Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

^ - ^ ^ / * / * •  - *f _"X"_ *f ISSN 0378-6986
# Orricial Journal C79

_ . . Volume 34

###### _UM**™_
### of the European Communities

#### English edition Information and Notices

Notice N o Contents Page

I _Information_

European Parliament

_Written Questions with_ _answer_

9 1 / C 79/01 N o 747/89 by M r Dieter Rogalla to the Commission

Subject: Long-term energy supply in the Community and environmental acceptability 1

9 1 / C 79/02 N o 1197/89 by M r Jose Alvarez de Paz to the Commission

Subject: Recognition of diplomas and professional qualifications issued by non-member
countries 3

9 1 / C 79/03 N o 1327/89 By Mrs Jessica Larive to the Commission

Subject: Interactive learning systems 3

9 1 / C 79/04 N o 24/90 by Mrs Anita Pollack to the Commission

Subject: Pesticide residues 4

9 1 / C 79/05 N o 127/90 by M r Marc Galle to the Commission

Subject: Biodegradable packaging 4

9 1 / C 79/06 N o 314/90 by M r Juan Bandres Molet to the Commission

Subject: Almond production in the Mediterranean Member States 5

9 1 / C 79/07 N o 386/90 by Mrs Ursula Braun-Moser to the Commission

Subject: Commission-funded communist activities in South Africa _ 5

9 1 / C 79/08 N o 522/90 by M r Bryan Cassidy to the Commission

Subject: Community aid to organizations in South Africa 6

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 386/90 and 522/90 6

9 1 / C 79/09 N o 608/90 by M r Terence Wynn to the Commission

Subject: Imported coal from South Africa 6

Notice N o Contents (continued) p a g e

9 1 / C 79/10 N o 649/90 by M r Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission

Subject: Social and economic studies of a regional character in Spain 6

91 / C 79/11 N o 737/90 by Mrs Mechthild von Alemann to the Commission

Subject: Land and house purchases by German nationals in Greece 7

9 1 / C 79/12 N o 843/90 by M r Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission

Subject: Urgent need for a new version of the Illustrative Nuclear Plan 8

9 1 / C 79/13 N o 893/90 by M r Gerhard Schmid to the Commission

Subject: Protection of children from ingestion of household fluids 8

9 1 / C 79/14 N o 922/90 by Mrs Jessica Larive to the Commission

Subject: Sale of asbestos toast-makers 9

9 1 / C 79/15 N o 929/90 by M r Juan Garaikoetxea Urriza to the Commission

Subject: Research funding 10

91 / C 79/16 N o 936/90 by Mrs Jessica Larive to the Commission

Subject: Recognition of final doctors' diplomas and admission to the profession 10

9 1 / C 79/17 N o 1098/90 by M r Michael Hindley to the Commission

Subject: EC office in Hong Kong 11

91 / C 79/18 N o 1139/90 by Mrs Concepcio Ferrer to the Commission

Subject: Discrepancies between competition policy and regional policy 11

91 / C 79/19 N o 1298 /90 by M r Karel Dillen to the Commission

Subject: Possibility of Turkish accession to the European Community 12

91 / C 79/20 N o 1327/90 by M r Pol Marck to the Commission

Subject: Effect of MCAs and export refunds for pigmeat 13

9 1 / C 79/21 N o 1357/90 by Mr Llewellyn Smith to the Commission

Subject: Euratom safeguards report — unacceptably high samples 13

9 1 / C 79/22 N o 1368/90 by M r Arturo Escuder Croft to the Commission

Subject: Community investment subsidies for the Canaries 14

9 1 / C 79/23 N o 1428/90 by M r Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission

Subject: Community participation in the construction of the gas pipeline between Algeria and
Spain 14

91 / C 79/24 N o 1454/90 by M r Thomas Megahy to the Commission

Subject: Hours worked by seafarers 15

9 1 / C 79/25 N o 1875/90 by M r James Ford to the Commission

Subject: Excessive hours worked by seafarers 15

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1454/90 and 1875/90 15

9 1 / C 79/26 N o 1483/90 by M r Petrus Cornelissen, M r Karel Pinxten and M r Giinter Rinsche to

the Commission

Subject: The 'Iron Rhine' 16

Notice N o Contents (continued)

91 / C 79/27 N o 1539/90 by M r Michael Welsh to the Commission

Subject: Environmental impact assessment and the Structural Funds 16

9 1 / C 79/28 N o 1557/90 by Lord Inglewood to the Commission

Subject: Telephone installation charges in France 17

9 1 / C 79/29 N o 1760/90 by M r Gianfranco Amendola and M r Virginio Bettini to the

Commission

Subject: Community financing in Piedmont (Italy) to 'improve the efficiency of agricultural
structures' 17

9 1 / C 79/30 N o 1761/90 by M r Gianfranco Amendola and M r Virginio Bettini to the

Commission

Subject: EEC financing for Valle Pellice, Piedmont (Italy) 18

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1760/90 and 1761/90 18

9 1 / C 7 9 / 3 1 - N o 1807/90 by M r Kenneth Stewart to the Commission

Subject: Paul Cheshire report naming Liverpool 114th out of 117 in the European Community
poverty league 18

9 1 / C 79/32 N o 1819/90 by M r Christopher Jackson to the Commission

Subject: Non-delivering of European sourced mailings 19

9 1 / C 79/33 N o 1825/90 by M r Carlos Perreau de Pinninck Domenech and M r Jose Ruiz-Mateos
Jimenez de Tejada to the Commission

Subject: Fisheries dispute with the Kingdom of Morocco 20

91 / C 79/34 N o 1827/90 by M r James Ford to the Commission

Subject: EC electromagnetic compatibility directive 20

9 1 / C 79/35 N o 1869/90 by M r Francois-Xavier de Donnea to the Commission

Subject: EEC Directive on laws relating to commercial agents 21

9 1 / C 79/36 N o 1880/90 by M r Jean-Pierre Raffarin and M r Yves Verwaerde to the Commission

Subject: Implementation of Community law in respect of the environment 21

9 1 / C 79/37 N o 1926/90 by M r Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission

Subject: Public awareness of subsidies granted under the EAGGF — Guidance Section 22

9 1 / C 79/38 N o 1928/90 by M r Carlos Robles Piquer to the Commission

SubjectrThe effects on the Spanish sugar industry of the new Community regulation on sugar 22

9 1 / C 79/39 N o 1938/90 by M r Paul Howell to the Commission

Subject: Community support for highly marginal farms of high biological diversity 23

91 / C 79/40 N o 1939/90 by M r Paul Howell to the Commission

Subject: Wildlife habitats and farming 23

91 / C 79/41 N o 1947/90 by M r Gerard Monnier-Besombes to the Commission

Subject: Annexes to the proposal for a directive on the protection of natural and semi-natural
habitats and of wild flora and fauna 24

9 1 / C 79/42 N o 2005/90 by M r Jaak Vandemeulebroucke to the Commission

Subject: Structural,Funds, Integrated Mediterranean Programmes 25

(Continued overleaf)

Notice N o Contents (continued) Page

91 / C 79/43 N o 2007/90 by M r Jean-Pierre Raff arin to the Commission

Subject: Export contracts in the GDR 25

91 / C 79/44 N o 2025/90 by Mrs Christine Crawley to the Commission

Subject: Use of swill in the feeding of pigs 26

91 / C 79/45 N o 2035/90 by Mrs Hedwig Keppelhoff-Wiechert to the Commission

Subject: Use of wood obtained from forest thinning for the manufacture of paper 26

91 / C 79/46 N o 2037/90 by M r Charles Baur to the Commission

Subject: INTERREG initiative 27

91 / C 79/47 N o 2046/90 by M r Gijs de Vries to the Commission

Subject: Tax Treaties between the US and the EC Member States 28

9 1 / C 79/48 N o 2057/90 by M r Ernest Glinne to the Commission

Subject: Aid to Namibia 28

91 / C 79/49 N o 2059/90 by M r Ernest Glinne to the Commission

Subject: South African homelands and ecological concerns 29

91 / C 79/50 N o 2063/90 by M r Ernest Glinne to the Commission

Subject: Situation of the South African homelands 29

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 2059/90 and 2063/90 30

9 1 / C 79/51 N o 2074/90 by M r de Donnea to the Commission

Subject: Future of the timber industry 30

91 / C 79/52 N o 2079/90 by M r Bird to the Commission

Subject: Toy safety 31

9 1 / C 79/53 N o 2098/90 by Mrs Hedwig Keppelhoff-Wiechert to the Commission

Subject: Differences in leasehold laws in the EC 31

9 1 / C 79/54 N o 2130/90 by M r Luigi Moretti to the Commission

Subject: ERDF aid granted to the region of Lombardy 32

9 1 / C 79/55 N o 2142/90 by M r Ferruccio Pisoni to the Commission

Subject: Measures to safeguard the registered designations of origin of the most important
agricultural products, particularly hams and cheeses 32

9 1 / C 79/56 N o 2148/90 by Mrs Christine Crawley to the Commission

Subject: Definition of animals 32

9 1 / C 79/57 N o 2157/90 by M r Barry Desmond to the Commission

Subject: Structural Funds Ireland 33

9 1 / C 79/58 N o 2167/90 by M r Jean-Claude Pasty to the Commission

Subject: Extension of set-aside aid to cover oil seed crops for energy purposes 33

9 1 / C 79/59 N o 2190/90 by M r Frederic Rosmini, M r Alain Bombard and M r Leon

Schwartzenberg to the Commission

Subject: Forest fires in France 34

(Continued on inside back cover)

Notice N o Contents (continued) Page

9 1 / C 79/60 N o 2191 /90 by M r Pierre Bernard-Reymond to the Commission

Subject: Interconnection of gas transport networks 34

9 1 / C 79/61 N o 2196/90 by M r Carlos Carvalhas to the Commission

Subject: Construction of an uranium plant near the Portuguese border 35

91 / C 79/62 N o 2259/90 by M r Alonso Puerta to the Commission

Subject: Pollution of the Naldn estuary at San Esteban de Pravia (Asturias — Spain) 35

9 1 / C 79/63 N o 2267/90 by M r Bryan Cassidy to the Commission

Subject: Community aid to organizations in South Africa 36

9 1 / C 79/64 N o 2273/90 by M r Dieter Rogalla to the Commission

Subject: Postal services: measures against xenophobia 36

91 / C 79/65 N o 2309/90 by M r Gerard Monnier-Besombes to the Commission

Subject: Persistent threats to the Crau plain 37

91 / C 79/66 N o 2340/90 by M r Proinsias De Rossa to the Commission

Subject: Third Community poverty programme 37

9 1 / C 79/67 N o 2342/90 by M r Alonso Puerta to the Commission

Subject: Pollution of the River Aller (Asturias, Spain) 37

9 1 / C 79/68 N o 2389/90 by M r Jose Valverde Lopez to the Commission

Subject: Compliance with the directive on the pricing of medicinal products 38

9 1 / C 79/69 N o 44/91 by Mrs Raymonde Dury to the Commission

Subject: Discrimination against development workers 39

9 1 / C 79/70 N o 85/91 by M r Gianfranco Amendola to the Commission

Subject: Amendment of the Treaty of Rome to recognize other animals as sentient living
creatures instead of agricultural products 39

25. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 79/1

_(Information)_

##### EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER

WRITTEN QUESTION No 747/89

by Mr Dieter Rogalla (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(23 November 1989)_

(91/C 79/01)

_Subject:_ Long-term energy supply in the Community and
environmental acceptability

1. Does the Commission consider the current level and

form of energy consumption in the EC (and the world as a
whole) environmentally acceptable in the long term?

2. What development has there been in the output of
the following environmentally damaging gases —
produced by burning fossil energy sources (coal, oil, gas)
— since 1970 in the EC:

- so 2

- CO*

- NO?

Taking into consideration the environmental standards
adopted by the EC in recent years, what development will
there be in the output of these gases up to 2000 (total
energy consumption remaining constant) ?

3. Does the Commission share the view that in future

the burning of fossil energy sources should be subject to a
tax to cover all the social costs of fossil fuel burning
(damage to forests, health and buildings, excessive acidity
of lakes, etc.)?

4. Does the Commission agree that damage to the
environment in the EC caused by fossil energy sources
amounts to several hundred billion ECU per year and that
an environmental energy tax should therefore be levied at
a corresponding rate?

5. Does the Commission agree that the insufficient
payment demanded for the serious damage to the
environment caused by fossil energy sources is one of the
main reasons why:

— energy saving is not a high priority for consumers,

— the use of alternative, environmentally friendly energy
sources in the EC has been irresponsibly neglected?

6. Does the Commission see cause for concern in the

increase in CO2 in the atmosphere? Does it consider that
only the speedy, worldwide conversion of the energy
supply from fossil to non-fossil energy sources can check
the rising level of CO2 in the atmosphere and the
acceleration of global warming?

7. What form does the Commission's long-term
programme for conversion to non-fossil energy sources
take? In what time-scale can this be carried out? Will the

Commission submit specific proposals to Parliament and
the Council on ways in which conversion can be more
speedily achieved?

8. What alternative, environmentally friendly forms of
energy (wind, solar heating, photovoltaics, geothermal
heat, energy from the sea) does the Commission see as
having the best prospects in the Community up to the year
2000?

9. Is it true that the theoretical potential of wind
energy in the EC is more than sufficient to meet the EC's
entire electricity needs from wind power? Why has so
little use been made of wind energy in the EC, particularly
in comparison with California, and this in spite of a
high-capacity European wind turbine industry?

10. Does the Commission include biomass among
the environmentally friendly energy sources which are
eligible for assistance?

No C 79/2 Official Journal of the European Communities 25. 3. 91

11. What is the size of the EC research budget for
energy in the coming multiannual programme? How is the
expenditure distributed among the various forms of
energy? In view of the latent threat to the environment
posed by nuclear power and coal, does the Commission
consider that the allocation of considerable research

funds to these energy sources is still justified?

12. Does the Commission consider that the production
and use of alcohol as an energy source in the EC is
economically and environmentally sound?

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

_(31_ _January 1990)_

1. The Commission is aware of the Community and
international dimensions of the problem of energy and
the environment. It has sent a communication to the

Council and to the European Parliament presenting a
global approach to this question ('). In addition, acting on
proposals from the Commission, the Community has
already introduced measures and will continue its efforts
to ensure that greater attention is paid to environmental
constraints in the energy sector.

2. The preliminary results of a scenario study carried
out by the Commission indicate that in the Community
emissions of SO2 resulting from the use of fossil fuels will
decrease substantially in the coming years, whereas the
fall in the level of NO x emissions will be more modest. By
contrast, although CO2 emissions produced by burning
fossil fuels have fallen slightly over the last few years, they
are expected to rise again in the future.

3 and 4. All large-scale industrial activities — not just
in the energy sector — involve potential risks for man and
his environment. The possible effects are manifold,
complex and often interdependent. There is no easy
answer, and the social costs of any solution are difficult to
determine and calculate.

5. The Commission thinks that it is mainly the current
conditions on the energy market, i.e. the supply surplus
and low prices, which have led to a fall in energy
efficiency improvement rates and to difficulties in
marketing alternative sources of energy.

6. Yes; and the first step at Council level was the
adoption of the resolution on the greenhouse effect ( [2] ).
Following this, the Commission has also been
participating in the work of the Intergovernmental Panel
on Climatic Change.

The scenario studies mentioned in paragraph 2 have
allowed an analysis to be made of the effects of various

energy policy measures on the future development of
CO2 emissions. The preliminary results indicate that
reductions may be achieved if efficiency is increased
substantially and if the relative share of natural gas and
nuclear energy in electricity generation is increased.

7. Measures aimed at improving energy efficiency
seem to be the most promising means of achieving any
significant cut in CO2 emissions. In addition to the action
programme adopted by the Council in May 1989, aimed
at improving efficiency in the use of electricity, the
Commission is currently preparing a coherent overall
programme to improve energy efficiency and save energy.

In order to achieve the ambitious CO2 reduction goals,
further efforts must also be made in reducing emissions
on the supply side. In particular, these should concentrate
on the use of less polluting sources, but also on
developing the use of renewable energy sources. In this
field the Commission is preparing a draft programme
intended to promote the use of renewable energy sources,
focusing in particular on the problem of marketing them.

8. In the long term, photovoltaic (solar) energy could
be the most environment-friendly alternative source of
energy. Nevertheless, between now and the year 2000
all the renewable energy sources mentioned by the
Honourable Member could have a positive effect,
although they will not play any major role in our energy
supply.

9. The use of wind energy does not leave the
environment unaffected. In particular it causes noise
pollution and occupies land. Furthermore, in many parts
of the Community, wind energy is subject to the
uncertainty of whether the wind blows or not. On this
point, working out a theoretical potential is of little use,
since in any case conventional production capacity would
have to be retained. The limited development of wind
energy in Europe is also due to the fact that the results of
experiments in some northern Community countries have
not always been up to expectations. In the United States,
the rate of development of wind energy has slackened
considerably.

10. The Commission thinks that energy from biomass
could make a useful contribution to Community energy
supplies. However, this energy source is not completely
free of environmental risks since it can involve the

emission of NO2, a pollutant which also contributes to the
greenhouse effect. The short-term (annual) production of
biomass should therefore be treated with caution.

Long-term biomass, such as growing trees, will be less of a
problem, being less dependent on fertilizers or pesticides.

11. A policy agreement reached by the Council
(Research) on 15 and 16 December 1989 on the
Commission proposal concerning the framework

25. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 79/3

programme of Community activities in the field of
research and technological development (1990—94) ( [3] )
covers six lines of action, one of which is 'Energy',
accounting for an estimated ECU 814 million broken
down as follows:

— non-nuclear energy sources ECU 157 million

— nuclear fission safety ECU 199 million

— controlled nuclear fusion ECU 458 million.

The Commission is fully aware of the fact that
environmental compatibility has become a key factor for
energy systems.

On this subject, Annex II to the Commission proposal
states that 'the central issue of Community action in this
field has shifted towards the development of clean and
safe energy technologies'. This is put into practice in the
three areas mentioned.

12. A study carried out by the Commission in 1987
concluded that the production of bioethanol for use as a
car fuel is not economic. Methanol is used as an additive

in petrol to increase its octane rating. Although from an
environmental point of view alcohol has some advantages
to offer, it also has its disadvantages.

(') COM(89) 369 final.
O OJ No C 183, 20. 7. 1989, p. 4.
O COM(89) 397 final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1197/89

by Mr Jose Alvarez de Paz (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(9 January 1990)_

(91/C 79/02)

_Subject:_ Recognition of diplomas and professional
qualifications issued by non-member countries

Does the Commission have any plans for the recognition
of diplomas and professional qualifications issued by
non-member countries?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(28 June 1990)_

There is no provision for the recognition of diplomas
issued by non-Community countries in the various
directives on the mutual recognition of diplomas such as
those concerning doctors ('), veterinary surgeons ( [2] ) and
dental practitioners ( [J] ).

These directives, however, do not prevent Member States
from legally recognized, on their territory, diplomas
which have not been obtained in a Member State, though
the fact that a non-Community diploma may be
recognized by one Member State is by no means binding
on other Member States.

On the other hand, Directive 89/48/EEC on a general
system for the recognition of higher-education diplomas
awarded on completion of professional education of at
least three years' duration ( [4] ) provides that the diplomas
obtained by nationals of Member States in non-member
countries may be recognized under certain conditions
(Article 1 (a)).

The Commission is currently considering whether to
extend this provision in the general recognition system to
the individual directives.

(') OJNoLl67, 30.6. 1975.
O OJ No L 362, 23. 12. 1978.
O OJNoL233,24. 8. 1978.
O OJNoLl9, 24. 1. 1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1327/89

by Mrs Jessica Larive (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(22 January 1990)_

(91/C 79/03)

_Subject:_ Interactive learning systems

Having regard to paragraph 14 of resolution Doc.
A2-142/86 of 11 November 1986 (') (Neptune), Article 2
of Council Decision 88/417/EEC( [2] ) of 29 June 1988
(Delta) and Community policy on regulation and
standardization in the field of information technology
and telecommunications, can the Commission say:

1. what progress has been made in the exploratory
research aimed at defining a European standard or
standards for interactive learning systems?

2. what criteria it considers these systems should comply
with?

3. whether it considers that any existing systems
incorporating software could be used without any
difficulty throughout the Community? If so, what are
they?

O OJ No C 322, 15. 12. 1986, p. 55.
O OJ No L 206, 30. 7. 1988, p. 20.

No C 79/4 Official Journal of the European Communities 25. 3. 91

Answer given by Mr Pandolfi
on behalf of the Commission

_(2_ _March 1990)_

1. European standards for interactive learning systems,
and, more specifically,

— standards for authoring and learning environments,

— standardized communications protocols for
application in education and training,

— standardized user interfaces and corresponding
design methodologies,

represent a pre-requisite for an effective and economical
European open learning market.

They correspond to the top priority of the Delta
programme, presently in its exploratory phase. Its results
expected for mid 1991, are to be forwarded to the
European standardization bodies.

The Commission is sending directly to the Honourable
Member and to the Secretariat General of the European
Parliament two documents concerning the Delta projects
related to the subject and a view of the existing and
emerging standards in education technology.

2. The definition of the applicable criteria is also one
of the expected results of the preliminary phase which
should be available in March 1991.

3. There are presently no specific systems which could
be used throughout the Community and this shows the
urgency of the needs covered by the Delta programme. In
the meantime, making reference to existing harmonized
IT & T standards might alleviate some of the problems
and favour an easy transition towards future systems.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 24/90

by Mrs Anita Pollack (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(26 January 1990)_

(91/C79/04)

_Subject:_ Pesticide residues

Will the proposal for a Council regulation on the fixing of
maximum levels for pesticide residues in and on certain
products of plant origin (COM(88) 798 final) effectively
ban the use of the pesticide known as Alar, which is used
on apples in the UK but banned for such use in the USA?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(30 March 1990)_

The proposal in question, submitted to the Council on
23 December 1988, envisages the establishment of an

improved framework for fixing maximum residue levels
for pesticides in fruit and vegetables and certain other
products of plant origin. It does not propose specific
maximum levels, but provides for their subsequent
adoption by a regulatory committee procedure. It is
hoped that the proposal can be adopted by the Council at
an early date to enable these implementing measures to be
taken.

Long-term toxicity tests on the active substance of Alar,
daminozide, and its impurity/metabolite UDMH have
been in progress, the results of which became available at
the end of 1989. They are presently being evaluated, at the
request of the Commission, by the Scientific Committee
for Pesticides whose opinion will be delivered shortly.
The Commission will take this advice into account

when formulating any possible regulatory action on
daminozide.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 127/90

by Mr Marc Galle (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(8 February 1990)_

(91/C 79/05)

_Subject:_ Biodegradable packaging

Our supermarkets and shops are still offering for sale
far too many products which are not in biodegradable
packaging, although most researchers in the Member
States indicate that the majority of consumers want
biodegradable packaging.

What steps does the Commission intend to take to
improve the information on packaging for the consumers
and to encourage the use of materials which can be
recycled?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 June 1990)_

The Commission is naturally very concerned about
all environmental problems, including the questions of
bio-degradability and re-cycling of materials.

At present, discussions are underway both within the
Commission and with interested outside organizations on
the subject of ecological labelling, and of course, of the
bio-degradability, not only of a product itself, but also of
its packaging. The Commission will await the results of
these deliberations before deciding what proposals it
should make on this subject.

25. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 79/5

WRITTEN QUESTION No 314/90

by Mr Juan Bandres Molet (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(21 February 1990)_

(91/C79/06)

_Subject:_ Almond production in the Mediterranean
Member States

Following Spanish accession, the self-sufficiency rate of
the EEC rose to over 70%, given that the Spanish State
accounts for some 60 % of the Community's production.
Nevertheless, 65 % of the almonds consumed in the EEC
are imported at lower prices from the US. Almonds
are included in the COM (common organization of
the market) in fruit and vegetables (Regulation (EEC)
No 1035/72) ('), but are not covered by any specific
mechanism of the COM other than the export refund
payments and the aids for the formation of agricultural
producers' organizations, within the terms of Regulations
(EEC) No 789/89 0 and (EEC) No 790/89 ( [J] )
respectively. This state of affairs affects all the
Mediterranean Member States which produce almonds.

Can the Commission state whether there are plans to
apply the measures protecting the products covered by
Regulation (EEC) No 1035/72 to the production of
almonds in the Mediterranean Member States of the

EEC?

O OJNoL118,20.5.1972,p. 1.
O OJ No L 85, 30. 3. 1989, p. 3.
O OJ No L 85, 30. 3.1989, p. 6.

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(30 March 1990)_

Conscious of the problems specific to the nut sector, due
principally to:

— inadequacies in the production and marketing
infrastructure and the consequent effects on
production costs and quality and product
presentation, and

— the weakness of the producers' organizations
concerned,

the Council adopted in 1989 a set of measures designed to
resolve the problems encountered in this sector.

The measures adopted had two main aims:

— to focus supply by encouraging the creation of nut
producers' organizations and allow these to play a role
in the stabilization of supply by assisting them to
acquire the necessary financial resources;

— to obtain varietal, agricultural and commercial
improvements in Community production.

These measures involved additional aid for the setting-up
of producers' organizations, aid for the establishment of
working capital to provide storage and to encourage
quality improvement, and aid for measures to obtain
improvements in varieties, cultivation methods and
commercial organization in the context of plans to
be submitted by the producers' organizations, plus
a Community financial contribution to a campaign to
promote the consumption and utilization of Community

nuts.

The Commission feels that these measures and previous
provisions will resolve the problems of the sector
concerned and does not plan at present to propose further

measures.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 386/90

by Mrs Ursula Braun-Moser (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(26 February 1990)_

(91/C 79/07)

_Subject:_ Commission-funded communist activities in
South Africa

One of the recipients of European Community funding in
South Africa is the _New Nation_ newspaper.

1. Is the Commission actually aware of the communist
activities of this newspaper, which _inter alia_ in an item
entitled 'Skills for learning' on page 10 of its 12
January 1990 edition, quoted from John Molyneux's
'Arguments for revolutionary socialism':

'Capitalist society separates manual and mental
labour. Capitalism also breaks up the process of
production into many small repetitive operations
performed by different workers. Therefore the
workers do not get an overall idea of the full process
of production.'

'The system is based on exploitation of workers.'

'However, the struggle for workers' control will
remove this problem. In the struggle the workers
discover their power and then their confidence rises.'?

Workers are called upon to take over their firms
themselves and clear out the bosses.

2. What is the Commission now doing to counter the
systematic agitation carried out by this apparently
communist-infiltrated newspaper, and does the
Commission intend to continue to support it?

No C 79/6 Official Journal of the European Communities 25. 3. 91

WRITTEN QUESTION No 522/90

by Mr Bryan Cassidy (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(16 March 1990)_

(91/C79/08)

_Subject:_ Community aid to organizations in South Africa

The South African periodical _New Nation_ contains an
educational section which from time to time extols the

virtues of socialism!

The SACHED Trust which produces these pages is one of
the main recipients of European Community funding.

1. Is it the purpose of European Community funding in
South Africa to extol socialism?

2. Would it not be a more appropriate use of European
Community funding to point out to people in South
Africa that socialism has failed in Eastern Europe and
the Soviet Union and does not represent a good
prescription for black South Africans to wish to
follow?

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 386/90 and 522/90

given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(7 May 1990)_

The _New Nation_ newspaper is published in Johannesburg
by the Catholic Bishops' Publishing Company, with
financial support from the Community's special
programme for victims of apartheid.

A part of the _New Nation_ in the context of the
discriminatory education system practised in South
Africa, is the Learning Nation supplement. This section of
the newspaper, the material for which is produced by the
SACHED Trust (South African Council for Higher
Education), provides a regular means for disadvantaged
South Africans of all ages to improve on the limited
education opportunities provided by the South African
school system. Regular features of the Learning Nation
are items on use of English, history, geography,
mathematics, health care, etc.

The passages to which the Honourable Members refer,
were reproduced in the Learning Nation in the context
of an item on basic use of English skills, including
summarizing, sentence construction, reported speech,
comprehension, vocabulary building, etc., and they were
presented in the form of five exercises to develop these
skills.

The Commission is not persuaded that this represents an
inappropriate use of the financing provided through the
special programme, whilst recognizing that more neutral
texts could be selected.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 608/90

by Mr Terence Wynn (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(20 March 1990)_

(91/C79/09)

_Subject:_ Imported coal from South Africa

Following an inadequate answer to Oral Question No 81
(H-86/90) (*) from the February part-session, this
question seeks more information.

Since the figure quoted of 18,8 million tonnes was
obtained from Commission forecasts it would seem

reasonable to assume that the Commission can forecast

which Member States will import approximate amounts
of South African coal.

The question to the Council asked which Member States
will be importing coal from South Africa in 1990 which is
a simple question that does not deserve an evasive answer?

(') Debates of the European Parliament No 3-386 (February
1990).

Answer given by Mr Andriessen
on behalf of the Commission

_(19 September 1990)_

sThe Commission is sending statistics on imports of coal
from South Africa direct to the Honourable Member and

to Parliament's Secretariat.

It is very likely that the import figures for 1990 will show
much the same breakdown between Member States as in

previous years.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 649/90

by Mr Jose Valverde Lopez (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(20 March 1990)_

(91/C 79/10)

_Subject:_ Social and economic studies of a regional
character in Spain

Chapter 54 of the general budget provides for financing
of social and economic studies of a regional character.

What applications for such financing have been submitted
by Spain and has financing been granted for any of the
projects submitted in 1989?

25. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 79/7

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(31 May 1990)_

Socio-economic studies of a regional nature are financed
under line 5480 of the general budget. The aim of such
studies is to analyse regional problems at the Community
level and to suggest solutions within the framework of
Community regional policy. These studies are undertaken
at the initiative of the Commission and are consequently
100% Commission financed. The following studies
are particularly concerned with the socio-economic
development prospects of the Spanish regions:

1. Piloting income and underemployment questions in
the Labour Force Survey at the national and regional
level (this study includes a pilot survey carried out by
the 'Instituto National de estadistica').

2. A pilot study on design and data collection for a
database containing local area data (this study
includes a pilot project on the Canary Islands).

3. Comparative study on the financing of enterprises in
assisted regions (concerns all Objective 1 and 2
regions including those located in Spain).

4. Long term regional demographic developments up
to the beginning of the next century and job
requirements (concerns all Community Member
States and regions).

5. The identification and delineation of the

Community's coal mining areas (in preparation of the
RECHAR Community initiative).

Secondly, in 1989, the Spanish and Portuguese
governments submitted five proposals for cross-border
studies under Article 549 ('Etudes et mesures communes
en faveur des regions transfrontalieres):

1. Minho-Ponteve dra et Orens

2. Tras-os-Montes — Zamora

3. Beira interior — Salamanca et Caceres

4. Alentejo — Badajoz

5. Algarve — Huelva.'

These studies are 75% co-financed by the Commission
with a total Commission contribution of ECU 1 350 000

(budget 1989), and should be finalized by the Member
States concerned by 31 November 1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 737/90

by Mrs Mechthild von Alemann (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 March 1990)_

(91/C 79/11)

_Subject:_ Land and house purchases by German nationals
in Greece

A German national working half the year in Greece
proposed to purchase a house and land. He was not
allowed to do so.

1. Can the Commission say whether, as a rule, the
Government of Greece prevents Community citizens
from other Member States from settling there?

2. In the context of the 1992 internal market, are there
plans to draw up uniform rules governing land
purchases?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(2_ _August 1990)_

The problem referred to by the Honourable Member very
probably arises from the Greek legislative provisions
under which the acquisition of immovable property, the
establishment of rights in rem other than mortgages and
the letting of real estate for more than three years in
regions deemed to be border regions under Greek law
(some 55% of Greek territory) are reserved to Greek
nationals, thus excluding nationals from the other
Member States.

In infringement proceedings brought by the Commission,
the Court, in its judgment of 30 May 1989 in Case
305/87, ruled that, as a result of this nationality clause,
Greece had breached Article 48 (freedom of movement
for workers), Article 52 (freedom of establishment for
self-employed persons) and Article 59 (freedom of
self-employed persons to provide cross-frontier services)
of the EEC Treaty. The Court held that the right to
acquire, use and dispose of immovable property in
another Member State was a necessary complement to
such freedoms.

Since Greece has not so far taken the necessary measures
to comply with the Court's judgment, as Article 171 of the
EEC Treaty requires it to do, the Commission has
initiated new infringement proceedings against it.

Regardless of any change to Greek legislation to bring it
into line with the Court's judgment, the Commission
considers that, because of the direct effect of Articles 48,
52 and 59 of the EEC Treaty and their precedence over
any contrary national provisions, the Greek authorities,
including legal officers such as notaries, and the Greek
national courts of law are required not to apply national
provisions that conflict with the Court's judgment.

No C 79/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 25. 3. 91

In general, therefore, nationality clauses restricting the
acquisition of immovable property are contrary to Articles
48, 52 and 59 of the EEC Treaty. As regards nationals
from the other Member States not exercising an economic
activity, the Court did not in the abovementioned
judgment rule out the possibility that such nationality
clauses might be contrary to Article 7 of the EEC Treaty
in so far as they applied to nationals of other Member
States in a situation of Community law other than those
covered by the three abovementioned Articles. One
example here is the case of students.

As regards the capital movements concerning real estate
investment, these movements are liberalized under
Community law.

However, the new capital movements Directive
(88/361/EEC of 24 June 1988) (') which will enter into
force on 1 July 1990 stipulates in Article 6 (4) that:

'Existing national legislation regulating purchases of
secondary residences may be upheld until the Council
adopts further provisions in this area in accordance
with Article 69 of the Treaty. This provision does
not affect the applicability of other provisions of
Community law'.

The provisions mentioned in the above Article will be
formulated in connection with progress relating to the
right of residence within the Community, an issue not yet
resolved by the Council. The Commission will endeavour
to ensure that proposals concerning the secondary
residence be adopted before the end of 1992.

0) OJ No L 178, 8.7.1988.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 843/90

by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 April 1990)_

(91/C 79/12)

_Subject:_ Urgent need for a new version of the Illustrative
Nuclear Plan

The Illustrative Nuclear Plan has not been updated since
1985 and so the Commission's position is not known with
regard to scientific demands for greater exploitation of
sources of clean energy including nuclear energy, in view
of the ecological disasters that could result from the
'greenhouse effect'. A recent example of these demands is
the appeal to President Bush at the beginning of February
1990 by a group of US scientists, 49 Nobel Prize winners
and 700 members of the National Academy of Sciences
under the auspices of the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Can the Commission give information on the state of
preparations for the new version of the INP and bring
forward the date of its dissemination?

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

_(28 May 1990)_

Having carried out a partial update of the 1984/85
Illustrative Nuclear Plan (PINC), relating exclusively to
the design and construction of nuclear power stations
with an eye to completion of the internal market, the
Commission's departments have begun work on the new
version of the PINC.

This will provide a comprehensive update of the targets
and recommendations for nuclear energy production in
the Community, in accordance with the provisions of
Article 40 of the Euratom Treaty. It is expected to appear
in February 1992.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 893/90

by Mr Gerhard Schmid (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(9 April 1990)_

(91/C 79/13)

_Subject:_ Protection of children from ingestion of
household fluids

As part of the 'Safe Home Programme', proposals have
been made for the addition of bitter substances to

dangerous household fluids in order to protect children.
The bitter substance should taste so unpleasant that
children do not swallow any of the fluid. Experiments
with the substance 'Bitrex' have apparently proved
successful.

Given that measures to protect children from dangerous
household fluids can be carried out most effectively in the
single internal market at EC level:

1. Does the Commission have any information
concerning the number of cases of children being
poisoned by household fluids in the Community?

2. Does the Commission consider it necessary to take
action in this area and, if so, what steps will it take?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(2 July 1990)_

The Commission does not at present have at its disposal
comprehensive data on the number of cases of poisoning
of children swallowing dangerous household fluids. The
EHLASS system, set up in 1986, is a demonstration

25. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 79/9

project concerning a Community-wide system for the
collection of information on and surveillance of accidents

in the home and ng leisure activities. This system includes
information on accidents arising from household fluids
but it cannot be considered to be representative at
Community level as the information is collected from
hospital casualty departments and most cases of
poisoning are reported to poison centres.

The Commission does receive data via various poison
centres, e.g. in Lille, Lisbon and Brussels, but this is not
yet in operation at Community level. However, the
Commission has now presented a draft resolution on
improving the prevention and treatment of acute human
poisoning. This resolution aims to improve the prevention
and treatment of human poisoning through, for example,
harmonized annual reports on the activities of the poison
centres throughout the Community, a standard form for
recording calls to the poison centres, and a tentative list of
antidotes. This resolution, once adopted and in force, will
enable the Commission to coordinate and circulate the

data collected by the Community's poison centres and to
improve the prevention and treatment of acute poisoning.

Other Community legislation in the field of prevention of
poisoning includes Council Directives 67/548/EEC (')
and 88/379/EEC ( [2] ) on the approximation of the laws,
regulations and administrative provisions of the Member
States relating to the classification, packaging and
labelling of dangerous substances and preparations which
aim in particular to ensure the protection of consumers,
especially children and the visually handicapped, who
come into contact with dangerous substances and
preparations. In accordance.with Article 6 of Directive
88/379/EEC, the Commission adopted Directive
90/35/EEC ( [3] ), which defines the categories of
preparations, the packaging of which must be fitted with
child-resistant fastenings and/or carry a tactile warning
of danger.

(') OJNoL156, 16.8. 1967.
O OJNoL187,16.7. 1988.
(') OJNoL 19, 24. 1.1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 922/90

by Mrs Jessica Larive (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(17 April 1990)_

(91/C 79/14)

_Subject:_ Sale of asbestos toast-makers

1. Is the Commission aware that pure-asbestos
toast-makers are being recommended and sold for Bfrs 95
each by a number of supermarkets in Belgium, including
GB in Ouderghem, without the official warning notice
required? Evidently, no-one has ever heard that asbestos
is highly carcinogenic; the toasting platter is placed on top

of the stove, and the bread is placed on the platter. Even
the Asbestos International Association in Brussels regards
this product as highly dangerous.

2. Can the Commission say whether this product is
marketed in other Member States too?

3. Is the Commission drawing up directives to protect
consumers against hazardous substances which are
similar to Directive 80/1107/EEC (') on the protection of
workers against the risks from exposure to asbestos at
work? If so, what stage have preparations reached? If not,
why not?

4. Is the Commission prepared to conduct an inquiry
into the circumstances referred to and to act to ensure that

such hazardous materials are no longer freely available?

O OJNoL327,3.12.1980, p. 8.

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(15 June 1990)_

1. The Commission is aware of the facts referred to by
the Honourable Member. Indeed, it has found that
certain Belgian supermarkets are selling 'heat distributing'
plates marked 'pure asbestos'. Legally, the manufacturers,
the distributors and the Belgian state are infringing
Council Directive 83/478/EEC ('), which stipulates that
any product containing asbestos must be labelled in
accordance with the provisions of that Directive. The
Commission has taken the matter up both with the
Belgian authorities and with the International Asbestos
Association, which has lent its support.

2. The Commission is not aware of sales of this

product in other countries.

3. The Commission has no plans under its three-year
action plan on consumer policy to propose specific rules
on dangerous substances. The proposal for a directive
concerning general product safety ( [2] ), on which
Parliament recently gave its opinion, should ensure
proper protection for the consumer in this case. The
Commission will see that the proposal is adopted and
implemented without delay in the Member States.

4. The Commission will shortly be presenting a
proposal for a directive banning a whole series of
products containing asbestos, including those available to
the public for which substitute materials can be used.

O OJNoL263, 24.9. 1983, p. 33.
O OJNoC 193,31.7.1989.

No C 79/10 Official Journal of the European Communities 25. 3. 91

WRITTEN QUESTION No 929/90

by Mr Juan Garaikoetxea Urriza (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(17 April 1990)_

(91/C79/15)

_Subject:_ Research funding

According to information from the Commission on the
Community's STRIDE programme, 90 % of total funding
for research and development which has ended up in
Spain has gone to Madrid and Barcelona.

Could the Commission submit a report on the breakdown
of this funding both by Member States and by Spanish
Autonomous Community?

Answer given by Mr Pandolfi
on behalf of the Commission

_(18 October 1990)_

Where research and technological development in general
is concerned, the aim is to strengthen the scientific and
technological basis of European industry and to
encourage it to become more competitive at international
level (Article 130f of the EEC Treaty). The activities in
question are carried out via R & TD projects grouped
together in the form of various specific programmes
under the current framework programme.

In the case of Spain virtually all the industrial and R & TD
potential is concentrated in the Madrid and Barcelona
regions. Consequently, it is the contractors in those two
regions who at present derive the greatest benefit from the
Community R & TD funds.

It should, however, be noted that the precise allocation of
these funds among Member States and/or regions is
particularly complex because of the very nature of the
research projects in question which are normally
transnational and involve several partners.

Moreover, the funds allocated to the partners in a
research project are only part of the advantages they
derive, since they also have access to the results of the
project as a whole and to the result of similar projects
within the research programme.

The Commission adopted the Community's STRIDE
programme ( [!] ) on 25 July 1990 in order to help reduce
regional imbalance with regard to research capacities,
technology and innovation.

The resources from STRIDE will be available to regions
whose development is lagging behind (Objective 1) and to
regions affected by industrial decline (Objective 2).

Objective 1 regions will be eligible for the three categories
of measures ( [2] ) available under STRIDE, whilst Objective
2 regions are eligible for category C only.

As Barcelona and part of Madrid fall with Objective 2,
with much of the rest of Spain being Objective 1, the
STRIDE initiative will offer considerable scope to reduce
imbalances in R & TD capability within the country.

(*) OJ No C 196,4. 8.1990.
O The three categories of measures under the STRIDE
initiative are:

_Objective_ _1:_
A. Strengthening research facilities;
B. Promoting and greater intercooperation in Community
and other international research programmes and
networks.

_Objective 1_ _and_ _2:_
C. Promoting links between research centres and industries.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 936/90

by Mrs Jessica Larive (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(17 April 1990)_

(91/C79/16)

_Subject:_ Recognition of final doctors' diplomas and
admission to the profession

1. What interpretation should be placed on Article 1
(2) and Article 2 of Council Directive 75/363/EEC (')
concerning the coordination of provisions laid down by
law, regulation or administrative action in respect of
doctors which state that:

'A complete period of medical training of this kind
shall comprise at least a six-year course or 5 500 hours
of theoretical and practical instruction given in a
university or under the supervision of a university.'

'It shall entail the successful completion of six years
study within the framework of the training course
referred to in Article 1'.

Does this mean that:

(a) The complete period of medical training must be
carried out in one Community Member States or

(b) Some of the training may be undertaken elsewhere,
with that period being recognized by the university
within the European Community and the candidate
finally obtaining a complete final diploma from that
European university?

In other words, is it a question of six years study in the
territory of Community or of a diploma awarded at the
end of a recognized course of studies?

2. Does the Commission consider that the British

General Medical Council may refuse to register a Dutch

25. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 79/11

doctor on the grounds that he obtained his medical degree
at the University of Utrecht after less than six years study
there (the individual concerned was exempted from a
number of examinations since he had completed more
than six years full-time medical study at an Egyptian
university)?

O OJ No L 167, 30.6.1975, p. 14.

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(11 July 1990)_

The Dutch doctor completed most of his training in a
non-member country, Egypt. He underwent medical
training in that country lasting more than six years, for
which he was granted exemptions by the University of
Utrecht, subsequently gaining the medical degree
conferred by that university on completing supplementary
training lasting 18 months.

The Commission considers that this situation is not

covered by the provisions of Article 1 (1), (2) and (3) of
Directive 75/363/EEC, which are to be read in
conjunction with _inter alia_ recommendation 75/366/EEC
concerning nationals of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
who hold a diploma in medicine conferred in a third
country ('). Furthermore, this situation resembles that
referred to in Article 1 (5) of the Directive, which states
that 'Nothing in this Directive shall prejudice any facility
which may be granted in accordance with their own rules
by Member States in respect of their own territory to
authorize holders of diplomas, certificates or other
evidence of formal qualifications which have not been
obtained in a Member State to take up and pursue the
activities of a doctor.' Accordingly, as Community law
stands at present, the General Medical Council may
refuse to recognize the diploma.

In this connection, the Commission would refer the
Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question
No 1197/89 by Mr Alvarez de Paz ( [2] ).

O OJ No L 167, 30.6.1975.
( [2] ) See page 3 of this Official Journal.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1098/90

by Mr Michael Hindley (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(10 May 1990)_

(91/C79/17)

_Subject:_ EC office in Hong Kong

Will the Commission give a firm undertaking to open an
EC office in Hong Kong, to underline the Community's
confidence in the future of Hong Kong?

Does the Commission intend to make provision for such a
facility in the next budget?

Answer given by Mr Andriessen
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 September 1990)_

The Commission believes that an office in Hong Kong
should be opened as soon as possible. Such an office was
included in the five-year programme transmitted by the
Commission to the Council and Parliament in 1988.

Although no specific budgetary provision for the opening
of this office has been included in the preliminary draft
budget for 1991, the Commission will review the situation
when the final content of the 1991 budget is known.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1139/90

by Mrs Concepcio Ferrer (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(14 May 1990)_

(91/C 79/18)

_Subject:_ Discrepancies between competition policy and
regional policy

Undertakings established or wishing to establish
themselves in areas of the Community covered by
Structural Fund Objectives 2 and/or 5 (b) are not eligible
for official aid.

This is because, although they are recognized by the
Community as belonging to regions seriously affected by
industrial or rural decline, these areas are not considered
eligible for regional aid from the point of view of
competition policy.

The expectations aroused in these areas by the reform of
the Structural Funds have been only partially fulfilled.

Can the Commission therefore provide the following
information:

1. for each NUTS II region with sectors covered by
Objectives 2 and/or 5 (b), the population and area not
eligible for regional aid,

2. the possibilities of special treatment for the areas
referred to in this question by extending the scope of
the existing notification of an aid scheme of minor
importance ('),

No C 79/12 Official Journal of the European Communities 25. 3. 91

3. with a view to simplifying procedures and achieving
overall coherence between competition policy and
regional development or adjustment policies, the
possibility of drawing up a single Community map for
both policies?

O OJ No C 40, 20. 2.1990, p. 2.

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan
on behalf of the Commission

_(3 October 1990)_

1. The Commission is sending direct to the
Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat a

table giving the population and area of the Objectives 2
and 5 (b) regions not eligible for regional aid.

2. The criteria for the granting of aid in those regions
are based on the principle of 'double examination', which
focuses on both regional policy and competition policy
considerations. The competition policy rules do not
preclude regions in the circumstances specified from
qualifying for public regional aid exceeding the limits
fixed in the Commission decision on aid of minor

importance. This may be the case with regions meeting
the conditions specified in the method for the application
of Article 92 (3) to regional aid ('). In determining
whether a region is eligible, this method applies a wide
range of indicators that take account of the region's
socio-economic situation. Furthermore, when examining
the aid arrangements, including aid intensity, the
Commission takes into consideration the scale of the

difficulties to be tackled.

3. The criteria for regional analysis applied in
connection with Community regional policy and
those applied in connection with competition policy
complement one another in the response they provide to
problems which, in some respects, differ. The strictly
Community criteria applied for regional policy purposes
correspond to problems perceived in identical fashion
throughout the Community, while the national and
Community criteria applied for competition policy
purposes enable account to be taken of the specific
characteristics of national regional policies and, at the
same time, place the Member State in a Community

context.

The criteria thus reflect the situation in the Community,
where regional problems are captured at different levels,
and provide a consistent response to that diversity.

O OJNoC212, 12.8. 1988, p. 2.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1298/90

byMrKarelDulen(DR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(18 May 1990)_

(91/C 79/19)

_Subject:_ Possibility of Turkish accession to the European
Community

The Commission's opinion on Turkey's request for
accession to the European Communities (SEC(89) 2290
final) rightly states that the Community must adopt an
overall strategy towards potential applications for
accession from third countries. After a general statement
that for practical reasons an enlargement of the
Community prior to 1993 would be difficult to achieve,
the Commission argues against opening negotiations with
Turkey for this reason and also for reasons of a 'political
and economic' nature. On the other hand, however, the
Commission explicitly states in its conclusions that
'Turkey is a European country, associated with the
Community'.

The Commission must be aware, however, that
geographically 97 % of Turkey is in Asia Minor and that,
besides the 'political and economic' differences, there is a
more important cultural divide between Turkey and
Europe, not least because the overwhelming majority of
Turks are Muslims.

Given the lack of clarity in its opinion, can the
Commission confirm that enlargement of the Community
will only be considered with countries which are
European not only in the political and economic sense,
but also, and more importantly, in the historical, cultural
and geographical sense?

Is the Commission prepared to acknowledge this principle
openly?

Answer given by Mr Matutes
on behalf of the Commission

_(4 October 1990)_

The Commission considers that every application for
accession should be treated on its merits.

It notes the views of the Honourable Member but would

remind him that Article 28 of the Association Agreement
signed at Ankara allows for the possibility of Turkey
acceding to the Community, subject to certain conditions.
What is more, the Commission opinion referred to by the
Honourable Member confirms this possibility where it
refers to Turkey's eligibility to become a member of the
EEC.

25. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 79/13

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1327/90

byMrPolMarck(PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11 June 1990)_

(91/C79/20)

_Subject:_ Effect of MCAs and export refunds for pigmeat

A study by Mr Francois Bellego of the Economics Faculty
of the University of Leuven concludes that the Danes, as
the largest recipients of export refunds, are causing the
refund system to destabilize the Community market. The
same applies to West Germany in respect of MCAs.

What view does the Commission take of these

conclusions?

Answer given by Mr MacSharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(2_ _August 1990)_

It is incorrect to conclude that the system of export
refunds generally has a destabilizing effect on the
Community market in pigmeat.

It is true that 80% of Community exports of pigmeat to
third countries are from Denmark; this Member State,
unlike other Community countries, has considerable
surplus production and a perfect animal health situation,
enabling it to export worldwide, particularly to the United
States and Japan which only accept meat from areas
totally free of epizootic diseases.

Community exports have increased in recent years, in line
with the growth of total internal production, to reach
around 500 000 tonnes in carcase equivalent per year
during the last three years. This cannot be called
excessive, particularly if it is compared with total
Community production of pigmeat of around 13 million
tonnes per year. Imports, on the other hand, have fallen
over the years to around 100 000—300 000 tonnes per
year, including 25 000—30 000 tonnes under the special
inter-German trade arrangements.

If there is any imbalance in trade in pigmeat with third
countries, it is in the very small volume of imports.

In order to resolve this problem of the preponderance of
exports, the Commission made proposals to the Council
in 1989 to simplify import arrangements. These proposals
were not, however, taken up.

It must be admitted that exports of pigmeat to third
countries involve two risks:

— One stems from the health situation in that the

outbreak of an epizootic disease in Denmark could
bring an immediate halt to exports to third countries
with harmful effects on the Community's internal
market. This danger is one reason why the
Community adopted its policy for the general
eradication of all serious animal diseases. This policy
could permit exports from all Member States in the
not too distant future.

— The other risk is economic and is .a result of the fact

that market development in third countries importing
pigmeat cannot be influenced to any significant extent
by the Community. This was the case at the end of
1989, when the Japanese market suffered a double fall
in prices, in the national currency and due to the
movement in the exchange rate of the yen against
Community currencies.

These risks of fluctuations on markets outside the

Community are aggravated by the fact that they cannot be
offset by the marginal volume of imports.

It is also incorrect to say that the monetary compensatory
amounts applied in Germany destabilize the market.
These MCAs have not existed in the pigmeat sector since
1 January 1988 and the German market has a large deficit
with net imports of around 500 000 tonnes per year.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1357/90

by Mr Llewellyn Smith (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11_ _June 1990)_

(91/C 79/21)

_Subject:_ Euratom safeguards report — unacceptably high
samples

In regard to paragraph 79 of the report on the operation
of Euratom safeguards (SEC(90) 452 final), what further
steps is the Commission taking to improve the time delay
in analyzing samples taken by inspectors described at
present as 'unacceptably high'?

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

_(31 July 1990)_

The Commission wishes to refer to the second part of
paragraph 79 which describes the development under way
to install permanent onsite laboratories as well as the

No C 79/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 25. 3. 91

instruments which allow measurements of most of such

safeguards samples on site. Implementation of all these
measures is fully under way.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1368/90

by Mr Arturo Escuder Croft (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(11 June 1990)_

(91/C 79/22)

_Subject:_ Community investment subsidies for the
Canaries

Within the 1989—1993 Community support framework
for the development and structural adjustment of regions
whose development is lagging behind (Objective 1), a
total amount of ECU 547 million is earmarked for Spain.
Of this amount ECU 279 million will take the form of

Community aid, ECU 209 million will be paid from
Spanish public funds and ECU 59 million will come from
private sector investment in the Canaries.

In the provisional financing plan it can be observed that
there is a strong bias towards private investment since:

— ECU 10 million by way of Community grants and
ECU 9 million from Spanish public funds are
earmarked for the industrial, services and crafts
sector, compared with private investment of ECU 26
million, which means that the Community grant is less
than 21% of the total investment. No Community
investment loans have been earmarked for this sector.

— ECU 9 million by way of Community grants, that is to
say about 18%, has been earmarked for the tourist

sector.

1. Does the Commission consider that it will be possible
to improve in any way the economic structures of the
Canaries under the envisaged financing plan?

2. Does the Commission consider that the planned
investment will create stable jobs in the Canaries and,
if so, how many?

3. Does the Commission consider that it is possible to
improve conditions for agricultural production
without private investment?

4. Does the Commission consider that the tourist

industry in the Canaries can survive without EIB
support?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(3 October 1990)_

1. The Community support framework (CSF) for
Community structural assistance to the Spanish Objective

1 regions was drawn up by the Commission in close
consultation with national and regional authorities in
Spain and on the basis of the regional development plans
which they had prepared.

The financing plan is the consequence of the selection of
priorities through the partnership mechanism and is
intended to make the best possible contribution to the
development of the region and the improvement of its
economic structures.

Achievement of the socio-economic benefits expected
from implementation of the CSF will depend on the types
of assistance which the Spanish authorities propose to the
Commission for part-financing, and especially the
operational programmes.

2. The creation of new jobs is one of the main
objectives of the Commission and the other bodies which
helped draw up the CSF. However, precise figures can be
provided only within the context of the operational

programmes.

3. Agricultural production in the Canary Islands
benefits from the general structural measures applicable
to Spain in the context of Community legislation, and
particularly the existing investment aids. In addition, the
islands benefit from Community financial solidarity for
operational programmes which have already been
presented to the Commission. The Community assistance
facilities under REGIS and ENVIREG are also available.

Nevertheless, it is also important that the agricultural
sector should benefit from private investment.

4. There is no obligation to make use of EIB financing
and, while the Commission supports combined use of a
number of financial instruments, it is up to the national
and regional authorities and those engaged in the
economic life of the region to select the sources of finance
which they believe best correspond to their needs.

The EIB has so far helped finance investment projects in
the Canary Islands, both inside and outside the CSFs,
totalling ECU 40 million and which should result in the
creation of about 1 000 jobs.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1428/90

by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 June 1990)_

(91/C 79/23)

_Subject:_ Community participation in the construction of
the gas pipeline between Algeria and Spain

The approval by the Moroccan Chamber of
Representatives of the Algerian-Moroccan agreement on

25. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 79/15

the construction of a gas pipeline between Spain and
Algeria across the Straits of Gibraltar has provided
important backing for the realization of this project,
which should have beneficial effects on Morocco and

Algeria as well as on Spain and the other Member States
of the European Community.

Precisely because of the effects of this project on the
European Community's energy supply, can the
Commission say whether it is making allowances for the
effects of the construction of this pipeline on the
Community energy market, whether it would be willing to
be involved in this project and whether Community
funding can be expected for the execution of the project,
including the building of two small regasif ication plants in
Andalusia?

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

_(29 November 1990)_

The planned connection of the giant gas resources around
Hassi R'Mei in southern Algeria to the Iberian peninsula
by a pipeline (in addition to the existing liquefied natural
gas — LNG — link) is part of a projected inter-Maghreb
natural gas system. The pipeline is planned to transport
the gas westward to Fez, near the Moroccan region
around Rabat and Casablanca where major gas
consumption will occur in the future. From there, the
pipeline is projected to turn north reaching the Straits of
Gibraltar and the Iberian peninsula.

A first study of the project will soon be finished. It is
based on a total transported volume of 16 to 17 billion
cubic meters (bcm) per annum of which 2-3 bcm would go
to the Moroccan market, 4-5 bcm to Spain, 1,5 bcm to
Portugal and 8-10 bcm to markets north of the Pyrenees.
Gas companies of the Community, the Algerian State gas
company and a Moroccan company are studying the
economic feasibility of the project together.

The project should not only be of great importance for
the well-being and further development of the Maghreb,
but at the same time, should lead to an improvement of
the Community's supply situation. It will assure another
entry point for natural gas into the Community, increase
the flexibility of the European gas grid and increase
supply security. The project will clearly contribute to the
Community's policy to open up its peripheral regions to
natural gas. The Commission would therefore welcome
the success of the project.

The gas will be transported in the pipeline under high
pressure but will remain gaseous; there will be no
regasification.

As regards Community support to the project in the
Community zone, this will be determined following an

eventual request by the Member States concerned, within
the criteria established for allocation of the structural

funds:

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1454/90

by Mr Thomas Megahy (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 June 1990)_

(91/C 79/24)

_Subject:_ Hours worked by seafarers

In view of the evidence that extremely long hours are
commonly worked by seafarers to the detriment both of
their own health and of public safety, and of the fact that
pressure on seafarers' conditions is likely to increase as a
result of the increasingly competitive environment of the
single EC market, does the Commission intend to
formulate proposals for new directives or regulations in
order to eliminate this problem?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1875/90

by Mr James Ford (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(2_ _August 1990)_

(91/C 79/25)

_Subject:_ Excessive hours worked by seafarers

Has the Commission considered the NUMAST report on
seafarers' hours and, if so, what action is it considering?

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1454/90

and 1875/90

given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(6 September 1990)_

The Commission is aware of the NUMAST report on
seafarers' hours and is studying this document at the

moment.

The Commission is aware of the difficult working and
living conditions on board ship for seafarers and shares
the concern expressed over the long hours worked and
their impact on safety at sea.

To date the Commission has made no specific proposals
to regulate seafarers' hours. However, in its
communication of 29 November 1988 on the action

programme relating to the implementation of the

No C 79/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 25. 3. 91

Community Charter of basic social rights for workers ('),
the Commission indicated that it will submit to the

Council a proposal for a directive on the adaptation
of working time. In addition, the Commission has
undertaken to submit proposals for directives concerning
safety on board fishing vessels, and the improvement of
medical assistance on board ships.

Moreover, the issue of working hours on board ships is to
be examined by the social partners of the Maritime Joint
Committee in the framework of discussions on the living
and working conditions of seafarers, with the view to
determining the scope for further Community action in
this field.

O COM(89) 568 final.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1483/90

by Mr Petrus Cornelissen, Mr Karel Pinxten
and Mr Giinter Rinsche (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 June 1990)_

(91/C 79/26)

_Subject:_ The 'Iron Rhine'

Experience has shown that railway connections such as
the 'Iron Rhine', which cross three countries, are
considered mainly in national terms and the European
dimension is largely neglected.

The 'Iron Rhine' is a direct and hence the shortest link

between Antwerp and the Ruhr and for years was the
principal rail transport link between Antwerp and the
North German hinterland.

In view of the heavy traffic on the Aachen-Montzen line,
prospects offered by the 'Iron Rhine', particularly in
respect of combined transport, are very favourable.

A revival of the 'Iron Rhine' would provide a stimulus for
regional development, particularly for the northern part
of Belgian and Dutch Limburg and south-eastern
Brabant.

Finally, it would provide a third link between the Belgian
and Dutch intercity networks, with a direct rail
connection for passenger and freight transport between
south-eastern Brabant/northern and central Limburg and
Antwerp/Brussels.

1. Does the Commission agree that, in view of growing
transport volumes and increasing environmental
pollution, particular attention should be given to
improving rail transport, inland waterways and
combined transport, as well as to improving road
networks?

2. Can the Commission confirm the fact that, in view of
developments in Central and Eastern Europe, there is
likely to be considerable growth in East-West traffic?

3. In view of this, is the Commission prepared to launch
an international survey of possible ways of reviving
and modernizing the Antwerp-Lommel-WeertRoermond-Monchen Gladbach-Ruhr line, known as

the'Iron Rhine'?

4. Will the Commission include in this survey the
contribution such a railway link would make to the
development of the regions it crosses and the possible
role of the 'Iron Rhine' in a European combined
transport network?

5. Will the Commission endeavour to ensure that the

international survey considers both the existing
Weert-Roermond line and a possible alternative route
via Eindhoven?

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(18 September 1990)_

In view of recent developments in Central and Eastern
Europe and the prospects opened up by combined
transport, it would certainly be opportune to carry out a
joint study on the rail link from Antwerp through
Lommel, Weert, Roermond and Monchengladbach to the
Ruhr (the Iron Rhine route).

The Commission will arrange as soon as possible for the
question of reactivating this rail link to be examined and
evaluated.

The study will cover socio-economic aspects as well as
possible alternative routes.

As soon as the results are available the Honourable

Member will be informed.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1539/90

by Mr Michael Welsh (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 June 1990)_

(91/C 79/27)

_Subject:_ Environmental impact assessment and the
Structural Funds

The Commission's guidelines for the operation of the
Structural Funds require environmental impact
assessment for projects in areas designated under

25.3.91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 79/17

Community or national legislation as special protection
areas or environmentally sensitive areas.

1. What such areas have been designated in French
Guiana, Reunion, Guadeloupe and Martinique?

2. What inventories or studies are available on which a

judgement can be based as to whether these
designations adequately cover all the important
wildlife areas?

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

_(18 December 1990)_

1. The Commission wishes to point out, as it has
already in its reply to the recent oral question
H-929/90 O from the Honourable Member, that
measures or projects which are to be funded from the
Structural Funds and which may have a significant effect
on the environment are the subject of systematic impact
assessments carried out in advance. These impact
assessments decide whether or not Community funds are
paid.

The Commission representatives ensure that these
provisions are complied with through the monitoring
committees which meet in the regions concerned and
when on-the-spot visits take place.

However, Directive 79/409/EEC ( [2] ) and the Regulation
on action by the Community relating to the
environment ( [3] ) in respect of nature conservation do not
apply to the overseas departments.

Several sites have, nevertheless, been classified under
national French legislation as a national park, nature park

or nature reserve.

2. The French authorities are currently drawing up an
inventory for the overseas departments of the natural
areas which are of particular interest in terms of ecology
or wildlife.

(') Debates of the European Parliament No 3-394 (October I

1990).
O OJ No L 103,25. 4.1979.
O OJ No L 207,29. 7.1987.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1557/90

by Lord Inglewood (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 June 1990)_

(91/C 79/28)

_Subject:_ Telephone installation charges in France

In France a person aged 65 or over who is in receipt of a
French State pension can have a telephone installed free

of charge but this facility is denied to residents whose
pensions are paid by another Member State. Does the
Commission consider this to be de facto discrimination on

grounds of nationality and, if so, will it raise the matter
with the French authorities in order to have the situation

rectified?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(3 December 1990)_

The installation of a telephone free of charge to
pensioners in receipt of a French pension is not provided
for by French legislation, but seems to be a private
initiative by the PTT.

Pensioners who are not in receipt of a French pension and
who are resident in France, are not covered by Regulation
(EEC) No 1612/68 on free movement of workers nor by
Regulation (EEC) No 1251/70 on the right of workers to
remain in a Member State after having been employed in
that State. There is thus no Community legislation which
provides for equal treatment to those persons.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1760/90

by Mr Gianfranco Amendola and Mr Virginio Bettini (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(12 July 1990)_

(91/C 79/29)

_Subject:_ Community financing in Piedmont (Italy) to
'improve the efficiency of agricultural structures'

Having regard to the urgent question No 2129 addressed
to the Piedmont Regional Council on 14 February 1990
and the complaints made by the organization Pronatura,
according to which the various projects included in the
programmes to be financed with the funds referred to in
Regulation (EEC) No 1401/86 (') do not meet the criteria
laid down in that Regulation, can the Commission say:

1. to what extent each of these projects complies with
Articles 1 (1) and 2 of Regulation (EEC) No 1401/86?

2. whether it considers that the projects in question (and,
if so, which) are incompatible with environmental
protection, as referred to in Article 3(1) of the
Regulation?

3. whether it considers that some of the projects (and, if
so which) should be modified?

No C 79/18 Official Journal of the European Communities 25. 3. 91

whether it considers that it should withdraw the

contribution for any of the projects (and, if so, which)
because they are incompatible with Regulation (EEC)
No 1401/86?

O OJNoL138,14. 5. 1986, p. 5.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1761/90

by Mr Gianfranco Amendola and Mr Virginio Bettini (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(12Julyl'990)_

(91/C 79/30)

_Subject:_ EEC financing
(Italy)

for Valle Pellice, Piedmont

The programmes drawn up by these regions presented
by the national authorities were approved by the
Commission as being concerned with the objectives set
out in Article 2 of Regulation (EEC) No 1401/86 and as
meeting the requirement that the environment be
protected set out in Article 3 (1) (d).

A Ministerial Decree of 30 June 1986 allocated total

eligible expenditure of ECU 42 140 000 (approximately
LIT 63 000 million) to Piedmont. The programme drawn
up by the regional authorities, which was approved by the
Commission on 4 March 1988 (an updating for the
second period was approved by the Commission on 3 July
1990), embodies national rules and standards on
protection of the environment in its proposals for action,
including those on other rural infrastructure.

Confirmation of this has recently been received from the
Regional Agriculture Department in the form of an
assurance that the permits required under national
and regional legislation on environmental and
hydrogeological protection have been granted for the
operations financed under Regulation (EEC) No 1401/86
in course of execution by the mountain communities.

Although without detailed knowledge of the technical
aspects of the individual projects of each mountain
community (the Community's financial assistance takes
the form of repayment to the Italian Government of a
proportion of its expenditure on the common measure
and not cofinancing of individual projects) the
Commission draws reassurance from the information

provided by the region on the projects under execution
and cannot, at least at the moment, judge them
incompatible with the provisions of Regulation (EEC)
No 1401/86. It intends however to make representations
to the national and regional authorities for more intensive
checks to be made on how well environmental protection
requirements and the purposes of the common measure
are in fact being respected.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1807/90

by Mr Kenneth Stewart (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 July 1990)_

(91/C79/31)

_Subject:_ Paul Cheshire report naming Liverpool 114th
out of 117 in the European Community poverty
league

The Commissioner is aware of the latest report on poverty
within the Community by Paul Cheshire placing
Liverpool, England 114 out of 117 European cities.

The local authority of Valle Pellice receives Community
funding in accordance with Regulation (EEC)
No 1401/86 for improving rural infrastructure and
forestry improvements. It emerges from the minutes of
the meeting of the Valle Pellice local council (No 76 of 28
October 1988) and from complaints made by the
organization Pronatura, that the funds will be used
improperly.

Since the area where the infrastructure is to be built is

among those declared to be of outstanding interest by the
Italian Ministry for Cultural Assets and the Environment,
can the Commission say:

1. to what extent the building of this infrastructure is
incompatible with Articles 1 (1), 2 and 3 (1) (d) of
Regulation (EEC) No 1401/86?

2. whether it considers that the allegation that the funds
are being used improperly is true?

3. whether it considers that the contribution given to the
Italian Government for this project should be
withdrawn ?

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 1760/90

and 1761/90

given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(2 October 1990)_

Regulation (EEC) No 1401/86 of 6 May 1986
introducing a common .measure to accelerate agricultural
development in the less-favoured areas of the northern
Italian regions, including Piedmont, stipulates that the
operations planned be compatible with protection of the
environment.

25. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 79/19

Would the Commission state what progress has been
made by the MIDO group of the five local authorities on
Merseyside, in view of the recent ERDF allocation of
funding from objective 2?

Is everything progressing to schedule, and what listed
projects are under way? Does the Commissioner consider
the British Government is supporting the Community's
efforts to help the economic recovery of this city and is
additionality being practised, to equal Community aid?

Will the Commission please itemize the total amounts of
grants, loans, from all sources to the City of Liverpool,
and the other local authorities making up the Merseyside
Integrated Development Operation area since 1979,
including the Mersey Basin, Mersey Barrage survey,
Training purposes Public and Private sector?

In view of the Paul Cheshire report, and the recent report
by Liverpool City Council, on the extent of poverty in the
City, will the Commissioners responsible for the
Structural Funds, consider further support for the
Merseyside area, ensuring the existing training schemes
continue for an extended period, and the support for
companies prepared to operate within the area?

Will the Commission also seek talks with the British

Government for an extension of aid to this region?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(16 November 1990)_

Mr Cheshire's latest report, unlike his earlier one, was not
carried out on behalf of the Commission. Nevertheless

the Commission is generally aware of its conclusions.

The Merseyside Task force, in conjunction with the five
local authorities on Merseyside and other agencies,
expects to be able to finalise shortly the first list of specific
schemes to be cofinanced by the ERDF through the
Merseyside Integrated Development Operation. However
it is too early to say how long it will take to catch up fully
on the delay in the adoption of the programme.

Under the MIDO programme, the Community's efforts
will complement and contribute to support from the
United Kingdom government, local authorities and other
agencies for the economic recovery of Liverpool. The
Commission has recently reminded the UK government
of the requirement that Community aid should have a
genuine additional economic impact.

Between 1981 and 1989, the Merseyside area received
from the Community grants of ECU 240,01 million and

ECSC loans which amounted to ECU 4,83 million. In
addition, during the period 1979 to mid-September 1990,
the EIB has provided loans totalling ECU 285,81 million.
A detailed list is being sent directly to the Honourable
Member and to the Secretariat General of the European
Parliament.

Concerning further support for Merseyside, the
Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its

answer to his oral question H-462/90 given during
question time at Parliament at the June 1990 session (').

(') Debates of the European Parliament No 3-391 (June 1990).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1819/90

by Mr Christopher Jackson (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 July 1990)_

(91/C 79/32)

_Subject:_ Non-delivering of European sourced mailings

A company whose head office lies in my constituency
specializes in mass mailings and, in particular, in printing
and mailing magazines in the international market. In the
case in question, an exhibition catalogue including a
direct response card for pre-registering at the exhibition
concerned was mailed from Britain to Germany.
Camera-ready copy had been supplied by the client. The
British company supplied the paper, carried out the
printing and posted the items Europewide through the
Royal Mail.

It was subsequently discovered that the German
Bundespost had returned 50 bags including 20 000 items
and as a result most of the German addressees did not

receive the catalogue and registration information. The
German client is now asking a sum in excess of £30 000 in
damages for non-delivery of the items.

The Bundespost claims that Article 23 of the Universal
Posts Union regulations states that 'mailing pieces cannot
be removed from the indigenous country for the purpose
of monetary gain'.

The action of the Bundespost appears to conflict with
the principles of free competition in the European
Community.

1. Does the Commission agree that the action of the
Bundespost is contrary to the Treaty of Rome and
subsequent legislation and that the Bundespost should
be liable for damages?

No C 79/20 Official Journal of the European Communities 25. 3. 91

2. If the Commission believes that the action of

the Bundespost was justifiable under European
Community law, what action does it propose to
remove this restraint on trade?

Answer given by Sir Leon Brittan
on behalf of the Commission

_(26 September 1990)_

The Commission intends to examine the compatibility of
the matter raised by the Honourable Member with
Community law (Article 90, read in conjunction with
Article 86, of the EEC Treaty).

To that end, it has already called on the Federal
Government to state its position on the issue.

The Commission will not fail to keep the Honourable
Member informed of any developments.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1825/90

by Mr Carlos Perreau de Pinninck Domenech and Mr Jose
Ruiz-Mateos Jimenez de Tejada (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(13 July 1990)_

(91/C 79/33)

_Subject:_ Fisheries dispute with the Kingdom of Morocco

On 13 May a unilateral decision by the Kingdom of
Morocco came into force whereby fisheries operations off
the Saharan coast were suspended for two months.

What steps does the Commission intend to take with
regard to this action, which contravenes the current
fisheries agreement between the EEC and Morocco and
constitutes a serious infringement of the rights of
Community fishermen?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(22 November 1990)_

The security zone introduced by the Moroccan
Government, in which fishing was suspended for three
months from 15 May 1990, includes the waters of the
former Western Sahara, the sovereignty of which is a
matter of international dispute.

The fisheries agreement between the EEC and Morocco
applies to the waters over which Morocco has sovereignty
or jurisdiction, which it terms 'Morocco's fishing zone'.
No more precise geographical definition is given.

The Commission is accordingly unable to take up any
position in regard to the geographical boundaries of that
zone, in particular as regards the waters off the coast of
Western Sahara.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1827/90

by Mr James Ford (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(20 July 1990)_

(91/C 79/34)

_Subject:_ EC electromagnetic compatibility directive

In readiness for the adoption of the EC electromagnetic
compatibility directive, what provision has the
Commission made to inform or consult with companies
manufacturing electrical and electronic equipment? What
testing requirements will be made between the two
choices of either

(a) full test of each item of equipment or

(b) technical file on the equipment together with
ultimate test?

If, as is believed, the practicalities are not made known
until June 1991 for a directive scheduled to be in force by
the end of 1991, then particularly small firms and new
businesses in this field will, bearing in mind financial
considerations, have great difficulty in complying. Can
the Commission give an assurance therefore that it will
produce this important legislation to a realistic timescale?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(18 September 1990)_

Directive 89/336/EEC (') on the approximation of the
laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic
compatibility to which the Honourable Member refers
provides for two ways of certifying conformity with the
essential protection requirements depending on whether
or not the harmonized standards are applied.
Article 10 (1) provides for an EC declaration of
conformity to be issued by the manufacturer or his
authorized representative established within the
Community if the harmonized standards have been
applied.

Article 10 (2) states that, if the manufacturer has not
applied the harmonized standards or in the absence of

25. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 79/21

such standards, he shall keep a technical construction file
at the disposal of the authorities including a technical
report or a certificate obtained from a competent body.

The Commission is aware that, in the latter case,
third-party certification will involve quite substantial
costs, in particular for small and medium-sized
companies.

The Commission has asked the European standards
bodies to prepare as soon as possible the standards
required to enable manufacturers to make full use of the
certification procedure for a declaration of conformity to
be issued without the intervention of a third party.

Furthermore, meetings with the Member States are held
in order to guarantee the uniform implementation of the
Directive and to examine certain problems which its
application may pose. With regard to laboratory
availability, it is important to note that, under the CTS
(Conformance Testing Services) programme, the
Commission is supporting a project on the design and
construction of specific test equipment to test for EMC
phenomena. This specific activity will lead to a test service
available to all equipment manufacturers affected by the
Directive.

If, despite all of these steps, major difficulties are
encountered in the application of the Directive, the
Commission will propose, in line with a statement it has
made to the Council, appropriate measures to guarantee a
flexible changeover from the rules currently in force to
the obligations under the Directive, while ensuring an
improvement in the free movement of the products
concerned.

(') OJNoLl39,23. 5. 1989, p. 19.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1869/90

by Mr Francois-Xavier de Donnea (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(20 July 1990)_

(91/C 79/35)

_Subject:_ EEC Directive on laws relating to commercial

agents

1. Does the Commission intend to propose an
amendment to Directive 86/653/EEC (') on laws relating
to commercial agents and, if so, when?

2. Can the Commission indicate which Member States

have taken steps to incorporate the above directive into
their national legislation and say how far any proceedings
instituted against defaulting Member States have
progressed?

(*) OJNoL382,31.12. 1986,p. 17.

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(26 September 1990)_ _._

1. No.

2. The Member States which have incorporated the
Directive into their domestic law as referred to by the
Honourable Member are Denmark, the Federal Republic
of Germany, the Netherlands and Portugal. The
Commission has initiated the infringement procedure
provided for in Article 169 of the Treaty against the other
Member States, except Ireland and the United Kingdom,
which under Article 22 of the Directive have more time to

comply.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1880/90

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

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(2_ _August 1990)_

(91/C 79/36)

_Subject:_ Implementation of Community law in respect of
the environment

The recent answer given by Mr Ripa di Meana to Written
Question No 607/90 (') indicates that Community law, as
it now stands, does not provide for sanctions for failure to
implement Community environmental legislation.

This answer is therefore incomplete. What sanctions are
envisaged by the Commission and what steps must be
taken to ensure compliance with Community law?

O OJNoC 328,31. 12. 1990, p. 14.

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

_(26 October 1990)_

The Court of Justice has on several occasions observed

that the sanctions which the Member States provide for in
the case of failure to implement Community legislation
should be effective and comparable to those which apply
in similar cases under national law.

The Commission is not at the moment able to say whether
specific action should be taken on sanctions with regard
to environmental legislation. It is still considering
the question of sanctions for failure to implement

No C 79/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 25. 3. 91

Community legislation. Whatever is decided, the Treaty
will have to be revised to enable sanctions to be imposed
at the Community level in such cases.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1926/90

by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1990)_

(91/C79/37)

_Subject:_ Public awareness of subsidies granted under the
EAGGF — Guidance Section

One of the Community activities which makes the most
effective contribution to the development of the
agri-foodstuffs industry in southern Europe and other
areas of the Community consists of the subsidies offered
to this sector under the budget chapter devoted to the
EAGGF — Guidance Section.

However, the Community's policy of subsidizing the
development of the agri-foodstuffs industry using its
budgetary funds is not very widely known to the general
public, since no explicit information is provided using
posters, as happens with the aid granted by the ERDF,
which the citizens of the Community are acquainted with
because it is publicized on public advertising hoardings.

Does the Commission not consider that in order to

involve the Community's citizens in its efforts and
activities for the benefit of the processing of agricultural
products advertising hoardings should be used, as in the
case of the ERDF, to publicize the amount of the subsidy
provided by the EAGGF-Guidance Section for the
setting-up or conversion of agri-foodstuffs industries in
the Member States?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(19 September 1990)_

Information about subsidies granted for the processing
and marketing of agricultural products (Regulation
(EEC) No 355/77) ('), is provided in two main ways:

— publication in the _Official Journal of the European_
_Communities_ of lists of investments in the

agri-foodstuffs industry subsidized by the EAGGF
Guidance Section;

— periodic announcements in the press of the aid
granted by the EAGGF Guidance Section, particularly
aid to the food industry.

Lastly, the letter in which the Commission informs the
beneficiary of the grant of a subsidy includes the
following paragraph:

'Finally, in view of the interest which the Commission
of the European Communities has shown in your
project, I request that where you publicly mention (by
way of notice boards or publications) aid which you
have received for your investment, you should include
that of the European Agricultural Guidance and
Guarantee Fund.'

In this way the Commission encourages the beneficiary
to publicize the aid received, without making this
mandatory, given the relatively small scale of many of the
subsidized projects in comparison, for example, with the
investments in infrastructure to which the ERDF

contributes.

O OJ No L 51, 23. 2. 1977, p. 1.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1928/90

by Mr Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1990)_

(91/C 79/38)

_Subject:_ The effects on the Spanish sugar industry of the
new Community regulation on sugar

With regard to the discussions which the Community has
to tackle by December this year with a view to drawing up
a new regulation for the next few years on the beet sugar
sector, Spanish sugar producers have emphatically
rejected the possibility of a redistribution of quotas on the
Community market.

They have also called for an increase in the quotas for
Spain, which at present are set at one million tonnes, and
they request that prices be harmonized by 1995.

In view of the importance of the beet sugar industry for
the Spanish agricultural economy, how far does the
Commission consider the Spanish demands to be valid
and worth bearing in mind if the legitimate interests of the
Spanish sugar industry are to be safeguarded?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(3 October 1990)_

The A and B quotas for sugar and isoglucose in Spain
were fixed by the Act of Accession of Spain and Portugal
and have been fully incorporated into the Community

25. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 79/23

quota arrangements laid down in the basic Regulation
(EEC) No 1785/81 ( [!] ) of 30 June 1981 on the common
organization of the markets in the sugar sector.

The current arrangements apply until the end of the
1990/91 marketing year on 30 June 1991 and a proposal
has been prepared for submission by the Commission to
the Council on the arrangements to be applied after that
date which provides, in particular, for the quota quantities
and their regional distribution to be maintained as they
stand for a further two years. The Commission has
therefore taken the view that there should be no increases

in the sugar or isoglucose quotas and the Honourable
Member will find full explanations in the relevant
proposal documents.

With regard to the alignment of the Spanish sugar sector
prices to the common prices, the Commission intends
shortly to prepare the opinion that has to be compiled in
this respect in accordance with Article 70 (3) (b) of the
Treaty of Accession of Spain and Portugal, accompanied
where appropriate by suitable proposals. In this context
the effects of a price drop on both sugar manufacturers
and beet or cane growers will be considered.

O OJNoLl77, 1.7. 1981.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1938/90

by Mr Paul Howell (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1990)_

(91/C79/39)

_Subject:_ Community support for highly marginal farms
of high biological diversity

In some Community countries there are farms which are
so small and so marginal that economically it is hardly
worth working them. It is also practically impossible to
improve their productivity.

Many such areas are of value to the Community as areas
of importance for wildlife, but as they are small, discrete,
numerous and widely dispersed, they may not readily
qualify for environmentally sensitive area status under
Article 19 of Regulation (EEC) No 797/85 (').

If a farmer in such circumstances wishes to continue

farming his land — which will maintain its wildlife —
what schemes exist through which he can obtain
Community support?

Does the Commission have any plans to provide farm
support specifically linked to habitat or wildlife
management or restoration for such situations?

(') OJNoL93, 30. 3. 1985, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 October 1990)_

1. Community support for farmers introducing
or maintaining environmentally favourable farming
practices is covered by Article 19 of Regulation (EEC)
No 797/85 under which the Member States are given full
freedom to determine the size of the designated areas and
their geographical dispersion. Several programmes
submitted by Member States (Federal Republic of
Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands) involve a very
large number of small, sometimes very small, areas (of a
few dozen hectares).

It is also the case that a number of Member States whose

farms are mostly of a small size have not so far designated
sensitive areas under Article 19, this being an optional
measure. However, the increase in the rates of
Community part-financing provided for in Regulation
(EEC) No 223/90 (') could provide an additional
incentive in areas covered by Objective 1 of the reform of
the Funds.

2. The Commission is conscious that the need to

designate sensitive areas has meant a possible restriction
on the implementation of* Article 19. For this reason it
has presented to the Council a new proposal for a
Regulation ( [2] ) to the effect that the Member States may
designate either geographical areas or categories of land,
or the whole of their territory.

In addition to compatible farming practices,
environmental preservation practices traditionally linked
to farming will in future be eligible.

O OJ No L 22, 27. 1. 1990, p. 62.
O COM(90)366.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1939/90

by Mr Paul Howell (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1990)_

(91/C 79/40)

_Subject:_ Wildlife habitats and farming

The environmentally sensitive areas schemes introduced
by some Member States under Article 19 of Regulation
(EEC) No 797/85 (') are showing some success in
supporting farming methods that provide environmental
benefits, including preservation of wildlife habitats. One
requirement if schemes such as these are to be extended

No G 79/24 Official Journal of the European Communities 25. 3. 91

and provide the maximum environmental improvement is
for detailed information on the relationship between
habitat types throughout the Community, the wildlife
species they support and the effect of farming methods on
them. This information will enable farmland habitats of

high wildlife value to be identified so that appropriate
measures can be taken to preserve them.

What studies does the Commission have at its disposal
on the nature of farmland habitats throughout the
Community, the wildlife species they support and the
farming methods required to maintain them?

Do any opportunities exist under current Community
programmes for funding such research and if not, is the
Commission prepared to provide new funds for such
work?

O OJ No L 93, 30. 3.1985, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(17 October 1990)_

The environmentally sensitive areas are designated
by Member States, pursuant to Regulation (EEC)
No 797/85, on a voluntary basis. It is accordingly for each
Member State to consider its different types of farmland
and the wildlife species which make such land their
habitat, and to determine the appropriate farming
practices to be introduced or maintained with a view to
the protection of those habitats.

The Commission has at its disposal the studies and the
lists of prescribed farming practices sent to it by the
Member States in connection with the designation of
sensitive areas.

A number of possibilities exist for Community financing
to determine farming methods compatible with the
preservation of wildlife and wildlife habitats in farming
areas, in particular:

— under the specific agricultural research programme
(1989-93) (') which provides for the development of
good farming practices with a view to the preservation
of the landscape and natural resources;

— under Article 8 of Regulation (EEC) No 4256/88 ( [2] )
for preparatory studies necessary for operations to
protect the environment and maintain the
countryside;

— in areas covered by Objectives 1 and 5 (b) of the
reform of the structural Funds. The Commission has

thus made provision in the Community support
frameworks covering Objective 5 (b) regions for

operations to protect and enhance the environment
that may include the type of research referred to by
the Honourable Member.

O OJNoL58,7.3. 1990.
O OJNoL374,31. 12.1988.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 1947/90

by Mr Gerard Monnier-Besombes (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1990)_

(91/C 79/41)

_Subject:_ Annexes to the proposal for a directive on the
protection of natural and semi-natural habitats
and of wild flora and fauna

Since marine organisms appear to have been somewhat
neglected, would it not be desirable to add the following
species to the lists:

_ANNEX_ _II:_

Algae: _Penicillus capitatus Lamarck Caulerpa ollivieri Dosta_

Coelenterates: _Corallium rubrum L._

Molluscs: _Patella ferruginea Gmelin Lithophaga lithophaga_
_L._ _Pinna nobilis L. Charonia nodi/era Lamarck_

Crustacea: _Scyllarides latus Latreille_

Echinoderms: _Centrostepbanus longispinusPhilippi?_

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

_(16 November 1990)_

The Commission has just received the findings, published
very recently, of an important international conference on
marine species to be protected in the Mediterranean.

Most of the species proposed by the Honourable Member
are among the species — numbering approximately 15 —
which, according to the findings of the conference, are
urgently in need of protection.

25. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 79/25

The Commission will take these species into
consideration when the proposal in question is discussed.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2005/90

by Mr Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1990)_

(91/C 79/42)

_Subject:_ Structural Funds, Integrated Mediterranean
Programmes

The 'Compagnie Aerienne Corse Mediterranee' is a
limited company under French law. On 20 July 1988 the
Corsican Assembly decided to participate in the
company's activities, which are geared to opening up
communications to and from the island. The company
currently has two ATR 72 aircraft, which have been
providing two flights a day linking Ajaccio and Bastia
with Nice and Marseille since June 1990.

Scheduled flights to Italy, Greece, the Balearic Islands
and the Maghreb countries are planned for the immediate
future. In addition, the company has built a large hangar
for aircraft maintenance and currently employs 65
full-time personnel.

Although the company has regularly submitted
applications accompanied by comprehensive details, it has
not yet received any Community aid from either the
Structural Funds or the Integrated Mediterranean
Programmes.

What is the reason for this?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(30 October 1990)_

The reform of the structural Funds, set in train in January
1989 on the basis of the framework Council Regulation
(EEC) No 2052/88 ( [l] ), provides that assistance from
the Community Funds must be based on regional
development plans submitted to the Commission by the
Member States. The development plans are used as a
guide for drawing up, in consultation with each Member
State concerned, the respective Community Support
Frameworks (CSF). In the case of Corsica, the CSF
identifies seven development priorities, including the
improvement of communication links within the island
and to and from it. Given the amount of assistance

available, both the national and regional authorities were
of the view that, with regard to airports, priority would be
reserved for runway improvements and capacity increases
which would benefit all airline operators.

The same policy governed the selection of airport-related
schemes eligible for structural assistance in the first and
second phases of the IMPs.

(') OJNoL185,15.7.1988.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2007/90

by Mr Jean-Pierre Raffarin (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 September 1990)_

(91/C79/43)

_Subject:_ Export contracts in the GDR

In 1989 a number of small and medium-sized wine

merchants from the Cognac region concluded export
contracts with the GDR through an agency administered
by the East German Government.

According to reliable information, it is now very probable
that these contracts cannot be fulfilled, since recent
political events have had economic consequences, the full
extent of which is still unknown.

This could prove to be a serious setback for wine
exporters from Charent Vines and has already caused
great concern.

Can the Commission assess the situation and, if
necessary, take measures to safeguard the interests of
wine exporters from the Cognac region?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(16 November 1990)_

The provisions of the common organization of the
market in wine do not cover contracts between buyers
and sellers of wine, whether the former are located in
the Community or not. Consequently if a purchaser
terminates a contract or, in the case of a state agency
engaged in commercial activities, ceases its activities
because of political changes it is up to the seller to take
appropriate action under national law.

The financial responsibility for termination of a sales
contract falls to the terminating contracting party.

The Commission sees no possibility of taking any action
to help Charente wine exporters following the

No C 79/26 Official Journal of the European Communities 25. 3. 91

termination of export contracts concluded with an agency
of the former GDR.

However, in order not to disturb wine exports to the
GDR pending its integration and to make it easier for
certain producers to discharge their obligations under
Article 36 of Regulation (EEC) No 822/87.0, the
Commission, by Regulation (EEC) No 1984/90 ( [2] ),
deferred the termination of refunds on exports to the
GDR until 1 September 1990 and, by Regulation (EEC)
No 2224/90 ( [3] ), postponed the deadlines for fortification
operations.

(') OJ No L 84, 27. 3. 1987.
O OJNoLl79, 12.7. 1990.
O OJ No L 202, 31. 7. 1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2025/90

by Mrs Christine Crawley (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5 September 1990)_

(91/C79/44)

_Subject:_ Use of swill in the feeding of pigs

Information in the UK would seem to indicate that the

continuing use of swill for the feeding of pigs is both a
potential health hazard for the consumer and a major
contributory factor in creating unsuitable conditions for
the pigs themselves. Furthermore, it would seem that
there is no real desire for either the swill farmers, vets, or
local authorities to bring the use of swill to an end because
the local authorities would then need to find ways of
disposing of this waste directly. In the light of the
Commission's active interest in consumer safety and the
rights of animals to proper living conditions, would the
Commission investigate the use of swill for pig feed and
are they prepared to take action if the indications of UK
reports prove true?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(18 October 1990)_

Rules for treatment of swill to be fed to pigs are laid down
in Council Directive 80/217/EEC (*) introducing
Community measures for the control of classical swine
fever. The purpose of the rules are to ensure that
pathogens which might be present in swill do not reach
pigs. The rules state specifically that 'swill for feeding of
pigs must be heat-treated so as to ensure the destruction
of swine fever virus'. The treatments applied at farms,

however, also destroy other potential pathogens such as
foot-and-mouth disease virus and salmonella bacteria.

Reports from Member States indicate the swill-feeding
farms are visited at a regular basis by local veterinary
inspectors to ensure the implementation of the rules laid
down in the directive. No technical reports have been
received which suggest that swill feeding creates a
potential health hazard for the consumer and unsuitable
conditions for pigs.

The Commission intends to re-examine the regulations
for the control of swine fever in the near future with

the aim of updating existing rules. The proposed
re-examination will also cover swill feeding.

O OJ No L 47, 21. 2. 1980.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2035/90

by Mrs Hedwig Keppelhoff-Wiechert (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5 September 1990)_

(91/C 79/45)

_Subject:_ Use of wood obtained from forest thinning for
the manufacture of paper

In the Federal Republic of Germany, paper is
manufactured primarily from wood obtained from forest
thinning operations, of which large quantities are
available, in addition to wood from trees which have been
brought down by wind and snow. These thinning
operations must be regularly carried out to avoid forests
becoming over-wooded and ensure that healthy trees
have enough room to grow. The main western
industrialized paper-producing countries apply the
principle of conserving forests by ensuring that the rate at
which wood is removed does not exceed the rate of

replenishment.

1. Is the Commission aware that this use of wood is a

necessary and important contribution to forest
conservation and that the wood from thinning is
necessary for the paper industry?

2. Is the Commission also aware that, as a result of
recycling, it is becoming more difficult to find outlets
for wood obtained in this way?

3. Is the Commission aware that wood consumption is an
important means of forest conservation and that
recycling is ultimately only possible if the used paper
contains a certain proportion of fresh fibres?

4. Is the Commission also aware that excessive recycling
is harmful to the environment?

^ ^ t (Official journal of the Luropean Communities l ^ o C ^ B ^

^. Will the Commission eudeavour to ensure that a

reasonable balance is struck between recycling and the
use of ^vood obtained from forest thinning and to
inform the public aboutthesefactsB

A^s^er^ivenby^rBan^emann
on behalf of the Co^r^ssion

sustained ^vood production from stable forest ecosystems
requires extensive management, ^vhich, during the first
fe^vdecades,produces only unprofitable ^voodobtained
from thinning. In order to cover at leastaf^action of the
costs incurred, all forest owners therefore rely on selling
as much as possible to theparticleboard and cellulose
industries, since this type of ^vood ^ould otherwise be
virtually unmarketable.

^lo^vever, since recycled materials are also used in paper
manufacture, they compete ^vith^vood products in some
cases.^o^vever,it is possible to replace cellulose by ^vaste
paper only toalimitede^teutand for certain products.

Thinning operations are aprecondition for high-grade
timberproduction,as is careful management, stability and
prevention of infestation in forests under human
influence. Without the sale of this ^voodfTomthinning
operations, it ^vould not be possible to finance such
management and it^vould thereforebeabandoned to a
large extent.

furthermore, the Community is dependent on ^vood for
cellulose processing and high-grade timber of sizeable
proportions, ^vhich can be used only after decades of
careful management. Therefore, an increase in
Community production not only has economically
positive effects, but can also be regarded as contributing
to the preservation offorests in otherparts of the ^vorld.

Tbere is competition inthose areas in ^hich the various
recycled materials may be substituted for products from
^vood from thinning. Therefore, the introduction of
appropriate measures in the free market economy has
seemed unnecessary in this area up to no^v.

^ince all recycling processes constantly reduce the length
of fibres, the addition of primary cellulose is indispensible
for the manufacture of almost all types of paper. The
^vood needed for this comes either from specially gro^vn
plantations ^vithashort cutting cycle or,as in the federal
Republic of Cermany,from^vood obtained from regular
thinning operations carried out in forests richer in species,
^here the actual production target isalong cutting cycle
for high-grade timber production. Industrial ^vood
residues also play an importantrole in the Community.

In future, the Community ^vill also rely on imports of
additional cellulose products and on its o^vn ^vood
obtained from thinning for paper manufacture, fhe
intensive use of recycled materials is not inconsistent ^vith

the use of ^ood from thinning inthe cellulose industry,
butis in accordance ^vith the Community^seconomic and
environmental policy obiectives.

With regard to environmental damage as a result of
recycling, it is necessary to take into account the effects
on the environment caused by paper manufacture and
those resulting from the use and removal of products. The
manufacture of paper from ^vaste paper, for example,
requires much less energy and ^vater, thereby helping
to save resources, amissions during recycled paper
manufacture are judged according to the same criteria as
those for primary production. Rrovided that this does not
result in inadmissible damage to the environment, the
Commission is of the opinion that the utilisation of ^vaste
mustbe encouraged in thebest possible manner,^vhile
observing the relevant competition rules.

W R ^ T T ^ ^ ^ ^ T l C O ^ ^ o ^ ^ B ^ O

by^rCharlesBaur^LfO^

to the Comm^ss^on of the European Communities

^ B C ^ B ^

^ ^ c r . l ^ T L R R L C i n i t i a t i v e

The Commission has decided to introduce, under
A r t i c l e M o f C o u n c i l R e g u l a t i o n ^ L L C ^ o ^ ^ B ^ C ^ ^

Community initiative for border areas kno^vn as
l^TLRRLCThis measure applies to (objectives t, ^ a n d
^b border areas under the reformed structural founds.

Border areas not covered by these objectives are entitled
to only limited appropriations for surveys orpilot projects
under Article ^Oof the LRPOPRegulation.

These provisions considerably limit the scope of
ic^TLRi^LC, since it appears that t^vo regions ^vhich have
launched cooperation projects cannot apply together for
Communityaid.COntheonehand,the eligible area^vill
attempt to put into practice measures based on joint
programming and administrative structures but, on the
other hand, the impossibility of obtaining ^vortinvhile
Community financial support could,toacertain degree,
hamper a highly efficient cooperation project ^vith
genuine development prospects in the content of open
borders.

In this content, to ^vhat extent can the l^TLR^RLC
initiative genuinely fulfilasatisfactoryrole^

POoes not the danger e^ist that suchameasure^vill in fact
serve to emphasise the existence of f^ontiers^

C ^ ( ^ D L ^ ^ n n 5 t ^, D t

No C 79/28 Official Journal of the European Communities 25. 3. 91

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(16 November 1990)_

The INTERREG Community initiative was adopted by
the Commission on 25 July 1990. The Notice inviting
Member States to submit programmes under this initiative
was published in the Official Journal No C215 of
30 August 1990.

Community assistance may be provided under
INTERREG to all Objective 1, 2 and 5 (b) regions along
the internal and external borders of the Community. The
Commission has also provided that border regions not
classified under Objectives 1, 2 and 5 (b) may receive
assistance under Article 10 of the ERDF Regulation (')
which is the only article in the Regulations which allows
ERDF funding outside eligible areas. Article 10 funding
will be in addition to the ECU 800 million allocated under

INTERREG to Objective 1, 2 and 5 (b) areas.

In the Commission's view, this gives considerable
freedom of action to national, regional and local
authorities in implementing integrated programmes along
the Community's borders.

O OJ No L 374, 31. 12. 1988.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2046/90

by Mr Gijs de Vries (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5 September 1990)_

(91/C79/47)

_Subject:_ Tax Treaties between the US and the EC
Member States

The Convention between the Federal Republic of
Germany and the United States of America for the
Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of

Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income and
Capital and to certain other Taxes contains a clause which
limits the benefits to certain categories of economic actor
(Article 28). Belgium, France, Italy and Spain have agreed
to similar provisions in their treaties with the United
States.

These 'limitation of benefits' provisions obstruct the
completion of the internal market in the European
Community by impeding certain intra-Community
mergers and acquisitions. If an international company
were to acquire a corporation in one of the countries
mentioned which derives income from US sources or

itself holds a US subsidiary, the newly acquired company
could be rendered ineligible for treaty benefits.

Treaty benefits could also cease to apply if a major
shareholder were to emigrate from one of the countries
mentioned. This constitutes an economic obstacle to

freedom of movement and establishment in the EC.

1. Does the Commission agree that these provisions
contravene the EEC Treaty?

2. Does the Commission agree that in such tax treaties,
all EC residents should be treated equally as qualified
shareholders?

3. Does the Commission agree that a framework treaty
between the EC and the US on the avoidance of

double taxation etc. would strengthen the bargaining
power of the EC, and would prevent Member States
from competing by providing tax incentives in
bilateral tax treaties in order to attract investment?

Answer given by Mrs Scrivener
on behalf of the Commission

_(11 February 1991)_

The Commission is currently carrying out a detailed study
of the problem referred to by the Honourable Member
and will inform him of the result of its research as soon as

possible.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2057/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5 September 1990)_

(91/C 79/48)

_Subject:_ Aid to Namibia

On 20 and 21 June 1990 at the UN Headquarters in New
York a 'Conference of donors' was held to consider

requests for aid submitted by Namibia. The Windhoek
Government had submitted to governments and
supranational bodies a three-volume study detailing the
state of the Namibian economy, the economic policy
being formulated and the priority aid needs for the
reconstruction and development of the country. The
Namibian Government had asked for aid of $810 million
over the financial years 1990-1991, 1991-92 and 1992-93.
It was forced to note, although with a certain amount of
satisfaction, that the donors were restricting their

25. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 79/29

commitment for the three-year period to $518,5 million,
on the assumption that the $160 million for 1991-92
would be renewed for 1992-93.

What contributions were promised by each of the
Member States of the Community (by comparison with
the United States, Canada, India, Norway, Sweden,
South Africa, etc.) and the contribution by the European
Community as such (by comparison with UNESCO, the
Commonwealth, the UNDP, etc.). Is it true that, in
addition to finance, contributions 'in kind' are also to be
made, and if so what form will these take with regard to
the Community and/or its Member States?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(4 October 1990)_

The Commission's 1990 budget has ECU 19 million
inscribed in budget line 953.2 for assistance to Namibia.
In view of the allocation of funds from other Community
budget lines, the Commission pledged a conservative
amount of ECU 20 million for 1990 at the Donors

Conference. As the Community's budget for 1991 is not
yet approved, a firm pledge for 1991 could not be given.
The discussion on the modalities for Namibia's accession

to the Lome IV Convention are about to commence so no

firm pledge for Namibia's financial years 1991-92 and
1992-93 could be given either.

It is not possible to determine accurately the assistance to
Namibia country by country. Furthermore, a number of
important potential donors were not able to make firm
commitments due to internal decision-making processes
(ref. Community position for 1991 and Lome IV above).

In general, support pledged from the European
Community and its Members States to Namibia amounts
to some $US 105 million which represents more than 50 %
of the funds raised for the first year (1990-91). The
Nordic countries, as a group, pledged some $US
45 million for 1990. United States and South Africa both
pledged $US 10 million. UNDP pledged $US 5,5 million
for 1990/91, UNICEF $US 1 million, WFP $US
5,5 million (in kind) and IMF $US 2,5 million.

Any contribution in kind from the European Community
will be in addition to the abovementioned pledge. In 1989
the Community provided $US 1,78 million for food aid
through NGOs and international organizations. At the
end of August 1990 the Community approved an
allocation of $US 2 million to WFP Emergency Food
assistance to drought victims in Namibia. This
contribution is part of WFP's above pledge.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2059/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5 September 1990)_

(91/C 79/49)

_Subject:_ South African homelands and ecological

concerns

According to Alan B. Durning, an official of the
Worldwatch Institute in Washington, the homelands
created by the South African Government, where more
than half the black population live in poverty, represent
an ecological threat which is as serious as it is
unacknowledged. Over-population, the fragility of the
soil, erosion and the lack of conservation measures have

converted these areas into virtual deserts. The author

refers to a report by the South African Administration
itself which points out that 10 years ago 46 % of the soil
in the Ciskei region was already damaged by erosion,
while 40% of pastureland was used for dangerously
over-intensive farming. The forests are also at risk,
mainly from over-population and the absence of domestic
energy sources other than wood. The report pointed out
that, if developments continued at the same rate, the
forests had no chance of survival and could well have

disappeared by 2020.

Will the Commission raise this question in international
conferences on the environment and on apartheid and
bring the ecological argument to bear in addition to the
other compelling reasons for abolishing the homelands, a
key element of apartheid policy?

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2063/90

by Mr Ernest Glinne (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(5 September 1990)_

(91/C79/50)

_Subject:_ Situation of the South African homelands

Half of the 27 million black inhabitants of South Africa

are forced to live in a dozen homelands set up in 1976
with the aim of relieving the demographic pressure on
white South Africa. Under the leadership of corrupt and
easily-manipulated puppet leaders, the inhabitants of
these areas live in wretched conditions and are deprived of
South African citizenshhip. However, a certain degree of
political awareness has grown up in recent months, as
shown by significant events such as the ousting by the
South African authorities in March of the 'life President'

of Ciskei, the coup d'etat in Venda in April, the brutal
repression and arbitrary imprisonment of child protestors
in Bophuthatswana in February, and so on. Mr F.W. de
Klerk has so far remained silent as to this intentions

No C 79/30 Official Journal of the

concerning the fate of the homelands, although he has
described their possible reintegration into South Africa as
'an interesting question'.

1. Will the Community and its Member States, which
have rightly refused to recognize the independence of
the homelands, support the principle of reintegrating
the homelands within South Africa with full rights of
citizenship for their inhabitants?

2. Have Community undertakings set up subsidiaries or
manufacturing activities in the homelands, in the way
that Israeli or Taiwanese businessmen have, in order
to take advantage of the low salary costs (on average
38 rand per fortnight) and the working conditions
(12-hour day, ban on the right of association) which
prevail there?

3. Do products from the homelands have access to the
Community markets and, if so, how?

4. Is it acceptable that the ANC, political parties and
trade unions remain banned in these territories?

Joint answer to Written Questions Nos 2059/90

and 2063/90

given by Mr Andriessen
on behalf of the Commission

_(29 November 1990)_

1. The goal of the Community and of its Member
States (see, for instance, the declaration of the Dublin
European Council) is a 'united, non-racial and
democratic' South Africa. This implies citizenship rights
for all its inhabitants, including those living in the
homelands.

2. The Commission does not have any information
regarding the setting up in the homelands of subsidiaries
of European companies.

3. As the Community regards the homelands as part of
the Republic of South Africa, their products have access
to the Community market in the same way as those
orginating in other parts of that country.

4. The broad national dialogue aimed at creating a new
South Africa must involve all the citizens of that country.

5. The Community and its Member States declared
their intention in Dublin to do all they could to encourage
a prompt start to negotiations leading to the creation of a
united, non-racial and democratic South Africa. The
success of those talks will also pave the way for a solution
to the ecological problem facing the homelands.

Communities 25. 3. 91

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2074/90

by Mr de Donnea (LDR)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(17 September 1990)_

(91/C 79/51)

_Subject:_ Future of the timber industry

The Commission's 'Panorama of Community industry'
shows that there is an annual increase in consumption of
8 % in the timber sector, with employment growing by
0,5%.

1. What aid has the Commission allocated for

reforestation over the last five years, particularly in
Belgium?

2. When emergency aid is allocated to forest areas which
have been severely damaged, does the Commission
ensure that part of these funds are used for
reforestation?

3. Is the Commission considering proposals — especially
with regard to vocational training — to ensure that the
projected increase in timber consumption has a more
positive effect on employment in this sector?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(7 December 1990)_

1. As a rule, the Community finances only the
afforestation of farm land, not reafforestation.
Exceptions can be made only in the context of regional
programmes (integrated Mediterranean programmes,
development programmes for rural areas under
Objectives 1 and 5 (b) within the meaning of Regulation
(EEC) No 2052/88) (*), particularly following fires or
natural disasters.

So far Belgium has not requested a contribution from the
Community for the afforestation of farm land or the
reafforestation of the woodlands damaged this year in the
two areas covered by a rural development plan.

2. Community emergency aid is granted only to assist
people affected by natural disasters.

3. The Commission is not currently contemplating any
proposals to extend the existing possibilities for financing
forestry training, namely:

— the training of farmers under Council Regulation
(EEC) No 797/85 on improving the efficiency of
agricultural structures ( [2] );

— training in the context of the programmes financed by
the Social Fund;

25. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 79/31

— training under the Comett ( [J] ) and Eurotecnet _(*),_
particularly as regards training in technology.

(') OJNoL185,15.7.1988.
O OJ No L 93,30. 3.1985.
O Decision 89/27/EEC of 16 December 1988, OJ No L 13,

17. 1. 1989.
( [4] ) Decision 89/657/EEC of 18 December 1989, OJ No L 393,

30.12.1989.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2079/90

by Mr Bird (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(17 September 1990)_

(91/C 79/52)

_Subject:_ Toy safety

Further to my Written Question No 1031/89 (')
concerning Council Directive 88/378/EEC ( [2] ) on toy
safety (CE EN71) — now incorporated into UK national
law as SI No 1275 — The Toy (Safety) Regulations, 1989,

1. have all Member States now satisfactorily
implemented Directive 88/378/EEC?

2. have all Member States provided satisfactory details
of the testing and monitoring procedures that will
be pursued to ensure compliance with Directive

88/378/EEC?

3. what steps were taken to heighten awareness of
Directive 88/378/EEC throughout the Community?

4. what steps will the Commission take against any
Member State not implementing and/or monitoring
Directive 88/378/EEC?

O OJNoC 171,12.7.1990, p. 18.
O OJNoL 187, 16.7.1988,p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Van Miert
on behalf of the Commission

_(5 December 1990)_

1. Until now all Member States except the
Netherlands, Denmark, Italy and Luxembourg have
communicated the text of the provisions of their national
law adopted in the field covered by the Directive
88/378/EEC. The Commission is examining the
conformity of the notified national provisions.

2. Of the Member States having implemented the
directive, only Germany, France, United Kingdom and

Greece have notified the full name and address of

approved bodies as foreseen in Article 10 of the directive.
This information has been published by the Commission
in the Official Journal. Other Member States have also

notified approved bodies but still have failed to
communicate sufficient technical details to be published
(Ireland and Spain).

3. The Commission is in contact with the Member

States in order to lift some problems regarding the
application of the directive.

4. The Commission will take every step against
Member States having failed to implement the Directive,
provided by the Treaty, and will follow the usual
procedure under Article 169 of the Treaty.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2098/90

by Mrs Hedwig Keppelhoff-Wiechert (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(17 September 1990)_

(91 /C 79/53)

_Subject:_ Differences in leasehold laws in the EC

Transborder agricultural leasehold contracts are
frequently concluded in the German-Netherlands border
area (e.g. a German leasing land in the Netherlands to a
Dutch national).

Under Dutch leasehold law, it is impossible for German
lessors subsequently to use the land leased out in the
Netherlands for their own purposes, thereby confronting
them with problems which frequently call into question
their status as landowners.

Does the Commission agree that this Dutch legislation
infringes the principle of equal treatment for all EC
nationals?

If so, what does the Commission intend to do to remedy
matters?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(13 November 1990)_

The Commission does not have detailed knowledge of
Dutch legislation on rural leases. The facts communicated
by the Honourable Member do not make it possible to
conclude that there is discrimination on grounds of

No C 79/32 Official Journal of the European Communities 25. 3. 91

nationality. There is no indication that the Dutch
authorities apply a different system to foreign lessors
from that applied to their own nationals.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2130/90

by Mr Luigi Moretti (ARC)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 September 1990)_

(91/C 79/54)

_Subject:_ ERDF aid granted to the region of Lombardy

1. What ERDF aid did the region of Lombardy receive
for the period between 1985 and 1988 — when the reform
of the structural funds was implemented — excluding
Community-initiative programmes?

2. How were the ERDF funds allocated to Italy during
the period 1985-1988 distributed among the Italian
regions?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(5 November 1990)_

1. During the period between 1985 and 1988 the region
of Lombardy did not receive any ERDF aid apart from
that provided for under the non-quota measure for the
textiles and clothing industry.

2. A table showing the distribution of ERDF
commitments during the period between 1985 and 1988

— excluding those for Community initiative programmes
— among the Italian regions is being sent direct to the
Honourable Member and to the Parliament Secretariat.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2142/90

by Mr Ferruccio Pisoni (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 September 1990)_

(91/C 79/55)

_Subject:_ Measures to safeguard the registered
designations of origin of the most important
agricultural products, particularly hams and
cheeses

In view of the fact that the Commission agreed that the
question of registered designations of origin of the most

important Community agricultural products, particularly
hams and cheeses, required urgent attention, that the
Council has requested the submission of a proposal on the
subject and that the Parliament has, on its own initiative,
adopted a substantial report on the subject, can the
Commission explain why it has not yet submitted a
proposal of any kind and what has prevented it from
doing so?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(25 October 1990)_

As has been indicated several times, notably in the Green
Paper (July 1985), the communication on the future of the
rural world (July 1988), the communication on the free
circulation of foodstuffs (October 1989) and in its
programme of work for 1990, the Commission certainly
intends to submit a proposal on the controlled
designations of origin.

The Commission has not yet been able to present to the
Council a proposal on this matter, due to the fact that it is
a very complex subject by reason of the large number of
products to be regulated and the diversity of the criteria
that have to be taken into consideration.

Furthermore, as the Honourable Member is already
aware, the question of controlled designations of origin is
subject of discussion amongst international bodies. The
Commission feels that there should be some coordination

between the work of these bodies and the regulatory
framework which it wishes to establish.

Indeed, the Commission thinks that a Community
framework should be drawn up for all agricultural
products and foodstuffs, and not only for cheese and
ham, which are already the subject of national legislation
in some Member States.

At present, a draft regulation is being examined within the
Commission. The Commission intends to present the
proposal to the Council before the end of the year.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2148/90

by Mrs Christine Crawley (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 September 1990)_

(91/C 79/56)

_Subject:_ Definition of animals

Is the Commission aware that there is, among residents of
the UK who are concerned about treatment of animals,
concern over the use of the term 'agricultural products' to

25. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 79/33

describe animals in Commission legislation? Does the
Commission not agree that this terminology has the effect
of desensitizing legislators and encourages those involved
with animals to treat them simply as inanimate goods?
Will the Commission introduce the use of more

appropriate language — for instance 'sentient creatures'?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(20 December 1990)_

Community agricultural legislation does not contain any
definition of the term 'animal'.

Since it is not necessary to define a concept whose
meaning is universally understood, the Commission sees
no reason to seek to define the term 'animal'.

The Commission would stress, nevertheless, the
importance which it attaches to ensuring that animals, in
particular those used for human purposes, are protected
as far as possible. With this intention the Commission has
endeavoured to ensure that legislation introduced pays
due heed to animal welfare.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2157/90

by Mr Barry Desmond (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 September 1990)_

(91/C 79/57)

_Subject:_ Structural Funds Ireland

Is the Commission aware of the representations made by
the Dublin Community Workers' Cooperative to the
Petitions Committee of the European Parliament
regarding the allocation of the Structural Funds in
Ireland, and what action does it propose to take on this
matter?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(16 November 1990)_

The Commission is aware of the petition submitted to the
European Parliament by the Community Workers
Cooperative.

The Commission is of opinion that Ireland complied with
the provisions of the Regulations governing the
preparation of the regional development plan submitted
for assistance from the structural Funds; that the
Community Support Framework has been validly

approved; and that there can be no question of revising
the plan, as requested by the petitioners, and of
re-negotiating the CSF.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2167/90

by Mr Jean-Claude Pasty (RDE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(27 September 1990)_

(91/C 79/58)

_Subject:_ Extension of set-aside aid to cover oil seed crops
for energy purposes

A Council regulation recently opened the possibility,
under set-aside schemes of encouraging the production of
cereals for industrial processing, in particular for
producing ethanol.

In its opinion on the proposal for a regulation the
European Parliament hoped that these arrangements
would be extended to cover other fuels, especially those
derived from oilseeds.

The Federation Francaise des producteurs d'oleagineux et
de proteagineux (French federation of oilseed and high
protein products producers) in conjunction with the
Institut Francais du Petrole, has developed a process for
vegetable oils to convert them into esters which, in their
pure state or mixed with gas oil may be used in any diesel
engine with extremely good results in terms of
atmospheric pollution.

As industrial tests have given favourable results, does the
Commission not feel that it would be desirable, in the
present context of the Gulf crisis, to propose extending
aid given to cereals alone to oilseed production in the
Community?

These arrangements would affect several regions in the
Community, improve the quality of our environment and
reduce Europe's dependence on imported sources of

energy.

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(29 November 1990)_

The Commission, continuing its efforts to promote the
non-food use of agricultural raw materials, has adopted
the instruments needed to implement recent Council
decisions:

— a specific aid scheme for cereals for the set-aside
of land for non-food industrial purposes (Council

No C 79/34 Official Journal of the European Communities 25. 3. 91

Regulation (EEC) No 2176/90 amending Regulation
(EEC) No 797/85 on improving the efficiency of
agricultural structures (*);

— the provision to researchers for demonstration project
purposes of cereals and oils and fats held by
intervention agencies on favourable terms laid
down in advance (Council Regulation (EEC)
No 2203/90 O);

— the implementation of priority demonstration projects
from 1990 onward, thanks to the allocation of a ECU
5 million loan intended for preparatory work.

With regard to oilseed crops in particular, the Council has
agreed to the need for a priority demonstration project
concerning their use for energy purposes.

With a view to implementing the project, a workshop
attended by representatives from the sectors concerned
(agriculture, the chemicals industry, the automobile
industry, research institutions, universities) has already
been held. There are plans to create a European Economic
Interests Group (GEIE) which would formulate a
demonstration project and present it to the Commission
for approval.

The Commission is due to present a report at the end of
the first year of actual implementation of the current
scheme. Using the results obtained from demonstration
projects and experience gained it would then be able to
examine the possibility of extending the Regulation
(EEC) No 2176/90 scheme to cover products other than
cereals.

O OJ No L 198,28.7.1990, p. 6.
O OJNoL201,31.7.1990, p. 5.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2190/90

by Mr Frederic Rosmini, Mr Alain Bombard and Mr Leon
Schwartzenberg (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 October 1990)_

(91/C79/59)

_Subject:_ Forest fires in France

At the end of August the Provence regions was ravaged by
catastrophic forest fires, the worst affected areas being
the Foret des Maures (VAR) and the country around
Marseilles.

These areas which formed part of Europe's natural
heritage will turn into deserts unless urgent
reafforestation and soil consolidation measures are taken.

Such measures will require considerable financial
commitments by the French State, the ProvenceAlpes-Cote d'Azur region and the European Community.

Will the Commission of the European Communities state
whether it is willing to provide exceptional aid to help
revive of the areas ravaged by forest fires in the Var and
Bouches-du-Rhone departements?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(7 December 1990)_

The Commission is aware of the extensive damage caused
by the serious forest fires in the Foret des Maures (Var)
and the country around Marseille.

Although the exceptional aid requested is not provided
for in the present budget, a Community contribution to
reafforestation can be made under the Integrated
Mediterranean programme for the Provence-Alpes-C6te
d'Azur region which contains a forestry and forest
products subprogramme including reafforestation. The
departments concerned can therefore, in cooperation with
the region, include in the next annual programme an
application for reafforestation under the forestry and
forest products subprogramme of the Integrated
Mediterranean Programme.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2191/90

by Mr Pierre Bernard-Reymond (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 October 1990)_

(91/C79/60)

_Subject:_ Interconnection of gas transport networks

The REGEN programme on the interconnection of
energy transport networks (gas and electricity) provides
for measures to study and possibly contribute to, the
following projects: the introduction of natural gas in
Greece and Portugal, the interconnection of the Irish gas
network with the UK gas network, the supply of gas to
Corsica and Sardinia, the interconnection of Spanish
and Portuguese networks and the interconnection of
electricity between Italy and Greece.

Since a gas pipeline has been laid in France between the
Marseilles region and the town of Manosque in the
Durance valley, does the Commission not agree that
funds should be made available to extend this pipeline
towards Italy and connect it with the industrial region of
northern Italy?

Will the Commission say whether the Community is
prepared to help fund the first section of the pipeline

25. 3. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 79/35

between Manosque and Gap, given that the whole of this
section is in an area covered by objective 5b and the arrival
of natural gas in Gap would be a major boost to the
development of the Durance valley and the principal
conurbation in the Alpes du Sud region?

Answer given by Mr Millan
on behalf of the Commission

_(5 November 1990)_

The REGEN programme, which is financed as part of
Community regional policy, is designed to provide
assistance in regions whose development is lagging behind
(Objective 1). Projects for interconnecting gas and
electricity networks identified under REGEN fulfil this
requirement.

The project for interconnection of the gas network of the
Marseille region and northern Italy does not meet this
essential condition.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2196/90

by Mr Carlos Carvalhas (CG)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(4 October 1990)_

(91/C 79/61)

_Subject:_ Construction of an uranium plant near the
Portuguese border

The Spanish National Uranium Authority (ENUSA)
intends to construct an uranium concentration plant in the
village of Saelices el Chico, Salamanca, a few kilometres
from the Portuguese border.

If it goes ahead, this industrial plant with an annual
production capacity of 950 tonnes of concentrated
uranium will represent an ecological threat for the
frontier region. This will have adverse consequences for
the population living on the banks of the river Douro and
discharges from this plant may constitute a further threat
to the environment.

This project violates the rules of international law, and
the international conventions on the protection and
preservation of the natural environment.

1. Is the Commission aware of this project?

2. If this project goes ahead, what measures does the
Commission intend to take to avoid the adverse

consequences of radioactive discharges, notably in
Portuguese territory?

3. What measures does the Commission intend to take to

prevent this threat to the environment and to the lives
and safety of the population concerned in Portugal
and Spain?

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

_(22 November 1990)_

1. The Commission was duly notified of the proposed
installation in 1989 under the terms of Article 41 of the

Euratom Treaty.

2. Moreover, under the terms of Article 37 of the
Euratom Treaty, the Spanish Government will require to
submit general data such as will allow the Commission,
after consulting a group of experts appointed for the
purposes of Article 37, to give its opinion on possible
effects on other Member States.

The Spanish Government will then require to take the
Commission's opinion into account before issuing
effluent discharge authorizations for the new plant.

3. In addition to the above, the Spanish authorities will
require to ensure that within Spain the requirements of
the Community basic safety standards for the health
protection of the general public and workers against the
dangers of ionizing radiation (*) are respected.

O OJ No L246, 17. 9. 1980 as amended by OJ No L265,
5. 10. 1984.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2259/90

by Mr Alonso Puerta (GUE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(8 October 1990)_

(91/C79/62)

_Subject:_ Pollution of the Nalon estuary at San Esteban de
Pravia (Asturias — Spain)

The Nalon estuary at San Esteban de Pravia is suffering
from appalling environmental damage.

Recently, chemical tests have shown that the sludge which
builds up in the estuary is dangerous and toxic. What is
more, there is reliable evidence suggesting that this
constitutes a flagrant breach of Community legislation on
the environment, in particular Directive 76/464/EEC ('),
on pollution caused by certain dangerous substances
discharged into the aquatic environment of the
Community.

1. What practical steps does the Commission intend to
take, in conjunction with the competent authorities, to
prevent the discharge of dangerous and toxic
industrial waste that causes pollution?

2. Can the Commission confirm whether Community
legislation on the environment, and in particular
Directive 76/464/EEC, are being applied in this
particular case?

(') OJNoL129, 18.5. 1976, p. 23.

No C 79/36 Official Journal of the European Communities 25. 3. 91

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

_(18 December 1990)_

The Commission will check with the Spanish authorities
that Directive 76/464/EEC is being correctly applied in
this particular case.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2267/90

by Mr Bryan Cassidy (ED)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(15 October 1990)_

(91/C79/63)

_Subject:_ Community aid to organizations in South Africa

In view of the widespread concern about the unequal
allocation of European Community funds to black
organizations in South Africa, will the Commission
provide a list for the current year of organizations in
receipt of funds, and the amounts?

Will the Commission further provide a list of the
organizations whose applications for funding were
refused?

Answer given by Mr Marin
on behalf of the Commission

_(16 November 1990)_

From the beginning of the special programme for victims
of apartheid in 1986, Community support has been
provided through four channels in South Africa. A
breakdown of 1990 commitments by each of these four
channels is provided herewith:

South African Council of Churches ECU 2,98 million

Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference ECU
3,72 million

Kagiso Trust ECU 14,00 million

Trade unions ECU 2,06 million

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to

its answer to Written Question No 212/90 by Mr
Merz (') and recall that in order to safeguard project
holders in South Africa from possible harassment and
intimidation, the Commission does not publicly divulge
details of individual projects supported under the special
programme. It considers it equally important to ensure
confidentiality where proposals for Community financing
could not be supported.

O OJNoC246, 1.10. 1990.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2273/90

by Mr Dieter Rogalla (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(15 October 1990)_

(91 /C 79/64)

_Subject:_ Postal services: measures against xenophobia

1. Does the Commission share my view that postal
services within the Member States play an important role
in laying the foundations of an ever closer union between
the peoples of Europe, as was the objective of the Treaties
establishing the European Communities?

2. What is the state of cooperation between the
Commission and national postal administration services
in the following areas:

— Postal deliveries — speed and postage rates

— European postage stamps of uniform values

— The mailing of letters from extreme right-wing or
left-wing groups and from those who encourage
xenophobia and racial hatred?

3. What steps has the Commission taken to stop the
delivery of all types of mail which restrict fundamental
rights or pose a threat to the human right of tolerance?

Answer given by Mr Pandolfi
on behalf of the Commission

_(5 December 1990)_

The Commission agrees that an efficient postal service is
an important contribution to European integration.

The Commission is presently considering what the
Community's postal policy should be, through the
preparation of a Green Paper on Post. To help the
Commission to achieve this, a consultative committee, the
SOGP (Senior Officials' Group on Post), has been set up,
in which all Member States are represented.

In collaboration with the SOGP, the Commission is
studying whether any reserved postal services are justified
and, if so, what they might be. Also, questions such as the
quality of the letter mail service, tariffs, European stamp
issues and others are being addressed.

The Commission will shortly publish the Green Paper on
Posts which will include these subjects among the main
themes in its policy proposals.

The contents of sealed mail can obviously not be the
subject of any kind of sanction, unless it constitutes a type
of censorship. The postage of unsealed material in the
case where it constitutes an offence punishable under the
resident state's legislation remains in the sphere of the
national competence of the public order of Member
States.

Nevertheless, the Commission bears in mind that the
Member States have each equally committed themselves,

25.3.91 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 79/37

in the preamble to the Single European Act, to together
promoting democracy according to the fundamental
rights established in their Constitution and their laws as
well as the Convention to maintain the right of man and
basic freedom. Under the terms of Article 8 of this

Convention, 'Every man has a right to the respect of his
private and family life, of his home and correspondence'.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2309/90

by Mr Gerard Monnier-Besombes (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(15 October 1990)_

(91/C79/65)

_Subject:_ Persistent threats to the Crau plain

Notwithstanding the ecological importance of the Crau
plain (France, department of Bouches-du-Rhone), which
the Commission's action to protect the fragile natural
environment has served to underline, a growing spate of
development projects is threatening its essential character.

No only does the area have to contend with the existence
of one of the biggest illegal household refuse dumps
(Entressen) and constant pressure from nurserymen (350
hectares relinquished in 1989), but new development
projects are now looming.

In defiance of Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on
the conservation of wild birds, which provides for sites
to be classified as 'special protection areas' for the
conservation of fauna and flora, and Law No 86-2 of 3
January 1986 on the development, protection, and
enhancement of the coastline, the BMW company, with
the permission of the Istres local authorities, has erected a
perimeter wall within the area covered by Community
action relating to the environment. The area is also under
threat from plans to set up an industrial development
zone, again in the commune of Istres.

Given the Commission's interest in the area, should not
measures be taken urgently in order to protect what is left
of this last example of Mediterranean steppe?

If so, could the Commission say what action it might
undertake?

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

_(7 December 1990)_

The project mentioned by the Honourable Member is
outside the area classified by France as a special
protection area under Article 4(1) of Directive
79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds (') and the
area covered by the ACE project.

O OJNoL 103,25.4. 1979.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2340/90

by Mr Proinsias De Rossa (CG)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(18 October 1990)_

(91/C79/66)

_Subject:_ Third Community poverty programme

Will the Commission explain the basis for the third
Community programme to combat poverty and how it
was arrived at given that it was announced before the
assessment and conclusions of the second programme
became available?

Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(15 November 1990)_

The Community has long been concerned about poverty,
as is evidenced by the two programmes it has already
implemented — in 1975-80 and in 1985-88.

The third programme for the economic and social
integration of underprivileged groups is based on the
experience gained from the earlier programmes and must
be seen in the context of the increase in poverty in the
Member States and the prospects for greater economic
and social cohesion. These are the circumstances in which

the Commission judged it necessary to start a new
programme directly to promote the integration of the
most underprivileged persons. This should prevent any
hiatus in what the Community is doing and ensure the
continuity of the action undertaken.

The Commission was able to draw upon the interim
report on the second programme (') in preparing the
guidelines for the new programme.

O COM(88) 621 final, 28. 11.1988.

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2342/90

by Mr Alonso Puerta (GUE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(18 October 1990)_

(91/C79/67)

_Subject:_ Pollution of the River Aller (Asturias, Spain)

The River Aller is being seriously polluted, mainly by
urban waste and by inadequately treated sewage.

No C 79/38 Official Journal of the European Communities 25. 3. 91

Can the Commission ask the Spanish authorities for
information which would make it possible to establish
whether:

1. The River Aller is on the list of rivers covered

by Articles 1 and 2 of Directive 75/440/EEC (')
concerning the quality required of surface water
intended for the abstraction of drinking water in the
Member States;

2. Measures relating to discharge reduction programmes
are being applied, in accordance with Article 7 of
Directive 76/464/EEC ( [2] ) on pollution caused by
certain dangerous substances discharged into the
aquatic environment of the Community;

3. Whether the following Directives are being applied:
76/160/EEC ( [3] ) concerning the quality of bathing
water, and 78/659/EEC ( [4] ) on the quality of fresh
waters needing protection or improvement in order to
support fish life?

(') OJ No L 194,25.7. 1975, p. 34.
( [2] ) O J N o L l 2 9, 18.5.1976, p. 23.
O OJ No L 31, 5. 2. 1976, p. 1.
( [4] ) OJNoL222, 14.8.1978, p. 1.

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

_(5 December 1990)_

From the information available to the Commission, this
river does not appear to have been designated under
Directive 75/440/EEC (') as surface water suitable for
the abstraction of drinking water.

As far as Directive 76/464/EEC ( [2] ) is concerned, in
accordance with Article 7 the Member States must

establish programmes for the reduction of pollution by
substances listed in Annex II. In its letter of 4 April 1990,
the Commission requested the Spanish Government to
provide summaries of these programmes, together with
results. However, the Commission has not yet received a
reply to this letter.

Regarding the application of Directive 76/160/EEC ( [3] ),
concerning the quality of bathing water, and Directive
78/659/EEC (") on the quality of water for freshwater
fish, there does not appear to be any designated stretch of
this river.

However, the River Aller is a tributary of the River
Nalon, the two rivers merging at Oviedo, in the region of
Asturias. Near the mouth of the River Nalon there are

two designated areas under the bathing water directive:
Muros del Nalon and Soto del Barco, both of which
comply with that Directive.

The Commission can confirm that it will write to the

Spanish authorities regarding the alleged pollution of

the River Nalon by River Aller's waters. Any further
information received from the authorities will be

submitted in due course.

(') Council Directive of 16 June 1975 concerning the quality
required of surface water intended for the abstraction of
drinking water in the Member States (OJ No L 194,
25.7.1975).
( [2] ) Council Directive of 4 May 1976 on pollution caused by
certain dangerous substances discharged into the aquatic
environment of the Community (OJ No L 129, 18.5. 1976).
( [3] ) Council Directive of 8 December 1975 concerning the quality
of bathing water (OJ No L 31, 5. 2. 1976).
( [4] ) Council Directive of 18 July 1978 on the quality of fresh
waters needing protection or improvement in order to
support fish life (OJ No L 222, 14.8. 1978).

WRITTEN QUESTION No 2389/90

by Mr Jose Valverde Lopez (PPE)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(25 October 1990)_

(91/C79/68)

_Subject:_ Compliance with the directive on the pricing of
medicinal products

31 December 1989 is the deadline by which the Member
States should have complied with Directive
89/105/EEC (') on the pricing of medicinal products and
their inclusion in the scope of national health insurance
systems. Have all the Member States complied, and, if
not, have proceedings for non-compliance been initiated?

(') OJNoL40, 11.2. 1989, p. 8.

Answer given by Mr Bangemann
on behalf of the Commission

_(29 November 1990)_

At 1 July 1990 all the Member States with the exception of
Italy had notified the Commission of the measures taken
to incorporate Directive 89/105/EEC into national law.

It is important to bear in mind the particular nature of this
directive, which concerns only those Member States
which practise one or more of the systems referred to by
the directive for controlling profits, prices or
reimbursement in respect of medicinal products. The
Commission is currently examining the national measures
notified by the Member States to check their full
compliance with the provisions of the directive which
apply to them.

As regards Italy, the Commission is to initiate the
procedure under Article 169 of the Treaty.

33

25. 3. 91 Official Journal of the

WRITTEN QUESTION No 44/91

by Mrs Raymonde Dury (S)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(1 February 1991)_

(91/C79/69)

_Subject:_ Discrimination against development workers

In 1985 recommendation 85/308/EEC (') on social
protection for volunteer development workers was drawn
up. According to this document, the Commission was to
produce an evaluation report within two years. The time
limit has long been exceeded but, according to the Liaison
Committee of Development NGOs to the European
Communities, there is still no report.

This fact is all the more disturbing because discrimination
resulting from the lack of national social protection for
Spanish, Portuguese and Greek volunteers is harmful to
them and to the service they perform.

Why is the Commission's report not ready? When is it
likely to be available?

O O J N o L l 6 3, 22.6. 1985, p. 48.

' Answer given by Mrs Papandreou
on behalf of the Commission

_(5 February 1991)_

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to

the reply to the oral question H-1203/90 by Mrs Daly,
which it gave during question time at Parliament's
December 1990 part-session (').

(') Debates of the European Parliament No 3/397 (December
1990).

tean Communities No C 79/39

WRITTEN QUESTION No 85/91

by Mr Gianfranco Amendola (V)

to the Commission of the European Communities

_(6 February 1991)_

(91/C 79/70)

_Subject:_ Amendment of the Treaty of Rome to recognize
other animals as sentient living creatures instead
of agricultural products

The Treaty of Rome classifies animals as 'agricultural
products'. This definition is indefensible from every point
of view. Many Community measures have negative
consequence for many millions of animals, which suffer
as a result of hunting, farming, vivisection, zoos, circuses,
the fur trade and so on. Such measures are rooted in this

anachronistic classification.

One of the fundamental roles of the Community
institutions is to develop educational and public

awareness programmes.

Does the Commission consider it should amend the EEC

Treaty to recognize animals as subjects of law, as they
already are in some countries, including certain EEC
Member States?

Answer given by Mr Mac Sharry
on behalf of the Commission

_(12 February 1991)_

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to

its answers to Written Questions No 1749/90 by Mrs
Rothe O and No 2148/90 by Mrs Crawley ( [2] ).

O O J N o C 7 0, 18.3. 1991.
O See page 32 of this Official Journal.