working, what impressions have been reported as regards
the safety of these nuclear plants and whether these
impressions all referred to the various types of VVR or also
to the RBMK reactors, which are less well known in the
West ? Any other information on this important part of the
Tacis Programme would be greatly appreciated .

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan

on behalf of the Commission

(7 December 1993 )

The Commission would inform the Honourable Member

that the on-site nuclear safety assistance started in June on
five sites in Russia ( Kola, Balakovo, Kaninin, Smolensk,
Beloyarsk ) and on two sites in Ukraine ( Rovno, South
Ukraine ). Because of a last-minute change of projects for the
sixth site in Russia ( Leningrad ) on-site activities have not yet
started there, but are now imminent .

The activities of the Community operators on the various
sites have been proceeding without significant hold-ups or
difficulties . In fact, the relevant Russian and Ukrainian
authorities are very cooperative and value highly the
Community 's assistance .

The nuclear power plants include all type of reactors

( RBMK, VVER, and fast-breeder reactors ). The
Community operators involved are EdF, Tractebel, UNESA,
ENEL, GKN, RWE Biblis, Scottish Nuclear, Nuclear
Electric and Nersa .

The initial phase of the on-site assistance, which is largely
concluded, has permitted the Commission to proceed jointly

No C 255 / 38 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

with the local operators to the definition of the technical
specifications for the various projects to be implemented on
the sites . The Commission will now soon be in a position to
proceed to the second phase, i.e. procurement of equipment
or detailed engineering . One important condition for the
success of this phase is the satisfactory solution of the
nuclear liability question on which the Commission is still in
negotiations with the recipient States .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2833 / 93

by Giuseppe Mottola ( PPE )

to the Commission

(4 October 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 72 )

Subject : Failure to pay subsidies under Law 72 / 92 —

National Solidarity Fund for Fisheries in the Gulf
of Salerno — Fishing for tuna with hooks and
baskets — European fisheries conference

As a result of mucilage secretion and the exceptionally
severe problems at sea over the past two years in the Gulf of
Salerno and on the Amalfi and Cilento coast, fishermen have
been condemned to a lengthy period of inactivity and have
consequently sustained heavy losses .

In the Salerno coastal sector alone, 600 applications have
been submitted for subsidies under Law 72 / 92, but no
fishing vessel has benefited from non-returnable aid .

The over-restrictive rules on fishing for young tuna have
further worsened material and economic conditions for the

numerous very small-scale fishermen who fish with hooks
and baskets .

1 . Will the Commission approach the Member State
concerned in order to find out why subsidies are not
being paid to the fishermen who are entitled to
them ?

2 . Will it use the new forms of Community financial
assistance to support the entire fishing industry in
Campania and southern Italy by promoting the
development of fisheries and protecting marine
ecosystems ?

3 . Will it approach the proper authorities with a view to
ensuring that small-scale inshore fishermen are
permitted to fish with hooks and baskets for young tuna
in the autumn season, bearing in mind that this type of
fishing does not harm biological resources ?

4 . Will it also join forces with fishermen and sponsor a
European conference on Mediterranean fisheries, to be
held in Amalfi ( Salerno district ), with a view to
revitalizing the industry in a rational way, consolidating
it on a sustainable, environmentally compatible, and
lasting footing ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 18 January 1994 )

1 . With the information on currently at its disposal
regarding the matter raised by the Honourable Member, the
Commission does not envisage intervening in the affairs of
the Member State on this matter .

2 . The Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance

( FIFG ) can finance the development of fishing activities and
the protection of maritime ecosystems in the Mezzogiorno
through measures under Objective 1 . A proposal for a
Regulation laying down detailed rules for implementing the
FIFG was recently submitted by the Commission to the
Council .

3 . On no account can the Commission accept a request to
allow fishing for bluefin tuna below the standards
recommended by the International Commission for the
Conservation of Atlantic Tunas . This body recommends a
ban on catching bluefin tuna weighing less than 6,4 kg .

4 . The Commission has clearly indicated, in particular in
its discussion paper ' Outline of a Common Fisheries System
in the Mediterranean ', that it considers that organizing a
diplomatic conference of Mediterranean States is the most
appropriate way to embark upon the second stage of
developing a general policy for the conservation and
rational management of resources . While it hopes that this
conference will be organized as soon as possible, the
Commission does not feel it would be appropriate to
indicate a date and place for the organization of such a
conference at this stage .

In the same context, coordination conferences with
economic operators in the fisheries sector are certainly
desirable, in particular in connection with the European
Conference on Mediterranean fisheries, but more work
needs to be done on this matter, and preliminary contacts
made, before the time and the place can be decided on .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2862 / 93

by Christa Randzio-Plath ( PSE )

to the Commission

(4 October 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 73 )

Subject : Decision by the Council of Ministers of
12 February 1 993 on the common organization of
the market in bananas

1 . What have been the trends in sales of bananas from

ACP, EC and other countries respectively since 1 July 1993 ?

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 39

What was the volume of banana sales in July and August

1993 compared with the same period in 1992 ?

2 . Is it true that supplies of bananas to German
consumers are no longer guaranteed ? How does the
Commission explain price trends in Germany ? Is it true that
the common organization of the market in bananas has led
to a consumer price increase of between 60 and 1 00 % as a
result of the increased unit cost of dollar bananas ?

3 . Is it true that the number of licences issued in Germany
has diminished to the extent of placing German importers at
a disadvantage compared with importers from other
Member States because they have no access to ACP
bananas ?

4 . How many jobs have been lost in Germany as a result ?
How many refrigerators vessels have been laid up, and how
many fruit importers closed down and where ? How many
jobs have been lost in Latin American banana-producing
countries as a result of the EC Decision ?

5 . Is it true that the nitrate content of EC and ACP

bananas is considerably higher than that of dollar bananas
because of the use of pesticides in the banane plantations,
with the result that an inferior product is being placed on the
market ?

At present the trend is somewhat reversed and prices are at a
level comparable to that of 1990 . This situation should be
confirmed once the market organization arrangements for

imports are finally in place .

3 . According to information obtained by the German
customs authorities, the quantities of bananas released for
sale in Germany are more or less equivalent to the quantities
handled in previous years .

As regards ACP products, Community traders have the
option of buying bananas directly from ACP producers or
setting up joint ventures with other traders already selling
ACP bananas . Naturally this is a voluntary option .
Marketing of ACP bananas gives entitlement to licences to
import dollar bananas .

4 . The Commission has no way of assessing the impact of
the market organization for bananas on levels of activity in
Community ports, levels of employment or transport .

5 . No evidence has been produced of nitrate contents in
Community and ACP bananas being higher than in dollar
bananas .

Answer given by Mr Steichen

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2882 / 93
on behalf of the Commission

by Christa Randzio-Plath ( PSE )

( 25 January 1994 ) to the Commission

(4 October 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 74 )
1 . The Commission as yet has no detailed information on
banana sales by origin in the Community in July — August

1993 . The market organization for bananas has been in
place since 1 July 1993 only . The Member States are still in
the process of setting up their networks for reporting data
and a certain amount of time is needed before meaningful
statistics can be produced .

2 . So far the Commission has had no knowledge of
Community markets being under-supplied . It was with the
specific intention of preventing such situations that it
decided to allocate provisional quantities to traders for the
period July — October 1993 while the final procedures for
imports were being put in place .

A comparison of wholesale banana prices in Germany in
July 1993 with corresponding prices in 1 992 indeed shows a

considerable increase, but this does not mean there has been
an increase in the unit cost of dollar bananas . Moreover,
figures relating to 1992 do not constitute a representative
reference because dollar banana traders, especially on the
German market, were speculating heavily on a drop in
prices .

Subject : Transitional arrangements concerning value added

tax and value-added tax identification numbers

1 . On 1 Januar 1993, a number of transitional internal
market arrangements for value added tax were introduced .
Since then undertakings have been complaining of frictional
losses, Member States of a fall-off in revenue and national
finance authorities of unacceptable additional burdens .

What problems have been perceived by the Commission,
and which of them are caused by application of the country
of destination principle rather than the country of origin
principle ?

2 . Paragraph 22 ( Article 22(1 )( c )) of Council Directive
91 / 680 / EEC ( [ ) requires Member States to take the
measures necessary to identify every taxable person by
means of an individual number, which is necessary for tax
exemption in the context of intra-Community trade .

No C 255 / 40 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

What stage has been reached in allocating value added tax
identification numbers in the individual Member States ?

3 . What measures were taken to ensure that value-added

tax identification numbers could be issued without delay in
order to avoid obstructing trade between the Member
State ?

4 . What measures are being envisaged in response to the
problems which have arisen since 1 January 1993 with
regard to the allocation of value-added tax identification
numbers ?

(') OJ No L 376, 31 . 12 . 1991, n . 1 .

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener

on behalf of the Commission

( 21 December 1993 )

1 . The Commission has made an initial assessment of the

operation of the new indirect tax regimes which have been in
operation since 1 January 1 993 . This assessment, which was
presented to the Ecofin Council of Ministers on 25 October

1993, shows that on the basis of information available, the
new arrangements are generally functioning in a satisfactory
manner . Despite the fact that the relevant legislation was
adopted relatively late in 1 992, most firms have been able to
get to grips with the new regime . Any problems which have
been encountered have been rapidly identified and
appropriate solutions have either been found or arc in the
course of preparation .

2 . and 4 . VAT identification numbers were

automatically allocated to traders, in all Member States but
one, before 1 January 1993 . In the case of Germany, such
numbers were issued on request only . Heavy demand for
such numbers at the end of 1992 led to a bottleneck and

consequent delays in allocating numbers . That bottleneck
was, however, cleared during the first quarter of 1993 . In
the case of all Member States, as far as the Commission is
aware, new identification numbers are now issued without
delay .

3 . In order to prevent this temporary situation from
hampering intra-Community trade, the Standing
Committee on Administrative Cooperation in the field of
indirect taxation reached an agreement which, on a
temporary basis until 28 February 1993, enabled
intra-Community supplies to be made to German
enterprises which had applied for, but not yet received, their
identification numbers . The position has since been
regularized .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2831 / 93

by Mihail Papayannakis ( GUE )

to the Commission

(4 October 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 75 )

Subject : Illegal floating fuel container in Chios

A very serious disturbance occurred in the region of Aghios
Ioannis Tholos on the Island of Chios on 6 September 1993
when the inhabitants of the villages of Sykiada and Langada
attempted to prevent a floating fuel container from mooring
and a number of people fell into the sea and were involved in
clashes with the security forces backed up by
reinforcements . The local authorities and residents '

associations maintain that there have been significant
irregularities and breaches of the law in respect of the arrival
of this fuel container : a violation of national laws 1571 and

1 769 / 88, the failure to meet the preconditions laid down by
certain authorities on the island regarding the transport of
fuel, etc .

Given the geographical character of the region ( closed bay )
and the real dangers of water pollution and other accidents,
will the Commission say :

1 . To what extent does this ' investment ' being promoted
by the Greek authorities and the way it has been
undertaken violate not only national law but also
Community legislation ; and

2 . What steps does it intend to take to see that the existing
problem of supplying fuel to the island or, possibly, to
large vessels is solved in such a way that the interests of
the inhabitants of the region are respected and that the
natural environment is not jeopardized ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-29 11 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 11 October 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 76 )

Subject : Mooring of a floating fuel container in the Bay of

Tholos ( Chios )

Clashes broke out between the inhabitants of Sykiada and
Langada and the port authorities on the island of Chios
recently during an operation to moor a floating fuel
container in the Bay of Tholos . The inhabitants of these two

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 41

villages question the legality of the permit issued by the
Prefectural Supervisory Committee . Can the Commission

say :

1 . How it views the decision to moor a floating fuel
container in this area ?

2 . If this plan cannot be prevented, what action it intends
to take to protect the environment of the region ?

Joint answer to Written Questions

E-2831 / 93 and E-2911 / 93

given by Mr Paleokrassas
on behalf of the Commission

(4 March 1994 )

The storage of fuel in floating tanks and their mooring in the
coastal waters of Member States are not explicitly covered
by Community legislation, unless they come under Directive
85 / 337 / EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain

public and private projects on the environment .

However, the Commission takes the view that the
competent Greek authorities should take all the necessary
steps to ensure that projects of this kind are carried out
without risk to the environment or human health .

Furthermore, Greece, like the Community, is a contracting
party to the Barcelona Convention for the protection of the
Mediterranean Sea against Pollution, and to the Protocol for
the Prevention of Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea by
Dumping from Ships and Aircraft ( Council Decision
77 / 585 / EEC (').

As a result, if a floating tank is assimilated by analogy to a
ship, Greece, having ratified the Convention in question, is
obliged to ' prevent, abate and combat pollution of the
Mediterranean Sea Area caused by discharges from ships
and to ensure the effective implementation in that Area of
the rules which are generally recognized at the international
level relating to the control of this type of pollution .'

( Article 6 : pollution from ships ).

If, however, a floating tank is assimilated to a land-based
installation, the authorities must ' take all appropriate
measures to prevent, abate and combat pollution of the
Mediterranean Sea Area caused by ... coastal
establishments ... or emanating from any other land-based
sources within their territories .' ( Article 8 : pollution from
land-based sources ).

As regards protection against ocean-going vessels which
may pose a threat to the inhabitants and environment of the

region, the Commission is currently working on a set of
proposals, most of which come under the programme of
action contained in its communication on a common policy
for safe seas ( 2 ).

(>) OJ No L 240, 19 . 9 . 1977 .

( 2 ) COM(93 ) 66 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2958 / 93

by José Lafuente Lopez ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 20 October 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 77 )

Subject : Community legislation against noise

Improvements in road communications in suburban areas
have brought about an increase in the noise level, which
causes annoyance to the inhabitants of areas adjacent to the
new major roads making up the most modern transport
networks . The slogan ' we want a noise-free life ' can often be
seen displayed from the balconies of apartments in areas
where new roads were built after the apartments were
bought . The owners are not resigned to their fate and place
their hope in legal action to persuade the authorities to take
measures to reduce the noise and allow them to live in

peace .

Can the Commission say what Community legal
instruments can be employed by people living near major
roads who are affected by noise in suburban areas, and how
the European Community intends to combat noise pollution
and assist those who are affected by motor vehicle noise
from by-passes in suburban areas ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 28 February 1994 )

The primary responsibility for ensuring that new roads are
not a nuisance ( including causing noise ) to residential areas
is on local, regional or national authorities . In ensuring the
careful planning of new roads, they are required to respect
the Directive on environmental impact assessment . Under
Annex I of this Directive an EIA is mandatory for consent
decisions on motorways and express roads . For other roads
Member States should, under Annex II of the Directive,

No C 255 / 42 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

consider the need for an EIA on the basis of their specific
characteristics . It must however be understood that, while
under this Directive residential interests are taken into

account in the decision making process, in the final decision
they are weighed against other interests .

There are two ways in which existing noise problems may be
alleviated . The first in which the Community has a role is in
reducing the noise nuisance of individual vehicles . This is
covered by Community legislation specifying maximum
permitted noise limits for a whole range of road vehicles .
This legislation is kept under review and with limits
tightened regularly to reflect technical progress . The second
is the installation of noise barriers on roads and double
glazing on buildings . These measures are exclusively the
competence of national and local authorities .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2994 / 93

by Virginio Bettini ( V )

to the Commission

( 25 October 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 78 )

Subject : Report on Community action to protect forests

against fire

In view of the serious increase in the number of summer

forest fires, especially in Italy,

— having regard to Regulation ( EEC ) No 3529 / 86 (') and

subsequent amendments thereto on protection of the
Community 's forests against fire,

— having regard to Regulation ( EEC ) No 2158 / 92 ( 2 );

— given that the Commission has undertaken to coordinate

and monitor Community action in the field of forest-fire
protection ( Regulation ( EEC ) No 2158 / 92, Article 5 ),

1 . will the Commission submit to the European Parliament
a partial report of the results obtained in this initial
period of implementation of the above Regulation,
analyzing each individual measure provided for in
Article 1 of the Regulation, Member State by Member
State ?

2 . what instruments and initiatives has the Commission

used to date to coordinate and monitor the action

covered by Regulation ( EFX ) No 2158 / 92 ?

3 . what is the relation between the Community
undertaking to set up national systems of information
on forest fires ( Regulation ( EEC ) No 2158 / 92, Article 5 )

and the existing Efics scheme ( European Forestry
Information and Communication System ), and what
pilot projects for the setting-up of the abovementioned
national information systems ( Article 5(5 )) have so far
been financed by the Commission ?

(') OJ No L 326, 21 . 11 . 1986, p . 5 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 217, 31 . 7 . 1992, p . 3 .

Answer given by Mr Steichcn

on behalf of the Commission

( 22 December 1993 )

Regulation ( EEC ) No 2158 / 92 on protection of the
Community 's forests against fire was adopted by the
Council on 23 July 1992 .

The Regulation provides that Member States should
communicate to the Commission lists of areas classified as

high or medium risk on their territories . On 24 June 1993
and 24 September 1993 the Commission approved the lists
of classified areas for Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Italy
and Portugal .

The Regulation also provides that Member States should
forward to the Commission overall plans for protection of
their forests against fire in high and medium risk areas . The
plans submitted are currently being examined by the
Commission . The Commission has approved a number of
plans submitted by France .

For 1992 and 1993, assistance totalling ECU 21,5 million
was granted for 145 fire prevention projects submitted by
Member States . 1 % of the amount granted was for the
analysis of the causes of fires, 7% was for information
campaigns, 21 % for fire prevention infrastructures, 17%
for the monitoring of forests, 5 % for demonstration
projects, 1 % for analytical studies, 3 % for training
personnel and 45 % for projects with multiple objectives .
95 % of the amount granted went to Member States in the
south of Europe .

Coordination and monitoring are carried out in close
cooperation with the ' forest fires ' group of the Standing
Committee on Forestry . As part of this cooperation, a pilot
project is underway to devise an information system on
forest fires, the principal objectives of which are to assist
information exchange on forest fires, to provide continuous
assessment of the impact of Member State and Commission
measures in this area, to evaluate the periods, degree and
causes of fire risks and to develop strategies for protecting
forests against fire . An implementing Regulation on this
matter will shortly be submitted to the Council to define
common indicators and the detailed rules for submitting
applications for Community financial assistance from
Member States wishing to improve their national

systems .

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 43

Regulation ( EEC ) No 1615 / 89 establishing a European WRITTEN QUESTION E-30 13 / 93
Forestry Information and Communication System ( Efics ) by Michael Elliott ( PSE ), Léon
expired on 31 December 1992 and the Commission will Barbara Dührkop Dührkop ( PSE ), Roberto
shortly be proposing its renewal . Clearly, the common Gepa Maibaum ( PSE ), Lissy Gròner ( PSE ),
elements defined under the information system on forest Denys ( PSE ), Ernest Glinne ( PSE ), Nora
fires will be integrated in Efics . PSE Antonio Coimbra Martins PSE Marc

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3012 / 93

by Anne André-Léonard ( LDR )

to the Commission

( 29 October 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 79 )

Subject : GATT negotiations in the audiovisual sector

The negotiations for a general agreement on services begun
in 1986 include television programmes and
cinematographic works under the heading ' audiovisual
services '.

Aware, however, of the very special nature of these services,
the Commission has endeavoured during these negotiations
to give them special status by making a distinction between
' commercial ' audiovisual services ( such as advertisements )
and ' non-commercial ' services ( such as creative works :
films, television fiction, documentaries, etc .). It has also
tried to include a reference to culture in the text of the

agreement .

The draft overall agreement drawn up by the GATT
administration includes none of the proposals put forward
by the Community, which many countries in the
international community were prepared to support, to give
creative television programmes and cinematographic works
an appropriate status in the international trade in
audiovisual programmes, in view of their very specific

nature .

The Commission 's present mandate is to negotiate the
inclusion of a ' cultural clause ' in the agreement on services,
exemptions from the GATT rules in order to uphold
Community Regulations in the audiovisual field ( Directive
on television without frontiers, Media Programme ) and
obligations entered into by Member States on international
co-productions .

Will the Commission submit to Parliament its analysis of the
negotiations on audiovisual services within the GATT ?
What is the substance of the mandate it intends to defend

within the GATT, and what is the negotiating timetable ?

by Michael Elliott ( PSE ), Léon Schwartzenberg ( PSE ),
Barbara Dührkop Dührkop ( PSE ), Roberto Barzanti ( PSE ),
Gepa Maibaum ( PSE ), Lissy Gròner ( PSE ), Marie-José
Denys ( PSE ), Ernest Glinne ( PSE ), Nora Mebrak-Zaïdi

( PSE ), Antonio Coimbra Martins ( PSE ), Marc Galle ( PSE ),
Nereo Laroni ( PSE ), Ben Fayot ( PSE ), Juan de la Càmara
Martinez ( PSE ), Janey Buchan ( PSE ), Achille Occhetto

( PSE ), Roberto Speciale ( PSE ), Carole Tongue ( PSE ), Giulio
Fantuzzi ( PSE ), Frédéric Rosmini ( PSE ), Paraskevas
Avgerinos ( PSE ), Artur da Cunha Oliveira ( PSE ), Bernard
Frimat ( PSE ), Dimitrios Pagoropoulos ( PSE ), Andrea
Raggio ( PSE ), Maurice Duverger ( PSE ), Claude Desama

( PSE ), Rinaldo Bontempi ( PSE ), Biagio De Giovanni ( PSE ),
Renzo Trivelli ( PSE ), Anna Catasta ( PSE ), João Cravinho

( PSE ), Dieter Rogalla ( PSE ), Luigi Colajanni ( PSE ),
Marie-Claude Vayssade ( PSE ), Josep Verde i Aldea ( PSE ),
Arthur Newens ( PSE ), Martine Buron ( PSE ), Claude
Delcroix ( PSE ), Raymonde Dury ( PSE ), Konstantinos
Tsimas ( PSE ), Renzo Imbeni ( PSE ), Pasqualina Napoletano

( PSE ), Luis Planas Puchades ( PSE ), Barbara Schmidbauer

( PSE ), Christos Papoutsis ( PSE ), Jannis Sakellariou ( PSE ),
Michel Hervé ( PSE ), Gérard Fuchs ( PSE ), Claude Cheysson

( PSE ), Jean-Paul Benoit ( PSE ), Gérard Caudron ( PSE ),
Adriana Ceci ( PSE ), André Sainjon ( ARE ), Barbara Simons

( PSE ), Klaus Hansch ( PSE ), Maria Santos ( PSE ), Carlos Bru
Purón ( PSE ), Alain Bombard ( PSE ), Annemarie
Goedmakers ( PSE ), Manuel Medina Ortega ( PSE ), Lode

Van Outrive ( PSE ) and José Happart ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 29 October 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 80 )

Subject : Inclusion of a cultural clause in the GATT

agreements

There is an economic and cultural dimension to the

audiovisual sector in Europe ; accordingly, a specific
approach is required in the GATT negotiations . The
Commission has requested that the sector 's specific cultural
features be acknowledged by the future agreement . If this is
not accepted, there is a danger that the Community 's
audiovisual sector will be totally deregulated as a result of
calling into question the ' Television without Frontiers '
Directive, the Media and Eurimages Programmes and
international co-production agreements .

1 . The Commission 's brief at present calls for explicit
acknowledgement of a cultural clause by the GATT
agreement . What is the current position in this regard,
and what does the Commission intend to include in that

clause ?

2 . The Commission endorses the need to request specific
exemptions in order to safeguard implementation of the
' Television without Frontiers ' Directive, the Media and
Eurimages Programmes and the international
co-production agreements concluded by the Member
States . What stage has been reached in the negotiations
with a view to acceptance of these derogations ?

No C 255 / 44 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3014 / 93 2 . What are the positions of the other partners and where
by Georgios Anastassopoulos ( PPE ), Doris Pack ( PPE ), are the differences and agreements ?
Manuel Garcia Amigo ( PPE ), Arie Oostlander ( PPE ), Nicolc
Fontaine ( PPE ), Karsten Hoppenstedt ( PPE ) and Ria
Oomen-Ruiiten ( PPE )
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 168 / 93

to the Commission
by Christian de la Malène ( RDE )

( 29 October 1993 )

94 / C 255 / 81 )

Subject : Audiovisual aspects of the GATT multilateral

negotiations

In the context of the Uruguay Round which began in 1 986, a
global compromise plan was submitted in December 1991 .
One of the sections of this plan is intended to regulate trade
in services ( the GATTS agreement ), including, in particular,
audiovisual services .

Recognizing that the audiovisual sector is both economic
and cultural in nature, and aware that strict application of
the GATT rules could endanger the Community 's
audiovisual policy, the Commission submitted, in
November 1992, in accordance with the mandate granted it
by the Council, a request for a ' cultural clause ' to be inserted
into the GATS agreement, accompanied by requests for
exemption from the most-favoured nation clause with a
view to reserving the benefits of the ' Television without
Frontiers ' Directive of 1989 and of the Media plan for the
Member States alone and to preserving the arrangements
entered into by the Member States favouring co-production
agreements with certain third countries .

Can the Commission state what position it has defended on
this matter in the GATT negotiations, and describe the
reactions of the other parties to the negotiations ?

and Louis Lauga ( RDE )

to the Commission

( 19 November 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 83 )

Subject : Audiovisual dimension of the GATT negotiations

and inclusion of a ' cultural clause '

The future Uruguay Round agreements, while desirable
from the viewpoint of transparency in world trade, will
nonetheless usher in a form of controlled liberalization,
especially in the audiovisual sector, where programme
production is an act of individual or collective artistic
creation which must not be treated as a purely commercial
phenomenon .

Can the Commission state what stage has been reached in its
negotiations with a view to introducing a ' cultural clause '
into the GATT agreement, given that such a clause is crucial
to the survival of the audiovisual industry in the Community
and of the cultural identity of Europe ?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3012 / 93, E-3013 / 93,

E-3014 / 93, E-3015 / 93 and E-3168 / 93

given by Sir Leon Brittan
on behalf of the Commission

( 15 April 1994 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3015 / 93 The Commission would refer the Honourable Members to
its answer to Written Question No 3533 / 93 by Mr
by Yves Fremion ( Y ), Eva-Maria Quistorp ( V ),
Kostopoulos (').

Marco Taradash ( NI ) and Paul Staes ( V )

to the Commission

( 29 October 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 82 )

Subject : The GATT negotiations and the needs of the

European audiovisual industry

1 . Trade in audiovisual products is a major component
of world trade . However, the principle of unrestricted free
trade is not applicable in the cultural sector . If the latter 's
capacity for expression and creative potential are to be
maintained and developed, the GATT agreements must
contain a cultural clause ; such a clause must take account of
cultural requirements, legislation and special measures, such
as the quotas for the distribution of European productions
and government programmes to encourage the production
and distribution of audiovisual works . What is the

Community 's position as put forward by the Commission in
the negotiations on the GATT agreements ?

(') See page 51 of this Official Journal .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3032 / 93

by Jean-Pierre Raffin ( V )

to the Commission

( 29 October 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 84 )

Subject : Cohesion Fund

Can the Commission provide a breakdown of the funding
granted under Title I on transport and Title II on the
environment within the framework of the Cohesion Fund

for Spain, Greece, Ireland and Portugal ?

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 45

Answer given by Mr Schmidhuber

on behalf of the Commission

( 28 January 1994 )

At 31 December 1993, the position as regards commitments
made to the four beneficiary countries under the cohesion
financial instrument was as follows :

exported legally, Article 13 of Directive 84 / 631 / EEC ( )
requires Member States to forward to the Commission
reports on the situation with regard to transfrontier
shipments concerning their respective territories . The data
received from Germany under the requirements of this
Directive, which refer to special waste and other waste like
sewage sludge exported to several Member States in 1991,
are the following :

Commitments for Member States ' projects ( tonnes )

( ECU ) Belgium 152 519

Member

States

Environment Transport

Total

Total % Total %

Greece 175 222400 62 105141600 38 280364 000

Spain 252083242 29 606367461 71 858450703

Ireland 55917250 39 85 969 850 61 141 887100

Portugal 122 794100 43 160774600 57 283 568 700

Total 606016992 38,7 958253461 61,3 1 564270503

It must be stated however that owing to the existing
approval procedure whereby projects presented are
approved as and when they mature, no definitive appraisal
of the distribution of the transport infrastructure and
environment projects to be financed can be made until all
the resources to be granted have been committed .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3034 / 93

by John Iversen ( V )

to the Commission

( 29 October 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 85 )

Denmark 7 571

France 221 583

Netherlands 67 012

United Kingdom 2 451

These figures, however, have to be interpreted with care . As
the Honourable Member knows, the notion of waste, as
defined in Directives 75 / 442 / EEC, 78 / 319 / EEC and
84 / 631 / EEC, includes substances or objects that are to be
recycled ( European Court of Justice, decision of 28 March

1990, Case C-206 / 88 and C-207 / 88 ) while the German law
does not apply to recycled substances . The Commission has
therefore placed this matter before the Court of Justice

( Case 92 / 422 ).

Directive 84 / 631 / EEC will be replaced on 6 May 1994 by
Regulation ( EEC ) No 259 / 93 ( 2 ) on the supervision and
control of shipments of waste within, into and out of the
Community . The Regulation lays down stricter rules
pursuant to commitments taken in this field at international
level ( Basel Convention on the control of transboundary
movements of hazardous waste and their disposal, OECD
Decision C(92)3 9 concerning the control of transfrontier
movements of wastes destined for recovery operations,
Lome VI Convention ). Under the provisions of this
Regulation, the authorities of the Member States are
responsible for the actual application of the rules relating to
the supervision and control of shipments of waste and for
carrying out the necessary checks .

Subject : Tighter checks on waste trafficking (') OJ No L 326, 13 . 12 . 1984 .
( 2 ) OJ No L 30, 6 . 2 . 1993 .

Can the Commission say what volume of environmentally
hazardous waste has been exported, either legally or
illegally, from Germany to the other Community countries,
and can the Commission say what steps it is proposed to
take to tighten up checks on waste trafficking from
Germany to, among other countries, Denmark ? WRITTEN QUESTION E-3058 / 93

by François Musso ( RDE )

to the Commission

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas ( 29 October 1993 )

on behalf of the Commission ( 94 / C 255 / 86 )

(8 March 1994 )

Subject : Implementation of the Leader Programme in

Regarding the volume of environmentally hazardous waste
that would have been exported illegally, the Honourable
Member will understand that the Commission is not able to

provide data . As to the volume of such waste that has been

Corsica

What progress has been made in implementing the Leader
Programme in Corsica ? Can the Commission indicate the

No C 255 / 46 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

total funds earmarked for the implementation of this
programme, together with commitment and payment
appropriations to date ?

3 . Does the Commission know whether any contracts
have been concluded between the competent authorities of a
Member State and transport undertakings under Article 14
of the above Regulation ?

(') OJ No L 169, 29 . 6 . 1991, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Steichen ( 2 ) OJ No L 156,, 28 . 6 . 1969,, n . 1 .

on behalf of the Commission

( 26 January 1994 )

ECU 4,53 million has been earmarked for the
implementation of the Leader Programme in Corsica . Of
that amount, ECU 1,8 million will be provided by the
Community, ECU 1,983 million by the Member State and
ECU 0,747 million by the private sector .

At 30 September 1993, the commitments made by the group
amounted to FF 20,032 million and the payments to FF

10,150 million . At the current ECU rate, these figures
represent about 66 % and 33 % of the total cost of the
project, respectively .

The estimates forwarded by the group to the intermediary
body for the last quarter of 1 993 suggest that all the funds
for the programme will have been committed before 31
December 1993 and that the programme will be completed
before the scheduled deadline .

The local action group in Corsica will be able to provide all
additional information . The group 's coordinates have been
sent directly to the Honourable Member and to Parliament 's
Secretariat .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3063 / 93

by Giinter Liittge ( PSE )

to the Commission

(5 November 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 87 )

Subject : Council Regulation on action by the Member

States concerning the obligations inherent in the
concept of a public service in transport by rail,
road and inland waterway

1 . Following the entry into force of Council Regulation

( EEC ) No . 1893 / 91 ('), amending Regulation ( EEC )
No 1191 / 69 ( 2 ), have any Member States, apart from
Germany, taken advantage of the exclusion clause
contained in the second subparagraph of Article 1(1 ) for a
definite or indefinite period and, if so, which Member States
have done so ?

2 . What information does the Commission have

concerning the implementation of Article 1 ( 5 ) of the above
Regulation in the Member States ?

Answer given by Mr Matutes

on behalf of the Commission

( 17 March 1994 )

Article 19(2 ) of Council Regulation ( EEC ) No 1191 / 69 of
26 June 1969 concerning the obligations inherent in the
concept of a public service in transport by rail, road and
inland waterway excludes undertakings mainly providing
transport services of a local or regional character . The
second paragraph of Article 1(1 ) of Council Regulation

( EEC ) No 1893 / 91 amending Council Regulation ( EEC )
No 1191 / 69 stipulates that Member States may exclude
from the scope of the Regulation any undertakings whose
activities are confined exclusively to the operation of urban,
suburban or regional services .

As the above two Community Regulations do not
specifically oblige the Member States to inform the
Commission about the implementing measures they adopt
to conform to them, the Commission is unable to indicate
which Member States have excluded undertakings
providing exclusively urban, suburban or regional services
from the scope of Regulation ( EEC ) No 1893 / 91 .

Furthermore, Regulation ( EEC ) No 1893 / 91 was designed
to lay down general rules applicable to a public service
contract between a component authority of a Member State
and a private transport undertaking . It is for these
authorities and the railways to draw up these contracts in
accordance with the principles of Community and national
law .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3085 / 93

by Victor Arbeloa Muru ( PSE )

to the Commission

(S November 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 88 )

Subject : Lack of information concerning the Commission 's

plans

What accounts for the fact that, throughout the summer, in
dealing with the economic crisis and the European monetary

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 47

system, the media with the largest following amongst the
general public knew nothing of the philosophy, the opinions
and the statements made by the Commission and its
President ?

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

(3 February 1994 )

On Monday, 2 August the Vice-President with
responsibility for monetary matters gave a press conference
in the wake of the monetary events which had taken place
over the week-end .

On Friday, 6 August the Commission held an extraordinary
meeting and issued a statement afterwards . The meeting of
the Commission and the statement received wide coverage
in the press . Both the President and the Vice-President with
responsibility for monetary matters spoke to the press over
the summer .

Furthermore the Vice-President with responsibility for
monetary matters gave a detailed analysis of the situation
during the September session of the Parliament .

The Commission stresses however, that due to Member
States ' predominant competence in monetary matters, it
would have been inappropriate for the Commission to play
a leading role in the debate on monetary events taking place
during the summer period .

In 1991 the Commission concluded a contract with it to

organise a promotional event for olive oil, i.e. to design,
equip and manage the ' European gastronomy ' pavilion at
the Universal Exhibition in Seville .

The contract was for a maximum of ECU 8,25 million, and
the Commission actually spent ECU 7,613 million .

After that, the EEIG should have been wound up, having
been set up only for that precise purpose . To date, the
Commission has not been informed of its official

winding-up .

The grouping has not received any subsidies from the

Commission .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 135 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 19 November 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 90 )

Subject : Absence of a common organization of the market

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3117 / 93 for vegetables and horticultural products

by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke ( ARE )

to the Commission

Will the Commission say why a common organization of the
( 10 November 1993 ) market has not yet been established for vegetables and
( 94 / C 255 / 89 ) horticultural products as part of the CAP ?

Subject : GEIE Promotive

Would the Commission state whether it knows of the

organization called GEIE Promotive ?

Has the Commission ever asked it to oversee projects and, if
so, how much money was involved ? If this has been the case,
could more information be supplied about this
organization / undertaking ? Has this organization received
EC subsidies ?

Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

(4 March 1994 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 136 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 19 November 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 91 )

Subject : Absence of a common organization of the market

for legumens

Will the Commission say why a common organization of the
' Promolive ' is a European Economic Interest Grouping set market has not yet been established for legumens as part of
up by olive oil market operators . the CAP ?

No C 255 / 48 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3137 / 93 Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission ( 28 February 1994 )

( 19 November 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 92 )

Subject : Absence of a common organization of the market

for dried fruit

Will the Commission say why a common organization of the
market has not yet been established for dried fruit as part of
the CAP ?

Joint answer to Written Questions
E-3135 / 93, E-3 136 / 93 and E-3137 / 93

given by Mr Steichen
on behalf of the Commission

( 11 February 1994 )

The common organization of the market in fruit and
vegetables, regulated by Council Regulation ( EEC )
No 1035 / 72 ('), covers with certain exceptions vegetables
and horticultural products . The full list is given in Article 1
of that Regulation . Likewise most processed fruit and
vegetable products fall within the scope of the market
organization regulated by Council Regulation ( FTC )
No 425 / 86 ( 2 ).

H OJ No L 118, 20 . 5 . 1972 .

( 2 ) OJ No L 49, 27 . 2 . 1986 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 148 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 19 November 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 93 )

Subject : Better knowledge of Community law

In order to facilitate the promulgation of new Community
legislation, particularly following the entry into force of the
single European market, what measures has the
Commission taken — if any — to improve knowledge of
Community law among European citizens, in particular
lawyers ?

The Commission shares the Honourable Member 's concern

concerning the need to improve knowledge of Community
law . For the single market to be an economic success,
ordinary citizens and businessmen must be aware of the
possibilities available to them under Community law . For
this purpose the Commission has undertaken operations
targeted at lawyers and other such relays to increase
awareness and provide more information .

As regards training in Community law, the Commission
provides financial assistance for an appreciable number of
seminars and specialist courses run by university
institutions . Continuing training is also encouraged . Since

1990 the Commission has been granting substantial
financial and technical support to the European Law
Academy in Trier for the organization of advanced courses
in Community law for lawyers and members of the
judiciary . It also provided assistance for a seminar on the
training of judges in Community law organized in March

1993 by the European Institute of Public Administration .
The Commission is planning a follow-up to this in 1994 .
Similar assistance is provided for a summer university on
Community consumer law .

At the same time the Commission is continuing its efforts to
facilitate access to Community legislation . Since 1990 it has
made available to the public the INFO 92 database, which
contains summaries of the essential measures taken under

the internal market programme and the references of
national implementing measures . The full texts of these
instruments are available in the Celex database, which has
been accessible to the public since 1981 . The consolidation
work currently in progress will help make Community
Regulation easier to consult . Small businesses are provided
with information on a decentralized basis via the network of

Euro Info Centres .

The Commission has recently been giving thought to the
matter of the dissemination of information on Community
law . This has led to the strategic programme on the internal
market . Consultations on the recent Green Paper on
consumer access to the courts should promote more
frequent recourse by consumers to Community law .

However, in accordance with the subsidiarity principle,
Commission action in this field must be in support of action
to be taken by the Member States and is not meant to replace
it .

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 49

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 152 / 93

by Enrico Falqui ( V )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3207 / 93

by Winifred Ewing ( ARE )

to the Commission to the Commission

( 19 November 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 94 )

Subject : Extension of plant for the storage and incineration

of special toxic / harmful waste at Pitelli ( La Spezia,
Italy )

In 1988 the Region of Liguria authorized the operation of
two plants for the incineration of special waste, including
toxic and harmful substances, and the storage plants
attached to them ( having laid down the necessary safety
requirements and set the maximum amount of waste to be
treated at 3 400 tonnes per year ).

In 1989, when it was discovered that some of the
requirements laid down had not been met ( for example the
maximum limit for dust emission had been exceeded ) and
that the ' FC10 ' plant had been modified without
authorization, the regional authorities withdrew
authorization for the FC10 plant .

In September 1990 plans for modification of one of the
plants ( including tripling the amount of waste to be
processed ) and complete restructuring of the other were
approved .

These plans involve work for which Council Directive

85 / 337 / EEC ( l ) ( Annexes 1 and 2 ) makes it compulsory to
carry out an environmental impact assessment . This has
never been done .

Does the Commission not consider it should make

representations to the Italian authorities asking them to
comply with the above EEC Directive in this instance ?

(!) OJ No L 175, 5 . 7 . 1985, p . 40 .

( 23 November 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 95 )

Subject : North Sea pollution

How many incidents of North Sea pollution have been
reported under the Polrep reporting system set up by the
Bonn Agreement on North Sea pollution in 1983 ?

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

( 13 January 1994 )

The Pollution Report ( Polrep ) system has been in force since

1 January 1985 and works well . It is used by the Contracting
Parties in cases of serious pollution or threat of pollution of
the North Sea .

The secretariat of the Bonn Agreement has to date received
Polreps on 29 different incidents in the North Sea

( groundings, collisions, slicks, etc .).

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3233 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 23 November 1993 )

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission ( 94 / C 255 / 96 )

on behalf of the Commission

(8 December 1993 )

Subject : Adequacy of provisions of Directive 86 / 609 / EEC

The Commission is currently scrutinizing the question on animals used in experiments
raised by the Honourable Member . It will be approaching
the Italian authorities with regard to this matter .

Does it intend in the immediate future to consider whether
the provisions of Directive 86 / 609 / EEC (') on animals used
in experiments are adequate and in particular to examine the

No C 255 / 50 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

possibility of restricting the number of primates which end
up in laboratories in the Community Member States ?

(!) OJ No L 358, 18 . 12 . 1986, p . 1 .

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

(2 March 1994 )

The Commission is about to submit a report to the Council
and Parliament on statistics relating to the number of
animals used for experiments or other scientific purposes,
which also covers the number of primates used . In addition,
it has plans to present a policy statement, in collaboration
with the Member States, setting out the Community 's
position on the use of primates .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3266 / 93

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3282 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 23 November 1993 )

94 / C 255 / 98

Subject : The Aliki wetland on the island of Kos

Aliki on Kos is the only wetland in the south-east Aegean, a
stopping-over place of international importance for
migratory birds protected by international conventions . It
has also been recommended, within the framework of
Directive 92 / 43 / EEC ('), for inclusion in the list of habitats
of pan-European importance . However, environmental
organizations on Kos have reported that the authorities
have issued a licence ( No 467 / 92 ) for private construction as
a result of which an area of around three hectares of land

bordering on the wetland and between the lake and the sea
has been enclosed and a shop is also being built there . Does
the Commission intend to take action to protect the Aliki
wetland on Kos ?

(>) OJ No L 206, 22 . 7 . 1992, p . 7 .

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

on behalf of the Commission

to the Commission

( 25 February 1994 )

( 23 November 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 97 ) The wetland biotope in question has not been designated by
the Greek authorities as a special protection area under
Council Directive 79 / 409 / EEC on the conservation of wild

Subject : Adoption of the potato protection Regulation birds (').

Can the Commission explain why adoption of the
Community potato protection Regulation has been held
up ?

Neither is it on the list of areas of major interest for the
conservation of wild birds in the Community .

Therefore the Commission does not intend to take any
action regarding this biotope .

(') OJ No L 103, 2 . 4 . 1979 .
Answer given by Mr Steichen

on behalf of the Commission

( 18 January 1994 )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3409 / 93

The proposal for a Regulation on the common organization
of the market in the potato sector was submitted by the
Commission on 25 November 1992 . In May 1993,
following work by the Special Committee on Agriculture
carried out in April and May, and taking into account the
amendments proposed by Parliament, the Commission
submitted two amendments to its initial proposal,
concerning marketing measures and the extension of the
marketing season for new potatoes .

Since then the matter has been under consideration by the
Council .

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

(2 December 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 99 )

Subject : Extension of the Single Market to cover the

extradition of criminals

Given that the elimination of the internal borders makes it

more difficult to monitor crime and that common rules are

necessary on the extradition of criminals, can the
Commission say whether any steps have been taken to
promote cooperation between the 12 Member States in this
area ?

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 51

Answer given by Mr Flynn Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan
on behalf of the Commission on behalf of the Commission

( 28 February 1994 ) ( 18 March 1994 )

Extradition is without a doubt one of the major concerns of
the Member States in the framework of judicial cooperation
in criminal matters as now covered by Title VI of the Treaty
on European Union .

Although work has resumed since the informal meeting of
Ministers of Justice in Funchal in May 1992 with a view to
improving the effectiveness of existing international
instruments, the entry into force of the Treaty should
provide a propitious context for an early conclusion, as
recent developments would suggest .

In response to the request made by the European Council on
29 October 1993 that a detailed plan of action on j ustice and
home affairs be drawn up covering matters such as closer
judicial cooperation with particular reference to
extradition, at its meeting on 29 and 30 November 1 993 the
Council adopted a statement on the examination of the
possibility of easing the conditions of extradition and of
making the procedures simpler . It took note of an interim
report on current work and asked that a final report be
submitted before the end of 1994 . The Brussels F^uropean
Council of 10 and 11 December 1993 endorsed the

proposed action plan, which has as one of its top priorities
the strengthening of judicial cooperation with special
reference to extradition .

As this is a matter coming under Article K.1.7 TEU for
which the Commission does not have the right of initiative,
the Honourable Member could obtain fuller information

from the Council .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3533 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 13 December 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 100 )

Subject : Exemption of cinema and television from the

General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade

( GATT )

European film directors are calling for the cinema and
television to be exempted from the General Agreement on
Tariffs and Trade ( GATT ), arguing that European
producers will be unable to survive in the face of
unrestricted competition from Hollywood
mega-productions . What progress is being made by
Community negotiations in this area ?

In accordance with the unwavering position of the
Community, the Commission has maintained a very firm
stance on the principle that the text of the Framework
Agreement of the General Agreement on Trade and Services

( GATS ) should guarantee cultural specificity in the
audiovisual sector . Cultural specificity is perceived as being
opposed to the principle of unconditional liberalization in
the sector, given that such liberalization would frustrate the
legitimate objectives of cultural policy . Maintaining and
developing a European audiovisual industry are, indeed,
essential for those objectives to be achieved .

Furthermore, for the same cultural reasons, the Commission
considered that exemptions from the most-favoured-nation
clause were needed to protect the preferential treatment —
arising from provisions such as bilateral co-production
agreements — granted to audiovisual works from certain
third countries but not to others .

Lastly, the Commission thought that it would be possible to
countenance carefully limited undertakings which would
safeguard conditions — now or in the future — for
implementing a Community audiovisual policy spearheaded
by the Directive on cross-border television . Seen against
such a backdrop, the undertakings entered into within the
GATS would not have been prejudicial to the future
regulatory framework needed for the harmonious
development of new audiovisual technologies within the
constraints dictated by cultural policy objectives .

This position should in no way be compared with the terms
which the United States has negotiated with its partners
under the Nafta Agreement which, despite a cultural
exemption clause, permits the United States legal recourse to
unilateral measures which are unacceptable to the
Community under the GATS . On the contrary, the
Commission has always maintained that the only way to
give the sector greater legal protection from what are given
the de facto extremely open European market — unjustified
commercial attacks, would be to bring it within the
framework of accepted multilateral rules .

Despite the measured and balanced nature of these views,
essentially based on the search for legal certainty and
predictability, they have not proved a basis on which to find
common ground with all partners on the inclusion within
the actual text of the Agreement of a specific reference to the
cultural specificity of the sector .

Under such circumstances, the absence of any form of
undertaking on market access and national treatment, and a
set of reservations on the most-favoured-nation clause, were

No C 255 / 52 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

the only means left to guarantee protection for cultural
specificity . That result, negotiated and accepted by all
partners, reduces the obligations on the Community and its
Member States in respect of trade in audiovisual services
solely to ensuring the transparency of the policy pursued
and of the measures taken to implement it .

the case at present — but on a consumer-friendly basis,
thereby satisfying the Commission 's labelling criteria, i.e.
comprehensibility, clarity, relevance, transparency,
verifiability and feasibility ?

Are there any plans for avoiding the ' inflationary ' use of the
St Andrew 's cross hazard symbol for household products,
cleaners and detergents which are classified, on purely
formalistic grounds, as ' irritant ', if they have no irritant
effect on animals and humans ?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 567 / 93
i 1 ) OJ No L 187, 16 . 7 . 1988, p . 14 .

by Manuel Medina Ortega ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 13 December 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 101 )

Answer given by Mr Bangemann

on behalf of the Commission

Subject : Youth Programme in the Canaries ( 25 February 1994 )

Can the Commission say what progress has been made in
implementing the Youth Programme in the Canaries
Autonomous Community over the period 1990 — 1993 ? The the revision Commission of Council has already Directive started preparatory 88 / 379 / EEC work on the for

approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative
provisions of the Member States relating to the
classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous
Answer given by Mr Ruberti preparations . It is expected that the proposal will be
on behalf of the Commission forwarded to the Council by September 1994 .

(9 March 1994 )

The Commission is sending the information available to the
Honourable Member and the Secretariat-General of the

Parliament .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3622 / 93

by Karl-Heinz Florenz ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 17 December 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 102 )

Subject : Forthcoming amendment of the Directive on

dangerous preparations

What is the timescale for amending Directive
88 / 379 / EEC (') on dangerous preparations ?

Are there any plans for preparations in small package size
intended for private final consumption ( household
products, cleaners and detergents, etc .) to be labelled not in
accordance with legislation on chemicals and agents — as is

The main objective of this revision is to introduce criteria for
the classification of preparations dangerous for the
environment . It is not the Commission 's intention to

propose any changes to the provisions of the Directive
relating to the labelling of certain categories of preparations
sold to the general public ( household products, washing and
cleaning products ) if such preparations are to be classified as
dangerous within the meaning of the Directive .

If a dangerous preparation is supplied in a container, the
container must be labelled in accordance with the rules laid

down in the Directive . The label constitutes the basic tool

whereby anyone handling the package or using the
preparation is informed of the hazards and receives brief
advice on suitable precautions . In this way a high level of
protection of human health is assured .

Furthermore, if a preparation is classified as irritant by using
either the test methods specified in Annex V to Directive
67 / 548 / EEC ( relating to dangerous substances ) or the
conventional calculation method described in Directive

88 / 379 / EEC, the so-called ' croix de St. Andre ' is used
together with the indication of danger ' irritant '. The use of
the symbol in this case is obligatory in order to give
immediate warning of the relevant hazard .

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 53

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3388 / 93

by Pedro Canavarro ( ARC )

to the Commission

( 26 November 1993 )

( 94 / C 255 / 103 )

Subject : Simultaneous interpreting services at national

experts ' meetings

The Commission is finding it increasingly difficult to satisfy
requests from its various services for simultaneous
interpreting services at national experts ' meetings . As a
result, many meetings are postponed or cancelled and this
situation often leads to meetings being held in one language
only .

This makes it very difficult for the Commission services to
carry out their duties, the main among which is to consult
those directly involved in the Member States, both while
proposals are being drawn up and during their subsequent
implementation . National experts must be able to take part
in this work on an equal footing, without being hampered or
restricted because of the language they speak .

1 . Can the Commission which, by developing an
interpreting service unique in the world in terms of size
and quality, has in the past enabled such work to be
carried out on a multi-lingual basis, state the reasons for
this situation, which has gradually emerged over the past
years and must now be said to be getting worse ?

2 . If it is a question of a shortage of interpreters ( perhaps
for certain languages only ), how has such a shortage
arisen and what remedial measures does the

Commission intend to take ?

3 . If it is due to a lack of conference rooms appropriately
fitted-out for interpreters, what solutions have been
planned ( such as, in the short term, renting conference
rooms in other buildings in Brussels and, in the longer
term, in the institution 's buildings )?

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3 706 / 93

by José Gil-Robles Gil-Delgado ( PPE )

to the Commission

(3 January 1994 )

( 94 / C 255 / 104 )

Subject : Simultaneous interpreting during meetings of

national experts

The Commission is finding it increasingly difficult to satisfy
requests for simultaneous interpretation at meetings of
national experts . Consequently, many meetings have to be
postponed or cancelled, which often means that, in order to

keep to timetables, meetings are arranged without
interpreters and hence are conducted in one language
only .

The consequences are very negative, since national experts
must be able to express their points of view in the best
possible way in order to participate in the proceedings on an
equal footing, without being impeded or hampered by their
linguistic background .

1 . Can the Commission, which in the past has been able to
guarantee linguistic diversity for proceedings of this type
by developing an interpreting service unsurpassed
anywhere in the world in terms of its size and quality,
state the reasons for the situation which has arisen

during the last few years and is now getting worse ?

2 . If there is a shortage of interpreters, albeit for certain
languages only, why is this so and what measures does
the Commission intend to take to remedy the situation ?
What languages are affected ?

3 . If there is a shortage of conference rooms equipped with
facilities for interpreting, what plans are there to solve
the situation, for example in the short term by renting
rooms on other premises in Brussels and, in the medium
term, on the institution 's premises ?

Joint answer to Written Questions

E-3388 / 93 and E-3706 / 93

given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

(7 February 1994 )

1 . For many years now, demand for meetings has
regularly outstripped the number of interpreters and rooms
available . In order to make the best possible use of
interpreters, the Commission asked its departments, as long
ago as 1984, to establish on a case-by-case basis a detailed
picture of actual language requirements, while
endeavouring to keep them to a basic minimum . It also
introduced a system of arbitration .

2 . The Commission suffers from the shortage of qualified
conference interpreters affecting all international
organizations . To combat this shortage, which is acute in the
case of certain languages, the Commission has been training
young graduates in conference interpreting since 1964 . Half
the present staff of the Joint Interpreting and Conference
Service were trained in this way . The Commission is also
encouraging Member States which do not have facilities for
training interpreters to an appropriate standard to set up
training schemes with technical and financial assistance .

3 . The Commission makes full use of - the conference

rooms available, and, if need be, approaches the other
institutions and the private sector .

No C 255 / 54 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3918 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 24 January 1994 )

( 94 / C 255 / 105 )

Subject : Protection of manufacturers of genuine products

Trade in fake products — clothes, perfumes, cars, property
deeds, books, drugs and jewellery — is rife the world over .
Conventional methods of combating this trade, which
amounts to Drs 21 trillion a year are obviously inadequate .
What measures does the Commission think it can take to

stamp out this ' scourge ' in Europe and thus protect
European manufacturers of genuine products who are
currently suffering huge losses ?

Furthermore, the Community for some time has been
including in all its bilateral agreements with third countries
substantive provisions requiring a high level of protection of
intellectual property rights . One example is the Europe
Agreements with the central and eastern European countries
which provide for a significant improvement of the IPR
protection and enforcement in the countries concerned .

The Commission believes that all these measures represent
decisive steps with a view to eradicating piracy and
counterfeiting both in the Community and in the world .

(') O J No L 357, 18 . 12 . 1986 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4012 / 93

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan to the Commission

on behalf of the Commission

( 26 January 1994 )
(2 March 1994 ) ( 94 / C 255 / 106 )

The Commission is fully aware of the damage caused to
Community industry by trade in counterfeit and pirate
products . In order to remedy this problem, the Commission
believes that action has to be taken both internally and
externally .

Internally, the Council adopted Regulation ( EEC )
No 3842 / 86 to control the importation of counterfeit
trademark goods ('). A Regulation is currently in the
process of adoption which would extend the scope of
Regulation ( EEC ) No 3842 / 86 beyond trademark violations
to goods infringing design rights, copyright and related
rights . Furthermore, the harmonization of intellectual
property rights ( IPRs ) will no doubt be of considerable
advantage for Community rightholders, facilitating the full
exercise and enjoyment of their rights and their enforcement
in the whole of the Community . Current and proposed
legislation concerns inter alia Community trademark and
Community industrial design, computer programs,
topographies of semiconductor products and the
harmonization of national industrial designs, the term of
protection of copyright and related rights, rental and
lending rights and the copyrights in satellite and cable
broadcasts . In addition, Member States ' legislation
complements in many areas Community legislation .

On the international level, the recent conclusion of the
GATT Uruguay Round negotiations, which contain the
Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual
Property Rights ( TRIPs ), will provide for stringent
disciplines for the protection of IPRs and their effective
enforcement, including provisions on border control for
counterfeit and pirate goods .

Subject : Hepatitis B immunization programmes

By 1997 the immunization programmes of the countries of
the world should include immunization against hepatitis B
for their entire populations . That proposal was made by the
World Health Organization, which describes the hepatitis B
virus as the most intractable virus, being 100 times more
infectious than HIV, which causes AIDS . In view of the
above, how is the Commission tackling the entire issue ?

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 30 March 1994 )

The Member States, which are all members of the World
Health Organization, are severally responsible for issuing
their own public health vaccination programmes .
Nonetheless, under Council Directive 93 / 88 / EEC (')
amending Directive 90 / 679 / EEC on the protection of
workers from risks related to exposure to biological agents
at work, the hepatitis B virus is classed in group 3, note ' V '
implying that vaccination against this virus is recommended
for all workers exposed to it .

(') OJ No L 268, 29 . 10 . 1993 .

12 . 9 . 94 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 255 / 55

WRITTEN QUESTION E-38 / 94

by Emmanouil Karellis ( PSE )

Answer given by Mr Delors
on behalf of the Commission

to the Commission ( 12 April 1994 )

(9 February 1994 )

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its
( 94 / C 255 / 107 )
answer to his Written Question No 2677 / 93 (').

Subject : Community Directive on package tours (') See page 33 of this Official Journal .

The Community Directive on package tours has not yet been
applied in Greece, while most travel agencies are unaware of
its existence, to the detriment of consumer interests . What
steps will the Commission take to deal with the failure by
Greece to apply this Directive ?

Answer given by Mrs Scrivcner

on behalf of the Commission

( 24 March 1994 )

Council Directive 90 / 314 / EEC on package travel, package
holidays and package tours (') came into force on
31 December 1992 .

To date, the Commission has received national
implementing measures from five Member States : Denmark,
France, the Netherlands, Portugal and the United
Kingdom .

Regarding the remaining Member States which have not yet
communicated their national implementing measures the

Commission has initiated the infringement procedure under
Article 169 of the EC Treaty .

Moreover, taking into account the Second Commission
three-year Action Plan 1993 — 1995 on Consumer
Policy ( 2 ), the Commission is paying great attention to the
closest surveillance of both the transposition and
implementation of Community law, as a means of providing
consumers with effective protection .

( 1 ) OJ No L 158, 23 . 6 . 1990 .

( 2 ) COM(93 ) 378 final . '

WRITTEN QUESTION E-203 / 94

by Sotiris Kostopoulos ( PSE )

WRITTEN QUESTION E-442 / 94

by Winifred Ewing ( ARE )

to the Commission

(3 March 1994 )

( 94 / C 255 / 109

Subject : Polrep pollution reporting system

In reply to my Written Question No 3207 / 93 (') on the
number of notified pollution incidents in the North Sea
under the Polrep System I was informed by Commissioner
Paleokrassas that 29 different incidents had been

reported .

Will the Commission please give details of these 29
incidents ?

(') See page 49 of this Official Journal .

Answer given by Mr Paleokrassas

on behalf of the Commission

(8 April 1994 )

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

containing the information requested .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-683 / 94

by Raphaël Chanterie ( PPE )

to the Commission

( 22 February 1994 )

to the Commission 94 / C 255 / 1 10 )

( 22 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 255 / 108 ) Subject : Directive on the use of claims concerning
foodstuffs

Subject : Special programme to protect the islands of the

European Union

Does the Commission intend to draw up a special
programme to protect the islands of the European
Union ?

The Commission intends to propose a Directive on the use
of claims concerning foodstuffs to supplement Directive
79 / 112 / EEC ('), with the aim of protecting consumers . A
number of Member States have refrained from adopting
provisions of their own, in the interests of European
harmonization . After more than three years of preparations,

No C 255 / 56 Official Journal of the European Communities 12 . 9 . 94

and more than a year after the completion of the internal
market, the Commission has still not adopted the proposal
for a Directive . Why has there been such a delay in adopting
the proposal for a Directive ?

Does it still intend to adopt the proposal for a Directive ?

programme ? Will these actions be a priority for the Labour
Market Unit of DG V as well as for the Unit for Elderly
People ?

Will older workers be a specific priority group in relation to

a Objective 3 of the new European Social Fund measures,

designed to combat exclusion from the labour market ? Will

If so, when can it be expected to do so ? the ESF fund projects which specifically target the

(•) OJ No L 33, 8 . 2 . 1979, p . 1 . re-integration of older workers into the labour market ?

If so, when can it be expected to do so ?

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener

on behalf of the Commission

Answer given by Mr Flynn
on behalf of the Commission

( 24 March 1994 ) ( 24 March 1994 )

The Commission certainly intends to transmit to the
Council a proposal with a view to harmonizing the use of
claims concerning foodstuffs .

A draft proposal has been prepared by the Commission, and
all the parties concerned are being consulted for their
opinions . Following this operation, it should be possible to
finalise the content of the proposal before the end of June
1994 .

WRITTEN QUESTION E-684 / 94

by Hugh McMahon ( PSE )

to the Commission

( 24 February 1994 )

( 94 / C 255 / 111 )

Subject : Older workers in the labour market

Commissioner Flynn has indicated that older workers will
be a priority group in a future EU programme for older
people . In view of the demographic ageing of the Union 's
workforce in the next two decades, this is a welcome
initiative . Which actions and projects will the Commission
support or initiate for older workers in relation to such a

The Commission intends to support studies and practical
action projects concerning the problems faced by older
workers, in consultation with national experts, independent
experts and non-governmental organizations .

Within the context of the reform of the Structural Funds, the
Commission adopted on 16 February 1994 two proposals
for Community initiatives on employment .

The Horizon component of the initiative on ' employment
and development of human resources ' will reinforce in
particular measures under Objective 3 which are designed to
combat exclusion from the labour market . It will address in

particular the problems of the disabled and other
disadvantaged groups which can include the older
unemployed .

The Adapt initiative on ' employment and industrial change '
aims to implement a major transnational action programme
linked to the new Objective 4 in order to help workers adopt
to industrial change and changes in production systems .

Older workers, especially those threatened with
unemployment as a consequence of industrial change, can
be helped in adapting to increasingly rapid changes in the
organization and structure of employment by improving
their qualifications .